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Category: IT & Telecom

Explore IT and Telecom stories with Pakistan Revenue, your go-to source for the latest updates on Pakistan’s technology and telecom sector. Stay ahead with real-time industry insights and economic developments.

  • Date to unveil Apple’s iPhone 14

    Date to unveil Apple’s iPhone 14

    Apple is likely to unveil its iPhone 14 in the first week of September 2022. Reports suggest that the company may launch the product on September 7, 2022.

    According to Bloomberg.com, it would be the earliest iPhone launch since 2016 and be followed by the new device going on sale September 16—about a week ahead of last year’s schedule.

    The event will be on the Wednesday after Labor Day, an atypical day for Apple product launches. It signals that the company wanted to leave that Tuesday free. Why? Perhaps because press and other guests will need a travel day after the Monday holiday.

    On July 28, 2022, Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2022 third quarter ended June 25, 2022. The company posted a June quarter revenue record of $83.0 billion, up 2 percent year over year, and quarterly earnings per diluted share of $1.20.

    “This quarter’s record results speak to Apple’s constant efforts to innovate, to advance new possibilities, and to enrich the lives of our customers,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.

    “As always, we are leading with our values, and expressing them in everything we build, from new features that are designed to protect user privacy and security, to tools that will enhance accessibility, part of our longstanding commitment to create products for everyone.”

    “Our June quarter results continued to demonstrate our ability to manage our business effectively despite the challenging operating environment. We set a June quarter revenue record and our installed base of active devices reached an all-time high in every geographic segment and product category,” said Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO. “During the quarter, we generated nearly $23 billion in operating cash flow, returned over $28 billion to our shareholders, and continued to invest in our long-term growth plans.”

    Apple’s board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.23 per share of the Company’s common stock.

  • Apple announces Self Service Repair for MacBooks

    Apple announces Self Service Repair for MacBooks

    Apple announced Self Service Repair will be available from August 23, 2022 for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro notebooks with the M1 family of chips, providing repair manuals and genuine Apple parts and tools through the Apple Self Service Repair Store.

    According to a statement Self Service Repair for iPhone launched earlier this year and the program will expand to additional countries — beginning in Europe — as well as additional Mac models later this year.

    Self Service Repair for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro offers more than a dozen different repair types for each model, including the display, top case with battery, and trackpad, with more to come. Customers who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices will be able to complete repairs on these Mac notebooks, with access to many of the same parts and tools available to Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Service Providers.

    To start the Self Service Repair process, a customer will first review the repair manual for the product they want to repair by visiting support.apple.com/self-service-repair. Then, they can visit the Apple Self Service Repair Store and order the necessary parts and tools.

    Every genuine Apple part is designed and engineered for each product, and goes through extensive testing to ensure the highest quality, safety, and reliability. Customers can send replaced parts back to Apple for refurbishment and recycling, and in many cases receive credit of their purchase by doing so.

    The Apple tools are custom designed to help provide the best repairs for Apple products, and are engineered to withstand the rigors of high-volume, professional repair operations where safety and reliability are the utmost priority. Apple will offer rental kits for $49, so that customers who do not want to purchase tools for a single repair still have access to these professional repair tools. Customers will have access to the tool kit for one week and it will be shipped free of charge.

    Self Service Repair is part of Apple’s efforts to further expand access to repairs. For the vast majority of customers who do not have experience repairing electronic devices, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair.

    Over the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and training, including more than 3,500 Independent Repair Providers.

    A global network of more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers supports more than 100,000 active technicians. As a result, in the US, eight out of 10 Apple customers are located within 20 minutes of an authorized service provider.

  • Clearance of banned cars, phones allowed on 100% surcharge

    Clearance of banned cars, phones allowed on 100% surcharge

    ISLAMABAD: The government has allowed clearance of stuck up consignments of cars and mobile phones on payment of 100 per cent surcharge.

    The ministry of commerce on Friday issued an office memorandum regarding prohibition / complete quantitative restrictions on import of non-essential and luxury items.

    READ MORE: Pakistan lifts ban on import of cars, phones, luxury items

    The ministry said that pursuant to the decision of federal cabinet on August 19, 2022, the federal government had allow release of all those consignments/shipments which had been imported in violation of SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022 and landed at any Pakistani port, subject to payment of surcharge.

