The Vivo X90 series was announced as the company’s latest flagship smartphone back in November 2022. Now, a new online database sighting has revealed the key details of its successor, the new X90S model that is set to launch soon.
Vivo X90S surfaces online with Dimensity 9200 & 12GB RAM
As per our previous report, the Chinese smartphone maker was set to announce the X90S model with a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 series chipset. And after being spotted on the Google Play Console listing, this device has now been confirmed to feature the flagship grade Dimensity 9200 SoC. The processor will also be paired at least one variant that has 12GB of RAM. The online database revealed that the Vivo X90S will run on Android 13 OS out of the box as well.
Apart from this, the only information revealed on the Google Play Console listing is the V2241A model number. Furthermore, there was also an image of the device on the listing, which revealed its design from the front. We can see that it features minimal bezels on all sides with a center aligned punch hole cutout for its selfie camera. It was recently rumored that the Vivo X90S could be powered by a Dimensity 9200+ SoC, which will be announced on May 10.
In other words, the chipset might also be the Dimensity 9200+ that has yet to be unveiled. This is all the information we have regarding this matter so stick around for more, as we will be providing updates when additional details are available.
AMD has announced 4 new processors under the Ryzen 7040U based on the current-gen ‘Zen 4’ architecture with a new RDNA3-based iGPU. Made for thin and light laptops, these chips are claimed to outperform the competition— Apple and Intel. The new line is headlined by the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, which is paired with Radeon 780M graphics and Ryzen AI using the XDNA architecture. The other processors are no less impressive. Here are the details.
Ryzen 7040U Chips will power ultra-slim laptops
The new AMD Ryzen 7040U processors were unveiled earlier this year at CES but the company did not share the specifications. That changes now as AMD has announced the details of the new series codenamed “Phoenix”. It consists of four processors- the Ryzen 7 7840U, Ryzen 5 7640U, Ryzen 5 7540U, and Ryzen 3 7440U. As per AMD’s naming convention, the U in their name should confirm a TDP of 15-30 Watts.
The RDNA3-based Radeon 780M iGPU powers all four chips. AMD confidently compares its top-tier Phoenix CPU— Ryzen 7 7840U with Intel’s Raptor Lake-based Core i7-1360p, boasting performance advantages ranging from 29% to an impressive 128% across various workloads. Not only that, the chip is claimed to be 5% to 75% faster than the Apple M2 found in the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
These new chips from AMD also come with Ryzen AI acceleration, which helps lighten the workload on the main compute units by handling certain tasks. AMD highlights improved efficiency, aiming to offer laptops with the longest possible time on battery power, although they haven’t provided specific estimates. Major manufacturers are expected to announce laptops based on these chips in the upcoming weeks, although we’re still waiting for details on availability.
Smartphones have become an extension of people’s arms. We use phones all the time. They are with us 24×7.
So it’s no surprise that consumers research a lot before buying a new handset these days. Consumers want their phones to not only offer a good set of features but also look good and feel nicer to hold in their hands.
Devices that prioritize the latter part while still offering a decent range of features belong to the affordable premium category. These products typically do not carry the same high price tag as flagship devices but are not as budget-friendly as mid-range devices either.
Some of the popular handsets in this category are the Oppo Reno series and the Vivo S series (aka Vivo V series). These devices make up a significant chunk of the brand’s sales figures.
On the other hand, Xiaomi, a company that’s been in the industry for over a decade, still cannot boast of a successful affordable premium smartphone lineup.
I have some thoughts on why it couldn’t keep up with the competition.
Xiaomi started as an Online-only Value-focused brand
It’s a known fact that Xiaomi started as an online-only brand. It was the one who popularized the infamous flash sale strategy. As with most new companies, it had a leaner portfolio and its products were value-focused.
However, as the company grew, it had to enter offline markets. Slowly, it even rolled out its own retail stores across the world.
When a brand like Xiaomi which mostly caters tonerds evolvesinto a mainstream brand, there are bound to be changes in its product portfolio. Xiaomi went through this process, but things weren’t so smooth. Xiaomi made a lot of mistakes trying to enter into the new market.
Xiaomi’s Fumbled Entry into the Affordable Premium Smartphone Segment
The company initially tried to break into the affordable premium smartphone category with two lineups – the Mi Mix and Mi X.
