5 Common Backup Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Ensuring your valuable data is always protected from unexpected disasters or cyber threats is crucial. The numbers don’t lie: one in ten computers fall victim to viruses, and a staggering 113 phones are stolen every minute, every day. Don’t risk losing your data; it can be a sudden and potentially irretrievable nightmare. Reliable backups are non-negotiable. Remember, March 31st is celebrated as World Backup Day, and it’s a poignant reminder of the essential task of securing your data. Take action now!

Here are the common backup mistakes that people make and how to avoid them: 

1. Skipping regular backups: The common mistake is forgetting to back up data regularly. Whether personal files or crucial business documents, not establishing a consistent backup routine leaves you vulnerable to data loss. Unexpected system crashes or malware attacks can happen anytime, making your precious data inaccessible or permanently lost. But you can help avoid such a situation by setting up automatic backups.

2. Trusting a single backup device: A device can be damaged or stolen, putting your backups at risk, so depending entirely on one storage medium is playing a dangerous game with your data’s safety. Instead, diversify your backup storage solutions with external HDDs, NAS, and cloud storage. 

3. Forgetting version control: Another blunder is overlooking version control during backups. Not keeping multiple versions of files increases the chance of saving corrupted or incorrect data over previous versions. Fixing mistakes or retrieving older versions can become a challenge without a proper versioning system. To prevent forgetting version control, establish a system that tracks changes to your files over time. This ensures you can always revert to earlier versions, helping protect against accidental data loss or corruption.

4. Ignoring offsite backup solutions: Many people neglect offsite backup solutions, assuming local backups are foolproof. However, relying solely on local backups makes you vulnerable to site-specific disasters like fires or theft. Using offsite backups means keeping copies of your data in different places so that your data stays safe if something goes wrong in one area. As an alternative, you could use cloud storage.

5. Underestimating encryption: Not prioritizing encryption in backups can be a costly mistake. Storing unencrypted backups makes your sensitive data vulnerable to unauthorized access or breaches. Implementing strong encryption ensures even if your backups fall into the wrong hands, the data remains protected. However, it is equally important to remember not to opt for out-of-the-box encryption solutions, as they might make it difficult for you to retrieve the backed-up information later. 

This World Backup Day, Western Digital urges you to back up your data safely and prepare for the unexpected by having a contingency plan for device mishaps like crashes, theft, or damage. A common rule of thumb for keeping essential data from disappearing forever is the 3-2-1 Rule. It dictates that you should have THREE copies of your data, with one as a primary backup and two as copies. Save copies of your backups on TWO different media or devices, and keep ONE backup copy offsite in case of disaster. 

Determine where and how you’ll store backup files and identify support systems to help if things go wrong. By following these tips, you can ensure your data is safe and secure.

boAt Launched Airdopes Supreme TWS

boAt has launched a new pair of earbuds, the boAt Airdopes Supreme. The earbuds aim to provide premium-quality audio performance, long-lasting battery life, effortless multipoint connectivity across two devices, and exceptional call quality at an affordable price. 

The Airdopes Supreme features Ultra-Hearing dual drivers powered by HWA and Hi-Res-certified sound to deliver clarity for music and calls. The earbuds also come with quad microphones featuring up to 40% improved noise cancellation, ensuring crystal-clear audio. The earbuds feature 4-Mic AI-ENx technology, which provides noise-free calls of exceptional clarity. The technology ensures your voice retains its natural clarity while eliminating background distractions. It is perfect for bustling cafes, malls, or busy streets. 

The Airdopes Supreme offers Seamless Multipoint Connectivity, which allows you to switch effortlessly between enjoying your preferred movies or shows on the tablet and attending calls on your mobile. It also comes with In-Ear Detection that automatically starts music playback and accepts incoming calls when you plug in your earbuds. You can pause audio or switch the call from the earbuds to your phone by taking out the earbuds. The Airdopes Supreme offers a Cinematic Spatial Audio experience thanks to real-time Spatial Audio enhanced by 24-bit Audio Processing technology.

