Technology
Apple Could Limit The New AI Features To The iPhone 16 Pro Variants: All DetailsApple iPhone 16 series is going to launch around September this year, and the company’s board set of AI plans are taking shape. However, Apple could reserve most of the AI capabilities for the iPhone 16 Pro variants, which means the vanilla iPhone 16 and 16 Plus miss out on another set of premium features.
Analysts have mentioned that Apple is going to use a bigger die size for the integrated circuit which will allow the company to boost the AI tech for the A18 Pro chipset. The large die size means the NPU integrated into the A18 Pro chipset could enhance the AI features and also support the on-device data processing that Apple is clearly focused on giving to its customers.
Apple has confirmed the dates for the WWDC 2024 conference, which is teased to be Absolutely Incredible, that can only mean a lot of AI related news for the world. iOS 18 is already being dubbed as one of the biggest upgrades in years, so AI is likely to be a core part of the ecosystem, it is just unavoidable at this stage.
Coming back to the iPhone 16 Pro series, Apple has made a habit of keeping some features exclusive to the premium variants. Last year, we saw the iPhone 15 models powered by the A16 Bionic chipset, while you got the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max with the A17 Pro SoC. We also haven’t seen the ProMotion 120Hz display trickle down to the vanilla models so far, which could change when the iPhone 16 lineup comes out.
However, those of you who have been waiting to pick up the new iPhone 16 or 16 Plus model expecting to see some AI upgrades, will be left disappointed with the new reports this week. Apple has more or less made sure that if people really want to get a taste of AI, they will have to spend big this year.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Google Messages Will Soon Let You Send Multiple Photos: Know More
Google Messages is the standard messaging app for Android and used by millions. But most people struggle with its limitation when it comes to photo sharing. If you wish to share more than one image, do it one at a time. According to a new claim, Google Messages will ultimately allow you to transmit multiple photos at once.
As per reports, the image sharing feature on Google Messages could get some upgrades soon. Currently, the RCS-powered messaging service (Rich Communication Services) does not allow users to add multiple photographs captured by the phone’s camera at the same time.
Users must attach photographs one at a time, which can be inconvenient, especially in a rush. The new enhancement not only gives the opportunity to swiftly email numerous photographs captured by the camera, but it also includes a new preview screen.
The feature was discovered by tipster Assemble Debug in the most recent beta version of Google Messages, the report adds. According to the tipster, the app now has a redesigned preview page that includes two new functions but also removes one. It should be noted that the method for picking existing photographs from the gallery or folders remains the same and that the improvements only apply to images captured while using the app.
The messaging app provides users with an in-app camera, eliminating the need to exit the app to take photographs and then return to submit them. Instead, when communicating with another person, users can tap the camera-and-gallery icon next to the text field. This displays the phone’s most recent photographs, as well as the opportunity to select folders and a little camera window.
This camera window enables users to rapidly take a picture by hitting the capture button. There are additional options for switching to the front camera and recording a video. Unfortunately, the small window cannot be extended. Currently, after clicking an image, users are led to a preview screen with three options: edit, download, or attach the image. Attaching it returns the user to the previous screen, where they can click another picture.
Some people may find Google Message’s present flow for sending numerous images after clicking on them annoying. However, the tipster points out that with the new version, the preview screen now displays an Add more option, allowing the user to click more photographs in a more comfortable flow.
Furthermore, the Attach option has been replaced with transmit, which allows users to transmit images directly. Users can now add captions directly in the preview window, which is also a new feature.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:YouTube Ban: More Than 2 Million Videos Removed From Indian Users In Q4 2023: Here s The Reason
YouTube has removed over 2.25 million videos in India for violating its community guidelines in the fourth quarter of 2023, the popular video streaming platform said in a report on Tuesday.
The number of videos removed from the platform between October and December 2023 in India is the highest among 30 nations, YouTube said in the report.
Singapore (1,243,871) and the US (788,354) had the second and third-highest number of videos removed. Iraq emerged the last with 41,176 videos removed.
Globally, 9 million videos were removed by YouTube during the same period, and a whopping 96 percent of videos were first flagged by machines.
Of these 53.46 percent were removed before they received a single view and 27.07 percent received between 1 and 10 views before removal, YouTube said in a statement.
“YouTube’s Community Guidelines are enforced consistently across the globe, regardless of the uploader, where the content is uploaded, or how the content was generated. When content is removed for violating our guidelines, it is removed globally and policies are enforced using a combination of machine learning and human reviewers,” the social media platform said.
Further, YouTube also removed over 20 million channels in Q4 2023 for violating “spam policies, including but not restricted to scams, misleading metadata or thumbnails, video and comments spam”.
