technology

more than 10 models with their own technology and an eye on the premium range

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TCL does not tiptoe to 2026. Already during the CES at the beginning of the year gave us clues of some of the things they were preparing, but it was not until now that we have begun to know more details about the next models that the firm has already ready. And in its catalog of televisions for 2026 we find more than a dozen models that cover from the access segment to the premium range, all based on its own technology with which it intends to gain ground. Through a press event that we were able to attend, the company presents itself as the fastest growing consumer electronics brand in Europe in recent years, and it wants to make 2026 the year in which it makes this achievement most visible. Below these lines we tell you which products they want to strengthen their strategy with. SQD Mini LED and RGB Mini LED, the big protagonists of TCL by 2026 TCL makes its own panels, giving it a lot of leeway on costs and specifications that few rivals can replicate. This advantage of vertical integration is what allows it to stand up to big brands like Samsung or LG. In the Mini LED segment they already have a long way to go, and this year they want to materialize all that experience in their products with two new technologies: SQD-MiniLED and RGB Mini LED. The spearhead: SQD-Mini LED in two versions The most ambitious model of the new batch is the X11L, direct successor to the X11K. It is the reference that TCL placed at the top of his hierarchy and arrives in sizes of 75, 85 and 98 inches. It uses what the brand calls SQD-Mini LED, a combination of its Mini LED backlight technology with extended colorimetry quantum dot panels and an improved self-color filter. On paper, the goal is to reduce light pollution between local dimming zones (the eternal Achilles’ heel of Mini LED versus OLED) and improve color purity. In addition, it has sound signed by Bang & Olufsen, a native 144 Hz refresh rate and compatibility with Dolby Atmos. Down the scale, the C8L inherits the C8K with the same 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches plus the addition of the 98-inch size. TCL aims for up to 6,000 nits of peak brightness (remember that this figure is always in a very small panel window), AiPQ processor for AI scaling and up to 4,032 local dimming zones. The C7L, for its part, further expands the size range (from 50 to 115 inches) and shares the SQD-Mini LED technological base with 2,176 local dimming zones, native 144 Hz and variable refresh rate (VRR). RGB Mini LED: a generation leap in color TCL’s other big technical bet for 2026 is what it calls RGB-Mini LED, a type of technology that other manufacturers have also tested (see Sonythat now collaborates with TCL, Hisenseor Samsung with its Micro RGB), and that TCL shows in two models: the RM9L and the RM7L. Unlike conventional Mini LED, where the backlight LEDs emit white light, This technology uses primary colored LEDs (red, green and blue) integrated directly into the panel. The result ends up leading to greater chromatic precision, also reducing color bleeding between adjacent areas. The RM9L comes in the most striking measurements in the catalog: 85, 98 and the monumental 115-inch screen. On the other hand, the RM7L covers 65, 75, 85 and 98 inches. It should also be noted, as usual, that all models work with Google TVand also all their high-end televisions offer a 144 Hz refresh rate. QD-Mini LED and the mid-range: the bulk of the volume The middle strip of the catalog, probably where TCL will move the largest number of units, is occupied by models with QD-Mini LED panels (Quantum Dot + Mini LED, without the RGB component). Here comes the C6K Pro (successor of the C6K), available from 50 to 98 inches with a central base support, and the P8L (evolution of the P8K), which starts at 55 inches but with a base at both ends of the television. Both work at 144 Hz and 4K UHD resolution. Entry range, affordable models for all audiences To complete the catalog, TCL adds several more affordable lines that operate at 60 Hz and with less complete panel technologies. The A400 and A400U incorporate conventional QLED technology in sizes from 55 to 98 inches, models for users who prioritize size over everything. The P7L (QLED) and the P6L (LCD-LED) are the options for those who prioritize price in the 43 to 85-inch segment. And in the most economical range, for those smaller living rooms or other rooms in the home, there is the S5L with Full HD resolution diagonally between 32 and 50 inches with a QLED panel and Android TV operating system, while the S4K is the only reference with HD resolution, only available in 32 inches. The lifestyle model: the NXTVISION A400 Pro Outside of the main list of conventional televisions, TCL also presents the A400 Pro NXTVISION, its bet on the most design-oriented display segment and home decoration. The concept is similar to that of frame televisions from other companies: it is placed against the wall or on a separate dedicated stand, it has a matte anti-reflective screen and, when it is not playing content, it can display works of art as if it were a painting. It is driven by a QD-Mini LED panel and has up to 448 local dimming zones. It is the only model in the catalog that escapes purely technical logic to find a decorative space in our living room. Selling only cheap TVs has long been over. TCL doesn’t want to be just the manufacturer that sells cheap TVs. In fact, for years it has proven to have a very good hand in its high-end panels. The premium segment continues to revolve around OLED panels, but the manufacturer continues to insist with its Mini LEDsinnovating year after … Read more

