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“Keep the doctor away” may not be the only benefit of an apple a day.

According to recent studies, eating fruit as a snack may help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Researchers from Edith Cowan University in Perth discovered that people who consumed at least two servings of any fruit daily had a 36% lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes over the following five years after analyzing data from over 7,000 persons.

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fruits are thought to help prevent diabetes by increasing cellular sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which lowers blood sugar.

“A healthy diet and lifestyle, which includes the consumption of whole fruits, is a great strategy to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Nicola Bondonno, the study’s researcher

Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, but they’re also a fantastic source of fiber, which helps control blood sugar release and keeps people feeling fuller for longer, and phytochemicals, which are plant-based nutrients that may improve insulin sensitivity.

“Furthermore, most fruits typically have a low glycaemic index [a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate affects a person’s blood sugar], which means the fruit’s sugar is digested and absorbed into the body more slowly.”

In the UK, 3.9 million people received a diabetes diagnosis in 2019, with type 2 accounting for about 90% of cases.

The beginning of type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with a patient’s lifestyle, such as being overly sedentary or overweight.

If left untreated, the illness can result in limb amputations, heart disease, and blindness.

By 2030, 5.5 million individuals in the UK alone are predicted to have type 2 diabetes, so the researchers set out to find out how dietary changes could lower a person’s risk.

The researchers examined data on fruit and fruit juice consumption from participants in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study, with an average age of 54.

“We found an association between fruit intake and markers of insulin sensitivity, suggesting people who consumed more fruit had to produce less insulin to lower their blood glucose levels,” stated Dr. Bondonno.

“This is important because high levels of circulating insulin can damage blood vessels and are related not only to diabetes but also to high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease.”

However, fruit juice was not proven to offer the same advantages.

“This is likely because juice tends to be much higher in sugar and lower in fibre,” said Dr. Bondonno.

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On May 22, a number of unidentified tiny spacecraft were sent into orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

At 4:00 a.m. Eastern, the Falcon 9 blasted off from the Californian space force base of Vandenberg.

This was SpaceX’s 52nd flight of the year and the fifth Falcon 9 launch for the NRO. The mission was classified and was designated NROL-146.

The rocket’s first stage, which conducted its 16th flight, separated from the upper stage and landed on a drone ship positioned in the Pacific Ocean.

SpaceX ended the livestream after the first stage landed, marking the company’s 310th recovery of a first-stage booster, at the NRO’s request to not display images of the rocket’s upper stage.

Secret U.S. government surveillance and intelligence satellites are designed and run by the NRO. The agency’s initial use of a new constellation of imaging satellites developed by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman is known as NROL-146.

The number of satellites launched on this mission and the anticipated size of the new constellation have not been made public by the NRO. Six launches for the NRO’s widely used small satellite design are scheduled for 2024, according to earlier statements from agency officials.

The NRO stated that their goal is to have four times as many satellites in orbit. Smaller, more numerous satellites, according to officials, will enable significantly more frequent revisits to vital regions of interest, resulting in the speedier delivery of vital intelligence.

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They have witnessed a number of new car introductions in 2024’s first four months, spanning different market niches and pricing points.

TATA ALTROZ RACER

In June 2024, the Tata Altroz Racer is scheduled to go on sale. It is essentially the Altroz with a sportier look that was shown off twice in public. The vehicle has a 1.2L, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that was taken from the Nexon. The engine will be calibrated to produce 170 Nm of torque and 120 horsepower. The Racer Edition will produce 10 horsepower and 30 Nm more torque than the Altroz iTurbo. Most likely, a single 6-speed manual gearbox will be included.

Twin racing stripes will be present on the bonnet and roof of the Tata Altroz Racer, which will have a dual-tone paint scheme. The front fenders will be branded with the word “Racer.” It will also differ from the standard Altroz in terms of its alloy wheels and front grille. The hatchback’s interior is probably going to have fresh leatherette upholstery with dashboard elements in various colours and contrast stitching. Six airbags and electronic stability control are standard on the Altroz Racer.

