Business Articles

Optimus Gen 2 has tactile sensing on all fingers (image: Tesla)

Tesla outs faster Optimus Gen 2 humanoid robot with new hands and foot force sensing

New hands with tactile feeling on all fingers and foot torque sensing are just some of Tesla's Optimus Gen 2 improvements. The humanoid robot is also much faster and lighter.

Daniel Zlatev, 13 Dec 2023 06:44

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4Matic electric sedan soared past its EPA range estimates in a recent real-world range test. (Image source: Merceeds-Benz - edited)

Rivian, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes-Benz embarrass Tesla, F-150 Lightning in real-world highway range test

Consumer Reports's recent real-world EV range test revealed that EPA estimates from Tesla, Lucid, and certain Ford models overstate range by a significant margin, while others over-performed, despite suboptimal SUV and pickup truc...

Julian van der Merwe, 13 Dec 2023 00:11

The Huawei Mate 60 Pro is causing headaches in the USA. (Image: Huawei)

USA finds Huawei Mate 60 Pro 'deeply concerning': US Secretary of Commerce threatens new sanctions

Huawei has been largely driven out of the Western smartphone market by strict US sanctions, but the Chinese technology giant is not giving up. Several months ago, the company launched a 5G smartphone onto the market for the first ...

Hannes Brecher, 12 Dec 2023 23:03

Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 made official for the international market

Huawei's extra-large flagship tablet has gone global today (December 12, 2023). The MatePad Pro 13.2 brings its "masterpiece" X-True OLED display to new markets, as well as its "ultra-thin" form-factor and stylus support. Its pre-...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 12 Dec 2023 21:38

Starlink speeds dropped in Q3 (image: SpaceX)

Starlink satellite Internet download speeds stall with subscriber growth

Elon Musk recently dismissed the idea for a Starlink IPO in 2024 as SpaceX is focusing on the service expansion and financials of its satellite Internet service. The unprecedented Starlink subscriber growth, however, has stunted i...

Daniel Zlatev, 12 Dec 2023 19:06

BOOX Note Air3 launches as a monochrome-only e-reader with style

The latest addition to the BOOX Note Air3 is touted to deliver distraction-free note-taking or reading thanks to its black-and-white only display. Nevertheless, its new Carta 1200 display is packaged in the same kind of light, thi...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 12 Dec 2023 19:02

Mistral AI team is based in Paris, France. Image source: Mistral AI

French start-up Mistral AI has a valuation of $2 billion

The Paris-based startup, Mistral AI, raised $415 million after the Series A funding round closed. It is valued at roughly $2 billion, according to Bloomberg.

Robert Gelo, 12 Dec 2023 18:06

30 days left until the demise of the Grammarly Desktop Editor (Source: Own)

Grammarly's Desktop Editor will stop working in 30 days

Released in 2009, Grammarly became a popular assistant for students, professional writers, and people who need assistance with various projects from time to time. While the standalone Editor apps for Windows and Mac will be discon...

Codrut Nistor, 11 Dec 2023 23:31

Could Huawei 5G be back in Europe? (Source: Flickr)

Huawei unveils plans to manufacture 1 billion devices per year in Europe

Huawei has announced that it has broken ground on its first factory outside its native China. The facility is to be located in northeastern France, has a projected output of 1 billion new products per year and is estimated to empl...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 11 Dec 2023 20:29

Costco Japan has been selling Starlink terminals for a while (image: hiro_mahalo/X)

Starlink satellite Internet kits now sold in Costco with free subscription months for club members

After stocking Costco stores in Japan with Starlink terminals, SpaceX is expanding its partnership with the wholesaler on this side of the pond, too. The same Costco Japan promotion of free Starlink satellite Internet service mont...

Daniel Zlatev, 11 Dec 2023 20:16

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced expansion plans in Vietnam. Image source: Nvidia Corporation

Nvidia set to launch production in Vietnam

Vietnam might develop into a hub for Nvidia's chip research and manufacturing. The local media reports that the company intends to establish a legal entity in the country.

Robert Gelo, 11 Dec 2023 17:18

Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 4 under review: A long-lasting, silent Ryzen laptop

Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 4: Ryzen power, endurance, and quiet fans for under $700

With its longer battery life, LTE modem, and low noise and heat output, the Lenovo business notebook is an excellent choice. There is plenty of processing power available with a Ryzen 7 APU. The dual RAM slot configuration is a no...

Sascha Mölck, 11 Dec 2023 15:24

The HP Elite t755 Thin Client has been officially announced (image via HP)

HP Elite t755 Thin Client announced with AMD Ryzen embedded CPU and compact form factor

The HP Elite t755 Thin Client is now official. It runs a custom Windows 10 version and comes with a laundry list of security protections, making it ideal for enterprise environments. It will be available for purchase sometime in J...

