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Google Pixel 8 series benchmark results show disappointing performance

By
Rajesh Regmi
-

The long-awaited Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro from Google have finally been released. Some lucky users have already gotten their hands on them and have shared benchmark results of the new Tensor G3 SoC. Unfortunately, the results are disappointing, showing that the new Tensor G3 chip falls short of its rivals in terms of raw performance. 

Google Pixel 8 benchmark results are quite disappointing

The Tensor G3 is fabricated on Samsung’s 4LPP (4 nm, Low Power Plus) and features a 9-core CPU configuration with 1x Cortex-X3 (3.00 GHz), 4x Cortex-A715 (2.45 GHz), and 4x Cortex-A510 (2.15 GHz). 

Compared to this nona-core architecture, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC features an octa-core CPU with 1x Cortex-X3 (3.2 GHz), 2x Cortex-A715 (2.8 GHz), 2x Cortex-A710 (2.8 GHz), and 3x Cortex-A510 (2.00 GHz).

But despite having one extra core, the Tensor G3 did not perform as well as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. In fact, its performance was closer to last year’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 than to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

As we previously reported, in Geekbench 6, the Tensor G3 scored 1,760 in the single-core test and 4,442 in the multi-core test. This is a significantly lower score than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which has an average score of 1,976 and 5,149, respectively (via Notebookcheck).

Likewise, in the 3D Mark Wild Life Stress test, the Pixel 8 achieved a best loop score of 8,216 and a lowest loop score of 4,316, with a very low stability of just 52.5%. The Pixel 8 Pro achieved a best loop score of 8,572 and a lowest loop score of 5,029, with slightly better stability at 58.7%. These are not pretty results, especially when compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max (A17 Pro chip) and Galaxy S23 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip), which returned stability results of 78.9% and 69%, respectively.

Image Credit: @Tech_Reve)

The reason for the Tensor G3’s disappointing performance is likely due to Samsung’s fabrication process. Samsung’s own Exynos chips have been less powerful than the competition because of their fabrication technology, and it seems like Google’s new chip is having the same problem.

All things considered, Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 chip feels like a letdown. It’s not as powerful as its competitors, and it has stability issues. While it still offers good enough performance for everyday use, don’t expect it to match the performance of its rivals.

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VinFast invests $400 Million for EV Production in India and Indonesia

By
Joane
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VinFast, the pioneering Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer,  has meticulously streamlined its manufacturing capital expenditure, resulting in savings of $400 million, earmarked for the construction of two cutting-edge facilities in India and Indonesia. The company is set to make strides in its global expansion plans following a substantial cash infusion of $1.2 billion from its founder, Pham Nhat Vuong. 

VinFast’s strategic vision revolves around establishing completely knocked down (CKD) car factories in both countries, with production slated to commence in 2026. This ambitious move comes on the heels of a successful third quarter for the company, during which it achieved impressive sales figures. In the third quarter alone, VinFast sold 10,027 EVs, marking a notable uptick from the preceding quarter’s 9,535 units. A significant portion of these vehicles found their way to founder Pham Nhat Vuong’s taxi company.

Source: VinFast

Vuong, who retains a majority stake in VinFast, is now gearing up to bolster the company’s financial foundation further. He plans to sell 46 million shares within six months, aiming to raise a substantial $700 million. This influx of capital is anticipated to fuel VinFast’s expansion plans and facilitate its foray into new markets.

VinFast made history in August by becoming the first Vietnamese corporation to go public in the U.S. However, the company’s journey on the stock market has been marked by significant fluctuations. After reaching a peak of nearly $69, VinFast’s shares closed at $8.50 on Thursday, indicating a volatile trajectory.

Despite these challenges, VinFast remains undeterred in its pursuit of growth. The company is embracing a capital-light distribution model and strategically focusing on markets like Indonesia and India. In addition to passenger cars, VinFast also manufactures electric motorbikes and buses within its home base in Vietnam.

VinFast’s global expansion plans extend beyond Asia, with a keen eye on markets in Europe, Canada, and the United States. However, the company faced a setback in its initial U.S. venture, as some vehicles were recalled due to potential safety concerns. As VinFast embarks on this expansion journey, industry experts and investors alike are closely monitoring the company’s strategic moves.