The earbuds also offer a 50-hour playback time and ASAP Charge technology, which provides 150 minutes of entertainment with just a quick 10-minute charge. They are also IPX4 splash and sweat-resistant. They come with integrated 12V OVP solutions for long-term durability and utmost safety, making them perfect for an active lifestyle.

The boAt Hearables app offers a comprehensive solution for all things audio. It allows you to control advanced audio features, personalize touch functions, monitor earbud connectivity status, and access user guides, all with a single tap.

The boAt Airdopes Supreme TWS Earbuds are available at an exclusive launch price of ₹1,299 from Flipkart.com, boAt-lifestyle.com, and select retailers in your area.

AjnaLens unveils High Performance Spatial Computing at GDC 2024

AjnaLens participated in the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2024, which took place in San Francisco, USA, from March 18th to 22nd. The GDC hosted top tech companies, including Meta and Microsoft.

AjnaLens showcased cutting-edge solutions, such as the AjnaVidya ecosystem, which allowed developers to create, publish, and grow XR apps. Other innovations included AjnaHPSC, which enabled high-performance spatial computing, AjnaKriti, which created 3D models from text, image, or video at a click, object tracking, and the AjnaChakra OS.

Developers faced various limitations when building high-quality XR applications, such as replicating real-world physics in an immersive environment, which was time-consuming and involved high costs for high-performance setups. AjnaHPSC on AjnaVidya eliminated these limitations by providing XR streaming directly to the AjnaXR headset, thereby removing the need for a high-performance PC setup. On the AjnaVidya ecosystem, developers could create 3D models at a click and find the audience to monetize their efforts. AjnaVidya was a one-stop solution for all XR application developers.

The AjnaLens team at GDC 2024 showcased innovations such as Ray Tracing, Path Tracing, and driving simulations using AjnaHPSC at Booth S945. This platform reinforced India’s standing as a global tech pioneer in the field of human-computer interactions.

In the words of Mr. Abhishek Tomar, CTO & Co-Founder of AjnaLens, “Our society may have progressed rapidly in terms of innovation and technology, but we have miles to go when it comes to humanity quotient. AjnaLens aims to Augment Human Intelligence and transform human life from a journey of prosperity to self-actualization.” As AjnaLens continues to push the boundaries of spatial computing, the future of XR and human intelligence shines brighter than ever before.

AjnaLens had earned the trust of industry giants like Qualcomm, Siemens, Nvidia, and Unreal Engine. Through partnerships with organizations such as L&T, Tata Technologies, and the Indian Armed Forces, AjnaLens had reshaped industries and impacted over 72,000 learners. The launch of AjnaVidya had heralded a new era of spatial computing, promising further enrichment across industries.

Honor confirmed the upcoming launch of the MagicBook X14 Pro and X16 Pro

Honor recently confirmed the upcoming disruptive launch of the MagicBook X14 Pro (2024) and X16 Pro (2024). According to reliable sources, these MagicBook laptops are expected to be released in the first week of April, priced at under 60K. They will be available for pre-order from 25th March 2024 with exciting offers.

Honor recently confirmed that the laptops will feature 13th-generation Intel Core i5 ‘H-series’ CPUs, coupled with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The laptops are also said to come pre-installed with Windows 11 Home, and the Pro variants are packed with AI-powered noise cancellation, high-resolution stereo speakers, and full-sized backlit keyboards.

The laptops will also be powered by a 60Wh large-capacity battery for non-stop productivity for over 10 Hours of regular office use and 11.5 hours of local video playback. All these premium features will be made available for the masses of India at attractive price points, accompanied by various pre-order offers starting from 25th March for prospective buyers.

Honor, after the innovative launch of the MagicBook X14 and X16 laptops in 2023, is continuing to bring high-performance products as per the needs of Indian users. The upcoming lunches are a testament to Honor becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services.