Anil Ganti, 11 Dec 2023 15:00

Insta360 GO 3 refreshed in new Matte Black colorway

The Insta360 GO 3 is one of the most innovative products in the action camera market. Furthermore, it is also now available in a color other than white. The new Matte Black shade is applied to the GO 3's Action Pod as well as its ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 09 Dec 2023 18:36

The Fiat 500e will be the first car used in a Stellantis trial of Ample's EV battery-swapping solution. (Image source: Stellantis)

Fiat 500e to get EV battery swapping solution in new trial

A fleet of Fiat 500e EVs will be the first from Stellantis to trial Ample's battery-swapping technology. The trial will begin in 2024, with the project aiming to find a solution to ease range anxiety. Ample's modular batteries fit...

Polly Allcock, 08 Dec 2023 18:10

Grok AI is now available to X Premium+ subscribers in the US. (Image source: xAI)

Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot now rolling out to subscribers

Grok, the AI chatbot "with a rebellious streak," is now available to X members in the US with a Premium+ subscription. Elon Musk, founder of xAI, the company behind Grok, has also announced broader rollout plans. Plus, an SEC fili...

Polly Allcock, 08 Dec 2023 17:21

The Tesla Cybertruck's front exclusively features sharp corners, possibly excluding it from release in the EU. (Image source: Tesla)

Elon Musk touts Cybertruck pedestrian safety after avoiding EU launch over missed pedestrian safety regulations for vehicle design

Elon Musk claims Tesla is "highly confident that Cybertruck will be much safer per mile than other trucks," despite a Tesla technician recently explaining in a report that the Cybertruck's design precludes it from launching in Eur...

Julian van der Merwe, 08 Dec 2023 08:30

The next-generation Chevrolet Bolt will only arrive in crossover EUV form, abandoning the compact hatchback entirely. (Image source: Chevrolet - edited)

GM kills new Chevrolet Bolt EV subcompact hatch for 2025 in favour of pricey EUV that erodes the idea of the affordable compact EV

General Motors has confirmed that the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt will not make a return in its subcompact EV form. The implications of this include a potentially higher starting price, not to mention a much more expensive top-end tri...

Julian van der Merwe, 08 Dec 2023 01:02

The playlist curators at Tidal are among those affected (Image source: Tidal)

Tidal lays off more than 10% of staff following Spotify’s headcount cuts

A clear sign of the music streaming industry recession, tech billionaire Jack Dorsey announced widespread layoffs at Tidal's parent company Block Inc. Around 1,300 employees are expected to be let go.

Robert Gelo, 07 Dec 2023 11:52

The Tesla Cybertruck seems to be pleasing a rather small portion of the population, considering how much hype Tesla generated around the car. (Image source: Tesla)

Cybertruck pricing, looks deter potential buyers as survey finds only 33% would buy Tesla's electric pickup truck

The looks and pricing of the Tesla Cybertruck proved to be the most off-putting aspects for respondents in a recent survey. Respondents are confirmed to not be Cybertruck reservation holders, who number in the millions. In the sur...

Julian van der Merwe, 07 Dec 2023 07:51

COP 2023: Emissions from fossil fuels increased, CO₂ capture technologies hardly help (Symbolic image: Bing AI)

COP 2023: Emissions from fossil fuels are millions of times greater than efforts to capture CO₂

COP28: To support new climate funds, the USA has announced a $3 billion offer. A recent report shows that emissions have increased globally, and current technologies like capturing carbon dioxide from the air cannot help reduce th...

Nicole Dominikowski, 06 Dec 2023 16:09

Nvidia expands AI chip production to Japan while China redirects semiconductor manufacturing to Hong Kong

Nvidia is partnering with Japanese companies to establish a chain of semiconductor plants in Japan to meet the growing demand for AI graphics chips. Simultaneously, China is investing heavily in transforming Hong Kong into a new h...

Robert Gelo, 06 Dec 2023 13:45

Copilot-assisted search in Microsoft Edge 119.0.2151.97 (Source: Own)

Microsoft promises GPT-4 Turbo & Dall-E 3-powered responses, Code Interpreter, and more for Copilot

With Copilot's first anniversary, Microsoft unveils exciting plans for the future of the AI assistant. Soon, Copilot will answer with the help of GPT-4 Turbo and an updated Dall-E 3 model, Edge users will get a rewrite menu, and t...

Codrut Nistor, 06 Dec 2023 12:01

The EU is providing 1.2 billion euros for a European cloud computing project

EU provides 1.2 billion euros for European cloud computing project

The cloud business is currently and clearly dominated by US companies. This has various disadvantages for countries outside the US, such possible data protection issues and loss of potential revenue. Now, the EU is finally getting...

