logo
Hisense launches AI-powered ULED TVs up to 100 inches

Hisense launches AI-powered ULED TVs up to 100 inches

Techday NZ22-04-2025

Hisense has outlined the pricing and availability for its 2025 ULED TV range, including the U8QAU, U7QAU, and U6QAU PRO models for the Australian market.
The new ULED lineup features expanded big-screen options with all three ranges—the U8QAU, U7QAU, and U6QAU PRO—offering variants up to 100 inches in size. Hisense stated this approach is intended to redefine immersive home viewing for those interested in sport, gaming, or cinema from home.
The 2025 series also introduces a range of enhancements beyond screen size, with next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) processing powering behind-the-scenes refinements to image and sound quality. Central to this is the Hi-View AI Engine PRO, featured in both the U7 and U8 models. This processor uses AI-driven techniques to automatically adjust contrast, colour accuracy, and motion clarity in real time.
Further improvements are noted in local dimming and Quantum Dot (QLED) technology, which have been expanded to deliver deeper blacks and richer colours as well as improved brightness suitable for varying lighting conditions. Also new to the range are advanced features for gaming such as AI-driven motion processing, refresh rates up to 165Hz, and Dolby Vision Gaming for responsive gameplay experiences.
Audio enhancements have also been a focus, with the range receiving Dolby Atmos upgrades, including exclusive "Tuned by Devialet" certification. Hisense explained that this aims to create room-filling, immersive sound for home environments. The smart TV platform has similarly been updated, with the VIDAA U9 operating system being featured across the range to enable streamlined content navigation.
Chris Kotis, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Hisense Australia and New Zealand, commented: "Following on from the excellent reception we received at CES 2025, we're proud to be launching a lineup that pushes the frontiers of home entertainment. From cutting-edge AI enhancements to immersive big-screen experiences, we're ensuring Aussies can enjoy premium picture quality and state-of-the-art performance—whether you are a movie lover, gamer, or sports fan."
The U8QAU, described by Hisense as its "best in class" Mini-LED offering, boasts peak brightness levels up to 5000 nits and an increase to over 3000 local dimming zones over last year's model. Quantum Dot technology is included to enhance colour accuracy. The model is offered in screen sizes from 65 to 100 inches and features Wi-Fi 6E connectivity along with a 90W Dolby Atmos 4.1.2 channel sound system.
The U7QAU is positioned as a high-performance model for gaming and sports, using Mini-LED Pro technology with a 165Hz refresh rate and four HDMI 2.1 ports. It supports Dolby Vision Gaming, FreeSync Premium Pro, and features 165Hz Game Mode Ultra. Audio is provided by a 60W Dolby Atmos 2.1.2 channel sound system, and available screen sizes range from 55 to 100 inches.
Hisense has included the U6QAU PRO in the ULED lineup as an entry-level, Mini-LED powered product this year. It offers deep contrast, vibrant colours, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos with a built-in 2.1 subwoofer, and HDR10+ Adaptive. Targeted at casual viewers and gamers, it supports an enhanced 144Hz native refresh rate, Game Mode Pro, FreeSync Premium, and Wi-Fi 6 across screen sizes from 50 to 100 inches.
The U6 and U7 series are available immediately from selected Australian retailers, with full range availability commencing from 01 May.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Chinese Jet Shoots Down France's Best Fighter; NZ And Australia Should Pay Attention
Chinese Jet Shoots Down France's Best Fighter; NZ And Australia Should Pay Attention

Scoop

time23-05-2025

  • Scoop

Chinese Jet Shoots Down France's Best Fighter; NZ And Australia Should Pay Attention

