Category: All News

July 5, 2024
Apple Joins OpenAI Board as Observer, Gaining AI Future Insights
In a major development revealed last month, Apple will assume an observer role on OpenAI’s board. This collaboration aims to enhance Apple’s AI capabilities and its standing in the technology sector. Phil Schiller, who heads Apple’s App Store and is the former marketing chief, will take on this role later this year.
Phil Schiller will participate in OpenAI’s board meetings, gaining crucial insights into their decision-making processes, though without the authority to vote or influence decisions. This position will allow Apple a closer look at OpenAI’s strategies and innovations.
Competitiveness in AI
This move aligns Apple with Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest backer and primary AI technology supplier, enabling Apple to remain competitive in the swiftly advancing AI field.
However, this alliance could introduce complications due to the long-standing rivalry between Microsoft and Apple. Microsoft might prefer Schiller to be excluded from discussions about future AI projects involving both companies.
Phil Schiller, an Apple Fellow, manages the App Store and oversees product launches. Although he stepped down as head of marketing in 2020, he is still a key figure at Apple. He also holds a director position at the medical technology company Illumina.
Integration of ChatGPT with Apple Devices
During the WWDC 2024 event in June, Apple announced that ChatGPT would be integrated into iPhones, iPads, and Macs as part of its AI feature suite. The forthcoming iOS 18 will introduce enhanced AI capabilities on Apple devices. ChatGPT will manage complex tasks, while on-device AI models will handle simpler tasks.
This partnership is not financially driven. OpenAI gains access to millions of Apple users, and Apple benefits from integrating ChatGPT, potentially offering a paid version of ChatGPT that could generate revenue through App Store fees.
Future AI Collaborations
Apple is also negotiating with other AI developers, including Google, start-up Anthropic, Baidu, and Alibaba Group Holding, to explore further chatbot integrations. The new AI features, branded as “Apple Intelligence,” will first launch in American English, with plans for a global rollout.
OpenAI has faced several controversies, such as the temporary removal of CEO Sam Altman and criticisms regarding AI safety. For Apple, securing an observer role with a high-profile partner like OpenAI is a rare occurrence, underscoring the importance of this alliance.
This observer role for Apple on OpenAI’s board, coupled with the integration of ChatGPT into its devices, marks a significant step in Apple’s AI strategy. This partnership not only enhances AI capabilities on Apple devices but also paves the way for future advancements in artificial intelligence.
Tags: Apple, ChatGPT integration, OpenAI
July 5, 2024
Honor 200, 200 Pro India Launch Date Revealed
Honor has officially revealed the launch date for its forthcoming smartphones. The Honor 200 series is scheduled to make its debut in India later this month. This series will include the Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro models. These smartphones have already been introduced in global markets and will be the third and fourth devices to launch in India following the brand’s return to the Indian market.
Honor 200 series India launch date confirmed
The Honor 200 series is set to launch in India on July 18, Thursday. These upcoming smartphones will be available on Amazon, mainline stores, and the brand’s official website. The standard model will be available in Classic Black, while the Pro variant will come in Moonlight White. Both models will feature a pill-shaped camera module and an ultra-slim design, with a thickness of just 7.7mm.
Honor has partnered with Studio Harcourt, a Paris-based photography studio, and is promoting the device as ‘The Portrait Master’. The Honor 200 series will boast a 50MP portrait camera with OIS. They will run on MagicOS 8.0, which is based on Android 14, and include various AI features such as the brand’s MagicLM on-device language learning model.
Specifications and Features
The Indian versions of the Honor 200 and 200 Pro are expected to have the same specifications as their global versions. Both smartphones will feature a 6.7-inch curved AMOLED screen with a 1.5K display resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The standard model will be powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen chipset, while the Pro model will feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. Both devices will have 5,200mAh batteries with 100W wired charging support. The Pro model will also support 66W wireless charging.
Tags: Honor 200 Series, India launch, Magic OS 8.0
July 5, 2024
Samsung Galaxy Ring 2nd Gen May Feature Display, Patent Reveals
Samsung is gearing up to unveil a smart ring at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10. However, a newly filed patent suggests that Samsung is also developing another smart ring with a different design. This patent was submitted to the United States Patent Application Publication in May 2024.
Second-Generation Galaxy Ring May Feature a Display
From the images, the new smart ring—likely the second-generation Galaxy Ring—will feature a flat outer side and a circular inner side. It is speculated that the flat outer side will house a display, while the sensors will be on the inner side. One of the images below supports this theory.
There are rumors that this next-generation ring could feature two displays: one for app icons and another for displaying content or information when an app icon is selected. Both screens would operate based on user interactions. However, the patent images do not clearly depict multiple displays.
The display could make it easier to check vital information, such as workout stats and heart rate, without needing to use your phone. It might also provide notifications for incoming calls and other alerts.
Enhanced Internal Volume and Sensor Capabilities
The images indicate that the second-generation ring might have a larger internal volume compared to the first-generation Galaxy Ring. This suggests that the new ring could include more components, such as a larger battery or additional sensors, to enhance its functionality.
According to the patent, the Galaxy Ring will support various measurements, including Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), SPO2, PPG, and ECG. It will also feature a temperature sensor, acceleration sensor, fingerprint sensor, and a switch. The increased number of sensors might be why the internal volume has been enlarged.
