Samsung has launched the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra in India, expanding its lineup of high-performance laptops. This top-tier Galaxy Book 4 series model was first unveiled globally in December 2023. It features the latest hardware, including Intel Core Ultra 9 processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPUs.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra is available in India at a starting price of Rs 2,33,990 for the variant equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, 16GB RAM, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. The higher-end model, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, 32GB RAM, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, is priced at Rs 2,81,990. The laptop can be purchased through Croma and the Samsung India website, and it is offered in a Grey colour option.

Specifications and Features

One of the standout features of the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra is its advanced Intel Core Ultra processors, which incorporate Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to enhance on-device AI performance. Samsung has promoted the Galaxy Book 4 series as its most intelligent laptop line to date. This series also includes the previously released Galaxy Book 4, Galaxy Book 4 360, Galaxy Book 4 Pro, and Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 variants.

The device features a 16-inch WQXGA+ (2,880 x 1,800 pixels) touch AMOLED Display with a brightness level of 400 nits and a responsive touch interface. The laptop runs on Windows 11 Home, offering Microsoft’s latest features and security updates.

For audio and communication, the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra is equipped with Dolby Atmos-backed quad speakers and dual microphones. It also includes a full-HD webcam and a backlit numeric keyboard.

In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra offers two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 port, a microSD card slot, and an audio jack.

The laptop’s battery is 76Wh, and it supports 140W Fast charging via a USB Type-C adapter. The Galaxy Book 4 Ultra measures 355.4 x 250.4 x 16.5mm and weighs 1.86kg.

As AI technology continues to advance globally, MSI, a player in gaming hardware, has introduced the MSI Claw gaming handheld in India. This device, boasting high performance and innovation, represents MSI’s first handheld powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor. It is now available at a starting price of INR 68,990 at authorized MSI stores and INR 78,990 on leading e-commerce websites and other authorized retailers.

The company said in a statement that the MSI Claw’s entrance into the Indian market is supported by a significant 150% increase in gaming performance. This enhancement is attributed to the E1T41IMS.109 BIOS and 31.0.101.5522 GPU driver updates, which enable the device to run the top 100 popular games on Steam smoothly.

Pricing for the MSI Claw starts at Rs 78,990 for the Ultra 5 model with a 512GB SSD, Rs 86,990 for the Ultra 7 model with a 512GB SSD, and Rs 89,990 for the Ultra 7 model with a 1TB SSD. These models are available on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart and through authorized MSI retailers. Additionally, all three variants are being offered at an exclusive price of Rs 68,990, Rs 76,990, and Rs 79,990, respectively, at MSI brand stores.

Bruce Lin, Regional Marketing Manager at MSI, expressed enthusiasm over the product’s availability in India. He highlighted the MSI Claw as a representation of a new phase in mobile gaming, combining Intel’s Processor with MSI’s software updates. Lin emphasized that the Claw meets and exceeds the expectations of gamers, showcasing MSI’s commitment to advancing portable gaming technology.

Key Features of the MSI Claw

The MSI Claw is the first handheld powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor, offering a performance boost with its new BIOS and GPU drivers. It features a 7″ FHD 120Hz touch display with 100% sRGB colour gamut. The ergonomic design, incorporating Hall Effect Sensors, ensures control during gaming sessions.

The Claw is equipped with Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology for thermal management, ensuring optimal performance. Its 53WHr battery and 65W Fast charging support extended gaming sessions. Gamers can also customize their experience using the MSI Center M software.
MSI claims that the Claw’s minimalist design incorporates MSI’s dragon spirit, providing comfort and intuitive control for users with different hand sizes. The RGB light rings around the analogue sticks and ABXY buttons help enhance the gaming ambience. The Hall Effect Sensors in the Analog sticks and triggers extend their lifespan by avoiding physical contact for activation.

MSI recommends using specific settings to maximize the benefits of the new BIOS and GPU drivers for optimal gaming performance. These include setting the user scenario to Extreme Performance, in-game Resolution to FHD (1920×1080), in-game graphic quality to Low, XeSS (Xe Super Sampling) to performance if applicable, V-Sync to OFF, and FPS Limitation to OFF.

MSI Crosshair 16 HX Monster Hunter Edition

In addition to the Claw, MSI has also launched the Crosshair 16 HX Monster Hunter Edition in India, starting at INR 1,67,990. This limited edition laptop, created in collaboration with CAPCOM to mark the 20th anniversary of the Monster Hunter series, features unique designs and specifications. It includes an engraving of Rathalos on the cover, a dragon totem on the touchpad, and a 24-zone RGB keyboard.

Equipped with the latest Intel Core Processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, the Crosshair 16 HX Monster Hunter Edition uses Nvidia’s ray-tracing technology for realistic gaming experiences. This model is available at MSI brand stores, leading e-commerce platforms, and authorized MSI retailers.

Microsoft is shutting down its brick-and-mortar stores in mainland China and shifting its focus to online and partner channels to better serve its customers, according to media reports.

On Tuesday, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to the Global Times via email that the company continuously evaluates its retail strategy to meet dynamic client demands. Microsoft has decided to enhance its channel approach in mainland China as part of this ongoing assessment. Despite the closure of physical stores, customers can still access the full range of Microsoft’s consumer products and services through retail partners and the Microsoft website.

Liu Dingding, a Beijing-based distributor of Microsoft products, told the South China Morning Post that Microsoft’s sales model in the Chinese market had not been profitable enough to justify the necessary investments despite strong consumer spending and market performance in China. He emphasized that the adjustment would not significantly impact Chinese consumers or Microsoft’s business, as the country’s developed e-commerce system and logistics network can sufficiently meet retail demands for Microsoft’s hardware products.

Additionally, the South China Morning Post reported that Microsoft’s authorized physical stores received notice to close by June 30, following the termination of their contracts. Unlike Apple, which operates its own stores in China, Microsoft relied on independent third-party retailers to maintain its network of branded shops. The exact number of affected local partners remains unclear.

Analysts have pointed out in different media reports that Microsoft’s decision does not indicate a broader trend among U.S. companies operating in China. For instance, Apple recently launched its Vision Pro augmented reality device in China, highlighting the country’s importance to its global strategy.

At a recent U.S. congressional hearing, Microsoft Vice-Chairman and President Brad Smith disclosed that China accounts for only 1.5 percent of the company’s global revenue. Smith also mentioned that Microsoft is offering relocation opportunities to its 700-800 employees in China.