Tag: Wi-Fi 7

  • Xiaomi BE3600 Router: Affordable Wi-Fi 7 Now in Europe

    Xiaomi BE3600 Router: Affordable Wi-Fi 7 Now in Europe

    Key Takeaways

    1. Wi-Fi 7 Support: The Xiaomi Router BE3600 features Wi-Fi 7, offering speeds up to 3,600 Mbps and improved throughput compared to Wi-Fi 6.

    2. Powerful Hardware: It includes a Qualcomm Wi-Fi 7 quad-core processor, 4K QAM technology, and supports connections for up to 128 devices.

    3. Easy Mesh Networking: The router allows for simple setup of mesh networks, connecting up to 10 routers simultaneously, and can be managed via the Xiaomi Home app.

    4. Affordable Pricing: The Xiaomi Router BE3600 is priced at €64.99/PLN 299 in select European countries, making it a budget-friendly option.

    5. Enhanced Gaming Features: It offers exclusive acceleration for Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, reducing lag and latency for online gaming experiences.


    Xiaomi has recently introduced the Router BE3600 in Europe. This device has been available on the brand’s global store for a while and can also be imported through platforms like Geekwills to various regions around the world.

    Advanced Wi-Fi Capabilities

    The Xiaomi Router BE3600 supports Wi-Fi 7, allowing for reliable data transfers and wireless speeds of up to 3,600 Mbps. When compared to Wi-Fi 6, Xiaomi asserts that the actual throughput has improved by 50%, while the maximum theoretical data rate has been enhanced by 48%. It supports protocols such as Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be and 802.3/3u/3ab/3bz, utilizing OFDMA technology and Multi-RU allocations to help lower latency. Xiaomi claims that these high speeds are perfect for online gaming, HD streaming, and video calls. Additionally, there’s a feature for ‘exclusive acceleration’ for Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, which are detected automatically and prioritized for better gaming experiences, resulting in less lag and reduced latency.

    Robust Hardware Features

    Equipped with 4K QAM technology, this router aims to improve data throughput for compatible devices. It features a 2×2 Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) configuration and is powered by a Qualcomm Wi-Fi 7 quad-core processor running at 1.1 GHz, offering up to 10,120 DMIPS and the ability to connect up to 128 devices at once. Furthermore, it includes a 2.5G Ethernet port for 2000M broadband and three gigabit Ethernet ports, with provisions for dual-LAN link aggregation and customizable IPTV settings.

    Easy Mesh Networking

    Setting up a mesh network or integrating the router into an existing system is said to be simple. Xiaomi’s Mesh networking allows for the connection of up to 10 routers at the same time, supporting mixed networks. You can manage the router using the Xiaomi Home app, available for both iOS and Android devices. The router itself has a sleek white design, with dimensions of 209.98 x 40.95 x 219.83 mm and features four high-gain antennas. You can purchase the Xiaomi Router BE3600 in countries like Germany and Poland for €64.99/PLN 299, making it a relatively affordable option. It is also displayed on the Mi UK store, although it’s not yet available for purchase there.

    Source:
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  • Framework Laptop 13 Upgrade: AMD Strix Point, Wi-Fi 7, New Keyboard

    Framework Laptop 13 Upgrade: AMD Strix Point, Wi-Fi 7, New Keyboard

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Hardware: The Framework Laptop 13 features upgraded AMD Strix Point hardware, including the option for a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor.

    2. Quality Improvements: Enhancements include Wi-Fi 7 support, a new thermal compound, and an upgraded keyboard with a travel distance of 1.5 mm, plus a Co-Pilot key for Windows users.

    3. Specs and Compatibility: The laptop supports up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, up to 8 TB of storage, and can connect up to four devices through USB-C/HDMI ports.

    4. Pricing and Options: The entry-level version starts at $749 with a previous generation processor, while the new Strix Point version starts at $899 for a 2.8K display.

    5. Availability: Pre-orders for the Framework Laptop 13 are open, with shipping set to begin shortly.


    Along with its Framework Desktop, the Framework Laptop 13 has been updated with new hardware from AMD. However, it’s not the Strix Halo, as that is only for desktops. Instead, you get something really good: Strix Point. You can now upgrade to a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which is the best option available from Strix Point.

