tech
Asus ROG Phone 8 Review: 2024’s First Flagship Gaming Device
Known for producing top-notch Android gaming phones under the ROG line-up, Asus has distinguished itself by creating purpose-built devices. In this wave, the Asus ROG Phone 8 made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 on January 8. Let’s take a look at the new features and upgrades in the latest ROG phone.
Key Features and Specs of ROG Phone 8
Design
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro introduces a more conventional design, weighing 225 grams and measuring 163.8mm by 76.8mm by 8.9 mm. With smaller bezels and a thinner 8.9mm profile, it offers a lighter and sleeker form factor.
Retaining AirTriggers on each shoulder, the phone forgoes motorised vents, gaining an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. Practical features like the 3.5mm headphone jack and side-mounted USB-C charging port remain intact.
Read more: Apple’s 2024 Line-up: A leap into the future with Vision Pro, OLED iPad Pro, and more
While still gaming-centric, the ROG Phone 8 Pro deviates from the bold aesthetics of its predecessors. The rear panel conceals the LED array when turned off, giving it a more ordinary appearance. Even the camera module adopts a simple, slightly raised square section in the top corner.
However, users may find it less striking compared to previous models. The design, seemingly aimed at broader appeal and usability, may risk alienating hardcore ROG Phone enthusiasts who appreciate the uniqueness of older models.
ROG Phone 8 is available in two colour options: Rebel Grey and Phantom Black.
Display
The Asus ROG Phone 8 boasts a 6.78-inch FHD+ (2400 by 1080 pixels) Samsung Flexible AMOLED display. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. With a vivid colour range, it covers 107.37% DCI-P3, 145.65% sRGB, and 103.16% NTSC colour gamuts. This means sharp and vibrant visuals.
Read more: Apple's Vision Pro Headset: Everything You Need to Know
The brightness is impressive, reaching up to 1,600 nits HBM and a peak brightness of 2,500 nits. HDR10 support enhances the viewing experience, providing richer colours and contrast. The display offers a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, with a maximum of 165Hz for supported games, ensuring smooth visuals.
Noteworthy is the Always-On display feature, displaying essential information with tiny icons, like charging status, due to the absence of a thick top bezel. The 10-point multitouch supports glove touch, adding to user convenience.
While some may miss a QHD resolution, the FHD choice is likely a compromise for better power consumption, especially with the phone's higher refresh rate. Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 8's display promises an immersive and dynamic visual experience.
Read more: iQOO Neo 9 Review: A Flagship Grade Mid-Range Smartphone
Cameras
The Asus ROG Phone 8 comes equipped with a powerful rear camera setup for capturing stunning photos and videos. The main rear camera features a Sony IMX 890 50 MP image sensor with a large 1/1.56” sensor size.
Enhancing stability, the main camera incorporates Gimbal OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and Quad Bayer technology, resulting in a 12.5 MP image with a 2 µm large effective pixel size. The wide F1.9 aperture and a 23.8mm equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera ensure impressive low-light performance and sharp images.
Complementing the main camera is a 13 MP second rear camera with a 120° ultrawide-angle lens and a Free-form lens, providing diverse shooting perspectives. The equivalent focal length is 12.7mm in a 35mm film camera.
Read more: realme GT5 Pro Review: High-performance or Hype?
Adding versatility, the third rear camera is a 32 MP lens with f/2.4 aperture, OIS, and 3X optical zoom. Utilising pixel binning technology, the actual output photo is 8 MP, and the equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera is 65.3mm.
For selfie enthusiasts, the front camera boasts a 32 MP RGBW sensor with pixel binning for 1.4μm size (actual output photo: 8 MP). The equivalent focal length in a 35mm film camera is 22mm, ensuring clear and vibrant self-portraits. Overall, the camera setup on the Asus ROG Phone 8 promises a versatile and high-quality photography experience.
Best of Consumer Electronics Show 2024: The Top Picks
Like every year, the Consumer Electronics Show 2024 marked the start of an exciting year of tech ahead. From wearables to entertainment to even farming tech, CES brings about every form of consumer tech imaginable under one roof. From January 9 to 12, the event took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center located in the Nevada state of the United States. Let’s dig into the best picks from this year’s CES.
The Most Exclusive Tech Gadgets of CES 2024
Rabbit R1: A Standalone Personal Assistant
The concept of Rabbit R1 might be a bit complex for some. It’s essentially a $199 device meant to use your phone for you. And if you’re not scratching your head already, it essentially uses AI to navigate tasks on your phone which otherwise you’d have to do yourself.
Rabbit R1 uses a simple command button like ChatGPT where you speak a command and it gets on with the task using your smartphone as the base. For example, ordering food or booking a UBER. The possibilities are supposed to be limitless with this AI assistant. While many are still skeptical about its practicality, Rabbit R1 was a highlight at CES.
Signature Series T OLED from LG: A New Transparent OLED Tech
LG unveiled its Signature Series T OLED screen at CES 2024. And in short, this is probably what magic in tech looks like.
The transparent screen is mounted on a frame, which when turned off, looks just like a slab of glass. The screen can project everything a normal OLED panel can do except without a background. The result is an entirely new viewing experience which honestly feels surreal.
Read more: Apple's Vision Pro Headset: Everything You Need to Know
LG even incorporated a raisable black screen at the back for a more traditional viewing experience. The 77-inch screen provides ample real estate to enjoy any kind of content on it, even holographic ones!
Tecno Spark 20 Review: Budget-friendly phone with a smart look
Tecno Mobile, a Chinese company based at Shenzhen, was established in 2006, as a subsidiary of Transsion Holdings. In the recent years, this brand acquired huge reputation for producing value-for-money smartphones. Spak is the budget-friendly line up of Tecno Mobile. Recently, the brand has launched Tecno Spark 20, an affordable phone with an iPhone-inspired design. This device is now available in Bangladesh. Let’s explore its features in details.
Features and Specifications of Tecno Spark 20
Design
Tecno Spark 20 phone comes with 163.7 mm by 75.6 mm by 8.5 mm dimention. It boasts a larger camera island with three circled rings for the dual cameras and a quad flashlight. The glossy camera island may attract dust, contrasting with the fingerprint-resistant plastic matte finish.
The plastic frame houses a swift side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and while lacking an official IP rating, a rubber ring suggests water resistance to some extent. Dual speakers deliver a surprisingly balanced sound, complemented by a USB C port for charging and a microphone for calls. The comfortably held phone exhibits flat surface, and robust build quality without any creaks or flexing.
Read more: Benco V91 Review: Android experience at BDT 10000
The dynamic port, reminiscent of the iPhone's dynamic island, introduces a touch of sophistication, though its functionality is somewhat constrained.
The vibrant color options, like Neon Gold, Gravity Black, Cyber White, and Magic Skin 2.0 (Blue), Spark 20 presents an eye-catching play of light.
Display
The Tecno Spark 20 sports a 6.6-inch IPS LCD, featuring a commendable 90Hz refresh rate alongside a 720 by 1612 pixels resolution. The enhanced scrolling experience due to the high refresh rate is more perceptible. While the display is satisfactory for its price point, a higher 1080p resolution would have been preferable.
Its punch hole disrupts the display. Besides, it has noticeable bezels, especially the prominent chin at the bottom. However, these limitations are often found in the similarly priced devices.
Read more: Tecno Spark 20C Review: Standard phone under 15000 TK
It’s display customization options offer flexibility, allowing users to fine-tune colors. With a peak brightness of 500 nits under adaptive settings, the screen remains visible outdoors. The ability to stream YouTube videos at 2K resolution produces vibrant and sharp visuals. While responsive to touch and conducive to enjoyable gaming, a desire for a higher resolution lingers, leaving the overall display experience commendable for its budget-friendly nature.
Performance and Software
The Tecno Spark 20 runs on the MediaTek Helio G85 12nm, which, despite being an older chipset, performs well. The phone is smooth with no noticeable lag when using it, and apps open quickly.
Games also run fine, except for heavy ones. It handles everyday tasks like calls, texts, and content consumption without a hitch. Multitasking is decent, except for heavy games. Compared to the Spark 10 with the MediaTek Helio G37, there's an improvement in performance.
Read more: Honor 90 Lite Review: Performance within Budget
Apple’s 2024 Line-up: A leap into the future with Vision Pro, OLED iPad Pro, and more
As 2024 dawns, Apple enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike are on the cusp of excitement, eagerly awaiting the tech giant’s annual product unveilings. In recent years, Apple has dramatically reshaped its product line, from transitioning Macs to in-house processors to launching the robust Apple Watch Ultra and hinting at an exciting new product category with the Vision Pro. As we navigate through 2024, let's delve into the rumored launches and innovative trends that could mark another significant chapter in Apple's illustrious history.
Innovative Apple Products Releasing in 2024
Vision Pro: A Leap into Mixed Reality
The Vision Pro, debuting on February 2 at $3,499, is poised to redefine mixed-reality technology. Powered by visionOS, this groundbreaking headset features a three-dimensional interface navigable through eye, hand, and voice controls. Its ultra-high-resolution displays offer an immersive visual journey, complemented by robust spatial computing that allows for multitasking in infinite virtual workspaces.
FaceTime enters a new dimension, becoming spatial and more immersive, while the EyeSight feature facilitates transparent user interactions. With its modular design, advanced eye tracking, and a focus on privacy, the Vision Pro stands at the forefront of spatial computing, promising a transformative experience for users.
Read more: Apple's Vision Pro Headset: Everything You Need to Know
OLED iPad Pro: Revolutionizing the Tablet Experience
The iPad Pro lineup is expected to receive a significant upgrade with the integration of OLED technology. Slated for release in 2024, these models – an 11.1-inch and a larger 13.1-inch, with talks of a potential 15-inch variant – promise to elevate the user experience.
OLED technology will bring deeper blacks, faster refresh rates, and improved contrast, surpassing the current mini-LED displays. The incorporation of the M3 chip is set to offer unparalleled CPU and GPU performance, enhancing the tablet's capabilities. This transition to OLED, while likely increasing battery efficiency, might also contribute to a higher price point.
Additional features may include MagSafe charging, expansive storage options up to 4TB, a redesigned Magic Keyboard, and a third-generation Apple Pencil with interchangeable magnetic tips. The new iPad Pro is speculated to launch in March, with prices starting at $1,500 for the 11-inch model and $1,800 for the 13-inch model.
Read more: Revolutionizing Health: Top 8 Medical Breakthroughs of 2023
iPad Air: The Perfect Balance of Affordability and Innovation
The anticipated 2024 iPad Air aims to redefine the mid-range tablet experience, offering a harmonious blend of performance and features. Expected to launch with a powerful M1 chip, this 10.9-inch tablet will feature a stunning Liquid Retina display with True Tone and wide color support. Enhancements such as Touch ID integration into the power button and 5G capabilities promise to elevate its appeal.
Additionally, a 12-megapixel front camera with Center Stage functionality and compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard position the iPad Air as a versatile device for both creativity and productivity. Rumored to debut in March at around $599, this tablet is poised to capture a wide range of users.
Bangladesh seeks to boost software exports to US: Zunaid Palak after meeting with Peter Haas
State Minister for Post, Telecom, and ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak on Tuesday said that new opportunities of cooperation will open up with the USA over the next five years of the government.
He said this following a meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday.
Mentioned that there is a heightened interest in Bangladesh from other nations he said, “Based on discussions with Ambassador Haas, I think trade relations between the countries will increase in the coming years.”
Read: Chattogram to be built as IT business hub: Palak
In reference to the meeting's agenda, Palak talked about their focus on strategising how the United States can collaborate with Bangladesh based on the vision of creating a smart Bangladesh by 2041, as envisioned by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Palak said there were three primary objectives of their discussion.
The first objective was about strategies to further enhance software exports and expand Bangladesh’s presence in the US.
“The United States stands out as the primary outsourcing hub for our software and freelancers. Among the 60 countries receiving our exported software, America takes the lead with the highest volume. We engaged in discussions on strategies to further enhance this collaboration and expand our presence,” he said.
Additionally, they discussed about establishing resource innovation centres in 10 universities, he said.
“We discussed how to explore ways in which U.S. could contribute to and support this initiatives,” he said.
Read: Software solution to reduce costs for patients: Palak
Another crucial aspect of the conversation centered on fostering government-to-government (G2G) cooperation between the United States and the Bangladesh Post Office, Palak said.
“The objective is to attract investments, particularly from major American companies like Amazon, Starling, SpaceX, Google, and Facebook, encouraging their increased involvement in specific sectors,” he said.
"In essence, our talks centered around determining the nature of cooperation the United States can offer in building a smart Bangladesh collaboratively. This involves enhancing exports, attracting investments, and fostering job creation,” he added.
TECNO SPARK 20 officially launched in Bangladesh
TECNO, the premium smartphone brand recently introduced the highly anticipated SPARK 20 from its renowned SPARK series.
Expanding its lineup, TECNO has already introduced two other models, the SPARK Go 2024 and SPARK 20c. The introduction of SPARK 20 further elevates TECNO's commitment to providing upgraded features within its smartphone segment, said a press release on Sunday.
In line with the slogan ‘Win Big, SPARK Beyond’ this latest addition is outfitted with advanced features. It features a 6.6" HD+ 90Hz Hole Screen for an immersive visual experience. Driven by the G85 Super Boost Octa-Core processor, the SPARK 20 enables smooth multitasking and an excellent gaming experience.
Offering a substantial 16GB RAM* (8GB+8GB Extended) and a built-in memory of 256GB, users can experience ample storage and swift performance. The device is equipped with a 50MP Ultra Clear Main Camera and a 32MP Glowing Selfie camera, significantly enhancing photography capabilities. The robust 5000mAh battery guarantees a full day’s usage on a single charge.
The SPARK 20 Series introduces an unparalleled audio experience with its Stereo Dual Speaker system, delivering a 400% increase in volume and DTS support for immersive audio.
Beyond its exceptional features, the SPARK 20 is not just a device; it boasts an eye-catching design that effortlessly combines style with functionality.
Showcasing playful patterns to match individual tastes, it includes a stylish punch-hole cutout for an enhanced front camera appearance and a dynamic “Dynamite Port” for swift charging notification. Ensuring both a comfortable grip and secure access, the device comes equipped with convenient fingerprint sensors and face unlock options.
TECNO SPARK 20 is now available at all authorized TECNO outlets in Bangladesh, priced attractively at BDT 16,999 (Excluding Vat).
Apple's Vision Pro Headset: Everything You Need to Know
For almost ten years, there have been rumours about Apple stepping into virtual and augmented reality. Finally, at WWDC 2023, they unveiled Vision Pro. The first device with visionOS will be available on February 2nd, and you can start placing pre-orders on January 19th at 8 AM ET / 5 AM PT. Even though Apple never officially admitted to developing the headset, numerous rumours circulated over the years speculating about its features. Now, the reality is revealed with Vision Pro, a mixed-reality device that can deliver both virtual and augmented reality experiences.
All Revealed Features and Specifications of Apple Vision Pro
Global Release Date
Apple introduced the Vision Pro at WWDC in June 2023, mentioning it would be out 'early next year.' Surprisingly, it arrived in January 2024, a bit earlier than expected, but the announcement just before CES was strategic for grabbing attention.
Initially, the headset is only available in the U.S., with Apple stating that other countries would have to wait until 'later next year,' as mentioned during the unveiling in 2023. Speculations in July 2023 by Gurman hinted that the U.K. and Canada might see the launch shortly after the U.S., while Asia and other parts of Europe might have to wait until later in 2024 or even 2025.
Read more: iQOO Neo 9 Review: A Flagship Grade Mid-Range Smartphone
Design
The Apple Vision Pro boasts a design that prioritises wearability and user customization. Crafted from a bespoke aluminium alloy, its frame gracefully contours around the user's face. The modular design allows for a tailored fit, ensuring optimal comfort.
The Light Seal, composed of a soft textile, offers a precise fit with various sizes and shapes to accommodate individual preferences. Adjustable flexible straps secure the device on the head, positioning the Audio Pods conveniently near the ears. The cushioned headband, available in different sizes and styles, further enhances the personalised experience.
As of Apple's press release in January 2023, each Vision Pro package includes two Light Seal cushions and is available in a diverse range of shapes and sizes. The package also encompasses an Apple Vision Pro Cover for the device's front, a battery, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter.
Read more: Revolutionizing Health: Top 8 Medical Breakthroughs of 2023
iQOO Neo 9 Review: A Flagship Grade Mid-Range Smartphone
iQOO saved up a big surprise till the very end of 2023. The Vivo subsidiary launched the much-hyped iQOO Neo 9 on 27th December in China. The smartphone is scheduled for a mid-February launch globally. For the time being, the smartphone has garnered a lot of attention and buzz among the users. So what’s the hype all about? Let’s find out.
Key Specifications of the vivo iQOO Neo 9
Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Neo series is known for its drastic design jumps in each iteration. The Neo 9 is also no different. There’s virtually no similarity between the Neo 8 and Neo 9 except for the fact that both of them have a plastic build.
The Neo 9 has a flat front and back with two large separate housings for the two camera sensors. The dimension of the smartphone comes in at 163.5 by 75.7 by 8 mm or 8.3 mm. The 8.3 mm version has a faux leather finish in bright red and contrasting white. It's probably the best looking one among a choice between black and blue. The faux leather variant weighs at 196 g whereas the standard model comes in at 190 g.
The ports and buttons are carried on from the Neo 8 with the SIM slot taking its place beside the Type C port. There’s also an IR blaster along with the secondary noise cancellation mic at the top. Other than that, the minimal front bezel and even weight distribution make for a premium mid-range smartphone.
Read more: realme GT5 Pro Review: High-performance or Hype?
The Display
The display on the Neo 9 is a 6.78 inches LTPO AMOLED panel with standard features like 1B colors, 144 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1400 nits of HBM. What’s interesting here is the inclusion of an LTPO panel. Even many high-end smartphones these days don’t come with this feature. Needless to say, it’ll definitely help conserve a lot of battery on the 1260 by 2800 pixels and 453 ppi density.
The display also has the new PWM dimming feature. It essentially dims out the blacks entirely by varying the electric pulse on the individual LEDs. The result is striking low brightness in dark environments and true black contrast.
The bezel on the center punch-hole display is very minimal with the lower chin protruding ever so slightly. The slim trim helps to keep the screen-to-body ratio at 89.7%. The bottom line, it's an amazing display that seriously punches above its price.
Read more: Motorola Edge 40 Neo 5G Review: What’s New?
The Camera
There’s a dual-lens camera on the Neo 9 with the main camera being a 50 MP f/1.9 wide angle and 1/1.49" aperture sensor. The secondary shooter is 8 MP, f/2.2 with a 119-degree field of view. Both the main and the secondary camera uses IMX sensors from Sony for improved camera performance.
Revolutionizing Health: Top 8 Medical Breakthroughs of 2023
The year 2023 has been monumental in the realm of health and medical science. As we continually strive to overcome health challenges, the relentless pursuit of medical advancements has yielded significant breakthroughs. These innovations not only promise enhanced healthcare but also showcase the power of science in improving lives globally. In this article, we delve into the top eight medical breakthroughs of 2023, each a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the scientific community.
The Biggest Medical Breakthroughs of 2023
A Leap Forward in Alzheimer’s Disease Management
In a ground-breaking development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Leqembi, a monoclonal antibody, in July 2023. This medical breakthrough targets the core cause of Alzheimer's disease – the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques, formed by abnormally proliferating proteins, disrupt neural synapses and cause memory loss. Leqembi intervenes by inhibiting plaque formation, thus preserving cognitive function.
A pivotal study revealed that administering Leqembi early could delay severe Alzheimer’s progression by up to 30 years, marking a significant stride in medical science.
Read more: Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety
Advancing Brain Science with Comprehensive Mapping
In a collaborative effort, an international team of over 20 scientists achieved a significant medical breakthrough by mapping the brain of a fruit fly, a process that spanned five years.
This achievement surpasses previous efforts which were limited to simpler organisms with fewer synapses. The complexity of the fruit fly’s brain, comprising around 3000 neurons and half a million synapses, parallels aspects of machine learning mapping, hinting at broader applications in understanding complex brains and advancing AI technologies.
realme GT5 Pro Review: High-performance or Hype?
In a bold move into the high-end market, realme introduces the GT5 Pro as a "dual-engine flagship," emphasising both impeccable performance and exceptional imaging capabilities. Launched on 16th December 2023, this smartphone aims to redefine realme's reputation in mid-range segments. From its robust design to impressive hardware, GT5 Pro marks realme's foray into the premium smartphone arena. This review explores every facet of the GT5 Pro.
Key Features and Specifications of realme GT5 Pro
Design
The realme GT5 Pro comes with a curved screen. The screen minimises borders (1.36mm on the sides, 1.94mm at the bottom). Weighing 218 to 224g, this device’s dimensions are 161.7mm by 7.51mm by 9.2mm.
The phone's quality is evident in its materials, featuring a super hard aluminium middle frame with 43% higher yield strength than standard titanium alloys.
The camera module features a champagne gold aluminium alloy ring. Its USB Type-C port supports fast charging. Notably, it lacks a headphone jack, embracing wireless audio trends.
Read more: iQoo 12 Pro Review: Flagship phone for gamers
The dual-SIM tray supports nano-SIM cards, but there's no microSD card support. An infrared port enables the phone to function as a remote control. With an IP64 rating, the GT5 Pro resists dust and water splashes, enhancing durability for outdoor use.
This device is available in several colour variants, such as, Black, White, and Orange. White and Orange options feature nano-leather, while the Black variant uses AG glass for a classic look.
Display
The realme GT5 Pro boasts a 6.78-inch screen that strikes a balance between ample viewing space and handheld comfort, catering to various activities like browsing, gaming, and multimedia consumption.
The screen utilises BOE's S1 flexible screen technology, with a resolution of 2780 by 1264 pixels (1.5K), ensuring sharp and detailed visuals without excessive battery drain.
Read more: vivo X100 Pro Review: A New Standard for Camera
In terms of colour accuracy, the GT5 Pro delivers quite natural colours, particularly noticeable in high-resolution photos or videos. The display's peak brightness is about 450 nits and ensures visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The manual maximum brightness is 1000 nits, with a global maximum of 1600 nits, beneficial for HDR content and detailing in various lighting conditions.
The 144Hz high refresh rate enhances user experience, especially in fast-paced gaming, with adaptive adjustment from 0.5Hz to 144Hz using 8T LTPO technology, optimising performance and power consumption.
For eye comfort, the GT5 Pro features 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming at low brightness, minimising screen flicker and eye strain. At higher brightness, it switches to DC dimming, reducing the risk of eye discomfort. The low SVM (Screen Flicker Metric) value of