Release Date, Price, and Specifications of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ With Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Chipset Concurrent With the Redmi Note 14 Pro

 Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi has officially launched the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ and Redmi Note 14 Pro in China, marking the latest additions to their popular Note series. These smartphones are designed to deliver top-tier performance, premium display quality, and fast charging capabilities, while maintaining competitive pricing. Here’s a breakdown of the key features and pricing details for both models.

Release Date, Price, and Specifications of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ With Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Chipset Concurrent With the Redmi Note 14 Pro

Stunning Display and Design

Both the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ and Note 14 Pro boast a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth visuals, and an impressive peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, ensuring great visibility even under harsh sunlight. They also support HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and offer a 2560Hz instant touch sampling rate for a responsive, immersive viewing experience. The displays are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass on both sides for added durability, and both phones come with an IP68 rating, making them resistant to water and dust.

Performance Powerhouses

- Redmi Note 14 Pro+: Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC, this model is built for smooth performance with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It’s perfect for users who demand high performance, whether for gaming, multitasking, or content creation. 

- Redmi Note 14 Pro: This model is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra processor, offering up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, ensuring a balanced mix of power and efficiency.

Battery and Charging

- The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ packs a 6,200mAh battery with support for 90W fast charging, allowing you to charge quickly and stay connected for longer.

- The Redmi Note 14 Pro houses a slightly smaller 5,500mAh battery, but still offers 45W fast charging, which is more than enough for most users’ daily needs.

Camera System

Both phones feature a versatile triple camera setup on the back:

- Redmi Note 14 Pro+: A 50MP Light Hunter 900 primary sensor, paired with an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP portrait telephoto camera, ensures stunning detail in every shot, whether it’s a wide landscape or a close-up portrait.

- Redmi Note 14 Pro: A 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor, alongside an 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro camera, delivers a well-rounded photography experience. 

On the front, both devices sport a 20MP OmniVision selfie camera for high-quality video calls and crisp selfies.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Both models offer extensive connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C, and multiple satellite navigation systems (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou). The smartphones also feature an in-display fingerprint sensor for added security. Furthermore, the IP68 water and dust resistance ensures these phones can withstand tough conditions. 

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ also incorporates Xiaomi’s Surge T1 signal enhancement chip for improved network connectivity. Both models are designed to withstand harsh environments, with the Pro+ passing the TÜV SÜD 2-meter 24-hour waterproof test.

Pricing and Availability

- Redmi Note 14 Pro+:

  - 12GB + 256GB: CNY 1,899 (approx. Rs. 22,000)

  - 12GB + 512GB: CNY 2,099 (approx. Rs. 24,000)

  - 16GB + 512GB: CNY 2,299 (approx. Rs. 26,000)

  - Available in Midnight Dark, Mirror White, and Xingshaqing (translated from Chinese).

- Redmi Note 14 Pro:

  - 8GB + 128GB: CNY 1,399 (approx. Rs. 13,000)

  - 8GB + 256GB: CNY 1,499 (approx. Rs. 14,000)

  - 12GB + 256GB: CNY 1,699 (approx. Rs. 20,000)

  - 12GB + 512GB: CNY 1,899 (approx. Rs. 22,000)

  - Available in Midnight Dark, Mirror Porcelain White, Phantom Blue, and Twilight Purple (translated from Chinese).

Final Thoughts

With their cutting-edge displays, powerful processors, versatile camera systems, and robust battery life, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ and Redmi Note 14 Pro offer incredible value for their price. Whether you're a power user who needs top-tier performance or someone who wants a balanced smartphone for everyday use, these devices deliver in every aspect, combining elegance, durability, and advanced technology.

India Launches Intel Core Ultra 200V Lunar Lake CPUs with 120 Total TOPS: Features

 Intel has just introduced its new Core Ultra 200V series CPUs, also known as the "Lunar Lake" processors, in India. This launch comes about a week after their global debut, marking Intel’s next step in AI-powered technology. These are Intel's second-generation AI-enabled processors, following the release of Meteor Lake chips in December 2023. The standout feature? These chips can perform an incredible 67 trillion operations per second (TOPS) and are the first to carry Microsoft’s Copilot+ label, highlighting their advanced AI capabilities.

India Launches Intel Core Ultra 200V Lunar Lake CPUs with 120 Total TOPS: Features

Availability in India

Starting September 12, you can preorder laptops powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 200V Lunar Lake processors from popular retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Reliance Digital, and Vijay Sales. These laptops will be available from top brands like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, and Samsung. Full sales begin on September 24.

Top Features of the Intel Core Ultra 200V Lunar Lake Series

Intel’s latest process
ors come packed with cutting-edge technology. The new Xe2 graphics architecture promises 30% better mobile graphics performance. The lineup features nine new processors, each with eight CPU cores and up to eight GPU cores.

The Intel Arc GPU includes eight advanced Xe cores, eight ray-tracing units, and the ability to support up to three 4K monitors. Additionally, these processors include Intel’s AI-powered Xe Matrix Extensions, helping to boost overall performance to a whopping 67 TOPS. Intel claims these Lunar Lake processors outperform Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite by 68% in graphics.

Intel worked closely with software developers to optimize over 500 AI models, ensuring these laptops can fully harness the power of AI. The processors combine four high-performance "Lion Cove" cores and four efficient "Skymont" cores, all while supporting up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM. In total, the new processors deliver 120 TOPS, divided between the CPU (5 TOPS), GPU (48 TOPS), and AI-focused NPU (67 TOPS).

Better Connectivity and Ports

These processors are ready for the future, offering support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 (with LE Audio), plus Gigabit Ethernet. Devices powered by Intel Lunar Lake can include up to three Thunderbolt 4 ports, six USB 2.0 ports, and two USB 3.0 ports, making them versatile and well-equipped for all kinds of uses.

In short, Intel’s Core Ultra 200V series brings more speed, smarter AI, and better graphics, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for top-notch performance.

Launch Date for the Realme Pad 2 Lite in India is set for September 13; Major Details Unveiled, Specs, processor?

 Realme has officially announced that it will be launching the Realme Pad 2 Lite in India later this week. The company made the announcement on Tuesday, confirming that the tablet will be introduced alongside the Realme P2 Pro smartphone, which is generating excitement with its curved display and support for 80W fast charging.

Launch Date for the Realme Pad 2 Lite in India is set for September 13; Major Details Unveiled                                    Photo credit: Realme

Launch Date and Availability

The Realme Pad 2 Lite is scheduled for release on September 13 at 12 PM IST, during a launch event where both it and the Realme P2 Pro will be unveiled. Interested buyers will be able to purchase the Pad 2 Lite through Flipkart and Realme’s online store. The tablet will be available in two color options: black and purple, with a stylish dual-tone design on the rear panel.

Realme Pad 2 Lite Specifications (Expected)

Ahead of the official launch, Realme has revealed several details about the Pad 2 Lite’s specifications:

Processor: The tablet will be powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor.

RAM and Storage: It will come with up to 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and up to 16GB of dynamic RAM for added performance.

Display: The Pad 2 Lite will feature a flat display with 2K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and high-quality visuals.

Operating System: The tablet will run on Realme UI 5, based on the latest Android 14.

Audio: Realme is equipping the Pad 2 Lite with a quad stereo speaker setup for immersive sound.

Battery: The device will pack a massive 8,300mAh battery, which should provide users with extended battery life throughout the day.

Charging: The tablet is expected to support 15W fast charging.

Additionally, the tablet will feature an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing selfie camera, based on reports from various certification sources. The front will have a flat display with a punch-hole design, while the back will sport a round camera module.

Realme Pad 2 Specifications

While the Lite version is attracting attention, the Realme Pad 2 comes with even more robust specifications:

Display: The Pad 2 features a 120Hz 2K display, slightly more advanced than the 90Hz display on the Lite version, providing a more fluid experience.

Resolution: It has a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a peak brightness of 450 nits, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use with minimal eye strain.

Battery: The Pad 2 is powered by an 8,360mAh battery, slightly larger than the one on the Lite version.

Both tablets are designed to offer impressive viewing experiences with a focus on eye comfort, as well as solid battery life to support prolonged use.

Design and Build

The Realme Pad 2 Lite has a sleek design with a dual-tone finish on the back. The round camera module adds to its visual appeal, and the punch-hole display design ensures a modern, edge-to-edge viewing experience.

More details about both devices will be revealed at the official event on September 13, but the Realme Pad 2 Lite is shaping up to be a budget-friendly tablet with solid features, while the Realme Pad 2 offers a premium upgrade with a faster display and larger battery.

The A18 Chipsets in the iPhone 16 Series Utilize Arm's V9 Technology: Report

 Apple is preparing to launch its newest iPhone, powered by the advanced A18 chip, which has been designed using Arm's state-of-the-art V9 architecture. Arm, now owned by SoftBank, is the force behind this innovation, as reported by the Financial Times. The unveiling will take place at Apple's much-anticipated fall event on September 9 at their headquarters in Cupertino, California, where they are also expected to introduce a range of new devices and software upgrades.

The A18 Chipsets in the iPhone 16 Series Utilize Arm's V9 Technology: Report

Last year, Apple solidified its long-term collaboration with Arm, signing a contract that will continue beyond 2040. This partnership is a huge win for Arm, whose V9 chip technology is already responsible for generating half of all smartphone revenue worldwide, as the company revealed in July.

Arm’s influence in the tech industry is immense, providing the blueprint for the computing architecture used in most smartphones today. Apple relies on this technology to craft its custom chips, which are central to the performance of its iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The relationship between Apple and Arm goes way back—Apple was one of the original backers when Arm was founded in 1990. Although the "Newton," Apple’s first handheld device released in 1993 using an Arm-based processor, failed to make waves, Arm's energy-efficient chips quickly became the backbone of mobile phone technology, offering longer battery life.

At the upcoming event, Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 16 lineup, which will include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Along with new iPhones, Apple is also likely to unveil new versions of the Apple Watch, AirPods, and other devices. Additionally, fans can expect an announcement about the rollout of the latest software updates, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS, providing a complete look at what’s coming next from Apple. 

Rendition's Story: A Trailblazer in 3D Graphics

 Today's PC gamers are in a fortunate position when it comes to selecting a graphics card, at least compared to the past. Although there are only three major manufacturers producing GPUs, every model they release is capable of running any modern game, albeit with varying levels of performance. This situation stands in stark contrast to the early days of PC gaming, more than thirty years ago, when the graphics card landscape was far more fragmented. Back then, there were over ten companies, each offering its own unique approach to rendering graphics. Some companies found success, while others struggled to make a mark.

One of the most interesting players in this field was Rendition, a pioneering company in the 3D gaming industry. Rendition made a splash with its first product, but followed it with two less impressive models, ultimately fading into obscurity in just five years. However brief their journey, the story of Rendition is a fascinating one, and it’s a tale worth exploring.

A Rocky Start to the Decade

In the early 1990s, PC gaming was a mix of excitement and frustration. Setting up hardware often involved hours of tinkering with BIOS settings and drivers, only to end up with games that were notoriously finicky. But as PCs became more popular, millions of people started buying machines from brands like Compaq, Dell, Gateway, and Packard Bell.

For a budget graphics card from 1991, 8-bit color was standard.

However, these computers weren't exactly designed with gaming in mind. Spending around $3,000 would get you a top-tier system with an Intel 486DX2 processor running at 66 MHz, 4MB of RAM, and a 240MB hard drive. But the graphics card was often an afterthought. If you were fortunate, you might have an ATI Graphics Ultra Pro 2D accelerator with 1MB of VRAM and a Mach 32 graphics chip. If luck wasn't on your side, you'd end up with a cheaper option from SiS or Trident.

At the time, even the best PC graphics paled in comparison to the visuals offered by consoles like the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis or the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). PC games, such as popular point-and-click adventures like *Myst*, didn't require high-powered graphics cards. These titles were perfectly happy with 8- or 16-bit color support, leaving PC hardware underutilized in terms of graphical performance.

The Shift Toward 3D Graphics

Despite the limitations, change was on the horizon. Arcade machines had already embraced 3D graphics, using specialized hardware to achieve impressive visuals. On PCs, games like *Doom* were starting to use the CPU for rendering 3D graphics, with the system's graphics card simply handling display tasks. However, to truly replicate the graphics seen in arcade games like *Ridge Racer*, home PCs would need dedicated hardware for 3D rendering.

Photo courtesy of vgamuseum

This need created an opportunity for new companies to enter the market, as established graphics companies like ATI and S3 were slow to adapt. Among the new entrants was Rendition, founded in 1993 by Jay Eisenlohr and Mike Boich. Their goal was ambitious: they aimed to create a chipset that could handle both 2D and 3D graphics acceleration and market it to both the gaming and professional industries.

ISA VLB slots were in use prior to the widespread usage of PCI.

Rendition’s First Success

In 1995, Rendition unveiled its first product, the Vérité V1000-E. Unlike today’s relatively uniform GPU architectures, the early 3D accelerators were highly varied. Rendition took a unique approach by designing the central chip as a RISC CPU that acted as a front-end to the pixel pipeline. Running at 25 MHz, it could perform a single INT32 multiplication in one clock cycle. However, standard rendering tasks like texture filtering and depth testing required multiple cycles, reducing its performance in practical scenarios.

Despite some limitations, the Vérité V1000 had several key advantages. It handled triangle setup routines in hardware, which took a significant load off the CPU, freeing it up for other tasks. The card also used the relatively new PCI bus, which allowed for features like bus mastering and direct memory access (DMA), giving it a performance edge.

Perhaps most impressively, the Vérité V1000 was the first consumer-grade GPU that was fully programmable. This flexibility allowed the development of hardware abstraction layers (HALs) that supported a variety of APIs, making it one of the most widely supported graphics cards by software at the time.

A Key Partnership with *Quake*

Rendition's Vérité V1000 gained further prominence through a collaboration with id Software, the developers of *Doom* and *Quake*. Released in 1996, *Quake* was the first fully 3D game from id Software, and they soon developed an optimized version called *VQuake* to take advantage of the Vérité's 3D capabilities. While the standard version of *Quake* ran at about 30 frames per second (fps) on an Intel Pentium 166, *VQuake* pushed that number to over 40 fps, with improved texture filtering and anti-aliasing, giving gamers a smoother, more immersive experience.

The Fall of Rendition

Despite the initial success of the V1000, Rendition’s follow-up products failed to live up to expectations. Competitors like 3Dfx, with its Voodoo Graphics chipset, outperformed Rendition's offerings. The Voodoo Graphics card was faster, more reliable, and offered superior support for industry-standard APIs like OpenGL, which became crucial for game developers.

VGA Legacy MKIII image

Rendition released the Vérité V2100 and V2200 in 1997, but these models struggled to keep pace with the rapidly advancing competition. Performance improvements were modest, and the cards still lacked some features that were becoming standard in rival products. Ultimately, in 1998, Rendition was acquired by Micron Technology, and despite attempts to launch new products, the company was unable to regain its former glory.

A Canopus graphics card with the V1000L-P processor, which is faster. Picture: vgamuseum

Conclusion

Rendition's brief but impactful journey in the 3D gaming industry serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of technology. While today’s GPU market is dominated by giants like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, the early days of 3D graphics were shaped by innovative companies like Rendition, whose bold approaches helped pave the way for modern gaming. Although Rendition ultimately faded from the spotlight, its legacy endures as a significant chapter in the history of graphics technology.