    Quality Improvements

    Additionally, the Framework Laptop 13 comes with several enhancements for user convenience. It now supports Wi-Fi 7 and uses a new Honeywell PTM7958 thermal compound. The keyboard has been upgraded to the second generation, featuring new keys with a travel distance of 1.5 mm. There’s also a Co-Pilot key available for the models that include Windows. If you prefer Linux, you can even print the logo of your favorite Linux distribution on the key.

    Specs and Compatibility

    Most of the specifications of the Framework Laptop 13 remain unchanged. For instance, the DDR5-5600 RAM is still there, but now you can have up to 96 GB. Storage options have also improved, allowing for up to 8 TB through the M.2 NVMe slot. Furthermore, there are some internal upgrades; all four modules can now output display signals. This means you can connect up to four devices using 4 USB-C/HDMI ports simultaneously.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Framework Laptop 13 is now priced more competitively than before. The entry-level version starts at $749, but this only includes a previous generation AMD Ryzen 7040 model. If you want the Strix Point (Ryzen AI 300), you’ll need to pay a minimum of $899, which includes a 2.8K 120 Hz 3:2 display. Alternatively, you can purchase a motherboard for $499 to upgrade your existing Framework Laptop 13. Pre-orders are open now, and shipping will begin shortly.

  • MSI MEG VISION X AI 2nd: Gaming Desktop with 13″ Touchscreen

    MSI MEG VISION X AI 2nd: Gaming Desktop with 13″ Touchscreen

    MSI has introduced the MEG VISION X AI 2nd gaming desktop at CES 2025, where it won two CES Innovation Awards for its impressive design and technical features. This latest model showcases MSI’s commitment to pushing boundaries in high-performance computing, catering to gamers and creatives alike.

    Intelligent Control with AI Technology

    One of the standout aspects of this desktop is its 13-inch FHD AI HMI touchscreen, which serves as a smart control hub. This display includes built-in speakers and a microphone, allowing users to engage with MSI’s range of AI tools. The system tracks user habits and automatically modifies settings to optimize performance. Users can personalize their interface with various widgets, while the screen also acts as an extra display to boost productivity and support creative tasks.

    High-End Performance and Storage Solutions

    For its processing power, MSI has selected premium components, featuring NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processors. The system architecture consists of 4 DDR5 UDIMM slots and leverages SSD Gen 5.0 technology, which provides a 1.18x enhancement in AI model training speed. To ensure reliable performance during resource-intensive activities, MSI has added an extra 8-pin PCIe power connector, ensuring stable power supply to the GPU.

    Superior Thermal Management

    MSI’s dedication to cooling is evident in their Silent Storm Cooling AI solution. This innovative system uses a specialized air chamber design along with AI-driven fans, in addition to thorough monitoring of SSD temperatures. The inclusion of Glacier Armor heatsinks results in a remarkable 25% drop in component temperatures during heavy use, which helps keep performance at its peak.

    Enhanced Wi-Fi Connectivity

    Connectivity options are boosted with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 technology, allowing transfer speeds reaching up to 5.8 Gbps—2.4 times faster than older versions. This enhancement significantly elevates streaming quality, speeds up file transfers, and improves overall wireless performance for users who need high-bandwidth connections. Information regarding the pricing and availability of the MEG VISION X AI 2nd Gen gaming desktop will be disclosed later. Keep an eye out for further announcements.

    Source: Link


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  • Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x Boosts Online Gaming Experience

    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x Boosts Online Gaming Experience

    Wi-Fi 7 is here, and gamers can already benefit from the cutting-edge technology thanks to Intel’s latest Killer Wi-Fi modules. This new standard not only offers faster transfer rates and increased bandwidth, but it also greatly reduces latency, which is essential for activities like remote gaming. Moreover, users will experience a more reliable connection even when multiple devices are connected to the same network. This stability is particularly useful for video streaming when others are gaming or downloading content.

    Advancements Over Previous Standards

    Wi-Fi 7 represents a significant upgrade from Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. While it retains some fundamental features from earlier versions, such as frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), almost all other aspects see improvements. Although the addition of 6 GHz in Wi-Fi 6E did not enhance maximum transfer speeds, Wi-Fi 7 boasts theoretical speeds reaching up to 5.8 Gbps. This increase in speed is due to two main factors: the channel bandwidth has been doubled from 160 to 320 MHz, and the data density has risen from 1024 to 4096 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), allowing each symbol to carry 12 bits instead of 10.