'Whoever controls advanced chip production shapes the future of human civilization.' Christopher Miller, Chip Wars. The U.S. is seemingly hell-bent on war with China. It is, however, increasingly likely the U.S. will lose such a war for two reasons: advanced computer chips and total production capacity. For reasons of self-interest alone neither Australia nor New Zealand should join a US-led alliance against China. The share price of a Chinese military industrial company, Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), went sky-high this month within hours of a dogfight between Pakistani and Indian fighters after India launched Operation Sindoor to retaliate against Pakistan's alleged involvement in a militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. At least one, possibly three, state-of-the-art French fighters flown by India got blown out of the sky above the Indo-Pakistan border in air-to-air combat. Without overstating the implications, the downing(s) sends a message about the emerging real-world capabilities of the Chinese military industry and is yet another reason that countries like Australia and New Zealand should reflect on the wisdom of their current military build-up to support the U.S.'s coming war on China. We don't want a war, we don't need a war, and we most certainly don't want to be on the losing side of a war of aggression against China. Are Australia and New Zealand on the right team? Australian defence analyst Professor Hugh White of the Australian National University told Pascal Lottaz on Neutrality Studies recently: 'The essence of the Australian government position at the moment is that we think that China's challenge to America's leadership is so important that we should be willing to go to war with China in order to prevent it. Now I think that is fantastically dangerous. That's a war that I don't think America can win – and to fight it would end up destroying the very thing we're trying to preserve.' Professor White also reminds us of the real risk of escalation to the nuclear level and the reckless complacency that governments are showing in the face of this danger. For its part, New Zealand is set to massively increase its military budget as the government mis-steps into a full-fledged military partnership with the U.S., drifting away from the sounder policy settings of earlier governments. AUKUS, particularly the nuclear-powered attack submarines on order, is as firm a statement as you could get of Australian entrenchment in the U.S. alliance against China. Australia has painted a target on its own back by stationing U.S. nuclear-capable B-52 and B-2 bombers at Tindal air base – and New Zealand has signalled it wants to join the AUKUS party. As I write, the USS Blue Ridge, command vessel of the U.S. 7th Fleet, is moored in Wellington harbour. Such visits were unthinkable for decades because New Zealand had – and nominally still has – the strongest anti-nuclear weapons legislation in the world: the 'New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act 1987.' No U.S. ships visited from 1986 – when the USS Buchanan was denied entry – until 2016 when the Key government let in the USS Sampson to 'thaw' frosty relations. Rand Corporation analyst Derek Grossman echoed American pleasure at the boat visit and what it really means. "I think it's symbolic, but I also think it's indicative of the strengthening partnership with an eye towards countering China in the Indo-Pacific." China has never threatened New Zealand but the Kiwis seem hell-bent on giving them reason to. Australia, New Zealand and the emerging multipolar world We should not want China as a regional hegemon; nor should we wish the U.S. to continue to be one. China has signalled no such intention; for its part, it is clear-eyed enough to see that the future is multipolar. The U.S. has dominated our region for decades, at a cost of millions of lives – but, without doubt, to New Zealand and Australia's benefit. Those benefits are now in the rearview mirror. The combination of American militarism, strategic incoherence, its participation in the Palestine genocide, declining share of global GDP, and its gormless, burn-the-house-down trade policies should encourage New Zealand and Australia to recalibrate their defence posture away from incorporation into American alliances. Not least because we don't want to be on a losing team. Our leaders, however, tell us we 'share values' with the U.S. and suggest that that should keep us in the tent with the Americans. What kind of people 'share values' with people who commit genocide? Certainly our elites do, but not any decent human being I know. A 'Deepseek' moment in aerial warfare How did the J-10C Vigorous Dragon, built by Chengdu, best the vaunted French Rafales which are touted as being amongst the most