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boAt Wave Astra, Wave Convex & Primia Celestial smartwatches launched in the Indian offline market

By
Sudhanshu
-

In a recent announcement, boAt, the popular Indian tech brand, has introduced three new budget-friendly smartwatches in the country. These new wearables, namely the Wave Astra, Primia Celestial, and Wave Convex, come with Bluetooth-calling capabilities and an IP67 rating for durability. They offer a wide range of physical activity tracking features and multiple watch face options for personalization. However, here’s the twist: these smartwatches are exclusively available in offline markets and will be sold through physical retail stores.

Boat Smartwatches

boAt Wave Astra, Primia Celestial, & Wave Convex specs

Among the trio, the boAt Wave Convex stands out as the most feature-rich smartwatch. It boasts a spacious 1.96-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 410 x 502 pixels. An Always-On Display function is also part of the package, eliminating the need to tap the screen for updates.

For personalization, the watch offers a DIY Watch Face Studio, enabling users to create their unique watch faces. Alternatively, there are over 100 pre-installed watch faces available for quick selection. Notably, this smartwatch supports Bluetooth calling and allows users to store up to 10 contacts directly on the device. It also features support for Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri, an IP67 rating, and an impressive standby battery life of up to 30 days. Even with intensive use, it can last up to 7 days, and when Bluetooth calling is enabled, it still provides a respectable 2 days of battery life.

The Wave Astra boasts a 1.83-inch HD display with a resolution of 240 x 284 pixels. Its battery life is rated for up to 5 days, which drops to 2 days when Bluetooth calling is active. The Primia Celestial is unique in the lineup, offering a circular display measuring 1.52 inches, with a resolution of 306 x 360 pixels and a brightness level of 550 nits. It promises a full week of battery life with Bluetooth calling and an Always-On Display turned off.

Coming to the core features, all three of the smartwatches have 700 Active Modes for tracking physical activities. Additionally, users can enjoy standard health and fitness features, including heart-rate monitoring, SpO2 sensors, sleep tracking, and guided breathing exercises through the boAt Crest companion app.

Pricing & availability

In terms of pricing, the boAt Wave Astra leads as the most budget-friendly option, with a price tag of just Rs 1,799 in India. The Primia Celestial and Wave Convex, though slightly more expensive, are still quite affordable, priced at Rs 1,899 and Rs 2,899, respectively. It’s worth noting that these prices are introductory, and their duration is yet to be confirmed.

Interested buyers can find these smartwatches at retail outlets such as Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, Croma, JioMart, and other general electronic stores.

In related news, if you are also in the market for new audio equipment, the newly launched Boat Stone 1800 might also be worth looking at.

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Sony Pictures Core launched for PS5 & PS4 bringing free movies to the console

By
Sudhanshu
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Sony is making some exciting changes to enhance your PlayStation experience. The Bravia Core app is getting a makeover and rebranding as Sony Pictures Core. The best part? It’s coming to both PS5 and PS4 consoles, allowing gamers to access a library of over 2,000 movies right from their gaming console.

Sony Pictures Core

You can expect a fantastic selection of movies from the Sony Pictures Core, including recent hits like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Uncharted, The Equalizer, No Hard Feelings, Bullet Train, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and many more.

But there’s even more good news for PlayStation Plus Premium or Deluxe subscribers. They will have access to a whopping 100 movies as part of their subscription, all available through the Sony Pictures Core app. The best part? It’s an ad-free experience, and the movie catalog will receive regular updates. Sony also hints at more benefits on the horizon for PS Plus subscribers, including a selection of anime content from Crunchyroll.

Sony Pictures Core

Sony Pictures Core is already available for download in 23 markets worldwide where PlayStation is officially sold. For PlayStation 5 users, you can find it in the Media section, while PlayStation 4 users can locate it in the PS Store.

However, it’s worth noting that the availability of the app may vary by region. In some places, like India, the app may not be accessible at this time. This move to expand and improve its entertainment offerings comes after Sony recently adjusted the prices for its PS Plus subscription tiers, suggesting that Sony Pictures Core could be part of their strategy to enhance the value of their subscriptions.