More than 1.1 billion comments were also weeded out, the majority of which were spam. Over 99 per cent of removed comments were detected automatically, YouTube said.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - IANS)About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Vivo X Fold 3, Fold 3 Pro Foldable Series Debuts In China, India Launch Expected?
Vivo launched the new X Fold3 and X Fold3 Pro in China this week with a global release expected in the coming months. The latest third-generation X Fold series is claimed to be thinner than the X Fold2 and have better cameras and batteries. Both X Fold3 variants include a lightweight carbon fibre hinge weighing only 14.98 grams and certified by TUV Rhineland for withstanding 500,000 folds.
In comparison to the X Fold2, Vivo has improved the phone’s drop resistance; the front is now 11 times more resistant, while the rear is 15 times more resistant. These foldable phones are similar in appearance, with the same screens, a carbon fibre hinge, a circular back camera housing and an alert slider.
Vivo Fold X 3 Series FeaturesThe main screen of the phone measures 8.03- inch diagonally and offers a resolution of 2480 x 2200 pixels. The screen offers 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits. The cover display is 6.53- inch giving you 1172 x 2748 pixels resolution and the same screen refresh rate as the primary screen. In addition to this, the inner display has an impact-resistant film and uses UTG (Ultra Thin Glass).
The X Fold3 Pro is 11.2mm thick when you fold it, while the standard X Fold3 measures at 10.2mm in the folded form. The X Fold3 weighs 219 grams, while the Fold 3 Pro model weighs 236 grams.
The X Fold3 Pro runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and is available in two configurations: 16GB RAM with 512GB storage, and 16GB RAM with 1TB storage. It uses LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. The phone also includes a custom vivo V3 imaging chip.
With the Fold X 3 you get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The primary camera on the X Fold3 Pro is a 50MP ultra-sensing camera with a 1/1.3 OmniVision OV50H sensor and an f/1.68 lens with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). It also has a 64MP 3x telephoto camera and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The selfie module has two 32MP sensors.
The X Fold3 features a 50MP Sony main camera, a 50MP portrait camera and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. The selfie cameras remain the same.
The Pro model has a 5,700mAh battery, while the X Fold3 packs a 5,500mAh battery. The Pro supports 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, while the X Fold3 supports 80W wired charging only. The Pro variant has two 3D ultrasonic fingerprint readers and gets an IPX8 rating for water resistance. The X Fold3 has a fingerprint reader on the side and has comes with an IPX4 water resistance.
Vivo X Fold 3 Series PriceVivo X Fold 3 12GB RAM with 256GB storage models costs CYN 6,999 (Rs 81,920 approx), going up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage that comes for CYN 8,999 (Rs 1,03 lakh approx).
The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro starts at CYN 9,999 (Rs 1.17 lakh approx) for the base 16GB and 512GB model, while the 1TB version costs CYN 10,999 (Rs 1.28 lakh approx). It is being rumoured that Vivo is planning to bring its new foldables to the Indian market for the first time, and going by the features, we are hoping the Pro variant comes in some form to the country, rather than the Fold X 3 which has an older chipset. Vivo will go up against Samsung, OnePlus and Tecno in the foldable segment.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Google Photos Now Works With Photo Gallery On OnePlus And Xiaomi Phones: What It Means For You
Google Photos users can now back up their photos and videos locally stored on phones from brands like OnePlus and Oppo. That’s right, the local Gallery app on OnePlus and Oppo phones allow you to sync the content with Google Photos account, which means all your media content is seamlessly available across devices linked with the same Google account.
The feature has been spotted by reliable tipster Mishaal Rahman this week, and we were independently able to verify the feature using a OnePlus phone. The integration seems to have made its way to ColorOS and OxygenOS software that you get with Oppo and OnePlus phones, respectively, in markets like India.
Google Photos Sync With Local Photos App: How It WorksIf you have a OnePlus/Oppo phone, head over to the Photos app where the images clicked from the phone’s camera are locally stored. Click on the three-dot menu at the top-right and go to Settings. Now, you will notice the option Backup to Google Photos, tap on it to see the next step. Enable the backup toggle and the phone will let you backup the albums, manage storage or mobile data usage for backing up the photos.
Before that, the Photos app will ask your permission to let it sync with Google Photos. It will show you this message in a drop box, “Photos app will allow Google Photos to back up photos and videos on your device. Show and manage Google Photos, including your photos and videos, Google Photos backup settings, backup status of your photos and videos and Google backup account.”