    The commerce ministry stated that to release those held up consignments, except Completely Built Unit (CBU) Auto, CBU phones and CBU home appliances, which landed after June 30, 2022 and on or before July 31, 2022 subject to payment of 25 per cent surcharge, and 35 per cent surcharge for those consignments which arrived after July 31, 2022.

    READ MORE: 15% surcharge imposed for clearance of banned items

    Similarly, to release held up consignments of CBU auto, CBU mobile phones and CBU home appliances, which landed after June 30, 2022 and on or before July 31, 2022 subject to payment of 100 per cent surcharge.

    The ministry of commerce issued SRO 1562(I)/2022 for lifting the ban on luxury and non-essential items, including motor vehicles, mobile phones and home appliances.

    The government on May 19, 2022 through a circular No. 598 (I)/2022 imposed the complete ban on import of such items in the wake of serious balance of payment crisis and to prevent fall in rupee value.

    Despite the ban, the rupee fell to the historic low of Rs239.94 against the dollar on July 28, 2022.

    It is worth mentioning that the foreign exchange reserves were drastically decreased despite imposition of ban on imported luxury items.

  • Xiaomi declares increase in revenue to RMB 70.2 billion

    Xiaomi declares increase in revenue to RMB 70.2 billion

    Beijing, Hong Kong: Xiaomi Corporation on Friday announced financial results for the second quarter and half year ended June 30, 2022. It declared increase in revenue to RMB 70.2 billion.

    Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an Internet of Things (IoT) platform at its core, announced its unaudited consolidated results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launches ultra-high resolution Pad 5 Pro

    During the reporting period, Xiaomi registered revenue of RMB70.2 billion. Adjusted net profit reached RMB2.1 billion, which included RMB611 million of expenses related to smart EV and other new initiatives.

    In the second quarter of 2022, global macroeconomic turbulence and the resurgence of COVID-19 continued to impact overall market demand for smartphones, and global smartphone industry shipments declined 8.9 percent year-over-year and 7.7 percent quarter-over-quarter, according to Canalys. Against the backdrop, the Group remained focused on its preordained strategies of seeking to strengthen the fundamentals of smartphone business, further pursue development of Xiaomi’s technology ecosystem and expand foothold in global markets demonstrating strong levels of operational resilience.

    Global strategy bears fruits as smartphone shipments grow for two consecutive quarters

    READ MORE: Xiaomi unveils CyberOne – first ever humanoid robot

    In the first half of 2022, global smartphone shipments dropped 8.9 percent year-over-year and 7.7 percent quarter-over-quarter. Despite the challenge, Xiaomi remained committed to its core strategies in pursuit of long-term and sustainable development. As Xiaomi continues to advance its dual-brand strategy, fundamentals of its smartphone business have shown tremendous resilience.

    In the second quarter of 2022, Xiaomi’s smartphone revenue reached RMB42.3 billion with global smartphone shipments reached 39.1 million units, an increase of 1.5 percent quarter-over-quarter. According to Canalys, Xiaomi’s global smartphone shipments ranked No. 3 in the second quarter with market share of 13.8 percent, and its market share has increased for two consecutive quarters.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launches ultra slim MIX Fold 2 smartphone

    In the meantime, Xiaomi’s international brand strength continues to solidify as it progressively expands its foothold in global markets. In the second quarter of 2022, Xiaomi’s revenue from overseas markets reached RMB34 billion, accounting for 48.4 percent of total revenue.

    Benefiting from Xiaomi’s mature business model and localization experience, the Group’s market share in Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa all increased quarter-over-quarter. According to Canalys, in the second quarter of 2022, Xiaomi’s smartphone shipments ranked top 3 in 55 countries and regions and among the top five in 67 countries and regions. In the second quarter of 2022, Xiaomi’s smartphone shipments ranked No. 2 in Europe with 21.7 percent market share, ranked No. 3 within Western Europe with market share of 15.8 percent and ranked No.1 in Spain.

    Meanwhile, Xiaomi continues to penetrate the overseas carrier channel. According to Canalys, the Group’s carrier channel market share in Europe increased from 17.0 percent in the first quarter to 18 percent in the second quarter of 2022. Xiaomi’s carrier channel market share in Latin America increased from 17.7 percent to 19.3 percent in the same period. According to Canalys, Xiaomi smartphone market share through carrier channels ranked top three in 40 overseas markets.