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Google Magnifier app support extends to old Pixels

By
Simranpal Singh
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After debuting on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the new Google Magnifier app is not available for old Pixels too. It is a utility app that magnifies the object or text from a distance. It can be quite handy while looking at airport signs, or peeking into a restaurant menu. The app is compatible with Pixel 5 and newer phones and tablets.

Must See: Android 14 Announced: New Features for Customization, Control, Accessibility, and the First Phones to Get the Update

Google introduced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with all-new hardware and some great software features that harness the AI capability to offer an overall immersive experience. Among several new features, the magnifier app also uses AI to capture detailed zoom photos and offers to copy the text or listen to it. The users can zoom in on the desired text, photo, or sign using the shutter key. It even allows one to control the flashlight intensity if you’re looking for something in a low-light environment.

There are different zoom levels for comfortable reading, and the app doesn’t populate the storage by saving images. But, there’s an option to store it or share it. To ease the operation, the app features a “Reset Zoom” button at the bottom and even offers color filters for live previewing the image. Furthermore, the users can access more settings by hitting the settings toggle on the bottom left side icon. The settings overlay offers the ability to Invert, Grayscale, Yellow on black, Blue on yellow, White on blue, and Red on black.

There’s also an option to adjust the Contrast and Brightness of the image. Google Magnifier app does have Google Lens support that lets to analyze the image, copy text from it, or convert text-to-speech.

Use Google Magnifier with Google Pixel’s Quick Tap Gesture

For user convenience, Google suggests assigning a gesture to the Google Magnifier App. It can be done by following the steps below.

  1. Head over to the phone’s Settings app.
  2. Now go to System > Gestures > Quick Tap.
  3. Enable Quick Tap gesture and then Choose Open App > Tap Settings > Select Magnifier App.
  4. Now, Double tapping the phone back will open the Magnifier app.

It is available via the Google Play store.

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OnePlus Pad Go with MediaTek Helio G99, 2.4K display launched in India

By
Rajesh Regmi
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After a series of leaks and rumors, OnePlus has finally launched the Pad Go in India today. It is a watered-down version of the original OnePlus Pad, which was launched earlier this year. Here is how much the new Pad Go will cost, along with its other key specs.

OnePlus Pad Go Launched in India

OnePlus Pad Go Design and Display

The Pad Go looks similar to the regular OnePlus Pad, with a flat-edge design and a unique Oreo-style camera cutout in the middle of the back panel. It comes in a two-tone Twin Mint color finish.

On the front, there is an 11.35-inch IPS LCD display with a 2.4K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The display is also TUV Rheinland certified for low blue light and supports DC dimming, both of which make it easier on the eyes. 

Additionally, there is a Bedtime Mode that can reduce the amount of brain-stimulating light emitted by the device in the hours before bedtime, helping you fall asleep more easily.

Like the original OnePlus Pad, the Pad Go has a 7:5 aspect ratio screen, which OnePlus claims provides more screen space for books, games, and web pages. Interestingly, the device also has 7.5mm bezels all around the display, which contributes to an 86.4% screen-to-body ratio.

Specifications

As for the performance, the Pad Go has a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, up to 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of expandable storage. It runs on OxygenOS 13.2 based on Android 13 and has a 8000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.

Likewise, the camera hardware includes 8MP cameras on front and rear. Both cameras can record 1080p/30fps videos, but the rear camera also has EIS stabilization.

The Pad Go supports Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and a USB-C port. It has 4G network connectivity, but no stylus support. 

There are also a few neat software tricks exclusive to OnePlus smartphone users. OnePlus phone users can seamlessly connect to the Pad Go when the two devices are near each other and logged into the same OnePlus account.

Similarly, with Screen Mirroring enabled on the Pad Go, you can control your phone on a larger screen in a floating window on the tablet. You can also drag and drop photos and other files between the two devices, and receive calls and notifications directly on the Pad Go.

The Pad Go can also share clipboard content and the photo gallery with OnePlus and Oppo phones, so you can view and edit them on a bigger screen.

Pricing and Availability

The OnePlus Pad Go will be available for open sale on October 20th and for pre-order on Amazon, Flipkart, and at OnePlus Experience Stores starting October 12th at 12pm IST. Here are the prices for OnePlus Pad Go in India:

  • 8GB+128GB WiFi only – INR 19,999
  • 8GB+128GB LTE – INR 21,999
  • 8GB+256GB LTE – INR 23,999

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Oppo Find N3 Flip launches in India on October 12

By
Sean
-

The Oppo Find N3 Flip was first announced in China back in August. Now, the company is gearing up to launch its flagship foldable smartphone in India later this month and the official release date has finally been revealed. So let’s have a look.

Oppo Find N3 Flip India Launch Date

The Chinese tech giant will announce the upcoming clamshell folding phone on 12th October 2023. This is in line with our previous report in which we spotted the smartphone being listed on Flipkart. This listing revealed that the Find N3 Flip model will go official on the same date as the Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale. In other words, the smartphone would be announced on October 12.

Oppo Find N3 Flip

As per an official announcement, the Oppo Find N3 Flip will be announced on 12th October 2023 at 7:00 PM IST in India. You can watch the live stream on YouTube. Talking about the device itself, the device sports a 6.8-inch E6 AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,600 nits of peak brightness, and TÜV Rheinland Intelligent Eye Care certification. Meanwhile, the cover display is a shorter 3.26-inch panel.

Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 SoC will power this device. The rear features a triple camera setup that consists of a 50-megapixel primary sensor, which is paired with a 32-megapixel telephoto shooter, and a 48-megapixel ultra wide angle lens. Other notable features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, 44W fast charging, and more.

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Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 is finally here: Know key details

By
Simranpal Singh
-

Google officially introduced the Android 14 a couple of days ago along with the launch of the Pixel 8 Series, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Buds Pro. Following these announcements, here comes the Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 which will launch as the December Pixel Feature Drop for Pixel devices. There are significant improvements in the Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 which will enhance the system stability and fix some animation stutters.

Must See: OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14 officially unveiled: Here’s what’s new

The Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 featuring October 2023 Security Patch is rolling out a couple of weeks after the initial QPR1 build. There are certain changes including some fixes for major bugs. It is compatible with the  Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold. The developers can obviously try it out with the Android Emulator.

The build U1B2.230922.006 weighs 129MB on Pixel 6, and it fixes some major issues as listed below:

  • Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the Settings app to crash when a user accessed system Bluetooth settings after pairing a device.
  • Fixed an issue on some devices where the scrolling animation sometimes stuttered or paused.
  • Fixed various issues that were impacting system stability and performance.

Apart from these, there are always general bug fixes and performance enhancements that improve the overall build.

The update also brings a dedicated Android Beta Feedback app for the submission of bugs and general issues. It will be out to the users who are already on the QPR1 build within the next few days. Or, the users can manually check by heading to Settings > System > System Update. The user who would want to manually flash the update can do so by downloading factory images or sideloading the OTA.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 series may feature a Titanium body, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro

By
Sean
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As we get closer to 2024, rumors and leaks regarding the Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup of flagship smartphones have started surfacing online. Now, the latest reports hint that the Galaxy S24 series might follow Apple’s footsteps and use a new premium metal chassis.

Samsung Galaxy S24 series to launch with titanium body

According to known tipster Revengus on X (formerly Twitter), the South Korean tech giant is planning on using titanium for the Galaxy S24 series’ body. In other words, the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and the Galayxy S24 Ultra model might arrive with titanium frames. For a bit of context, Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 15 series, with the higher end Pro models offering a titanium frame as well. So it appears that Samsung may also offer a similar choice for its flagship smartphone lineup.

S24 Plus leaked render

The tipster further added that the brand could source the Titanium frames for the base model from its South Korean factory. However, Samsung might seek its partner companies to supply the titanium on the Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra models. Since these devices will feature titanium, we can also expect the upcoming premium phones to be slightly lighter than their previous iterations. Apple’s move to titanium was to lower the weight of the iPhones since steel is much heavier.

But since the new Samsung phones won’t likely see a drastic change, the company might use the new titanium frames as a marketing term to sell their premium devices. It is also worth noting that Revegnus’s tweet gota reply from another reputed tipster Ice Universe. The latter claims that only the Galaxy S24 Ultra will use the titanium frame. Regardless, the Galaxy S24 lineup is expected to launch in early 2024, so stick around for more updates.

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Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q3A 24″FHD monitor with 180Hz refresh rate available in India

By
Sudhanshu
-

After recently launching the TUF Gaming VG249Q3A monitor in the global market, Asus has now brought the monitor over to the Indian market. Let’s take a look at its specs, features, and pricing.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A

Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q3A specs

The Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q3A is a great choice for gamers looking for a fast and smooth gaming experience. It has a 23.8-inch Full HD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, delivering clear visuals. The monitor boasts a high 180Hz refresh rate and a quick 1ms response time.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A
ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A

It also comes with ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology, which reduces ghosting and motion blur, making games look better. Plus, it has AMD FreeSync Premium to prevent screen tearing while gaming.

This monitor has a wide color range (99% sRGB gamut) which is good for both gamers and creative professionals. It can adapt to your graphics card’s frame rate, reducing stuttering and tearing for a better gaming experience.

There’s also Shadow Boost technology that brightens dark areas without making bright areas too bright. This helps you see more details in shadows and dark scenes.

It’s got VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification for better HDR imagery. To protect your eyes during long gaming sessions, it has flicker-free technology and a Blue Light Filter.

The monitor’s stand is adjustable, so you can find the best viewing position for comfort. When it comes to connectivity, it has two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort input.

Pricing & availability

The TUF Gaming VG249Q3A 23.8″ 180 Hz Gaming Monitor is currently available on Primeabgb for Rs 17,999. It is also listed on Amazon India, however, it is currently unavailable to purchase.

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Honor X9B hits UAE’s TDRA, hints at upcoming launch

By
Simranpal Singh
-

Honor introduced several new smartphones including the Honor V Purse, Honor X40 GT Racing, and a few others. The Chinese smartphone appears working on a new smartphone aka Honor X9B. Its predecessor – Honor X9A was launched last December in China. Followed by yesterday’s Singapore IMDA certification a day before, the smartphone pops up on the United Arab Emirates Certification Agency Website TDRA.

The listing once again confirms the model ALI-NX1 and confirms the upcoming launch. There’s roughly more information about the device’s specifications and features via the listing.

The 5G-enabled device will come with improved specifications and features. Presently, there are scary details about the device, but considering the predecessor it would be a mid-range device and will carry on the same design language.

Additionally, Honor X9A was introduced last year bundling a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, 120GHz refresh rate, and 10-bit color panel. It comes powered with Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, 8GB RAM, and 256GB internal storage. It launched with Android 12 OS and features a 5,100 mAh battery with 40W fast charging support. A triple-rear camera bundling a 64MP primary sensor is present.

In the coming days, we expect more information about the Honor X9B via leaks and certifications. Stay connected for more information.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9 Plus Indian Pricing Leaks

By
Simranpal Singh
-

After the successful launch of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE edition, all eyes are now set on the launch of the next tablet – Galaxy Tab A9 which will carry an affordable price tag. Following previous leaks, the company could launch Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9+ featuring Snapdragon SoC. The retail price for both tablets in the Indian market is here via famous tipster @yabhishekhd.

Must See: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 surfaces on GeekBench with Helio G99 & 4GB RAM

As per the Product Price Announcement sheet from Samsung, the Galaxy Tab A9 LTE with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage will be available for Rs 15,999, and the WiFi model will cost Rs 12,999. The Galaxy Tab A9+ Wi-Fi with 4GB RAM + 64GB storage will retail for Rs 18,999 and the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage model will go for Rs 20,999. Meanwhile, the LTE 4GB RAM + 64GB version will cost Rs 22,999 and the 8GB RAM variant will be available for Rs 24,999.

Here’s First Look of Galaxy Tab A9

Following the pricing details, the same tipster published the first image of the Galaxy Tab A9.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9+ Specs (Expected)

The upcoming Galaxy A series tablet already appeared in multiple certifications and leaks. As per its appearance on Google Play Console, the Galaxy Tab A9+ features the Snapdragon 695 coupling 2 ARM Cortex-A78s. It will bundle a 1200 x 1920 resolution display. It will feature a 7040 mAh battery with 15W fast charging, and dual-band WiFi support as per FCC documents.

The vanilla Galaxy Tab A9 variant hasn’t made it yet to Play Console, but it made a visit to the Geekbench, which reveals certain specifications of the device. It seems bundled with a MediaTek Dimensity Helio G99, 4GB RAM and runs on OneUI 5.1 based on Android 13. As per FCC, it measures 210.7mm x 124.7mm x 6.94mm and couples 5000 mAh battery with 15W fast charging.