Once you allow the Photos app the Google Photos access, the backup to your local gallery app will start right away. The Photos app also mentions that you can disable the backup option at any time from the settings in the app. For the photos sync feature to work, you need to have the latest OxygenOS 14 or ColorOS 14 version running on the respective phone models. The tipster also mentions the feature works if you have a Xiaomi/Redmi phone with MIUI version running on Android 14.
The feature will be helpful to millions of users who have wanted an easier way to sync their photos with Google Photos without needing a multiple loop process to make it happen. Having said that, the sync feature does have some limitations, which includes, the inability to back up albums and more importantly, limiting AI edit features that you get from the device itself.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Meta s Oversight Board Orders Removing Ban On This Arabic Word: Know More
Meta’s oversight board has asked the company to end its blanket ban on the Arabic word “Shaheed”, roughly translated as “martyr” in English.
The Board’s year-long extensive review revealed that Meta’s current blanket ban on the word “shaheed”, which it had said could be used to praise or approve of terrorism, “has led to widespread and unnecessary censorship affecting the freedom of expression of millions of users”.
“Meta should end its blanket ban on “shaheed”, as this has had a discriminatory and disproportionate impact on freedom of expression and information sharing, outweighing concerns the word could have been used to promote terrorism,” the board said. The board admitted that Meta’s “approach could have caused swathes of content to be wrongly removed”.
“Terrorism destroys lives and undermines the very fabric of our societies, but it is counterproductive to stop journalists from reporting on terrorist groups and to limit people’s ability to debate and condemn the violence they see around them just because of the presence of a single word,” said Oversight Board co-chair Helle Thorning-Schmidt, in the statement.
Meta conducted a policy review into its moderation of “shaheed” in 2020 but was unable to decide on how to proceed and asked the Board to intervene in 2023.
The independent body extended its research to see how people use Meta’s platforms and then the context of the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, followed by ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza.
The board, meanwhile, also suggested removing “shaheed”, only “when it is linked to a clear sign of violence (like imagery of weapons) or when it otherwise breaks Meta’s rules (for example, glorifying a designated individual)”.
This, it said “will see the most harmful material removed, while minimising the chances of intentionally or accidentally removing non-violating content posted around the world”.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - IANS)About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Microsoft And Intel Finally Tell Us What Brands Need For Launching Their AI PCs This Year
Microsoft and Intel have a big plan to make AI PCs the next-big-thing in the industry. AI is everywhere, so why not on your PCs, that seems to be the pitch from these giants. And now, slowly but gradually we’re seeing a spurt of AI-powered PCs led by Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 processor.
Microsoft is equally invested in AI (we already know that) and its PCs will share the effort with Windows 11 getting an AI boost to combine with Intel’s hardware. However, Intel and Microsoft now have a clear identity that is needed for any computer to be tagged as an AI PC.
We have already tested a few so-called AI PCs that have launched in the market this year, but most of the AI-ness about these machines are yet to bear fruit. Intel is trying to fix this gap with its new AI developer program that hopes to translate into availability of around 300 AI features in these PCs over the course of 2024 and further years. We are hoping some meaningful apps are developed in the coming months which give the whole AI PC a strong platform to build on for the future.
What Is An AI PC?Before that, Intel says, Microsoft has set up the hardware guidelines that will be needed for brands to sell their products as AI PCs in the market from here on. The company says, the laptops need:
– Intel-powered NPU, CPU and GPU systems
– Comes with support for Copilot
– Laptops get the physical Copilot key in the layout design
So, what happens to the PCs that have launched with the Intel Core Ultra AI processors but misses out on the Copilot key? Microsoft is unlikely to see them as AI PCs, while Intel’s definition allows the model to be marketed as an AI PC. This whole strategy seems convoluted for now, and it is imperative that both Microsoft and Intel work out a plan in unison to allow the industry to seamlessly transition to the AI PC era, which as per industry reports, could help the PC market grow and become a strong force once again.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:OnePlus Nord CE 3 To iQOO Z7 Pro: Top 5 Phones Under Rs 25,000 You Can Buy
With the ample options available in the market, choosing a new phone under a budget with good features can be challenging. Smartphone brands like iQOO, Realme, and Nothing left no stone unturned in offering highly functional phones that are also under Rs 25,000. All these phones are packed with powerful processors, good camera capabilities for capturing memories, vibrant displays, and decent battery life, making them popular choices in this price segment.
So, if you are looking to upgrade your phone, give a phone to your parents or partners under Rs 25,000 in March. We have got you covered! Here are some steal deals that won’t prick a hole in your pocket.
Nothing Phone (2a)First on the list is a brand-new Nothing Phone (2a). It boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120-Hz screen refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,300 nits. Phone (2a) is fueled by the custom Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset and is equipped with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which is sure to offer beastly performance. The Phone 2a also features a non-removable 5000 mAh battery with fast charging support up to 45W for uninterrupted usage on the go.