Christian Hintze, 06 Dec 2023 01:44

IKEA will launch new Matter-compatible products and bring the network standard to its DIRIGERA hub. (Image source: IKEA)

IKEA reveals plans to launch new Matter-compatible products

IKEA has confirmed its plans to bring Matter compatibility to its smart home range. On a customer service page, the brand says it intends to bring the standard to its DIRIGERA smart home hub. Plus, the company, a member of the CSA...

Polly Allcock, 05 Dec 2023 18:37

FOSSIBOT DT1 Lite launches as new 2K display rugged Android tablet for under US$140

FOSSIBOT has introduced its DT1 Lite as a device with a 1200x2000 display that starts at just over US$135. The IP68/IP69K/MIL-STD-810H-rated tablet runs Android 13 and has a 10,000mAh+ batter with a handy power bank function; then...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 05 Dec 2023 17:10

Apple TV app on Amazon Fire TV (Source: Amazon)

Apple TV+ and Paramount+ might join forces after losing 7% of their subscribers in October

While some competitors come with bundled services that make them more attractive (Disney+ sports Hulu and ESPN+ for US$12.99 a month), Apple TV+ goes for US$5.99 and Paramount+ Essential is US$5.99, both supported by ads. A recent...

Codrut Nistor, 05 Dec 2023 13:07

Meta and other tech giants form an AI Alliance to counter ChatGPT

The main goal of the AI Alliance, launched by Meta, IBM, Intel, Sony, Dell, and other companies, is the responsible development of AI technology with an emphasis on safety and security measures. The group also intends to promote t...

Robert Gelo, 05 Dec 2023 10:20

Spotify axes 1500 employees

In Spotify's newsroom, CEO Daniel Ek has announced that the music streaming service is laying off 17% of its workforce. This comes as result of the economic circumstances and the recent slowdown in growth, despite a positive balan...

Christian Hintze, 04 Dec 2023 23:16

Starlink argues its satellite signal won't interfere (image: SpaceX)

SpaceX to test Starlink cell coverage as rival Amazon hires it to launch its Kuiper satellites

After its shareholders revolted against using the Blue Origin company of Jeff Bezos for Starlink's rival Project Kuiper satellite Internet service, Amazon went to SpaceX. It has now bought bought 3 cheaper rocket launches from El...

Daniel Zlatev, 04 Dec 2023 19:37

KISS to continue touring thanks to “Immortal Digital Avatars”

From now on, KISS will perform as virtual avatars created by Lucas' Industrial Light & Magic, enabling them to continue performing and connecting with fans around the world long after their traditional stage shows have ended.

Robert Gelo, 04 Dec 2023 10:23

New hints suggest that Windows 12 will arrive in 2024

Earlier this year, the presentation files for the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite mentioned a "Windows OS" different from Windows 11, which might be its successor. The unconfirmed Windows release generally known as Windows 12 for ...

Codrut Nistor, 02 Dec 2023 16:13

ChatGPT, Character AI, and Google Bard dominate the global AI landscape

The overall AI industry witnessed remarkable growth, with an average of 2 billion visits per month over the past year. This upward trajectory accelerated in the last six months, reaching a peak of 3.3 billion visits.

Robert Gelo, 02 Dec 2023 11:57

The dual-chemistry Gemini battery by Our Next Energy managed to propel BMW's iX mid-sized SUV a whopping 608.1 miles on a songle charge. (Image source: Our Next Energy)

BMW iX beats Toyota to 600-mile range punch with dual-chemistry battery from Our Next Energy

A BMW iX test vehicle with an Our Next Energy dual-chemistry battery has achieved 608 miles (979 km) of range on the WLTP test cycle. The dual-chemistry approach reached the 600-mile mark at least three years before Toyota predict...

Julian van der Merwe, 02 Dec 2023 07:11

Huawei to lead China's major semiconductor offensive. (Image: Onur Binay)

Bloomberg: Huawei receives billions for chip production, now working more closely with government after sanctions

Huawei is spearheading China's semiconductor initiative. The tech giant, which has been heavily sanctioned by the USA, will soon develop, manufacture and sell computer chips itself without having to rely on the technology of inter...

Hannes Brecher, 02 Dec 2023 01:02

The new ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 has hit its lowest price thus far (Image: Lenovo)

Deal | ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 laptop with AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 7540U and 16GB RAM discounted by 47% at Lenovo

The appealing AMD configuration of the latest 2023 ThinkPad X13 has been put on sale for one of its lowest prices thus far as Lenovo currently grants a substantial US$800 discount on the compact 13-inch business laptop.

