Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra HQ renders leaked, showcase design, color variants

Recent reports indicate that Asus is preparing to unveil the Zenfone 11 and Zenfone 11 Ultra in various markets. A recent leak has divulged almost everything about the Zenfone 11 Ultra, suggesting similarities with the ROG Phone 8. In a recent leak, prominent leaker Evan Blass shared high-quality renders of the device, showcasing its four color options.

Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra HQ renders

Asus zenfone 11 Ultra
Asus zenfone 11 Ultra

The previous leak revealed that the Zenfone 11 Ultra will be available in five shades, such as Eternal Black, Skyline Blue, Misty Gray, Verdure Green, and Desert Sienna. However, the HQ renders shared by Blass do not show the green variant of the device.

Asus zenfone 11 Ultra

The general design of the Zenfone 11 Ultra is not different from the ROG Phone 8 series. Apart from a slight change in the rear camera design, all the other design elements are quite similar between the Zenfone 11 Ultra and the ROG Phone 8 series. Here is a look at the previously leaked specifications of the 11 Ultra.

Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra specifications

The Zenfone 11 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED LTPO panel that will support up to a 144Hz refresh rate. The device is expected to ship with the Android 14 OS and feature an in-screen fingerprint scanner for security.

The 11 Ultra will have a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. The back panel of the device will feature a gimbal OIS-enabled 50-megapixel IMX890 main camera, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and an OIS-assisted 32-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip will power the Zenfone 11 Ultra. It will arrive with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The device will pack a 5,500mAh battery with 65W wired and 15W wireless charging support.

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Vivo V30 series to launch in India next month with ZEISS co-engineered cameras

Vivo is prepping to launch its V30 smartphone series in the Indian market soon. The lineup will include a standard Vivo V30 and a Vivo V30 Pro model.

Although Vivo has already released the Vivo V30 in some global markets, it hasn’t shared any details about the V30 Pro yet. However, earlier today, the smartphone appeared in a GeekBench listing, revealing that it will feature a Dimensity 8200 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and will run on the latest Android 14 operating system.

Vivo V30 series will have ZEISS co-engineered cameras in India

In exclusive news, MySmartPrice reports that the Vivo V30 series will hit the Indian market next month, that is in March. The report also reveals that the V30 series will come with a “ZEISS co-engineered camera system designed specifically for the Indian market.”

Vivo has been collaborating with Zeiss for its flagship X-series, starting from the X60 series smartphones. However, with the V30 series, Vivo will extend Zeiss’s premium camera technology to its mid-range smartphones for the first time. Zeiss’s optimization should bring better image sharpness, less distortion, and distinctive bokeh effects.

The report doesn’t indicate any change in hardware specifications though. Vivo launched the V30 with a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS support and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens on the rear. 

Vivo V30 India launch

There’s also an Aura LED flash, equipped with smart color temperature adjustment support. For selfies, you get a 50MP lens on the front punch-hole cutout. Powering the device is a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. 

The phone is built around a  6.78-inch curved-edge AMOLED panel offering 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Other features of the smartphone include an IP54 rating, and a lightweight body weighing 186 grams. 

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Oppo K12 hinted to launch as OnePlus Nord CE 4 with these specs

Oppo is gearing up to launch a new K series smartphone in China. A few days back, we learned about the chipset powering the upcoming Oppo K12.

Now, more details about this handset have emerged. The source also hints at a OnePlus phone with a similar set of features.

Oppo K11
Oppo K11

Oppo K12 may not be a huge upgrade over Oppo K11

According to Chinese tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo, the Oppo K12 will flaunt a flat display and a right-angle (flat) frame. In other words, it will be similar to its predecessor Oppo K11.

Further, the leaker says that the device will support 100W fast wired charging. Also, it will sport a decentralized flagship camera sensor. These specs again match its forerunner.

Lastly, the source reveals that the phone will be powered by a new Qualcomm Snadraagon 7 series chip. Thanks to the previous leak by Digital Chat Station, we know that the handset will house a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC.