The best offers on technology and entertainment from MediaMarkt, today April 19

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MediaMarkt is currently celebrating a couple of campaigns with a large number of offers: Saving April and Climate Special. Both are available throughout the weekend and there is plenty to choose from, so let’s go over the five best deals we have found. Kindle Paperwhite by 129 euros when registering in the store, ideal if you are looking to read in black and white and want a good seven-inch screen. nintendo switch 2 by 479 euros By selecting the pack below in the store, it includes both the console and ‘Mario Kart World’ and a keychain. Google Pixel 10 by 599 eurosan excellent high-end mobile phone that is ideal if you are looking for a good quality-price ratio and a mobile phone with a good photography section. Pocketbook Verse Pro by 99 eurosa perfect eReader for those who want to turn pages by pressing buttons and not just with the touch screen. Philips Amigo by 99 eurosa ceiling fan that incorporates an LED light. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Kindle Paperwhite One of MediaMarkt’s best offers has fallen into the Kindle Paperwhitethe model with the best quality-price ratio on Amazon, especially now that it costs 129 euros as long as we log in to the store (otherwise the discount does not appear). This eReader stands out mainly for its format, since it has narrower frames than what we usually find in this type of device, Its screen is seven inchesit is light enough so that it can be used with one hand and its battery is one of the largest on Kindle, since according to Amazon it offers a battery life of up to 12 weeks. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links nintendo switch 2 Right now you can buy the nintendo switch 2 at its official price, but in MediaMarkt, just below there is a pack that, for 10 euros more (479 euros in total), you can take the console along with the ‘Mario Kart World’ and a keychain. The interesting thing is that the official pack that includes the console and the game is no longer available in the store, so it is a good way to buy both things taking advantage of a good discount. Furthermore, unlike the official pack, this other pack that MediaMarkt has put together includes the video game in physical format. Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World (physical format) + keychain The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Google Pixel 10 There are many discounts that we have seen in the Google Pixel 10 since its launch, and today we can find one of the best offers that MediaMarkt has launched. By 599 euroswe have this Pixel 10 that stands out above all for its 6.3 inch sizefor its excellent performance and because it has a very interesting photography section. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Pocketbook Verse Pro Many eReaders, especially brands like Kindle or Kobo, only allow you to turn pages through the touch screen. If you also want a very practical button panel so you can do it comfortably and without dirtying the screen so much, the Pocketbook Verse Pro Right now it is one of the best purchasing options. Because? Basically because MediaMarkt has it for 99 euros instead of 156 euros. The Pocketbook Verse Pro is an eReader that incorporates a six inch screen. At the bottom it includes a series of buttons that allow, among other things, to turn the pages or move through the menus. It is also a fairly compact and lightweight model, so you can take it wherever you want and use it with just one hand. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Philips Amigo Now that the weather is starting to get nice, it is a good time to buy a ceiling fan and thus get ahead of the summer heat. MediaMarkt right now has on offer the Philips Amigo by 99 eurosa model that includes LED light, has a function for summer and another for winter and includes a remote control to control the speed, light or operating modes. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. Image | MediaMarkt and Compradicción (header), Amazon, Nintendo, Google, Pocketbook, Philips In Xataka | The best mobile phones (2026), we have tested them and here are their analyzes In Xataka | Best ceiling fans. Recommendations to get it right and five models from 80 euros

