Xiaomi has a whole ecosystem of products ranging from home appliances to cars. Adding to their ever-growing catalogue, the Chinese tech giant has now launched a new data cable capable of high-speed data transfers. In this article, we will discuss the latest Xiaomi 6A USB4 data cable in further detail including its price in Nepal.
Xiaomi 6A USB4 Overview
Design
There is not much we can talk about in terms of the design of a data cable. The Xiaomi 6A USB4 looks pretty standard with Dark Grey colour and USB Type-C ports on both ends. Inside, it uses a coaxial core while the outer body comes in a braided finish. Meanwhile, the material of the cable is a combination of TPE and PTE, both of which are a type of polymer.
In the meantime, the cord stretches a metre in length and has a tensile strength of over 100N. Meaning, that the Xiaomi 6A USB4 can hold weights of up to 10 kilos without much issue. Lastly, the company assures a plug and unplug life of more than 10,000 times.
The Xiaomi 6A USB4 cable is capable of data as well as power transmission. It operates with USB4 Gen 3 protocol and is capable of transferring data at speeds of up to 40Gbps. Likewise, this cable also supports video transmission of up to 8K resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate. Moreover, it is compatible with different types of devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even monitors.
Similarly, in terms of power delivery, the latest Xiaomi cable works on the PD 3.1 protocol. Given that, it supports charging speeds and current of up to 240W and 6 ampere respectively. Additionally, it is also capable of backwards charging through multiple in-house protocols which include speeds of 67W, 90W, and 120W.
Xiaomi 6A USB4 Specifications
Design: Coaxial core and Braided wire, 1-metre cable
Durability: >100N (Tensile strength), 10,000+ plug / unplug life
Protocols: USB 4 Gen 3 (Data Transfer), PD 3.1 (Charging)
Data Transmission: Up to 40Gbps, 8K@60Hz video transmission
Charging: Up to 240W, backwards charging at 67W, 90W, 120W
Colour: Dark Grey
Xiaomi 6A USB4 Price in Nepal and Availability
This data cable is up for purchase on the official Xiaomi website. Though the company prices it at CNY 129, it is currently available at CNY 99. It might eventually make its way to the international market including our country. When it does arrive here, we expect the Xiaomi 6A USB4 data cable price in Nepal to be NPR 2,999.
Xiaomi Data Cable
Price in China (Official)
Price in Nepal (Expected)
6A USB4 (USB-C to USB-C)
CNY 129 CNY 99
NPR 2,999
Meanwhile, check out which is the best action camera in 2024:
Poco’s latest phone, the Poco X3 Pro has also been looked up to as the true successor to the original Poco F1 because of the price-to-performance ratio. And the phone has finally launched in Nepal today (16th of May). It is expected to be available later this week. Let’s look at the Poco X3 Pro in more detail, including its specs, features, official price, and availability in Nepal.
Poco X3 Pro Overview:
Design and Display
Poco X3 Pro is identical to that of the Poco X3 in terms of display. The phone features a 6.67-inch FHD+ DotDisplay, and still uses an LCD panel which is kind of a bummer given that the recently launched Redmi Note 10 Pro comes with an AMOLED panel. Moving on, you do get a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate. The typical brightness is listed at 450 nits. The display is protected by a newer Corning Gorilla Glass 6. Other features include HDR10 certification, Sunlight display, and Reading Mode 2.0.
On the back, the design also remains unchanged from the vanilla Poco X3. However, it now has anti-fingerprint textures. The 3D curved panel is available in three color options – Phantom Black, Frost Blue, and Metal Bronze.
Meanwhile, check out all the prices and specs of Poco products here
Performance
For the #PROformance, Poco has gone with the Snapdragon 860 chipset that was announced alongside the device. The chipset features eight Kryo 480 CPU cores with the Prime core clocked at 2.96GHz. The graphics are handled by Adreno 640 GPU. Thus, the new chipset is very similar to the Snapdragon 855+.
According to the company, the chipset can attain a 419,412 AnTuTu v8 score. Thus, it is 52% better than the Snapdragon 765G. Similarly, the improved AI engine is capable of operating 7.6 TOPS compared to SD 855’s 7 TOPS.