advanced fighters in the world? Promising 'air supremacy', each Rafale package cost India over $200 million. Defense planners around the world sat up and paid attention, not least because the Chengdu J-10C comes in at a comparatively modest $40-50 million each. Some suggest this was another 'Deepseek Moment' 1 – the Chinese literally delivering more bangs per buck. According to multiple sources, including Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar, three of India's French Dassault Rafales were downed by the Chinese J-10C jets. The number is contested. France 24 reported: 'According to a source within French intelligence quoted by CNN, at least one Rafale fighter jet was reportedly shot down by the Pakistani military during the clashes on the night of May 6.' The Rafale, often mentioned in the same breath as the US F-35, has previously proven incredibly deadly, killing large numbers of people in Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria – admittedly these people didn't have jets. This month's contest was different and – again, without overstating it – may be one of those moments which sends defence planners back to the drawing board. Definitive comparative analysis would require lots more violence and we don't want that. Defense 360 said this week that a J-10C can detect when it is 'locked on' by an enemy radar: 'It then analyses the signal's frequency and pulse characteristics and transmits a tailored barrage of noise and deceptive wave forms - injecting false targets into the [enemy] display, forcing the opponent to chase ghosts whilst genuine threats close in.' Such electronic warfare tools are at the heart of the tech war that will likely determine the outcome of future wars. It is worth mentioning that J-10C is only rated a fourth-generation fighter and is being phased out by the Chinese. China is already deep in the development of sixth-generation stealth fighters with far more advanced electronic warfare capability. The U.S. is seemingly hell-bent on war with China. It is, however, increasingly likely the U.S. will lose such a war for two reasons: advanced computer chips and total production capacity. Advanced computer chips and total production capacity Modern fighter aircraft like China's J-10C depend on advanced semiconductor chips, particularly in their long-range missile systems and electronic warfare capabilities. It is one of many reasons the U.S. is forcing allies Taiwan and the Netherlands to stop shipping to China their advanced tech like EUV (extreme ultraviolet) machines that create the most sophisticated chips. Between them, ASML (EUV machines) in Holland and TSMC (advanced chips) in Taiwan, had the high-end chip market sewn up. That's no longer the case. Huawei cracks EUV technology Last month China's tech giant Huawei struck back against U.S. sanctions, announcing a breakthrough release of its own EUV technology – microscopic light printing which is critical to advanced chip production. Chief Executive Ren Zhengfei said: 'This new EUV technology will break the chains of U.S. sanctions.' Developed with Shanghai's Academy of Sciences Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, the new lithography machines can work at levels smaller than a virus (unimaginably tiny). Like the J-10C dogfight, China showed it has taken great leaps forward in breaking free of U.S. chokepoints and is nearing parity on the kind of advanced processors that will shape the coming century. China's production capacity is a war-winner China's manufacturing output is now at least double the U.S. China builds 40% of global shipbuilding by tonnage, compared to less than 2% for the U.S.. When it comes to warships, the rate China can build a ship is many times faster than the Americans, at a significantly lower cost. Aircraft, drones, artillery shells, missiles and other military production are increasingly tilted in China's favour. None of this is to discount the U.S.'s own formidable technology, its world-ending arsenal and advanced cyber- and other warfighting abilities. For the first time in history, however, the U.S. and the Western world face a genuine peer competitor in China. I just thank whatever gods may be that the Chinese have shown patience and strategic maturity in the face of American, Australian and, increasingly, New Zealand belligerence. We have every reason to foster good relations with them as they are a great nation to trade with, have not fought a war since the 1970s, share the same region as us, and that we would likely and deservedly face real-world consequences if China is forced into a war with the U.S and its allies. Our Defence and Foreign Affairs needs to appreciate that tomorrow will not be the same as yesterday and that holding on reflexively to a white, Western worldview is not in our own peoples' interests.

