Reviews Archives - Page 13 of 28

HarmonyOS 6 Boasts 40% Performance Improvement

22Oct

By Huawei NewsNo Comments

HarmonyOS & Software, NEWS, Phones, Reviews

HarmonyOS 6 Boasts 40% Performance Improvement

Huawei has announced HarmonyOS 6, the latest iteration of its operating system. According to Huawei, the new version delivers a 40% performance increase compared to HarmonyOS 5. The improvement encompasses various aspects, including application launch speeds, system responsiveness, and overall operational efficiency. Specific technical details regarding the architecture changes driving this performance gain have not yet been extensively released. Huawei emphasized the OS’s continued focus on cross-device collaboration and distributed capabilities. It continues to position HarmonyOS as a key element of its broader ecosystem strategy, targeting a range of devices from smartphones and tablets to smart home appliances and vehicles.While the announcement focuses on performance, it does not yet ...

Test New Android Auto Versions Without Joining the Beta Program

22Oct

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NEWS, Reviews

Test New Android Auto Versions Without Joining the Beta Program

For enthusiasts eager to experience the latest features, accessing Android Auto beta versions can be challenging. While participation in the official beta program is often difficult to secure, a workaround exists. Google typically releases Android Auto versions in a tiered approach: a beta phase for testers, followed by a staged official rollout. The time between beta release and official availability can vary significantly, as evidenced by the Coolwalk release timeline. The appeal of beta versions lies in early access to new features, security patches, and design refinements. However, beta software is inherently unstable, prone to bugs, crashes, and unresolved issues. Users not enrolled in the beta program can still access these versions. The process involves downloading the APK file f...

Xiaomi Launches Self-Install Smart Lock: No Drilling Required

22Oct

By Huawei NewsNo Comments

NEWS, Reviews

Xiaomi Launches Self-Install Smart Lock: No Drilling Required

Xiaomi has introduced a new smart lock designed to simplify home security and installation. Addressing a common barrier to adoption—the complexity of installation—the Xiaomi Self-Install Smart Lock aims to make smart locks accessible to a wider audience by eliminating the need for drilling or door modifications. The lock is engineered to adapt to existing door cylinders, allowing for installation within minutes without requiring any alterations to the doorframe. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Matter compatibility, enabling seamless integration with existing smart home ecosystems, regardless of brand. User authentication is versatile, supporting multiple methods including PIN codes (permanent, temporary, or single-use), Bluetooth, fingerprint scanning, app access, and vo...

22Oct

By Huawei NewsNo Comments

NEWS, Reviews

Samsung Galaxy XR Priced at $1,799

Samsung has officially announced the pricing for the Galaxy XR headset, confirming expectations of a premium price point. The Samsung Galaxy XR is available for $1,799. This price positions the Galaxy XR significantly lower than its primary competitor, the Apple Vision Pro, which carries a considerably higher cost. While $1,799 represents a substantial investment, it's approximately half the price of the Vision Pro and slightly more than the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Notably, the headset’s controllers are not included in the base price. However, Samsung emphasizes that the controllers are not essential for a satisfactory user experience, citing effective hand-tracking capabilities through integrated cameras. Navigation within the Android XR operating system relies heavily on hand gestures, includin...

Self-Hosting Lessons: The Cost of Underpowered Hardware

22Oct

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NEWS, Phones, Reviews

Self-Hosting Lessons: The Cost of Underpowered Hardware

Starting a self-hosted infrastructure often involves troubleshooting, unexpected downtime, and services that don't always function as expected. A recent experience highlighted the limitations of attempting to run too many services on underpowered hardware, specifically a Synology NAS with only 2GB of RAM. The decision to use existing hardware is common among those starting to self-host, often driven by cost considerations. In regions like South Africa, electronics import taxes and limited local manufacturing inflate prices, making even refurbished mini PCs costly. The author, facing these financial constraints, began with a main PC and later utilized a NAS, originally a review device, to host key services. While initially successful, the 2GB RAM limitation proved restrictive, prompting c...

