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Tech News
Amazon has expanded its early fall Prime Day promotions with a $50 discount on the new M5 Max Mac Studio, AirPods Pro 3 at $199 (down from $249), and Powerbeats Pro 2 at $50 off. Additional deals include a two-pack of Beats USB-C cables for $14, a 60% price cut on the Ring Battery Doorbell 2K to $40, and discounts on iPhone 18 Pro cases and chargers.
Geely announced a new battery pack capable of charging at up to 2.2 MW, going from 10 to 70 percent charge in 4.5 minutes and 10 to 98 percent in 8 minutes 40 seconds. The company says AI-driven predictive thermal management keeps average pack temperature around 55°C, with micro pulses of current used to reactivate lithium ions and extend battery life by 20 percent. The technology has already been tested in the Zeekr 001 and Lynk & Co 10 models.
Tesla has begun volume production of its Semi electric truck at a new factory next to Gigafactory Nevada, with first units already delivered to customers. The Sparks, Nevada plant can eventually build 50,000 trucks a year, and Tesla named PepsiCo, US Foods, DHL and other companies among buyers. The Semi comes in Standard Range (325 miles) and Long Range (500 miles) versions, using 4680 battery cells and an 822 kWh pack.
Leaker Digital Chat Station claims a major Chinese smartphone brand, likely Xiaomi, is testing steel-shell battery casings combined with stacked-cell manufacturing to boost energy density. The approach mirrors Apple's shift to rigid metal battery enclosures, seen in the iPhone 16 Pro and reportedly continuing in the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which is said to have a rated capacity around 5,391mAh. The goal, per the leak, is flagship phones with 9,000mAh to 10,000mAh batteries.
Android Authority's three-week test of the Galaxy Watch 9 found a comfortable design, bright display, and expanded health and fitness tracking features. The reviewer notes pricing has risen about $30 over the Watch 8 at each tier, and there is no Watch 8 Classic successor this year, leaving the rotating bezel model available only in last year's Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Battery life remains the standout weakness, requiring nightly charging to use the watch's features fully.
A 9to5Mac writer who switched from an iPhone Air to the iPhone 18 Pro reports that the newer Pro model offers superior cameras, longer battery life, and faster performance powered by the A20 Pro chip. The reviewer also notes the vapor chamber prevents overheating issues previously experienced with the Air, and cites more responsive Siri AI performance.
A tech reviewer evaluated three newly launched home battery systems designed for easier installation than earlier models. The testing comes as electricity prices climb and power outages become more frequent for many households. The reviewer reported spending weeks hoping for an outage to properly assess how the batteries would perform during a real blackout.
Meta has launched its third-generation Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, now starting at $449, adding new Aviator and Zena frame styles alongside the existing Wayfarer shape. The Gen 3 models feature a programmable action button, adjustable temple tips, up to 9 hours of battery life, and six microphones for improved voice pickup in noisy settings.
The triangle symbol appearing on some Samsung Galaxy phones indicates that Data Saver mode is active, a feature found in Settings > Connections > Data usage that is off by default. When enabled, only the app currently in use can access the internet, while background apps lose their connection and cannot perform tasks like uploading video.
Amazon is selling Ring's newly released Battery Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) for $39.99, down 60% from its $99.99 list price. The device records 2K video with up to 6x Enhanced Zoom and a 140°x140° field of view, and includes Live View, Two-Way Talk, motion alerts, and a rechargeable battery for wireless installation. It's available in Speckled Gray, Speckled White, and Matte Mocha finishes.
A KLM flight from Amsterdam to Curaçao turned back to the Netherlands after a portable charger caught fire in business class nearly six hours into the flight over the Atlantic. The device, belonging to former KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings, scorched his seat and window blind. Passengers were rebooked and completed the journey to Curaçao the following day.
According to The Elec, Samsung plans to embed a security chip inside batteries for upcoming mid-range devices, including the Galaxy A series. The chip would let the phone verify whether an installed battery is genuine, mirroring a system Apple has used for years with iPhones.