Business Articles

Zuckerberg's Metaverse loses over $25 billion, VR fans criticize Meta Quest 3

Mark Zuckerberg's Metaverse has lost more than $25 billion since last summer. To cover the loss, Meta has fired about 21,000 employees. Optimism now relies on the Meta Quest 3 VR headset, which is cheaper than its previous version...

Nicole Dominikowski, 29 Oct 2023 15:34

VR goggles used to tackle mental illness (symbolic image: Bing AI)

New virtual reality therapy helps hoarders back to life

Virtual reality goggles can aid in treating hoarding disorder, a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, as per recent research by Stanford University. The use of VR headsets in therapy can significantly alleviate the distress endu...

Nicole Dominikowski, 28 Oct 2023 18:46

The Mind modular workstation. (Source: Khadas)

Khadas Mind goes to retail following successful crowdfunding campaign

Khadas has announced that its innovative modular mini PC is now available via more conventional sales channels, having started out as a Kickstarter hit that garnered it over US$690,000 in backer rewards. Its retail units now start...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 27 Oct 2023 19:45

Riley Reid uses AI for her own business (Image: Instagram @letrileylive, edited)

Exploring taboos: Riley Reid launches business for adult performers to create AI versions of themselves

The AI avatars of authentic adult film performers fulfil all possible desires in this new enterprise, with no consequences from OpenAI. Furthermore, every party involved, from management to actors, benefits from this new offering.

Nicole Dominikowski, 26 Oct 2023 18:42

Qualcomm could source some of its high-end smartphone chips from Samsung (image via Qualcomm)

Qualcomm confirms it will dual-source chips from Samsung Foundry and TSMC

Qualcomm executives said in an interview that the company plans to partner with Samsung Foundry and Qualcomm for its flagship products. However, it declined to comment if the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will make the switch.

Anil Ganti, 26 Oct 2023 12:14

Tesla claims that its automated driving features make its vehicles safer and more comfortable. (Image source: Tesla)

Ford BlueCruise dominates Tesla Autopilot in Consumer Reports testing, while Polestar scores bottom-of-the-barrel result

Tesla seems to have let its base Autopilot ADAS technology fall by the wayside while it's been busy working on FSD Beta. Consumer Reports rated Ford's BlueCruise scored first, with Tesla's Autopilot securing a measly eighth place,...

Julian van der Merwe, 25 Oct 2023 20:35

Tesla has been putting the Cybertruck through its paces in all sorts of weather and road conditions, potentially to dramatic effect. (Image source: Tesla)

Tesla Cybertruck bends upper control arm in testing, raising concerns about suspension durability

The TFLnow YouTube channel shared images of the control arms of a Tesla Cybertruck release candidate spotted in the wild after an off-road test. The control arm appears to be deformed, leading to speculation online and in the vide...

Julian van der Merwe, 25 Oct 2023 08:50

Zero Carbon Charge looks to populate South Africa's biggest highways with sustainable EV chargers. (Image source: ZeroCC)

South Africa turns to off-grid EV charging to increase EV adoption and alleviate high fuel costs

ZeroCC looks to increase South Africa's low EV adoption rate by installing off-grid fast chargers along some of the country's biggest routes. The EV charging network will be powered exclusively by solar and wind power in an attemp...

Julian van der Merwe, 24 Oct 2023 23:38

The WP30 Pro is official. (Source: Oukitel)

Oukitel WP30 Pro debuts as rugged smartphone with series-first 120W charging

Oukitel asserts that its new WP30 Pro can charge by up to 50% in just 15 minutes over USB type-C, despite the 11,000mAh capacity of its battery. That is because it is the first of its line to boast flagship-grade 120 watt (W) char...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 24 Oct 2023 18:46

Analogue Leica M cameras are becoming increasingly popular. (Image: Leica)

Leica celebrates most successful business year to date, sells 10 times as many analogue Leica M models as in 2015

German camera manufacturer Leica expects 2023 to be the strongest year in terms of sales in the company's 150-year history. This is not least due to the popularity of the Leica Q3 and the rising demand for analogue Leica M cameras...

Hannes Brecher, 24 Oct 2023 14:23

The Sharp NEC 603L projector is part of the Digital Cinema Projector Series. (Image source: Sharp NEC Displays)

Sharp NEC announces new NC603L Laser Digital Cinema Projector

The Sharp NEC NC603L Laser Projector has been revealed, following the recent announcement of the NC1503L. Both of the new models have been designed for movie theatres, with the NC603L offering up to 6,000 lumens brightness. Featur...