The best offers on consoles and technology from El Corte Inglés, today April 18

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El Corte Inglés has launched very good discounts this week in April, and some have fallen directly on several consoles. The offers will be available throughout the weekendso if you are looking for your next adventure in video games or a good television, be careful with these discounts. nintendo switch 2 by 499.90 eurosa pack assembled by the store that includes the Pokémon Pokopia video game. Philips Ambilight 55OLED820/12 by 849.15 eurosan OLED television with the brand’s Ambilight technology. PlayStation 5 by 569 eurosa pack that includes two video games. LG OLED C5 by 999 eurosour recommendation if you are looking for the television with the best quality-price ratio. Samsung HW-Q990F by 749 eurosa perfect sound bar for setting up a home theater. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links nintendo switch 2 From time to time El Corte Inglés launches the odd pack in the nintendo switch 2and this time it has one of the most interesting ones we have seen so far. By 499.90 eurosyou can take the console along with ‘Pokémon Pokopia‘, a very particular video game within the saga that puts us in the “skins” of Ditto to meet a large assortment of Pokémon while we build with a style similar to ‘Minecraft’ or ‘Dragon Quest Builders’. Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokémon Pokopia The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Philips Ambilight 55OLED820/12 On the other hand, if what you are looking for is a good television to play the console or to watch movies and series, El Corte Inglés has the Philips Ambilight 55OLED820/12 by 849.15 eurosa good price for an OLED model with a 55-inch screen. In addition, it comes with the brand’s Ambilight technology, is compatible with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, its operating system is Google TV and it works with both Google Assistant and Alexa. Philips Ambilight 55OLED820/12 The price could vary. We earn commission from these links PlayStation 5 In addition to the Nintendo Switch 2, El Corte Inglés has put together a pack of the PlayStation 5 in its Slim version with disc reader that includes two video games: ‘Dragon Ball Sparking Zero’ and ‘Astro Bot’. All this for 569 euros. It is ideal if you don’t have the console yet and want to buy it before the price goes upbut it is also to start enjoying playing the moment you receive it at home. PlayStation 5 + Dragon Ball Sparking Zero + Astro Bot The price could vary. We earn commission from these links LG OLED C5 If you want an alternative to the Philips television, we are clear: the LG OLED C5 It is our recommendation if you are looking the TV with the best quality-price ratio. Right now it costs 999 euros in El Corte Inglés, although Amazon has it as 959 euros. The LG OLED C5 It is a smart TV that incorporates a 55-inch OLED panel. Its refresh rate reaches 144 Hz, it is compatible with both Dolby Vision as with Dolby Atmos and incorporates speakers that offer a power of 40W. Additionally, it has some features gaming such as several HDMI 2.1 ports and compactness with G-Sync and FreeSync. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Samsung HW-Q990F If what you are looking for is good audio equipment to set up a home theater, the sound bar Samsung HW-Q990F has dropped in El Corte Inglés to 749 euros. This is a model that includes the bar itself, a wireless subwoofer and two rear speakers. Offers an integrated sound system to 11.1.14 channelsit supports wireless Dolby Atmos and has WiFi, Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. Image | El Corte Inglés and Compradicción (header), Nintendo, Philips, PlayStation, LG, Samsung In Xataka | Best televisions in quality price. Which one to buy and seven recommended 4K smart TVs In Xataka | Best sound bars in quality price (2026). Which one to buy and seven recommended models from 99 euros

Europe thinks that it is the one who wants to become independent from US technology companies. It’s actually the other way around.

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We are going to have to make a dictionary when we talk about artificial intelligence. Yes generative artificial intelligence, general artificial intelligence, AI agents and Google has its Personal Intelligence. This service has been available for a few months in the United States and is now expanding to the rest of the world for users of the company’s suite. To all? Well no, not everyone, and Google leaves out the entire European economic area, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. What does this do. First of all, Gemini Personal Intelligence is like an ‘entity’ that has an eye on all the Google applications that we use with our account. It is a connection between the entire ecosystem which has access to all the information from YouTube, Maps, Calendar, Drive, Gmail, Docs or Photos. The idea is that they know everything about you to help you with day-to-day requests. Google itself gives an example: Since I connected my apps through Personal Intelligence, my daily life has become easier. For example, two weeks ago we needed new tires for our 2019 Honda minivan. While waiting at the store, I realized I didn’t know the size of the tires, so I asked Gemini. Nowadays, any chatbot can find these tire specifications, but Gemini went further. He suggested two options: one for daily driving and one for all-weather conditions, with references to our family road trips to Oklahoma that I found on Google Photos. Then, he neatly extracted the ratings and prices of each one. When I got to the counter, they asked me for my license plate. Instead of looking for it or losing my spot in line to get back to the parking lot, I asked Gemini. It extracted the seven-digit number from an image in Photos and also helped me identify the specific model of the truck by searching Gmail. Just like that, we had everything ready. Everyone can appreciate how useful this is, of course. Because, furthermore, it is not free: you need to be on an AI Pro or Ultra payment plan. Europe, you are excluded, beautiful. But if you think that life can be solved for you like the person in the example and you live in Europe, you should know that you cannot access it. Google has made it very clear that the feature is not available in the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland due to the strict privacy regulations that are found within the General Data Protection Regulation. It is one more service that does not reach European users due to these stricter privacy conditions and, in addition, they have not detailed any deadline so that we Europeans know more or less when it will be available in the region. If you read us from a Latin American country and you are interested in this software, good news, is available. Privacy. Regarding privacy, being something that we should take very seriously, it is curious how in the age of AI that privacy is eroded because the models have more and more data. We give a lot to this software and we don’t really know who’s watchingand Google wanted comment What is the privacy approach of your Personal Intelligence. According to the company, we can link and unlink applications from the ecosystem according to our preferences, but once we connect Photos, for example, you will have access to everything. They say that the photos in the gallery will not be used to train the model (here it is extremely sensitive because we each have personal photos on our mobile) and they take “measures to filter or hide personal data from the conversation.” They point out that “we do not train our systems to learn your license plate number, but to understand that, when you ask for it, we can find it.” Regarding health, a sensitive topic that is topical due to what El Salvador has done, they assure that “Gemini tries to avoid making proactive assumptions about sensitive data such as your health, although it will analyze that data if you ask it.” ¿Pressure? In any case, and what Google’s Personal Intelligence has to offer draws more or less attention, it is evident that carrying out a global launch of this magnitude without waiting to ‘sort the papers’ to launch it in Europe is also a declaration of intent. Europe is at a time when it is seeking its military sovereignty, aerospace and technologicalareas in which depends largely on the United States. We are building our infrastructure and systems, and not launching something like this in Europe is one more way of putting pressure on the organizations that, very actively, sand have positioned about the treatment of our data by these large companies. Image | Google (edited) In Xataka | Sometimes erotic AIs are AIs. And sometimes, they are a man from Kenya who charges two dollars an hour

