Xiaomi prepares Android 14-based MIUI global builds

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Aug 9, 2023

Google is expected to release Android 14 stable this month. Following that, partner OEMs will be unveiling a new version of their software based on the latest Android.

Xiaomi is no different as it is anticipated to announce MIUI 15 at the upcoming August 14 event or later. Ahead of that, the company has been already testing Android 14-based MIUI builds internally in China.

Now, global MIUI builds based on Android 14 have been spotted on the Xiaomi server. Let’s go through the details.

According to Xiaomiui, Xiaomi has prepared Android 14-based MIUI global builds for Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13 Pro, and Xiaomi 13T. Though the Android version is the latest, the software is still MIUI 14.

The company spotted these builds on the official Xiaomi server. They bear the following build numbers.

Xiaomi 13 – MIUI-V14.0.0.1.UMCMIXM
Xiaomi 13 Pro – MIUI-V14.0.0.1.UMBMIXM
Xiaomi 12T – MIUI-V14.0.0.1.ULQMIXM

The aforementioned MIUI builds should be initially available for Mi Pilot testers in the coming days. Followed by that, they will be rolled out to the general public depending on their stability. These builds will be joined by other regional builds as well.

We are looking forward to the official announcement from Xiaomi. It shouldn’t be that far.

Only then we will get to know the exact list of eligible devices for the Android 14 update and their update timeline. Hopefully, Xiaomi delivers the update faster than in previous years.

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Facebook Messenger to drop SMS support next month

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 9, 2023

Facebook Messenger is sunsetting its SMS support for Android users on September 28, 2023. The change was announced quietly on Meta’s support page on Monday. This means that if you currently use Messenger as your default SMS app, you will need to choose a new one before September 28.

Facebook drops SMS support on Messenger

Meta (then Facebook) first added SMS support to its Messenger app in 2012, but it was discontinued in 2013. In 2016, the company brought back SMS support, this time with a few key changes. Most importantly, SMS messages were displayed in purple to distinguish them from online chats, which were displayed in blue.

However, the popularity of third-party SMS apps has been declining in recent years. Users are increasingly turning to web-based IM clients like Messenger and WhatsApp, which offer a wider range of features and functionality.

Also, Messenger does not have access to modern IP-based Rich Communication Services (RCS), which Google has been focusing on in recent years. Google Messages, which is the default SMS app on most Android devices, handles both SMS and MMS messages and supports RCS.

Google is pushing RCS as a replacement for SMS and MMS, which could further accelerate the decline of third-party SMS apps. In light of these trends, it is not surprising that Meta has decided to discontinue SMS support in Messenger for Android users. The company is likely focused on developing Messenger as a more social messaging app, rather than a general-purpose texting app.

If you are an Android user who currently uses Messenger as your default SMS app, you should start planning to switch to a different app before September 28th. There are many great SMS apps available, such as Google Messages, Textra, and Pulse. You can read reviews of different apps to find one that best meets your needs.

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WhatsApp Users Get Landscape Mode And Can Now Share Their Screen On Video Calls

By

Viraj Gawde

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Aug 9, 2023

WhatsApp is reportedly working on new features. The popular instant messaging platform has introduced a new feature. It was said to be in development for months with beta testing since May this year. The new feature has been announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. It allows users to share their device’s screen during video calls for various purposes and also enhancing the experience. Read on to know more below.

WhatsApp gets screen-sharing support in video calls

WhatsApp users now have the ability to share their device’s screen on a video call. They can share documents, photos, shopping cart, or whatever that is available on the phone’s screen. The feature can be accessed by tapping on the Share icon on a WhatsApp video call. Users then get the option to choose if they want to share a specific app only or the entire screen of their device. This is pretty much similar to video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet.

Once the screen is shared, everything displayed on your screen will be recorded and shared with the recipient. You can stop sharing the screen anytime. Additionally, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform also allows video calling in landscape mode now. This offers a wider and more immersive viewing and sharing experience on smartphones. With the new feature, it seems that WhatsApp is competing against Google Meet and Zoom which dominate video conferencing in the professional domain. However, it could also work for helping out contact with tech support as it allows to share screen and guide the person.

The screen-sharing feature on WhatsApp video calling is now rolling out on Android, iOS, and WhatsApp desktop client. Since the rollout is in a phased manner, it should take some time to arrive on your devices if it hasn’t yet.

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Huawei Luxeed Spy Shots Reveal Sedan’s Unique Design and Lidar for Autonomous Driving

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Aug 9, 2023

Many of us know Huawei for its smartphones and excellent laptops like MateBook X Pro 2023, the company continues to expand its product lineup. Even though Huawei is involved in many different industries, their most noticeable investment is in the automobile industry. Not long ago, we talked about the company’s electric sports sedan called Luxeed. Now, there are leaked spy photos of this vehicle. Here are the details…

Huawei Luxeed to Feature HarmonyOS 4 and Lidar

As mentioned above, Huawei is continuing its work in the car industry. Their work focuses mainly on HarmonyOS 4. Many car makers are either using or planning to use this new operating system introduced by the company. But that’s not all Huawei plans for the electric vehicle market. It’s known that they have been working on making their own electric vehicle for some time.

Recently, Huawei’s Executive Director and CEO of Smart Car Solutions, Yu Chengdong, officially announced that the first purely electric sedan under Huawei umbrella is set to meet the public this quarter. Now, bloggers discovered spy shots of this vehicle. The Huawei Luxeed has large headlights and taillights that look similar. The taillights are smaller than the headlights, but they still stand out. This gives the car a unique look.

You can take a look at the pictures below and form your own opinion about the vehicle. While this striking design is largely thanks to Huawei, they didn’t work on it alone. The eagerly awaited electric car is a joint effort between Huawei and Chery. Sadly, we don’t know all the details, but according to official announcements, this car will be the first to have the HarmonyOS 4.

The new HarmonyOS 4 makes the car’s screen system better. You can easily connect different devices in the car. By just dragging, you can show what’s on the front screen to the back screen, so everyone in the car can see the same thing. The OS now works with more apps, making it even better. Plus, you can connect it to drone apps and watch videos from the sky on the vehicle screen.

When we look closely at the photos, we see a lidar on the top. It is believed to have Huawei’s ADS 2.0 smart driving system. Self-driving technology is very popular today. That’s why companies like Tesla and Xpeng are using their self-driving features as a marketing strategy. Huawei is expected to do something similar. Unfortunately, that’s all we know about Huawei Luxeed, but stay tuned for more.

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OnePlus Ensemble Bundle Announced In India: Is It Worth Buying Over Standalone Devices?

By

Viraj Gawde

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Aug 9, 2023

OnePlus launched the OnePlus 11 5G smartphone, Buds Pro 2 TWS earphones, and OnePlus Pad tablet earlier in February this year. All three devices are already available for purchase in India. Now, OnePlus has announced the OnePlus Ensemble, which comprises the smartphone, tablet, and TWS earphones. Not many brands offer product bundles like this. This is an interesting way for OnePlus to persuade customers to buy their devices.

However, there are benefits as well as a catch to this. Read on to know everything below.

OnePlus Ensemble bundle announced

The OnePlus Ensemble bundle includes the top-end configurations of the OnePlus 11 5G and OnePlus Pad. These are the 16GB + 256G and 12GB + 256GB RAM and storage variants respectively. The smartphone, tablet, and TWS earphones are offered in Eternal Green, Arbor Green, and Halo Green colors respectively.

The Ensemble bundle is priced at Rs. 1,13,997. It is available for purchase from the brand’s official website and six OnePlus Experience stores across the country. The company is offering up to Rs 4,000 in instant bank discounts on ICICI Bank and OneCard. This brings down the price of the bundle to Rs 1,09,997. There is also up to 24 months of no-cost EMI on leading banks.

Is the OnePlus Ensemble bundle worth it?

In comparison to buying the three devices separately, the Ensemble bundle costs slightly more. On Amazon, the OnePlus 11 5G is priced at Rs 61,999, the OnePlus Pad costs Rs 39,998, and lastly, the Buds Pro 2 are available at Rs 10,999. The prices of all three devices add up to Rs 1,12,996 which is Rs 1,000 cheaper than the bundle.

Both Amazon and OnePlus are offering a Rs 2,000 discount on the purchase of the smartphone. whereas customers are eligible for up to a Rs 3,000 discount (only on the official website) on the tablet via select bank cards. The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 can be availed with a discount of upto Rs 1,250 on Flipkart. If the prices of the three devices post discounts are considered, then they become worth Rs 1,07,897 which is significantly cheaper than the aforementioned price of the Ensembled bundle post discounts. Additionally, buyers purchasing the devices separately can also get exchange discounts on the smartphone and tablet

The main benefit of the Ensemble Bundle is that it offers up to 24 months of no-cost EMI options on leading banks. The no-cost EMI duration is lesser if the devices are brought separately through Amazon and the official website.

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Spotify rolls out its AI DJ to 50 regions

By

Sean

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Aug 9, 2023

The popular streaming service, Spotify, has started rolling out its new artificial intelligence-based DJ feature to 50 new regions across the globe. The feature was first introduced earlier this year and is seeing a broader release now.

Spotify AI DJ: What does it do?

For those unaware, the music streaming platform is bringing the new AI-powered DJ, which combines its personalization technology with generative AI and a dynamic AI voice. This basically offers users commentary in English and get recommendations based on their music preferences. In other words, the feature essentially is an interactive DJ.

As per official notes, the DJ feature will help introduce users to new songs or artists that they might have skipped previously. The new AI DJ is a feature exclusive to its Spotify Premium users. Subscribers simply need to open their app and head to the music feed on home and tap DJ. You can even access the feature from the Made for You section on the Search tab.

Which country gets Spotify DJ?

The streaming service is currently available for Premium users in Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Barbuda, Belize, Botswana, Burundi, Canada, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Tonga, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

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Teclast N15 Mini PC unveiled as a Compact Powerhouse designed for your every need

By

Joane

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Aug 9, 2023

The Teclast N15 Mini PC is a compact powerhouse that redefines computing efficiency. With its Intel Celeron Jasper Lake N50955 processor, impressive triple 4K screen support, and a limited-time offer price of $169.99, it’s the perfect partner for seamless multitasking and exceptional performance.

Unmatched processing power

Teclast N15 Mini PC features the Intel Celeron Jasper Lake N50955 processor. With clock speeds up to 2.9GHz, experience blazing-fast performance that surpasses the Intel N4120 predecessor by an impressive 61.9%. Multitask seamlessly and enjoy effortless operation.

Seamless visuals, unparalleled performance

Immerse yourself in every task with the integrated Intel UHD Graphics, running at 1.20 GHz. Whether you’re browsing the web or engaging in intensive photo editing, experience flawless execution. The Teclast N15 Mini PC handles everything with grace.

Elevate multitasking with ample RAM

Say goodbye to lag with the Teclast N15 Mini PC’s high-speed 16GB DDR4 RAM. Switch between tasks effortlessly, juggle numerous browser tabs, and swiftly open large graphics files without compromising performance.

Storage beyond limits

Keep your files and applications securely stored with the 512GB M.2 2280 SSD. Need more space? The Teclast N15 Mini PC lets you expand to an astounding 2TB through M.2 2280 NVMe SSD upgrades. Your digital world knows no bounds.

Immersive display and connectivity

Submerge yourself in visual brilliance with triple 4K screen support via HDMI, Type-C, and Display Port. Connect three displays simultaneously for optimal multitasking efficiency. Whether you’re working or relaxing, the Teclast N15 Mini PC delivers the best visual experience.

Versatile connectivity at your fingertips

Seamlessly integrate your devices with the Teclast N15 Mini PC’s comprehensive ports. From full-function Type-C and USB to Ethernet and audio jacks, this mini PC bridges the gap between your digital ecosystem and productivity.

Windows 11 Pro: The future in your hands

Experience the intuitive interface of Windows 11 Pro, preinstalled on the Teclast N15 Mini PC. Enjoy seamless compatibility with Office and Adobe software, along with support for Linux and Ubuntu. Auto Power On, RTC Wake Settings, and Wake On LAN ensure you’re always ready to roll.

Compact design, maximum cooling

Despite its power, the Teclast N15 Mini PC maintains a compact 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.6-inch form factor. Weighing just 400g, it’s your portable powerhouse. The built-in fan cooling system keeps things running smoothly, even during intense multitasking.

Price and Availability:

WHERE TO BUY

Teclast N15 Mini PC at $169.99 @Amazon

Teclast N15 Mini PC which retails for $219.99 is now available at an unbeatable offer price of $169.99 ($50 coupon available on the Amazon product page). Don’t miss this chance to elevate your computing with incredible efficiency and performance. Visit the Amazon store to seize the deal today. You can also learn more about the Teclast N15 Mini PC on the official Teclast site.

For more information on such exciting deals and offers, check out our deals hub.

Huawei Watch 4 Pro users can now play games with HarmonyOS 4 update, beta testing begins

By

Chetan

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Aug 9, 2023

After Incorporating features such as free diving support, a playground running mode, and compatibility with Huawei S-TAG exercise trackers through the HarmonyOS 3.1.0.168 update, the Huawei Watch 4 Pro will now get more fun features with the HarmonyOS 4 update.

HarmonyOS 4 will provide users with new interactable watch faces and themes, meaning the smartwatch will have more appealing animations and features on touch, improving the user experience. HarmonyOS 4 introduces many playable games that you can play on your wrist without bringing out your smartphone. One of them is a floating astronaut game, which is an endless obstacle game much like Temple Run where you have to save your character from the objects that are in the way. You can simply press Go, and the game will begin, where you have to save your character from the objects that are in the way. You can play this game without unlocking the watch at any time.

For those unaware, Huawei launched HarmonyOS 4 on August 4, 2023, which is currently in the beta testing phase. Huawei Watch 4 Pro users can apply to join the beta testing through the “My Huawei” App, available with Huawei mobile phones and tablets. One thing to note here is that the “My Huawei” App should be updated to the latest version; otherwise, beta testing will not be accessible.

Aside from the HarmonyOS 4 update, Huawei recently launched the Huawei Watch 4 Pro Ocean color option in Europe last month. The watch strap is crafted of fishing nets made of Fluoroelastomer material, much different from the original variant that had Titanium and Leather strap options. The Huawei Watch 4 Pro also offers eSIM/LTE connectivity, making it convenient for quick calling, replies, and navigation.

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Vivo Pad Air unveiled: slim design, Snapdragon 870 & large 8500mAh battery

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 9, 2023

After clearing multiple certifications, Vivo has made the Vivo Pad Air official in China. In a recent Weibo post, Vivo Vice President Jia Jingdong shared the poster of the Vivo Pad Air, revealing its design and some key specs.

Vivo Pad Air specs

As per the post made by Jia Jingdong, the vivo Pad Air offers a large 11.5-inch 2.8K screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, DCI-P3 color gamut, and a remarkable 144Hz adaptive refresh rate. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor ensures smooth performance, complemented by 8GB of RAM and a generous 128GB of storage.

Battery life is great with a big 8500mAh battery that charges up real quick with 44W fast charging. And when you want to crank up the volume, the four speakers are a treat with their super-large sound chambers and fancy Super Audio Computed sound effects. The vivo Pad Air embraces creativity with vivo Pencil2 support, enabling intuitive note-taking and drawing.

Running on OriginOS 3, a custom adaptation of Android 13 tailored for tablets, the device offers a user-friendly interface optimized for its unique features. One cool thing is that you can easily share things between the tablet, your computer, and your phone. The tablet is thin and light, making it easy to carry around. It’s not easily smudged by fingerprints, and it comes in nice colors like blue, pink, and silver.

Price & availability

As of now, Vivo hasn’t given any information about how much the Vivo Pad Air will cost or when it will be available. But we’re hoping to get those details very soon.

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Vivo V29 5G India launch imminent, surfaces on BIS

By

Sean

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Aug 9, 2023

The Vivo V29 Pro 5G was recently spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification platform, which hinted at its imminent launch. Now, the series base model, V29 5G, has also surfaced on the platform. So we can expect the upcoming V-series lineup to launch in the region soon.

Vivo V29 5G Specs

Looking at the certification listing, the new mid-range smartphone carries the model number V2250. The BIS certification does not reveal any finer details regarding the handset, but the V29 5G was recently released in the European market. The global variant of the device sports a tall 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+.

Under the hood, it is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC that is paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The rear packs a 50-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front houses a 50-megapixel selfie shooter with LED flash. A 4,600mAh battery pack powers this device, with 80W fast charging support. Vivo V29 5G runs on Android 13 OS based FunTouchOS 13 custom skin out of the box.

Other notable features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers with Hi-Res audio support, a 7.46mm thin body, IP68 water and dust resistance, and Bluetooth 5.2. With this latest sighting, it is clear that the V29 series launch in India is just around the corner. So stay tuned for more updates.

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Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 Design Officially Teased Ahead Of Launch

By

Viraj Gawde

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Aug 9, 2023

Earlier today, Xiaomi announced the launch date of the MIX Fold 3 in China. It is set to debut in the country on August 14 along with a host of other products. Ahead of the launch next week, the brand has shared a bunch of images of the upcoming foldable phone on microblogging platform Weibo. They give us a good look at the device from all angles. The MIX Fold 3 will arrive as the successor to the last year’s MIX Fold 2 (review).

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 design teased in official images

The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 has a slim profile with power and volume rocker buttons located on the right edge. The former doubles up as a fingerprint scanner. There are speaker grilles at the top and bottom of the device. A USB-C port is also located at the bottom.

The MIX Fold 3 sports a glossy rectangular module on the back panel. It houses three camera sensors and a periscope lens with an LED flash unit. There is Leica branding that confirms the legendary camera maker’s presence of the device. The island also has text revealing a VARIO SUMMICRON lens with f/1.8 to f/2.9 aperture that could be for some sensors.

The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 is confirmed to come in Black color with a leather texture and a Gold option with a glass panel on the back. We could spot a center-aligned punch-hole cutout on the main display whereas the interior screen has the cutout on the top left side of the screen.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun revealed that the company started the development of the Fold 3 from scratch and reconstruct from the original point. With continuous efforts, Xiaomi engineers have found the optimal solution of current technology and craftsmanship when it comes to the hinge. The Fold 3 is touted to be both light and thin creating a new standard for a folding screen.

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Hearmo’s latest smartwatch is an Apple Watch lookalike with a 2″ display

By

Sean

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Aug 9, 2023

Hearmo has just unveiled a new budget smartwatch in India, which features a design that is awfully similar to the Apple Watch. The wearable in question is the HearFit RS (SE). The wearable arrives weeks after the company unveiled the new HearPods Pro 2 ANC, so here are all the details.

Hearmo HearFit RS (SE) Specs

The company’s smartwatch features a tall 2-inch Full View display that has a 420 x 485 resolution, thin bezels, and 700 nits of peak brightness. It features a metallic build with a rectangular screen, which closely resembles the Apple Watch. The device comes with support for over 100 sports and fitness modes along with various health-related trackers like sleep monitoring, heart rate mapping, blood oxygen tracking, and more.

The HearFit RS (SE) can be customized with different Watch Faces and supports Bluetooth Calling as well. Other notable features include an IP68 rating for water and dust protection, a 320 PPI screen, and a premium build quality. The smartwatch will be available in two color variants as well, namely Black and Army Green. Notably, the device is a cheaper version of the existing Hearmo HearFit RS smartwatch.

Hearmo HearFit RS (SE) Pricing & Offers

The Hearmo HearFit RS (SE) has an official price tag of 7,999 INR. Although, the brand is offering the model with a special introductory price tag of 1,999 INR. It is being sold through offline retailers as well as Amazon and the company’s official website.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra may sport a 50MP 3x camera

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Aug 9, 2023

We have been hearing about the Galaxy S24 Ultra even before the release of the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Several details about Samsung’s next-gen flagship slab smartphone have leaked in the past few months and they keep happening.

Earlier today, a reliable tipster shared exclusive information regarding the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This is the first time we are hearing about this.

As per the source, the device will sport a new zoom camera. Let’s go through the details.

Ice Universe is a Chinese internet personality known for his Samsung-related posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Weibo. Today, he shared something interesting about the successor of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

As per him, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will feature a 50MP 3x telephoto camera. For the unaware, the current-gen model has a 10MP sensor.

Previously, Samsung was rumored to replace the 3x lens with a 5x one. But according to the latest information, the current 3x lens will be retained with a sensor upgrade. The higher megapixel sensor could result in better zoom shots in the 3x-9x levels.

Going by the previous reports, the 200MP ISOCELL HP2 primary sensor will be retained from the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Even the 12MP selfie camera will make a comeback. But there are no concrete details on other cameras.

As far as other features are concerned, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is expected to arrive with a titanium frame, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400 chipsets, and a 5,000mAh battery.

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ChatGPT’s programming answers wrong over 50% of the time, study finds

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 9, 2023

A recent study conducted by Purdue University in the United States has shed light on a concerning issue related to the accuracy of ChatGPT’s responses to programming questions. The study’s findings indicated that more than half of ChatGPT’s answers were incorrect, and its advanced language abilities managed to mislead a significant portion of the participants.

Why Relying on ChatGPT May Be Counterproductive

The research team examined 517 programming questions sourced from Stack Overflow and assessed various aspects of ChatGPT’s responses, including correctness, consistency, comprehensiveness, and conciseness. The outcomes of the evaluation were disappointing, as it was revealed that 52% of the provided answers were inaccurate, and a substantial 77% were unnecessarily lengthy. What raised even more concern was the observation that the AI’s eloquent and methodical language style often led the participants astray. Only in cases where the errors were glaringly obvious were the participants able to identify the inaccuracies.

In spite of the incorrect responses, nearly 40% of the participants preferred ChatGPT’s answers. However, a significant 77% of those favored responses turned out to be incorrect. The researchers, including individuals like Samia Kabir, David Udo-Imeh, Bonan Kou, and Assistant Professor Tianyi Zhang, clarified that many errors stemmed from ChatGPT’s inability to grasp the contextual nuances of the questions.

These findings present a compelling argument that current generative AI, in its existing state, may not be a suitable tool for assisting with code generation and might even have counterproductive effects. Acknowledging this reality, various tech giants such as Google, Apple, Amazon, and Samsung have issued warnings or imposed bans on the utilization of generative AI for code suggestions.

According to reports, OpenAI is working on its next GPT iteration GPT-5 which is expected to solve these errors. Expectations include reduced hallucinations, improved multi-modality with text, images, videos, and audio, enhanced computational efficiency, memory, and contextual understanding. GPT-5 could enable more detailed interactions, expand into new domains, and offer a higher number of parameters for more powerful AI content generation.

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Alleged images of iPhone 15 USB-C Connector Parts Leaks Online

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 9, 2023

There have been rumors for some time that the iPhone 15 lineup will ditch the Lightning port in favor of USB-C. They were further fueled by the recent leak of alleged images of iPhone 15 USB-C connector ports. This is yet another indication that Apple is getting ready to switch from Lightning to USB-C, which is the common charging port for most other smartphones.

iPhone 15 with USB-C port

Leakers @lipilipsi and @John011235 have shared the alleged image of the iPhone 15-series USB-C port. The images show the Type-C port attached to flexible PCB components for the standard iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max. These images suggest that all 2023 iPhone 15 models will feature USB-C ports, a change that has been rumored for some time.

Reliable leakster such as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have consistently said that Apple will make this switch with their upcoming iPhone.

For those unaware, Apple is expected to make the shift from the Lightning port to the USB-C port to comply with the European Union’s ruling to set a standard port across the industry.

Different USB-C ports on Pro and Non-Pro models?

