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  • Sony spins out Bravia TV business in joint venture with China’s TCL – Tech Digest

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    In a landmark shift for the consumer electronics industry, Sony has announced plans to spin off its TV business into a new joint venture with Chinese giant TCL.

    The move marks the end of an era for the Japanese firm, which has been a dominant force in the television market for decades.

    The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint operation where TCL will hold a majority 51 percent stake, with Sony retaining the remaining 49 percent. The new entity is expected to begin operations in April 2027, following the finalization of binding agreements anticipated by March 2026.

    Despite the shift in ownership, the “Sony” and “Bravia” labels will not disappear. The joint venture plans to continue using these iconic brands, leveraging Sony’s high-quality picture and audio processing technology, alongside TCL’s manufacturing scale and display expertise.

    “The new company plans to advance its business by leveraging Sony’s high-quality picture and audio technology cultivated over the years,” Sony stated, while also utilizing TCL’s “vertical supply chain strength” and “end-to-end cost efficiency”.

    Strategic Motives

    Industry analysts suggest the move is a response to a stagnating TV market, with global shipments predicted to grow by less than one percent in 2026. Sony’s market share has recently trailed behind competitors like Xiaomi, leading to speculation that the company prefers to reallocate its resources rather than compete in a low-margin, slow-growth sector.

    For TCL, the partnership represents an opportunity to elevate its brand into the premium market. By managing everything from product development and design to manufacturing and customer service for Sony-branded products, TCL can expand its global reach and move beyond competing primarily on price.


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    Chris Price

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  • Elon Musk’s Starlink spat with Ryanair boss intensifies, iPhone 18 Pro details ‘leaked’ – Tech Digest

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    Elon Musk has suggested he could buy Ryanair     and called for its chief executive to be fired amid a deepening spat between the pair. The budget airline on Tuesday branded the Tesla chief executive an “idiot”, and used the extraordinary row to promote its January sale. Musk and Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary have been trading insults over the past week after O’Leary rejected the idea of using Musk’s Starlink technology to provide wi-fi on flights. BBC 

    Hyundai is pulling the plug on its best-selling ICE-powered hatchback. Production of the i10 ended after an 18-year run, but a new entry-level EV is coming soon to take its place. After launching in Europe and the UK in 2008, the i10 became a hit for Hyundai thanks to its affordable price, modern tech, and comfortable interior. In its 18 years on the market, Hyundai has sold over 3.3 million i10 models globally. Over 370,000 were sold in the UK alone. The ICE-powered city car was particularly popular in the UK and Europe, but sales have fallen in recent years. Elecktrek

    Sony wants to stop making televisions. The Japanese giant on Tuesday announced it’s signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese consumer electronics outfit TCL to advance talks on the creation of a joint venture that will take over Sony’s television and audio businesses. TCL will own 51 percent of the new venture and Sony will get the remainder. The JV will take over product development, design, manufacturing, sales, logistics, and customer service, but won’t have to develop new brands as Sony is happy for it to use existing monikers like the “Bravia” label it has applied to TVs for 20 years. The Register

    Will the iPhone 18 Pro really relocate the selfie camera to the top left like Android phones circa 2021? © Jon Prosser – FPT / Screenshot by Gizmodo

    After sharing 3D renders for the expected foldable iPhone’s design, Jon Prosser, aka the YouTuber and leaker who Apple is suing for spilling the beans on iOS 26 and Liquid Glass, is back at it again with another detailed unveil. This time, for the iPhone 18 Pro. Prosser corroborates previous reports that Apple will announce the iPhone 18 Pro (and 18 Pro Max) alongside the foldable iPhone. Prosser says they’ll look like the iPhone 17 Pros but come in new colors (he says Apple is testing burgundy, brown, and purple), include a faster A20 Pro chip, and the main camera will sport a “variable aperture,” Gizmodo

    Artificial intelligence protections for performers could be implemented for the first time, as union negotiations to establish a framework progress. Last month, Equity members voted overwhelmingly to refuse digital scanning on set. With a turnout of over 75%, over 99% of those who voted said they would be prepared to refuse a set scan. Digital scanning is a process through which an actor’s likeness is captured for future use. Sky News 

    Mazda has reportedly delayed the launch of its first bespoke electric car until 2029, just months after mules of the SUV were spotted in the early stages of testing. The car was originally due to arrive next year, but the Japanese firm has instead decided to focus on new hybrid models and technology.. in response to stagnating EV sales and the resulting uncertainty in the market. Mazda currently has no EVs on sale after it axed the MX-30 EV six months ago. However, two EVs are on the way – the 6e saloon, which will arrive next month, and CX-6e SUV, due at the end of the year. Autocar


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    Chris Price

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  • TCL’s $20,000 115-inch QD-Mini LED TV comes with a ticket to the Super Bowl

    TCL’s $20,000 115-inch QD-Mini LED TV comes with a ticket to the Super Bowl

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    TCL’s massive 115-inch QD-Mini LED TV is finally available to consumers, after being unveiled back in January. This is officially the world’s largest QD-Mini LED TV and can be purchased directly from TCL or via select retailers throughout the country.

    The thing costs $20,000, which is around the price of 8,000 cups of coffee, but it does come with the option for some truly unique add-ons. Early buyers can choose from a selection of bonuses, which include a ticket to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

    There’s no airfare included, but Super Bowl tickets don’t come cheap. The promotion also provides just a single ticket, so there will be no loved ones to enjoy the experience with. On the plus side, you’ll get to hang out with a bunch of strangers who also spent $20,000 on a TV. TCL promises shared “unique experiences” with other financially irresponsible people who attend the championship game, but didn’t get into any details.

    If football isn’t your bag, the company has a selection of other perks available. Purchasers can attend a movie premiere at the famous TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) which includes two round-trip plane tickets and hotel accommodations. This also features a walk on the red carpet and a private opera box.

    Other options include a concert at SoFi stadium and a trip to LA to visit Activision to see how the Call of Duty sausage gets made. Finally, there’s an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas to attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES.) We head there every year and it’s a sweaty, anxiety-filled mess. Go for the Super Bowl or movie premiere if you have $20,000 to drop.

    As for actual TV specs, the TCL 115QM89 boasts Quantum Dot technology, a 6.2.2 channel speaker system and an AIPQ ULTRA processor for high-quality and crisp images. It also features 20,000 dimming zones to help shadows and highlights appear more defined. For the math wizards out there, that amounts to $1 per dimming zone.

    This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.

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    Lawrence Bonk

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  • C Spire Unveils the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G Smartphone

    C Spire Unveils the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G Smartphone

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    C Spire has just rolled out the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G smartphone, a device that promises a unique visual experience and robust performance. Let’s take a closer look at what this new smartphone has to offer.

    A Display Designed for Comfort

    The TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G features a 6.78-inch FHD+ display that sets it apart from the competition. What makes this display special is its NXTPAPER technology, exclusive to TCL. This technology provides a glare-free viewing experience, significantly reducing harmful blue light without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re reading, texting, watching videos, or playing games, the display ensures comfort, even under direct sunlight. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor use.

    Performance and Battery Life

    Under the hood, the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G packs impressive specs that cater to both everyday users and tech enthusiasts. It boasts a large battery and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and immersive usage. The device also features a 240Hz touch sampling rate, which enhances gaming experiences by providing responsive scrolling and fluid animations. Dual speakers with DTS sound technology enhance audio quality for music, podcasts, and conference calls.

    Powering the device is a MediaTek Octa-core 5G chipset, which supports faster uploads, smoother streaming, and efficient multitasking. The smartphone is equipped with 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM, plus an additional 6GB of virtual RAM through NXTURBO technology. If you need more storage, you can expand it up to 2TB using a MicroSD card.

    Camera Capabilities

    For photography enthusiasts, the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G offers a robust camera system. The rear camera setup includes a 50MP AI-powered hybrid triple camera, allowing users to capture high-quality photos and videos. The 32MP front camera is designed to take stunning selfies and clear video calls. This camera setup ensures that content creators and casual photographers alike can produce professional-level content with ease.

    Additional Features

    Beyond its display and performance, the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G includes several features aimed at enhancing user experience. The device supports NFC, enabling seamless, contactless transactions and easy information sharing with compatible devices. Security is handled by a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which provides quick and convenient access to the phone.

    Multitasking is a breeze with the option to use split screen or floating window modes, allowing users to run two apps simultaneously. The TCL Smart Manager and Battery Saver mode help monitor and optimize battery life, ensuring that the device lasts throughout the day.

    Conclusion

    C Spire’s launch of the TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G smartphone brings a new option for those looking for a device with a unique display and solid performance. With features like a glare-free screen, a high refresh rate, a powerful camera system, and a range of additional functionalities, this smartphone caters to a wide range of users. For more details on pricing and availability, you can visit C Spire’s website.

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    Al Hilal

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  • TCL’s first original movie is an absurd-looking, AI-generated love story

    TCL’s first original movie is an absurd-looking, AI-generated love story

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    Many major tech companies, particularly those that operate in the TV hardware business, have dipped their toes into original content. Although it’s had its own free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channels for a while, is late to that party. Not for much longer though, as the company is set to release its first special, a short romance movie, on TCLtv+ this summer. There’s just one slight hitch: TCL is using generative AI to make original content for its platform, and early signs do not bode well.

    The company has released the first trailer for Next Stop Paris, which it’s calling “the first AI-powered love story.” TCL used human writers, as well as actors for motion capture and voice performances. While it has artists in the US, Canada, UK and Poland working on the project, it relied heavily on generative AI.

    “I am excited by this opportunity to differentiate us with original programming. AIGC [artificial intelligence generated content] for us is the beginning,” Chris Regina, TCL’s chief content officer, told . “It’s a new approach and it makes sense coming from a tech and hardware company that that’s where we’re going to start.”

    The plot of Next Stop Paris, such as it is, sees a young woman going on her honeymoon to Paris alone after her fiancé ran off with someone in their wedding party. She meets a stranger on the train and the pair explore the French capital together.

    TCL is hoping that original content can help draw viewers to TCLtv+ and help build a brand identity for the company. While it’s not entirely fair to judge a film based on a trailer, the Next Stop Paris clip gives a terrible first impression for both the project and TCLtv+.

    The look of the characters changes throughout, from a moderately realistic style to the hyperrealism we often see from the likes of Midjourney, and they project all of the emotion of a pair of dead fish. Lip syncing is almost non-existent and the characters walk in a very unnatural way.

    The trailer feels like the worst kind of fever dream. Saying this looks like garbage would be an insult to garbage. If “content is king,” as Regina put it, Next Stop Paris looks like a pauper.

    The Hallmark Channel gets a lot of flak for its romance movies and romcoms, but at least there’s an earnestness and high level of care behind the network’s output, which does a lot to fill a gap in the theatrical slate. TCL is trying to muscle into that space too.

    “There’s an audience there that’s watching our service and we see a hole in the marketplace with theatrical rom-coms not as prevalent,” Regina said. “They’re a guilty pleasure. You get under a blanket and watch in front of your TV set. So that’s the driver.” On top of that, TCL plans to make its original content shoppable and have AI-generated “characters in our shows that can be brand ambassadors and influencers for advertisers.”

    Thankfully, TCL isn’t only working on AI-generated guff. “We are looking at doing traditional content. So movies, scripted shows, unscripted content, specials,” Regina, who wrote Next Stop Paris with TCL chief creative officer Daniel Smith, said. “The next thing we have brewing isn’t AI at all.” That’s good, because whatever’s next can’t look much worse than Next Stop Paris.

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    Kris Holt

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