    Xiaomi continues to earn global recognition. In August 2022, Xiaomi was named on the Fortune Global 500 list for the fourth consecutive year and ranked 266th, advancing 72 spots from 2021. By harnessing the potential of business expansion through market localization efforts, the development of a global market presence is expected to generate immense growth opportunities for Xiaomi.

    Ramping up R&D investment to boost premiumization

    Xiaomi has been pursuing technological innovation and quality upgrade, and is committed to strengthening its independent R&D capabilities and enhancing its core competitiveness. In the second quarter of 2022, its research and development expenses reached RMB3.8 billion, an increase of 22.8 percent year-over-year. At the latest Xiaomi product launch event, Lei Jun, founder, chairman and CEO of Xiaomi Group, revealed that Xiaomi’s R&D investment has grown at a CAGR of 39.7 percent since 2017 and is expected to reach RMB17 billion in 2022 and RMB100 billion in the next five years.

    During the reporting period, Xiaomi not only launched its proprietary Surge G1 battery management chip to optimize the performance of smartphone products’ battery life but also continued to boost its premiumization strategy with significant breakthroughs in imaging technology and smartphone form factor.

    In May 2022, Xiaomi announced its long-term strategic partnership in imaging technology with Leica, another milestone in Xiaomi’s premiumization development. In July 2022, Xiaomi announced its first model with Leica, Xiaomi 12S Ultra. It features a Leica Summicron lenses and Sony IMX989 one-inch image sensor, along with the Leica Authentic Look and the Leica Vibrant Look imaging profiles, delivering a highly texturized smartphone photography experience. With the release of Xiaomi 12S series, the third generation of Xiaomi high-end “performance-first, experience-first” has fully emerged. According to the JD platform, Xiaomi 12S series has been well received by the market with more than 98 percent of reviews positive thus far.

    On August 11, Xiaomi’s second-generation foldable flagship smartphone, Xiaomi MIX Fold 2, was unveiled and it pushes the boundaries of the premium market once again. The product features the self-developed Micro Waterdrop Hinge and flexible ultra-thin glass to provide a revolutionary ultra-slim design and pleasant in-hand experience. Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 is equipped with Eco2 OLED flexible display, which greatly increases light transmittance while reducing power consumption. It is also equipped with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform processor, Leica Summicron lenses and MIUI Fold 13, which is designed specifically for foldable smartphones. Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 offers outstanding performance and exceptional user experience in terms of display, imaging and software, and has achieved strong sales since launch.

    In the second quarter, according to third-party data, Xiaomi’s smartphone market share in the RMB3,000 to RMB4,000 price segment in mainland China increased 3.5 percentage points year-over-year to 18.2 percent, and in the RMB4,000 to RMB5,000 price segment, its market share rose 2.0 percentage points year-over-year to 15.5 percent. The development of Xiaomi’s premiumization strategy has become a driving force contributing to its solid development.

    In addition, Xiaomi is relentlessly exploring the future and focusing on sharing the long-term value of technology. At present, Xiaomi adopts the technology deployment strategy of self-developed full stack approach to autonomous driving technology. The Group plans to invest RMB3.3 billion in autonomous driving research and development in the first phase during which it will create a fleet of 140 test vehicles to further drive technological breakthroughs. The robotics laboratory that established in 2021 has made groundbreaking achievements. On 11 August, Xiaomi launched its self-developed, full-size humanoid bionic robot CyberOne, which supports bipedal-motion posture balancing through mechanical joint motors and full-body control algorithms. Furthermore, it is capable of detecting human emotion and creating three-dimensional virtual reconstructions of the real world through self-developed audio and vision modules and algorithms. These series of self-developed high-tech products fully demonstrate Xiaomi’s technological leadership and promote the evolution and enhancement of Xiaomi’s premiumization capabilities.

    Shaping new “Xiaomi Technological Ecosystem” to empower smart living era

    Driven by innovation, Xiaomi has further advanced its “Smartphone x AIoT” strategy to empower a smart living era. The company is building an ever-expanding technology ecosphere spanning smartphones, wearable devices, smart home, smart manufacturing, smart EVs and bionic robots, to better connect people to the world around them and improve their lives. In tandem with the development, the Group launched a series of new products, including Mijia Dual-Drum Washer Dryer 15kg, Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro and Mijia Smart Smoke Purifier P1 elevating premium experiences and capabilities.