Polly Allcock, 24 Oct 2023 13:25

Mate Bike is hoping to avoid bankruptcy. (Image source: Mate Bike)

Mate Bike is latest e-bike brand to face financial problems

Following the recent rescue of VanMoof, another e-bike company is now in financial trouble. Danish brand Mate Bike is currently taking steps to try to avoid bankruptcy and continue trading. Various factors appear to have contribut...

Polly Allcock, 24 Oct 2023 12:46

Toyota recently showed off a handsome electric Land Cruiser Se concept for the Japan Mobility Show. (Image source: Toyota)

Toyota nears production of solid-state battery, claiming 700+ km EVs coming soon with better fire safety and faster charging

Toyota claims it is nearing production on solid-state battery technology, predicting that it will start shipping production EVs with solid-state batteries as early as 2027, although initial volumes will be low. The company is work...

Julian van der Merwe, 23 Oct 2023 20:49

Unlike Tesla, that sells performance, Fisker markets its Ocean SUV more as a lifestyle vehicle focussed on sustainability and comfort. (Image source: Fisker, Inc.)

Fisker drops Ocean Extreme US pricing as it opens order books for all trims and raises prices on cheaper trims

Fisker has dropped the price of the Ocean Extreme SUV by US$7,500 to US$61,449, putting it well below the standard Dual Motor AWD Tesla Model X and much closer to the US$52,490 Model Y Performance. Fisker customers who have alread...

Julian van der Merwe, 23 Oct 2023 19:49

DS Automobiles is offering a ChatGPT integration pilot for some customers. (Image source: Stellantis)

ChatGPT integration now available for DS Automobiles cars

DS Automobiles has announced that some European customers can now use ChatGPT in their DS 3, DS 4, DS 7 and DS 9 vehicles. The AI model is offered with the DS IRIS SYSTEM, creating an intelligent voice assistant. Suggested uses in...

Polly Allcock, 23 Oct 2023 19:44

The Chevrolet Blazer EV RS is a mid-sized SUV with performance ambitions. (Image source: Chevrolet)

Chevrolet Blazer EV falls prey to US$10,000 dealer markups before GM even has time for volume production ramp

The dealer markups that have plagued the automotive world of late have struck again, this time laying claim to the Chevrolet Blazer EV, which is supposed to have an MSRP of under US$60,000. Some dealers appear to be adding “market...

Julian van der Merwe, 23 Oct 2023 19:08

Toyota reimagines the Land Cruiser as a luxury seven-seater for the electric era. (Image source: Toyota)

Electric Toyota Land Cruiser Se ditches rugged roots alongside Hilux-like EPU pickup for Japan Mobility Show reveal

Toyota has provided a sneak peek at what to expect from the Japan Mobility Show, but the highlights of the show are sure to be the electric Land Cruiser and EPU pickup truck concepts. The Land Cruiser, however, changes significant...

Julian van der Merwe, 23 Oct 2023 08:43

Honda is will work with Japanese Yamato Transport to trial electric delivery vans with swappable batteries. (Image source: Honda via Nikkei Asia)

Electric Honda kei van to test swappable batteries in collaboration with Japanese delivery company

Swappable batteries promise low down-time for commercial delivery companies, effectively extending range where swap stations are available. The MEV-Van concept is based on the compact Honda N-Van e: that debuted earlier this year,...

Julian van der Merwe, 21 Oct 2023 01:38

Microsoft's HoloLens virtual reality headset to be redesigned to better resist hacker attacks.

Microsoft HoloLens for the military: Hacker attacks on VR headset may cause physical pain

The HoloLens virtual reality headset, which Microsoft manufactures for the US military, has met with widespread rejection by soldiers because it can cause various physical ailments. There are now also fears that hacker attacks on ...

Nicole Dominikowski, 20 Oct 2023 01:08

The 7000WX series has arrived. (Source: AMD)

AMD Threadripper PRO 7995WX is unleashed as a new 96-core flagship for next-gen powerhouse workstations

AMD is confident that its new Threadripper PRO series has it all for use-cases ranging from "world-class" creation to "generative" design in manufacturing - a new top-end variant with double the cores and threads of the outgoing 5...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 19 Oct 2023 15:00

Threadripper 7000 is here. (Source: AMD)

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X launches touted as the world's new leading desktop platform

Threadripper for the desktop is officially back today (October 19, 2023) with the launch of the new 7000X-series processors. They are rated for a selection of the main I/O support upgrades of their PRO counterparts, not to mention...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 19 Oct 2023 15:00

Tesla also teased the Cybertruck on the back of its Semi, indicating that perhaps some deliveries will happen via the electric hauler. (Image source: Tesla)

Tesla Cybertruck to launch by November 30 with 800 V architecture, despite "enormous challenges"

Tesla has confirmed that despite “enormous challenges in reaching volume production,” the Cybertruck will start reaching customers before the end of November 2023. The company also claims that it has capacity to produce over 125,0...

Julian van der Merwe, 19 Oct 2023 00:24

Something new is coming to Wear OS. (Source: Qualcomm)

Wear OS on RISC-V is on the way in form of new Qualcomm wearables platform

Qualcomm and Google has announced that RISC-V-based wearables with all the benefits of Wear OS might be on the cards in the near future. The two OEMs are currently collaborating on such a new platform with the emerging alternative...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 17 Oct 2023 21:28

The Tesla Model 3 Highland refresh ushered in some subtle visual changes that significantly changed the vehicle's looks. (Image source: Tesla)

Tesla Model 3 Highland arrives in UK with starting price of £39,990 and early 2024 deliveries

Tesla has silently made the Model 3 Highland available for order in the United Kingdom after an EU release earlier this year. The new Model 3 is available in two trims for the time being, and the base Model 3 RWD starts at £39,990...

Julian van der Merwe, 17 Oct 2023 20:00

At just 1.76 m wide and 4.01 m long, the new Citroën ë-C3 fits right in as a compact hatchback with tall crossover looks. (Image source: Stellantis)

Citroën ë-C3 launches with 199-mile range, fast charging, and shockingly low price

Stellantis has announced the Citroën ë-C3 for the European market. The new EV is built on Stelantis's Smart Car Platform. While it will only feature 199 miles (320.26 km) of WLTP range, the new EV will also only cost €23,300, with...

Julian van der Merwe, 17 Oct 2023 19:29

Better streaming is coming to RTX 20-powered PCs. (Source: NVIDIA)

RTX 20-series GPUs upgrade to smoother streaming with RTX VSR 1.5

The latest version of RTX VSR, NVIDIA's AI-powered pixel processing tool rated to crush artifacts in streamed content, has been released to Turing-based cards (the RTX 20-series included) as part of the OEM's latest crop of softwa...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 17 Oct 2023 18:31

Xiaomi confirms MIUI's demise for the Chinese market

Although it was thought that the barely unveiled HyperOS would replace MIUI in all markets, it looks like the future of Xiaomi's software environment is different. HyperOS will be only present in China, while other markets will st...

Codrut Nistor, 17 Oct 2023 09:45

Sony's Alpha cameras could soon feature vibrating shutter buttons. (Image source: Sony)

Sony looks to haptic shutter buttons for innovative Alpha camera features

A Sony patent filing describes a shutter button that features haptic feedback in the form of vibration when certain actions take place. Sony provided little indication of what it plans to do with the feature in the patent document...

Julian van der Merwe, 17 Oct 2023 09:20

Oukitel WP30 Pro leaks as new rugged Android 13 smartphone with flagship-grade charging

Oukitel has reportedly showcased its latest smartphone as the first of its line to debut with the same ultra-fast-charging technology as some much higher-end Android devices. The WP30 Pro is also touted to sport a rear-mounted dis...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Oct 2023 18:58

The Galaxy M44's predecessor. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy M44 5G pops up in initial pre-launch leak

Samsung is now slated to have a new option in the mid-range Android smartphone market for 2024 or possibly even late 2023: the Galaxy M44. It has been identified as a 5G device in a new tip, which also confirms its model number an...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Oct 2023 17:52

iPhones might ship with newer software out of the box. (Source: Apple)

iPhones to update to latest iOS version from inside sealed packages in the future

The first thing the owner of a brand new iPhone might have to do after unboxing is download and install a software update, especially if they, for example want the latest iOS 17.0.3 version. However, that might not be the case in ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Oct 2023 17:18

Qualcomm to lay over 1,200 staff members off in December 2023

Qualcomm has revealed that it will cut over 1,200 jobs, or those of about 2.5% of its current employees, later in 2023. All of the affected staff members are located in the same region, although they will be obliged to leave their...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 13 Oct 2023 19:15

One of the world's latest smartphones. (Source: Motorola)

Over half of the planet's population use smartphones now

The GSM Association's latest study on mobile internet use worldwide has concluded that over half of the global population now has at least one smartphone. Four billion of those people are estimated to use mobile data on those devi...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 13 Oct 2023 18:29

Drift-happy BMW M3 EV with dual-motor RWD system considered for Neue Klasse architecture

An all-electric BMW M car with a dual-motor rear-wheel-drive drivetrain could be on the cards for the German carmaker. This quirky drive-train arrangement could act as a sort of electronic limited-slip differential, give drivers m...