Apple MacBook Air with M3 chip goes on sale in India

Launched on March 4, Apple’s MacBook Air with M3 is now available for purchase in India. The MacBook Air with M3 features a sleek design along with unrivalled performance and is offered in 13-inch and 15-inch display options. Starting at a price of ₹1,14,900 for the 13-inch model and ₹1,34,900 for the 15-inch variant, the MacBook Air with M3 arrives with its array of captivating hues, including midnight, starlight, silver, and space grey, ensuring a match for every taste and style.

The new MacBook Air range is not just about aesthetics—Apple has crafted a powerhouse with the M3 chip, boasting a staggering 60% increase in performance compared to the M1 chip. The MacBook Air welcomes you to dive into a world of seamless multitasking and lightning-fast processing as the 16-core Neural Engine unleashes the full potential of AI applications, from language models to image generation, all within the confines of your MacBook Air.

Featuring a feather-light design and an astonishing battery life of up to 18 hours, the MacBook Air with M3 is the epitome of portability and endurance. Immerse yourself in the brilliance of the Liquid Retina display, enhanced by 2x faster internet connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring an unparalleled browsing experience. The new MacBook Air elevate your video calls with the 1080p FaceTime HD camera and revels in crystal-clear audio, thanks to the three-mic array and enhanced voice clarity. And for the audiophiles, indulge in a sensory journey with the immersive sound system, boasting support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

The M3-loaded MacBook Air offers great possibilities with customizable configurations, ranging from 8GB unified memory and 512GB storage to a luxurious 16GB memory option, ensuring that your MacBook Air is tailored to your every need. And the cherry on top? Unlock exclusive offers, including a generous bank discount of ₹8,000 on HDFC bank credit cards, or opt for a hassle-free instalment plan on select bank cards because luxury should be within reach for all who dare to dream.

Price

MacBook Air with M3 (13-inch):
8GB unified memory + 512GB storage – ₹1,34,900
16GB unified memory + 512GB storage – ₹1,54,900

MacBook Air with M3 – (15-inch):
8GB unified memory + 512GB storage – ₹1,54,900
16GB unified memory + 512GB storage – ₹1,74,900

Lenovo Unveiled Yoga Slim 7i Laptop aimed at Gen Z creators

Lenovo has unveiled its new Yoga Slim 7i laptop, aimed at Gen Z creators to provide them with the tools to realize their content creation ambitions. The laptop is designed to offer exceptional performance and portability, enabling users to work from anywhere. The Slim 7i features a 14.9mm aluminium chassis with MIL-810H military-grade durability, Comfort Edge aesthetic design, and a buttonless glass surface precision touchpad. It also has an immersive 400 nits 100% DCI-P3 OLED display and an Intel Evo certified PC featuring Intel Core Ultra H-series processors and integrated Intel Arc Graphics. The device is built to cater to the dynamic needs of creators, including content creation, photo and video editing, animation, and graphic designing.

Speaking on the new release, Ashish Sikka, Director and Category Head, Lenovo India said, “We recognise the need for on-the-go content requirements in the current world, and the influx of various content formats is further brewing the need for smart performing devices. With the aim to support all artistic ambitions, the new Yoga laptop with the Lenovo AI Engine+ offers a premium AI experience that emperors innovation. It combines performance and portability keeping in mind the versatility and creative expression of creators.”

Lenovo has incorporated Lenovo AI Engine+ to make the Slim 7i a smart device that adapts to the user’s needs, thereby driving creative innovation. The device’s hardware and sensors provide real-time information, freeing up valuable CPU and GPU processing power for creative tasks, making it a power-efficient device. Lenovo offers a ‘Customize your PC’ option, allowing customers to tailor the features per their requirements and build up the base model setup to a dynamic machine for a phenomenal experience. The customized device will be delivered to customers within 25 days of purchase. Lenovo has introduced a limited-time offer where buyers can avail of a 5% cashback of up to ₹10,000 on all ‘Customize your PC’ orders.

