AI & Technology Updates
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TCL’s NXTPaper 70 Pro with Max Ink Mode
TCL is introducing the NXTPaper 70 Pro smartphone, featuring a unique e-Ink-like matte display and enhanced durability with dust and water resistance. The device includes a 6.9-inch NXTPaper 4.0 screen, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and a 50-megapixel camera, priced around €339 in Europe. Additionally, TCL is launching the Note A1 NXTPaper, a specialized note-taking tablet with an 11.5-inch display, a simplified Android-based OS, and a stylus with haptic feedback, priced at $549 with discounted preorders available. These innovations highlight TCL's focus on integrating advanced display technology and user-centric features in their devices. This matters because it showcases TCL's commitment to enhancing user experience through innovative screen technology and practical device features.
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Gemini on Google TV: Nano Banana & Voice Control
Gemini on Google TV is receiving a significant update that enhances its AI assistant with more engaging visual features and improved functionality. Key additions include Nano Banana and Veo support, allowing users to create AI-generated videos and images directly on their TV, and the ability to modify personal photos or create unique video clips. Gemini will also offer more visual responses, including images, video context, and real-time sports updates, along with narrated interactive deep dives on chosen topics. Moreover, new voice-control capabilities will enable users to adjust settings like screen brightness and volume simply by speaking commands. This update initially rolls out to select TCL sets, with broader availability on more Google TV devices in the coming months. This matters because it represents a step forward in making AI-driven home entertainment systems more interactive and user-friendly.
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TCL’s X11L SQD-Mini LED TV Challenges RGB LED
TCL is challenging the dominance of RGB LED technology at CES with its X11L SQD-Mini LED TV, which features blue LEDs for backlighting and reformulated quantum dots, along with an UltraColor Filter, to achieve 100% of the BT.2020, DCI-P3, and Adobe RGB color gamuts without color crosstalk. The X11L boasts up to 10,000 nits of peak brightness and 20,000 dimming zones, making it one of the brightest displays available. It supports future technologies like Dolby Vision 2 and offers features such as four HDMI 2.1 ports, Xbox Game Pass app compatibility, and built-in Bang & Olufsen speakers. Available for preorder, the X11L comes in 85- and 98-inch models, with a 75-inch version expected later, and while initially expensive, TCL's pricing history suggests potential price drops. This matters as it highlights TCL's innovative approach to improving TV display technology, offering consumers enhanced color accuracy and future-proof features.
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GE Lighting’s Affordable Smart Shades
GE Lighting has introduced new smart shades priced at $299.99, offering a more affordable option compared to other brands like Lutron, which starts at $399. These shades are designed with hidden mounting hardware for a sleek appearance and are available in white or gray with silver trim, offering light filtering or full blackout options. They are compatible with the Matter protocol, ensuring easy integration with modern smart home systems, and come with a remote for those with older setups. This matters because it provides a cost-effective solution for consumers looking to enhance their smart home experience with motorized shades.
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ShiftCam’s Trackable 8TB SSD for Phones
ShiftCam introduces the Planck Studio, a high-speed mobile SSD designed to attach magnetically to the back of a phone, offering up to 8TB of additional storage. Targeted at content creators and production teams, it boasts transfer speeds of up to 3,700MB/s and features a USB-C port supporting USB4. Available in 4TB and 8TB versions, priced at $399 and $599 respectively, the device includes a screen displaying essential information and integrates with Apple and Google’s device finder networks for easy location tracking. This innovation simplifies data management for creators, ensuring efficient file transfers and storage expansion on the go.