The phone also has the LiquidCool Technology 1.0 Plus. It uses a copper heat pipe and multiple Graphite layers that help to reduce the temperature of the phone.
Poco X3 Pro is available in two memory configurations – 6/128GB and 8/256GB. Irrespective of the variant, you will be getting LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 internal storage. The phone also ships with MIUI 12 (for Poco) based on Android 11 out-of-the-box.
Camera
In terms of cameras, the phone features a quad-camera setup on the back. Interestingly, the primary camera now uses a 48MP sensor. The vanilla Poco X3 had a 64MP sensor. There is an 8MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide camera with a 119-degree Field of View. Poco has added two additional 2MP sensors to make up the numbers.
Talking about camera features, you now get Night mode support on the Ultra-wide sensor. Similarly, the phone supports Dual Video, Video clone, and Long exposures. On the front, there is a 20MP (f/2.2) selfie camera as in the vanilla X3. It also comes with a dedicated Night mode.
Rest of the specs
X3 Pro packs in a massive 5160mAh battery. Poco is including a 33W charger in the box. There is a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometrics. The phone supports Bluetooth 5.0 and WI-Fi 5. NFC connectivity will be available in select regions. Other features include IR Blaster, stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio, and Z-axis linear motor.
Connectivity: Hybrid Dual-SIM (Nano), WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, NFC (select region), 4G LTE
Battery: 5160mAh with 33W fast charging
Poco X3 Pro Price in Nepal and Availability
Poco X3 Pro is available in Nepal for a starting price of Rs. 31,999. This price is for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. Similarly, the higher-end 8/256GB variant costs Rs. 36,999. Poco Nepal has also launched the 8/128GB variant for Rs. 34,999.
Poco X3 Pro
Price in Nepal
6/128GB
NPR 31,999
8/128GB
NPR 34,999
8/256GB
NPR 36,999
Meanwhile, check out our review of the Poco X3 Pro:
Enthusiast phones are pretty rare these days. Previously we had seen the Zenphone series from ASUS, and Xperia always had its mark with super manual camera-centric phones. Now, the Japanese company has finally unveiled its flagship phone for 2024, the Sony Xperia 1 VI. In this article, we further discuss everything about the latest Sony Xperia 1 VI, including its expected price in Nepal, specifications, and availability.
Sony Xperia 1 VI Overview
Design and Display
The phone features a minimalistic, boxy design with flat edges and a flat back along with a pill-shaped camera island. It has a glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), a glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), and an aluminum frame. The device is IP68 dust/water resistant, weighs 192g, and has an 8.2mm thickness.
The Xperia 1 VI sports a 6.5-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels) OLED display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The display supports HDR, full DCI-P3 color gamut, X1 for mobile, a 1-120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, and 240Hz motion blur reduction.
Performance and Storage
Under the hood, the phone is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with an Adreno 750 GPU. It comes with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, with a 512GB model available in Japan and East Asia. The storage is expandable up to 1.5TB via a microSD card. The device also features a vapor chamber cooling system.
The Xperia 1 VI runs Android 14 out of the box with promises of three Android version updates and four years of security support.
Camera Setup
In the camera department, the Xperia 1 VI features a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 48MP primary sensor with a 1/1.35″ Exmor T sensor, f/1.9 aperture, Hybrid OIS and EIS support, a 12MP ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture and 16mm focal length, and a 12MP telephoto camera with a 1/3.5″ sensor and an 85mm-170mm optically-zoom lens (3.5x to 7.1x optical zoom, 21.3x hybrid zoom).