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i is priced at ₹1,04,999 and is now available for purchase from Lenovo.com with a 4-hour delivery*. You can also purchase your device from Lenovo Exclusive Stores, leading e-commerce websites, and other offline retail stores. Consumers can own the Yoga Slim 7i on a monthly no-cost EMI of ₹5,999/- or get a 10% instant discount (up to 10,000) on HDFC cards.

PERFORMANCE
Processor Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H, 16C (6P + 8E + 2LPE) / 22T, Max Turbo up to 4.8GHz, 24MB
Operating System Windows 11
Graphics UMA : Intel® Arc
Memory 32GB Soldered LPDDR5x-7467, not upgradable
Storage 1TB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe
Camera FHD 1080p + IR with E-shutter, ToF Sensor
Audio HD audio, Stereo speakers, 2W x4, optimized with Dolby® Atmos®, Amplifier (AMP)
Battery Integrated 65Whr
DESIGN
Display 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200) OLED 400nits Glossy, 100% DCI-P3, 60Hz, Dolby® Vision™, DisplayHDR™ True Black 500, Eyesafe® Certification, TÜV Rheinland® Low Blue Light Certification
Touchpad Buttonless glass surface multi-touch touchpad, supports Precision TouchPad (PTP), 75 x 120 mm (2.95 x 4.72 inches)
Dimensions (W x D x H) 312 x 221 x 14.9 mm (12.28 x 8.7 x 0.59 inches)
Surface Treatment Aluminum Stamping (Anodized with Sandblasting
Case Material & Color Aluminum, Luna Grey
Weight Starting at 1.39 kg (3.06 lbs)

iOS 17.4 has Arrived with new Features

Apple’s latest iOS update, version 17.4, comes with a range of enhancements and new features designed to improve the iPhone user experience. Although it’s not a major overhaul, this incremental update introduces several improvements that boost device functionality and user experience. Here are the key highlights of iOS 17.4:

New Emojis

iOS 17.4 adds new emojis to the collection, which enables users to express themselves in new and fun ways. Users now have a broader range of emoticons, from diverse symbols to new faces, making their communication more engaging and expressive.

Detailed Battery Health Information

With iOS 17.4, you can access more detailed information about your battery’s health to gain insights into its capacity and peak performance capability over time. With this information, you can confidently decide about your device usage and charging habits.

Send Messages with Siri in Multiple Languages

Siri has become more versatile than ever. Users can now send messages in different languages, which makes communication across linguistic contexts much easier. Whether you are talking to friends or colleagues from different parts of the world, Siri’s linguistic flexibility ensures that language barriers are no longer an obstacle.

New Digital Clock Widget

iOS 17.4 brings a new digital clock widget that allows users to customize their home screen further. This sleek and functional widget provides easy access to the time, and users can choose from various design options to create a personalized home screen that suits their aesthetic preferences and workflow.

Enhanced Stolen Device Protection

Protecting your iPhone from theft or loss is crucial for safeguarding valuable data and personal information. iOS 17.4 expands on existing security features with more stolen device protection options, such as remotely locking your device, tracking its location, or initiating a remote wipe. These features give greater control and peace of mind when securing iPhones.

Music Recognition Integration

iOS 17.4 integrates music recognition functionality, allowing users to quickly identify songs and add them to their library or playlists. Whether at a party, in a cafe, or simply exploring new music, this feature enhances your music discovery experience by enabling quick and effortless song identification and organization.

Biggest changes for users living in the EU

The biggest update of iOS has been designed to comply with the Digital Markets Act of the European Union. The update includes a feature that allows users to download apps from third-party app stores in Europe. However, Apple will still control which apps are allowed from these third-party stores. Additionally, with the new iOS 17.4, users can use alternative payment methods through Apple Pay and NFC. It is also worth noting that the region’s Progressive Web Apps (PWA) will not be disabled.