Price: Rs 24,499
OnePlus Nord CE 3 5GAnother option on the list is the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G, which is a hit among mid-range phones as it excels in various aspects and can handle most tasks. The device features a 50MP triple camera system with an 8MP ultrawide camera, and 2MP macro lens. It also provides a 16MP front (selfie) camera. Under the hood lies a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G processor. It features a 6.7-inch full HD+ AMOLED display with 2,160Hz PWM dimming, and a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery. The Nord CE 4 model is launching in the market soon, so you can also decide to wait for the upgraded version.
Price: Rs 24,999
Samsung Galaxy F54 5GSamsung Galaxy F54 5G is another choice with its latest updates and features. Samsung is offering its Exynos 1380 chipset to power the device with 16 GB of RAM and 256GB storage that can be expanded up to 1TB. You get a 6.7-inch Full HD+ display that combines a super AMOLED panel with 120 Hz refresh rate. But having a massive 6000 mAh battery means the device can go on for two days straight on a single charge. It also has a 108MP primary rear camera.
Price: Rs 23,950
iQOO Z7 Pro 5GNext up is the the iQOO Z7 Pro 5G which is a power-packed device aimed at gamers and more. The phone is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 7200 chip. You get a 6.68-inch Full HD+ curved AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The phone also has a triple camera system on the back, consisting of a 64 MP main sensor with OIS, a 16 MP selfie camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The Z7 Pro packs a 4,600 mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.
Price: Rs 23,999
Redmi Note 13 ProAnd finally, you have the Redmi Note 13 Pro which is a well-rounded phone, offering good performance, a long-lasting battery, and a versatile camera system. The phone sports a 6.67-inch, 120Hz AMOLED 1.5K display. The phone also has a quad camera system on the back, with a 200MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide sensor, a 2 MP macro sensor. It gets an IP54 rating, making it capable of withstanding dust and water splashes. Redmi Note 13 Pro is powered by the new Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 mobile platform.
Price: Rs 24,999
As you can see, there are plenty of options for buyers in this range these days, with many more expected to lineup as the year goes on.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Beware! Telegram Is Offering Premium Service For Free But With A Big Privacy Risk For You
Telegram charges a fee for its premium service but the platform is giving you a chance to get it for free of cost. This special offer is available only to those using Telegram on Android phones. But is this deal too good to be true? In many ways, yes. Telegram says if you want this premium service for free you have to part ways with your phone number that will be used to receive one-time-password (OTPs) but for other users.
If you are thinking about signing up for this free offering and ready to give your phone number to the platform, we suggest you strictly stay away from this scheme. The new offer has been spotted by a user on X this week, and understandably it has got everyone talking and worried.
Telegram Free Premium Service In Exchange For Your Phone Number: How It Is A Bad IdeaGetting a premium plan in exchange for your phone number to send OTPs for other users. Just this sentence is good enough to realise that what a bad idea it would be for you or anyone to sign up with Telegram for this scheme.
The bigger concern is that Telegram will be using your number to send up to 150 OTP messages to help other people login to their Telegram account. The platform will happily give you a premium subscription if you do sign up. Telegram is calling it the Peer-to-Peer login program but for us, it is just a privacy nightmare.
Now, you will be wondering about what if these people with access to your number call or message? How can Telegram protect you from such instances? Well, it can’t and as per the policy will not take any responsibility for any harassment or even harm resulting from contacts who now have your phone number because of you signing up for this login program. Seeing these details, you can understand why the offer is only available for Android users. Apple will outrightly block any such offering right away.
Once again, we can’t help ourselves but repeat that the Telegram premium for your phone number scheme is a horrible idea and hopefully the platform decides to roll back the offer at the earliest.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:GTA 6 Release Could Be Pushed To 2026 Because Of Issues: What We Know
The Grand Theft Auto 6 edition is widely awaited, especially after the latest trailer showing us a glimpse of the graphics and storyline changes. But the back-to-work mandate for several employees at Rockstar Games has prompted concerns over a potential delay in the GTA 6 release.
Towards the end of 2023, the gaming giants announced that GTA 6 would be making its way to consoles in 2025 and to PCs a year later. Now, it has been reported that the game could potentially miss its 2025 release window and slip to 2026. The rumours began after Bloomberg released a report suggesting that Rockstar games are asking their employees to return to the office five days a week starting in April. The decision was made considering that GTA 6 had entered its final stage of development.
