HTC U23 Taiwan launch set for July 25, Here’s the complete spec sheet

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Jul 20, 2023

Specialty e-bikes are experiencing a surge in popularity due to their emphasis on real-world usability and versatility, catering to specific riding needs such as sporty road riding, hard excursions, and urban commuting. With advancing technology and innovative designs, these e-bikes offer unique features and performance, attracting a growing number of cycling enthusiasts seeking tailored experiences. One standout contender in this domain is the Volta, crafted by the renowned Italian bike specialist, Basso.

The bike weighs merely 15.2 kg, thanks to the carbon frame

Known for their handcrafted bikes, Basso’s latest creation aims to be a true all-rounder, catering to sporty road riding, adventurous gravel excursions, and even urban commuting. At the heart of the Volta’s appeal lies its engineering brilliance, striking a perfect balance between lightweight construction and sturdiness. The frame and fork are meticulously crafted from featherlight carbon, resulting in a mere 15.2 kilograms of total weight. Moreover, the generous tire clearance allows the Volta to conquer a wide range of terrains with ease, accommodating up to 45mm tires.

The Basso Volta is designed with real-world practicality in mind. The frame comes equipped with mounts for mudguards, luggage racks, and a dynamo hub capable of powering essential accessories such as lights or electronic devices while on the move. For added comfort, Basso introduces the 3B Clamp System, minimizing vibrations and guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable ride, even on uneven surfaces.

The Volta’s performance is equally impressive, housing a powerful 500-watt-hour battery, discreetly integrated into the downtube, providing a claimed range of 200 kilometers (125 miles) on a single charge. For those desiring an extended range, Basso offers compatibility with a 250-watt-hour range extender. The heart of this Italian e-bike is the Polini EP3+ motor, delivering an impressive 75 Newton-meters of torque and 250 watts of assistance.

Keeping riders well-informed is a 2.5-inch TFT display mounted on the handlebar, providing crucial ride data such as pedalling power, cadence, motor assistance levels, and remaining battery range. To further enhance the riding experience, Basso offers a proprietary smartphone app that grants users access to additional customizable features.

The Basso Volta is available in two configurations, both equipped with SRAM equipment. The more basic version features the SRAM Apex drivetrain with a 1×11 configuration and is priced at 5,999 Euros. Meanwhile, the top-tier model, equipped with the SRAM Rival 2×12 AXS drivetrain, is available for 6,599 Euros.

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The All-New Mini Cooper looks like a Reimagined Modern Icon

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Jul 20, 2023

Mini’s latest revelation of the highly-anticipated new Cooper model has sparked excitement among automotive enthusiasts worldwide. A perfect blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology, the new Cooper captivates with its reimagined cabin and exterior. The car has been an icon for a long time now, and the new launch is quite reminiscent of the iconic design.

The Cooper E features an electric motor with 181 horsepower and a 40.7-kWh battery

Inside the cabin, modern minimalism takes center stage. The dashboard boasts a radical redesign with no traditional instruments behind the steering wheel. Instead, a futuristic head-up display provides crucial information while the central round screen takes care of speedometer and infotainment duties. Just below, an elegant oval-shaped panel houses physical controls, blending classic tactile feedback with contemporary aesthetics.

The redesigned steering wheel features prominent multi-function buttons and enhanced grips at the 2- and 10-o’clock positions, promising a comfortable yet dynamic driving experience. The attention to detail is evident in the luxurious fabric covering the dashboard. A graceful gray gradient pattern graces the driver’s side, seamlessly transitioning to a timeless houndstooth pattern on the passenger end. The addition of narrow HVAC vents ensures a clean and uncluttered look.

On start-up, the Mini Cooper treats occupants to a display of ambient lighting, illuminating the lower dashboard. The brand emblem takes center stage on the screen, followed by an animated sequence of swirling teal and yellow balls that marks the launch of the infotainment system.

The new Cooper strikes a perfect balance between classic and contemporary. The front showcases a wide octagonal element with a trapezoidal grille, exuding confidence. LED headlights and two horizontal bars add modern flair while preserving the iconic Mini identity. The profile pays homage to the brand’s revival in the early 2000s, with subtle enhancements like a steeper windshield rake and shorter front and rear overhangs, lending a more athletic appearance. At the rear, signature stacked triangle-shaped taillights on each side maintain the Cooper’s distinctive design language. A sleek bar across the hatch proudly displays the model’s name, leaving a lasting impression.

The new Mini Cooper offers an exciting range of powertrains, catering to both electric and combustion engine fans. The Cooper E features an electric motor with 181 horsepower and a 40.7-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering an estimated 186-mile range in the WLTP test cycle. Meanwhile, the Cooper SE packs a punch with a 215-hp motor and a 54.2-kWh battery, providing an impressive 249-mile range in European evaluations.

While Mini is yet to announce the official debut date, the unveiled interior, exterior, and powertrain details have undoubtedly set the automotive world abuzz with anticipation. Stay tuned for more news regarding the electric vehicle!

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Tesla’s Game-Changing Move: Licensing Full Self-Driving System and More

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Jul 20, 2023

Tesla‘s software is a major reason why the automotive manufacturer sells so many cars across the world. It integrates seamlessly with the vehicle, and offers a ton of customization and features that get updated from time to time. However, in a surprising revelation during Tesla’s Q2 2023 investor call, CEO Elon Musk dropped a bombshell announcement. Tesla plans to revolutionize the automotive industry by licensing its highly coveted Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to other automakers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). “We are very open to licensing our FSD software and hardware to other car companies,” Musk stated, adding that discussions with a major OEM were already underway.

Musk also emphasized Tesla’s commitment to AI with Research & Development

To further delight Tesla owners, the company introduced a limited-time offer called the “one-time amnesty.” Throughout Q3, current Tesla vehicle owners can transfer their existing Full Self-Driving subscription to a newly purchased Tesla, creating an exciting incentive for potential customers.

In Q2, Tesla continued to dominate the US EV market, smashing its internal record with 479,700 vehicles manufactured and 466,140 delivered, marking an impressive 87 percent year-on-year growth. The Model Y made headlines by becoming the best-selling vehicle overall, surpassing traditional favorites like the Corolla.

Adding to the momentum, Tesla’s first production Cybertruck rolled off the assembly line. While initial images only teased its features, Musk assured enthusiasts that the Cybertruck line was progressing through the tooling phase, with steady production set to begin next year. The Cybertruck’s unique design, offering four doors and over six feet of bed space while fitting into a standard 20-foot garage, adds an exciting edge to the pickup truck market.

In another significant stride, Tesla decided to open its once-proprietary charging port design to the entire industry. Several prominent automakers, including Mercedes, Volvo, Rivian, Ford, and GM, will adopt Tesla’s charging port design for their North American models, starting from the 2024 model year. Texas even mandated that state-funded EV charging stations accommodate this standard. Tesla’s charging network expanded by one-third over the previous year, boasting 48,082 chargers across 5,265 stations worldwide, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the EV ecosystem.

Despite facing some scandals, Tesla remains steadfast in pushing technological boundaries. Musk highlighted their commitment to AI development, introducing Dojo training computers to aid Autopilot developers in future designs and features. Challenges in finding suitable sources for the Optimus robot’s actuators didn’t deter Tesla, as they are diligently designing their own parts, anticipating significant progress by next year.

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Realme C53’s Incredible Early Bird Sale Prompts Another Special Sale on July 24

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Sudhanshu

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Jul 20, 2023

The Realme C53, a budget-friendly smartphone, created a buzz in India as it made its debut yesterday. One of its standout features is an impressive 108MP primary camera, a remarkable offering at a starting price of ₹9,999. This marks the first time a brand has provided such a high-resolution camera at such an affordable price, leading to increased excitement and anticipation surrounding the device.

After the early bird sale, which started around 6 PM yesterday, the brand proudly shared on Twitter that the Realme C53 smartphone surpassed all expectations, selling an astonishing 20 units per second. Impressed by this success, the brand has now decided to hold another special sale on July 24, preceding the open sale scheduled for July 26.

Realme C53 specs

The Realme C53 features a 6.74-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+) and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The display includes a dewdrop notch, offering a 90.3% screen-to-body ratio and supporting up to a 180Hz touch sampling rate with a peak brightness level of 560 nits.

Under the hood, the Realme C53 is powered by a Unisoc T612 chip and runs on Realme UI T Edition based on Android 13. This chipset is paired with LPDDR4x RAM and eMMC 5.1 storage. For photography and videography, the device boasts an impressive 108MP primary camera, paired with a monochrome sensor and an 8MP selfie camera.

On the connectivity front, the phone supports dual SIM, 4G, dual-band WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.0. It also offers convenient features such as a MicroSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C port for versatile usage. Powering the device is a substantial 5,000mAh battery, though the charging speed is limited to 18W, in contrast to the 33W charging capability seen in the other variant.

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Apple’s Contender to ChatGPT Joins the Race with “Ajax” AI Chatbot

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Jul 20, 2023

It is hard to believe that chatbots are causing so much mayhem in the tech industry, and Apple – a trillion-dollar global tech giant is staying away from this battle. To be fair, it was only a matter of time before Apple did something, and the company has now broken its silence with the introduction of its own AI chatbot, internally named “AppleGPT” but actually called Ajax, a large language model (LLM) built using Google’s JAX framework. With multiple teams working on the project, including a dedicated group to address privacy concerns, Apple seems like it has a game plan to make it work.

The AI chatbot has been internally named AppleGPT, but will be referred to as Ajax

Despite the exciting news, Apple’s specific plans for the chatbot remain shrouded in mystery. There are no confirmed use case scenarios, launch dates, or platforms for Ajax. An unnamed source has hinted that Apple might make an official announcement with more details next year, and there’s hope that the upcoming annual earnings call might shed some light on the matter.

Apple’s interest in generative AI has been evident. Tim Cook, the company’s CEO, previously mentioned that generative AI was something they were “looking at closely.” Spearheading the Ajax project are John Giannandrea and Craig Federighi, with Giannandrea’s expertise in overseeing Siri and machine learning capabilities potentially leading to significant improvements for the digital assistant.

The generative AI landscape has experienced remarkable growth, with several big tech companies introducing their AI chatbots. Just recently, Meta and Microsoft unveiled Llama 2, an AI chatbot tailored for commercial use. The competition is fierce as companies vie for dominance in this burgeoning field.

As Apple enters the chatbot race, the industry and consumers are eagerly anticipating updates and clarifications from the tech giant. In the coming months, more information will undoubtedly emerge, revealing Apple’s strategy to revolutionize its AI services and compete in the fast-paced AI wars.

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Netflix’s Anti-Password Sharing Strategy Leads to 6 Million New Subscribers

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Jul 20, 2023

It seems that Netflix‘s recent actions are not fruitless, as the company reports a surge in subscribers during the second quarter of 2023. The streaming giant added nearly 6 million paying subscribers, an impressive 8 percent increase, validating the effectiveness of its push to stop users from sharing accounts beyond their households. For context, Netflix banned account sharing between people to boost its own revenue.

This new feature has now been implemented in over 100 countries

Contrary to concerns at the time of this decision’s execution, the crackdown on password sharing has not resulted in mass cancellations. Instead, it has inspired more people to sign up for their own accounts. According to the company’s letter to shareholders, there has been a healthy conversion of borrowers into full-paying Netflix members, along with an uptake of the new “extra member” feature.

In addition to restricting account sharing, Netflix has introduced a “paid sharing” option, allowing subscribers to pay $8 per month to add an “extra member” to their account. This feature is now available in over 100 countries, showcasing Netflix’s commitment to enhancing user experience globally. The company has also streamlined its subscription plans, recently discontinuing its $10 “basic” plan in the United States and the UK after its removal in Canada.

Looking ahead, Netflix plans to extend its password-sharing restrictions to the remaining countries where they are not yet enforced, such as India, Indonesia, Kenya, and Croatia. Instead of offering the “extra member” option in these regions, users will be able to transfer their profiles to fresh accounts.

During the company’s live-streamed interview discussing its results, co-CEO Ted Sarandos addressed the ongoing strikes among Hollywood’s actors and writers. He stated that Netflix is committed to finding an equitable solution, even though they have lowered their cash expenditure estimates by $1.5 billion due to the impact of the strikes.

The introduction of “paid sharing” and the streamlining of subscription plans have further strengthened the company’s position as the leading global streaming platform. With ongoing measures to restrict password sharing in additional countries, Netflix continues to adapt to industry challenges while maintaining its focus on delivering exceptional content and user experience.

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Google Weather App gets a UI Overhaul for the Sake of Larger Pixel Devices

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Jul 20, 2023

Google has a plethora of services, so its only right that they require a huge number of updates. The company just launched an updated Weather interface, catering to users of its large-screened Pixel devices, such as the Pixel Tablet and the Pixel Fold. While Pixel phones are yet to receive the new interface, it boasts several exciting features and enhancements.

Apart from Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold, other devices may have to wait to receive the update

The redesign includes a larger, bolder current temperature reading and a transparent system navigation bar, providing users with a clearer weather overview. However, the real improvement lies in the accuracy of short-term weather forecasts. According to Android Police, the new Weather interface sources data from the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system. MRMS utilizes multiple radars and sophisticated algorithms to improve hazardous weather forecasts and warnings. This results in more reliable updates, even for rapidly changing weather conditions.

Additionally, Google employs the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) atmospheric model, updating every 15 minutes, to further enhance forecast accuracy. Both MRMS and HRRR are components of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), showcasing Google’s commitment to advanced weather forecasting technologies.

The enhanced accuracy of weather forecasts proves invaluable for Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold users, allowing better planning and preparation for sudden weather changes. The new Weather interface promptly displays the latest forecasts, enabling users to adapt their plans accordingly.

For Pixel phone users, the wait for the updated interface continues. Currently, accessing the Google Weather interface on Pixel phones involves opening the Google app, swiping the carousel underneath the search bar, and tapping on the local weather and temperature. Adding the weather icon to the homescreen offers quick access to the latest forecast.

While the new Weather interface is already accessible on Android 13 for the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, its availability for Pixel handsets is not dependent on the Android 14 update. Google’s dedication to refining and expanding features promises a seamless weather experience for Pixel users once the update arrives.

The new stylish, intuitive design and promise of reliable forecasts sure sounds enticing. Let’s see how users receive the new update when it comes out.

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OnePlus Ace 2 Pro spotted with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB RAM on Geekbench

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Jul 20, 2023

Multiple reports have claimed that OnePlus will announce the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro flagship phone in August in China. Some reports have claimed that the device will be equipped with the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which operates at 3.36GHz, whereas some other sources have claimed that it will have the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The device has now appeared on Geekbench (via. TechGoing) to reveal the exact chip that powers the Ace 2 Pro.

OnePlus Ace 2 Pro Geekbench listing

The Ace 2 Pro has appeared with model number PJA110 on Geekbench 6. It recorded a score of 1574 in the single-core test and 5071 in the multi-core test. The listing confirms that the device is powered by the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which tops at 3.19GHz.

The listing further reveals that the device is equipped with 16 GB of RAM and runs on Android 13. Like other OnePlus phones in China, the Android OS on the device will have a layer of ColorOS 13.1 on top.

OnePlus Ace 2 Pro specifications (rumored)

According to reports, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is rumored to come with a 6.74-inch curved-edged OLED display with a high 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. For security, it will have an under-display fingerprint scanner.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered device’s topmost variant is expected to offer 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The phone is said to be equipped with a sizable 5,000mAh battery that supports 150W charging.

On the camera front, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will feature a 16-megapixel selfie camera. The back panel of the device is expected to feature a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS support, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 2-megapixel macro snapper.

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Vivo Y27 (4G) launched with Helio G85, 50MP dual cameras, 44W charging

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Jul 20, 2023

Recently, the Vivo Y27 5G appeared on Vivo’s global website, but the company has not officially disclosed its price and availability yet. However, in Malaysia, the Vivo Y27 (4G) has been officially launched. Let’s take a closer look at the specifications, features, and price of this device.

Vivo Y27 (4G) specifications and features

Vivo Y27 4G Sea Blue — Vivo Y27 4G Burgundy Black

The Vivo Y27 (4G) has a 6.64-inch IPS LCD panel with a teardrop notch. It offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2388 x 1080 pixels and 600 nits of brightness. The device has an 8-megapixel camera on the front. Its rear camera setup includes a 50-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel auxiliary camera, and an LED flash.

The Y27 (4G) features the Helio G85 chipset and 6 GB of RAM. The device offers up to 6 GB of virtual RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. There is a dedicated microSD card slot onboard for more storage. It has a 5,000mAh battery with 44W rapid charging. The company claims that the device can go from 0 to 29 percent battery power in just 15 minutes.

The Y27 (4G) comes preloaded with the FunTouch OS 13-based Android 13. It packs other features, such as dual SIM, 4G VoLTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, a USB-C port, a 3.5mm audio jack, a side-facing fingerprint scanner, and an IP54-rated chassis.

Vivo Y27 (4G) price and availability

The Vivo Y27 (4G) has arrived in Malaysia with a price tag of MYR 699 (~$153). It can be purchased in two shades: Burgundy Black and Sea Blue. The Y27 (4G) is expected to launch in India today.

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Poco M6 Pro 5G seemingly certified by India’s BIS, launch imminent

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Jul 20, 2023

Poco M6 Pro 5G could be the next Poco smartphone for the Indian market. A recent tweet of Poco India Country Head, Himanshu Tandon, revealed that the brand will start launching ‘6’ series phones. Since the alleged Poco M6 Pro 5G has been certified by India’s BIS authority, it could be the first ‘6’ series Poco phone waiting to go official.

The BIS certification platform has approved a Poco device with model number 23076PC4BI, as seen in the below-shown screengrab. As per reports, the device will be called the Poco M6 Pro 5G when it arrives in India. At present, there is no information on the existence of the global variant of the device.

The 23076RN4BI model number listed in the BIS database is said to be the Redmi 12 5G. Reports have revealed that it will also be released in other markets. It seems that the Poco M6 Pro 5G / Redmi 12 5G will be rebranded versions of the Redmi Note 12R, which debuted last month in China. Being a Poco device, the M6 Pro 5G is likely to flaunt a different rear design as compared to the Redmi 12 5G. Here is a look at the specifications of the Redmi Note 12R.

Redmi Note 12R specifications

The Redmi Note 12R is anticipated to feature a 6.79-inch IPS LCD display that produces a Full HD+ resolution of 2,460 x 1,080 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. It comes preinstalled with Android 13 and MIUI 14. For photography, the phone features a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, while on the back it has a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel macro snapper, and an LED flash.

The Redmi Note 12R is the world’s first phone to be powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. It ships with up to 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of internal storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging. Depending on the variant, The Note 12 also features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

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OnePlus 12 5G global launch will be in January, claims reliable source

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Jul 20, 2023

OnePlus is expected to announce the OnePlus 12 in December this year in China. Ahead of the expected launch, the rumor mill has already leaked the design and full specifications of the OP12. OnePlus unveiled the OnePlus 11 5G in February in the global market, including India. Hence, it is being speculated that the OnePlus 12 will also debut around February 2024 in the global market. However, a tweet by reliable tipster Max Jambor reveals that the OP12 will debut earlier than expected in the global market.

OnePlus 12 5G global launch in January

No worries folks! Global launch will take place in January ✅ and not in February as some people are reporting 😉 https://t.co/wNpMHW1aFe
— Max Jambor (@MaxJmb) July 18, 2023

Max Jambor, who is known for accurate OnePlus leaks, claimed that the global launch of the OnePlus 12 is scheduled for January. Notably, the OnePlus 12 is expected to be unveiled simultaneously for all markets outside of China, which includes India.

OnePlus 12 specifications (rumored)

OnePlus 12 CAD renders 2 — OnePlus 12 CAD renders

According to recent reports, the OnePlus 12 will flaunt a 6.7-inch curved-edge AMOLED display with a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, enhanced by LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates. On the front, there will be a 32-megapixel selfie camera. The OnePlus 12’s rear camera setup will consist of a 50-megapixel Sony IMX9-series main sensor with OIS, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and an OIS-enabled 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B unit with 3x optical zoom.

Under the hood, the device is likely to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, set to be unveiled at the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit 2023 event in October. It is anticipated to offer up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage.

On the software side, the OP12 is expected to ship with Android 14 OS with a layer of OxygenOS 14 on top. It is rumored to come with a 5,400mAh battery with 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

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Google Meet is testing AI-generated backgrounds for video calls

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 19, 2023

Google is swiftly integrating AI in almost all of its products to provide a seamless experience to users. According to 9to5google, Google is conducting tests on a feature for Google Meet that utilizes artificial intelligence to generate customizable video backgrounds. This feature aims to enhance the virtual meeting experience by adding a level of personalization and creativity to video calls. Currently available to participants of Google’s Workspace Labs, this feature allows users to describe their desired backdrop, and the AI will generate dynamic images based on their descriptions.

Personalize Your Google Meet Experience with AI-Created Backgrounds

The feature was first spotted by Artem Russakovskii on Twitter. Users can transform their virtual space with AI-created backgrounds of various settings, such as luxurious interiors or magical forest glades. By offering personalized environments that match individual preferences, this feature enhances the visual appeal of virtual meetings and makes the experience more engaging.

To achieve the best results, Google recommends including details about style, mood, setting, and objects in the environment when describing the desired backdrop. Users can iterate and create different samples until they are satisfied with the result.

It is important to note that Google emphasizes the need to avoid including personal, confidential, or sensitive information when using this feature to ensure data privacy and security.

According to XDA, this AI-generated background feature is part of Google’s broader efforts to improve Google Meet, which include recent enhancements like the introduction of 1080p video resolution, picture-in-picture mode, and various video effects.

Moreover, in recent updates, Google Workspace Education Plus customers can accommodate up to 1,000 attendees and focus their meeting view on the presenter while hiding distracting participant video feeds. Noise cancellation is available on high-end Android phones, and the Google Meet app can be used on Android TV for convenient video calls.

The AI backdrop feature is currently in the testing phase and is limited to Workspace Labs testers, primarily in the US. The timeline for making this tool available to all Google Meet users remains unclear.

Google’s focus on AI in virtual meetings reflects a shift towards more personalized and immersive experiences in video communication. As businesses continue to rely on video conferencing tools post-pandemic, innovative features like this could play a vital role in enhancing user engagement and satisfaction. Google Bard has also got a very big update recently.

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Nokia plans to start selling refurbished smartphones from H2 2023

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Jul 19, 2023

Nokia has announced plans to begin selling refurbished phones as part of its environmental sustainability strategy. HMD Global (the Nokia brand licensee for phones and tablets) recently released its Sustainability Progress Report 2023. The report outline some of the measures that the company has embarked on to enhance its sustainability profile. Apart from an expanding tree planting campaign, the company is now incorporating the remanufacture of Nokia phones for resale.

The push for sustainability has seen Nokia omit a number of accessories from its package for smartphones and tablets. Charging bricks and wired headsets are the two most visible omissions while the brand continues to drive other sustainability initiatives. HMD reported that it had planted over 418,000 trees to date and the tree-planting initiative is spreading to other countries. The tree-planting campaign is part of a partnership between HMD Global and Ecology.

Nokia has garnered several awards including the Ecovardis Platinum Award 2023 for top businesses globally with excellent sustainability practices. The recycling of old Nokia phones will see consumers buying used devices in the UK and Germany. Nokia also plans to extend the recycling program to other markets. This will afford customers to buy used but durable Nokia phones at a cheaper price.

Furthermore, HMD will also donate returned and refurbished phones to charity so that they do not end up in landfills. The company has donated about 700 phones to digitally disadvantaged people. The company has also helped to remove up to 3.5 tonnes of plastic from rivers.

The HMD Global initiative to refurbish and sell used Nokia phones is currently tied to its Europe operations. Nokia continues to maintain a strong presence in the European market but it is declining in several other markets. It will thus be interesting to see how HMD Global scales up this initiative to cover other markets.

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WhatsApp Down and Not Working Worldwide: Users Unable to Send Messages

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jul 19, 2023

WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, is currently down worldwide. Users are reporting that they are unable to send messages or access the app. Here are the details…

WhatsApp Outage Causes Widespread Disruption

Downdetector, a website that tracks the status of websites and services, reports that WhatsApp has been experiencing problems since around 11:00 PM EST. The reason for the outage is not yet known. However, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has acknowledged the problems and said that they are working to fix them.

The outage is causing widespread disruption for users. Many people are unable to communicate with friends and family, and businesses are also being affected. It is not clear when the outage will be fixed. Meta has not given any ETA, but it is likely that they will be working on the problem overnight.

In the meantime, users can try using other messaging apps, such as Telegram or Signal. They can also try using the web version of WhatsApp. The outage is a reminder of the importance of having a backup plan for when your primary communication channels go down.

The WhatsApp outage is a reminder of the importance of having a backup plan for your communication channels. By using other messaging apps and having a plan in place, you can minimize the impact of an outage on your communication.

Xtracycle Stoker rugged e-bike with impressive cargo capacity unveiled

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Jul 19, 2023

Xtracycle has added a new electric bicycle with a rugged design and expansive cargo space into its lineup of offerings. The Xtracycle Stoker e-bike is touted as the ultimate adventure electric bicycle thanks to its versatility.

It is still a huge discussion whether electric bicycles can indeed replace our ICE vehicles for daily urban commutes. For this transition to be considered, an electric bicycle should be able to go the distance as well as have sufficient storage capacity. The Stoker e-bike is manufactured by California-based electric bike company Xtracycle. The Stoker is capable of meeting the needs of the adventurous. It is capable of off-road engagements like navigating gravel roads comfortably.

The Stoker e-bike features 24 x 2.4-inch tires, 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, and a Shimano STEPS EP-8 motor. It also has a 630Wh battery that delivers an assistance range of up to 60 miles for the Stoker.

The e-bike has a top speed of 20 mph (~33km/h) on the pedal assist, as the bike omits a throttle. The Stoker e-bike is versatile and compatible with a range of accessories. There are several configurations for securely mounting cargo onto the bike’s rear rack. The rear of the bike can also be structured to carry two kids, while a cargo platform is also present on the front.

The Xtracycle Stoker rugged e-bike has a $4,999 price tag and can be easily assembled upon delivery. The bike can also be shipped fully coupled and its availability is currently tied to the United States only.

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Huawei might soon launch a Watch Fit series smartwatch globally

By

Anurag

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Jul 19, 2023

Huawei phones might not be as popular as they used to be but the company’s smartwatches are still a good deal. The brand has recently introduced a range of new wearables and appears ready to release a new smartwatch under the Watch Fit series in the global market. Huawei has hinted at an imminent launch but has remained tight-lipped about the specific date and the precise name of the watch.

Is it the Huawei Watch Fit 3?

Huawei took to Twitter to tease the launch of a new smartwatch. Although the company did not reveal the name of the wearable, the poster shows a Watch Fit series smartwatch. Huawei did not mention the exact launch date but said “a wave of freshness is about to wash over us, and we (Huawei) can’t wait to pull off the veil of secrecy and unveil it soon”.

A wave of freshness is about to wash over us, and we can't wait to pull off the veil of secrecy and unveil it soon…🔜 pic.twitter.com/naYubKDhCh
— Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) July 17, 2023

The upcoming watch could be a new model, possibly the Huawei Watch Fit 3. The company unveiled the Watch Fit 2 last year in July with a rectangular AMOLED display measuring 1.74-inches and bearing an HD resolution. The wearable comes with Always-on display and a number of customizable watch faces. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters.

It’s possible the Huawei Watch Fit 3 will bring some notable upgrades in the fitness tracking department. The current Watch Fit 2 is equipped with a heart rate monitor and a SpO2 sensor. It lets you track sleep patterns, stress levels, and menstrual cycle for women. The wearable also gets 97 workout modes. The Watch Fit 2 is fueled by a 292mAh battery unit that can last up to 10 days on a single charge. It is available for purchase in China at Yuan 799 ($119).

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X-OTO 3-wheeled electric motorcycle launched in the US

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Jul 19, 2023

The X-OTO 3-wheeled leaning electric motorbike has been unveiled in the US market. The new electric motorcycle comes with three wheels and can also lean, with availability tied to the US. The bike uses a patented tilting system that can tilt the bike up to 45 degrees. This offers both stability and versatility in operation. It allows the bike to lean while navigating bends.

The self-stabilizing mechanism of the X-OTO is well-suited for new riders to easily operate the bike. The bike also does not require a motorcycle license in California because of its three wheels. There could be specific regulations in other states in the US that may require that users obtain a license for the three-wheeled e-scooter.

Safety is at the heart of the X-OTO leaning mechanism. The mechanism gives stability in a turn even at a lower speed, meaning that you can lean at the full range – beginner or not. Riding the bike is claimed to be safer than a two-wheeler, as well as easier. It is also easier to carry passengers or cargo with the X-OTO than a two-wheeled e-bike.

The X-OTO is equipped with a 4,000W front hub motor which was probably due to the three-wheel design of the bike. It has a top speed of 72km/h which makes it to be well-suited for urban commutes. The X-OTO has a pair of removable batteries that deliver a total of 4.3kWh of power. This translates to a range of about 145km at normal speed. The batteries can be removed for charging or charged directly on the bike.

The X-OTO three-wheeled e-scooter is being offered as a Founder’s Edition model with a $7,499 price tag. This is a bit higher than most of the models that the X-OTO will compete with in terms of performance specs. However, the innovative leaning functionality of the motorcycle could engender its demand. The earliest deliveries are expected later this summer and it will be exciting to see the leaning bike in action.

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