22Oct

By No Comments

NEWS, Phones, Reviews

Google Wallet Streamlines Card Addition with NFC Tap

Google Wallet has introduced a new feature simplifying the process of adding credit and debit cards. Users can now add contactless-enabled cards by simply tapping them against an NFC reader, a significant improvement over the previous manual entry or image capture methods. The update, delivered through the latest Google Play services release, was initially spotted in testing as early as April 2024. Previously, adding a card required multiple steps. This new functionality aims to provide a more seamless and efficient user experience. The change arrives alongside continued testing of Material 3 Expressive design elements within the Google Wallet app (version 25.41.817018206), evidenced by subtle background tints and button text changes, although a full redesign is not yet available. The late...

Haidet Achieves 2 Billion Frames Per Second Camera Recording

22Oct

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NEWS, Phones, Reviews

Haidet Achieves 2 Billion Frames Per Second Camera Recording

Haidet has developed a camera system capable of recording at a rate of 2 billion frames per second (fps), allowing for the visualization of light’s movement.The system utilizes a high-powered laser beam redirected by a series of mirrors. The laser path involves repeated reflections between parallel mirrors, with ambient fog particles scattering the light and enabling a sensor to capture its movement. Previously, Haidet achieved 1 billion fps in 2023. This new record required a complete redesign, incorporating more precise motors, enhanced optical components, and real-time data processing software.The camera’s placement influences the perceived speed of the light; when positioned behind the laser, the outgoing light appears to move slowly, while the reflected light seems to return almost i...

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving System Approaching European and Turkish Approval for Urban Driving

22Oct

By No Comments

Laptops & PCs, NEWS, Opinion & Analysis, Reviews

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving System Approaching European and Turkish Approval for Urban Driving

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised software is nearing approval for operation in Europe and Turkey, marking a significant step towards wider deployment of its driver-assistance system. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) will discuss revisions to UN R171 regulations during its 42nd session on October 23, 2025. If approved, these revisions will permit Tesla’s FSD Supervised and similar autonomous systems to operate on urban roads in addition to highways across Europe. As Turkey is a member of the UNECE, the regulations will also apply within Turkey. The proposed update expands the scope of autonomous driving beyond highways to encompass urban environments. According to documentation, system-initiated maneuvers will now include traffic light and intersection n...

Gboard now lets you hide the period and comma keys

22Oct

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NEWS, Reviews, Updates & Firmware

Gboard now lets you hide the period and comma keys

After widely rolling out the “Font size” setting last week, the latest Gboard for Android update lets you hide the period and comma keys. Under Gboard Settings > Preferences, you’ll find new toggles for “Comma key” and “Period key: Show on keyboard for applicable languages.” They are enabled by default and this has been the layout for years. If turned off, Gboard’s bottom row will just be ‘?123’ and the enter key for a cleaner look. It makes for a very wide space bar. You can always double-press the space bar for a period, but removing the comma is a curious move. That said, you could disable that, but keep the Emoji key (which has been an option for some time now) for a more symmetrical design with the period. We’re seeing this widely rolled out on the beta and stable channels with Gbo...

AITO M8 Electric SUV Display Vehicles Arrive in China

22Aug

By Huawei NewsNo Comments

NEWS, Reviews

AITO M8 Electric SUV Display Vehicles Arrive in China

## AITO Launches All-Electric M8 Display Vehicles Across China Chinese automaker AITO has begun rolling out display vehicles for its all-electric M8 SUV to 168 cities nationwide. The initial rollout includes over 400 vehicles, marking a significant step towards the vehicle's official launch on August 25th. The move allows potential buyers to experience the new model firsthand before its release. ## Extensive City Coverage and Configuration Options The rollout spans a wide range of provinces and municipalities, including major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The M8 will be available in three configurations: MAX+ Long Range, MAX+ AWD, and Ultra AWD. The vehicle boasts a distinctive all-electric grille and integrates humanistic and technological design elements. Key features ...