All rear cameras have ZEISS T* coated lenses. On the front, there’s a 12MP selfie camera with a 1/2.9″ Exmor RS mobile sensor, f/2.0 aperture, and an 84° field of view. The device is capable of recording up to 4K video at 120FPS. Sony has also revamped the camera app for better accessibility and user-friendliness, with a Pro mode for advanced users
Audio Capabilities
For audio, the Xperia 1 VI boasts full-stage front stereo speakers with improved bass, clarity, and sound spread. It retains the 3.5mm headphone jack and supports various audio technologies like 360 Reality Audio, 360 Spatial Sound, Dolby Atmos, LDAC, DSEE Ultimate, Qualcomm aptX HD audio, and LE Audio.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The phone packs a 5,000mAh battery with support for 30W USB PD fast charging and Qi wireless charging. Connectivity options include 5G, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.4 LE, GPS, GLONASS, a USB 3.2 Type-C port, and NFC. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Front Camera: 12MP with 1/2.9″ Exmor RS mobile sensor, f/2.0 aperture, and 84° field of view
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Battery: 5,000mAh capacity with 30W USB PD fast charging and Qi Wireless charging
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E 802.11 ax, Bluetooth 5.4 LE, NFC
Sony Xperia 1 VI Price in Nepal and Availability
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is priced at €1,399 for the base model and will be available for purchase in early June in Black, Platinum Silver, and Khaki Green color options. While, the phone would probably never make its way to Nepal, or at least for now, if it ever arrives, we expect the Sony Xperia 1 VI to be priced at no less than NPR 230,000.
While the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 9 just made its way to Nepal, the company just refreshed another one of its laptops for the international market. The laptop — or “mobile workstation”, as the company calls it — in question is built for performance and comes with an AMD Ryzen PRO processor. We will further discuss the Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 (AMD) in this article including its expected price in Nepal.
Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 (AMD) Overview
Design and Display
The design of any given laptop series is pretty iconic and usually does not change. Similar is the case for the fifth-generation Lenovo ThinkPad P14s. It comes in an all-black monotone finish with the red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard. Additionally, the laptop also boasts the MIL-STD-810H certification for its durability.
On the front, the Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 (AMD) comes with a 14-inch screen that is available in five different configurations. The highest of which can be an OLED panel with a 2.8K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. This screen is capable of 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut and 400 nits peak brightness. Other than that, you can also get the laptop with an IPS LCD panel with touch support and 500 nits brightness.
Performance
As I mentioned earlier, this laptop packs an AMD Ryzen PRO 8040HS series chipset under its helm. To be more specific, it can either be a Ryzen 5 PRO 8640HS or a Ryzen 7 PRO 8840HS. The former comes with six cores, 12 threads, 16MB L3 cache, 4.9GHz max frequency, and a Radeon 760M integrated GPU. Meanwhile, the latter processor option has eight cores, 16 threads, 16MB L3 cache, 5.1GHz peak clock speed, and a Radeon 780M graphics.
Both of these processors also come with the AMD Ryzen AI engine that handles on-device AI duties for the Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5. In addition to the silicon, this laptop comes with up to 96GB of memory which can be configured with DDR5-5600 RAM in a dual-channel. In terms of storage, it can have a maximum of 2TB of NVMe PCIe 4.0 Performance SSD. On the software side of things, this laptop can boot on different versions of Windows 11, Fedora Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.2, as well as Ubuntu Linux LTS.
In the tank, this thing can come with up to 52.5Wh integrated battery while the power adapter is capped at 65W. The port options on the Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 (AMD) include two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (one with Always On feature), two Thunderbolt 4, one HDMI 2.1, one 3.5mm combo headphone jack, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Optionally, you can also have a smart card reader and a Nano-SIM card slot on this laptop.
Likewise, it can offer cellular connectivity via eSIM with up to 5G speeds along with NFC support. However, these are optional configurations while WiFi 6E and Bluetooth v5.3 are universal across all the models of Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 (AMD).
Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 (AMD) Specifications
Design and Build: Monotone design with red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard
Dimensions: 315.90 mm x 223.70 mm x 17.70 mm
Weight: 1.31 kg and over
Display:
On all options: 14 inches, 16:10 aspect ratio, anti-glare finish, all sides 89° viewing angle
Up to:OLED panel, 500 nits brightness, 100,000:1 contrast ratio, 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, 120Hz refresh rate, Touch support
Resolution: Up to 2.8K (2,880 x 1,800)
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 8640HS or Ryzen 7 PRO 8840HS
Graphics: AMD Radeon 760M or 780M (Integrated)
RAM: Up to 96GB DDR5-5600, dual-channel
Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 Performance SSD
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro or Home or DG / Windows 10 Pro 64 / Fedora Linux / Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.2 / Ubuntu Linux LTS
Webcam: Up to 5MP + IR with privacy shutter and ultrasonic human presence detection, FF
Audio: Dual 2W speaker with Dolby Audio + dual-microphone array, 360° far-field with Dolby Voice
Connectivity: WiFi 6E (802.11ax) 2×2 + Bluetooth v5.3, eSIM (Optional), NFC (Optional)
Battery: 39.30Wh or 52.50Wh Li-polymer integrated battery with up 65W Power Adapter
Colours: Black
Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 (AMD) Price in Nepal and Availability
The mobile workstation was announced on 14 May 2024 and will start shipping in the same month too. It will start at USD 1,379 and will go upwards based on the configurations. Given that, when this device arrives here, we expect the Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 (AMD) price in Nepal to be NPR 220,499.
Lenovo Mobile Workstation
Price in USA (Official)
Price in Nepal (Expected)
ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 (AMD)
USD 1,379
NPR 220,499
Meanwhile, check out our budget PC build in 2024 video:
Just a couple of weeks ago, I found myself endlessly scrolling through my Google Photos for a solid hour. The reason? Well… I was searching for that one particular photo whose details had slipped under my mind. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t find it, but for that brief period, it felt like a crucial quest. However, it seems I won’t always have to rely solely on my memory. Google has just announced “Ask Photo”, a new feature embedded within Google Photos itself, allowing users to interact with their photos in conversation-like exchanges. In this article, we will dive further into the latest Ask Photos by google, unveiled at the recent Google I/O event.
Ask Photos Overview
The Ask Photos is basically a unique feature that will help you recall all the memories without scrolling endlessly. So if you were thinking, ‘How do I even get what I want?”… Well its fairly simple, just ask the Ask Photos what you are looking for, and taa-daa there you have it, your favorite picture from 2018, on top of your screen, without ever having to waste any time.
How does it even work?
Well, this is no new AI engine at all, but rather Google has just embedded the good old’ Gemini, that can extract pieces of information out of images and show up on your screen. This feature can be attributed solely to Gemini’s multimodal capabilities, through which we can understand both text and images at the same time. Plus a quick tip to add, the more context you feed, the better results you will get.
As showcased by Google, through Ask Photos you can also uncover information like when was the last time you made a doctor’s visit or when you had your last bike servicing. Not only that, it can also generate captions for social media.
What if your photos could answer your questions? 🤔 At #GoogleIO today, we announced Ask Photos, a new Google Photos feature that does just that. Ask Photos is the new way to search your photos with the help of Gemini. #AskPhotoshttps://t.co/KhPeCauFAfpic.twitter.com/3MZg55SgdD
Moreover, the company has also said it will not monitor your conversations or access your personal data “except in rare cases to address abuse or harm”.
Ask Photos can become an incredible asset for someone like me, who spends much of his time scrolling past memories. Although there is no information regarding its public availability, stay tuned as we will unravel the future developments regarding all of the Google’s products in the upcoming weeks.
At Google’s I/O 2024, Demis Hassabis, CEO of deepmind gave his first ever appearances on stage about Google’s “Universal AI agent for everyday life” or in short ‘Project Astra’. Project Astra would be loaded with features like object recognition made up of AI agents as they call it. And, in this article, we will discuss further about Google’s Project Astra in more detail.
Google’s Project Astra Overview
Google’s new AI progress, particularly with Gemini models, is a big deal in tech. Gemini 1.5 Flash, which you can try out now, makes those large language models faster and cheaper. Plus, with improvements to Gemini 1.5 Pro, like a bigger context window and better responses, tasks such as translation and coding become even smoother.
What can it do?
The Project Astra can describe things, give you information, and help you in everyday life as well. Through the Project Astra, you can simply show what’s in front of you, and it will answer pretty accurately. It can also help you with your assignments or even with your coding.