The Mi Mix was targeted at a premium audience with industry-first features like bezel-less displays. On the other hand, the Mi X series was a budget option with good cameras and a design to boast for. The latter was released as Android One handsets in the global markets.
But what happened next was unexpected. The company discontinued the two series after a couple of generations. The Mi was replaced by Mi CC in partnership with Meitu but it did not last long either. Though the Mix series made a comeback in 2021, there hasn’t been a successor in 2 years but a new one is expected soon.
Amidst this, Xiaomi even introduced lite variants of its flagship Mi series. Though this lineup still exists, at least in some markets, there’s no progress.
Then, in 2021, Xiaomi surprised everyone with another attempt at affordable premium smartphones with the debut of the Civi lineup. Unlike previous models, these phones are mostly targeted at the female audience.
The Civi series is expected to enter the third generation later this month with the launch of the Civi 3. Will it be the last one? Only Xiaomi knows the answer.
Limited Availability and an Inconsistent Product lineup
To make consumers trust your brand, you need to be consistent with branding. At the same time, the products should be built around their standalone features.
Both Oppo and Vivo have nailed this formula with their Reno and S series, respectively. These two lineups focus more on design andsome interestingcamera features that are mostly software-based. Above all, they have been consistent for years.
Then, there’s the availability factor. Xiaomi’s affordable premium phones have always been subjected to limited availability. They are only released in some markets and at times, successive models don’t make it to the regions where the prior model debuted.
Finally, the least discussed factor is accessibility. In India, Oppo and Vivo have a robust offline presence. They have even partnered with multiple financial companies to aid their buyers. The same is the case in China and other Asian markets.
On the other hand, Xiaomi still lacks expertise in this regard. Most of its target customers reside in developing countries and these customers are not only price-sensitive but also brand conscious.
Sub-par offline experience
The worldwide smartphone market has been declining for the last few quarters due to low demand in the budget segment, however, the premium category is actually rising. Consumers are willing to spend more money on better phones.
Offline experience matters a lot to sell expensive products. Personally, I don’t get the premium vibes at Xiaomi stores. As a nerd, Xiaomi stores are really a good place to hang out. But as a regular customer, I am yet to experience an emotional attachment even after visiting a store in my city multiple times.
In comparison, the OnePlus store, which is nearby, screams premium to me. It is well-lit and the products inside the store are fairly organized. Even the promotional posters and displays feel much better than Xiaomi’s.
If the experience zone itself doesn’t feel premium, would customers prefer buying expensive handsets from that brand? And in some markets, Xiaomi is yet to clear off its name as a cheap smartphone brand, courtesy of its tremendous success associated with the Redmi products.
With not-so-good performance in non-budget segments, the brand is losing market shares globally. Once the market leader in India, it has now dropped to third place in the last couple of quarters.
Despite setbacks, Xiaomi has the potential for a comeback
Xiaomi cannot mitigate the above-discussed issues in a short time period. Changing a brand identity takes time, however, the company does not seem to be making any effective decisions so far.
Xiaomi kicked off 2023 with the promise of a leaner and more streamlined product portfolio in key markets like India. We will have to wait a couple of more quarters to know whether the company achieved its goal.
Xiaomi has enough resources to get it on track with the competition. But will it be able to?
We would love to know your thoughts on Xiaomi’s future. Feel free to drop your opinions in the comment section below.
HTC is reportedly preparing to launch its latest upper-midrange smartphone, the HTC U23 Pro and real photos of the device have been leaked online. The images were shared by netizen Symbian on the PTT forum, revealing a raised camera module with “108MP (OIS)” printed on it.
The HTC U23 Pro is said to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset and 12GB of RAM, a substantial upgrade from its predecessor, the HTC U20 Pro. Interestingly, the device in the leaked image features 8GB of RAM and a 4600mAh battery, suggesting there will be two or more storage variants. The U23 Pro is equipped with a quad-camera setup at the rear, including a 108MP primary lens with OIS support. A punch-hole selfie camera is located on the front of the device.
