Technology
Samsung Galaxy Flagship Devices Get New AI Features: What You Get With New UpdateSamsung has finally issued the latest One UI 6.1 update for a host of its existing flagship devices in India on Thursday. The biggest feature addition that you get with this update is the AI tools that the company announced with the Galaxy S24 series earlier this year. Samsung has worked with Google once again that has given it first rights on the Gemini AI model that runs on mobile devices.
And now, people using the older Galaxy S series phones can try out the innovative AI features thanks to the new update coming their way. Samsung and Google have been recently working on projects and platforms and after WearOS this is the latest association from the brands.
Samsung One UI 6.1 Update Brings AI Features To These Devices– Samsung Galaxy S23
– Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
– Samsung Galaxy 23 Ultra
– Samsung Galaxy 23 FE
– Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
– Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
– Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 lineup
Samsung AI Features Coming To More Galaxy DevicesThe company has shared the list of devices that will support the new AI features from the company, powered by Google’s Gemini AI. But what are these features that Galaxy phone users will get to use?
Circle to Search – This feature allows users to draw a circle around an image or text displayed on any application that supports screen capture. Once the desired portion is outlined with the S Pen or your finger, it will automatically take you to a Google result page, showing details about the object or text.
Live translate – Samsung uses AI to give you two-way results for real-time translations of your phone calls.
Note Assist – Help you in a better and summarised way to take notes on the phone
Generative Edit – Edit photos that have been captured and change the size of the subject or its position.
Users are suggested not to use the Circle To Search feature in banking or other sensitive apps owing to security concerns. You can also revisit the search history and erase the previous quarries by tapping the three-dot menu available in the top-right corner of the Circle to Search page.
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 Maps Likely To Get Custom Route Feature With iOS 18 Update
Apple is known for its knack for incorporating existing features from competitors into its products with its unique spin. The latest speculation revolves around the potential addition of custom routes to Apple Maps. Reports from MacRumors suggest the discovery of a file named 'CustomRouteCreation' in the Maps backend, hinting at this upcoming feature in iOS 18.
While not officially confirmed yet, it's a move that some feel Apple should have made earlier, given that competitors like Google Maps have offered similar functionality for years. Allowing users to plan their routes directly within Apple Maps, without needing external browsers, could significantly improve the user experience. However, confirmation of this rumoured feature is still awaited.
Apple Maps currently lacks the option for users to choose their own routes, but this could change with the release of iOS 18. The upcoming feature is expected to allow users to select specific roads for their journeys, whether they prefer a picturesque route or the familiar way.
Similar functionality is already available on Google Maps, but iOS users may appreciate the convenience of planning routes on a computer and accessing them on their Apple devices. Interestingly, users have been requesting this feature for years, and it appears that their wish will finally be granted in the coming months.
While Google Maps boasts a diverse range of features, including detailed traffic updates and comprehensive Street View coverage, its interface is renowned for providing users with extensive information, catering to those who enjoy in-depth exploration and multiple functionalities.
Conversely, Apple Maps prioritises user privacy and is lauded for its user-friendly navigation system. While Google Maps is accessible to users across various platforms, Apple Maps is exclusively available on Apple devices.
Apart from the Apple Maps update, reports from the same portal suggest that watchOS 10 will introduce topographic maps. These maps, currently available exclusively to Apple Watch users, are set to become more accessible to other users as well. Code found in the backend files for iOS 18, macOS 15 and visionOS 2 indicates that the feature is in development. Topographic maps offer details such as trails, elevation data and points of interest, enhancing the outdoor experience for hikers.
The Tim Cook-led organisation is expected to unveil iOS 18 and its numerous features, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) scheduled to happen from June 10 till 14. Interestingly, not only media personalities but also developers and students will have the opportunity to attend WWDC 2024 in person on its first day. Additionally, for those who are unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on various platforms, including YouTube and others.
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 Pixel 6a Removed From Online Store, Pixel 8a Launch Imminent?
Google Pixel 8a launch is tipped in the next few months and we now have the biggest hint about the new phone coming to town. Google has removed the Pixel 6a model off the shelf, digitally, which could be a sign that the Pixel 8a launch is not far away.
We independently checked the Google Store online to see if the product lineup has been revised, and we noticed that the Pixel 7a is the most-affordable Pixel phone that Google has listed officially with no sign of the Pixel 6a.
