Thursday, December 25Huawei news & HarmonyOS updates

NEWS

Breaking Huawei news, corporate announcements, and key developments from the global Huawei ecosystem.

HarmonyOS 6 Boasts 40% Performance Improvement
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
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
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...
Samsung Galaxy XR Priced at $1,799
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...
NEWS, Phones

New Malware Campaign Targets Mac Developers Via Fake Sites and Terminal Commands

A new malicious campaign is targeting Apple developers by leveraging fake websites mimicking legitimate platforms like Homebrew, LogMeIn, and TradingView. Security researchers have identified attackers distributing information-stealing malware, specifically AMOS and Odyssey, by deceiving users into running malicious commands directly in the Terminal. The attackers use a tactic called ClickFix, which exploits the ability for users to copy and paste commands directly into the Terminal. Researchers have identified over 85 domains used in the impersonation efforts, including examples like homebrewfaq.org and tradingviewen.com. Some of these fake sites utilize Google Ads to increase their visibility in search results. The malicious websites present convincing download portals and installati...
Mass Effect Legendary Edition Drops to Record Low Price of $4.79 on Steam
NEWS

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Drops to Record Low Price of $4.79 on Steam

A significant discount is now available on the Mass Effect Legendary Edition on Steam. The bundle, comprising Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3, is currently priced at $4.79, marking its lowest price ever on the platform. According to SteamDB, the previous lowest price was $5.99. The Mass Effect Legendary Edition includes all single-player base content and over 40 downloadable content (DLC) packs originally released for the series. The edition also features graphical enhancements, optimizing the games for 4K Ultra HD. Developers BioWare describe the collection as allowing players to “relive the legend of Commander Shepard” and experience a universe where choices significantly impact the narrative. The limited-time discount is scheduled to expire on October 27th, 2023, at which ...
Self-Hosting Lessons: The Cost of Underpowered Hardware
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...
Google Wallet Streamlines Card Addition with NFC Tap
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...
Why I Still Prefer Gemini Over Apple Intelligence After a Year of Testing
NEWS, Phones

Why I Still Prefer Gemini Over Apple Intelligence After a Year of Testing

After a year of closely following Apple's foray into artificial intelligence with Apple Intelligence, I'm still choosing Google's Gemini. While Apple initially seemed poised to challenge Google's dominance, the reality has been a series of underwhelming features and missed opportunities. Image Generation Discrepancies: Apple’s Playground (formerly Image Playground) struggles to deliver realistic or desirable results, often producing “creepy” animated characters. Google's Pixel Studio, while not allowing the use of specific likenesses, has significantly improved, offering a more enjoyable creative experience. The same holds true for image editing: Apple’s Clean Up tool is mediocre compared to Google’s Magic Editor and Help Me Edit, which provide more robust features and fewer artifacts. C...
Haidet Achieves 2 Billion Frames Per Second Camera Recording
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...
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