    As of June 30, 2022, the number of connected IoT devices (excluding smartphones, tablets and laptops) on Xiaomi’s AIoT platform reached 526.9 million, up 40.7 percent year-over-year. The number of users with five or more devices connected to its AIoT platform (excluding smartphones, tablets and laptops) exceeded 10 million for the first time to reach 10.2 million, an increase of 37.0 percent year-over-year.

    Xiaomi continues to enhance interconnectivity across all usage scenarios and expand a diverse smart living product portfolio. In the second quarter of 2022, Xiaomi’s revenue from IoT and lifestyle products amounted to RMB19.8 billion. Although demand for discretionary items in overseas markets was weak in the short term due to the macro-economic factors, many IoT product categories in the domestic market still achieved solid growth.

    Global shipments of Xiaomi smart TV reached 2.6 million units, outperforming the overall decline in the global TV market, thanks to the cost advantages brought by the Group’s economies of scale and the lower prices of key components. The gross profit margin of smart TV business increased substantially year-over-year in the second quarter. According to All View Cloud (“AVC”), Xiaomi smart TV shipments ranked No. 1 in mainland China and maintained its top five global ranking in the second quarter of 2022.

    Smart large home appliance category (including air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines) continued to deliver strong growth with revenue increasing over 25 percent year-over-year to set a record high. Xiaomi’s air conditioner product shipments grew by over 35 percent. It is worth mentioning that as of July 2022, the company’s air conditioner shipments year-to-date has already exceeded the 2 million units in 2021, while the total tablet shipments exceeded 1.5 million units in the first half of 2022.

    Monetization of overseas internet services revenue strengthens underpinned by record-high MIUI MAUs

    Despite the challenges posed by macroeconomic headwinds, Xiaomi’s internet services business achieved rapid growth underpinned by sustained growth of user base and stronger content and service operations.

    In the second quarter of 2022, Xiaomi’s internet services revenue reached RMB7.0 billion. Overseas internet services revenue achieved a quarterly high of RMB1.7 billion, an increase of 52.1 percent year-over-year, and accounted for 23.9 percent of total internet services revenue. Its overseas internet services business not only diversified its monetization capabilities but has also safeguarded its growth resilience amid macroeconomic uncertainties and is expected to further optimize the company’s profitability.

    The continued growth of MIUI MAUs enhanced resilience of Xiaomi’s internet services business, laying a solid foundation for its long-term development. In June 2022, global MAU of MIUI reached 547.0 million while MAU of MIUI in mainland China reached 140.2 million, both hitting record highs. The Group added 17.8 million MAU of MIUI globally, including 4.6 million MAU in mainland China.

    In this quarter, overseas advertising revenue increased over 50 percent year-over-year, mainly benefiting from the continued expansion of overseas user base, enhanced content and services, as well as deeper collaboration with the company’s global business partners.

    Driven by smart TV shipments, Xiaomi’s TV internet user base continued its robust growth momentum in the second quarter. In June 2022, global MAU of Xiaomi’s smart TV (including Xiaomi Box and Xiaomi TV Stick) reached approximately 53 million. Revenue from mainland China TV value-added services increased nearly 25 percent year-over-year in this quarter due to optimized content operations.

    In the second quarter of 2022, Xiaomi’s resilience backed by well-established capabilities has boosted market confidence amid temporary economic volatility and slowing demand. Meanwhile, Xiaomi’s continued strong organic growth momentum enabling the company to navigate short-term volatility and reshape its long-term development.

  • TPL Trakker signs MoU to provide satellite images

    TPL Trakker signs MoU to provide satellite images

    KARACHI: The TPL Trakker Limited (TPLT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide satellite images of Pakistan.

    The company will be able to provide high resolution satellite images and the drone imagery of up to 0.3 meter resolution.

    READ MORE: P@SHA to hold 18th Annual ICT Awards in October 2022

    According to the material information submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) by the TPLT on Thursday stated: “We are pleased to announce that TPLT has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Exelligent Solutions and Geospatial Planning Solutions to be the exclusive distributor of Satellite Imagery of Pakistan.”

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launches ultra-high resolution Pad 5 Pro

    TPLT will be able to provide different types of high resolution satellite images including Optical Satellite (Mono and Stereo) Imagery, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Satellite Imagery, Satellite Data derived products like DEM, DSM and DTM, and Drone Imagery of up to 0.3 meter resolution.