Although iOS 17.4 does not introduce groundbreaking changes globally, but Apple’s commitment to improving the iPhone user experience is evident. This update includes expanded emojis, improved battery health insights, and enhanced security features, catering to both practical and functional aspects of smartphone usage. As Apple continues to iterate and innovate, iOS 17.4 represents another step forward in providing a seamless, intuitive, and feature-rich mobile operating system for iPhone users worldwide.

 

Windows gets image editing AI | Generative Erase them all!

Introducing the upcoming Generative Erase tool for Windows! Microsoft is rolling out a new feature called Generative erase to the Photos app for both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Now you can magically remove unwanted elements from your photos using the power of AI. Get ready to take your photo editing game to the next level with Microsoft’s AI-powered tools.

Windows is set to receive its very own Magic Eraser for AI-enhanced photo editing. The new Generative Erase feature is on its way to the Photos app in Windows 11, and it will also be available for Windows 10 users. Just like Google and Samsung, Microsoft is jumping on the bandwagon of incorporating magical AI-powered selective photo erasers into their devices. The company has introduced Generative erase, allowing users to perform similar tasks within the Photos app that is included with Windows.

Microsoft is currently developing its own upscaler similar to DLSS for Windows 11, showing that even Notepad is not exempt from the company’s significant AI advancements in Windows. Although this may not be as flashy as other AI features you’ve seen, the good news is that you won’t need to purchase a new Pixel or Galaxy device to enjoy this functionality. Microsoft has confirmed that it will not only introduce this feature to Windows 11 but will also bring all of the Photos app’s AI editing capabilities to Windows 10, including Windows 11 for Arm64 devices. This includes a background removal tool as well.

For now, these tools are only available to Windows Insiders. Microsoft has stated, “This update is starting to roll out to Windows Insiders in all channels today (including Windows Insiders on Windows 10 in the Release Preview Channel). Be sure to update your app to version number 2024.11020.21001.0 or higher.” The company’s blog post does not mention whether AI-edited photos will contain metadata or watermarks to differentiate them from unedited images. Image editing AI seems like a mandatory feature in most operating systems going forward.

What’s happening with Paytm?

Paytm has been under some serious trials in India. Is Paytm Wallet going to continue functioning after March 15? Paytm has not provided a clear clarification on this matter yet. Although they have published a detailed FAQ page explaining what will and will not work on Paytm after March 15, they have not specifically mentioned whether the Wallet will still be operational for those who have not linked it with Paytm Payments Bank.

The company has not given any indication as to whether the Wallet will continue to function for users who have linked it with other banks. Paytm has stated that the ban will not affect features such as Paytm QR, Soundbox, and Card Machine. Paytm Payments Bank is set to be banned or seized next month, as the deadline for this has recently been extended. However, there is still confusion among some people regarding whether Paytm will completely stop working or if certain services will still be available. While Paytm has provided information on what will work on the platform after March 15, they have not clarified the status of the Wallet for users who have not linked it with Paytm Payments Bank.

The company has stated that if your Paytm account is linked with Paytm Payments Bank, you will be able to continue using it, withdrawing funds, and transferring to other wallets or bank accounts until the balance is available. However, after March 15, 2024, you will not be able to make any deposits into the Wallet. Refunds and cashback can still be credited to your Wallet. It has been confirmed that users will still be able to use the Paytm app for bill payments and recharges without any interruption. The recent ban on Paytm Payments Bank will not affect individuals who have linked their Paytm accounts with authorized banks such as ICICI, HDFC, and others. Users can carry out their usual transactions, including recharges and bill payments, through Paytm. It is important to note that the ban imposed by the Reserve Bank of India only applies to users who have specifically opened accounts with Paytm Payments Bank.