Google Pixel 6a is a few years old, which came out in 2022 and is just one year away from losing its official OS support cycle from the company. But more importantly, Google removing the Pixel 6a from the online shelf also hints at an imminent launch of the Pixel 8a, now that we have official details about the Google I/O 2024 keynote in May this year.
Google has traditionally used its developer event to launch the new Pixel a series model, and we can’t see why the company would change that trend this year as well. The Pixel 6a might be off the shelf but current Pixel 6a owners can continue using their device, at least until 2025 for the OS updates, and 2027 if you are comfortable using the old Android version but with regular security updates from Google.
Google Pixel 8a Launch In May 2024: What We KnowGoogle is yet to confirm the official Pixel 8a launch date but we have got more details about the upcoming mid-range Pixel phone, courtesy, Kamila Wojciechowska. The tipster claims the Pixel 8a will feature a 120Hz refresh rate screen with a 1,400 nits of peak brightness on offer. However, the report here says the Pixel 8a might not see big hardware upgrades, especially the cameras on the upcoming Pixel model.
Pixel 8a should come with the Tensor G3 chipset, which also powers the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro models and is far better than the Tensor G2 when it comes to power management. In terms of the design, we might see a more rounded approach with the Pixel 8a which should give it a better in-hand feel and grip. The Pixel 7a was launched for around Rs 42,000 and we are hoping that Google brings the Pixel 8a at a competitive price to the market.
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:Just 4 Percent Of Indian Companies Can Handle Major Cyber Attacks: Report
Cyberattacks are a big menace and most businesses realise the need to arm themselves with the weapons to tackle big events. However, only 4 percent of organisations in India have the “mature” level of readiness needed to be resilient against modern cybersecurity risks, a new report showed on Thursday.
Readiness is critical as 82 percent of respondents said a cybersecurity incident is likely to disrupt their business in the next 12 to 24 months, according to Cisco’s ‘2024 Cybersecurity Readiness Index,’
However, 88 percent of companies still feel “moderately to very confident” in their ability to defend against a cyberattack with their current infrastructure. “We cannot underestimate the threat posed by our own overconfidence,” said Jeetu Patel, EVP and General Manager of Security and Collaboration at Cisco.
“Today’s organisations need to prioritise investments in integrated platforms and lean into AI in order to operate at machine scale and finally tip the scales in the favour of defenders,” Patel added.
Almost all (99 percent) companies globally expect to increase their cybersecurity budgets in the next 12 months. About 71 percent of companies plan to significantly upgrade their IT infrastructure in the next 12 to 24 months.
“They must also ensure that AI is integrated into frontline defenses as part of their overall cybersecurity strategy to fortify their defenses against evolving threats, futureproof their operations, and strengthen security resilience in a digital-first world,” said Samir Kumar Mishra, Director, Security Business, Cisco India & SAARC.
(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 Unveils Pad 3 Pro Tablet With 11,500mAh Battery And Powerful Chipset: Price, Features
In a latest addition from the Chinese smartphone maker, Vivo Pad 3 Pro was launched on March 27, arriving as a successor to last year's Vivo Pad 2. The new Android tablet arrives on the sidelines of the Vivo X Fold3 and X Fold3 Pro, which also took centre stage. The device comes with MediaTek's flagship Dimensity 9300 chipset, which makes it the first Android tablet with such a feature. Further, it also has an 11,500mAh battery, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Alongside the new tablet, Vivo also unveiled its TWS 4 series truly wireless stereo earbuds.
Vivo Pad 3 Pro features and specificationsRunning on OriginOS 4, the Vivo Pad 3 Pro comes with a 13-inch (2,064×3,096 pixels) LCD display along with an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 30Hz to 144Hz, 900nits peak brightness, and a 240Hz touch sampling rate. Its screen also offers HDR10 support.
Talking about its platform, the device runs on a 4nm octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC, followed by 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 internal storage.
In terms of optics, the Pad 3 Pro includes a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel camera sensor at the front. It also includes an audio system with eight speakers supporting audio formats: AAC, WAV, OGG, APE, and FLAC, among others. The device also supports input through the Vivo Pencil 2 stylus and can be connected to a keyboard case through magnetic Pogo pins. Among other features are Wi-Fi 7, USB OTG, USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 5.4, gravity sensor, light sensor, and an 11,500 mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging.