5-DOOR MAHINDRA THAR

The 5-door Thar version that is ready for production will probably be called the Mahindra Thar Armada. The market launch of the lifestyle off-road SUV is scheduled for August 15th, after its unveiling. Three versions of the car, with the 2.0L turbocharged and 2.2L diesel engines from the Scorpio N, are probably in the works. There will be 4WD and 2WD gearbox options available.

Steel wheels, 5-spoke alloy wheels, and 19-inch multi-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels will be available for the SUV’s base, mid, and higher trim levels, respectively. Compared to the 3-door Thar, the 5-door model will have a slightly different front grille, bumpers, a remote fuel filling cap, and a rear wiper. A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, front and rear centre armrests, push-button start-stop, a sunroof, and many more luxury features will be found within the SUV.

NEW-GEN MARUTI DZIRE

The next significant product release from the Indo-Japanese carmaker in India will be the all-new Maruti Suzuki Dzire. A few design cues, the interior, and the new Z-Series petrol engine will all be shared by the small sedan and the recently launched Swift hatchback. Its interior design will resemble that of the Baleno and Fronx. According to spy photos, the 2024 Maruti Dzire will have a 360-degree camera and the industry’s first single-pane sunroof.

In addition, there will be a wireless phone charger, rear AC vents, a floating 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a revised instrument cluster, push-button start/stop, power-adjustable and foldable wing mirrors, new seat upholstery, and more. The next Dzire will come equipped with six airbags as standard, just like the new Swift. The new Maruti Dzire of 2024 will be powered by a 1.2L, four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 112Nm and 82bhp. Gearboxes with manual and AMT shifters will still be available.

TATA CURVV EV

The introduction of the Tata Curvv is reportedly being moved to this year’s holiday season. Originally, it was planned for the coupe SUV to go on sale in mid-2024. The automaker plans to launch the electric-powered Curvv initially, followed six months later by the ICE variant. It will have a 62mm larger wheelbase and be almost 313mm longer than the Nexon. The 10.25-inch dual screen configuration, digital dials, and four-spoke lighted steering wheel from the Harrier will be carried over to the Curvv coupe SUV. Some of its features and switchgear will be acquired from the Nexon. In addition, it will have a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, ventilated seats, and linked car capabilities.

The Tata Curvv EV, which serves as the foundation for Tata’s Gen 2 Acti.ev design, is anticipated to have a range of between 450 and 500 kilometres on a single charge. Three distinct powertrain options will be available for the ICE version: 125 horsepower, 1.5L diesel, 1.2L turbocharged petrol, and CNG. When it is introduced, the new Tata coupe SUV will face off against the soon-to-be Citroen Basalt. However, in terms of pricing, it will also go up against the Hyundai Creta, Honda Elevate, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder.

CITROEN BASALT

The second half of 2024 is when Citroen’s planned Basalt coupe SUV is expected to go on sale (maybe around the holidays). Following the C3 Aircross SUV, C3 hatchback, and eC3 EV, this will be the French carmaker’s fourth product to be offered under the C-Cubed initiative. There will be a single 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine with 110 horsepower available for the Citroen Basalt. There are two types of transmissions available: an automatic torque converter and a manual.

Later on, though, the company will also introduce its electric version. With the exception of a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car technology, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold control, reverse parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system, and more, the Basalt and C3 Aircross will share the majority of their features.

NEW KIA CARNIVAL

In the second part of 2024, the fourth-generation Kia Carnival facelift—previously shown as the KA4 concept at the 2023 Auto Expo—will make its debut. Although the MPV’s engine configuration is probably going to stay the same, it will undergo extensive interior and exterior modifications. The new generation will still have an automated transmission and a 2.2L diesel engine, much as the previous one. The 1.6L petrol hybrid, 3.5L petrol and 2.2L diesel are the three powertrain options available in international markets. Here, seven and nine seat options for the 2024 Kia Carnival will be available.