Rockstar Games’ Head of Publishing Jenn Kolbe cited security and productivity reasons for this sudden development. Rockstar had previously faced several data breaches which included a massive dump of early game footage being released on the internet before the GTA 6 trailer launch.
Now a different report has emerged from Kotaku that suggests the development on GTA 6 has started falling behind”. As per the same report, the shortcoming now “has leadership at Rockstar nervous and worried about the game missing the 2025 window and slipping into 2026, and is another big reason the company is pushing for a return to the office in April.”
Responding to this sudden shift some Rockstar employees gave interviews to Aftermath. They told the news media outlet that the employees would no longer be able to answer Slack messages. They would also not be allowed to use other communication tools while working from home.
Despite this turn of events, Rockstar is still ‘aiming’ to meet their deadline by releasing ‘GTA 6’ in the Spring of 2025 with a 2026 release being their ‘fallback plan’. Regardless, it is quite evident that GTA 6’s final year of development is certainly going to be a challenging for the developer of the popular game.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Apple Has Found A New Way To Make Users Upgrade To The Latest iPhone: Here’s How
Apple iPhones get feature upgrades that prompt many to buy the new models almost every year. But the quality and support of iPhones mean even today there are people using the old iPhone models, like the iPhone 11, 12, or even the 12 Pro series. The company has now come out with a new trick to get these people to upgrade, which means spending their hard-earned money on a new iPhone.
Apple has basically started a website which talks about Why Upgrade, and the focus is primarily on those who are still using the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 11 Pro, or the iPhone 12 Pro models. As you would expect, the official web page shows you a detailed comparison between the iPhone 11/12/11 Pro/12 Pro and the iPhone 15/15 Pro models.
The new iPhone model has a lot of upgrades and Apple is making sure that people see these big differences that ought to tempt the existing iPhone 11 or 12 user to finally bite the bullet and pick up an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro model. The main aspects covered in the comparison are camera quality, additional storage with the new model, better zoom capability, advanced video recording features, and yes, USB C port for charging.
The company is going one step further by tempting these users with a sweet trade-in discount for their older iPhone, and assures them the data and apps are seamlessly moved between the old and new iPhone.
Apple is keen for these people to make the jump, which allows the company to streamline its iPhone lineup, even though these models will get iOS updates at least for another 12-24 months.
The company also realises that instead of bulking up the portfolio, it can command a premium for its latest models, and the avid Apple fanboy will happily lap onto the latest upgrades on offer with the new models. Eventually, all these sales help the company ring the cash register, adding to its trillion dollar coffers even more.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Apple WWDC 2024 Dates Announced For June: AI-Powered iOS Is Finally Here?
Apple has confirmed the dates for the next WWDC 2024 conference in the US and as we had expected, the latest edition of the event will take place from June 10 to June 14, 2024. Apple will once again host the WWDC 2024 keynote and sessions online which makes it accessible to the developers free of cost. The company has even shared a cheeky teaser with the tagline Absolutely Incredible, which many perceive to be Apple’s way of talking about AI.
The company will also have an offline event for select developers and students on June 10 at the Apple Park campus, Cupertino, California. The latest WWDC 2024 keynote will be hosted by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who will use the platform with his team of product executives to talk about the latest developments at the company and what all new features its users can expect later this year.
Apple WWDC 2024 Keynote: What Will Apple Talk About?Apple WWDC 2024 keynote will surely have the new iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS update and macOS version for the respective devices. Apple is also likely to talk about AI in front of the world, probably for the very first time.
The company is said to be working on its own version of GenAI features that will be baked on-device for the new iPhone 16 models. Apple is also expected to make big changes to iOS 18, its biggest upgrade in years, which includes further option to customise the home screen, and Siri in a new avatar.
We are eager to see how Apple plans to compete with OpenAI, Google and other tech giants in the AI arena. Also, how the visionOS 2.0 version pans out with new capabilities expected to be offered on the Vision Pro headset. You can watch the Apple WWDC 2024 keynote live via Apple’s YouTube page or head over to the Apple Events page.
Apple’s big reveal comes a week or so after Google confirmed the dates for the I/O 2024 conference that will take place in May this year.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Apple Vision Pro China Launch Confirmed By Tim Cook But What About India?
Apple Vision Pro headset will be available in China this year, and the update was reportedly shared by company’s Tim Cook himself. Cook has gone to China recently, where he is rumoured to meet the Baidu team and launch the new Apple Store in the region.
Cook’s update on Vision Pro for China was posted via Weibo, hinting at the headset’s availability by May or June this year, which is just a few months away now. China is a big market for Apple, but its fortunes with iPhone sales have dwindled in the past few quarters, thanks to the threat posed by local brand Huawei in the country.
The visit of Cook in the region is no coincidence in this regard, but the update about Vision Pro launching in the country will please the consumers. Apple is also expected to expand the reach of its mixed reality headset in other parts of the world but still no sign of the premium gadget launching in India.
Apple has started viewing the Indian market as a strong alternative to China for its production needs, which is going to expand the production line beyond iPhones and have the MacBooks and iPad made in the country in the next few years.
The first Vision Pro model costs over Rs 3 lakh, which might deter Apple from launching it in India, but the company seems to have tracked a lot of interest in the product, which could force the brand to alter its plans eventually.
Vision Pro has generated excitement among many, and the early set of reviews have talked about the marvel of the gadget, which has a lot of drawbacks that needs to be improved upon with the second-gen model. The visionOS platform is one-of-kind to a large extent but Meta feels that its Quest headsets are better and cheaper than what Apple has dished out of its gallery.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Samsung Could Roll Out The New UI 6.1 Update For These Phones Later This Week: Report
Samsung’s much-awaited OS update with AI features could make its way to the previous generation flagship smartphones very soon. The South Korean tech giants announced the AI-packed software update last month and it looks like we are finally approaching the rollout.
As per 9To5Google, a tech enthusiast sent out a post on X claiming that the OS update for the S23 series is already rolling out in China on March 28. He even attached the screenshot that smartphone users will likely receive once the One UI 6.1 update is rolled out. “Attention to all Galaxy S23 users! In China, One UI 6.1 officially rolls out starting March 28th as per the notification received today. Here's hoping it hits Asia and Europe too”, his post read.
While One UI 6.1 is being rolled out in China, we still don’t know much about its wider release, in markets like India. Having said that, the new update could happen several territories, given the notification received by owners using the quoted devices. Samsung usually provides update rollouts towards the middle of the week. Given that March 28 will be the last Thursday of this month, it is likely that the company will be fulfilling its previous ‘late March’ commitment.
Samsung had already stated that the AI features launched with the Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra will be introduced in the S23 line-up, the Z Flip 5 and the Z Fold 5. The company announced that the previous generation flagship users will likely get the update by the end of March. It was also announced that the Galaxy S23 Fan Edition model will also get the update on March 28. FE variants usually do not get the updates at the same time as their flagship counterparts; however, Samsung seems to be making an exception in this case.
Samsung claimed that the new One UI 6.1 update will bring more artificial intelligence natively and on cloud. The tech company plans to bring these AI-based features to over a 100 million Galaxy users by 2024. The newly announced OS update is packed with useful tools that include live translation in 13 languages, split-screen mode, circle to search, note assist, photo editing assistance, transcription and much more. Samsung recently partnered with software giant Google to bring AI features as Gemini was introduced in the Galaxy S24 series.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Apple’s In-Box iOS Update For iPhones Kept At Stores Could Be Available From Next Month: What Is It And How It Works
Apple is planning for a major tech upgrade that will make it possible for the company to push the latest iOS updates on iPhones that are still inside the box. The company has been working on a new tech that will allow it keep the in-store iPhones updated, rather than waiting for someone to buy the device, unpack it and then manually update the iOS version. It is an interesting development, and reports say Apple will have it available for its retail stores by next month.
Apple In-Store iPhone Update Mode: How It WorksAs mentioned by Bloomberg back in October last year, Apple’s unique update tech could be called Presto. The company is basically going to attach a metal unit near the iPhone boxes kept inside the store that pushes power to the device.
Now, Apple will use the same tech to push the over-the-air iOS updates without removing the iPhone out of the box. The device will automatically power off when the update has been installed. This way, Apple keeps the iPhones secure and also in mint condition that people can buy without needing to manually update the iOS version.
We’re not sure how the iPhone powers on from in the box just to install the update and then turn off but it is clear that Apple has worked out a way to make it happen. We are hoping that charging these boxed iPhones doesn’t have any effect on its overall battery health in the long run.
The new update rollout system will be available for iPhones kept inside Apple Stores in the US from April this year, with other markets expected to get the support later this year.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Samsung’s New MacBook Rival Windows Laptop Now Available In India: Price And Features
Samsung has launched its new MacBook rival in the Indian market in the form of the Galaxy Book 4 laptop which runs on Windows 11 out of the box. Samsung has other Galaxy Book laptops available in the country but the vanilla Book 4 model focuses on being premium without burning a deep hole in your wallet. It has an AMOLED screen, weighs under 1.6 kg, and is powered by the latest Intel Ultra processors.