The Vivo Pad 3 Pro comes in three colour variants including blue, grey, and purple.
Vivo Pad 3 Pro PriceWhile the brand new Vivo is yet to go on sale in China, its price has been set at CNY 2,999 (Rs 34,500) for 8GB RAM + 128GB, CNY 3,299 (Rs 38,000) for 8GB RAM + 256GB, CNY 3,599 (Rs 41,500) for 12GB RAM + 256GB, and CNY 3,999 (Rs 46,000) for 16GB RAM + 512GB.
Vivo TWS 4: Features and PriceThe Vivo TWS 4 series comes in two versions, including the base variant, which costs CNY 399 (Rs 4,600), and the TWS 4 H-Fi, which costs CNY 499 (Rs 5,500).
While the base variant supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC, and LC3 codecs, the latter supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, AAC, SBC, and LC3 audio codecs. They also have 12.2mm drivers along with active noise cancellation.
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:WhatsApp UPI Could Soon Let You Pay Internationally: Here s How It Might Work
WhatsApp supports UPI payments like other apps in India. The messaging app started the pilot for the feature a few years back, but still lags behind the likes of PhonePe, Google Pay and even Paytm. But soon, the Meta-owned platform could get a big head start on its rivals, with rumours suggesting that WhatsApp will soon offer international UPI payments for users in India.
That’s right, WhatsApp could actually take on the likes of PayPal with its UPI payment service that will be accessible in other countries. The details about this supposed upcoming feature has been shared by an X user called AssembleDebug this week.
The tipster talks about digging through the messaging app to source future updates and features that might make its way to the users. He has also shared a screenshot, which shows the international payments option with an off/on drop-down in the menu.
WhatsApp could soon offer UPI payments to other countriesOnce you enable the international payments option, WhatsApp takes you to another page, where you can see the payments feature seems limited to businesses and only works in supported countries, which could be the UPI-supporting countries.
The page also mentions the payments can be sent for up to 3 months, and we are not sure how that works out. You can activate the international payment on WhatsApp by authorising using your four or six-digit UPI PIN.
WhatsApp has over 400 million active users in India, and UPI has become a popular mode of payment ever since the country’s government made a strong push for digital payments. The combo of these two services, and enabling international payments on them could be a death kneel for many payment services.
Having said that, UPI payments are linked through bank accounts, so it is obvious that the forex charges will be included in the final amount, and we’re keen to see how those numbers are worked out so that people can actually start using the service when it officially launches. We’ll be keeping a close on the future WhatsApp beta releases to see any hints of the special UPI feature and keep you up-to-date on its possible availability.
In the meanwhile, WhatsApp has added a quick shortcut for the UPI payment scanner in its latest Android beta update, which allows people to quickly scan the QR code and make UPI payment through their bank account in the country.
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:India s Semiconductor Future Offers Lucrative Careers, But Will Women Answer The Call? Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently said about 45 executives from various semiconductor companies expressed a unanimous sentiment that India stands as the next natural frontier for semiconductor manufacturing, highlighting the country’s future potential and how big the industry could be.
However, to fully harness the potential, particularly in the chip sector, a substantial influx of tech talent and engineering prowess — with equal representation from both men and women — is imperative.
Data from the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22 sheds light on the gender distribution in engineering and technology studies at the undergraduate level. Of 39.04 lakh enrolled students, just 29.1 per cent are female and 70.9 per cent are male. This stands in stark contrast to disciplines like Arts and Medical Sciences, where gender parity is more evident.
Within the broader spectrum of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), of the 98,49,488, total enrolment (at UG, PG, MPhil and PhD levels), 56,56,488 are males and 41,93,000 are females. The data showed that in engineering and technology, male enrolment is significantly higher compared to females. This poses potential challenges for achieving gender diversity in specialised sectors like semiconductors.
Delving into the intricacies of the semiconductor industry, it becomes apparent that a diverse workforce is crucial, given the multifaceted skill requirements. For example, roles such as Semiconductor Technicians, Process Engineers, and Equipment Engineers demand a blend of technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
However, the underrepresentation of women in engineering and technology studies in India could pose hurdles in achieving gender diversity within the semiconductor workforce. Globally, the semiconductor industry has been predominantly male-dominated, with women comprising only a fraction of the workforce, including in technical leadership positions.