This means the only major upgrade on the Oppo K12 will be its chipset. Perhaps, it may also arrive with an updated main camera.

Lastly, Smart Pikachu claims that the device will be priced around ¥2,000 (~$280), just like its predecessor. He also mentions that there will be a OnePlus smartphone with the same feature set.

Since Oppo K11 was released outside mainland China as OnePlus Nord CE 3 (review), the forthcoming Oppo K12 will likely be called OnePlus Nord CE 4 in global markets.

Unfortunately, we don’t have info on the launch timeline for either of these products.

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Poco X6’s variant with 12GB RAM, 256GB storage goes on sale in India

Last month, Poco unveiled the Poco X6 5G and Poco X6 Pro 5G in multiple markets. At launch, the company announced three variants for the X6, such as 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, and 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage. At that time, the company also confirmed that the 12GB+256GB will be up for purchase in February. The time has arrived and now the variant is available for purchase via Flipkart.

Poco X6 5G 12GB+256GB variant goes on sale

Xiaomi Poco X6
Poco X6

The Poco X6 5G’s 12GB+256GB variant is priced at Rs 23,999. With Rs 3,000 discount via ICICI Bank credit / debit cards or EMI transactions, or by availing Rs 3,000 exchange bonus, the new variant can be bought for as low as Rs 20,999. The device can be purchased in two shades, such as Mirror Black and Snowstorm White.

Poco X6 5G specifications

The Poco X6 5G has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution (1220 x 2712 pixels), a 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. For durability, the device offers Gorilla Glass Victus protection for the screen and an IP54-rated chassis.

The X6 is confirmed to receive three Android OS upgrades and four years of security patch updates. It ships with the MIUI 14-based Android 13 and is expected to soon receive the HyperOS upgrade. The X6 features the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, LPDDR4x RAM, UFS 2.2 storage, and a 5,100mAh battery with 67W fast charging.

The X6 has a 16-megapixel camera on the front. On the back, it has an OIS-enabled 64-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera.

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Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pre-booking starts in India, Benefits Worth INR 5000

Samsung introduced the Galaxy Book 4 a month ago in South Korea, and now it is set for a global launch. Ahead of the Galaxy Book 4 India launch, the company has started pre-bookings in the country. It is expected that the new laptops will hit the shelves in the last week of the month.

Customers can pre-book the Galaxy Book4 series by paying a token amount of INR 1999 via Samsung.com, the offline Samsung retail store, and other multi-retail stores and select e-portals across the country. The benefits worth INR 5,000 will be available for the users on the purchase of the new Galaxy Book4 Series laptops. Details about the benefits are not yet live.

The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 series comprises the Galaxy Book 4 Pro, Book 4 Pro 360, Book 4 360, and Galaxy Book 4 Ultra. The most powerful model is expected to launch later, while the remaining three models will launch by the end of this month.

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Features

The Galaxy Book 4 Pro comes with either an Intel Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 CPU, paired with Intel Arc graphics. It runs on the Windows 11 Home OS and offers a choice between a 14-inch or 16-inch AMOLED display with touch options. The notebook includes AKG quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 63Wh/76Wh battery pack with 65W USB-C charging. Depending on the display size, it weighs either 1.23kg or 1.56kg.

Its sibling, the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360, shares similar specifications but adds a 360-degree hinge for tablet mode. It sports a 16-inch AMOLED touch display, similar CPU options, and Intel Arc graphics. Additional features include Dolby Atmos support, S-Pen compatibility, and a 76Wh battery pack with 65W charging. It’s available with 16GB or 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB or 1TB of storage.

The top-tier model, the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra, boasts a 3K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and options for the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 or RTX 4050 GPU. It’s powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 or Ultra 7 processor, offering up to 64GB of LPDRR5X RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage. Connectivity options include Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-A, HDMI 2.1 ports, and a 76Wh battery with 140W USB-C fast charging. Weighing around 1.86kg and measuring 16.5mm in thickness, it’s the most robust of the series.