Project Astra is a prototype from @GoogleDeepMind exploring how a universal AI agent can be truly helpful in everyday life. Watch our prototype in action in two parts, each captured in a single take, in real time ↓ #GoogleIOpic.twitter.com/uMEjIJpsjO
Gemini Nano’s evolution to incorporate image understanding brings multimodal capabilities to smartphone applications, underscoring Google’s commitment to versatility and accessibility. Additionally, the introduction of Gemma 2 and PaliGemma models, optimized for TPUs and GPUs respectively, showcases Google’s dedication to optimizing AI performance across various hardware platforms.
Google Search Gets Smarter
Google’s Gemini Nano now understands images, making smartphone apps even smarter. This shows Google’s focus on making AI useful for everyone. Also, the new Gemma 2 and PaliGemma models, optimized for TPUs and GPUs (computer chips), show how Google is making AI work better on all sorts of devices.
Veo, Imagen 3 and SynthID
Google unveils Veo, a groundbreaking model that turns text into high-quality 1080p videos. Veo can understand both regular language and cinematic terms, letting users create videos that match their style and vision. Though it’s only available to a select few for now, Veo plans to open up to more creators with a waitlist.
Google’s latest innovation, Imagen 3, takes text and turns it into images with better natural language skills, promising top-notch image quality. The new SynthID tech now also protects text and video content, ensuring it’s authentic and safe, especially in videos made by Veo.
Google Photos introduces Ask Photos, enabling conversational image search and automatic generation of image highlights. Meanwhile, Gemini’s integration into Android phones as the default AI assistant brings multimodal support and enhanced accessibility features to users’ fingertips.
Google’s Project Astra: What’s next?
Google has big plans for Gemini, aiming to make it even better with features like Gemini Live for live voice chats and Gems for personalized AI help. Plus, integrating Gemini into Google Workspace means smarter help with all kinds of work tasks, showing Google’s dedication to making AI boost productivity for everyone.
SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation) has made significant achievement in the semiconductor industry by developing a 5nm node using Deep ultraviolet (DUV) technology. This achievement comes despite US sanctions preventing access to the more advanced Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) technology. In this article, we will discuss further more about the SMIC’s latest 5nm Node in more detail.
SMIC 5nm Node Overview
Overcoming Challenges
SMIC’s 5nm development follows its success with the 7nm node, which produced Huawei’s Kirin 9000s and Kirin 9010 chips. The 5nm process is impressive given the restrictions on acquiring the latest equipment. However, initial yields are expected to be lower because DUV technology requires multiple passes of the laser, increasing the chances of manufacturing defects.
Huawei’s Role and Future Plans
Huawei plans to use SMIC’s new 5nm node in its upcoming products, including a new Kirin SoC for the Mate 70 series and a laptop chip expected to compete with Apple’s M2. Both products are set to launch later this year.
In the first quarter of this year, SMIC became the third-largest foundry globally, following TSMC and Samsung Electronics. This milestone marks the first time a Chinese foundry has reached the top three. SMIC’s first-quarter sales were $1.75 billion, surpassing Taiwan’s UMC.
Success Midst of Sanctions
The company’s progress is driven by demand from Chinese electronics firms like Huawei. US sanctions aimed at curbing China’s semiconductor capabilities have inadvertently pushed SMIC to innovate and achieve technological independence. The Chinese government has also provided significant support to SMIC’s efforts.
Shhh… It’s a ‘secret’
Despite these achievements, SMIC is cautious about publicizing its progress. Announcing new technological milestones could attract more attention and lead to further sanctions. By keeping a low profile, SMIC aims to continue developing its technology without additional external pressures.
SMIC 5nm Node: Implications for Global Competitors?
SMIC’s advancements pose a challenge to other semiconductor companies. Korean firms like Samsung Electronics, DB HiTek, and SK Hynix System IC may face increased pressure to lower prices as SMIC’s competitive capabilities grow. The trend of patriotic consumption in China could also shift a significant number of Chinese customers towards SMIC-produced chips.
I have been reviewing the new Acer Swift Go laptops side by side and in the last piece I concluded that you’d be making the wrong choice going with the regular Swift Go 14 (SFG 14-72T Review) which didn’t provide as much value. Here let me go in-depth into the review of the Acer Swift Go 14 OLED (2024) which brings a couple of upgrades over its non-OLED counterpart for not much extra.