Following the past leaks and certification appearance, the Galaxy Tab A series launch is not so far away. We could expect its launch by the end of this year.

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Samsung rolls out October security patch 2023 on Galaxy A54

By
Chetan
-

According to a recent report, Samsung has started releasing an October security update on Galaxy A54 smartphones.

For those unaware, earlier, the company released the October security patch for its Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 smartphones. Now, it seems other smartphone series are also in line for the update.

Samsung Galaxy A54

As per a recent report by SAMmobile, the update arrives with a build version of A546VSQS5AWI1. This new October update is majorly focused on improved security and the device’s stability. So, the users should not expect any new UI features or performance improvements. It is worth mentioning in this latest patch, Samsung has managed to fix over 12 vulnerabilities found in the previous version of the update. For example, the company fixed one critical vulnerability where the breachers were able to execute harmful viruses through the Wi-Fi networks.

Furthermore, the patch is currently live for Verizon’s network users in the USA. Those who wish to upgrade their Galaxy A54 (Amazon) smartphones to the latest update can head over to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install. The company has yet to reveal when the other regions will also be able to receive the update. However, we expect to receive more information in the future.

In related news, earlier leaks have revealed that the S24 series will be powered by Exynos 2400 chips. This means that Exynos chipsets are making a comeback in 2024. Those who wish to know more about this can check our Exynos 2400’s GPU better than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 story here.

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Garmin pushes public beta software v2.56 for the Venu Sq 2

By
Chetan
-

Garmin launched its Venu Sq 2 series in India in October 2022. This series of smartwatches came with a built-in GPS and AMOLED display. The company has recently started its public beta program to test out new features on its eligible watches. The Venu Sq 2 smartwatch owners can opt for the public beta program and become one of these testers.

Now, according to a recent announcement that has surfaced online, the company has recently released a new beta software version for its Venu Sq 2 smartwatches. Let’s go ahead and take a look at what this new update has to offer.

Garmin Venu Sq 2

As per the recent announcement, the Venu Sq 2 (Amazon) smartwatches that were running on the public beta software v2.51 have now been upgraded to v2.56. This new update brings various new improvements to the smartwatch as well as to the Sensor Hub and Graphics. The complete changelog of the new update can be found below.

Garmin Public Beta Software v2.56 for Venu Sq 2 Changelog

  • Changes from 2.51 to 2.56
  1. Add improvements to ANT+ and BLE
  2. Connect IQ bug fixes and improvements
  3. Improve system stability
  • Additional Updates
  1. Sensor Hub- 27.11
  2. Graphics – 1.13

It is worth mentioning if you are an existing member of the Public Beta program, this update will be automatically delivered to your watch through GCM. We expect to receive more beta updates in the future. So stay tuned.

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Hong Kong’s Travel and Online Communities are A Hotspot for Digital Fraud

By
Anubhav
-

Hong Kong, renowned for its financial muscle and technological prowess, has an increasingly grim downside: it is becoming a magnet for digital fraudsters, reveals a recent report from TransUnion, an American consumer credit reporting agency.

Most of the scams can be attributed to online payments

The report found that Hong Kong topped the list of regions with high levels of suspected digital fraud, with 18% of digital transactions flagged for potential fraudulent activity in the first half of 2023. This rise in digital scams comes amid a significant uptick in online payments, influenced by the pandemic and subsequent social distancing measures.

Digital Fraud

What sets Hong Kong apart, however, is the sectors most affected. Interestingly, the travel and leisure sector led the way with a suspected fraud rate of 8%. Jerry Ying, chief product officer at TransUnion Asia-Pacific, argues that as the city opens up post-pandemic and digital transactions in the travel sector surge, fraudsters see new opportunities for exploitation.

Besides travel, online communities like dating websites and forums are also becoming risky spaces. Around 5% of transactions in these areas were flagged for fraud, mostly related to fake profiles. This comes at a time when Hong Kong citizens are relying more on digital platforms for social interaction and personal needs.

Last year, citizens lost HK$4.8 billion (US$611.5 million) to frauds, including schemes involving fake police calls and quick money scams. With more professionals (6% of survey respondents) falling victim to fraud between April and July, the message is clear: businesses and consumers alike need to up their game when it comes to digital security.