The recent announcement from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has prompted Paytm Payments Bank to provide further details on the impact of the directive. As of March 15, 2024, new deposits and credit transactions will no longer be accepted by Paytm Payments Bank Account/Wallet. Nevertheless, customers can still withdraw funds from their existing balance post this date. It’s worth noting that the directive does not affect the current balances in customers’ accounts or wallets, and the company guarantees the safety of their money within the bank.

MWC 2024 Wrap-up

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) of 2024, the most highly anticipated event in the field of technology, has returned to the streets of Barcelona. With the latest innovations in mobile technology, MWC attracts journalists, industry leaders, and enthusiasts from around the world. This year, MWC gave us a glimpse into the future of mobile innovation, showcasing cutting-edge technologies such as AI and bendable displays. Here is a rundown of the major brands and innovations displayed at the Mobile World Congress.

SAMSUNG 

Samsung showcased the latest mobile tech at the Mobile World Congress, and it’s pretty impressive! The Samsung booth showcased a range of products, including the Galaxy Book4 series, which offers a more intelligent way to get stuff done. They also had the Galaxy Watch6 series on display, which has some incredible health features. And Samsung’s latest wearable device, the Galaxy Ring, made its public debut at the event!

At the booth, Samsung demonstrated some of the AI features of the Galaxy S24 series. For instance, Live Translate allows you to get real-time translations during phone calls. Circle to Search with Google is another cool feature that makes searching easy. Not to mention Note Assist, which simplifies complex texts, and Generative Edit, which offers creative flexibility in photo editing.

Samsung’s health lineup is also pretty incredible! The Galaxy Ring, for instance, is a new health form factor that offers smarter and healthier living experiences. Samsung Health provides a more connected digital wellness platform, and upcoming features like My Vitality Score offer personalized health insights based on multiple factors.

And that’s not all! With Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, you can control connected lights for optimal sleep, set reminders to take medicine, and track exercises while following a fitness video on a connected TV. These features are available on the Galaxy Watch6 series when paired with the Galaxy S24.

MOTOROLA

During Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, Motorola made an announcement about its collaboration with Corning, the leading glass manufacturer. As per this partnership, Motorola has decided to use Corning Gorilla Glass exclusively for all its upcoming smartphone models scheduled to launch later this year. While most of Motorola’s high-end devices already come equipped with Gorilla Glass, this move is more targeted towards the budget and mid-range phone segments. With this collaboration, Motorola aims to enhance the durability and toughness of its phone screens while offering a superior user experience to its customers.

Motorola has presented a revolutionary phone with a rollable display at the Mobile World Congress. The Adaptive Display concept was first introduced in October, and it’s a significant achievement in flexible display technology. The Motorola rollable phone features a 6.9-inch screen that can bend around the wrist, completely transforming the conventional smartphone design. The phone has a plastic-based pOLED display with FHD+ resolution, providing a regular smartphone’s appearance with a slightly taller form factor. The Motorola bendable phone has a back panel of multiple segments covered with textile material, enabling the device’s flexibility, which cannot be achieved with metal or plastic. The device can be wrapped around the wrist, turning it into a bulky smartwatch or a small wearable display. When the device is flat, it functions as a traditional Android smartphone with a full-screen interface. Users can adjust the device to a self-standing position or a compact form with a 4.6-inch display.

LENOVO

Lenovo has created a buzz with its latest innovation, the ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop Concept. This groundbreaking laptop features a 17.3-inch Micro-LED transparent display that combines the virtual and real worlds. It’s powered by AI-generated content creation (AIGC) tools to make your work more efficient and collaborative. This feature lets you interact with physical objects and overlay digital information. The keyboard area is also transparent, and the chassis design offers a sleek, futuristic look.

The latest laptops from Lenovo include the ThinkPad T14 Gen 5, ThinkPad T14s Gen 5, ThinkPad T16 Gen 3, ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2, and ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4. These devices are powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, which provide top-notch security, power efficiency, and an immersive user experience. They come equipped with AI features designed to significantly enhance work efficiency and productivity. The T series features premium design and user-centric innovations, highlighting Lenovo’s focus on sustainability and repairability by incorporating recycled materials and allowing for easier upgrades.