In terms of features, it will include the current feature set in addition to a digital rearview mirror, a rotary drive selector, a head-up display, and a dashcam with front and rear capabilities. A redesigned “Tiger Nose” grille, an updated front bumper, L-shaped DRLs, new alloy wheels, and new L-shaped LED taillamps joined by a bar in the middle are some of its design features.

MG CLOUD EV

An electric vehicle from MG Motor India is scheduled to launch this year. Although the name and specifics of the next EV have not yet been disclosed by the automaker, it is most likely the MG Cloud EV, which will retail for less than Rs 20 lakh. For those who are unaware, the Cloud EV is sold in China under the Baojun Yunduo brand and in Indonesia under the Wuling brand by MG’s parent company SAIC. The model will have a wheelbase of 2,700mm and a length of around 4.3 metres.

It might be available with two battery pack options: a 37.9kWh and a 50.6kWh, similar to what is offered in international markets. In contrast, the latter will have a range of 460 km, while the former will supply 360 km. A permanent magnet synchronous motor with 134 horsepower will be installed at the front axle of the electric vehicle. Many technologies, including an ADAS suite, a 360-degree camera, a huge centrally positioned touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster display, a completely reclined front seat with “sofa mode,” and many more, will be available with the MG Cloud EV.

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The 3 new midsize SUVs from Tata, Hyundai, and Citroen are scheduled to go on sale in India in the upcoming months. India’s automotive market is expected to welcome a number of new midsize internal combustion engine SUVs from manufacturers like Citroen, Hyundai, and Tata in the upcoming months.

1. Tata Curvv:

Powered by a diesel engine, Tata debuted the production version of the Curvv concept at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 in February. The ICE version is expected to release shortly after the electric version, which is planned for sale in the middle of 2024. Under the hood of the ICE model will be a new 1.5L turbo diesel and 1.2L DI turbo petrol engine.

The 1.5L turbo diesel engine will generate 115 PS and 260 Nm of torque, while the 1.2L DI turbo petrol engine will reach 125 PS of maximum power and 225 Nm of torque. Customers have a choice between automatic and manual gearboxes. Models including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, VW Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq will compete with this midsize SUV coupe.

2. Citroen Basalt:

A few months ago, Citroen India unveiled the concept Basalt Vision coupe, which will go on sale in the second part of this year. Because it is a coupe SUV as opposed to the conventional 4.3-meter-long midsize SUVs, it will directly compete with the incoming Tata Curvv, which is positioned above the C3 Aircross. The five-seater will be powered by the well-known 1.2L turbo three-cyl petrol engine from the C3 Aircross and will be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. It is based on the substantially localised CMP architecture.

3. Hyundai Alcazar Facelift:

Later this year, the Hyundai Alcazar will receive a major redesign that draws inspiration from the Creta facelift. There will be significant improvements to the outside and inside, and the features list will be expanded to include high-end comforts like Level 2 ADAS. The 1.5L turbocharged petrol and 1.5L diesel engines, however, won’t alter, and there won’t be any changes to the available gearbox choices.

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  • This colour was introduced with the Scorpio N
  • Total six exterior colours now on offer

Mahindra has changed the exterior paint jobs of the Thar, one of the most well-liked SUVs available. In addition to five existing colour choices, a new shade named “Deep Forest” is now available for the lifestyle off-roader.

Six exterior colors—Red Rage, Deep Grey, Everest White, Stealth Black, Desert Fury, and Deep Forest—are now offered for the Mahindra Thar. The last three of these are the most recent additions to Thar’s colour scheme.

The Thar is available with both a 4WD and RWD drivetrain and with a petrol or diesel engine.