In South Korea, the Galaxy Book 4 Pro starts at 2,150,000 won ($1,605), the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 at 2,650,000 won ($1,978), and the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra at 3,730,000 won (~$2,785).

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Android 14 easter egg hints at imminent Android 15 release

The latest update from Google, Android 14 QPR 3 Beta 1, brings more than just the useful “Circle to Search” feature to Pixel phones. Within this update, there’s a hidden surprise—an Easter egg hinting at the Android 15.

As reported by 9to5Google, keen-eyed observers noticed a subtle change in the Android 14 logo—it now resembles an inverted triangle, reminiscent of the letter “V.”

Google has a tradition of including a hidden mini-game in each Android release, accessible by tapping the logo multiple times. However, there’s no such game teasing the next Android version just yet. Nevertheless, we can see the codename “Vanillaicecream,” which aligns with the internal name for Android 15. 

This follows Google’s established tradition of naming Android versions alphabetically after desserts, with Android 15 being affectionately called “Vanilla Ice Cream.”

While an official release date for the Android 15 Developer Preview hasn’t been announced, Google’s history suggests it could arrive later this month. 

Based on the timelines of Android 13 and 14, the first betas might become available a few months after the Developer Preview. In keeping with their usual schedule, a stable Android 15 release could land in October, likely alongside the launch of new Pixel phones.

Though it’s too early to know everything Android 15 will offer, some clues have emerged.  In the recent Android 14 QPR3 beta, an “App Pairs” feature appeared, suggesting the next Android version will offer better multitasking capabilities.

Google has yet to make any official announcements regarding a firm release date for Android 15. However, it’s certain that the next iteration of Android is actively under development. 

As we get closer to an official announcement, speculation on the range of new features and improvements coming with Android 15 will undoubtedly grow.

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OnePlus 12R now comes with Rs 4,000 exchange bonus apart from bank discount

OnePlus introduced the OnePlus 12R alongside the OnePlus 12 and Buds 3 TWS on Jan. 23 in India. The 12R became available for purchase for the first time on Feb 6. Shortly after its release, the company announced that the 12R received an excellent response from the market, quickly going out of stock. The next sale of the 12R is planned for Feb 13. Before the upcoming sale, the company revealed an enticing exchange bonus for buyers of the 12R.

OnePlus 12R’s new offer confirmed

The updated page on OnePlus India’s website states that buyers can benefit from a Rs 1,000 instant discount via ICICI Bank or OneCard credit card and credit card EMI transactions. In addition, the offer is also applicable via ICICI Bank net banking. Buyers can also benefit from up to Rs 1,200 off on OnePlus Audio in RCC-linked device benefits. Additionally, users can avail themselves of benefits worth Rs. 2,250 on the JioPlus Postpaid Plan.

On Amazon India, the OnePlus 12R is also available with a new offer of up to Rs 4,000 (~$48) extra discount with the exchange. The ICICI and OneCard offers are also applicable on Amazon.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered OnePlus 12R is priced at Rs 39,999 (~$480) for the base variant that offers 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. On the other hand, the higher 16 GB RAM + 256 GB storage model is priced at Rs 45,999 (~$555).

By applying the bank and exchange bonus offers on Amazon, the 12R can be purchased with an effective starting price of Rs 33,999 (~$410). The device comes in two shades, such as Ice Cool and Iron Gray.

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Redmi Buds 5 launched in India with ANC, Google Fast Pair, 38-hour battery life, and more

As scheduled, Xiaomi launched the Redmi Buds 5 in India today. These pair of truly wireless earbuds made their initial debut in China in late September. They were later announced globally in January.

Now, almost five months later, the audio accessory has made its way to India as part of Xiaomi’s Valentine’s Day celebration. Let’s check out the features offered by these TWS earbuds and how much they cost in the country.

Redmi Buds 5

Redmi Buds 5 Specifications

The Redmi Buds 5’s design is inspired by Apple and Samsung. The buds look like the AirPods Pro, while the case resembles that of Galaxy Buds.

