If you follow tech Twitter, you’ve probably seen the memes mocking the iPhone 14 and Galaxy S23 Ultra for looking almost identical to their previous generation models. One meme shows a guy holding a shirt in his hand while wearing the exact same one. Well, Nothing’s Phone 2 has now also become a target of these memes, but the company’s CEO doesn’t seem to agree. He hinted that the smartphone will look different from its predecessor.
“Just wait and see,” says the OnePlus co-founder
After Twitter users mocked the upcoming Nothing Phone 2 for looking the same as the Phone 1, CEO Carl Pei responded with a tweet that hinted at a design departure. He said, “to everyone sending me this: just you wait and see!” This contradicts recently leaked renders, which show no major design changes from the Phone 1.
At this time, it remains unclear what new changes Nothing could implement in the upcoming smartphone. Given that the company has already teased a similar design for the Phone 2, with only some alterations in the alignment of the glyph interface on the back, you shouldn’t expect anything too drastic. We will have to wait and see what Nothing has in store when the Phone 2 is officially announced in July.
Nothing delivered on its promises with the Phone 1, so expectations are high for the second iteration. After all, the Carl Pei-led startup aims to revolutionize the “boring” smartphone market. To give you an idea, the Phone 2 will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor backed by a 4,700mAh battery unit. There may be improvements in the display and camera departments as well.
The Central Government of India has formulated a strategic proposal aimed at regulating the operations of Chinese mobile operators within the country. According to a report by The Economic Times, the government has made a formal request to prominent Chinese mobile brands including Xiaomi, OPPO, Realme, and VIVO, urging them to establish partnerships with Indian entities for their local operations. This move is seen as an effort to ensure greater accountability and involvement of Indian stakeholders in the functioning of these mobile companies within the country.
At recent meetings organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, both Chinese handset firms and the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) were apprised of the concerns raised by the Central Government. The discussions centered around issues related to Chinese mobile operators conducting business in India.
Furthermore, as part of its efforts to regulate and promote the inclusion of Indian stakeholders, the Central Government has urged Chinese mobile handset firms to appoint Indian executives in crucial leadership roles such as CEO (chief executive officer), CFO (chief financial officer), CTO (chief technical officer), and others.
The Chinese mobile handset firms have also been directed to engage Indian contract manufacturers and significantly ramp up local manufacturing, extending it to the component level through collaborations with Indian enterprises. The Central Government has emphasized the need for joint ventures with Indian businesses to facilitate this expansion. Additionally, the companies have been urged to increase their exports from India and establish local distribution networks. These measures aim to boost domestic manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and enhance India’s position as a manufacturing hub for the mobile industry.
Why is Government introducing New Rules for Chinese Handset Firms?
In light of ongoing investigations into tax evasion and allegations of fraudulent remittances amounting to significant sums, new regulations have been introduced for Chinese smartphone manufacturers operating in India. These rules come at a time when several Chinese smartphone brands are under scrutiny for their financial practices. To ensure fair competition and address concerns raised by offline retailers regarding aggressive online discounting, the government is collaborating with them to establish a level playing field.
The objective is to encourage the involvement of Indian equity partners not only in manufacturing but also in the sales and marketing activities of these companies. The government aims to foster a more balanced and transparent business environment by promoting the participation of Indian stakeholders. Currently, Chinese smartphone brands have established extensive operations in India, but these new regulations seek to introduce greater accountability and promote a more equitable landscape for the industry.
The wheel of technology continues to spin in seemingly outrageous directions. Japan has mooted the idea of wooden satellites that will go into orbit as early as 2024. The team of researchers developing the first-ever wooden satellite is from Kyoto University in Japan. The project team has already obtained results from the International Space Station (ISS) which favors possible wooden satellites.
The findings of the research team indicated that wood can be sufficiently resilient in outer space. According to a press statement released by the team, outer space has an extreme environment with high-temperature changes and intense cosmic rays.
There are also dangerous solar particles that rapidly impact materials in such environments. Wood was exposed to such conditions for up to 10 months and tests confirmed no decomposition or deformations of the wood. The wood was free of cracking, warping, peeling, and surface damage.
The research is based on a preliminary investigation of the international partnership LignoSat. The Kyoto University-led partnership has designed a wooden satellite that will be jointly launched by NASA and the Japanese Space Agency. The LignoSat Space Wood Project kicked off in 2020. It was the culmination of the collaboration between Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry. It has been established that wood has the ability to withstand simulated low earth orbit (LEO) conditions.
A small panel containing thee different wood samples was launched into the ISS outside the Experimental Kibo module owned by Japan. The panel was exposed in space for 10 months after which it was retrieved by the Japanese Space Agency. The retrieval was carried out by Koichi Wakata and the sample was returned via SpaceX’s CRS-26 cargo Dragon spacecraft. The most durable wood among the sample was the wood from the Magnolia tree. It has a relatively high workability, dimensional stability, and overall strength. It is a credible alternative to alloy metal currently used for satellites.
Wood offers an environmentally-friendlier option and it is cheaper and cleaner to produce. Furthermore, wood can easily be disposed of than metal. The research holds much promise and we await the eventual commissioning of a wooden satellite into orbit next year.
In a recent development, the United States government took decisive action on Monday by including 43 new entities on its “Entity List,” a measure designed to regulate exports. These entities have been accused of engaging in activities that jeopardize national security, specifically by providing training to Chinese military pilots.
Out of the 43 entities, 31 originate from China, with the remaining entities located in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The US government has stated that this move was made to safeguard its national security interests.
Out of the 31 banned Chinese entities, the spotlight is now on Shanghai Supercomputing Technology Co, an enterprise backed by the Shanghai Supercomputer Centre (SSC) and Chinese supercomputer manufacturer Dawning Information Industry.
The US administration accused the company of engaging in activities aimed at acquiring US-origin items to support China’s military modernization efforts. This move underscores the administration’s concerns regarding technology transfers that could potentially contribute to China’s military capabilities.
The Bureau of Industry and Security, a division of the US Department of Commerce, stated that the targeted entity has provided assistance to supercomputers within the People’s Republic of China, particularly by offering cloud-based supercomputing capabilities for hypersonics research. The agency emphasized that these activities run counter to the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States.
China’s Reaction to the New Sanctions:
The Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly criticized the decision made by the United States. Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the ministry, expressed China’s firm opposition to the move and demanded an immediate correction from the US. Wang further accused the US of becoming an extreme and unethical state by baselessly targeting Chinese companies, driven by its desire to maintain military and technological dominance. He emphasized that China will persist in taking necessary measures to firmly protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
The comments from the Chinese Foreign Ministry reflect escalating tensions between China and the US, particularly in the realm of technology and national security. This latest rebuke comes as the US has been implementing various restrictions and sanctions on Chinese entities, raising concerns about the potential impact on bilateral trade relations and global technology competition.
The ongoing conflict highlights the growing struggle for dominance in the military and technological arenas and the implications it holds for both countries and their respective interests. He Weiwen, a senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, criticized the recent actions as being rooted in a Cold War mindset and lacking support from market logic and economic principles.
A mainland-based analyst further said that Shanghai Supercomputer Centre (SSC) holds a crucial position in China’s computing power strategy, serving important roles in national defense, scientific advancement, technological innovation, and economic growth. While the recent US sanctions are anticipated to have some impact on computing power supply in Shanghai and neighboring areas, as well as the sanctioned entity’s collaborations with American companies, the analyst suggested that significant and industry-wide damages akin to those witnessed in China’s semiconductor sector are unlikely. This is due to China’s already established independent innovation capabilities and market competition within its computing center industry.
The country’s ability to sustain independent innovation and foster competitive market dynamics within its computing centers instills confidence in mitigating potential adverse effects caused by the sanctions. The situation underscores the ongoing competition between the US and China in the technological realm and highlights China’s efforts to bolster its self-reliance and maintain stability in critical sectors.
ZTE has announced that Meng Wei, Director of its Standards and Open Source Strategy, was successfully elected as the new Chairman of the Governing Board of the Linux Foundation Artificial Intelligence and Data (LF AI & Data). The executive received more than half of the support in the voting and emerged as the successful candidate for the position.
Meng Wei Takes Over Linux Foundation AI and Data
For the unaware, the Linux Foundation (LF) is a non-profit technology consortium that was established in 2000. Simply put, its main goals are to standardize Linux, help it grow, and encourage businesses to use it. On top of that, the foundation also provides a platform for people to work together and develop open-source software projects.
As for LF AI & Data, it is a project launched by the Linux Foundation in March 2018. It brings together 55 members from various industries around the world. What’s their goal? Well, they aim to create an open community for artificial intelligence (AI) and data. Their mission is to foster collaboration and drive innovation in these fields through open-source projects. In simple terms, they want to work together to explore new possibilities and opportunities in AI and data, benefiting everyone involved in the community.
In his speech, Meng Wei expressed his gratitude, saying, “As a practitioner who has been committed to the development of open source technology for a long time, I am well aware of the great contributions the Linux Foundation has made in promoting the development of open source technology and promoting cooperation in the open source community. I am honored to be a member of the LF AI & Data. Over the years, every step of LF AI & Data has been writing the history of its rapid growth, and the work has been fruitful and influential. As the Chairman of the Governing Board of the LF AI & Data, I will do my best to continue to promote this work and lead LF AI & Data to better serve the open source community.”
AMD has launched new Zen 4-based chips in the Ryzen 7000 family. These chips are meant for business desktops and laptops, offering increased performance, security and management features, and AI capabilities. The PRO series includes the Ryzen 9 Pro 7945, Ryzen 7 Pro 7745, and Ryzen 5 Pro 7645, based on a 5 nm process node. They all run in any AM5 motherboard and support DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen 5 peripherals.
Ryzen 7000 PRO series Specifications
The Ryzen 9 Pro 7945 is the top-tier CPU in the Ryzen 7000 series. It features 12 cores and 24 threads, operates at a power level of 65 Watts, and has a generous cache size of 76 MB (L2+L3). It is touted to deliver excellent performance with a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.4 GHz. Moreover, it supports PCIe Gen 5 and DDR5 memory.
Next, we have the Ryzen 7 Pro 7745, an 8-core and 16-thread processor. It has a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.3 GHz. The total cache size is 40 MB, which is slightly lower compared to the Ryzen 9 Pro 7945. Ryzen 5 Pro 7545 is the third CPU in the series and it features 6 cores, 12 threads, and 38 MB of total cache. It has boost clock of 5.1 GHz. All three chips have a TDP of 65 Watts.
The Ryzen PRO 7000 series for desktops is smaller in size, and it is notable because it is the first time AMD is using only its high-end silicon for desktop PRO chips. Upon closer inspection, you’d find that these chips are nothing but the PRO-branded versions of the 7900, 7700, and 7600. This includes the same clock speeds and TDPs.
Chinese smartphone brands are gearing up to launch Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered foldable phones. The Vivo X Fold 2, which debuted in April in China, came equipped with the said SoC. The Oppo Find N3, the Honor Magic V2, and the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 that are expected to launch in August will also feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The Vivo X Fold 2 comes with wireless charging. The Oppo, Honor, and Xiaomi foldables that have launched have lacked support for wireless charging. However, it now appears that all three models will support wireless charging.
Reports have already revealed that the Honor Magic V2 and the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 will offer wireless charging. Now, a Chinese tipster has revealed that the Find N3 will also come with support for wireless charging.
According to the tipster, additional information was disclosed that the Find N3 will feature a circular camera island similar to the Find X6 series. This leak aligns with the previously leaked schematic of the Find N3, which displayed a round camera module design.
OPPO Find N3 schematic
As per the leak, the Find N3 is expected to make a strong impression in various areas, including design, display, and battery life. He added that the device will also offer a stellar photography experience. Reports have revealed that it will have a 32-megapixel front camera and a 32-megapixel or 20-megapixel camera on the inside. The rear camera setup is expected to include a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 main camera, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 32-megapixel periscope telephoto camera.
It will have a 6.5-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz display on the outside and an 8i-inch AMOLED 2K 120Hz screen on the inside. It will come with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, and a 4,805mAh battery with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging.
OnePlus is expected to announce the OnePlus Fold foldable phone in August for the global market. It is likely that the device will arrive as a rebranded version of the Find N3, which remain exclusive to the Chinese market. Hence, the OnePlus Fold may support wireless charging and all the aforementioned rumored specs.
Earlier this year, Oppo appears to be working on a new A series smartphone that will be launching in the market. A new certification sighting has revealed that the device in question is the A78 5G model.
Oppo A78 5G launch could be right around the corner
According to a new report, a device carrying the model number CPH2565 was spotted on the Indonesia’s TKDN certification platform. Apart from this, the device was apparently even spotted on the EEC certification platform as well. The latest sighting is on the NBTC database on Thailand. While the other listings did not reveal the official name of the device, the marketing name of the upcoming smartphone was revealed on NBTC. Notably, there is also an A78 5G model that was launched in the Indian market earlier this year. You can even check out our review of this device by clicking here.
Based on this certification sighting, we can expect that the device will be launching in the Thailand market soon. The Oppo A78 5G is likely the successor to the Oppo A77 5G model that was launched previously. Notably, the Oppo A77 5G model was even launched in India under the K10 5G (check out our review for the K10 5G) moniker. So it is also likely that the A78 5G model could even arrive in the Indian market as a K series phone as well.
Unfortunately, the listing only reveals the CPH2565 model number and the A78 5G moniker. In other words, we still have no idea regarding its finer details like specifications, pricing, design, and other information. So stick around for more as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding this matter.
So far, Tecno has had a busy year in India with the launches of multiple smartphones like the Camon 20 series in the region. Aside from that, the brand is apparently preparing to launch a 4G device in the Indian market soon called the Tecno Pova 5 4G.
Tipster Paras Guglani has revealed a live image of the smartphone, showcasing its design. The back panel of the device looks mostly flat, with a trapezium-shaped camera module hosting two large lens cutouts, along with a small one and a flash module. In another image, the tipster has shared what the device will look like from the front. It’s quite easy to tell that the display is inspired by the Apple iPhone, featuring a similar notch along with a symmetrical bezel around the display.
The tipster has hinted that the device will be launching for both India and the global market, featuring a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset. Other specifications are still under wraps, so let’s look at the specs and features of the Tecno Pova 4 smartphone to get an idea of what to expect.
Tecno Pova 4 specs
The Pova 4 features a 6.82-inch IPS LCD display with a punch-hole design, providing an HD+ resolution, a 20.5:9 aspect ratio, and a 90Hz refresh rate. It runs on Android 12 OS with the HiOS 12.0 overlay, enabling smooth streaming of HD content on OTT platforms with Widevine L1 support.
Driving the Pova 4 is the Helio G99 chipset by Tecno, paired with 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128 GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It also includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage. The device houses a 6,000mAh battery supporting 18W charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.
For photography, it boasts an 8-megapixel front-facing camera with an LED flash and a 50-megapixel primary camera on the back, accompanied by an AI lens and a dual-LED flash. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, dual stereo speakers, a 3.5mm audio jack, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC, and dual 4G VoLTE connectivity options.
We are nearly getting closer to the next month’s Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event where the brand is expected to unveil the fifth-generation Galaxy Z foldables. Now, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 that debuted last year is getting the June 2023 security patch update. It is currently available for users in the UK market. Last month, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 received astrophotography mode in the Expert RAW app.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 receiving June security update
Previously, the June 2023 security update was limited to the unlocked version of the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Now, the South Korean brand has released a new security update to the international variants of the device. It is rolling out to the units in the UK. The rollout is expected to expand to more European countries in the coming days.
The latest update for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 has the firmware version F936BXXU3CWE6. The June 2023 security patch brings fixes for over 60 security flaws found in Android phones and tablets. 11 of these flaws are found in Samsung devices running on Android 11, 12, and 13. It’s worth noting that the latest update does not bring any new features.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 users in the UK can check for the new update by heading to Settings > Software Update > Tap Download and Install to install the new update. The foldable device was launched with Android 12 but currently runs on Android 13 OS. It is set to receive OneUI 6-based Android 14 later this year.
Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi launched its first-ever tablet called the Redmi Pad last year. Its successor i.e. the Redmi Pad 2 is reportedly in the works. The upcoming tablet was previously spotted on EEC certification database. Now, reliable Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station has revealed the key specifications of the Redmi Pad 2 on the microblogging platform Weibo.
Redmi Pad 2 key specs tipped
As per DCS, the Redmi Pad 2’s display size will range from 10 to 11 inches. It will have an LCD panel bearing a 2K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The upcoming tablet is said to feature an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP selfie snapper. Under the hood, the Redmi Pad 2 will reportedly be powered by a Snapdragon 680 processor. It is expected to be backed by an 8,000mAh battery unit.
Digital Chat Station says that the Redmi Pad 2 will be positioned as an entry-level model. The rest of the details about the upcoming offering remain a mystery. Going by the leaked specifications, it seems that the Redmi Pad 2 will be an incremental upgrade over its predecessor.
To recall, the Redmi Pad that debuted last year has a 10.6-inch display with a 2K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It features Widevine L1 certification for streaming HD content on OTT apps. The tablet is equipped with Dolby Atmos-certified quad-speakers and dual microphones. Internally, the Redmi Pad is powered by an Helio G99 SoC. It packs up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The tablet is backed by an 8,000mAh battery with support for 18W charging.
WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), has introduced a new screen-sharing feature for video calls in its Windows beta version. The feature allows beta testers to share their screen content during video calls by selecting the designated option in the video call control panel.
Sharing Your Screen During Video Calls
Users can choose to share either a specific window or their entire screen with all participants in the video call. Moreover, participants using mobile devices can also view the shared screen content. Currently, the screen-sharing feature is available to a limited number of beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta update for Windows through the Microsoft Store. According to WABetaInfo, some stable users are also getting this update. So if you are interested to install keep an eye on the Microsoft Store.
In addition to screen-sharing, WhatsApp has added other updates to its Windows beta version. A crop tool was recently integrated into the drawing editor within the app. This tool enables users to conveniently crop images directly within the WhatsApp interface, eliminating the need to use external editing tools.
Furthermore, WhatsApp is introducing a redesigned emoji keyboard to selected beta testers on the Android platform. The new keyboard provides an improved user experience with wider visibility. Users can access a broader view of emojis by scrolling the keyboard upwards. The redesigned emoji keyboard not only offers improved scrolling functionality but also includes redesigned tabs for accessing the GIF, sticker, and avatar sections. WhatsApp is also working on a new floating action button design and is introducing a high-quality photo-sharing option in its Android beta version.
Earlier this week, the Apple stock closed at an all time peak, but it appears that not everyone has such a positive outlook. An UBS analyst have downgraded its stock over concerns of its growth.
Apple stock downgraded by UBS since its growth faces pressure
UBS analyst David Vogt recently downgraded the Cupertino based giant’s stock from Buy to Neutral. Although, he also raised the price target from 180 US Dollars to 190 US Dollars. According to the analyst, the company was downgraded due to its “given persistent softness in developed markets and data that indicates growth is likely to remain under pressure.” The news also arrives as the iPhone maker gets closer to a whopping 3 trillion US Dollar market cap.
Furthermore, the move from UBS is partly due to Apple’s valuation. The company as well as other tech giants have raised their market caps by billions and have had their stocks prices rise to new highs. Vogt added that “While a premium is justified, expansion is unlikely given growth headwinds”. The announcement of the new Vision Pro also drove the stock higher last month, but this product isn’t arriving till next year.
So, the focus once again shifts to the brand’s most important product line, the iPhone. BUt UBS has raised concerns over long term growth for the iPhone as well. Vogt believes that the iPhone sold in some of the biggest markets like the US, China, and Europe have declined by over 7.5 percent year on year. However, there are others analysts that believe that the company is arriving at a massive sales cycle for the iPhone, with the upcoming iPhone 15 lineup.
Realme is reportedly working on a new Narzo smartphone. It is expected to be a device in the Narzo 60 series. The brand had launched the Narzo 50 series last year. Now the upcoming Narzo phone has appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. It is listed with model number RMX3750. Read on to know more about it below.
Realme Narzo 60 5G appears on Geekbench
The Realme Narzo 60 5G’s Geekbench database listing reveals a motherboard codenamed k6833v1_64_k419 and the CPU name as ARM MT6833. It comprises of six cores clocked at 2GHz and two cores clocked at 2.20GHz. This corresponds to the Dimensity 6020 processor. The listing reveals 8GB RAM onboard and we can expect more configurations at launch.
In the Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core tests results, the Narzo 60 5G scores 714 and 1,868 points respectively.
The report reveals that the Narzo 60 5G will be a rebadged version of the Realme 11 5G in China. Additional details of the upcoming Narzo phone remain scarce at the moment.
The Realme 11 5G has already bagged multiple certifications including 3C, TENAA, and BIS. It is expected to come with a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display and a 90Hz refresh rate. The TENAA listing revealed a flat display and a circular rear camera module. Meanwhile, as per the 3C certification, it is tipped to be backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 18W charging.
In May, Asus unveiled the ROG Ally console as a competitor to the Valve Steam Deck. With its recent firmware update, the console has garnered positive feedback from early reviewers, showcasing its impressive performance. Now, the console is officially released and available for purchase by the general public.
Following the commencement of pre-orders in Japan and China, the ROG Ally console has now arrived in Europe, beginning with Italy. Customers in Italy can now buy the handheld gaming device for €799 through the official ASUS website in Italy or from authorized ASUS resellers. Additionally, a special offer includes 3 months of free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with the purchase of the console.
ASUS ROG Ally Specs
Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and integrated with an AMD Radeon GPU, the ROG Ally delivers powerful performance. Running on the Windows 11 Home operating system, the device offers a smooth and familiar user experience.
With 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 internal storage, users have ample space to store their games and files. The device boasts a large 7-inch touchscreen display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a responsive 120Hz refresh rate. The display’s brightness of 500 nits ensures vivid visuals, while the 7ms response time minimizes motion blur.
The ASUS ROG Ally gaming device features two built-in speakers and a microphone array for an immersive audio experience. It also includes strategically placed command buttons to enhance the gaming experience and provide convenient control.
In terms of connectivity, the device supports Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with triple band support, ensuring fast and stable internet connectivity. Bluetooth version 5.2 enables seamless wireless connections. Additionally, the device offers a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB Type-C port, and a microSD card reader for versatile connectivity options.
To keep users in the game for longer, the ASUS ROG Ally is equipped with a 40Wh 4S1P 4-cell Li-ion battery, supporting fast charging of up to 65W. This allows for quick and efficient charging, minimizing downtime.
Former Realme India CEO, Global VP of Realme, and President of Realme International Business Group Madhav Sheth has officially announced his departure from the company. He announced his resignation on his Twitter handle. The development follows last week’s report of him joining HONOR India although the executive has not revealed his future plans in the farewell announcement.
Madhav Sheth quits Realme
Madhav Sheth has been a part of Realme since its inception way back in 2018. He rose through the ranks as he was made the President of the company’s new international business unit in 2021 and the Global VP earlier in March this year. Sheth’s departure from Realme comes after a successful five-year stint at the company.
During his tenure, Sheth played an integral role in establishing the brand’s presence in the Indian as well as European markets. With him, the brand had many notable achievements including the fastest-growing smartphone brand in India and attaining the position of the second-largest smartphone brand in the country.
In his farewell note, Sheth said that the government of India has taken steps towards enhancing Indian exports and he is happy to be a part of it. He wants to contribute toward’s the country’s export business. However, Sheth’s future plans remain unknown. It will interesting to see if he joins HONOR India to resurrect their smartphone business in the country.
Sheth also revealed that Realme’s Founder and CEO Sky Li will now oversee the Indian market. He will continue to be a strong supporter and strategic advisor to Realme.
In the latest Pixel feature drop for June 2023, Google introduces a range of helpful tools and updates for Pixel Phone users, Pixel Watch owners, and Fitbit device enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the highlights of this update:
Pixel Phones:
Voice-activated safety checks: Use Google Assistant on your Pixel phone to initiate emergency sharing or arrange safety checks for extra security. If you fail to respond within the specified timeframe, your emergency contacts are alerted for your wellbeing.
Dynamic and emoji wallpapers:Pixel 6 and newer phones offer cinematic wallpapers that bring your cherished memories to life in immersive 3D scenes. Additionally, users can create personalized live wallpapers using over 4,000 emoji patterns and colors.
Enhanced car crash detection: Pixel phones have now elevated their car crash detection technology by contacting emergency services and sharing real-time location and call status with designated emergency contacts. This feature guarantees heightened safety, ensuring you’re never alone during such unfortunate events.
Macro Focus for video:Pixel 7 Pro owners can now capture stunning close-up videos with the Macro Focus feature, adding a new dimension to their videography.
Hands-free self-timed photos: For Pixel 6 and newer phones, users can conveniently take self-timed photos by simply raising their palm to trigger the timer, making capturing perfect shots a breeze.
Adaptive Charging: Pixel phone users can now extend their battery lifespan with Adaptive Charging, which predicts charging habits and gradually charges the device to 100% one hour before unplugging, optimizing battery health.
Improved Recorder speaker labels: Google Pixel 6 and later models have also enhanced the Recorder feature to become a more effective tool for managing and organizing recordings. Now, you can directly export transcripts to Google Docs, create video clips labeled with the speaker’s name, and even search for particular speakers within the recordings. This improvement aims to streamline your recording management process, giving you more control and easier access to your audio files.
Quick access to smart home controls: Manage your smart home devices directly from the Pixel lock screen using the redesigned Google Home app home panel, ensuring effortless control and convenience.
Smarter haptics:Pixel 6a and Pixel 7a introduce adaptive haptics that intelligently adjusts vibration intensity based on different surfaces, providing a more refined and tailored user experience.
New Google Assistant voices: Google Assistant now offers two new natural-sounding voices, expanding the available options to enhance the conversational experience. These voices are available in U.S. English.
Pixel Watches:
SpO2 monitoring:Pixel Watches now feature SpO2 monitoring, allowing users to track their oxygen saturation levels while sleeping and gain insights into their overall well-being and sleep quality.
Heart rate tracking: With continuous heart rate monitoring, users receive notifications for unusual readings and can assess their overall health more effectively.
Expanded language support: Google Assistant on Pixel Watches now supports additional languages, providing assistance in Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Polish, and Spanish, enhancing accessibility for a broader audience.
Spotify integration: Users can now access Spotify directly from their Pixel Watches, enjoying seamless DJ sessions, podcasts, and their favorite music through dedicated tiles.
Auto-pause for workouts: During runs, walks, or bike exercises, workout tracking is now automatically paused and resumed, ensuring accurate and uninterrupted activity tracking.
Stylish Metal Links bands: Pixel Watch owners can enhance the appearance of their device with the elegant Metal Links bands, available in Brushed Silver or Matte Black, starting from June 16 through online and Google retail stores.
Fitbit Devices:
Exercise modes: Charge 5, Luxe, and Inspire 3 now offer easy access to a comprehensive list of exercise modes, eliminating the need to open the Fitbit app for selecting specific activities.
Daily Readiness Score:Fitbit smartwatches and trackers now provide users with a quick glance at their body’s readiness for workouts, helping them make informed decisions about their exercise routines.
Menstrual health tracking: Sense 2 and Versa 4 now allow users to log periods, view cycle states, and edit information directly on the devices, empowering women to track and manage their menstrual health conveniently.
Multilingual notifications: Fitbit devices now support incoming notifications in various languages, including global characters and right-to-left text, ensuring a more inclusive and accessible user experience.
Clock face customization: Users can switch clock faces on Fitbit smartwatches with a simple long press on the home screen, allowing for personalized style and customization options.
New clock faces: Fitbit introduces four fresh clock face options to its app gallery, giving users even more choices to express their unique style. Additionally, a popular Charge 5 clock face is now available on Luxe and Inspire 3 devices.
Availability:
Google has officially announced that the above-mentioned updates will begin rolling out today for Pixel devices, including Pixel watches, as well as Fitbit devices. The updates will be progressively released over the next few weeks, ensuring users can enjoy the latest enhancements and features.
The use of artificial intelligence chatbots is growing rapidly. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is the current market leader, with Google’s Bard not far behind. This popularity is creating new opportunities for businesses, but it is also raising concerns among regulators and governments. For example, Google has recently delayed the launch of its Bard AI chatbot in the European Union, citing privacy concerns. Here are the details…
Google Working with Regulators to Address Bard AI Concerns
Artificial intelligence use by many people to make their daily tasks easier. However, there are some risks associated with AI, such as the possibility of sensitive information being leaked. For this reason, some companies, such as Samsung andApple, have recently banned the use of generative AI bots. The European Union is aware of the risks associated with AI and has begun to regulate its use.
Google, which has developed its own AI chatbot called Bard, has delayed the launch of Bard in the European Union until it can comply with the new regulations. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is the lead data protection authority for Google in the EU, has said that it has not received enough information from Google about how Bard will protect users’ privacy.
The DPC has raised concerns about how Bard will collect and use users’ personal data, including their names, email addresses, and IP addresses. The DPC is also concerned about how Bard will prevent users’ data from being used for unauthorized purposes, such as targeted advertising. Google has said that it is committed to protecting users’ privacy and that it is working with the DPC to address its concerns. However, the company has not yet said when Bard will be available in the EU.
This is not the first time that a major tech company has delayed the launch of an AI product in the EU due to privacy concerns. In March, ChatGPT temporarily banned in Italy after the Italian privacy regulator raised similar concerns. It is not yet known when the tension between Google and the EU will end.
The Anbernic RG nano has finally gone on sale as the smallest ever handheld gaming console. This device is a miniature lookalike of the iconic Game Boy and comes with a number of retro games. So let’s have a look.
Anbernic RG nano is small enough to be carried on your keychain ring
With measurements of 2.8 inches x 1.7 inches x 07 inches, the new RG nano is a tiny and compact game console. Since it weighs just 153 grams, you can easily carry it around on your keychain and even toss it in your pockets or handbags. But despite its small form factor, it is still a fully functioning game console that features a D-Pad, action buttons, color display, and even shoulder buttons as well. Notably, this isn’t the first retro handheld gaming console from the company as they even launched the Anbernic RG35XX earlier this year.
The RG nano sports a tiny 1.54 inch IPS LCD panel that has a 240px resolution and is powered by a 1.2GHz ARM Cortex A7 processor. This chipset is paired with 64MB of DDR2 memory and uses a microSD card slot that supports up to 512GB of storage (the company sells only the 64GB or 128GB options). With these specs, it is clear that the console isn’t cutting edge, but for its size, it can run NES, GBA, and even PS1 era games with ease. It runs on a Linux based OS with support for emulators as well.
Other notable features include, built in speakers, a USB Type C port, and a 1,050mAh battery that can last for up to 2.5 hours. For those unaware, Anbernic had first unveiled the mini console back in May 2023, and it is currently available for purchase for a price tag of 66 US Dollars. Although, there is a 6 US Dollar company discount for those that order before June 15. Talking about its design, it is built using aluminum alloy and arrives in multiple color options, like dark purple, blue, and red.
Apple recently unveiled its highly anticipated mixed reality headset dubbed the Vision Pro. This 3,500 US Dollar headset is a first of its kind product from the company. Now, a fresh report has even revealed the suppliers behind the new gadget.
Apple Vision Pro is being build by brand’s AirPods supplier Luxshare
Apple has contracted Luxshare Precision Industry Co as one of its primary suppliers for the Vision Pro. For those unaware, this contract manufacturer is also a major supplier for the AirPods and will even produce the iPhone 15 models. Now, the Cupertino based giant has brought aboard Luxshare and six other Chinese companies to assemble its latest high end gadget, which is the new Vision Pro headset.
The other six manufacturers in the Apple supply chain includes the likes of Cowell E Holdings that is a camera module maker and Shenzhen Desay Battery Technology, which is providing the lithium batteries and power management system for this product. Notably, this move from Apple also shows the company’s shift to include more Chinese suppliers in its supply chain and its growing connection with the region despite the geopolitical situation surrounding the region.
Although, the iPhone maker’s new mixed reality headset is still primarily being supplied by its Taiwanese suppliers. This includes optical parts maker Largan Precision, Optical lens products manufacturer Genius Electronic Optical, and others. According to Ivan Lam, senior analyst at Counterpoint, “It is evident that Vision Pro’s current suppliers, similar to the structure [of companies] behind the iPhone, are among the world’s top consumer electronics component providers”.
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