EngineTransmissionPower Output
1.5-litre dieselSix-speed manual117bhp/300Nm
2.2-litre dieselSix-speed manualSix-speed automatic torque converter130bhp/300Nm-
2.0-litre petrolSix-speed manualSix-speed automatic torque converter150bhp/300Nm150bhp/320Nm

The Indian automaker has announced that the Thar’s pricing would be adjusted by up to Rs. 10,000. This brings the SUV’s price range (ex-showroom) to between Rs. 11.35 lakh and Rs. 17.60 lak

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Renault’s performance branch, Alpine, plans to launch a road car powered by a V6 hydrogen engine.

The French company is investigating the possibility of developing hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) models in addition to investing in completely electric vehicles (EVs).

The head of Alpine’s design department, Antony Villain, affirmed that a production model was considered while creating the Alpenglow concept car.

Alpenglow concept car: A step toward hydrogen power

Although the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine in the Alpenglow concept car is turbocharged, Alpine is now working on a more potent V6 engine.

It is anticipated that this new powertrain will outperform the four-cylinder model’s 340 horsepower.

Villain made a suggestion that this bigger engine might be added to a small number of street-legal versions, saying, “Why not? How come it’s not on the roads?”

Renault’s commitment to high-performance vehicles

An refinement of a design from 2022, the Alpenglow represents Renault’s commitment to producing high-performance automobiles.

Plans for the sports car are still on track despite early hiccups during its first test in Belgium because of an electrical problem.

Later this year, the new V6 engine will replace Ligier’s current LMP3 chassis.

Renault’s future lineup: Electric and potentially hydrogen

The prospect of putting the Alpenglow into production was alluded to by Renault CEO Luca de Meo during last week’s Annual General Meeting.

He said that Renault intends to increase its lineup to seven models, maybe adding hydrogen-powered vehicles, even though the A110 model won’t be available for sale for much longer.

De Meo declared that “100% electric and maybe, potentially, hydrogen-engine cars” will comprise their line.

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A $37.5 million deal has been signed by the startup Starfish Space and the U.S. Space Force to construct, launch, and manage the Otter satellite maintenance vehicle in geostationary orbit by 2026.

The Assured Access to Space program office of the Space Systems Command awarded the four-year contract, which is known as a STRATFI (Strategic Funding Increase) arrangement. It combines $30 million in venture capital investment with $37.5 million in government funds.

The Defense Department uses STRATFI agreements to close the financial gap between research and development of new technologies and their practical implementation.

Col. Joyce Bulson, director of servicing, mobility, and logistics at Space Systems Command, stated in a news release on May 20 that “this project is another step forward in delivering what our warfighters require in sustained space maneuver.”

‘Augmented Maneuver’

According to Bulson, the Otter spacecraft will showcase its ability to offer military satellites “augmented maneuver options.”

The majority of DoD satellites in GEO are not very good at moving around. By docking and latching to the client satellite, the Otter spacecraft would provide augmented maneuver. Then, using Otter’s own propulsion systems, it would provide the military satellite a push or a pull to make precise movements or orbital changes.

Former Blue Origin and NASA engineers launched Starfish Space in 2019, with its headquarters located in Kent, Washington.

The Otter vehicle will be used by the business to provide commercial services. The company said in a statement on May 20 that the spacecraft can rotate government satellites while they are connected together. It can also dock with unprepared or unconfigured satellites. “This augmented maneuver service with Otter will improve resilience, tactical responsiveness, and strategic flexibility of U.S. assets on-orbit in support of national defense priorities.”

Additional Potential Uses

In order to improve its ability to maneuver satellites in orbit, the Space Force is considering a number of solutions. One choice is refueling while in orbit. Another is to use spacecraft such as Otter for servicing. “In addition to enhanced maneuver, there are many other uses for Starfish Space’s Otter, including orbital transfer, station-keeping or life extension, and finally orbital disposal, which guarantees access to important orbital slots while exhibiting acceptable norms in space,” stated Bulson.

The precise government assets that Otter’s first mission was intended to attack are still unknown.

SpaceWERX, the Space Force’s technology branch, has awarded multiple Small Business Innovation Research contracts to Starfish Space in recent years. The business attempted to launch a low-Earth orbit demonstration mission called “Otter Pup” in 2023, but it encountered an anomaly and failed to complete.

Trevor Bennett, co-founder of Starfish Space, stated, “Starfish looks forward to collaborating with the Space Force to build the capabilities required to enable dynamic space operations,”

“We can match private capital from our investors with government resources and acquire new capabilities quickly thanks to the STRATFI program,” he stated. The government’s aspirations to combine commercial services with DoD activities will be aided by the Space Force mission.

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With the release of a few new vehicles, Tata Motors will grow its market share in India. The Altroz Racer, Nexon CNG, and Curvv are anticipated to go on sale in the upcoming months, despite the lack of formal launch dates. In April, Tata Motors ranked as the third most popular automobile brand. Last month, it sold 47,885 cars, up 1.9% year over year from the 47,010 it sold in April 2023. On the other hand, its monthly sales decreased by about 3,000 units, or 4.4%.

Tata Nexon iCNG

The Nexon i-CNG made its debut at the Bharat Mobility Expo earlier this year, and it is anticipated to go on sale in India shortly. Tata Motors presently provides three powertrain options for the Nexon in India: diesel, petrol, and electric. The Nexon will be the first vehicle in the country to be offered with a range of powertrain options once the new CNG option is added.

With the exception of a few CNG-specific changes, the forthcoming Nexon’s design elements are mostly similar to those of its diesel and gasoline-powered brother. Its mechanical configuration comprises of a twin-cylinder CNG kit added by the factory and a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine. Even if the power and torque numbers are not yet known, they should be less than those of its petrol-powered brother, which has 118 horsepower and 170 Nm.

The little SUV can hold 230 litres of cargo and is anticipated to have a 60 litre cylinder capacity. Among its many characteristics are an auto fuel switch, leakage-proof materials, a single sophisticated ECU, a modular fuel filter, leak detecting failure, direct start in CNG mode, and a micro switch.

Tata Curvv

It is likely that Indian roads will see the Tata Curvv sometime in the latter half of 2024. The ICE version will go on sale after the EV version. The former (EV) is probably going to be available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and in single or dual-motor variants. Moreover, 400–500 kilometres of range are anticipated on a single charge. The 1.5-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine with 113 horsepower and 260 Nm and the 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 118 horsepower and 170 Nm are likely to be the identical powertrains seen in the Nexon. There is a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed AMT, and a 7-speed DCT gearbox available.

The ICE Curvv is expected to retail for between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 11 lakh, while the EV variant is likely to cost Rs 20 lakh. In their respective markets, both versions will face competition from a variety of vehicles, including the Volkswagen Taigun, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG ZS EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Tata Altroz Racer

In India, the sportier Altroz is probably going to be on sale the first week of June. It will be positioned higher in the range than the Tata Altroz XZ iTurbo (Rs 9.20 lakh and Rs 10.10 lakh). The same 1.2-liter, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that drives the Tata Nexon is anticipated to power the Altroz Racer. However, a 6-speed manual gearbox will be the preferred option.

A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, a wireless charger, a heads-up display, aluminium pedals, heated front seats, six airbags, ESC (electronic stability control), and a 360-degree surround camera are some of the features that the hatch may be equipped with. The Tata Altroz Racer is anticipated to retail for approximately Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) in terms of price.

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In Game 7, on Monday night, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-2, thanks in large part to three goals and an assist from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. This victory sent the team to the Western Conference final.

The Oilers also had two assists from Evan Bouchard and two more goals from Zach Hyman and Cody Ceci. Stuart Skinner made a total of fifteen saves.

Edmonton will play Game 1 of the series against Dallas on Thursday night in an attempt to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1993.

Vancouver’s goals came from Conor Garland and Filip Hronek in the third period, while Arturs Silovs made 26 saves.

Forward J.T. Miller of Vancouver stated, “They came out hungry.” “Thought they outplayed us in the first period. … Tip your cap to the Oilers.”

Following the news that leading goal scorer Brock Boeser was out with a suspected blood clotting problem, the Canucks had to rearrange their forward lines on Monday. After missing two games, Sam Lafferty and Ilya Mikheyev drew in for Game 7, with Vasily Podkolzin being scratched.

The first period belonged to Silovs, who stopped all 13 shots he faced. Skinner only had to make two saves in the first period, despite the fact that the Canucks were given their first power play of the game late in it.

In his on-ice interview, Edmonton captain Connor McDavid stated, “We know how to make it stressful.” “We gave one away, and made it interesting and they’re a great team over there, they were going to keep battling. We hung in there, though, and I was proud of the group.”

With a slap shot from the right point that beat Silovs high to the glove side at 1:16, Ceci gave his club the lead for the first time in the second period. At 5:20 of the Oilers’ first power play, Hyman scored his 11th goal of the playoffs, leading the league, by tipping Evan Bouchard’s point shot to Silovs’ stick side.

With 4:38 remaining, Nugent-Hopkins increased the advantage to 3-0 with a hard-angled shot. It was the first power-play goal in three games for Edmonton.

Nugent-Hopkins remarked, “We expect a lot of ourselves,” “But you just can’t say it, you have to go out and do it.”

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Earlier this year, the Dell XPS 13 9340 with Intel Meteor Lake was released. Dell is now releasing the XPS 13 9345, its ARM version. The Snapdragon X1 Elite and Snapdragon X1 Plus SoCs from Qualcomm are powering a rising number of modern laptops, including the XPS 13 9345.

The Snapdragon X1 Elite X1E-80-100 powers the global edition of the new XPS 13 9345, while the Snapdragon X1 Plus X1P-64-100 powers the China-only model.

With a dual-core boost of up to 4 GHz and an all-core boost of up to 3.4 GHz, the X1E-80-100 has 12 cores. The NPU of the chip is rated to provide 45 TOPS of performance. In contrast, the X1P-64-100 has a 45 TOPS NPU and 10 cores with boosts up to 3.4 GHz. The graphics are powered by the inbuilt Adreno GPU.

The only noteworthy, however small, changes in the XPS 13 9345 are related to the ports and the network adapter, aside from the migration to ARM SoCs. Nothing special, but it’s worth mentioning that the Thunderbolt 4 in the XPS 13 9340 (available for US$1,399.99 at Best Buy) is swapped out for two USB 4 ports (with DisplayPort 2.1-out and power delivery) on the ARM XPS 13.

All wireless networking demands are met by Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7800 Wi-Fi 7 WLAN card with Bluetooth 5.4. Dell’s quad-speaker Dolby Atmos array is tuned using Qualcomm Fluence rather than WavesMaxx Audio Pro as is customary.

The chassis design from the XPS 13 9340 has not changed. You receive the identical 1.17 kg, 14.8 mm thin, CNC-machined aluminum construction with Gorilla Glass 3 on top for the palm rest.

Three 13.4-inch Dolby Vision InfinityEdge panels are still available for selection: FHD+ 120 Hz non-touch, QHD+ 120 Hz touch, and 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED 60 Hz touch. Additionally, Gorilla Glass Victus protection is included with the OLED option.

Upgrading to 64 GB LPDDR5x-8400 memory and 4 TB of storage is possible. Both the 60 W power adapter and the 55 Whr battery are still in use.

With the XPS 13 9345, Dell promises an all-day battery life, which makes sense given the updated architecture. But according to a recent leak, Dell may limit the TDP of the X1E-80-100 to 17.5 W in power saving mode and 25.5 W in performance mode, respectively.

Graphite and Platinum color options for the Dell XPS 13 9345 will be available for pre-order today, with pricing starting at US$1,299 and CA$1,649. It will be fascinating to watch how both versions compare in the following days given the US cost is the same as the Meteor Lake version.

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