In addition to laptops, Lenovo introduced accessories and software designed to complement the mobile workforce. The ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 Mobile Monitor provides a portable touch-enabled second screen option for professionals who are always on the move. To further enhance users’ mobility and connectivity, Lenovo has developed the ThinkPad Executive 16-inch Backpack and the USB-C Slim Travel Dock. Lenovo also unveiled Smart Connect, a solution that offers seamless multi-device experiences, and Lenovo Identity Advisor, powered by Norton, to monitor and safeguard users’ digital identity.

HMD

HMD’s announcement at the Mobile World Congress brings a new vision – it’s all about creating Human Mobile Devices! They are committed to making affordable, beautiful, and desirable phones to help you solve tech-related problems such as e-waste and digital fatigue.

HMD wants to create visually attractive phones. They have won awards for producing repairable devices and phones that last longer. They want to make the repairability experience accessible to everyone and aim to sell more repairable devices globally.

This coming summer, HMD plans to launch a new and innovative smartphone that will be a platform for creativity, making technology more accessible to more people worldwide. They will release a toolkit for developers and businesses to enable people and businesses to augment their phones to fit their needs and champion their creativity.

In addition, HMD has announced an exciting partnership with Mattel and Barbie. The Barbie Flip Phone will arrive in 2024 and offer style, nostalgia, and a much-needed digital detox flipping the script on smartphone culture.

HMD even committed to sell Nokia phones and bring back an iconic phone this summer. They will also introduce a stellar line-up of exciting new brands this year.

TECNO

Tecno has expanded its product portfolio beyond smartphones at this year’s MWC. They have introduced two new products, the Tecno Pocket Go and AR Pocket Vision.

Tecno Pocket Go

The Tecno Pocket Go is a Windows handheld console that works with a pair of AR glasses. The headset has a 0.71″ micro-OLED screen, with a viewing angle equivalent to a 215″ TV from six meters away. The handheld is 50% smaller and 30% lighter than other Windows gaming handhelds and looks like an Xbox controller. Tecno revealed that the device has an 8-core, 16-thread CPU with frequencies up to 5.1 GHz. It also has a cooling fan and three copper pipes for heat dissipation and a 50 Wh replaceable battery.

The glasses are called AR Pocket Vision and come with a six-axis gyroscope with an AI algorithm that learns about the head movements of the object. The Pocket Go has a Tecno Smart Box, a central hub for managing games and settings. It also allows the AR Pocket Vision and Windows handheld to connect to other Tecno devices and act as a mobile workstation.

Tecno Dynamic 1

Tecno Dynamic 1 is a robot dog inspired by the German Shepherd. It is designed to provide smart home entertainment, assistance, education, and training.

Dynamic 1 has a torque output of 45 Nm/kg, meaning the dog can effortlessly climb stairs. It can also bow and give a paw. An AI HyperSense Fusion System and Intel Real Sense depth camera take care of the stable mobility that allows it to recognize and move around obstacles. The robot is equipped with an unspecified 8-core Arm CPU.

The dog has 64 GB storage, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. It can be operated via a smartphone app and supports remote control operation and voice commands. Dynamic 1 has a 15,000 mAh battery that provides 90 minutes of runtime, and it can be swapped and charged separately for minimum downtime.

By the way, Tecno mentioned that Dynamic 1 is not here to compete with products from Boston Dynamics. As a matter of fact, it’s unlikely to be commercialized at all. Tecno said the unveiling of this dog is to showcase the company’s innovation capabilities in advanced robotics and AI.

XIAOMI

Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Xiaomi hosted a significant event in Barcelona just before MWC and unveiled two new flagship smartphones for an international audience. The phones are the Xiaomi 14 and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets. However, while the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra were launched at the event, the Xiaomi 14 Pro is only available in China.