The in-ear earbuds house 12.4mm dynamic drivers with a titanium diaphragm. They also nest a 1.6mm coile with fine winding, an N52 neodymium magnet, and an independent sound chamber.

The buds connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3. They support Google Fast Pair for seamless pairing with Android and ChromeOS devices. They can be also connected with two devices at a time for quick switching.

Like most TWS earphones, they also offer ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). They are rated to reduce external noise up to 46dB. 

The buds offer three levels of noise cancellation. There’s also an ambient mode and an enhanced voice mode.

Additionally, the IP54-rated earbuds offer AI-based noise cancellation for calls and touch gesture controls. They are compatible with the Xiaomi Earbuds app, which can used for customization (including equalizer).

With ANC turned off, the earphones are rated to last for up to 10 hours on a single charge and up to 38 hours with the charging case.

Redmi Buds 5 Price in India

The Redmi Buds 5 are priced at ₹2,999 (~$35) in India. They can be availed in either Black, White, or Purple color options.

The accessory will be available starting February 20 via Mi.com, Amazon, Flipkart, and offline retail stores.

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Microsoft to revamp Sticky Notes App with fresh design

Microsoft appears to be gearing up for a significant visual overhaul of its beloved Sticky Notes app. A leaked screenshot shared by Windows insider FireCube (@FireCubeStudios) reveals a fresh interface featuring light shades of purple, complemented by a purple new logo reminiscent of Microsoft’s OneNote app.

These visual changes hint at a potential deeper integration between Sticky Notes and the broader OneNote platform. Despite the facelift, Sticky Notes’ core functionality appears to remain the same. 

Your notes will still be housed within their familiar rectangular windows, now neatly grouped within a “Recent Notes” section for enhanced organization.

In addition to the visual revamp, a convenient search bar has been introduced to help users quickly locate their older notes. 

Moreover, a dedicated pop-out window for composing notes is included, boasting basic rich-text formatting options such as bold, italics, underline, strikethrough, and bulleted/numbered lists.

Originally exclusive to Windows 10, Sticky Notes later expanded its presence to Android and iOS devices, facilitating seamless cross-device syncing for users. 

Microsoft had previously tied Sticky Notes to OneNote, enabling users to access their notes directly from the OneNote app across various devices.

While this recent redesign isn’t the first significant update for Sticky Notes, it signifies Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to enhancing this widely-used organizational tool, ensuring it remains relevant and useful for users across different platforms.

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Vivo V30 Pro spotted on Geekbench with Dimensity 8200 chip & 12GB RAM

Vivo is preparing to launch a new premium mid-range smartphone in the global market called the Vivo V30 Pro. Rumor has it that the device is a rebranded version of the Vivo S18 Pro, which was launched in China back in December. The device has already picked up a few certifications, including Bluetooth SIG and GSMA IMEI, and now it has made an appearance on Geekbench.

Vivo V30 Pro Geekbench

On Geekbench, the Vivo V30 Pro has emerged with model number V2319, featuring an octa-core Dimensity 8200 SoC with a peak clock speed of 3.10GHz. It has 12GB RAM onboard along with a Windows 14-based operating system. Moving over to the test results, the device scores 1045 points in the single-core test and 3637 in the multicore test.

Vivo S18 Series

While the Vivo V30 Pro appears to feature a Dimensity 8200 chip, its supposed Chinese counterpart launched with the Dimensity 9200+ chip, meaning that the rebrand will likely come as a cut-down version. If other specifications remain the same, then we can expect the phone to feature a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with HDR10+ support, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of up to 2800 nits.