Julian van der Merwe, 12 Oct 2023 20:31

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s G4: Intel models are better for single core tasks

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s G4 is available with both AMD and Intel CPUs. In terms of multicore performance and GPU power, the Intel model with Raptor Lake U is inferior - at least, the Intel ThinkPad has the single core performance ...

Benjamin Herzig, 12 Oct 2023 14:43

The latest ID.4 or ID.5 cockpit layout option. (Source: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 2024 announced with infotainment screen and UI upgrades

Volkswagen has refreshed the ID.4 and ID.5 with a range of upgrades, the option of an enlarged cockpit display included. The electric cars' Pro models are also touted to come with improved range, torque and power, while their GTX ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 11 Oct 2023 21:18

A previous Cybertruck sighting (left) indicated a much narrower bed design than more recent images (right) indicate. (Image source: The Autopian)

Tesla Cybertruck spotted with spacious, refined bed, slanted roof rack, and sizeable frunk alongside seemingly cramped interior

The Tesla Cybertruck has been spotted in Mexico during a photo shoot, with spy shots revealing a spacious frunk, comfortably seating a grown human man, and a much-improved bed design sans aggressively-slanted sides.

Julian van der Merwe, 11 Oct 2023 19:42

The electric blue camo wrap appears to have been particularly popular when it first appeared. (Image source: @kjoule11 on X)

Cybertruck first-party wraps all but confirmed as US$8,000 Tesla Model 3 and Y wraps appear in Tesla shop

Tesla is expanding its wrap offerings beyond the Chinese market, where they have been available for some time. This new offering all but confirms that Tesla will offer first-party wraps for the Cybertruck, which has been spotted w...

Julian van der Merwe, 11 Oct 2023 18:44

The Sharp NEC NC1503 digital cinema projector has been unveiled. (Image source: Sharp/NEC)

Sharp/NEC reveals NC1503L digital cinema projector with 14,000 lumens brightness

Sharp/NEC Displays has unveiled the NC1503 projector, a model designed for portable and small booth cinemas. The gadget uses an RB laser light source to generate images up to 17 m (~56 ft) wide with up to 14,000 lumens brightness....

Polly Allcock, 10 Oct 2023 21:20

A Xiaomi Car in prototype camuflage. (Source: Xiaomiui)

Xiaomi Car to come as E-REV as well as BEV

Xiaomi's upcoming first-gen car, is widely thought to land as a purely battery-powered electric vehicle (or BEV). However, according to the latest reports, it might also be possible to buy it as an extended-range EV (or E-REV). Th...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 10 Oct 2023 19:00

ColorOS 14 might have a new look. (Source: OPPO)

ColorOS 14 slated to headline OPPO Developers Conference 2023

OPPO has set the stage for the launch of the next major software upgrade for its Android smartphones during its Developers Conference of 2023. The event will also introduce the OEM's connected smart device ecosystem, not to mentio...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 09 Oct 2023 22:48

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus: Teardown reveals 5G modem upgrade from Qualcomm

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max upgraded to the latest A17 Pro chipset from Apple, whereas the 15 and 15 Plus were left to make do with the same A16 Bionic from the 14 Pro series. However, according to new analysis, the 2 cheaper mo...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 09 Oct 2023 19:45

Lenovo ThinkCentre M60 desktop PC (Source: Lenovo)

Lenovo to offer Esper's custom Android as Windows alternative for desktop PCs

Last week's agreement between Lenovo and Esper brings the latter's enterprise-grade Android and device management to a wide range of devices. The first one to run the custom Android-based OS is the third-generation Lenovo ThinkCen...

Codrut Nistor, 09 Oct 2023 14:14

The Displace TV demos its new safety feature. (Source: Displace)

Displace TV: World's First Truly Wireless TV's inbuilt anti-drop features unveiled

The Displace TV is touted as the world's first smart screen that works without cables of any kind, and also without a conventional wall-mount of any kind. Now, its OEM has gone into more detail on the "vacuum suction system" that ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 08 Oct 2023 17:45

Lenovo SVP: 80 % of manufacturer's devices repairable by 2025

Sustainability has been one of the mega-trends of the economy in the last few years. In tech, one way to achieve this goal is by making devices repairable. Lenovo, currently the biggest PC manufacturer, has now predicted that the ...

Benjamin Herzig, 06 Oct 2023 20:42