The Xiaomi 14 smartphone features a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED screen with up to 3000 nits peak brightness and a 1200p resolution, and it comes with Gorilla Glass Victus on top. The rear camera setup is quite impressive, with three 50 MP cameras, and the primary camera features a brighter f/1.6 aperture and a larger 1/1.31-inch sensor with dual-pixel PDAF. The telephoto camera has a 75 mm equivalent 3.2x zoom lens, while the third is an ultra-wide-angle lens. The Xiaomi 14 also has a slightly larger 4,610 mAh battery that supports 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.

Moving on to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the phone is even more incredible! It comes with a 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED panel that can reach up to 3000 nits peak brightness and uses a custom protective sheet called Shield Glass. The rear camera setup is quite similar to the Xiaomi 14, with the primary camera having an upgraded variable aperture that can go as bright as f/1.6. The phone also has a new 1-inch type sensor. The 5x telephoto camera, the 3.2x telephoto camera, and the ultra-wide-angle shooter are all the same as in the predecessor – 50 MP Sony sensors that are 1/2.51 inches in size. In Europe, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra comes with a 5,000 mAh battery, slightly smaller than the 5,300 mAh battery in China. The device comes with Android 14-based HyperOS pre-installed.

The Xiaomi 14 comes in three colours: Black, White, and Jade Green, and has two storage variants (12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB) with a starting price of €1,000 (approx. ₹90,000). The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, on the other hand, is only available in Black or White and has only one storage variant (16GB/512GB), which costs €1,500 (approx. ₹1,35,000). Don’t worry if you accidentally break your screen in the first 6 months of ownership. Both phones come with free screen repair.

HONOR

Honor Magic 6 Pro

Honor launched its latest smartphone, the Honor Magic 6 Pro, at the Mobile World Congress. The phone features the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and an IP68 water and dust resistance rating.

Here are some of the phone’s specifications: The Honor Magic 6 Pro boasts a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a peak brightness of 5,000 nits and 4320Hz of PWM Dimming. Its glass is protected by NanoCrystal Shield, which is said to be 10 times more drop-resistant than regular glass. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with an Adreno graphics processor for all the graphics-intensive tasks. The smartphone comes with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. It runs on the company’s proprietary MagicOS 8 custom skin based on the latest Android 14 operating system.

Regarding optics, the Honor Magic 6 Pro features a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 180MP periscope telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide-angle lens. Additionally, a 50MP selfie shooter to the front handles all selfie and video call-related requirements.

The phone houses a 5,600mAh battery that can be fast charged via an 80W fast charger and a 66W wireless charger. The phone also supports 5W reverse wired charging.

The Honor Magic 6 Pro comes in two variants: 12GB RAM/512GB storage variant priced at 1299 Euros (approx ₹1,16,000) and 16GB RAM/1TB storage variant priced at 2699 Euros (approx ₹2,42,000).

Honor MagicBook Pro 16

Honor MagicBook Pro 16 laptop runs on the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155H with six performance cores, eight efficient cores, and two low-power efficient cores. It also has a GeForce RTX 40 series laptop GPU and runs on Windows 11. There is a 16-inch display with a 3072 x 1920 pixel resolution and up to 165Hz refresh rate.

The laptop also has AI features, including Smart Picture Search, Smart Document Summary, Text Comprehension, AI Subtitle, and Magic Text. Plus, it has six speakers – four woofers and two tweeters – making it the world’s first spatial audio laptop on a Windows-based PC. And if you’re worried about battery life, don’t be! The device is powered by a 75Wh battery, which gives you up to 12 hours of battery life, according to the company.

Honor Pad 9

Now, let’s talk about the Honor Pad 9 tablet. It’s equipped with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC processor, coupled with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The tablet runs on Android 13-based MagicOS 7.2 and has a 12.1-inch LCD display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution. It also has a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera. The tablet has Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1, OTG, and a USB Type-C port for connectivity.

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