Acer Swift Go 14 OLED (2024) Review: Specifications
Dimensions, Weight: 12.30 x 8.6 x 0.59-inches (W x D x H), 1.3 kg
Before we begin, let’s understand Acer’s confusing naming scheme. Firstly there are two different models under the Swift Go 14 tag. One carries the “SFG14-72” model number while the other has a “SFG14-73” tag. Both ship with OLED and non-OLED configurations under “SFG14-72T” and “SFG14-73T” respectively and don’t have a lot of differences between them. They are still visually discernable though, thanks to the notch and glowing trackpad on the 73 series.
For simplicity’s sake, I’ll be referring to the “SFG14-73” as the ‘OLED’ variant and the “SFG14-72T” as the normal one throughout this review. My review unit ships with an OLED screen, Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of memory for NPR 155,000 – NPR 165,000 at the time of this review.
Design
12.30 x 8.67 x 0.59-inches (W x D x H)
1.3 kg, Aluminum build material
The Swift Go 14 OLED looks very similar to its vanilla counterpart. The dimensions are almost the same and it feels just as compact. Visually, the notch above the webcam is useful to distinguish the two and adds a bit more character to the otherwise plain look.
There’s no extra addition to the weight or anything though so it is still very portable and feels just as premium with its all-metal body.
Keyboard and Touchpad
White backlit chiclet keyboard (1.4mm travel)
Plastic trackpad with digital media controls (with OceanGlass coating)
Despite looking similar, the keyboard on the OLED model feels a bit more high-end and satisfying to type on. The texture on the keycaps is a bit smoother but the travel and layout are pretty much the same.
On the other hand, the trackpad brings a new trick up its sleeve. It features a glowing SWIFT text on the bottom paired with digital media playback buttons that light up when streaming music or video. Other than that, it’s the same ‘diving-board’ trackpad as the regular model with a large area, decent tracking, and clicky presses.
Display
14″ glossy WQXGA+ (2880×1800) OLED display
90Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3
380 nits brightness, ~ Gamma 2.1
A big distinction is in the display department where you get to see a much better OLED screen with higher refresh rate, higher resolution, and better overall specs. The 2.8K screen is a 16:10 panel just like the vanilla WUXGA model but brings better sharpness and clarity. Color coverage is also better with almost full DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB colors on top of the standard RGB gamut. Somehow, the brightness isn’t as impressive as last year’s OLED model but nearly 400 nits should be enough for most use cases.
Colors and Brightness
1 of 3
2023 IPS model
2023 OLED model
2024 OLED model
In everyday use, you’ll notice the poppy colors, those deep blacks, and that fluid 90Hz refresh rate. It’s solid all around and I don’t think you can ask for much more at this price point. The reflective glossy coating might be offputting for some people but it’s really not very big of a deal.
Performance
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU (28W TDP)
Intel Arc graphics (Integrated)
16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Since the Swift is now an “AI PC”, it features a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with a few features sprinkled here and there. That is now responsible for most of the effects like background blur, noise reduction, and auto framing during video calls. It wasn’t something that you couldn’t do before but the NPU is far more efficient at it than the CPU or GPU.
Powering the Swift Go is a Meteor Lake Core Ultra 7 processor. It’s based on the newer Intel 4 process and features gains in efficiency and graphics.
CPU does get a decent boost in multicore but the single-core score is pretty much the same as a last-gen ‘H’ series chip. That being said, you are unlikely to notice any bottlenecks or disparities while going on about your day with Word documents, browsing the web, and opening apps.
CPU benchmarks
1 of 2
Intel Arc graphics
That being said, the new integrated Arc graphics is a total game changer.
1 of 2
It is almost twice as powerful as the Iris Xe in older models and you really see that difference. Even gaming is totally possible on the integrated graphics, and I was able to get playable frame rates (30fps+) on a game as demanding as Cyberpunk 2077.
So, it’s no surprise that titles like Counter-Strike and Valorant ran very well too. I was able to play at over 70 fps on the CS2 and over 140 fps (at 1080p) on Valorant with very respectable 1% lows of 35fps and 79fps respectively.