The best deals on technology that we have found throughout the week until today, April 17

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This week started in style with MediaMarkt’s Day without VAT campaign and has held up quite well until today. For this reason, in Hunting Bargains of the week we have done a sweep of the best deals we have seen in recent days with quite interesting offers on e-book readers, ceiling fans and even TVs and projectors. Kindle Paperwhite by 129 euros by registering with MediaMarkt, Amazon’s eReader with the best quality-price ratio. Philips Ambilight 55OLED820/12 by 849.15 eurosan OLED television ideal for those looking for a good image and sound experience. Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen by 429 eurosa projector with WiFi that allows you to project an image of up to 100 inches. Philips Bliss by 159 eurosa ceiling fan that is ideal for getting ahead of summer. iPad Pro M4 by 1,345.18 eurosAmazon’s all-time low price on this tablet with 1 TB and 5G connectivity. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Kindle Paperwhite If for Book Day you were planning to make the jump to the digital format with an eReader or electronic book reader, MediaMarkt has now lowered the price of an Amazon model, as long as we are registered in the storeotherwise the discount will not appear. Specifically, it is about Kindle Paperwhite that, for 129 euros (before 169 euros), it is the model with the best quality-price ratio of the brand. It incorporates a seven-inch glare-free screen, it can be used with one hand because it is quite light, offers good performance and its autonomy is up to 12 weeks. Plus, it’s waterproof, so you can take it to the pool in summer. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Philips Ambilight 55OLED820/12 If in view of the World Cup, or because you are looking for a very good experience when watching movies at home, you are thinking about buying a good television, the Philips Ambilight 55OLED820/12 has fallen to 849.15 euros (before 1,999 euros). Its screen is 55-inch OLED, it reaches a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz, it is compatible with the three formats Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos and its operating system is Google TV. Additionally, you can use both Google Assistant and Alexa. Philips Ambilight 55OLED820/12 The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen On the other hand, if instead of a television you want to go for a projector, be careful because PcComponentes has the one at a very good price. Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Genspecifically for 429 euros (before 999 euros). This projector allows you to rotate the capsule to project image up to 100 inches on the wall or ceiling, it is compatible with the HDR10+ format, it incorporates speakers and its operating system is Tizen, so you can download applications. Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Philips Bliss In some cities it has started to get quite hot, so if you want to buy a ceiling fan for summer, the Philips Bliss is on sale right now on Amazon for 159 euros. Philips Bliss It is a fan that tends to sell out quite frequently on Amazon, since it has a fairly low price for what it offers: design with retractable blades, lamp with white, warm and cold white light and a fairly silent DC motor. In addition, it includes a control to adjust its six speeds and other options. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links iPad Pro M4 It won’t be especially cheap, but the iPad Pro M4 right now it is found 1,345.18 eurosAmazon’s all-time low price. And it is not in any version, but that of 1 TB with 5G connectivity. In addition, it is one of Apple’s most powerful models thanks to the M4 chip that we also see in some of its computers, it comes with an 11-inch screen and its autonomy is up to 10 hours of web browsing over WiFi. iPad Pro M4 (1TB, 5G) – 11 inches The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. Image | Amazon, Philips, Samsung, Apple In Xataka | Best home theater projectors. Which one to buy and five recommended models from 299 to 18,000 euros In Xataka | Best electronic book readers (e-readers) in quality price. Which one to buy based on use and five recommended models