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Price In IndiaSamsung Galaxy Book 4 has launched in India for a starting price tag of Rs 74,990 for the Intel Core Ultra 5 with 8GB RAM model. If you pick up the same Intel processor with 16GB RAM, the price goes to Rs 79,990 and if you get the Intel Core Ultra 7 variant with 16GB RAM only, it costs you Rs 89,990.
Samsung Galaxy Book 4: What The MacBook Rival OffersLike we mentioned, the Galaxy Book 4 has a 15.6-inch AMOLED display that offers full HD resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung is offering the laptop with Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 processors, with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage that is expandable.
The laptop has a 720p webcam, dual speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos and Windows 11 out of the box. It has a fingerprint scanner and with Windows 11 you get the Hello security feature. You get basic ports like USB C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, HDMI, and even the microSD card reader. The laptop weighs just 1.55 kg which is a rarity in the sub Rs 90,000 segment.
Even though these specs give the MacBook a run for its money, one cannot really compare the latest Intel Core Ultra processors with Apple’s M-series silicone. Having said that, Apple’s new Macs now come for well over a lakh, and if you are in the market for a Windows laptop for under the six-digit figure, Samsung could be one of the many options for you.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:From Checking Real-Time ‘Threats’ to Celebrate Each Vote Campaign, Meta Says It’s Ready for Indian Elections
As India gears up for Lok Sabha elections 2024, Meta, the parent company of social media giants like Facebook and Instagram, has announced its strategy to combat misinformation, ensure election integrity, and promote transparency on its platforms.
Misinformation, in the form of audio or video or image or text, on social media poses a significant challenge during elections due to its ability to rapidly spread and influence public opinion. With the proliferation of digital platforms, misinformation can easily reach a wide audience, often exploiting echo chambers and confirmation biases. False narratives, manipulated content, and fake news can sway voter perceptions, undermine trust in electoral processes, and even incite violence.
Moreover, the anonymity afforded by social media allows malicious actors to disseminate misinformation unchecked, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction. As a result, combating misinformation on social media has become imperative to safeguard the integrity of elections and ensure informed decision-making among voters.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT has frequently dispatched advisories to social media platforms, emphasizing adherence to IT rules and underscoring the paramount importance of prioritising the safety of ‘Digital Nagariks’ (digital citizens) from misinformation and deepfakes.
“It is a legal obligation for online platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation by any user under the IT Rules, 2021. They are further mandated to remove such content within 36 hours upon receiving a report from either a user or government authority. Failure to comply with this requirement invokes Rule 7, which empowers aggrieved individuals to take platforms to court under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Platforms must take proactive measures to combat this threat,” MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar had stated.
In a recent blog post, Meta outlined its multifaceted approach to supporting free and fair elections, drawing on its extensive resources and global expertise in safeguarding democratic processes.
The Meta WayIt stated that with a workforce of approximately 40,000 individuals dedicated to safety and security globally, Meta has invested over $20 billion in teams and technology since 2016. This includes 15,000 content reviewers proficient in more than 70 languages, including 20 Indian languages, who scrutinise content across its platforms.
Meta has developed industry-leading transparency tools for ads related to social issues, elections, or politics, along with robust policies to prevent election interference and voter fraud. Additionally, it boasts the largest third-party fact-checking program among social media platforms, collaborating with 11 partners across India covering 16 languages.
To address the evolving threat landscape, Meta will establish an India-specific Elections Operations Center, comprising experts from various domains within the company. This centre will monitor and mitigate potential threats in real time across Meta’s apps and technologies.
In collaboration with the Election Commission of India through the Voluntary Code of Ethics, Meta aims to swiftly respond to unlawful content flagged by the commission. The platform will intensify efforts to remove misinformation that could suppress voting or incite violence, especially false claims targeting religious communities.
Moreover, acknowledging the risks associated with the misuse of AI-generated content, Meta has committed to monitoring emerging trends and updating its policies accordingly. It stated that the platform enforces stringent Community Standards and Guidelines governing all content, whether generated by AI or individuals. Moreover, AI-generated content undergoes scrutiny by independent fact-checkers, with altered content experiencing reduced distribution.
In a bid to enhance transparency, Meta mandates advertisers globally to disclose the use of AI or digital methods in creating or altering political or social issue ads in certain cases. Advertisers must complete an authorization process and include a “paid for by” disclaimer, with all relevant information stored in the publicly accessible Ad Library for seven years.
Beyond combating misinformation, Meta is actively engaged in consumer education initiatives to empower users in identifying and addressing falsehoods. Collaborating with the Misinformation Combat Alliance, Meta has introduced a WhatsApp helpline to tackle AI-generated misinformation, complemented by training sessions for law enforcement officials.
Meta said that WhatsApp continues to implement measures to curb virality, limiting message forwarding and providing users with greater control over their privacy settings.