NPU, AI, and the Webcam
As I said before, there’s also a dedicated NPU in the new processor for AI-related things. Besides the video effects mentioned earlier, you can also generate AI images using Stable Diffusion in GIMP, make AI music using Audacity, and use AI effects in Filmora. But chances are the normal target consumer won’t ever touch those softwares or push their NPU to the max.
The 1440p was one of the other headlining features but I’m sad to say that its actual quality isn’t very impressive. Even when you’re in a fairly well-lit room, the videos look weirdly dark for some reason with especially poor exposure and contrast levels! So much for Quad HD resolution and AI prowess!
Audio and I/O
The speakers are really not very exciting either. They sound tiny with not a lot of bass and impact so I’d recommend using speakers or headphones while watching movies for a more immersive experience.
For that, you can plug your headphones into the 3.5mm jack on the right side of the laptop which also features a Type-A port, a micro SD reader, an LED, and a K lock. On the left, you have your Thunderbolt 4 ports, alongside an HDMI, and another USB A port. I would have preferred to have a USB-C port on either side, but it’s really more of a convenience thing and not a dealbreaker.
In terms of wireless connectivity, you get WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1, so as expected the Swift is pretty fast and browses the web effortlessly.
Battery Life
65W battery, supports 100W charging via USB-C PD
65W Type-C adapter in the box
Battery life is another strong suit of the Swift Go 14 OLED with Meteor Lake silicon. Not only does the chip have new ‘Low Power Efficiency’ cores, but the overall TDP and power consumption are less than the last generation. So expect better efficiency for the same battery size, which is exactly what we see in benchmarks and real-life usage.
I was getting a full day’s work (7-8 hours) done on a single charge which is very impressive for such a thin machine with only a 65Wh cell inside. The non-OLED variant I reviewed previously lasted a little more than 6 hours most days despite having the same chipset and power profiles so the OLED is making some meaningful difference when it comes to energy savings.
Swift Go 2023 SFG14-71 (left), Swift Go 2024 OLED SFG14-73 (middle), Swift Go 2024 SFG14-72T (right)
I also ran a separate battery life test for video playback, where the Swift Go 14 OLED managed to last over 10 hours straight — versus how the other models died in like 6 to 7.5 hours already — even though they have the same 65Wh battery.
Acer Swift Go 14 OLED (2024) Review: Conclusion
To wrap things up, the 2024 edition of the Acer Swift Go 14 is a superb ultrabook that comes with a fast processor, a gorgeous display, and a long-lasting battery life. Despite all this, I feel like there’s a better choice out there.
Let’s be honest, most people looking for a thin and light everyday laptop like students, administrative workers, or office professionals aren’t really pushing their laptops to the max. Neither do they even care about things like an AI processor or a faster GPU.
This is why I think you should be going with last year’s model for better value instead since that’s available for just under 1 lakh rupees in Nepal right now.
After all, it’s got a similar design, an identical OLED display, comparable CPU performance, and good enough battery life. Yes, you will be missing out on that powerful Arc graphics and all the AI stuff, but its sheer value for money is absolutely unbeatable for most folks.
Acer Swift Go 14 OLED (2024) Review: Pros and Cons
The renders of Pixel 9 and 9 Pro emerged online a little while back while talks of a larger phone were also going around. With the latest development, we are not limited to renders anymore! We have live images! In this article, we will dive into all the rumours of the entire Google Pixel 9 series in more detail.
Google Pixel 9 Series Rumours Round-up
Members and Naming
The Google Pixel phones settled into a standard since the sixth series with its design and the member phones. We started getting the iconic camera island from this very series. Meanwhile, Google also started launching Pixel and Pixel Pro models in the same year as well.
It appears the company is now ready to shake things up. The rumour is that there will be three phones in the Pixel 9 series. A “Pro XL” model which will be the largest among the bunch is said to join the ranks. In the meantime, all three phones have been given a codename after a reptile. Those being, “Tokay” for the base variant, “Caiman” for the Pro model, and “Komodo” for the new member of the series.
Design
The renders of the Google Pixel 9 show the phone in well… flat frames. It’s been a few years since iPhones reverted to flat frames, and the entire smartphone industry is now following suit — including Google. The recently leaked live images of the phone confirm that these phones will indeed be flat.
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Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9, Pixel 9, Pixel 7
Pixel 9 Pro XL vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
Also, Apple went with Titanium as the material of choice for the iPhone 15 Pro Max! Then Samsung did the same with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. So, it’s only a matter of time before Pixel phones start to feature Titanium as well. Maybe this one will be the one to do so?
Display
For a little while, a few numbers of the supposed screen size were being thrown around. But, now we have a nail in the coffin leak regarding the screen size. This leak is the courtesy of Rozetked who shows some key details about the display on all three phones.
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Pixel 9
Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Base Google Pixel 9 will be the most compact phone of the series with a 6.24-inch screen. Similarly, the Pro and Pro XL models will have a display that stretches 6.34, and 6.73 inches respectively. Moreover, the leaked images show the tiniest guy with the thickest bezel. Other than that, these phones come with a 120Hz refresh rate while boasting a pixel density of 425, 493, and 487 PPI respectively.
Until and unless Google decides to gobsmack us, the Pixel 9 series should come with the Tensor G4 chipset handling the processing. Additionally, the processor is already under works with the codename “Redondo”, so there will likely not be any out-of-the-blue moves from the company.
While there is barely any information on the silicon of the phone, we do have some leads on the memory and storage combo. This is again thanks to Rozetked. As per the source, the Google Pixel 9 will ship with 12GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. On the other hand, both the Pro models will sport 16GB memory while the ROM capacity remains the same as the base variant.
Camera
It appears that Google is updating the design of the Pixel phones in more than one way. They had that iconic camera island on the back that kind of resembled the eyewear of Marvel Comics’ Cyclops. Well, we will be bidding goodbye to that Pixel camera island and welcoming a pill-shaped camera island.
Previously, the word was that the Pixel 9 would finally feature three cameras. However, more recent rumours and live images completely blow that possibility from the water. Given that, the vanilla model will come with a primary shooter coupled with an ultrawide lens. Furthermore, a triple camera setup remains exclusive to the Pro models. Here, you get a main optic, an ultrawide camera, and a 5x periscope lens. Lastly, all the cameras on all three models are 50MP in resolution.
Google Pixel 9 Series Launch and Availability
As it stands, we have a very limited tea on the Google Pixel 9 series. But, we don’t need to rush as there will be more leaks and rumours coming in until these phones launch around October 2024. We will make sure to keep you updated on whatever information surfaces regarding these phones. Till then, adios amigos!
Meanwhile, check out our Google Pixel 8 review video:
Meta, the company behind Facebook, is diving into the world of AI-driven earphones, aiming to bring groundbreaking technology to everyday devices. We are talking about earbuds with *checks note* ‘cameras’. Yeah, you read it write. Now, let’s dive into this article discussing the upcoming Meta Camerabuds in more detail.
Meta Camerabuds Overview
Known as “Camerabuds” internally, Meta’s latest project involves embedding AI capabilities into earphones equipped with cameras. These earphones are designed to identify objects and translate languages in real time, a significant leap forward in wearable gadgets.
Whats is Meta even cooking?
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, is personally invested in the development of “Camerabuds.” He’s been involved in reviewing different designs, considering options from small earbuds to larger headphones. Furthermore, Meta is teaming up with Ear Micro, an electronics company based in Kansas, to bring their vision to life.
Challenges and Considerations
However, there are hurdles to overcome. Technical issues like hair obstructing the camera and overheating problems need solutions. Privacy concerns, especially around camera use, must also be addressed. If implemented, they could perhaps offer real-time translation and information about surroundings, empowering disabled individuals to navigate the world more independently. In addition, Meta will also have to take its rivals in to consideration, as tech companies, be they giants or small startups, all have made some kind of foray into almost every segment of tech.
While the future of Meta’s “Camerabuds” remains uncertain, their development showcases the tech industry’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI into daily life. But the idea of Camerabuds remains pretty unique in itself, and the upcoming technological changes is something we’ll have to prepare for.