The best MediaMarkt offers in technology and entertainment, today April 11

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There is very little left until the end of the two MediaMarkt campaigns, April Savings and Semana Web, which end on April 12 at 9:00 am. There are many offers to choose from, but some are better than others. For this reason, in this article we are going to review the best of the best within the store itself. iPhone 17 by 1,129 eurosthe lowest price MediaMarkt has ever had in the 512 GB configuration. nintendo switch 2 by 459 eurosthe console along with a video game to choose from four options. Apple Watch Series 11 by 379 eurosthe lowest price the store has had so far. Motorola moto tag by 24.90 eurosa much tighter price on the brand’s locator. Nintendo Switch 2 Camera by 39 eurosan especially interesting accessory if you play online with friends. Nintendo Switch 2 + video game to choose from four options The price could vary. We earn commission from these links iPhone 17 If you are going to change your mobile phone and want to make the leap to the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 17 has dropped in price in its configuration 512GB storage and can now be purchased for 1,129 eurosMediaMarkt’s all-time low. It is a mobile phone that comes with a 6.3-inch screen that offers a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. It has a good photography section and has a good processor that guarantees excellent performance. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links nintendo switch 2 Right now is one of the best times to make the leap to nintendo switch 2as MediaMarkt is back with its best offer yet: for 459 eurosgives you a video game to choose from these four different options: Nintendo Switch 2 + video game to choose from four options The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Apple Watch Series 11 The same happens with the Apple Watch Series 11since MediaMarkt has it at its lowest price to date: 379 euros. It is about one of the best smartwatches within the Apple brandespecially for its construction (also for its rotating crown which is especially useful), for its screen that looks great even outdoors and for its sensors to monitor physical activity. Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm, M/L) The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Motorola moto tag If you are planning to go on a trip or simply want to avoid losing your keys, backpack or suitcase, the Motorola moto tag has dropped to 24.90 euros. It is a locator with the same format as the AirTagso their covers are useful. It uses Find My Device to locate it and is compatible with Android phones. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Nintendo Switch 2 Camera If you already have a Nitendo Switch 2 or are going to take advantage of the MediaMarkt offer before it ends, you may be interested in the official nintendo camera which, in addition, has dropped in price to 39 euros. It is ideal for playing online video games with friends or family, especially competitive ones to enjoy great times. Nintendo Switch 2 Camera The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. Image | MediaMarkt and Compradicción (header), Apple, Nintendo, Motorola In Xataka | Five brands and one goal: we look for the perfect locator for your keys, wallet or suitcase In Xataka | Best smartwatch in quality price. Which one to buy based on use and seven recommended models

300,000 kilometers from Earth you can now make video calls. Artemis II is using telemedicine technology