Enrico Frahn, 01 Dec 2023 23:13

A Cyrusher electric snowboard. (Source: Cyrusher)

Cyrusher CES 2024 showcase to include first-gen electric skateboard launch

Cyrusher has announced that it intends to take its e-mobility hardware even further beyond e-bikes at CES 2024 with its very first equally electric skateboard. The OEM will also demo electricified surfboards and even snowboards du...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Dec 2023 17:36

AGM H6 launches as an extra-slim, extra-light rugged smartphone

AGM Mobile claims to solve one of the rugged Android smartphone industry's most pressing problems by making its new H6 up to 27.27% lighter and up to 35.78% slimmer than the average IP68/IP69K/MIL-STD-810H-rated mobile device. Its...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Dec 2023 09:00

UNFCCC teams up with Microsoft for AI-driven emissions reducing effort

With a history of over 31 years, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has failed in its attempts to limit the negative influence of human activity on the climate system. However, the partnership with ...

Codrut Nistor, 01 Dec 2023 02:00

One billion Redmi smartphones have been sold to date (symbolic image, image: Notebookcheck.com)

Xiaomi: One billion Redmi smartphones sold in just ten years

Xiaomi recently announced that it has sold a total of one billion Redmi smartphones in just 10 years. The Redmi series are comparatively cheap smartphones, some with strong features.

Silvio Werner, 29 Nov 2023 23:36

Future solar cells are much more efficient. (Source: pixabay/mrganso)

Solar cells with outstanding efficiency: perovskite meets sicilium

Everyone would like cheap energy. For the electric car, radiant heater, heat pump, air conditioning or coffee machine. A new tandem solar cell promises exactly that, and on a large scale.

Mario Petzold, 29 Nov 2023 22:55

Investors are betting on the Dimensity 9300 chip (Image source: MediaTek Inc.)

MediaTek's stock rises 40% on AI chip breakthrough

Strong stock growth for MediaTek has been fueled by rising demand for its chips, especially regarding the "edge AI" technology. Both its US competitor Qualcomm Inc. and the overall semiconductor market are lagging behind.

Robert Gelo, 29 Nov 2023 22:01

Garmin Venu 3 wins CES 2024 Best of Innovation Award

Garmin has revealed that it has a new CES Best of Innovation Award winner well in advance of the actual January 2024 event in question. The Venu 3 is joined by other smartwatches of its brand in being honored during these upcoming...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 29 Nov 2023 20:20

The VIVE Ultimate Tracker. (Source: HTC)

HTC VIVE Ultimate Tracker launches to augment VR/AR headset use with wearable tracking

HTC has announced that its new own-brand accessory augments the UX of its VIVE headsets as never before with new technology that confers true "self-tracking" on the user. Accordingly, their avatar's movements in games or apps are ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 29 Nov 2023 18:58

Harman acquires Roon (Source: Samsung Newsroom)

Harman buys audio technology platform Roon

Founded in 1980 and an independent subsidiary of Samsung since 2017, Harman is well-known for its presence in the automotive, consumer, and enterprise audio markets. Roon's acquisition gives Harman access to a music player for all...

Codrut Nistor, 29 Nov 2023 18:50

Volkswagen's Scout to partner with Magna Steyr on US$40,000 off-road EV to challenge Cybertruck, Rivian competition

VW brand Scout appears to be partnering with Magna Steyr, the firm responsible for manufacturing the Mercedes-Benz G Wagon, for its first electric SUV. The upcoming Scout SUV is due in 2026, and it will draw from the International...

Julian van der Merwe, 29 Nov 2023 00:28

The pretty capable dGPU variant of the ThinkPad P14s Gen 4 is currently on sale (Image: Lenovo)

Deal | Lenovo ThinkPad P14s laptop with 2.8K OLED display, Core i7-1360P, RTX dGPU and 32GB RAM discounted by 63%

Two stackable coupon codes push a well-equipped OLED configuration of the current ThinkPad P14s Gen 4 to its lowest sale price yet. Since this version of Lenovo's 14-inch workstation laptop is also powered by a dedicated Nvidia RT...

Enrico Frahn, 28 Nov 2023 22:49

Playstation console dominates the market. (Image source: Unsplash/jeshoots.com)

PlayStation outsells Xbox big time in Europe

October 2023 witnessed the sale of 10.21 million PC and console games across Europe, marking a marginal 2.3% year-on-year decline. In the realm of console hardware, the PS5 emerged as the indisputable leader in Europe with sales s...

Robert Gelo, 28 Nov 2023 22:19

Parents and kids alike prefer gaming holiday gifts. (Image source: Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto)

Report reveals children in the US want digital gaming for Christmas

A new report has revealed that children in the US would prefer games subscriptions and virtual currency over physical games for Christmas. A staggering 72% of US children expressed a desire for video game-related gifts for the upc...

Robert Gelo, 28 Nov 2023 22:14