    This is first such step by TPLT in order to provide Satellite imagery and GIS applications to multiple industries which are increasingly utilizing it.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi unveils CyberOne – first ever humanoid robot

  • P@SHA to hold 18th Annual ICT Awards in October 2022

    P@SHA to hold 18th Annual ICT Awards in October 2022

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT and ITES (P@SHA) has announced to hold 18th Annual ICT Awards in October 2022.

    A statement issued August 14, 2022, said that P@SHA, the apex trade body for the IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) industry is conducting the 18th annual P@SHA ICT awards later in October this year and through a detailed process of evaluation by a jury of world-renowned members.

    The awards will cover 10 core categories along with 42 subcategories; which will include startups, fintech, edtech, e-commerce companies and large exporters in the IT industry as well, along with recognizing innovations and excellence in several business verticals.

    Students from schools, colleges and universities can also submit their projects.

    Syed Amin Ul Haque, Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, has acknowledged the fact that Annual ICT Awards have been playing a strong, catalytic role in driving innovation and growth for the past 17 years by recognizing the leaders in the industry. He further added that the IT industry, spearheaded by P@SHA, is in a unique position to uplift the entire country out of the economic challenges.

    Badar Khushnood, Chairman P@SHA, apprised that these awards are free-to-apply and no sponsorship or contribution is charged – whatsoever. That is the reason that companies, small or large, exporters, investors or JVs, new or established industry players, students, and women entrepreneurs are all welcome to apply to the pertinent categories, he added.

    Ms. Hira Zainab, Secretary General of P@SHA, has explained that P@SHA’s ICT Awards are not only the most prestigious IT & ITeS awards of Pakistan, but they provide a gateway to international recognition, promotion, and the right positioning to awardees on a truly global scale.

    The winners and runner-ups will consequently be participating in Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2022 to showcase their talent and compete on an international platform. P@SHA has regularly featured in APICTA Awards over the last decade and they have bagged 2 gold & 4 merit awards in 2021 – and, that made Pakistan one of the top five countries in IT talent & achievements.

    The IT industry is currently the only industry in Pakistan that can grow at an exponential rate and contribute to exports growth in the same spirit by the highest cash flow positive grading and the easiest to expand since the industry relies only on availability of talent and conducive policies to help it grow.

    It is pertinent to note that the IT industry exports in the last 2 years have jumped from approximately $1.4 billion in 2020 to $2.1 billion in 2021 and to $2.62 billion in 2022, showing a growth of 87 percent in just 2 years.

  • Xiaomi launches ultra-high resolution Pad 5 Pro

    Xiaomi launches ultra-high resolution Pad 5 Pro

    BEIJING: Xiaomi Corporation launched its Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro which provides 12.4″ display for work and entertainment.

    Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro features a large 12.4″ display, which users can fully utilize for a highly efficient and convenient experience in both work and entertainment scenarios.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi unveils CyberOne – first ever humanoid robot

    The 12.4″ high-quality display features an ultra-high resolution of 2560×1600, 120Hz high refresh rate, and hardware-level blue light reduction, providing a comfortable and smooth experience for video-watching and swift multitasking on split-screens.

    Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro’s built-in conference mode can convert speech into text in real time, quickly distinguish between different speakers, and supports real-time translation between Chinese and English.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launches ultra slim MIX Fold 2 smartphone

  • Prices of Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro

    Prices of Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro

    South Korea: Samsung Electronics on August 10, 2022 launched the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro, with advanced features and even more powerful capabilities.

    Galaxy Watch5 with the 44mm display will start at $279 for the Bluetooth version and $329 for the LTE version. Galaxy Watch5 Pro with a 45mm display, will start at $449 for the Bluetooth version and $499 for the LTE version.

    The watch provides in-depth monitoring and practical data offering users the information needed to help them with their health and wellness.

    The press release issued by Samsung Electronics stated that Galaxy Watch5 is equipped with Samsung’s unique BioActive Sensor that drives the next era of digital health monitoring. First introduced on the Galaxy Watch4 series, the BioActive Sensor uses a single unique chip that combines three powerful health sensors — Optical Heart Rate, Electrical Heart Signal and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis — to deliver extensive readings that include heart rate, blood oxygen level and even stress level. In addition, users can get a deeper understanding of their heart health by monitoring blood pressure and ECG — right from their wrist.