The Chinese model comes with 8GB, 12GB & 16GB RAM options, paired with 256GB or 512GB UFS 3.1 storage. In the camera department, it could feature a 50MP Sony IMX920 main sensor, a 50MP Samsung JN1 ultra-wide sensor, and a 12MP 2x telephoto portrait camera. As for selfies, it is likely to boast a 50MP sensor with a dual soft LED flash. Lastly, the battery onboard will likely offer a 5,000mAh capacity, with 80W fast charging support.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra price, configurations leaked, special titanium also tipped

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is most likely to go official on Feb. 25 for the global market. However, it is being said that there could be a dedicated Chinese launch event for the phone on Feb. 22. Ahead of the expected launch, a new leak that has surfaced on Weibo has revealed its configurations and price.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra configurations (rumored)

According to tipster Experience More, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will arrive in three configurations in China. These include 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage; 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage; and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra price (rumored)

The leak further claims that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will also come in a special titanium edition, which will come in a single 16GB+1TB configuration. The leaker claimed that if the cost remains unchanged for the 16+1TB variant (as compared to the previous generation), it will be priced at 7299 Yuan (~$1,000), while opting for the titanium version will add 500 Yuan or more. Should there be a price hike, the titanium variant is expected to be priced at approximately 8,000 Yuan (~$1,110).

Xiaomi 14 Ultra specifications (rumored)

Xiaomi 14 Ultra mock render

As per reports, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will have a 6.73-inch OLED 2K display with curved edges. The 120Hz refresh rate screen is expected to arrive with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner. It will run on HyperOS-based Android 14. The 14 Ultra is likely to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 5,300mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging support.

The back panel of the device is said to have a 50-megapixel LYT-900 main camera with OIS and variable aperture support. There will probably be three IMX858 50-megapixel cameras with the main camera, including an ultra-wide camera, a 3.2x telephoto lens with OIS, and a 5x periscope telephoto camera with OIS. For selfies, it will have a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.

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Mehler Protection Introduces ExoM Up-Armoured Exoskeleton for Police Officers & Soldiers

Germany’s Mehler Protection has turned the futuristic concept of exoskeletons, often seen in movies and video games like Edge of Tomorrow and Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, into reality. The ExoM Up-Armoured Exoskeleton could be a game changer for soldiers and law enforcement officers, offering them enhanced capabilities and protection.

ExoM Up-Armoured Exoskeleton

Developed by Mehler Protection, Mawashi Science & Technology, and the French elite police unit GIGN, the ExoM isn’t your average robot suit. It’s a lightweight, full-body armor that feels almost natural to wear. While providing protection, the exoskeleton also does the majority of heavy lifting for the wearer, with claims of transferring up to 70% of the weight of the gear to the ground. This means that soldiers can haul heavy equipment while operating in rough terrains without having to endure back aches or muscle fatigue.

Coming back to the protection part, the ExoM has a bulletproof shield made with top-tier ballistic materials that can provide up to VPAM 8 ballistic protection, protecting its wearer even against high-powered rounds. Despite the protective armor, mobility is not an issue, as the ExoM boasts a flexible spine and movable joints, allowing wearers to climb, crawl, and maneuver while retaining 99% ease and range of motion.

ExoM Up-Armoured Exoskeleton

With all that said, perhaps the most impressive feature of the ExoM is the fact that it is a passive Exoskeleton, which means it operates without needing external power sources such as batteries. As for its deployment in the field, there’s no specific timeline available at the moment. The process might take a while, considering governments typically subject such equipment to thorough testing and evaluation before giving their official approval.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to launch on February 22

Xiaomi recently confirmed that it will announce the Xiaomi 14 series on Feb 25 through the MWC 2024 event.  As per reports, the company may unveil the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra for the global market, whereas the 14 Pro, which debuted in October 2023 in China, may remain exclusive to the home market. While the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s global launch date seems to be almost confirmed, it is speculated that it is expected to launch a bit earlier in China. Chinese tech bloggers on Weibo are claiming that the Ultra variant may break cover on February 22 in China.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s arrival officially teased for China

As can be seen in the above screenshot, a new Weibo post by Lu Weibing who is a partner and president of Xiaomi Group reveals that he is pondering about when to begin preparing for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s launch event. This indicates that there could be a dedicated launch event for the 14 Ultra for the Chinese market.

There is a chatter on Weibo that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra may debut on February 22 in China. The same event is also expected to see the arrival of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro tablet. It is speculated that the tablet that is designed to complement the upcoming Xiaomi SU7 car, which is currently meant only for the Chinese market. Hence, it is likely that the company may hold a China-exclusive launch event to announce the 14 Ultra, Pad 6S Pro, and SU7.