    Connectivity Enhancements

    An important feature of the new Wi-Fi 7 is its Multi Link Operation (MLO). In earlier standards, devices could only connect to the router using a single frequency—either 2.4, 5, or 6 GHz. With Wi-Fi 7, devices can connect through two frequencies at once. For instance, if you move around your home, the connection can switch frequencies without dropping the connection.

    For our evaluation, we used the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio A1V laptop, which has the Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x (BE200NGW) module and the associated Killer Intelligence Center software. The Wi-Fi 7 router we tested was the Asus Rapture GT-BE98, currently available online for about 620 Euros.

    Performance Testing

    Our standardized Wi-Fi tests, which we consistently use for reviews, showed a performance increase to 2.9-3.0 Gbps for downloads and even around 3.9 Gbps for uploads. In contrast, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E max out at 1.8-1.9 Gbps, marking a substantial enhancement.

    Intel’s Killer Wi-Fi module includes the Killer Intelligence Center software, which provides an overview of all available networks and suggests optimizations for network settings or faster networks to connect to. It also features two presets, Multimedia and Creative, each with a distinct priority order for applications. We will explore some of these features in more detail.

    Prioritizing Applications

    The Killer Prioritization Engine allows users to prioritize specific applications, with online gaming being set as the highest priority by default. This setup ensures a smooth gaming experience, even if other applications like streaming or downloads are running in the background. Users can customize the priority list and set bandwidth limits for individual apps.

    An example is Steam Remote Play, which streams a game from a host PC to another device on the same network. We tested it with Grand Theft Auto V while simultaneously downloading multiple files to stress our connection. As shown in the accompanying screenshots with the Steam latency tracker, the streaming latency remained stable at around 30 ms with the Prioritization Engine activated. However, once we deactivated it, we noticed significant latency spikes (80-160 ms) and a marked decline in gaming quality.

    Smart Network Recommendations

    The Killer Intelligence Engine analyzes the network environment and suggests better networks when available. For instance, when using our standard cable router, the software recommended switching to the superior Wi-Fi 7 connection provided by the Asus Rapture GT-BE98.

    This functionality is further enhanced by Smart AP Selection, which not only assesses signal strength but also evaluates the quality of the Wi-Fi connection. If another connection offers a better signal, the access point can be switched automatically.

    The Killer Engine leverages one of Wi-Fi 7’s advantages by establishing two simultaneous connections. This is particularly beneficial for online gaming, as it requires both stable connections and low latency for an optimal experience. If one connection becomes congested, the Killer Engine can seamlessly switch frequencies to maintain low latency, ensuring your gaming is uninterrupted. This capability is effectively demonstrated in the provided video.

    Enhanced Network Performance

    The Killer Doubleshot 2.0 feature can boost network performance by utilizing all available network adapters at once. This is especially useful for gaming laptops that typically have both wired and wireless connectivity. For the MSI Stealth, the Wi-Fi 7 connection can be combined with the Ethernet adapter (2.5 Gbps), allowing high-priority applications to be automatically routed to the best connection.

    The new Wi-Fi 7 technology brings numerous benefits to users and represents a significant enhancement over Wi-Fi 6E. With a compatible Wi-Fi 7 router, transfer rates can nearly double compared to Wi-Fi 6, and the ability to use two connections simultaneously greatly enhances the online experience.

    Conclusion

    With higher transfer rates, reduced latency, and improved stability, the combination of Wi-Fi 7 and Intel’s Killer Engine delivers an excellent gaming experience and greater convenience for everyday use.

    Intel’s Killer Wi-Fi 7 modules take full advantage of the new technology, allowing users to tailor their online experience to their preferences. The Killer Intelligence Center software is user-friendly, providing recommendations based on the current network situation. All features are easily accessible, and once activated, the software automatically handles prioritization and the selection of the best available network. Gamers can enjoy their gaming sessions without worrying about network competition from other family members.


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  • Sony PlayStation 5 Pro Delay Indefinitely in India

    Sony PlayStation 5 Pro Delay Indefinitely in India

    Sony has postponed the release of the PlayStation 5 Pro in India due to the unavailability of the telecom spectrum for Wi-Fi 7 in the country. This gaming console operates on the 6GHz frequency band necessary for its IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) certified network radios.

    Official Confirmation

    In a statement sent to High Chaos Run, Sony stated that the “PS5 Pro will not be offered in certain countries (including India at this time) where the 6GHz wireless band used in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) is not permitted yet.”

    Regulatory Delays

    As per a report from Business Standard, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has delayed its decision regarding this spectrum allocation and has until 2027 to make a final decision.

    Future Spectrum Use

    Sources quoted by the Financial Express have mentioned that India plans to designate the upper segment of the band (6425-7125 MHz) for telecommunications companies for their 5G and 6G services. Moreover, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) utilizes this network for satellite communications and has raised concerns about potential interference if the band is allocated for telecom purposes.

  • Apple Developing WiFi 7 Chips for iPhone 17 and Later Models

    Apple Developing WiFi 7 Chips for iPhone 17 and Later Models

    Apple is developing its own Wi-Fi 7 chips for future devices, including the much-anticipated iPhone 17 series, which is expected to launch in the latter half of 2025.

    New Manufacturing Process

    Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from Tianfeng International disclosed that these chips will be produced using TSMC’s N7 process. This is an important advancement in Apple’s plan to improve integration across its products and lessen its dependence on outside suppliers. Kuo suggests that in the next three years, Apple intends to shift its entire range of products to utilize its own Wi-Fi chips. This move is not just about cutting costs; it also aims to enhance the overall synergy of Apple devices. DigiTimes has also mentioned that some of Apple’s new iPads set to launch in 2025 may include these self-created Wi-Fi chips, highlighting the company’s dedication to designing components in-house, a project that has been ongoing since 2021.

    Reducing Supplier Dependence

    The drive towards self-made Wi-Fi technology fits into Apple’s larger goal of minimizing reliance on external suppliers. At present, Apple depends on Broadcom for its Wi-Fi chips, and a successful switch could lead to better performance and efficiency in its devices. While it is still uncertain what specific benefits consumers will gain from Apple-designed Wi-Fi chips, this transition implies potential upgrades in connectivity and compatibility throughout Apple’s ecosystem.

    Exciting Features in the iPhone 17

    Turning our attention back to the iPhone 17 series, it is rumored to include several exciting new features. Reports indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro will adopt a new button layout, replacing the traditional volume buttons and Action button with a single button. Recently, Apple has introduced a Capture Button across the iPhone 16 series to enhance camera accessibility. This change is significant, as Apple’s innovations typically debut on the Pro models for a few years before making their way to base and Plus models. This change in approach indicates a major hardware redesign for the iPhone 17 lineup. Furthermore, a new ‘Air’ or ‘Slim’ model is also expected, which will offer a slimmer design, catering to users who prefer lightweight devices without compromising on performance.

  • Sony Xperia 1 VI Update Enhances Connectivity Features

    Sony Xperia 1 VI Update Enhances Connectivity Features

    Sony has shared news about two significant updates for the Xperia 1 VI this week. First, a new Scarlet color option has been launched, featuring 512 GB of storage globally. We have provided complete details on this release separately. Interestingly, although the US market has also seen the Scarlet edition, it is still limited to 256 GB of storage (curr. $1,209.99 on Amazon).

    Connectivity Upgrade

    In addition to the new color, Sony has made a major upgrade to the connectivity of all Xperia 1 VI models. They have introduced Wi-Fi 7 support, which is being rolled out through a fresh software update. Previously, the Xperia 1 VI was capped at Wi-Fi 6E, which reached data rates of 1,824 Mbit/s in tests conducted earlier this year.

    Enhanced Performance

    Wi-Fi 7 theoretically provides up to 46 Gbit/s bandwidth, a big jump from the 9.6 Gbit/s offered by Wi-Fi 6E. While it’s unlikely that devices will reach these peak speeds, Wi-Fi 7 is designed to enhance network efficiency and stability, while also lowering power consumption. Moreover, the introduction of Multi-Link Operation (MLO) means that the Xperia 1 VI can now send and receive data at the same time across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz networks, effectively reducing latency.

    Requirements for Upgrade

    To utilize these network improvements, the Xperia 1 VI must be paired with a router that supports Wi-Fi 7. In addition, Sony is releasing the Wi-Fi 7 support as part of software version 69.0.A.2.44, which also includes the September 2024 security patch. XperiCheck indicates that most versions of the Xperia 1 VI, such as those available in Europe, the UK, Japan, and Southeast Asia, should have already received the 69.0.A.2.44 update.


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