    With an increased surface area and more direct contact with your wrist, Galaxy Watch5 tracks health metrics now with even greater accuracy than Galaxy Watch4. Plus, its powerful 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor works in combination with the other sensors of Galaxy Watch5 series, including the newly introduced temperature sensor, to provide users with an in-depth understanding of their wellness.

    READ MORE: Samsung unveils toughest foldable Galaxy Z Fold4

    The temperature sensor uses infrared technology for more accurate readings, even if the temperature of your surroundings changes. This opens new possibilities for developers to expand their health and wellness options and for users to take advantage of all-new experiences.

    Designed for everyday wins, Galaxy Watch5 offers a comprehensive end-to-end experience that goes beyond fitness activities and into the post-workout, rest and recovery process. The Body Composition measurement tool provides a complete snapshot of the user’s overall health, providing them with a tailored approach to set goals, guide them through personalized workouts and track progress. And when it’s time to rest, the Galaxy Watch5 series empowers users with recovery data, including post-cardio heart rate after an intense workout, and customized recommendations on water consumption based on sweat loss.

    A good night’s rest is important in wellness, and that’s why we’re helping users have a better night’s sleep. Understand sleep patterns through Sleep Scores that monitor stages of sleep, along with snore detection and blood oxygen levels.

    Through SmartThings integration, Galaxy Watch5 automatically sets connected lights, AC units and TVs to predetermined settings that make for an ideal sleep environment. Users can sleep safe and sound knowing that the enhanced fall detection ensures an emergency contact is notified if you or your loved one stumbles at home or falls out of bed.

    READ MORE: Samsung launches all new Galaxy Z Flip4

    Galaxy Watch5 comes with 13 per cent larger battery and provides eight hours of sleep tracking with just eight minutes of charging, which is 30 per cent faster than Galaxy Watch4.

    An extra layer of durability protects the Galaxy Watch5. This year, we’ve included our first smartwatch display featuring a Sapphire Crystal display, which offers a 60 per cent harder outer layer, so your watch remains reliable in day-to-day use. Cue up your favorite song on Spotify with just your voice using Google Assistant. And coming soon, find your way using Google Maps from your wrist without a smartphone connection.

    Music and audio lovers will appreciate updates that include new apps like SoundCloud and Deezer. Additionally, One UI Watch4.5 offers a fuller typing experience, an easier way to make calls and a host of new accessibility features that make the Galaxy Watch more intuitive.

    Created for those that love the great outdoors, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is the newest addition to the Galaxy Watch portfolio. From hiking to cycling and beyond, Watch5 Pro is ready for the challenge thanks to its premium materials. It features enhanced Sapphire Crystal that better resists any wear and tear and a durable titanium casing that protects the display with a protruded bezel design. Galaxy Watch5 Pro also comes with an all-new D-Buckle Sport Band that offers rugged durability with a sleek and clean fit.

    READ MORE: Samsung launches One UI 5 open beta program for Galaxy S22 series

    Built strong and built to last, Galaxy Watch5 Pro has the largest battery in a Galaxy Watch. It’s 60 per cent larger than Galaxy Watch4, which is key to keeping up with you while you conquer a new route. Take advantage of GPX, that’s available for the first time on a Galaxy Watch.

    Head out on a hike and record and share it with fellow trail-lovers on the Samsung Health app with Route Workout. You can also download hiking and cycling routes as you practice for your next race or look to mix up your routine. As you hike or cycle, keep your eyes on the path and away from the map with intuitive Turn-by-turn directions.

    When you’re ready to head home, Galaxy Watch5 Pro will get you there easily with the Track back feature that takes you back the way you came.

    The Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro are available for pre-order in select markets starting on August 10, with retail availability starting August 26.

     The Galaxy Watch5 offers a modern and minimalist design, and features that help you achieve more every day. It comes with all-new neutral color options that will turn heads, with the Large 44mm option available in Graphite, Sapphire and Silver and the Small 40mm option available in Graphite, Pink Gold and Silver which features a Bora Purple strap that pairs perfectly with the Galaxy Z Flip4.

    For adventure seekers looking for durability, performance and style, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is for you. It will be available in Black Titanium and Gray Titanium.

     Galaxy Watch5 Golf Edition is the ultimate smart caddy that gives golfers direction and recommendations while they’re on the course. It comes with exclusive watch faces, a two-tone band and an unlimited membership on the Smart Caddie app. The Watch5 series Golf Edition comes in three sizes — Watch5 Large, Watch5 Small and Watch5 Pro, starting at $329 for the Bluetooth version.