Honda debuts its first full EV - e:N1
Honda debuts its first full EV - e:N1

NZ Autocar

time15-05-2025

  • NZ Autocar

Honda debuts its first full EV - e:N1

The e:N1 has dotted down in New Zealand and gone on sale. Honda promised as much at the launch of the new Civic and were good to their word. It is not strictly brand new per se, having been available overseas since 2023. And in most other markets it is known as e:Ny1. Here, the nomenclature is simpler. Whatever, this is Honda's first EV to go on sale in New Zealand. And it is the first from its e:N family of EVs. They didn't offer the cute wee Honda e city car, their first effort. And that was probably because it cost too much. A few have made their way to our shores as grey imports. It is no longer in production anyway. The e:N1 is, we guess by the name, for anyone. That's if they have a spare $52k to spend, plus $995 for ORCs. That's only a $6k premium on HR-V, by the by. There's just the single model coming here, and it is well appointed with sports leather seats, wireless Apple CarPay, 18-inch alloys and the fullHonda Sensing Suite safety arsenal. Android auto is also present, but isn't wireless. While it kind of looks like an electric version of the HR-V – evidently it shares some body panels – this rides on a dedicated electric platform. So down to tin tacks. It features a 69kWh battery pack which evidently gives e:N1 'up to 500km' of range. That's probably more like 400-450km in the real world, and 412km WLTP. It can supposedly run from 0-100km/h in 7.6sec. Helping with that is kerb weight of around 1730kg. Its single motor is good for 150kW and 310Nm of torque and it spins the front wheels. Mean energy use is around 17kWh/100km. Charging from 30 to 80 per cent takes around 40 minutes with DC fast charging. Expect almost seven hours (overnight then) for a full recharge using an 11kW wallbox. Honda says its first EV here is 'engaging, joyful, fun to drive'. Just like its other models then. But it's designed to be practical too. The firm says it's a car that just happens to be an EV. It features the usual three drive modes for an electric vehicle, Eco, Normal and Sport. The interior is designed for driver and passenger convenience and comfort. There's an eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, steering wheel-mounted controls, dual zone climate control featuring a dust/pollen filter, accessory power outlets and a 348L boot (expandable to 1176L). The exterior features slimline LED headlights, black-cut alloy wheels, a sporty bumper, wide charging-port door, and full-width LED tail light strip. The charging port is in the middle of the front bumper, which makes access to a public charger easier. A three-colour light system gives you real-time information on the status of the charge. In other vehicles, that's generally only available inside, somewhere on the dash. On that, there is a 15.1 inch central touchscreen divided into three zones for infotainment and camera, vehicle settings and climate control. A proximity key, alarm and walk away locking help with peace of mind, as does a warranty of up to five years/unlimited km, while the EV battery is covered by an eight-year or 160,000km warranty. The Managing Director of Honda New Zealand, Ms Carolyn McMahon, says 'This momentous introduction represents the start of a significant journey for our brand and underscores Honda's commitment to a sustainable future. This innovative product combines our dynamic philosophy with a state-of-the-art electric platform, delivering a unique driving experience for today's electrified landscape. We look forward to our valued customers experiencing it firsthand.'

Next BMW 1 Series aims at younger affluent buyers
Next BMW 1 Series aims at younger affluent buyers

NZ Autocar

time08-05-2025

  • NZ Autocar

Next BMW 1 Series aims at younger affluent buyers

BMW will revitalise its 1 Series hatchback with a bold redesign and dual powertrain strategy. It is targeting youthful buyers of small cars and is set for launch in 2027. Vision Dee concept is suggestive of BMW's new 1 Series due in 2027. The completely new 1 Series will utilise the Neue Klasse platform. And it will be available as a plug-in hybrid or full EV, the latter with BWM brand boss, Bernd Koerber, confirmed that the small car is central to BMW's strategy in southern Europe. He said that dropping the 1 Series would cost the brand up to one-third of its business in markets like Italy, Greece and Spain. Koerber added that the model is important in securing first-time buyers to the brand. The compact, sporty and relatively affordable 1 Series has been the entry point to BMW for two decades. A double kidney design that shouldn't polarise the masses. Styling will take cues from the Neue Klasse 3 Series. It will feature a smooth, modern front end and reimagined kidney grilles that span the car's width. Likely as not it will come with flush door handles, pronounced creases, and M Sport-inspired detailing. Expect 5 Series and i5 cues as well, with the electric and hybrid versions likely to be almost identical. The scalable Neue Klasse platform will have an 800-volt architecture, rare in the small car class. That ensures ultra-fast charging convenience, while BMW has hinted at a range beyond 480km. The focus won't be on moderately sized batteries with quick, everyday usability. The petrol and hybrid variants will probably retain the 120, 123 and M135 labels, with an 'e' suffix for plug-in versions. The EV will use the i1 badge. BMW will leave smaller, fully electric models to Mini for city car duties. The new underpinnings will fix some of the current 1 Series shortcomings. A longer wheelbase translates to improved rear legroom and a roomier boot, targeting 400 litres. That's a significant upgrade over the current model. The cabin will feature a compacted version of BMW's panoramic iDrive display, wireless charging, and OTA software updates. Full smartphone connectivity will appeal to tech-savvy younger buyers. BMW sees the 1 Series as innovating with clever, cost-efficient engineering, providing trickle up solutions to higher segments. Natural adversaries include Mercedes CLA EV, Volkswagen ID.3 and Audi's upcoming small EV, along with VW Golf, Cupra Leon and Mazda 3. The 1 Series and i1 serve as BMW's reply to a market that demands versatility, sustainability, style and a fun drive. With the right mix of design, tech and driving appeal, BMW's smallest might once again rule the roads.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store