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We have normalized video calls so much that we hardly think about what happens behind when we press a button and another person appears on the screen. We do it daily, with WhatsApp, FaceTime or any other platformwithout stopping at the network, the servers and the connections that hold that conversation in real time. It is a technology that we take for granted, even when we use it thousands of kilometers away within the Earth itself. But as soon as we leave that environment and go much further, to hundreds of thousands of kilometers, what seemed everyday begins to take on another dimension. ‘Hello’ from space. That change of scenery we talked about has a very specific example in Artemis II. The mission took off on April 2, 2026 and has taken astronauts back to the Moon after more than 50 years without manned flights in that area. In the middle of that journey, a milestone has occurred that until now we had not seen on this scale: video calls made from deep space through a platform called VSee. Wiseman’s message. Beyond the technical milestone, there is a scene that sums it all up. Reid Wisemanmission commander, posted a message on X in mid-flight that allows us to understand what that connection really means. “Distance makes the heart grow fonder… it didn’t take 219,669 miles to remind me how much I love Ellie and Katey,” he wrote, alluding to his daughters. Ellie and Katey are precisely his two daughters, and the message has special weight because Wiseman was widowed in 2020, when his wife, Carroll, died. The figure is not minor either: at that moment, the ship was about 219,669 miles from Earth, about 353,500 kilometers. Click to see the original publication in X Before Artemis. Although what we are seeing now marks an obvious leap, the truth is that video calls in space are not an absolute novelty. On the International Space Station, astronauts have been using video communication systems for years, both to talk to their families and to collaborate with teams on Earth.Video exchanges were already taking place in 2010 for educational purposes, and by 2015 this practice is described as common within the station’s operations. That is to say, the novelty is not in speaking by video outside of Earth, but in doing so at this distance. The difference. The International Space Station moves in low Earth orbit, a few hundred kilometers high, while the Artemis II Orion capsule has reached hundreds of thousands of kilometers from Earth during its trajectory around the Moon. In addition, it reached distances that exceed historical records of manned missions, including the maximum so far attributed to Apollo 13. For this reason, everything indicates that a video call made at that point is the furthest ever made by humans. Why telemedicine. This is where one of the most striking questions appears. If we are talking about a video call, why not use conventional tools like the ones we use every day? The answer has more to do with the conditions of the communication than with the function itself. Solutions like those of VSee have been designed to operate in networks with high latency, data loss and unstable connections, just the type of environment that NASA had already been facing for years in its space communications. More than a question of brand or custom, the key is the robustness of the system. The network that makes it possible. For this conversation to be sustained, a good application is not enough. Behind it is a global infrastructure designed specifically for deep space: the NASA Deep Space Network. This system is supported by three large stations located at strategic points on the planet, in Goldstone (United States), Madrid (Spain) and Canberra (Australia), which work in a coordinated manner to maintain continuous contact as the Earth rotates. In the case of Spain, the Madrid station is part of the network that makes this type of link possible, something especially relevant to understand that these communications also depend on infrastructure located in Europe. Images | POT In Xataka | There is a spontaneous competition to design the “flag of Humanity.” And the best design is an engraving of the Pioneer

To survive the end of oil, China has resurrected an old German technology from World War II: turning coal into plastic

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While the world assumes that China’s energy transition is based exclusively on solar panels and electric vehicles — and, in part, it is, consolidating as the first great ‘electrostate’—, reality hides a much darker side. Faced with the outbreak of the Third Gulf War, Beijing has not even flinched. Beyond its immense strategic oil reserves, the secret of its resistance lies in an even more daring maneuver: the resurrection of German technology from World War II. An old German technology. Faced with the instability of oil imports, China has perfected the use of coal to produce petrochemical products. This synthesis technology (historically known as the process of fischer–Tropsch) was originally developed by Germany to sustain its military economy during World War II. Although it is widely known in the chemical industry, its main defect has always been the enormous pollution it generated. China has improved it. Far from settling for an outdated process, Chinese researchers have radically improved it. According to the state agency Xinhuaa team from Peking University has achieved a historic breakthrough by adding a minimal amount of methyl bromide (five parts per million) to the catalytic process. This surgically “turns off” the pathway that forms carbon dioxide as a byproduct, reducing these emissions from 30% to less than 1% and opening the door to near-green manufacturing to convert coal-derived synthesis gas (syngas) into olefins, the building blocks of plastics. At an industrial level, expansion is already a fact. As detailed South China Morning Postin Turpan prefecture (Xinjiang), construction has just begun on the world’s largest coal-to-ethylene glycol (a toxic compound used for plastics and antifreeze) project, with an astonishing capacity of 2.4 million tons per year. Even, as the magazine highlighted ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineeringresearch is being carried out on how to integrate this process (called PFTO) to chemically recycle tons of plastic waste, converting it into syngas and then back into light olefins. Did you see it coming? It is not the first time that China decides to take sides and prevent rather than cure. The Asian giant has decided to completely decouple its industry from maritime vulnerabilities and Western influence. “This is not China’s war, but Beijing began preparing for it years ago,” points out The New York Times. Everything accelerated during Donald Trump’s first term, prompting President Xi Jinping to demand complete “self-sufficiency” that would insulate China from any disruption to foreign supply chains. Time has proven them right. The war in Iran has brutally increased the price of crude oil, suffocating international petrochemical competitors that depend on black gold. In contrast, local Chinese coal has only gotten cheaper. According to Reutersthis has been a financial triumph: shares of companies such as Ningxia Baofeng Energy, which produces millions of tons of chemicals from coal, have risen 30% since the start of the conflict, while traditional Asian refiners such as Rongsheng Petrochemical have lost up to 27% of their stock market value. Furthermore, the Chinese media analyzed by Carbon Brief They insist on a unanimous nationalist message: in the face of a real emergency, coal is the only resource that the nation truly controls, acting as the great “ballast” guarantor of its national security. A change to other sectors. The change is undeniable. As revealed Bloombergthe country’s main coal miner, China Shenhua Energy, has cut its overall budget by 16%, but has almost doubled its investment in coal-to-chemical conversion, from 2.5 billion to 4.1 billion yuan by 2026. But at a devouring pace, as The New York Times provides information that measures the phenomenon: in 2020, China used 155 million tons of coal to manufacture chemicals; by 2024, the figure jumped to 276 million, and in 2025 it grew another 15%, single-handedly exceeding the total annual coal consumption of the entire United States. The research center CREATE confirms this trend in its reportconfirming that the use of coal in the chemical industry grew by 20% year-on-year only in the first half of 2025. Added to this is that, as the American media explains80% of Chinese nitrogen fertilizer (a third of the world’s supply) is already made with coal rather than oil or gas, allowing Beijing to keep its product at less than half the global market price. Behind it there is a very high cost. All this bold industrial maneuver has a severe climate cost that is already setting off international alarms. China’s draft 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) has set extremely cautious climate goals. As the experts explain CREATE and collect Financial Timesthe set goal of reducing carbon intensity by only 17% is “disappointing” and leaves room for the country’s emissions to continue growing between 3% and 6% in real terms over the next five years. This new government plan de facto reverses the international promise to “phase down” coal consumption, replacing it with a consumption “plateau” and explicitly protecting the large-scale expansion of the coal-based petrochemical industry. Only chemical projects already planned to be built between now and 2029 could increase China’s annual carbon dioxide emissions by an additional 2%. The forecasts are resounding. According to Bloomberg, By 2030, China’s chemical roadmap will massively stop using oil as a primary fuel (thanks to the adoption of its electric vehicles) and will take advantage of its modernized facilities to seek 85% self-sufficiency in all advanced materials and chemicals, displacing traditional giants. A feared crisis of overcapacity. The European ideas laboratory MERICS warns of collateral consequences: The Chinese domestic economy, with consumer confidence stagnant since the pandemic, has no way to absorb all this gigantic new production of materials and plastics. As a direct result, Chinese factories are forced to export their immense surpluses to the rest of the world at fire sale prices. This aggressive price war propelled China’s trade surplus to a stratospheric record of $1.2 trillion in 2025. According to the complaint MERICSthese massive exports are cannibalizing the industrial base of other nations; In the European Union alone, up to 500 manufacturing jobs are being lost daily due to the total … Read more