According to the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) and Accenture’s 2022 report, the median of women representation in the total semiconductor workforce lies in the 20-25 per cent range, with technical women representation at 10-15 per cent. Moreover, over half of the companies report less than 5 per cent representation of women in technical director roles, highlighting the gender disparity in leadership positions too.
Despite these challenges, India’s demographic dividend presents a unique opportunity for its semiconductor industry, something which countries like Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Malaysia don’t have. With a massive youth population poised to remain the youngest globally for decades to come, the country holds immense potential for scaling semiconductor manufacturing and that will require more hands on deck to fuel the growth.
Executives from the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) have affirmed that there is no bias in hiring workers. Rather the industry, which has been getting a lot of attention since the announcements of Gujarat’s Dholera, Sanand and Assam projects, is hungry to employ as many engineers as possible and it is just a matter of who is available. The industry also believes that the skilling and reskilling policies which the government has been promoting would help to fill the gaps.
However, it should be noted that the semiconductor industry and the electronics manufacturing industry are like interlocking pieces in the world of technology. It’s not just semiconductors that go into electronics. The electronics industry also provides feedback to the semiconductor industry. They identify areas where chip improvements can benefit the development of new electronic devices.
So it is important to understand what has been happening in the electronics manufacturing sector which has already crossed the $100 billion mark. As per the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), the distribution of women workers varies significantly across regions. While South India boasts an impressive ratio of 70 per cent or more, the Northern counterpart lags behind at merely 15-20 per cent, predominantly in day-shift roles.
Women workers in electronics manufacturing are assigned various roles, including operators, supervisors, and quality control positions. Their salaries are equivalent to those of their male counterparts, suggesting a level of pay parity within the industry regardless of gender.
The ICEA anticipates that India’s semiconductor plants will make concerted efforts to foster gender diversity, aiming for a minimum of 15 per cent representation of women employees within the semiconductor industry.
Although numerous companies are dedicated to hiring more women and providing training if needed for the employees, achieving gender diversity and a level playing field across industries also necessitates efforts from women. This entails actively opting for STEM education, engineering or technology degrees to increase enrolment percentages because India cannot risk missing out on leveraging its vast young population, which includes both males and females.
About the AuthorBhaswati Guha MajumderBhaswati Guha Majumder, Senior Correspondent at News18, has been passionately covering stories related to technology, business (infrastructure), gover...Read MoreTags:Elon Musk Confirms Free X Premium Subscription To All These Users: Here’s What He Said
Elon Musk seems to have woken up on the right side of his bed on Thursday, sharing some good news for all the X users. Musk has announced a new way to help more people try out the X Premium and X Premium+ plans.
X Premium is available for a monthly/annual fee that gives you benefits like verified badge, edit post button, long-form posts and articles and more. Most of the paid subscribers have been using these features so far, but soon, even the free X users with a certain number of followers will get access to the service, that too for free.
Going forward, all accounts with over 2500 verified subscriber followers will get Premium features for free and accounts with over 5000 will get Premium+ for free— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 28, 2024
Musk claims that any X users with 2500 verified subscriber followers will get X Premium features for free, and if you have 5000 of those, Musk will give you access to the X Premium+ version which also gets you to try the Grok AI chatbot along with the other Premium features. Some might say that having 2500 blue tick subscribers might not be easily attainable, which explains the reasons why Musk is being so generous in the first place.
It is also possible that X Premium and Premium+ is not getting the right amount of traction and subscriber base that Musk and Co. would have liked, so bringing a new criteria to offer the service to more people only makes the subscription base look a lot stronger.
The way Musk has mentioned the details has got people confused, especially with the wording not exactly clear, when he says, verified subscriber followers in the post.
Elon Musk bought Twitter and made it into X more than a year back, and somehow seen the value of the platform go down further since then. However, X has also introduced some new features like audio/video calling, a video version of Spaces, supporting Article-length content and even payments are on the cards for the platform.
Musk had earlier talked about charging a minimum fee of $1 to make everyone use X to help grow the platform and his business, but the new update suggests he first wants to grow the premium subscriber case and then resort to other changes.
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:iPhone Users Are Getting Password Reset Request That Hackers Can Use To Steal Data: Know More
People often forget passwords and quickly decide to set a new one using the password reset process that most tech platforms offer, including Apple. But iPhone users are being warned about a major security issue that is being used by hackers to attack your device. New reports this week talk about a new form of attack that uses the password reset mechanism and floods the iPhone user with multiple messages of this nature which gets them worried.
