News
Xiaomi’s new Redmi Note 4 sets another budget benchmark
Within less than a year of releasing the Redmi Note 3 and considering it a resounding success, Xiaomi decided to go ahead and launch the successor, the Redmi Note 4, in China. As you’d expect, the short time gap didn’t allow a lot of revolutionary features to be developed in time for the new model, but the minor changes seem to be worth the effort.
Not to be confused with the Redmi Note 4G from 2014, the new Redmi Note 4 continues Xiaomi’s philosophy of cramming as many features as possible in a cost-effective assembly. And like the Redmi Note 3, the smartphone we have now pushes what’s possible in an entry-level product by offering a metal unibody and fingerprint scanner, two features exclusive to midrange and high-end flagships just over a year ago. Similarities between the Redmi Note 3 and Note 4 extend to the 5.5-inch LCD screen with a Full HD 1080p resolution.
Of course, what really matter in a successor are the upgrades. The Redmi Note 4 is naturally expected to be a lot faster thanks to a MediaTek Helio X20 processor on the inside and Xiaomi’s latest Android interface, MIUI 8, handling the software. It’s unlikely we’ll see Android 7.0 Nougat on this handset for now, but the beauty of MIUI is in its update frequency that’s independent of Android’s slow rollouts.
The rest of the specs are incremental upgrades: We now have a slightly larger 4,100mAh battery, a 64GB storage option (the previous high was 32GB), the choice of expanding the internal storage using a microSD card in place of a second SIM card, and a marginally better 13-megapixel main camera.
The quick release might sound a little desperate after news broke out about Xiaomi dropping in market share ranks both globally and in its homeland of China last quarter, but the manufacturer insists that they’re still in the game, having also released a one-of-a-kind budget phone with a dual-camera setup, the company’s largest smartphone to date, and its first highly affordable MacBook clone.
Xiaomi is now in a good position to undercut the competition like it has before, especially now that the likes of ASUS and Samsung are focusing on the midrange segment. But this is assuming the Redmi Note 4 has a global launch. As of writing, the handset will only be available in China, and it’ll begin tomorrow, August 26. The 16GB storage variant will retail for CNY 899 (approximately $135), while the more generous 64GB version will cost CNY 1,199 (around $180). You’ll have the colors gold, gray, and silver to choose from.
[irp posts=”9920″ name=”Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime Review”]
News
Dreame enters smartphones with AURORA debut
Modular imaging, AI-native OS, and luxury design lead new “perception-first” push
Dreame has officially stepped into the smartphone space with the debut of its AURORA lineup in Silicon Valley, positioning itself beyond appliances and into next-generation intelligent devices.
Unveiled on April 29, the new AURORA brand introduces what Dreame calls three core breakthroughs: imaging, communication, and an AI-native operating system — all built around a “human-centric” approach to technology.
A new take on smartphones
At launch, Dreame showcased three key directions under the AURORA lineup.
Leading the charge is the AURORA NEX, a modular imaging flagship designed to unlock more advanced, flexible photography setups. The idea is to move beyond typical camera upgrades and give users more control over how they capture content.
Alongside it is the AURORA LUX, a luxury-focused series that leans into premium materials and craftsmanship. Dreame positions this as “heirloom-grade” tech — less gadget, more statement piece.
Completing the lineup is a new flagship range aimed at balancing performance, design, and everyday usability for high-end users.
Moving past spec wars
Dreame isn’t framing this as another specs race. Instead, it’s calling this shift a “perception revolution.”
The pitch is simple:
- Better imaging should feel like creating, not just capturing
- Connectivity should be stable and seamless everywhere
- AI should be invisible but proactive, not something users have to manage
To get there, Dreame says it’s addressing familiar industry pain points — from camera hardware stacking to inconsistent signal performance and surface-level AI features.
Its solution is a full-stack approach:
- A dedicated imaging system built with input from professional photographers
- A “full-time signal” communication system for more stable connectivity
- An AI-native OS designed to flip the model from users adapting to devices → devices adapting to users
From tools to partners
The bigger ambition here is clear. Dreame wants devices to evolve from passive tools into what it calls “proactive service partners.”
That means:
- Devices anticipate needs
- AI operates in the background
- Hardware and software feel like a single system
It’s a familiar direction across the industry, but Dreame is betting on tighter integration and a stronger design identity to stand out.
A broader ecosystem play
The AURORA launch also signals something bigger: Dreame is expanding fast beyond its roots in home and personal care tech.
From hair tools to now smartphones, the company is building toward a full ecosystem anchored on AI and connected experiences.
Whether that vision lands will depend on execution — especially in a category as competitive as smartphones.
For now, AURORA marks Dreame’s most ambitious move yet, and a clear statement that it wants to compete not just on devices, but on how those devices fit into everyday life.
Laptops
MacBook Neo already “supply constrained” amid unexpected demand
New purchases are reportedly getting delayed.
It’s been a crazy month for Apple fans on a budget. The debuts of the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo have brought the classic Apple experience to a wider market. Though the former is a bright spot on its own, the new MacBook Neo is currently breaking the company’s expectations as new orders are already “supply constrained.”
Last week, Tim Cook held an earnings call (via Six Colors) which includes the latest additions to Apple’s lineup. For the affordable iPhone, Cook gave a special shoutout as “the newest addition to what is already the strongest iPhone lineup we’ve ever had.” However, he was much more appreciative for the MacBook Neo’s role in the company’s notebook lineup.
Responding to a query about the new notebook, Cook says that the company “undercalled the level of enthusiasm” generated by the MacBook Neo. He also cited “tremendous enthusiasm” for the device in his main presentation.
Though he didn’t have the numbers to bolster his claims, he did give anecdotal examples of public schools switching over to Apple from Chromebooks and Windows PCs.
Finally, he says that the MacBook Neo is currently “supply constrained,” meaning new purchases will likely come with a delay before delivery.
Outside of the corporate perspective, there has been a lot of excitement for the notebook. Even if it uses the A18 Pro chip, the MacBook Neo promises a powerful notebook experience as is typical of Apple’s more traditional MacBooks. And to top it all off, it starts at only US$ 599, creating one of the most tempting offers for users who want to dip their toes into the Apple ecosystem.
SEE ALSO: MacBook Neo officially arrives at Power Mac Center
When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.
According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.
If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.
Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.
To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.
However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.
SEE ALSO: Apple Vision Pro gets M5 chip upgrade
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