five offers in technology, today April 5

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Until tomorrow, April 6 at 9:00 a.m., MediaMarkt will have an offer campaign aimed at devices for the home, called in this case as Special home. Offers that focus above all on devices for cleaning the house, dehumidifiers and even refrigerators. Therefore, we are going to review some of the best deals that the store has right now. Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner G20 Lite by 79.99 eurosa very economical cordless vacuum cleaner with good suction power. Cecotec Conga M50 by 99.90 eurosa robot vacuum cleaner with a double water and dust tank. Rowenta Extreme Dry Compact DH5260 by 199 eurosa dehumidifier with a capacity of 16 liters per day. Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute by 499 eurosa cordless vacuum cleaner with good power and autonomy of up to 60 minutes. Samsung Smart RB38C705CWW/EF by 730 eurosa combi refrigerator with a capacity of 390 liters. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner G20 Lite If you’ve been looking for a while cordless upright vacuum cleanerhe Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner G20 Lite It stands out above all for its quality-price ratio, especially now that it is on sale at MediaMarkt for 79.99 euros. It offers an autonomy of up to 45 minutes and a suction power of 18,000 Pa and has a multi-surface brush and a narrow nozzle for corners. Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner G20 Lite The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Cecotec Conga M50 On the other hand, if what you are looking for is a robot vacuum cleaner and you don’t want to spend more than 100 euros, the Cecotec Conga M50 right now it’s on sale for 99.90 euros. It includes laser navigation to create a map of the house and make it more efficient (and not crash as much when encountering walls), offers a suction power of 5,000 Pa and comes with a water tank for the mop. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Rowenta Extreme Dry Compact DH5260 There are also some offers on dehumidifiers, and the one that stands out the most is the Rowenta Extreme Dry Compact DH5260whose price has dropped to 199 euros. It is a dehumidifier that is capable of removing 16 liters of humidity per day in a space of up to 100 square meters, the noise level is 42.5 dB in the lowest power mode, it includes a removable three-liter tank with a fill alert, it comes with a dust filter and also a handle to transport it to other rooms. Rowenta Extreme Dry Compact DH5260 The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute If the previous Xiaomi vacuum cleaner falls short and you are looking for something more complete, MediaMarkt has the model on offer Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute by 499 euros. This vacuum cleaner offers a good power of 150 AW, its autonomy is approximately 60 minutes and includes a screen that shows the amount and type of dirt vacuumed. In addition, it comes with a good assortment of accessories, such as a motorbar brush for all types of floors or a low area adapter for the most difficult to reach places, among others. Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Samsung Smart RB38C705CWW/EF Finally, MediaMarkt also has some refrigerators on offer, and one of the most interesting is the Samsung Smart RB38C705CWW/EFwhich in this case with the discount remains at 730 euros. It is a combi refrigerator with a capacity of 390 liters that has All-Around Cooling technology so that all the food on each shelf is kept at the same temperature. It also includes a drawer to keep food fresh at a good temperature. Samsung Smart RB38C705CWW/EF The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. Image | MediaMarkt and Compradicción (header), Xiaomi, Cecotec, Rowenta, Dyson, Samsung In Xataka | Best handheld vacuum cleaners: which one to buy and 6 + 1 recommended models from just over 30 euros In Xataka | One day you are young and the next you have copied your parents’ vacuum cleaner

The best technology deals we have found in the first week of April, Bargain Hunting

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We have started the month of April quite busy in terms of number and quality of offers, especially in stores like Honor, Amazon or PcComponentes. There is a lot to choose from, so in Bargain Hunting this week we have put together the five technology offers that we liked the most. Honor Magic V5 by 1,164.21 euros With several coupons, one of the best folding phones almost half the price. Kindle by 99 eurosa good e-book reader from Amazon. Fire TV Stick 4K Select by 28.99 eurosthe latest model that Amazon has launched to date. AirPods Pro 3 by 199 eurosthe lowest price Apple headphones have had to date. Marshall Emberton II by 89 eurosa Bluetooth speaker with good autonomy. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Honor Magic V5 If we talk about good deals on mobile phones, right now there is nothing better than what Honor has in its store, especially in the Honor Magic V5. Because? For its triple discount that leaves it for 1,164.21 euros: Direct discount: goes from 1,999 to 1,499 euros. Coupon AES1215: goes from 1,499 to 1,184.21 euros. Gift of 2,000 points when you log in, which is equivalent to 20 euros: it goes from 1,184.21 to 1,164.21 euros. He Honor Magic V5 It is a folding mobile phone (one of the best, in fact) very thin with a thickness of 8.8 mm and a good battery. It has two screens of 6.43 inches and 7.95 inches, both AMOLED LTPO. Internally it comes with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and its photography section offers very good results. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Kindle There is very little left until Book Day, so if you want to start reading by buying a good eReader, Amazon has an offer on Kindle by 99 euros (before 119.99 euros). It is the most basic model, but it has good features: a six-inch anti-glare screen, adjustable light, a battery that lasts for weeks, 16 GB to store many books, and a weight of 158 grams that allows it to be used with one hand. Kindle (latest generation) The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Fire TV Stick 4K Select Amazon has also taken the opportunity to launch offers on all your Fire TV Stickbut if we talk about good value for money, the prize goes to the Fire TV Stick 4K Selectwhich has dropped to 28.99 euros (before 54.99 euros). This model offers 4K resolution on supported contentsupports content with HDR10+, incorporates Alexa as a voice assistant and is as compact as the other Amazon models. Of course, it comes with its own remote control with direct access to apps like Netflix or Prime Video. Fire TV Stick 4K Select (latest generation) The price could vary. We earn commission from these links AirPods Pro 3 There are also offers on Apple devices, and the crown goes to the AirPods Pro 3 that are on offer at historical minimum price: by 199 euros (before 249 euros) at PcComponentes. These headphones offer very good active noise cancellation (double that of the previous generation, according to Apple), their theoretical autonomy is up to eight hours of use with noise cancellation activated and comes with a set of pads to fit better to the ears. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Marshall Emberton II If for the summer you are already looking for a good Bluetooth speaker that allows you to enjoy your favorite music in the pool, be very careful with the Marshall Emberton IIwhich has dropped in price to 89 euros (before 149 euros) at MediaMarkt. This model maintains the brand’s retro design and includes a battery with autonomy of up to 30 hours. It weighs less than a kilo (0.7 kg), is resistant to water and dust (IP67) and comes with a button on the top to control it. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. Images | Honor, Amazon, Apple, Marshall In Xataka | Best Amazon Fire TV. Which one to buy and recommended models to convert your TV into a smart TV depending on use In Xataka | Best Bluetooth speakers in quality price. Which one to buy based on use and six recommended models

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