These people don’t need to worry about clicking these notifications but once you see 100s of these pop-up boxes on the screen, the iPhone becomes unusable, until you dismiss all of them. This is where the attacker takes advantage of your worried state and disguises themselves as someone calling from the Apple support team, which never happens.
But when the victim is already puzzled about the password reset issue, these callers scare them further by talking about possible attacks on their account. Having been put in this position, they inadvertently end up sharing the confidential details like the one-time-password with the attacker, which then makes it easy for them to gain access to the device.
The report doesn’t explain how the OTP allows the hacker to bypass the security of the device, unless there is a bug in iPhones that Apple still hasn’t fixed that these bad actors are able to utilise to their benefit. We’re hopeful that Apple will adhere to these concerns and offer a solution at the earliest.
One must be aware that Apple will never, ever ask for any OTP or code, and definitely not by calling your number for these details. Either way, the password reset scam is clearly avoidable for most people, as long as they follow the basic digital security guidelines.
Do not share OTP or any code with any unknown caller, especially those, who claim your Apple account is under attack. You can easily bypass these forms of attacks, and be vigilant about callers who might have got your details from another platform that has leaked your data.
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 Teams Copilot Gets A Boost With AI Updates: What We Know
Microsoft is enhancing the functionality of its AI-driven Copilot in Microsoft Teams by adding new ways to call upon the assistant for summaries, meeting conversations and other purposes. Copilot is already able to summarise Teams sessions, but in the next few months, it will merge spoken transcripts and written discussions into a single display, making it simpler to catch up on missed meetings.
According to the Microsoft 365 blog, the Teams app is getting a lot of updates powered by AI. One of the updates is an improved Microsoft Copilot that can summarize your meetings. In April, Copilot will also be able to recognise you in transcripts based on your voice and face.
In May, Copilot will be able to listen to meetings in real time and then give you a summary afterwards, including a written record of what was said and a log of the text chat. In June, Copilot will also be able to track your VOIP calls and provide you with AI-powered insights about the call, so you don't have to remember everything yourself.
If you often struggle with what to say in meetings, Copilot will have a new text-based feature in April. You can ask Copilot to help you expand your message to better achieve your goals. Microsoft says you can even ask it to “make you sound like a pirate,” which could be fun for International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Additionally, Microsoft has said that it is turning on its AI-powered Intelliframe function by default. This feature makes it easier for remote workers to call into a physical meeting room to see who is present and who is not.
The AI can switch between different camera views automatically, ensuring that everyone stays in the shot even if they move out of view. It will also have AI-powered voice isolation to minimize background noise, like when someone suddenly starts vacuuming during a call.
Finally, Microsoft has partnered with AT&T, Virgin Media O2, Odido, Vodafone UK, and other companies to make Teams Phone Mobile more widely available later this year.
This solution aims to simplify communication by providing users with a single phone number to use for both Microsoft Teams and their regular phone app.
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’s AI-Powered Search Has A Major Scam Problem That You Should Know: All Details
Google has already faced questions about the credibility of its AI model Gemini and now the company is hit with further issues, this time related to the AI-powered Search. Most people have got access to the AI avatar of Search recently, and some of the results you see for a subject is reportedly including links to dangerous sites, other platforms that harbour scams.
The biggest concern about the new-look Search is that people can mistakenly end up installing malware by clicking on any of these suspicious sites which can steal their data and harm in other ways.
The details about the new issue for Google has come via this report, which quotes one Lily Ray, who is a SEO consultant. The report mentions that some of the links available through the AI-powered search results are similar to the sites that redirect a user and take them to a malicious website.
In some cases, you might be redirected to a site that resembles YouTube but is basically tempting you into clicking something to infect the device one way or the other. You might also be bombarded with spam alerts and messages once you accept or click on any of the links, which could be another channel for the virus or malware to enter your system. The report mentions that Google has been informed about the issue plaguing the AI-based search, and feels that people could easily fall into the trap as the website and results look genuine.
Google clearly has a lot of work to do with its AI systems, and ensure the clean up is done regularly, or else, scams like these can severely dent the image of its AI tools and make search less popular among billions across the globe.
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 Could Limit The New AI Features To The iPhone 16 Pro Variants: All Details
Apple 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: