Tag: Wi-Fi 6E

  • WiiM Sound Lite: Minimalist Hi-Res Smart Speaker with 100W Power

    WiiM Sound Lite: Minimalist Hi-Res Smart Speaker with 100W Power

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minimalist Design: The WiiM Sound Lite features a sleek design without a display, eliminating the touchscreen and remote from the original model.

    2. High-Quality Audio: It includes a 4-inch woofer, dual silk-dome tweeters, and supports playback at 24-bit/192 kHz, delivering powerful sound with a peak output of 100 W.

    3. Versatile Functionality: The speaker can function as a standalone unit, work in stereo pairs, or as part of a surround sound system in a WiiM home theater setup.

    4. Extensive Connectivity: It offers Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and an Ethernet port, along with compatibility for various casting options like Google Cast and Spotify Connect.

    5. Launch and Pricing: The WiiM Sound Lite will be available in December 2025, priced at $229 in the US and €269 in Europe, with additional accessories sold separately.

    WiiM has introduced the WiiM Sound Lite, a small and sleek Hi-Res smart speaker that aims to provide high-quality audio without a display. This new speaker design eliminates the touchscreen and remote that came with the original WiiM Sound, but it keeps the same impressive 4-inch woofer, dual silk-dome tweeters, and supports playback at 24-bit/192 kHz.

    Designed for Music Lovers

    The Sound Lite is crafted for those who appreciate a minimalist design and enjoy controlling their music through an app or voice commands, all while experiencing the full benefits of the WiiM ecosystem. It can serve as a standalone unit or work together in a true left/right stereo pair, as well as function as a surround or center channel in a compatible WiiM home theater system.

    Powerful Sound and Compatibility

    According to WiiM, the speaker boasts a peak power output of 100 W, driven by a custom long-throw woofer and two 1-inch silk tweeters. It features AI RoomFit technology that fine-tunes the sound based on the surrounding environment. It supports various casting options, such as Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Alexa Cast, DLNA, and Roon/LMS, allowing users to play music directly from their favorite apps without needing to use the WiiM control interface.

    Connectivity and Features

    In terms of connectivity, the speaker includes Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 (both RX/TX), an Ethernet port, and a 3.5 mm Aux input. The WiiM Home app manages EQ settings, presets, multi-room setups, alarms, and firmware updates. Additionally, it can seamlessly integrate into Google Cast and Alexa multi-room systems, enhancing its compatibility with other speakers.

    The WiiM Sound Lite comes in two color options: Black and White. It includes a power cable, an RCA/Aux cable, and a quick start guide. The WiiM Voice Remote 2 Lite is sold separately but is fully compatible for those who like tactile preset and push-to-talk functionality.

    The launch date for the WiiM Sound Lite is set for December 2025, with a retail price of $229. In Europe, it is priced at €269 and will be available through Amazon and various partners.

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  • Intel ZenBook 14 OLED: AMD Version Offers Faster Wi-Fi 7 Speeds

    Intel ZenBook 14 OLED: AMD Version Offers Faster Wi-Fi 7 Speeds

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus GT-AXE11000 router was used for speed tests, and Wi-Fi 7 testing is not possible yet due to the lack of compatible routers.
    2. The AMD ZenBook 14 OLED is priced at $1,249 and still uses Wi-Fi 6E, while the Intel model includes Wi-Fi 7.
    3. Surprisingly, the AMD model with RealTek hardware outperformed the Intel model in transfer speeds by about 9% under Wi-Fi 6E conditions.
    4. In the 5 GHz band, the AMD version showed approximately 10% faster download speeds and a 5% advantage in upload speeds compared to the Intel version.
    5. Despite the Intel model’s Wi-Fi 7 capability, it does not translate to better real-world performance compared to the AMD model’s RealTek module.

    We need to mention something important: our findings are based on transfer speeds evaluated with our Wi-Fi 6E router, the Asus GT-AXE11000. Right now, Notebookcheck isn’t able to test Wi-Fi 7 since we don’t have a router for that standard yet.

    Pricing Differences

    Although both ZenBook 14 OLED versions we examined have similar price points, Wi-Fi 7 is only available on the Intel model. For some reason, the AMD version, which is listed at $1,249 on Amazon, still uses RealTek’s Wi-Fi 6E module.

    Performance Insights

    However, saying “stuck with” may not be the most accurate way to describe this situation, because our speed tests brought some unexpected results. Under Wi-Fi 6E conditions, it wasn’t the Intel BE201 chip that performed the best; instead, the AMD model with the RealTek hardware came out ahead. The difference was mainly in transfer speeds, with the RealTek chip leading by around 9%. Both laptops had nearly identical download performance.

    On the 5 GHz band, the difference grew a bit. In this case, the AMD version was approximately 10% faster in downloading and still maintained a 5% advantage in upload speeds.

    Real-World Application

    So, while the Intel ZenBook 14 OLED may seem better on paper, this benefit doesn’t really show up in practical use—at least not when using Wi-Fi 7. Interestingly, the supposedly weaker RealTek module in the AMD model actually achieves slightly better transfer rates.

    That said, the Intel version does provide other hardware benefits and includes some new features this year. For a comprehensive examination of these advantages—and what the AMD model will offer in 2025—you can take a look at our complete reviews for both the Intel ZenBook 14 and the AMD ZenBook 14.

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  • WiiM Amp Ultra: 100W Amplifier & Hi-Fi Streamer in Compact Design

    WiiM Amp Ultra: 100W Amplifier & Hi-Fi Streamer in Compact Design

    Key Takeaways

    1. The WiiM Amp Ultra combines the WiiM Amp Pro amplifier and WiiM Ultra Hi-Fi streamer into one unit, offering enhanced performance.
    2. It delivers 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 200 watts at 4 ohms, suitable for driving larger speakers.
    3. Connectivity options include HDMI eARC and Toslink, but it lacks a headphone jack and built-in phono preamplifier.
    4. It supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, major streaming services, and features automatic sound tuning, a touchscreen, and a dedicated app.
    5. The WiiM Amp Ultra is set to launch in Q3 2025, with no official price announced yet.

    The brand-new WiiM Amp Ultra combines the features of the WiiM Amp Pro amplifier and the WiiM Ultra Hi-Fi streamer into a single unit, promising enhanced performance. The WiiM Amp Ultra offers 100 watts per channel at an 8-ohm impedance, and it can deliver 200 watts at 4 ohms through its two Texas Instruments TPA3255 Class-D amplifiers. This power should suffice to drive larger speakers effectively.

    Connectivity Options

    Besides stereo speakers, users can connect an active subwoofer to the rear of the WiiM Amp Ultra. However, it’s important to note that this model does not include a headphone jack or a built-in phono preamplifier. While turntables with their own preamplifiers can still be hooked up, the design clearly favors TVs and home theaters with connectivity options like HDMI eARC and Toslink.

    Streaming Capabilities

    With Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, the WiiM Amp Ultra streams music wirelessly and supports major standards and services, including Google Cast, Alexa Cast, Amazon Music, Tidal, and Spotify Connect. However, it’s worth mentioning that Apple AirPlay is not part of the supported streaming interfaces. Regardless, the WiiM Amp Ultra can automatically tune the sound to fit a room, and it features a touchscreen on the front. A dedicated smartphone app and remote control are also available.

    The WiiM Amp Ultra amplifier is expected to launch in the 3rd quarter of 2025, but the company hasn’t disclosed an official price yet. For reference, the WiiM Amp Pro is currently available for $379 on Amazon.

    Source:
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    WiiM Amp Ultra: 100W Amplifier & Hi-Fi Streamer in Compact DesignWiiM Amp Ultra: 100W Amplifier & Hi-Fi Streamer in Compact Design

     

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  • Regular iPhone 16 and 16 Plus may come with 8GB RAM and Wi-Fi 6E, suggests Apple

    Regular iPhone 16 and 16 Plus may come with 8GB RAM and Wi-Fi 6E, suggests Apple

    iPhone 16 Lineup: Potential Hardware Upgrades and Changes

    There are rumors circulating about a significant shift in Apple’s strategy for its standard iPhone models with the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup. According to tech analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus might receive hardware upgrades previously exclusive to their Pro counterparts, potentially narrowing the performance and feature gap.

    Increased RAM and Enhanced Performance

    Pu suggests that all iPhone 16 models will boast 8GB of RAM, which marks an upgrade for the standard models. The current iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models only have 6GB of RAM. With this upgrade, the new phones are expected to handle multiple tasks and demanding apps more efficiently, enhancing overall performance.

    Wi-Fi 6E Support

    Furthermore, Pu anticipates that the base models of the iPhone 16 will come equipped with Wi-Fi 6E support. This technology utilizes the 6GHz frequency, offering faster download and upload speeds. However, it is important to note that a compatible router would be required for users to take full advantage of this feature. Presently, only the iPhone 15 Pro models come with Wi-Fi 6E support.

    Camera Design Changes

    Another potential change in the iPhone 16 lineup could be seen in the camera design. Pu suggests that Apple is testing a new camera layout, similar to the one seen in the iPhone 12, which deviates from the diagonal camera design found in recent models. This information aligns with previous reports and early renders of the new phones, further supporting the credibility of Pu’s claims.

    Bridging the Gap

    The speculated hardware upgrades and changes in the iPhone 16 lineup would make the standard models more closely resemble the Pro versions. While the Pro models are likely to retain some unique features, the disparity between the two variants might not be as significant as in previous iterations.

    Take It with a Pinch of Salt

    It is important to remember that all of this information is based on speculation at this point. Apple’s final plans for the iPhone 16 lineup could undergo changes before the official announcement later this year. Therefore, while these potential updates sound promising, it is advisable to approach them with caution and await official confirmation.

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