As the countdown to the elections begins, in late March, Meta will launch the ‘Celebrate Each Vote’ campaign in collaboration with national and regional creators to foster voter awareness and combat voter apathy. Through these initiatives, Meta aims to uphold the integrity of democratic processes and foster informed civic participation in India’s upcoming elections.
About the AuthorBhaswati Guha MajumderBhaswati Guha Majumder, Senior Correspondent at News18, has been passionately covering stories related to technology, business (infrastructure), gover...Read MoreTags:Dell Layoffs Announced As Company Looks To Reduce Employee Costs In 2024
(Reuters) -Dell Technologies reduced its workforce as part of a broader initiative to cut costs that included limiting external hiring and employee reorganizations, it said in a filing on Monday.
As of Feb. 2, 2024, it had nearly 120,000 employees, down from about 126,000 a year earlier.
The layoffs come after sluggish demand for its personal computers for nearly two years partly contributed to a 11% drop in revenue in fourth-quarter earnings posted last month.
Dell expects net revenue in its client solutions group (CSG) – home to PCs – to grow for the entire year, it said on Monday. The segment's revenue had fallen 12% in the fourth quarter.
While Dell cautioned against near-term challenges, the company expects demand to improve and pricing environment to be more competitive in FY 2025.
However, the company expects input costs to rise and added there is likely to be "continued reduction of our other businesses' net revenue as a result of the change in our commercial relationship with VMware".
Dell bought back shares tied to its interest in software maker VMware, paving the way for it to return to the market in 2018. Chipmaker Broadcom closed its $69 billion acquisition of VMware last year.
Last year, Dell slashed 6,650 jobs, when it braced for a potential recession and demand for personal computers dwindled.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - Reuters)Tags:Microsoft Gets New Surface And Windows Chief Who Studied At IIT Madras: Know Everything About Pavan Davuluri
Microsoft has been undergoing a major management rejig in the last six months or so. Satya Nadella and Co. have now picked a new chief to lead the Surface and Windows team, which was left vacant after Panos Panay left to join rivals Amazon in 2023.
The company has chosen one of its oldest employees, Pavan Davuluri to lead the combined team, as reported by The Verge which has got access to an internal memo sharing this update. The memo also refers to Microsoft’s decision to merge the Surface and Windows team that could help the company focus on converging the software and hardware and bring products that seamlessly fit into its philosophy and design.
Who Is The New Microsoft Surface and Windows Head Pavan Davuluri?Davuluri is no stranger in the company, in fact, he has spent over 23 years at Microsoft, before which, he graduated from IIT Madras and then settled in the US for good where he did his Master of Science degree at the University of Maryland. As per his LinkedIn profile, Davuluri started his Microsoft stint back in 2001 as a Reliability Component Manager, and by 2005 he was the General Manager of the Surface team.
He even got a big jump in profile in October 2023, when he was made the Corporate Vice President of the Windows + Devices team, which he is now going to head from up-top. Spending 23 years at Microsoft, and also being a core part of the existing team allows Davuluri to seamlessly take charge and allow Nadella and Co. to build products and software for the future.
Things Moving Fast At MicrosoftMicrosoft also has made a big move by hiring Google’s DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman recently, to head the AI division at the company. Nadella has also managed to pick up Inflection AI, along with its workforce, which will be closely working on new AI tools for the company, along with OpenAI’s close-knit association. The company has a big AI event lined up for May 20 where we could hear Nadella, Davuluri and Co. walking us through some exciting new updates.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags:Apple MacBook Users Getting New MacOS Update Which Fixes Some Big Issues: Know More
Apple has already issued the new iOS 17.4.1 update to fix some bugs and offer system improvements to iPhone users and now it is time for MacBook users to get a new fresh update.
The company has released the macOS 14.4.1 update that not only fixes bugs but also fixes some issues that MacBook users have been facing for the past few weeks. The new macOS update is available to most MacBook users and you can check for it from the system settings of your machine.
Apple MacOS 14.4.1 Update: What It Offers– Issues fix for USB Hub connected to the external display that are not being recognised
– Copy-protected Audio unit plug-ins designed for professional music apps that are not opening or pass validation
– Fixing apps with Java that were shutting down unexpectedly.
Apple MacOS 14.4.1 Update: How to Install On Your MacBookMacBook users can install the new macOS right away, and we suggest they do it. You can download the new version by going over to System settings – General – Software Update. You will see a new update flashing on the screen. Confirm your PIN/password to authenticate the install and wait for the system to reboot to get the new macOS version running on your machine.
About the AuthorS AadeetyaS Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media ho...Read MoreTags: