Author: GizNews

  • Premium Users will now experience YouTube’s AI-powered Update

    Premium Users will now experience YouTube’s AI-powered Update

    YouTube Premium Unveils New Features for Premium Users

    YouTube, the leading platform for video content, is stepping up its game for its Premium users by introducing a range of exciting features. These updates not only enhance the viewing experience but also add a touch of exclusivity and personalization.

    Conversational AI Tool for Enhanced Interaction

    One of the most significant additions is the experimental conversational AI tool. Currently available in English for a select group of U.S.-based Android users, this feature allows for a more interactive engagement with video content. Imagine watching a tutorial or a documentary and having the ability to ask direct questions about it in real-time. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize how we consume and interact with video content, making it a more dynamic and informative experience.

    Streamlined Comment Organization with AI Integration

    In a bid to appeal to content creators, YouTube is integrating AI to help organize comments. This feature aims to streamline the way creators engage with their audience, making it easier to spot trends, respond to queries, and foster a thriving community around their content. By leveraging AI technology, YouTube is empowering creators to better connect with their viewers and build stronger relationships.

    Promotional Perks for Gamers and Online Communities

    YouTube Premium now offers promotional perks for gaming enthusiasts and online communities. Premium users can enjoy trials for Discord Nitro, PC Game Pass, and even in-game bonuses for popular titles such as Genshin Impact. Additionally, YouTube understands the diverse interests of its user base and is including a trial membership for Walmart+ and Calm Premium. This move demonstrates YouTube's commitment to catering to the varied preferences of its users.

    Enhanced Video Quality for a Superior Viewing Experience

    To ensure Premium users enjoy the best possible video quality, YouTube is boosting its video quality across platforms. Previously available only to iOS users, the enhanced bitrate version of 1080p HD will now be automatically enabled for Android, web, and smart TV users. This means that regardless of the device you're using, YouTube will deliver the highest quality video without requiring manual adjustments.

    Badges for Premium Users to Recognize Loyalty and Engagement

    As a small but meaningful addition, YouTube is introducing badges for Premium users. These badges serve as a symbol of recognition for the loyalty and engagement of its users. By showcasing their achievements on the platform, YouTube acknowledges the value and commitment of its Premium subscribers.

    With these exciting updates, YouTube is raising the bar for premium services and delivering a more immersive and personalized experience for its Premium users. From interactive AI tools to enhanced video quality and exclusive perks, YouTube continues to evolve and cater to the diverse needs and interests of its audience.

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  • Amid Economic Challenges, China’s Alibaba Group Puts a Stop to Cloud Unit Spin-Off Plans

    Amid Economic Challenges, China’s Alibaba Group Puts a Stop to Cloud Unit Spin-Off Plans

    Alibaba Group Holding, one of China's largest companies, has decided to halt its plans for a full spin-off of its cloud computing division. This decision comes as the company announced a 9% increase in revenue for the September quarter, which is a significant moment for the Chinese e-commerce giant under its new leadership.

    Challenges posed by US export restrictions

    Alibaba's choice to keep its Cloud Intelligence Group intact sheds light on the challenges presented by the global tech landscape, particularly the heightened export restrictions imposed by the United States on advanced computing chips. This development highlights the intricate interplay between business strategies and geopolitical dynamics.

    A cautious approach

    In an interesting move, Alibaba has also decided to pause the listing of its supermarket chain, Freshippo. This decision indicates a cautious approach, with the company prioritizing the assessment of market conditions and aiming to maximize shareholder value.

    Boost for shareholders

    On a positive note for shareholders, Alibaba will issue its first-ever annual dividends, amounting to approximately US$2.5 billion. This gesture can be seen as a measure to build confidence amidst the broader changes and challenges faced by the company.

    Slower growth rate

    Alibaba's revenue for the quarter amounted to 224.79 billion yuan (US$30.8 billion), meeting market expectations but reflecting a slower growth rate compared to previous quarters. This slowdown could be indicative of the broader economic challenges faced by China and the global economy as a whole.

    Strategic reorganization under new leadership

    Under the leadership of CEO Eddie Wu Yongming, Alibaba is placing emphasis on strategic reorganization. This includes a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), demonstrating the company's intention to remain at the forefront of technological innovation. The application and development of their large language model, Tongyi Qianwen, serve as a testament to their commitment to AI. The recent rise in retail sales in the broader retail landscape in China is also an important context to understand Alibaba's performance and strategy as the company navigates the complexities of a changing global market.

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  • Rumors suggest Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro may be released in 2024

    Rumors suggest Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro may be released in 2024

    Samsung, known for its diverse lineup of wireless earbuds, takes a different approach compared to other Android OEMs. While the company does not release new models frequently, it still manages to launch more True Wireless Stereo (TWS) products than Apple. The most recent addition to Samsung's earbuds collection is the Galaxy Buds FE, which stands as the brand's most affordable option released this year.

    Looking ahead, Samsung has plans to unveil its next TWS offering in 2024. The upcoming earbuds, known as the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, will serve as the successors to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro released in 2022. These third-generation pro-grade wireless earbuds are expected to make their debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, with an anticipated official launch in July or August of next year.

    While details regarding the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro remain scarce, it is confirmed that the product exists and will be released within the next year. As time progresses, leaks and rumors will likely provide further insights into the earbuds' features and specifications.

    Despite being over a year old, the current-generation Galaxy Buds 2 Pro continue to be regarded as some of the best wireless earbuds available in the market. For those seeking the ultimate Samsung ecosystem experience, these earbuds are highly recommended. Following closely behind are the Galaxy Buds 2, released in 2021.

    On the other hand, the recently launched Galaxy Buds FE also offer several features found in the aforementioned premium models. However, they do not match the performance and capabilities of their higher-end counterparts, which are available at a similar price point.

    In conclusion, Samsung's commitment to expanding its TWS lineup is evident with the release of the Galaxy Buds FE and the announcement of the upcoming Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. With the latter set to arrive in 2024, fans of Samsung's earbuds can anticipate another addition to the brand's impressive range of wireless audio products.

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  • Specifications of the Honor 100 series leaked before official release

    Specifications of the Honor 100 series leaked before official release

    Honor 100 Series: Key Specifications Leaked

    Honor is all set to unveil its highly anticipated Honor 100 series in China on November 23. The series is expected to include a standard version, a Pro variant, and there are rumors of a possible Honor 100 GT variant as well. Ahead of the official launch, leakster Digital Chat Station has shared some key specifications of this upcoming series.

    Honor 100 Series Specifications (Leaked)

    According to Digital Chat Station, the Honor 100 series will sport a 1.5K Oasis eye-protecting screen. This screen will incorporate an advanced 3840Hz PWM eye-protecting dimming technology, aimed at reducing eye strain. The series will also feature a standardized 100W charging capability across all models, ensuring fast and efficient charging.

    Standard Version

    The standard version of the Honor 100 series is expected to be the first smartphone globally to debut Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 mobile platform. This chipset will offer a high-performance core clocked at 2.63GHz, three performance cores at 2.40GHz, and four power-efficient cores at 1.80GHz. Alongside, it will come equipped with an Adreno 720 GPU, promising significant performance improvements over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2.

    Pro Variant

    The high-end variant of the Honor 100 series, likely to be called the Honor 100 Pro, will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform. Released in late 2022, this chipset has gained popularity among flagship smartphones this year due to its robust performance capabilities.

    Impressive Camera Setup

    In terms of photography, both the standard version and the Pro variant of the Honor 100 series will boast a 50MP main camera sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). An Honor executive has hinted that this camera setup, especially in the Honor 100 Pro, will offer an SLR-level photography experience, promising exceptional image quality.

    Sleek Design

    Recently leaked images have given us a glimpse of the design of both devices in the Honor 100 series. The standard model is expected to have a small cutout for the front camera, while the Pro model might feature a pill-shaped cutout, possibly housing dual front-facing cameras. Additionally, each variant will feature unique rear camera module designs, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal.

    With these leaked specifications, the Honor 100 series is shaping up to be an impressive lineup, offering advanced technology and powerful performance. Fans and tech enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the official launch to get a closer look at these devices and explore all the features they have to offer.

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  • Vivo Acknowledges Inaccuracy in Vivo Watch 3 Battery Life Claims

    Vivo Acknowledges Inaccuracy in Vivo Watch 3 Battery Life Claims

    Vivo Watch 3 Battery Life Update: Company Acknowledges Error in Promotional Materials

    Vivo has recently admitted to an error in its promotional materials for the new Vivo Watch 3 smartwatch. The company initially claimed that the watch could last up to 16 days on a single charge with eSIM in its promo materials. However, it has now been clarified that this figure is only achievable under specific usage conditions.

    Battery Life Details

    In an official statement posted on its Weibo account, Vivo announced that the Vivo Watch 3 actually has a battery life of 7 days in normal usage scenarios. To achieve the previously mentioned 16-day battery life, users must use the watch in a more limited capacity.

    Vivo has provided detailed testing conditions for both battery life claims. Here are the specifications for each:

    7-Day Battery Life:

    • Continuous intelligent heart rate monitoring
    • Always-on sleep monitoring
    • 2 hours of daily connection to the LTE network
    • 100 message notifications
    • 6 incoming calls
    • 2 alarms
    • 180 wrist raises to activate the screen
    • 15 minutes of LTE calls per week
    • 15 minutes of Bluetooth calls
    • 15 minutes of online music playback
    • 30 minutes of Bluetooth music playback
    • 60 minutes of GPS exercise

    16-Day Battery Life:

    • Continuous intelligent heart rate monitoring
    • Always-on sleep monitoring
    • 100 message notifications
    • 6 incoming calls
    • 2 alarms
    • 180 wrist raises to activate the screen
    • 15 minutes of Bluetooth calls per week
    • 30 minutes of Bluetooth music playback
    • 60 minutes of GPS exercise

    Apologies and Updated Promotional Materials

    Vivo has apologized for the error in its promotional materials and has taken steps to rectify the situation. The company has updated its promotional materials to accurately reflect the correct battery life expectations for the Vivo Watch 3.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Vivo Watch 3 is available in two versions. The Bluetooth-only model is priced at 1,099 yuan (approximately $152), while the eSIM version is priced at 1,299 yuan (approximately $182). Both versions are currently available for pre-order and are set to be officially launched on November 21.

    In conclusion, Vivo has acknowledged and rectified the error in its promotional materials for the Vivo Watch 3. The smartwatch has a battery life of 7 days under normal usage scenarios, while the previously mentioned 16-day battery life can only be achieved with limited usage. Interested buyers can now pre-order the Vivo Watch 3 in either the Bluetooth-only or eSIM version at the specified prices.

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  • Key specifications of the iTel P55+ surface on Google Play Console listing

    Key specifications of the iTel P55+ surface on Google Play Console listing

    iTel P55+ Spotted on Google Play Console, Hinting at Imminent Launch

    iTel, the smartphone brand known for its affordable devices, launched the P55 smartphone in India earlier this year. Priced at Rs 9,999, it quickly became the cheapest 5G phone in the country. Now, it seems that iTel is gearing up to release a new variant of the device. The iTel P55+ has recently been spotted on the Google Play Console certification website, revealing key specifications and suggesting that its launch is just around the corner.

    Key Specifications Revealed

    The iTel P55+ is listed on the Google Play Console with the model number P663L. According to the listing, the smartphone will be powered by a Unisoc T606 processor. This chipset comprises two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores also clocked at 1.6GHz. The device will also feature a Mali-G57 GPU onboard. Additionally, the P55+ will come equipped with 4GB of RAM and will run on the latest Android 13 operating system out of the box.

    Display and Design Details

    Although the render of the iTel P55+ on the Google Play Console certification appears blurry, some key design elements can still be observed. The smartphone will sport a waterdrop notch at the top of the display and a slightly thicker chin at the bottom. The listing also reveals that the device will have a resolution of 720 x 1,612 pixels and a screen density of 320 dpi.

    Expected Differences from the P55

    While the rest of the specifications for the iTel P55+ remain a mystery, it is safe to assume that the device will have some differences compared to its predecessor, the P55. The P55 features a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a 50MP main camera on the back. It is powered by a Dimensity 6080 SoC, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The device is backed by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging.

    With the iTel P55+ making an appearance on the Google Play Console, it won't be long before we get more details about its specifications and an official announcement regarding its launch date and pricing. As the brand's latest offering, it is expected to provide an affordable 5G smartphone option for Indian consumers.

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  • Q4 Deliveries Expected to Skyrocket, According to Chinese Electric Vehicle Manufacturer Xpeng

    Q4 Deliveries Expected to Skyrocket, According to Chinese Electric Vehicle Manufacturer Xpeng

    Xpeng Expects Surge in Deliveries for Q4 2024

    Xpeng, a prominent player in the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market, is anticipating a strong fourth quarter with a projected increase in deliveries. The company expects to deliver between 59,500 and 63,500 vehicles from October to December, representing a substantial 59% growth compared to the previous quarter. This optimistic outlook is primarily driven by the popularity of Xpeng’s new models, which have been strategically priced at a discount to attract mainland Chinese drivers.

    Despite reporting a net loss of US$537 million in the quarter ended September 30, Xpeng remains confident in the positive results of transformative adjustments made earlier in the year. The company’s CEO, He Xiaopeng, is optimistic about accelerated growth in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Strong Revenue Growth in Q3

    Xpeng’s third-quarter revenue saw a significant quarterly increase of 68.5% to 8.53 billion yuan, aligning with analysts’ estimates. The vehicle margin, which indicates the difference between the selling price and tangible costs, also showed improvement, standing at minus 6.1% compared to the minus 8.6% in the April to June period. However, Xpeng attributed the negative vehicle margin to aggressive sales promotions and the cancellation of EV purchase cash subsidies by Beijing.

    Impact of Promotional Activities

    The company has not provided specific details regarding the duration of promotional activities, leaving room for speculation about their impact on future financial performance. Xpeng’s new model, the G6 SUV, played a crucial role in the company’s success, especially during discount periods, as consumers responded positively to its perceived quality and performance.

    Positioning as China’s Tesla

    Xpeng is positioning itself as China’s answer to Tesla and is often considered a key player in the Chinese EV market alongside Li Auto and Nio. The G6 SUV, touted as a competitor to Tesla’s Model Y, features semi-autonomous driving capabilities powered by X NGP (Navigation Guided Pilot) software.

    Record Deliveries in October

    In October, Xpeng achieved a significant milestone by delivering a record-breaking 20,002 vehicles, marking a 31% increase from the previous month and surpassing its previous record set in December 2021. Competitor Li Auto also broke its delivery record in October, handing over 40,422 vehicles to mainland Chinese customers, marking a seventh consecutive monthly increase.

    Optimism for Future Prospects

    As Xpeng continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the Chinese EV market, the company’s leadership remains optimistic about future prospects. With a focus on improving free cash flow in the current quarter, Xpeng aims to establish a foundation for long-term scalable profitability, reaffirming its commitment to sustained success in the evolving electric vehicle industry.

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  • Pre-Orders for Meizu 21 Series Exceed 100,000 Units

    Pre-Orders for Meizu 21 Series Exceed 100,000 Units

    Meizu’s Latest Smartphone Series, the Meizu 21, Receives Over 100,000 Pre-Bookings

    Chinese smartphone manufacturer, Meizu, is preparing for the launch of its newest smartphone series, the Meizu 21. The company has been actively generating hype for the upcoming devices through various teasers. In a recent update, Meizu announced that over 100,000 users have already pre-booked the smartphone.

    To secure a pre-booking, Meizu started accepting deposits as low as 1 yuan on November 15th. This early bird offer comes with a range of benefits for customers. These benefits include a 36-month extended warranty, trade-in subsidies, an exclusive Meizu AR smart glasses package worth 999 yuan, a gaming gift pack worth 2,100 yuan, and priority delivery of the Meizu 21.

    One of the standout benefits of the pre-booking offer is the 36-month warranty. This means that the Meizu 21 is covered for three years. During this warranty period, users can submit their smartphones for evaluation at Meizu’s official after-sales centers if the device does not suffer from human-caused damage. Once confirmed, users will be eligible for Meizu’s official after-sales free maintenance service.

    It is important to note that the pre-booking period for the Meizu 21 series will end at 16:59 (GMT +8) on November 30.

    Meizu has also revealed some key specifications for the Meizu 21 series. The smartphones will feature a custom-made 6.55-inch Samsung AMOLED display with symmetrical bezels measuring just 1.74mm on all four sides.

    Both the Meizu 21 and Meizu 21 Pro will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Additionally, they are expected to come with an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel primary camera. The standard model may include an ultra-wide camera and a telephoto camera, while the Pro edition is likely to have an ultra-wide camera and a periscope telephoto camera.

    In terms of charging capabilities, both models will support 80W fast charging. However, the Meizu 21 Pro is anticipated to have a larger battery capacity of 5,020mAh, while the standard model will have a 4,800mAh battery.

    With the Meizu 21 series generating significant pre-bookings and boasting impressive specifications, it is clear that smartphone enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting its launch.

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  • Introducing Circular Ring Slim: A Light Smart Ring with AI Assistant and Haptic Interface

    Introducing Circular Ring Slim: A Light Smart Ring with AI Assistant and Haptic Interface

    Smart Rings: Circular Ring Slim – The Slimmest and Lightest Smart Ring in the World

    French-based brand Circular has recently unveiled their latest innovation in the world of smart rings – the Circular Ring Slim. This new smart ring is not only touted to be the slimmest and lightest in the market, but it also packs all the necessary health tracking features that users would expect from a smart wearable device.

    Circular Ring Slim Specifications

    True to its name, the Circular Ring Slim weighs a mere 2 grams, making it lighter than a standard ring. It boasts a sleek matte titanium exterior build, while the internal surface is made of a medical-grade non-allergic and non-metallic material, ensuring comfortable use. Additionally, the ring is suitable for light water exposure, such as showering or washing hands.

    The Circular Ring Slim comes equipped with a three-axis accelerometer, a surface temperature sensor, and PPG sensors. These sensors enable the device to measure various health metrics, including 24×7 heart rate, SpO2 levels, heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and stress levels. The temperature variance readings also help in detecting fever and menstrual cycles. Furthermore, the smart ring can track the user's physical activities and provide personalized recommendations for improvement. It is also loaded with Kira+, an AI-powered health and wellness assistant that notifies the user when their vitals are off.

    Haptic Navigation and Smart Features

    In addition to its lightweight profile and health tracking capabilities, the Circular Ring Slim features a unique haptic navigation interface. Users can simply tap anywhere on the ring to access various functions, such as medication reminders and guided breathing exercises. The device also includes a smart alarm clock that wakes up the user with gentle vibrations.

    Seamless Integration and Battery Life

    The Circular Ring Slim can seamlessly integrate with popular health platforms like Google Fit and Apple Health, allowing users to sync their data effortlessly. It boasts an impressive battery life of up to 6 days, ensuring that users can rely on the device without constantly worrying about charging. Additionally, the smart ring offers an Airplane mode, which disables all communication functions when needed.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Circular Ring Slim is priced at $275 / EUR 225. However, for a limited time, customers can pre-order the device for a discounted price of $245 / EUR 199 until December 15, when shipments commence.

    In conclusion, the Circular Ring Slim is an innovative and feature-packed smart ring that aims to provide users with a convenient and stylish way to track their health and wellness. With its lightweight design, comprehensive health tracking capabilities, and smart features, this smart ring is poised to be a potential alternative to smartwatches and fitness bands.

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  • Custom-Designed Chips Maia and Cobalt: Microsoft’s Giant Leap in AI Technology

    Custom-Designed Chips Maia and Cobalt: Microsoft’s Giant Leap in AI Technology

    Microsoft Unveils Custom-Designed Chips: Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU

    Microsoft has recently made a groundbreaking move in the tech race by introducing two custom-designed chips, the Azure Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU. These chips have undergone years of covert refinement in a Silicon lab on Microsoft’s Redmond campus and are set to revolutionize the landscape of AI services and cloud computing.

    Maia AI Accelerator

    The Maia chip is specifically tailored to accelerate AI computing tasks, addressing the increasing costs associated with delivering AI services. It has been optimized to power Microsoft’s $30-a-month “Copilot” service and is designed to efficiently run large language models, including those integral to Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI service. By routing most AI efforts through common foundational AI models, Microsoft aims to significantly improve efficiency and tackle the challenge of high AI service costs.

    Azure Cobalt CPU

    Complementing the Maia chip is the Cobalt chip, which is a central processing unit (CPU) strategically designed to compete with Amazon Web Services’ Graviton series of in-house chips. Cobalt utilizes technology from Arm Holdings and has undergone rigorous testing, proving its capabilities by powering Microsoft’s business messaging tool, Teams. Unlike its counterparts, Cobalt will not be restricted for internal use only; Microsoft plans to sell direct access to Cobalt, presenting a competitive alternative to AWS’s chips.

    Acknowledging the stiff competition with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft is keen on emphasizing the competitive performance and price-to-performance ratio of its Cobalt chip. This strategic move aligns with Microsoft’s overarching strategy of designing chips to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately offer superior solutions to customers.

    Technical details reveal that both Maia and Cobalt chips are manufactured using cutting-edge 5-nanometer technology from TSMC. The Maia chip, in a cost-effective twist, employs standard Ethernet network cabling instead of the more expensive custom Nvidia networking technology used in OpenAI’s supercomputers.

    Analysts view Microsoft’s approach with the Maia chip as a clever maneuver, allowing the company to capitalize on selling AI services in the cloud until personal devices become powerful enough. AWS’s Graviton chip, which reportedly boasts 50,000 customers, highlights the fierce competition in the AI chip market, with AWS emphasizing ongoing innovation in delivering future chip generations.

    The unveiling of the Maia and Cobalt chips marks a significant step in Microsoft’s quest for efficient, scalable, and sustainable computing power. These chips not only address the demands of AI workloads but also play a crucial role in optimizing infrastructure systems from silicon to servers for both internal and customer workloads.

    As Microsoft sets its sights on designing second-generation versions of the Maia and Cobalt chips, the future promises continued optimization across every layer of the technological stack for enhanced performance, power efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Microsoft’s venture into custom-designed chips is poised to reshape the AI landscape and propel the industry toward new horizons.

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