At present, the Chinese Spring Festival are currently going on in China, and businesses are expected to resume by February 19. While Weibing has teased the arrival of the 14 Ultra, there is no clarity yet on whether the 14 Ultra will go official on February 22. It is advisable to wait for further reports to know about the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s launch event for the Chinese market.

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Lenovo Might Unveil a New AI-Based Operating System This Year

It’s been a while since Lenovo has innovated in the ‘software’ side of things. The Hong-Kong-based company is stepping up its game in the tech world by working on a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) operating system that might just give Windows 11 a run for its money. At the CES 2024 event, Lenovo’s big shot, Liu Jun, let slip their plans to roll out an AI OS this year. A move like this is clearly a part of Lenovo’s big push into AI; the company seems serious about leading the charge in smart tech.

AI is making its way onto almost all platforms, and Lenovo wants a piece of the pie

Last year, Lenovo was all about boasting its full-stack intelligence strategy. Now, they’re moving forward with an AI OS focused on AI PCs and personal helpers. The idea is to make computers and devices smarter at understanding what we want, using natural language. This means our gadgets could get a lot better at figuring out our needs without us having to spell everything out.

Lenovo

Lenovo’s first batch of these smart AI PCs is expected to hit the shelves in the first half of this year. They’re designed to be super intuitive, with a knack for picking up on user intent. On top of that, Lenovo’s crafting smart devices embedded with AI, emphasizing that they’re built to respect user privacy and security.

The new AI OS isn’t just about launching nifty devices; Lenovo wants to kickstart an AI PC ecosystem. This is a big deal because it’s not just about making cool products; it’s about changing how technology works for us on a daily basis.

With tech giants in China and around the world trying to make their own operating systems, Lenovo’s new project could shake things up. If they pull it off, Lenovo’s AI OS might stand toe-to-toe with big names like Microsoft’s Windows 11. The organization’s dive into AI could mark a turning point, making technology smarter and more in tune with our lives.

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Sony’s Upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro Emerges in Leakes

The ninth generation console wars are continuing at full speed. Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft are fiercely competing to sell more consoles, games, and monthly subscriptions. However, time is ticking, and technology is advancing at an incredible pace. For instance, the Switch, released in 2017, is already quite outdated, and its successor is currently anticipated. And the situation is not much different on the PS5 front.

Despite being introduced in November 2020 and the absence of game releases like GTA VI, the device is already showing its age. A leaked revelation indicates that this is precisely why Sony is preparing to refresh its technology with an interim product. Here are the technical specifications of the PlayStation 5 Pro. Here are the details…

Sony’s Upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro Emerges in Leakes

With the announcement of GTA VI‘s release in 2025, the rumors about PlayStation 5 Pro have also increased. According to this, Sony aims to take advantage of the momentum behind the game, which will initially be exclusive to consoles, and therefore plans to unveil its new console at the end of 2024. Moreover, we have heard a lot about the device until now, including some technical details recently. Now, even more information has surfaced on a forum.

A new leak on the ResetEra forums has revealed supposed additional details and specifications for Sony’s upcoming PS5 Pro model, which is rumored to be unveiled in September 2024. The information comes from a user who claims to have obtained these details from reliable sources. Here are the key highlights of the leak:

  • Viola is fabbed on TSMC N4P.
  • GFX1115
  • Viola’s CPU is maintaining the zen2 architecture found in the existing PS5 for compatibility, but the frequency will once again be dynamic with a peak of 4.4GHz. 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of L3 shared (4 MB per CCX).
  • Viola’s die is 30WGPs when fully enabled, but it will only have 28WGPs (56 CUs) enabled for the silicon in retail PS5 Pro units.
  • Trinity is the culmination of three key technologies. Fast storage (hardware accelerated compression and decompression, already an existing key PS5 technology), accelerated ray tracing, and upscaling.
  • Architecture is RDNA3, but it’s taking ray tracing improvements from RDNA4. BVH traversal will be handled by dedicated RT hardware rather than fully relying on the shaders. It will also include thread reordering to reduce data and execution divergence, something akin to Ada Lovelace SER and Intel Arc’s TSU.
  • 3584 shaders, 224 TMUs, and 96 ROPs.
  • 16GB of 18 gbps GDDR6. 256-bit memory bus with 576 GB/s memory bandwidth.
  • The GPU frequency target is 2.0 GHz. This lands the dual-issue TFLOPs in the range of 28.67 TFLOPs peak (224 (TMUs) * 2 (operations, dual issue) * 2 (core clock)). 14.33 TFLOPs if we ignore the dual-issue factor.
  • 50-60% rasterization uplift over Oberon and Oberon Plus, over twice the raw RT performance.
  • XDNA2 NPU will be featured for the purpose of accelerating Sony’s bespoke temporal machine learning upscaling technique. This will be one of the core focuses of the PS5 Pro, like we saw with checkboard rendering for the PS4 Pro. Temporally stable upscaled 4K output at higher than 30 FPS is the goal.
  • September 2024 reveal

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Tencent is Renewing Chinese Opera with AI and VR Technology

Tencent, well known for its video games and social media amongst other things, is now diving into something quite different: giving Chinese opera a modern makeover. They’ve started with the story of Hua Mulan, the legendary heroine who disguised herself as a man to fight in her father’s place. The story is known worldwide, thanks to Disney, and is getting a new audience in China through Tencent’s tech-savvy approach.

The company is even planning to build a digital library

The company took an old 1956 opera performance and made it look new again using artificial intelligence (AI) to clean up the video. This project was a hit, drawing in more than 7 million viewers to its live stream. It’s all part of a bigger plan with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to bring the traditional Chinese opera into the digital age.

Tencent

Tencent isn’t stopping with just cleaning up old videos. They’re using advanced tech like 6DoF, which is big in virtual reality, to capture the intricate movements of characters from famous operas. This kind of tech makes it possible for people today to see and appreciate the complex beauty of these traditional dances and stories.

The goal is to keep these classic stories alive and share them with a new generation. Tencent is facing challenges, like finding enough old opera data to work with, but they’re finding ways around it. They’re even planning to build a digital library so more people can find and enjoy these restored performances. In China, tech companies are using their resources to celebrate and preserve traditional culture. Through their efforts, they’re making sure that these important pieces of China’s heritage won’t be forgotten, making a public statement how technology can be a bridge between the past and the present.

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The Next Xbox may have an Entirely New Design, Rumor States

Are we getting a new Xbox look? Apparently, Microsoft is making a big change in who’s designing the next Xbox console, and it’s causing quite a stir in the gaming community. Instead of the team that brought us the Xbox Series X, it looks like the Surface division at Microsoft will take over. What a coincidence that we are getting this news at a time when Xbox is trying to catch up with Sony‘s PS5, which has been outselling it by a wide margin. All thanks to exclusives, and some other factors, if we’re being honest.

The Surface Division for Microsoft will foresee the next Xbox’s design

The cosole hasn’t been selling as well as Microsoft hoped, and they’re expecting sales to drop even more in 2024. Despite not sharing sales numbers for a while, Microsoft revealed that the Xbox Series X and Series S have sold a total of 21 million units, which is about half of what the PS5 has sold.

Xbox series X

Nick Baker, an industry insider, shared on The XboxEra Podcast that the design team change may be happening. This could mean we might have to wait longer for the next Xbox console, especially if they’re starting from scratch with the design.

But why move the project to the Surface team? It could be because there’s a rumor about a new handheld Xbox device. The Surface team is known for making high-quality portable devices, so if Microsoft is planning a handheld Xbox, it makes sense to have them work on it.

However, there’s been some mixed information about this rumored handheld Xbox. Some say it’ll be cheaper and less powerful than the next-gen Xbox, while others say it’ll be just as powerful but more expensive. It’s hard to know what to believe, but Microsoft has said they’re committed to making new Xbox hardware. The big change could mean exciting things for Xbox fans, especially if it leads to newer, modern devices like a handheld version. We’ll have to wait and see what Microsoft has up its sleeve.

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Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 manual leaks revealing design details ahead of launch

Samsung is gearing up to launch the Galaxy Fit 3, catering to individuals seeking a straightforward yet effective fitness tracker. Recent leaks of its design, retail box, and pricing have revealed many details. Now, a new leak of its user manual has provided valuable insights into what users can expect from this upcoming device.

The Galaxy Fit 3 boasts a sleek rectangular touch display and an optical heart rate sensor for precise health monitoring. It will track essential metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and stress levels, while also providing features like step counting, exercise tracking, and sleep pattern analysis for a comprehensive overview of one’s well-being.

In terms of customization, users can expect a variety of watch faces and widgets to personalize their experience. Additionally, the inclusion of a “Band Quick Release Button” allows for hassle-free strap changes.

Despite its compact design, the Galaxy Fit 3 promises impressive battery life, reportedly lasting over three weeks on a single charge. Previous reports revealed that the smartwatch will feature IP68 certification and 5 ATM water resistance, meaning that you can wear it while swimming.

While there is no official announcement from Samsung yet, the Galaxy Fit 3 is expected to be announced at MWC 2024, which will be held from February 26 to February 29.

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Dell UltraSharp 38-inch color-accurate monitor with nine-port USB hub launched in Europe

Dell has quietly launched UltraSharp 38 (U3824DW) Curved Monitor in Europe, after launching it in the US and Chinese markets.

 Dell U3824D

Dell UltraSharp 38 (U3824DW) specs & features

Sporting a 37.5-inch IPS panel, Dell’s UltraSharp 38 boasts impressive features tailored for diverse applications. The monitor’s IPS Black technology enhances contrast, rendering vibrant visuals ideal for film, television, and content creation. With a resolution of 3840 x 1600 pixels, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a speedy 5ms response time, it delivers crisp imagery while ensuring smooth performance.

Dell
Dell UltraSharp 38 U3824DW

One of its standout attributes is its color accuracy, covering 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and achieving a Delta E of less than 2. This, coupled with a maximum brightness of 300 nits, ensures impressive visuals with lifelike colors. Moreover, the monitor offers a bunch of connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, USB-C with 90W power delivery, and a 2.5Gbps RJ-45 network port.

Pricing & availability

Originally retailing at $1,529.99 in the US, it has now dropped to $1,149.99, making it an attractive option for those seeking high-quality displays without breaking the bank. In the UK and Eurozone, it is priced at £1,1620.80 and €1,303.05, respectively.

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Xiaomi AX1500 WiFi router lands in global market with WiFi 6 offering speeds of up to 1501Mbps

Back in December, Xiaomi launched its affordable WiFi 6 router called the AX1500 in the Chinese market. The brand has now brought it over to the global market, listing it on its official website.

Xiaomi AX1500

Xiaomi AX1500 router specs:

Xiaomi’s AX1500 router comes with WiFi 6 support, it delivers speeds up to 1500 Mbps across both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, ensuring reliable connectivity throughout your home.

Notably, it automatically switches between frequencies for seamless connectivity and supports Mesh networking for expanded coverage. Gamers will appreciate the exclusive acceleration channel for reduced latency and improved responsiveness, along with IPTV support.

Xiaomi AX1500

Detailed information about the AX1500 highlights its Wi-Fi 6 technology, self-adaptive gigabit Ethernet ports, and IPTV capabilities. It ensures smooth performance, wide signal coverage, and support for multiple devices. Security features include WPA3 encryption and BSS Coloring technology to minimize interference.

Pricing & availability

Although Xiaomi has not revealed the official pricing in the global markets yet, the router sells for around 129 yuan in China, which is equivalent to around 18 US Dollars. It is currently available to buy through AliExpress for Around 25 US Dollars. We can expect the official price to land in the same price range as well.

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