According to Ying, it’s not just up to consumers to stay vigilant; businesses should allocate resources to improve their data analytics and technological capabilities to better spot fraudulent activity. As Hong Kong continues to balance its technological advancement with fraud risks, both sectors and individuals must be more cautious than ever.

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Polestar Releases Sales Numbers, Sold Almost 14,000 Electric Vehicles in Q3 2023

By
Anubhav
-

In a recent announcement, Polestar revealed its electric vehicle (EV) delivery figures for the third quarter of 2023, boasting a 50% year-over-year increase with about 13,900 units. Though a notable rise from last year, the numbers show a dip compared to Q2 2023’s 15,800 and the all-time high of 21,002 in Q4 2022.

This number is still smaller than 15,800 cars in Q2 2023

Despite these fluctuations, what catches attention is the company’s clear emphasis on “value over volume,” backed by strong margins in sales of its upgraded Polestar 2. It’s not just about pushing more cars out of the door; it’s about pushing the right kind of cars.

Polestar 4 Coupe SUV EV Car

This value-centric approach is mirrored in their yearly performance. While they’ve set a lower target for 2023—60,000-70,000 vehicles down from an initial 80,000—Polestar has already delivered approximately 41,700 cars this year, marking a 37% growth from the previous year.

To meet their revised target for the year, Polestar will have to sell anywhere between 18,300 to 28,300 units in Q4. This doesn’t appear too far-fetched, especially with the Polestar 4 slated to begin deliveries in China this quarter, expanding their single-model lineup.

Looking ahead, the automaker has ambitious plans. Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, indicated that the company is entering “an exciting new period.” With production of the Polestar 3 expected to begin in early 2024 and Polestar 4 making its debut in China, the future does look promising. Moreover, Polestar’s product portfolio through to 2026 hints at a variety of BEV models, including luxury SUVs and a 4-door GT. By adopting this approach, Polestar not only creates a distinctive place in the competitive EV market but also addresses consumer demand for quality electric vehicles. Indeed, for Polestar, less may actually be more.

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Google Pixel 9 Lineup will Have Bigger Displays than its Predecessors, Reliable Leak States

By
Anubhav
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Just days after the launch of Google’s Pixel 8 series, reliable tipster Ross Young has already shifted the spotlight onto the next big thing from the tech giant. Young recently tweeted details about the display sizes for the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series, hinting that the devices will sport larger screens compared to their predecessors.

For a bit of context, the freshly-released Google Pixel 8 comes with a 6.2-inch display, while the Pixel 8 Pro features a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen. Young’s tweet strongly suggests that Google is focusing on enlarging the display area for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and even the next Pixel Fold. The news comes from Young’s latest “Advanced Smartphone Report,” a document that has previously proven to be accurate in predicting smartphone trends.

Pixel 8 Pro

But why is Google opting for bigger displays? One possible answer is the growing demand for larger screens that facilitate a better multimedia experience. Be it streaming videos, playing games, or multitasking, a bigger screen generally makes life easier. Furthermore, Google’s competitors are also upping the ante with larger displays, so it seems logical for Google to follow suit.

This move, however, raises questions about ergonomics and ease of use. Will a larger display compromise one-handed usability? And what about the battery life? Bigger screens often consume more power, so it remains to be seen how Google will tackle this issue.

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Xiaomi India Introduces Digital Loan Scheme for ‘Affordable’ Smartphone Purchases

By
Oğuz Çakır
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Xiaomi continues to expand its product lineup. The company produces both entry-level, mid-range, and flagship smartphones, catering to a wide user base. However, it seems that this isn’t enough for the Chinese tech giant. Aiming to make their products more accessible to more people, Xiaomi has introduced a new program in India called “Xiaomi Easy Finance”. With XEF, customers can get quick and easy digital loan approvals and take advantage of various financial options. Here are the details…

Xiaomi Easy Finance: A new way to buy Xiaomi smartphones in India

Xiaomi Easy Finance or XEF is a digital loan program launched by Xiaomi India. It is designed to provide Indian consumers with flexible and affordable options for purchasing Redmi smartphones. The program is in partnership with Axio, a digital financial services provider, and Trustonic, a security expert. The XEF scheme is available at Mi Homes, Mi Studios, Mi Stores, Mi Preferred Partners, regional retail chains, and all authorized Xiaomi outlets spread across the country.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun on Easy Finans

To avail the loan, customers need to submit their KYC documents and PAN card details. The loan application process is digital and paperless, and customers can get instant loan approval. Once the loan is approved, customers can purchase any Xiaomi smartphone at no-cost EMI options. Xiaomi has said that the XEF scheme is designed to make smartphone ownership more affordable and accessible to a larger audience. The company believes that the scheme will help it to further its market reach in India.

The launch of the XEF scheme comes at a time when the Indian smartphone market is growing rapidly. According to Counterpoint Research, the Indian smartphone market grew by 10% in the first quarter of 2023. Xiaomi is the leading smartphone vendor in India with a market share of 23%. The XEF scheme is likely to boost Xiaomi’s sales in India. The scheme will make it easier for customers to purchase Xiaomi smartphones, especially those who are on a tight budget.

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Auto-pilot Anxiety: Consumer Confidence in Self-Driving Cars Declines for Second Year in a Row

By
Oğuz Çakır
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The automobile industry continues to adapt to time and advancing technology. The latest pinnacle of this development is self-driving cars. Many brands are chasing this technology, which allows for a journey without the driver’s intervention. Users have been gradually getting accustomed to the presence of self-driving cars in our lives and have been watching its progress with anticipation. However, a recent study by J.D. Power indicates that consumer confidence in fully automated, self-driving vehicles is on the decline. Here are the details…

Consumer Confidence in Self-Driving Cars Declines for Second Year in a Row

Self-driving vehicles have been a part of our lives for some time now and their popularity continues to grow. However, as their usage increases, so does the number of incidents involving them. News of accidents involving these cars frequently becomes a trending topic on the internet and social media. Naturally, this impacts societal psychology.

WeRide

A recent study by J.D. Power found that consumer confidence in fully automated, self-driving vehicles has declined for the second consecutive year. On a scale of 100, trust points went down by 2 points to 37 this year, after already dropping by 5 points last year. The report says people are not ready for self-driving cars in many ways.

They feel least comfortable riding in one or using self-driving buses and trains. Despite the decline in consumer confidence, the study also found that consumers are more open to self-driving cars if they have had experience riding in one. For example, 67% of respondents who had ridden in a robotaxi expressed confidence in the technology.

Of course, this fear won’t change anything. Autonomous-driving vehicles are already reaching more users every day, and it doesn’t seem like users’ fears will alter this trend. Admittedly, this technology isn’t perfect today, which explains why people might feel this way. However, it’s worth noting that self-driving is a relatively new technology. There’s still much room for improvement, and regardless, the future belongs to autonomous technologies.

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Samsung to expand Tizen integration, bringing AI to a broader range of home appliances

By
Soumyakanti
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During the recent Samsung Developer Conference 2023, Samsung reiterated its strong commitment to advancing smart home technology. They unveiled their plans to extend the use of the Tizen operating system to a wider range of devices, including household appliances featuring 7-inch screens.

Samsung Tizen

Home AI Edge Technology: Bridging the Computational Gap

Samsung’s Tizen is an operating system developed by Samsung Electronics, designed for various devices like smartphones, smartwatches, smart TVs, and other smart appliances. It’s worth noting that Tizen is an open-source, Linux-based platform introduced in 2012, succeeding Samsung’s earlier operating system, Bada.

Tizen already plays a crucial role in Samsung’s smart ecosystem, powering products like Smart TVs, smart monitors, and Family Hub refrigerators.

Samsung‘s ambition is to expand its footprint in the smart home market. However, one of the challenges they face is integrating AI into smaller appliances, which may have computational limitations.

To tackle this challenge, Samsung has introduced Home AI Edge technology, aimed at overcoming these computational constraints. This innovative approach allows less powerful household appliances to request AI services from devices equipped with more robust computational resources, such as stronger CPUs and NPUs. This solution effectively addresses the computational limitations issue.

This approach ensures efficient task execution and resource allocation without the need for every appliance to have powerful hardware. It signifies a new era where household devices can communicate and collaborate, enhancing performance while keeping the focus on design and affordability.

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