ASUS unveiled the ROG Ally handheld console almost a year ago, and it’s a decent Windows-based handheld that has its fair share of cons and pros. It seems the company isn’t wasting any time in fixing those issues, as it has teased the arrival of a new model.

ASUS has scheduled a YouTube premier for later today at 3 PM ET, with the title “The next ROG Ally is coming.” There isn’t much information about the device revealed in the teaser, so fans will have to wait and see what the company has in store for them.

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ROG Ally 2 Could Come to Retain AMD Ryzen Z1 Chip

This is not the first time a new ROG Ally device has been teased this week. It was previously reported that the company will be taking the wraps off of a so-called ROG Ally 2024 as a product overhaul at Computex instead of a full-blown ROG Ally 2.

The report also suggested that the new ROG Ally model would come equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z1 chip. It is also believed that the refreshed model could address a problematic microSD card reader defect and potentially offer a bigger battery.

Fans are hoping that ASUS and other Windows handheld makers are joining forces with Microsoft to offer an improved Windows interface that takes better advantage of gamepads. After all, a well-optimized UI is one of the biggest plus points of the Steam Deck.

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Did First-Gen ASUS Ally Impress The Users?

In 2023, the company launched the ROG Ally as the first Windows handheld from a big PC player. This model was fitted with an AMD Z1 Extreme chip, with the company promising a cheaper version with a standard Z1 chip to be launched later that year.

While the ROG Ally Z1 chip incorporated a newer, more efficient CPU and a more modern GPU, the Steam Deck’s semi-custom Aerith chip brought 8 RDNA 2 graphics cores versus the Z1’s four RDNA 3 cores. This could be one of the reasons it lagged behind the Steam Deck’s superior performance.

That said, the tests showed a huge difference in performance at 15W, which can be a difference-maker between a playable and unplayable experience. This is pretty much notable in games such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Starfield that push the Steam Deck hard. For improved performance, ASUS’ handheld is capable of delivering higher wattages (30W), but this obviously comes at a cost of the battery life.

Apple has announced the launch of the new iPad mini for the Indian market. Apple’s smallest iPad comes powered by the A17 Pro chip, which means it is capable of running Apple intelligence features.

The company’s latest offering comes in blue, purple, starlight, and space grey color options. It starts at a price of Rs 49,900 for the Wi-Fi mode, and Rs 64,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The new iPad mini starts with 128GB storage, which is double the storage of the previous generation.

The new iPad mini is also available in 256GB and 512GB configurations. Consumers can pre-order the new iPad mini today, with availability starting October 23.

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Apple iPad Mini Under The Hood

The iPad mini features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. Apple notes that the A17 pro processor delivers a huge performance boost for even the most demanding tasks, with a faster CPU and GPU, a 2x faster Neural Engine than the previous-generation iPad mini, and support for Apple Intelligence.

Apple iPad mini also supports the Apple Pencil Pro. Besides, users will get a 12MP wide back camera with support for Smart HDR 4. Leveraging the powerful 16-core Neural Engine, the new iPad mini uses AI to automatically identify documents right in the Camera app and can use the new True Tone flash to remove shadows from the document. There’s also a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera.

The new iPad mini features all-day battery life, according to the company. The new iPad mini supports Wi-Fi 6E, which delivers up to twice the performance of the previous generation, so users can download files, play online games, and stream movies faster than before.

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Apple Could Launch Cheaper Version Of Vision Pro In 2025

Apple seems to prepping to launch a more affordable version of its Vision Pro headset as early as next year. At least that’s what Bloopberg’s Mark Gurman suggested in his Power On newsletter.

As per a report from 9To5Mac, the upcoming headset is said to be priced around $2,000, significantly lower than the premium Apple Vision Pro, which launched earlier this year at $3,499.

Reportedly, Apple’s move to fast-track the development of a cheaper headset stems from the hefty price of the first-generation headset, which has limited its appeal and accessibility to a much wider audience. Previous reports suggested that the company had paused Vision Pro development to focus on this lower-cost variant, which remains Apple’s priority.

As per the report, the affordable version of the headset could pack downgraded components, including a less powerful processor and cheaper materials. 

Dell has unveiled its late XPS 13 laptop in the Indian market. The new XPS is powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra processor Series 2. Apart from that, it comes with a dedicated NPU with up to 48 TOPs that aim to enable AI-powered features offered by the Windows 11 OS such as text and image creation.

Moreover, Dell has also included MyDell software that optimizes audio, video, battery life, and overall system performance to make it an ideal case for professional and working professionals.

Dell has launched the XPS 13 at a starting price of Rs 1,81,990. The laptop will be available for purchase starting October 16 via Dell Exclusive stores and selected large-format retail and multi-brand outlets. Besides, the laptop will also become available on Dell.com starting October 18 onwards.

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Dell XPS 13 Laptop Under The Hood

Dell XPS 13 is powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors and it comes with Intel AI Boost NPU, making it compatible with AI-powered features like Microsoft Studio Effects during video calls, and Copilot+ PC experience.

The laptop comes with Intel Arc GPU for added graphics performance and more versatility to the system. The laptop packs Wi-Fi 7 features with 4.8x faster throughput for better connectivity while sharing files, video calls, and online collaboration. It weighs 1.2 kg and the company claims it is the slimmest XPS laptop ever produced.

The new Dell XPS 13 comes with a 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display with tandem OLED technology for higher brightness and reduced power consumption. It offers true blacks and vivid color contrast, enhanced by Dolby Vision and Eysafe technology. The 120Hz variable refresh rate ensures smooth performance and better battery backup.

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Dell XPS 13 9350 Laptop With Intel Lunar Lake Chipset Launched

Dell XPS 13 9350 has been announced by the company as one of the first laptops to come packed with the newly launched Intel Core Ultra 200V ‘Lune Lake’ chipsets. The new laptop will go on sale alongside the XPS 13 (9345) and XPS (9340) models that come equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Intel's older Meteor Lake chipsets.

The new XPS model from the company runs Windows 11 Home and is backed by up to 32GB of RAM along with up to 2TB of storage. As for the pricing, the Dell XPS 13 (9350) price is set at $1,400 for the base 16GB+512GB RAM and storage model with an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor. 

The laptop is also available in other variants with Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, Core Ultra 7 258V, Core Ultra 7 268V, or Core Ultra 9 288V processors. Users can configure these models with up to 32GB RAM and 2TB storage.

Instagram has rolled out a new feature for creators that will make it easier for them to share their profiles with others. They will now be able to create a two-sided digital card on the Meta-owned social media platform which matches their style, thanks to multiple customizable options.

This feature comes after Meta brought a song-on-profile feature that enables users to further customize their profile by allowing them to add a song that matches their current mood or personality on their profile.

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How Do The New Profile Cards Work On Instagram

According to Instagram, the new Profile Card provides users with an option to create a more personalized and animated digital card that can be shared with others. Apart from the QR code linked to the profile, the feature also comes with an option to add bio information, links to pages, music that describes the personality, and other elements. Users can also change the background color, and add a selfie or an emoji as the page background.

While one side of the card is shareable, the other side has a QR side, which can be scanned by others to visit the profile. The company claims that it can be a fast way for creators to share their profiles with brands during collaboration. While the ability to share profile cards has been available on the platform for a few years, it was only limited to QR codes.

To share the profile cards, users are required to navigate to the profile section of Instagram and tap on the Share Profile option. They can further change the card by choosing the edit icon and adding the desired information. In addition to sharing stories, Instagram’s profile cards can also be shared on other platforms.

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Meta Launches AI-Powered Ads On Instagram And Facebook

Meta seems to trying out something new with AI-driven video editing features, allowing advertisers to animate static images and extend the borders of video content. This new tool is aimed at providing brands with more creative control and flexibility when creating ads for Instagram and Facebook, providing better ways to engage users with dynamic visuals.

Moreover, Meta has launched new AI-powered tools that enable advertisers to transform static images into dynamic videos. The AI can also expand existing videos by generating additional pixels, enlarging the content without compromising on the quality.

These features are being pushed to users in a gradual manner, with plans for wider availability in 2025. The tools aim to enhance creative options for advertisers on Facebook and Instagram.

Amazon has announced the launch of its refreshed Kindle lineup of e-book readers. What’s more interesting is that the lineup includes the Colorsoft Signature Edition, which comes with a colored e-ink display. It claims to offer a week-long battery and costs $279.99.

The Kindle series now packs four models: the first-ever colored Kindle, a reimagined Kindle Scribe, the fastest Kindle Paperwhite yet, and a new entry-level Kindle. The entry-level Kindle comes in a new Matcha color with a price tag of $109.99, and it comes with a non-reflective e-ink display with 300 ppi and 16GB of storage.

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What To Expect From Amazon’s Latest Kindle

The Kindle Paperwhite—the fastest according to the company—comes in two variants: the base model with 16 GB of storage at $159.99, and the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition with 32 GB storage for $199.99. Both devices offer water-resistant capabilities with new color options –– Raspberry Metallic, Jade Green Metallic, and Charcoal Metallic.

Besides, there’s also a special Kindle Kids and Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition with unique cover designs dubbed Space Whale, Ocean Explorer, and Unicorn Valley. The Kindle Scribe also serves as a digital notepad and will set users back by $399.99. It comes packed with a stylus, making it easy to jot down things. It can also be used as a regular Kindle to read books since it has an e-ink display.

All four Kindles are now available for pre-order in select markets like the US. The Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition will go on sale on October 30, while the Kindle Scribe will start shipping on December 4. Currently, there is no information on when these new models with hit the Indian market.

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Amazon, Microsoft Join Forces To Bring Xbox Cloud Gaming To Fire TV

Amazon has joined forces with Microsoft to integrate the Xbox cloud gaming service with Fire TV devices. From July onwards, users of Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) and Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) will be able to access popular games like Starfield, Fallout 4, and Forza Horizon 5 through an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which is priced at Rs 549 per month in India.

Amazon, in a press release, said that this collaboration will bring the Game Pass Ultimate library to TVs through compatible Fire TV Stick devices and a Bluetooth gaming controller.

The company also highlighted that the cloud gaming service will deliver a console-quality gaming experience. Moreover, it is noteworthy that apart from Xbox controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation controllers such as the DualSense and DualShock 4 are also compatible with this service.

The Nothing Phone 2a launched back in March, giving fans a new mid-range device to try out. At the same time, the company kicked off a community project, asking members to contribute to co-designing a Phone 2a Community Edition. Well, it’s almost time we get to see what the phone has to offer.

Nothing took to X to tease the Nothing Phone 2a Community Edition, which will see the light of day on October 30, 2024. The teaser includes a video of a firefly landing on the ground and glowing green before walking off-screen. The teaser is for the Phone 2a Community Edition, and the unusual green glow hints at a unique feature on the smartphone.

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What’s New On The Phone 2a Community Edition?

If users go to Nothing’s website, they will get a preview of the soon-to-be-launched handset. The website lists out the separate stages of development the community helped with, which include the design, packaging, wallpaper, and marketing.

Speaking of the device, it seems like a normal Phone 2a. But what sets the Community Edition apart from the standard Phone 2a is its glow-in-the-dark back panel. Users will notice that the device will get new wallpapers and new packaging that showcases the phone’s neon green hue.

The marketing has also been designed to point out the difference between this model and the normal Phone 2a. Although the website seems to make it pretty clear what users will get with the new phone, it’s imperative to note that it’s likely the company could make small tweaks before the device hits the market.

Also Read: Motorola ThinkPhone 25 Launched With MediaTek Dimensity 7300

Nothing Phone 2a Plus Expected Specifications 

The smartphone comes equipped with a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens. For selfies, fans get a huge upgrade, with the front shooter increased from 32MP to 50MP on the Plus variant. 

On the battery front, the 2a Plus packs a 5000mAh battery similar to its younger sibling but will get an upgrade with 50W of fast charging instead of 45W on the standard variant.

Besides, the Phone 2a Plus has the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 chipset with Mali-G610 MC4 GPU for handling graphics-intensive tasks. The device comes in 8GB RAM/256GB storage variants and 21GB RAM/256GB storage variants. The RAM will be LPDDR5, while the storage could be either UFS 2.2 or UFS 3.1.

Besides, Nothing’s new CMF Phone 1 hit the market for the first time and achieved impressive sales figures. The company claims it managed to sell more than 100,000 units across various channels in just three hours. This surpasses the Nothing Phone 2a’s record of reaching the same milestone in 24 hours.