Even though iPhones will soon ditch the infamous Lighting port, Apple may restrict the cables that can be used with the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 lineup, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo believes that only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will have USB 3.2 ports. While the base iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will have USB 2.0 ports. This would mean that the higher-end models would support faster data transfer speeds. And the lower-end models would be limited to slower speeds.

iPhone 15 with USB-C Port — Image: 9to5Mac

Additionally, there have been rumors that the iPhone 15 models will only officially support USB-C accessories that have received approval from Apple’s Made for iPhone (MFi) program. This means cables and chargers that are not MFi certified may not work with the iPhone 15. We will know about all these at Apple’s annual iPhone event, which is expected to take place in September 2023.

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Qualcomm to offer 8, 10, and 12 core CPUs for its Apple M series competitor

By

Anurag

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Aug 9, 2023

Qualcomm has been rumored to be working on new Oryon-based chipsets for Windows devices since late last year. The company even teased the name of the chipset codenamed, “Hamoa,” at its Snapdragon Technology Summit 2022. It was previously thought that Hamoa would only have a 12-core CPU, but a new report claims that there will be other variants with 8 and 10 cores as well.

The new chipsets might launch later this year

According to Winfuture, Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon “Hamoa” chip will not only be available in a 12-core version. The company has also been developing two other variations with 10 and 8 cores, known internally as SC8370, SC8370XP, SC8350, and SC8350X. The main difference between the versions is the number of cores.

The report indicates that in the SC8370 and SC8350 variants, Qualcomm might scale down the count of high-end cores. This could potentially lead to an integration of around six or four high-performance cores, while keeping the energy-efficient cores at four, as before.

The pair of 12-core versions should carry the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 4 label for their marketing. And as pointed out by GSMArena, the remaining two variations are likely to find their place in the lower series such as Snapdragon 8c and 7c.

Qualcomm announced that Oryon-based chipsets will be used in Windows-based ARM PCs. The launch date is still unknown, but mark your calendars for October 24th, when Qualcomm will host their Snapdragon summit. The company will introduce the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile processor at the event, and there’s a chance that the Snapdragon “Hamoa” will also be revealed. Stay tuned for more updates!

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Samsung to reveal more details on ‘Semicon Humanoid Robots’ at Samsung Tech Day 2023

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 9, 2023

Samsung Electronics is gearing up to introduce its new vision for system semiconductors at Samsung Tech Day 2023 in October. The company plans to develop and produce “Semicon Humanoids” which are robots with human-like sensory functions such as smelling and tasting. This is an amazing feat, as it will allow robots to interact with the world in a more natural way.

Samsung Semicon Humanoids will Feature Special Semiconductors

Samsung Tech Day is an annual event that showcases the company’s latest advancements in semiconductor technologies. And this year, it sure does have something very interesting to share.

Samsung’s Park Yong-in, President of the LSI Business Division, will give a keynote address at the event. He is expected to discuss Samsung’s Semicon humanoids, their development status, and their commercialization plans.

Samsung has long been a leader in the semiconductor industry, manufacturing chipsets, and camera sensors. And it is said to be developing semiconductors that can detect taste, smell, hearing, touch, and vision for their Semicon humanoids.

To explore the potential applications of the robot, the System LSI Division has established a new business task force. The task force is led by Joo Hyuk and he is expected to introduce a medical robot utilizing semicon humanoids at Samsung Tech Day.

In addition to Park Yong-in and Joo Hyuk, Samsung Tech Day 2023 will also feature presentations from Benny Katibian, Vice President of the Samsung Austin Research and Development Center (SARC), and Lim Seok-hwan, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ LSI Division.

Katibian will provide updates on Samsung’s GPU and neural network processing unit (NPU) technologies. Lim will present language learning model (LLM) related technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT. AMD Vice President Martin Ashton will also participate in the event. He is expected to provide an update on their technological alliance with Samsung Electronics.

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JBL Bar 1300 Soundbar Unveiled in India

By

Sean

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Aug 9, 2023

JBL has officially announced a new soundbar for the Indian market. The new Bar 1300 is the company’s latest audio product, which was recently teased in the region. So here are all the details regarding the new soundbar.

JBL Bar 1300 Specs and Features

The Bar 1300 is the company’s new premium soundbar, which features six drivers and 11.1.4 Channel. Alongside the new soundbar, buyers also get a detachable speaker wireless surround speakers (can be used as standalone speakers), and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer. The total output of the new speakers is 1,170W, which supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound as well.

Specifications aside, the new soundbar arrives with some nifty features. This includes JBL’s MultiBear technology, which helps offer an immersive experience. Similarly, it offers PureVoice technology that brings a clearer voice when sound effects are loud. Apart from all this, the Bar 1300 features Dolby Atmos support and supports voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa. For connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.0, and JBL One app support for EQ customization.

JBL Bar 1300 Price

The JBL Bar 1300 soundbar has been announced in India for a special introductory price tag of 1,49,999 INR. It has a 1,59,999 INR MRP. Buyers can purchase this soundbar from the company’s official website. Keep in mind that it arrives in a single black color option.

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OnePlus Ace 2 Pro to be equipped with ‘Rainwater Touch Control’ tech; teased in a video

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Aug 9, 2023

OnePlus is gearing up to launch the Ace 2 Pro smartphone in China on August 16. The company has already released a promotional video that reveals the phone’s design, and rumors have been circulating about its specifications. Recently, Li Jie, the President of OnePlus China, shared a video on his Weibo account that demonstrates the Ace 2 Pro new “Rainwater Touch Control” feature.

OnePlus Ace 2 Pro’s Screen gets a Custom Chip

Have you ever had your phone not respond to your touch inputs because it was raining or your hands were sweaty? OnePlus’ new self-developed “Rainwater Touch Control” technology claims to solve exactly this problem.

In the shared video, the upcoming OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is compared to the Apple iPhone 14 Pro. The video shows both phones being exposed to rain, with water droplets on their screens. When the user tries to unlock the iPhone 14 Pro, the touch input is not registered properly and the phone takes several tries to unlock. On the other hand, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro unlocks on the first try with no problems.

This suggests that OnePlus’ Rainwater Touch Control technology is really effective in wet conditions. This could be a major advantage for OnePlus, as it will allow users to use their phones more easily in wet weather.

The test also simulated a foggy environment. And as expected, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro was easy to use in the fog. However, the iPhone 14 Pro was still not smooth enough for precise controls.

OnePlus says a custom screen chip and three new core touch algorithms were developed specifically for this technology. These algorithms overcome the challenges of touch input in wet conditions. This allows the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro to achieve an industry-leading wet-hand touch experience.

OnePlus has also teased the display details of the Ace 2 Pro. The phone will have a 6.74-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 2772 x 1240 pixel resolution, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1600 nits. The panel has also been certified for HDR10+ playback, and the display bezels are just 2.17mm thin. The camera will reportedly have a triple setup with a primary Sony IMX890 sensor, an 8MP secondary sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE WiFi-only model gets FCC certified,

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 9, 2023

After launching the Galaxy Tab S9 series in the global market, Samsung is now working on the Galaxy Tab S9 Fan Edition tablets. The Tab S9 FE global model was spotted on FCC a few days back, and now, the WiFi-only model of the tablet has also cleared the certification.

Spotted by MySmartPrice, the Tab S9 FE WiFi variant has emerged on FCC with model number SM-X510. The certification reveals the single rear camera design of the tablet via schematics. Further, the EP-TA800 charger being tested with the tablet suggests that the Tab S9 FE could have 25W fast charging onboard. No other details have been revealed by the certification, so let’s look at what’s known so far.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE specs (rumored)

In our earlier coverage, we discussed the potential inclusion of a 10.9-inch LCD panel in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE. Additionally, the tablet is said to feature an Exynos 1380 SoC, as revealed by a recent Geekbench listing. A dual-speaker setup, a maximum of 8GB RAM, and storage options reaching up to 128 GB are also expected to be onboard. Speculation has also arisen, indicating that the tablet might be priced at approximately Rs 63,000 for the Indian market.

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