HTC U23 Pro specifications (leaked)
The device recently appeared on Geekbench, revealing that the HTC U23 Pro runs on Android 13 OS and features a high-performance CPU with four cores clocked at 1.80GHz, three CPU cores operating at 2.36GHz, and a single CPU core running at 2.40GHz, along with an Adreno 644 GPU. In the single-core and multi-core tests of Geekbench 6, the device scored 933 and 2351 points, respectively.
While there has been no official announcement regarding the phone’s additional specifications, rumors suggest that the device may include a 120Hz AMOLED display, up to 256 GB of storage, top-notch cameras, and a large battery with fast charging support. Expected to debut in Taiwan in June, the HTC U23 Pro could become a significant contender in the midrange smartphone market.
AI Language models are taking over the world by storm. Every other day, we hear research being conducted using ChatGPT-based models. For instance, an engineer recently integrated ChatGPT with Boston Dynamics’ Robot Dog, Spot. In another piece of news, an AI based on the GPT-4 model was being used to plan Defense and War Strategies.
The Breakthrough can help Patients with Locked-in Syndrome
Now, another recent breakthrough achieved by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin in decoding functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals of the human brain using a neural network marked a significant step forward in the field of neuroscience. The use of GPT-1 model in analyzing fMRI data and decoding cortical semantic representation of continuous language opens up new avenues for the development of non-invasive methods of exploring the brain’s neural activity.
This research has great potential to help patients with conditions such as locked-in syndrome, where patients are unable to communicate due to paralysis. The use of non-invasive methods for decoding the neural activity of the brain could provide a means for patients to communicate with others and express their thoughts, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
Furthermore, this research also has the potential to revolutionize the field of artificial intelligence by enabling machines to better understand human language and communication. The ability of the neural network to decode the brain’s semantic representation of language could have far-reaching implications for natural language processing and the development of conversational AI.
The breakthrough achieved by the researchers at the University of Texas at Austin is a significant step forward in the field of neuroscience and has the potential to benefit both patients and the development of artificial intelligence. The use of non-invasive methods for decoding neural activity in the brain has enormous potential for future research and could lead to significant advancements in our understanding of the brain and its functions.
Panasonic has launched its latest true wireless earbuds, the RZ-B310W and RZ-B110W, which come in both active noise-canceling (ANC) and non-ANC versions. The earbuds are designed to fit snugly in the ear canal and come in a single black finish. The RZ-B310W features a more angular design compared to the RZ-B110W. The earbuds are equipped with 10mm drivers and support Panasonic XBS technology for enhanced audio quality.
The RZ-B110W earbuds are rated IPX4, making them water-resistant and suitable for use during exercise. The earbuds offer a battery life of up to 26 hours, with 6 hours of playback on a single charge, and an additional 20 hours of battery life from the USB type-C charging case. The RZ-B110W earbuds also support Google Assistant or Siri for voice commands.
On the other hand, the RZ-B310W earbuds feature hybrid ANC technology, with feedback and feed-forward with both external and internal microphones. The ANC version offers up to 16 hours of battery life, with 5.5 hours of playback on a single charge, and an additional 10.5 hours of battery life from the USB type-C charging case. The earbuds also support Google Assistant or Siri for voice commands.
The Panasonic RZ-B310W earbuds are currently priced at $99.99 on Amazon, while the RZ-B110W earbuds have an MSRP of $59.99. Both earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity with devices.
Relatedly, Panasonic also debuted an Ultra-short throw Laser Projector with a 16:10 aspect ratio called the PT-CMZ50 last month. You can find out more about it here.
The world of home entertainment has seen some remarkable advancements in recent years. With the proliferation of streaming services, there has been an increased demand for high-quality projectors that can deliver a cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home. BenQ, a leading provider of visual display solutions, has just launched four new projectors that cater to different user requirements, ranging from videophiles to those who want to enjoy movies in bright rooms. Let’s take a closer look at each of these projectors and see what they have to offer.
The High-Performance Projectors range from $1,699 to $3,499
If you’re a videophile who demands the best possible performance from your home theater, then the HT4550i is the projector for you. This projector boasts of CinematicColor 100% DCI-P3 performance and 3200 ANSI lumens of brightness from a 4LED light source, delivering performance comparable to a professional screening room. The HDR-PRO technology enhances the local contrast, delivering vivid colors and deep blacks, resulting in an immersive viewing experience. The retail price of the HT4550i is $2,999, making it one of the more expensive projectors in the market.
The HT3560 is aimed at users who want to enjoy movies in regular dark rooms. This projector features perfect HDR detail at 100% Rec. 709, delivers 95% DCI-P3 CinematicColor performance, and produces 2200 ANSI lumens of brightness. The HDR-PRO technology enhances the local contrast, delivering crisp and detailed images. The HT3560 is priced at $1,699, making it more affordable than the HT4550i.
TK860i provides true 4K cinematic HDR performance. The projector was unveiled earlier this month. The TK860i is designed to deliver true 4K cinematic HDR performance in any bright room. With a high brightness of 3300 ANSI lumens and providing 98% Rec. 709 CinematicColor quality in any bright environment, the TK860i delivers vivid colors and deep blacks even in brightly lit rooms. The HDR-PRO technology optimizes the local contrast, delivering rich and detailed images. The retail price of the TK860i is $1,799, making it a more affordable option for users who want high-quality performance in bright rooms.
The V5000i is a unique projector that features an RGB laser TV projector with a dedicated BenQ 100″ ALR Fresnel screen for daytime live-room entertainment. With 95% ultra-wide BT.2020 CinematicColor and low input lag, the V5000i delivers an immersive and engaging viewing experience. The ALR screen bundled solution eliminates the guesswork of choosing a suitable screen for your projector, making it easy for users to enjoy a home experience comparable to a TV. The retail price of the V5000i with a 100-inch ALR screen is $3,499, making it the most expensive projector in the lineup.
Poco India’s top executive Himansu Tandon recently held an Instagram interaction with tech influencer Rajiv Makhni, where he revealed some key details about the upcoming Poco F5 5G smartphone. According to Tandon, the F5 5G will be a premium offering from POCO in India and will be available in two different color options – Carbon Black and Snowstorm White.
No 128GB storage option for POCO F5?
The F5 5G will come with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as the base variant, and there could also be a 12GB RAM option. The phone features a triple-camera setup with a “Turbine-like” design on the back, and the camera module confirms that the primary sensor will be a 64MP one. On the front, there is a hole-punch cutout at the top center for the front camera, and the display has thin bezels with a 93% screen-to-body ratio.
Redmi Note 12 Turbo
Tandon claimed that the F5 5G had scored nearly a million on AnTuTu, making it the highest-ever score by a phone with a Snapdragon 7-series chip. He also hinted at the possibility of a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging support. The F5 5G is expected to come with Android 13 out-of-the-box with a layer of MIUI 13 on top of it.
Although it is yet to be officially confirmed, reports suggest that the F5 5G could be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 12 Turbo from China. The Chinese version of the device features an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro sensor. For selfies, there is a 16MP front camera. The display is expected to measure 6.67 inches diagonally with a Full HD+ resolution and support for a 120Hz refresh rate.
TikTok is a social media platform where users can create and share short videos set to music or other sounds. It was launched in 2016 by a Chinese tech company, Bytedance and has since become a global phenomenon, particularly popular among young people. TikTok uses an algorithm to curate content for users, which has led to viral trends and challenges. The platform pays its top content creators through its Creator Fund program, which is a $1 billion fund set up to support eligible creators who meet certain criteria, including having at least 100,000 followers and being 18 years or older. The amount each creator is paid is determined by a formula that takes into account factors such as views, engagement, and overall popularity of their content. However, this was never a source of reliable income for creators on the platform, until now.
Creators can now earn 50% of the Ad Revenue
TikTok has dropped a bombshell on the advertising industry with the launch of Pulse Premiere, a product that enables advertisers to showcase their ads alongside premium content from big-name publishers, including Buzzfeed, DotDash Meredith, NBCUniversal, UFC, and WWE. The latest offering from the social media giant will allow creators to earn 50% of the revenue generated from ads placed behind their content, taking TikTok’s Pulse project to the next level. Until now, Pulse only allowed marketers to place ads alongside the top 4% of the highest-quality content. However, Pulse Premiere is now more inclusive, enabling participating publishers to place ads after all posts.
The company recently introduced the ability to generate AI avatars for its users. TikTok is hoping to support publishers and create new business opportunities for the platform with this new initiative. With monthly active users in the US already exceeding 150 million, Pulse Premiere has all the ingredients to become a major force in the advertising space. Creators on the platform will see a new era of creative possibilities with TikTok’s new initiative.
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which is the latest high-end smartphone from Xiaomi (Checkout our Xiaomi 13 Ultra review), has been released in China with a new model featuring 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. While international customers are still awaiting the launch of the device in their respective countries, customers within China now have the option to purchase the smartphone in three new custom colors.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s new color options
The new color options are called Starry Sky Blue, Cabernet Orange, and Ginkgo Yellow. According to reports, these new color options will only be available for the 16GB RAM + 512GB storage models. As for price and availability, these color options will be priced at 6,499 yuan and will be sold in limited quantities starting at 10:00 AM China local time on May 6. Pre-bookings are already open on Xiaomi Mall.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra specs
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is an impressive flagship smartphone that boasts a brilliant 6.73-inch 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED display. The screen offers a stunning resolution of 1440p and an impressive peak brightness of 2,600 nits, which is among the brightest displays available on the market. The display is produced by TCL CSOT, ensuring the highest quality.
Powering the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage. The camera setup on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is just as impressive, featuring a Leica Vario-Summicron lens with a 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 primary camera sensor that supports variable aperture between f/1.9 and f/4.0. There is also a 50MP Sony IMX858 f/1.8 ultrawide sensor with a 122-degree FOV, as well as a pair of 50MP Sony IMX858 telephoto lenses. On the front side, the phone sports a 32MP camera for selfies and video calls.
Running on the Android 13 operating system with Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 custom skin, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and supports both 90W fast charging and 50W wireless charging.
The lock icon in Google Chrome is a security indicator that appears in the address bar of the browser when you visit a website that uses HTTPS encryption to secure your connection. The lock icon signifies that the website you’re visiting has been authenticated and verified by a trusted certificate authority, and any data that you exchange with the website is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping or tampering by third parties. However, it doesn’t always mean that the site is trustworthy, and Google seems to be highlighting the same, stating that the company will replace the icon in their web browser.
Only 11% of Users understand what the Lock Icon means
Google is planning to replace the lock icon in Chrome’s address bar with a new icon that will make it easier for users to understand its meaning. The move comes after research showed that only 11% of users realized that the lock symbol referred to HTTPS encryption. Many others believed that it meant the site was trustworthy, which is problematic as a lot of phishing sites use the technology.
The new icon is a variant of the tune icon, or the settings icon (as some would refer to it) and is meant to signal that security is the default state rather than trustworthiness. It is also more inviting for users to click, making it more likely that they will use site controls. To keep up with evolving security standards, the tech giant has been making a lot of changes. It recently added Passkeys to Google Accounts, and Blue Checkmarks to Gmail. Most users will see the new icon in Chrome 117 on Android and desktop, which is expected to arrive early in September.
Passkeys are a relatively newer type of authentication factor that uses biometric data or a hardware token to verify a user’s identity. Unlike passwords, which are vulnerable to hacking and phishing attacks, passkeys are more secure and convenient to use. They are harder to crack because they require a physical object or biometric feature to authenticate the user, and they are more resistant to phishing attacks. With passkeys, users can authenticate themselves without having to remember complex passwords, making it a more user-friendly and secure way of accessing their accounts. With security breaches becoming increasingly common, Google has added an extra layer of security to Accounts, and it comes in the form of passkeys.
Passkeys can use Fingerprint Sensor & Face Unlock
To set up passkeys, users need to go to their Google Account settings as passkeys are not enabled by default. Administrators of Google Workspace accounts will also soon have the option to enable passkeys for their end-users during sign-in. With passkeys, users can enjoy a passwordless sign-in experience that is more convenient and secure than anything Google Accounts offer currently. Since most smartphones these days come with a fingerprint sensor or face unlock support, almost anyone will be able to use this new security feature.
As mentioned previously, Passkeys are more secure than passwords because they require a physical object or biometric feature to authenticate the user, making them resistant to online attacks, including phishing. Google has now rolled out support for passkeys across Google Accounts on all major platforms, including Android and iOS. While passkeys will not replace current sign-in options, users can take advantage of this additional option. Recently, Google has been on a roll with the introduction of new privacy protection features to its services. For instance, Gmail just implemented Blue Checkmarks to strengthen its privacy profile, which will help users recognize authentic accounts.
Google’s Gmail is implementing a new feature that uses Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) technology to verify the identity of email senders. When an email is received from a verified sender, a blue checkmark appears next to the company’s name in the inbox. Google initially introduced BIMI in Gmail in 2020, allowing enrolled brands to include authenticated logos in their emails. The blue checkmark is a more noticeable indicator that the sender is legitimate, providing users with an extra layer of protection against email scams. Just recently, Google created awareness regarding a GMail scam that could cost its users a lot of money.
The Blue Checkmark will help identify and stop spam in the Inbox
Google plans to continue prioritizing user security and experience with additional updates to Gmail. Possibilities include expanding the BIMI program, better spam filtering, enhanced privacy features, and integration with other Google services. The blue checkmark feature will be available to all users by the end of the week, while Workspace admins can set up BIMI for their company to take advantage of the feature.
Strong email authentication helps users and email security systems identify and stop spam, and enables senders to leverage their brand trust. For companies, the blue checkmark is an excellent way to increase brand trust and prevent phishing and other email scams. The feature should increase confidence in email sources and create a better email ecosystem for everyone.
Google has always been focused on user security and experience, and the blue checkmark feature is another example of this. With the success of the blue checkmark feature, Google may continue to invest in BIMI technology to enhance email security and authentication. Additionally, while Gmail already has robust spam filtering capabilities, Google may look to improve the system further by leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to better identify and filter out spam messages.
Google’s latest update to Gmail is a positive development for the email ecosystem, as it helps users identify legitimate email sources and enables companies to leverage their brand trust. As threats and challenges in the digital space continue to evolve, we can expect to see continued investment in email security and authentication features, as well as other updates to improve the user experience.
Xiaomi recently launched the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the flagship smartphone from the brand. While the phone has been available for a few days in the Chinese market, one model wasn’t made available till now.
The company has now started selling the 16GB RAM and 1TB internal storage model of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra in White color. The phone has been priced at 7,299 yuan, which converts to about $1,059.
As for the specifications, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra features a 6.73-inch 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED display that offers a 1440p screen resolution and a maximum peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The panel is manufactured by TCL CSOT and is claimed to be one of the brightest out there. Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage.
In the camera department, there’s a Leica Vario-Summicron lens on the back. It features a 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 primary camera sensor with support for variable aperture between f/1.9 and f/4.0. There’s also a 50MP Sony IMX858 f/1.8 ultrawide sensor with a 122-degree FOV, along with a pair of 50MP Sony IMX858 telephoto lenses. On the front side, the phone has a 32MP snapper for taking selfies and video calling.
The phone runs the Android 13 operating system out-of-the-box with the company’s own MIUI 14 custom skin on top. The device is powered by a 5,000mAh battery and comes with support for 90W fast charging and 50W wireless charging.
Google Chrome continues to be the undisputed leader in the browser market. According to recent research, the company holds a 66.13% market share, far ahead of its closest competitor, Safari, with an 11.87% share. However, as in every industry, competition here benefits users and prevents leading names from becoming complacent. As a result, all browsers, including Chrome, regularly update with new features and performance improvements for users. For instance, Google recently announced the release of Chrome 113, a major update for its popular web browser. This update introduces faster AV1 video encoding for video conference calls, WebGPU by default, and various other improvements. Here are the details…
Chrome 113 Revolutionizes Browsing with New Features
Google has announced the release of Chrome 113, which offers faster AV1 video encoding for video conference calls, WebGPU by default, and various other improvements. The new update is now accessible on Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms, including 15 additional security fixes. Some of these improvements are as follows:
Faster AV1 Video Encoding
Chrome 113 has integrated the libaom 3.6 release, which significantly speeds up CPU-based AV1 video encoding. This update will benefit all WebRTC apps, enabling faster and more efficient video conference calls. Google Meet has already tested AV1 video quality down to 40 kbps, showing its potential for use even in low bandwidth situations.
CSS Media Features
This release introduces the CSS overflow-inline and overflow-block media features, as well as an update to the CSS media feature.
Linear Easing Function
Chrome 113 adds a linear() easing function, allowing for linear interpolation between multiple points.
Support for CSS image-set()
The browser now supports CSS image-set() as a type for specifying a range of image options.
WebGPU Enabled by Default
WebGPU, the successor to WebGL, is now enabled by default in Chrome 113. This offers improved performance for high-quality 3D graphics in the web, making it an exciting development for gamers and other users who rely on advanced graphics.
With the release of Chrome 113, users can expect faster and more efficient video conference calls, better support for CSS media features, and improved 3D graphics performance with WebGPU enabled by default.
The Acer Predator X27U monitor earlier showcased during CES 2023 has now entered the shelves in China. The Predator X27U has a 2K, 240Hz OLED screen with a screen size of 27 inches. It has taken up to four months for the model to surface after it was showcased at CES 2023 in January.
The Acer Predator X27U monitor squares up nicely with some of the current monitors of brands like LG but with a more affordable price tag. Indeed, at present, there are several 2K 240Hz OLED monitors with varying prices. The LG 27-inch 2K 240Hz model launched with a price tag that is more than 1.5 times more expensive than the Acer X27U.
The Acer Predator X27U features a 27-inch WQHD OLED panel with a 0.03ms response time and 240Hz display refresh rate. The high refresh rate and impressive response time of the monitor mean it can be used for gaming applications. In terms of color clarity, the X27U has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. Connectivity options for the monitor include HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4, and 90W full-featured USB-C. Audio is accommodated in the monitor via its built-in dual 5W speakers.
Acer Predator X27U Monitor with a 27-inch OLED monitor & 240Hz refresh rate delivers the ultimate gaming experience
The Acer Predator X27U monitor is open for pre-order from JD.com in China. It is priced at 6,499 yuan (~$940). There are no indications at this time on the global availability of the monitor. It is however expected that Acer will ship the model to overseas markets subsequently. The specifics are lacking at this time.
Tecno is pushing the bounds of its marketing campaign for the Phantom V Fold 5G with its partnership with SpiceJet. The partnership will see the Boeing 737 Max aircraft in the SpiceJet fleet adorning the Phantom V Fold 5G brand colors. Recall that the TECNO Phantom V Fold 5G was unveiled in India last month.
Tecno is currently running Beyond the Extraordinary campaign for the new flagship and SpiceJet’s integration will further expand the campaign. The Phantom V Fold 5G is a bold statement by Tecno that it can indeed compete in the premium segment of the market. It also seeks to reaffirm Tecno’s philosophy of developing products that are beyond extraordinary. The Tecno-SpiceJet strategic partnership is aimed at reaching a wider audience with the Tecno brand. SpiceJet aircraft will be branded entirely in the Phantom colors while the cabin will be adorned with Phantom V Fold 5G on the build head and headrest covers.
Inside the plane itself, SpiceJet air hostesses will demonstrate the new Phantom Fold smartphone to passengers. This takes brand engagement to a higher and more personal level. Tecno hopes to leverage the optics of this partnership to drive awareness of its new Phantom V Fold flagship. It hopes to create a lasting impact on its target audience with this flying campaign.
The campaign will run from May 3 to August 2, 2023. SpiceJet says it is excited about the partnership which promotes the cutting-edge Phantom V Fold 5G smartphone. It says the Flying Billboard campaign for the Tecno Phantom V Fold 5G flagship is expected to be highly effective. The Tecno Phantom-branded SpiceJet Boeing 737 Max will fly both local and international flights.
Wearable technology continues to advance and become more widespread. The most prominent examples of this technology today are smartwatches and fitness trackers. These devices, which include various health features, have become indispensable for users who want to monitor their physical activities and overall health. For instance, different brands offer smartwatches with various features that can measure your heart rate, blood pressure, stress levels, and even perform an EKG. However, it seems that if you take the right measurements, you can do much more than that. According to research, wearable devices like the Apple Watch can accurately assess a person’s mental resilience and well-being.Here are the details…
How Your Apple Watch Could Gauge Your Mental Resilience
Not long ago, our lives were profoundly affected by a pandemic, a recent global economic crisis, concerns about the future, and social media. In fact, there are so many reasons for us to lose our mental health that it’s a miracle most of us haven’t gone insane. However, it seems that some of us aren’t as lucky as we thought. Mental disorders account for 13% of the global disease burden, and there is a growing need for accessible mental health care. But like any illness, it needs to be detected before it’s too late, and it appears that smartwatches may be able to help with that.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System have found that machine learning algorithms, applied to data collected from wearable devices like the Apple Watch, can accurately assess a person’s mental resilience and well-being, paving the way for remote monitoring of psychological states without the need for mental health questionnaires. They analyzed 329 healthcare workers across seven New York City hospitals.
Participants wore Apple Watch Series 5 or 4, which measured heart rate variability and resting heart rate. The collected metrics were found to be predictive in identifying resilience or well-being states, indicating the potential for further assessment of psychological characteristics through wearable data. Today, many people have trouble getting the mental health care they need. Using devices like Apple Watches could make mental health care easier for everyone. Researchers want to keep improving this technology. They plan to study more people and different health conditions.
Samsung has launched the DM530AFA-LC71W all-in-one monitor designed for productivity and entertainment. The PC features a 23.8-inch display with a 1080p resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks, including video conferencing, streaming, and web browsing. One standout feature Samsung is projecting the device with is the anti-glare coating designed to mitigate reflections and to make it easy for users to see what’s displayed on the screen in brightly lit environments.
The new Samsung AiO computer packs the latest Intel Raptor Lake architecture under the hood. The device comes in Core i7 and Core i3 versions. The high-end Core i7-1360P processor version can reach 5 GHz on its 4 P cores, making it ideal for demanding workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. You also get up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM that is accessible via a service panel. Thus, users can upgrade the memory if needed.
The memory is complimented by a replaceable 512 GB NVMe SSD and a 2.5-inch drive slot. Thus, it is possible for users to also upgrade their storage capacity with the addition of an extra hard drive or SSD.
The deisgn of the Samsung DM530AFA-LC71W AiO computer also includes a pop-up webcam as well 5W stereo speakers. The PC also comes with four USB Type-A ports, HDMI-in, HDMI-out, a USB Type-C connection, Gigabit Ethernet, and a MicroSD card reader.
Samsung DM530AFA-LC71W All-in-one computer with a 23.8-inch display, 1080p resolution launched
In addition, the portable compputer bundle a wireless keyboard and mouse in its packaging box. Users can connect the keyboard and mouse to the monitor using Bluetooth.
As for the prices, the Samsung DM530AFA-LC71W all-in-one computer is priced at KRW 1,240,000 (~$931) in South Korea for the Core i3 version while the Core i7 version will retail for up to KRW 1,720,000 (~$1,291).
Google has started rolling out a new update for the Google Play Store with version 35.5.14 for Android devices. This latest update brings general improvements to enhance the stability and usability of the app. Although no new features or changes have been noted, it aims to provide users with a better and bug-free experience.
Download Google Play Store Apk
The update package size is 21.22 MB and it is now available for devices running Android 13 or below. The app will be installed in the background automatically and if you still want to install it manually you can download it from here.
Apart from this, Google released the last April 2023 Play System update batch last week. The new session of the Play Update enables some new tweaks for the Google Play Store. The installation process is now more stable when downloading any third-party app or game over a Wi-Fi network. Additionally, the update brings an option to download the app over the mobile network while waiting for Wi-Fi.
The latest update also has new features to help users discover the apps and games they love, optimizations for faster and more reliable downloads and installation, and continuous improvements to Play Protect to keep devices safe. Furthermore, there are various performance optimizations, bug fixes, and improvements to security, stability, and accessibility.
Another notable change that may soon be coming to the Play Store is users’ ability to delete user data inside a specific app. Apps that allow account creation must also allow users to request their accounts to be deleted, and this deletion option must be readily discoverable inside the app and outside. Google has also recently introduced the “Auto Archive” feature, which helps to automatically delete unnecessary data from apps that have not been used for a significant time.
Lastly, there is an improvement made for Google Chrome developers, which will allow them to add Play Store-like app icons. Google continues to enhance the functionality of its stock apps, including the Play Store, by regularly releasing new features and improvements through updates.
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