    Design your own watch by selecting the model, size, case color and strap for up to 1,032 unique combinations in the Galaxy Watch5 Bespoke Studio on Samsung.com. Now, users can build a watch that’s unique to them.

    With a greater selection of straps and faces, they can mix and match to express their personal style with the new Sport Band or share their support of Sustainable Development Goals with the Global Goals Band.

  • Xiaomi unveils CyberOne – first ever humanoid robot

    Xiaomi unveils CyberOne – first ever humanoid robot

    BEIJING: Xiaomi on Thursday August 11, 2022 launched CyberOne its first ever humanoid robot.

    As the newest member of Xiaomi’s Cyber series, joining last year’s quadruped robot Cyberdog, CyberOne is fitted with advanced arms and legs, supports bipedal-motion posture balancing, and reaches a peak torque of up to 300Nm.

    Also demonstrated was the ability to detect human emotion, advanced vision capabilities, and functionality allowing it to create three-dimensional virtual reconstructions of the real world, alongside a host of other advanced technologies.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launches ultra slim MIX Fold 2 smartphone

    New self-developed breakthroughs in Xiaomi Technology Ecosphere

    “CyberOne’s AI and mechanical capabilities are all self-developed by Xiaomi Robotics Lab. We have invested heavily in R&D spanning various areas, including software, hardware, and algorithms innovation,” says Lei Jun, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi Group.

    “With AI at its core and a full-size humanoid frame as its vessel, this is an exploration of possibilities of Xiaomi’s future technological ecosystem and a new breakthrough for the company.”

    READ MORE: Samsung launches all new Galaxy Z Flip4

    CyberOne is a humanoid robot measuring 177cm in height and 52kg by weight, with an arm span of 168cm. Compared to a quadruped robot, this humanoid robot is more mechanically complex, requiring more powerful motors, more degrees of freedom, and complex humanoid biped control algorithms. CyberOne supports up to 21 degrees of freedom in motion and achieves a real-time response speed of 0.5ms for each degree of freedom, which allows it to fully simulate human movements.

    A robot’s motion performance is dependent on the performance of each joint motor. The technological requirement for building such motors is extremely high as it is necessary to generate more kinetic energy without increasing the size of components. In order to ensure the flexibility of CyberOne’s upper limbs, Xiaomi has developed a high-efficiency motor weighing only 500g with a rated output torque of up to 30Nm for the upper limb joint motor. The hip joint motor is similarly capable of an instantaneous peak torque of up to 300Nm. Thanks to the self-developed humanoid bipedal control algorithm, CyberOne’s walking posture has been programmed to be both natural and stable. On top of that, CyberOne is capable of holding up to 1.5kg in weight with a single hand and programming by demonstration. Altogether, CyberOne is a humanoid robot with well-developed coordination and exceptional motion capabilities.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi further improves rank to 266 in Fortune Global 500 list

    Humanoid robots rely on vision to process their surroundings. Equipped with a self-developed Mi-Sense depth vision module and combined with an AI interaction algorithm, CyberOne is capable of perceiving 3D space, as well as recognizing individuals, gestures, and expressions, allowing it to not only see but to process its environment. In order to communicate with the world, CyberOne is equipped with a self-developed MiAI environment semantics recognition engine and a MiAI vocal emotion identification engine, enabling it to recognize 85 types of environmental sounds and 45 classifications of human emotion. CyberOne is able to detect happiness, and even comfort the user in times of sadness. All of these features are integrated into CyberOne’s processing units, which are paired with a curved OLED module to display real-time interactive information.

    READ MORE: Samsung unveils toughest foldable Galaxy Z Fold4

    Keep exploring, and bring robots into people’s lives

    Robotics is considered the “crown jewel of manufacturing” with humanoid robots being the ultimate goal for many across the industry. Compared with industrial robots that are valued for their specialized mechanical capabilities, the main challenge in building humanoid robots is to perfectly simulate human processes of perception, cognition, decision-making, and execution under various scenarios. Interestingly, a large number of new technologies that have emerged in the process of trying to solve this challenge have already been serving the general public in positive ways.

    The development of CyberOne is a symbol of Xiaomi’s dedication to incubate a technological ecosystem centered in a single point, and connect it with the world in ways never seen before. Spanning from smartphones, wearable devices and smart homes, to smart manufacturing, smart electric vehicle and bionic robots, Xiaomi has been constantly exploring and extending its innovations in various scenarios so as to better connect people and the world, eventually building an ever-evolving Xiaomi Technology Ecosphere.

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    Lei Jun notes that humanoid bionic robots require the highest degree of technical integration and present the largest challenge in the field of intelligent robotics. Xiaomi is making its first steps in the field, and CyberOne is constantly adding new capabilities. “We think that intelligent robots will definitely be a part of people’s lives in the future,” said Lei Jun.

    CyberOne’s research and development process combined cutting-edge technologies from a variety of sectors, including bionic perception and cognition, biomechatronics, artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing, and visual navigation. These technological breakthroughs are also expected to give birth to more application scenarios in other fields, such as industrial robots with improved mechanical performance, companion robots with emotion recognition, and public service robots powered by big data and cloud computing. CyberOne’s technology will also be applied to more and more Xiaomi products in the future.

  • Samsung unveils toughest foldable Galaxy Z Fold4

    Samsung unveils toughest foldable Galaxy Z Fold4

    South Korea: Samsung Electronics on August 10, 2022 unveiled the toughest foldable, Galaxy Z Fold4. The smartphone combines Samsung’s collective mobile technology expertise with increased functionality whether opened, closed or in Flex mode.

    It is the first device to ship with Android 12L, a special version of Android created by Google for large-screen experiences, including foldables.

    The phone is available in an elegant combination of a unique form factor with naturally classic hues with every unfold in Graygreen, Phantom Black or Beige.

    READ MORE: Samsung launches all new Galaxy Z Flip4

    The press release issued by the company stated that multitasking on Z Fold4 is easier than ever, so users can get more done on the move. The new Taskbar provides a layout similar to your PC, offering access to your favorite and recent apps.

    Multitasking is also more intuitive, thanks to new swipe gestures. Instantly switch full-screen apps to pop-up windows or split your screen in half for more ways to multitask.

    Samsung’s partnerships with Google and Microsoft take multitasking to the next level. Google apps, including Chrome and Gmail now support drag-and-drop, allowing users to quickly copy and paste links, photos and more from one app to another. With Google Meet, users can now connect with more people while enjoying virtual co-activities, including co-watching videos on YouTube or playing games together on a video call.

    Microsoft’s full Office suite and Outlook take advantage of the foldable display, providing more information on the screen and faster ways to interact with the content. The multitasking experience is complete with S Pen functionality, enabling on-the-go drawing and notetaking with streamlined storage inside the Standing Cover with Pen case.

    Galaxy Z Fold4 takes stunning photos and videos with an upgraded 50MP wide lens and 30X Space Zoom lens. A variety of camera modes, including the larger Zoom map activated on Capture View Mode, Dual Preview and Rear Cam Selfie are custom-built to take advantage of the unique form factor for increased capturing flexibility. And with the larger pixel size, a 23 percent brighter sensor, and enhanced processing power, users can capture clear images even at night.

    READ MORE: Samsung launches One UI 5 open beta program for Galaxy S22 series

    Content is even more immersive and distinctive on the 7.6-inch Main Screen with a brighter screen, a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a less visible Under Display Camera (UDC) featuring a new scatter-type sub-pixel arrangement.

    Popular social media apps like Facebook are optimized for the large-screen experience to make content more enjoyable. Or open your favorite streaming entertainment service apps like Netflix21 and watch hands-free with Flex mode.

    For non-optimized apps, users can even control the device without disrupting the content with the new Flex Mode Touchpad, offering accuracy while pausing, rewinding and playing videos or zooming in and out of content while the device is in Flex mode.

    Games are snappier too thanks to the powerful Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform and hyper-fast 5G. With a slimmer hinge, lighter weight and even narrower bezels, the wider screen enables easier one-handed interactions while using the Cover Screen.

    Samsung continues its barrier-defying innovation journey to deliver the level of durability consumers expect, both in and out. With our Armor Aluminum frames and hinge cover along with exclusive Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ on the Cover Screen and rear glass.

    Durability of the Main Screen panel is also enhanced thanks to the optimized layer structure, helping to reduce damage from external shock. In addition Z Fold4 is equipped with IPX825 water resistance, so users can worry less if they get caught in the rain.