Despite these advancements, the device will still need to pair with a phone, likely using Bluetooth for connectivity. There are also speculations that it could support Wi-Fi, NFC, and MST (magnetic secure transmission) for payments.
Multiple Sizes and Future Release
The patent states that this second-generation ring will be available in multiple sizes—27 sizes in South Korea and 65 sizes in the US. As for its release, the product is still in the early stages of development. Whether it will be launched depends on the success of its ongoing development. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Tags: Samsung Galaxy Ring, Second-Generation Wearable, Smart Ring Patent
July 5, 2024
Samsung Galaxy M35 5G Specs Revealed Before India Launch
Samsung is preparing to unveil the Galaxy M35 5G smartphone in India on July 17. This new device will follow last year’s Galaxy M34 and has already been introduced in a few select markets. It will be available on Amazon India, which has created a dedicated microsite revealing the key specifications and features of the Galaxy M35 5G. Read on for more details.
Samsung Galaxy M35 5G Specifications Confirmed
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G will sport a flat frame design with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button. The back panel will feature three vertically aligned sensors: a 50MP OIS camera, a 2MP macro lens, and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. On the front, the device will have a center-aligned punch-hole display surrounded by bezels. The screen is an sAMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, and 1,000 nits peak brightness. The display will be protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, providing resistance against accidental damage and scratches.
Software and Performance
The microsite also reveals that the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G will receive four years of OS updates and security patches. It will include a Samsung Wallet and a convenient tap-and-pay feature. The device will be powered by an Exynos 1380 processor and will feature a vapor cooling chamber for efficient heat dissipation. Additionally, the phone will be powered by a 6,000mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging.
Color Options and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G will come in Light Blue, Dark Blue, and Grey color options. Pricing and detailed availability will be announced on July 16.
Tags: India launch, Samsung Galaxy M35, Specs Revealed
July 5, 2024
Motorola AmphisoundX 600W Soundbar Launches in India
Motorola is broadening its home entertainment lineup in India with the introduction of the new AmphisoundX 600W Soundbar. This latest addition to their audio products range is set to become available later this week. The brand promises robust bass, Dolby Atmos support, and a variety of other features. Here’s what you need to know about its specifications, features, pricing, and availability.
Motorola AmphisoundX 600W Soundbar India Release
The AmphisoundX includes a soundbar along with satellite speakers. The primary soundbar unit boasts a 600W output from its three front-firing and two top-firing drivers, while the satellite speakers deliver 40W output. Motorola aims to offer a true cinematic experience with these speakers, enhanced by three dedicated audio modes. Promotional materials highlight this device’s capability of up to 4K audio and an ultra-premium design.
Motorola AmphisoundX 600W Soundbar Features
Furthermore, the soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and 3D surround sound for a more immersive listening experience. This new model joins the original AmphisoundX and AmphisoundX Vibe, which are similar soundbar speakers. The AmphisoundX 600W soundbar will officially be available in India starting on 7th July 2024, and it is already listed on Flipkart, a well-known e-retailer in India.
Pricing and Promotions
The Motorola AmphisoundX 600W is priced at 17,999 INR (approximately 215 US Dollars). Additionally, the first 10 customers who purchase these new soundbars through Flipkart will receive free Soundcore Life Note 3 TWS earbuds, valued at 7,999 INR (roughly 96 US Dollars). This new soundbar launch follows shortly after the release of Motorola’s flagship foldable phone, the Razr 50 Ultra. In the hearables sector, the company introduced the Moto Buds and Moto Buds+ in India in May 2024, featuring ANC, Dolby Head Tracking, and Bose Sound.
Tags: Dolby Atmos Head Tracking, Flipkart Sale, Motorola AmphisoundX 600W
July 5, 2024
Redmi G Pro 2024 Gaming Laptop with Core i7-14650HX
Redmi introduced the G Pro 2024 gaming laptop back in March, featuring an i9-14900HX processor combined with an RTX 4060 GPU, priced at 8,999 Yuan (~$1250). Despite its impressive capabilities, many customers felt that the price-to-performance ratio was just average. To enhance its appeal, the company has now unveiled a version powered by the i7-14650HX, which is still robust enough to meet most users’ performance needs.
Performance and Specifications
The new i7-14650HX variant, although priced yet to be disclosed, retains the 210W total performance release. It will be available for purchase starting at 10 am on July 12 in its home country. This model continues to feature a 2.5K 240Hz display and RGB lighting on both the keyboard and the back, which can be seen from the image below.
With 16 CPU cores and 24 threads, the Core i7-14650HX processor delivers a performance release of 130W. The laptop still includes the RTX 4060 graphics card, offering a performance release of 140W, paired with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
Display and Features
The gaming-focused laptop boasts a 16″ display with a 3ms response time and G-SYNC technology. The panel achieves a peak brightness of 500 nits, supports 10-bit color depth, DC dimming, and covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut. The RGB effects can be adjusted easily with a single key, and the device includes Xiaomi’s smart connectivity features such as cross-device camera, keyboard, and mouse sharing.
Ports
Regarding connectivity, the laptop is equipped with the following ports:
- 1 x Thunderbolt 4
- 3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2
- 1 x USB-A 2.0
- 1 x MiniDP 1.4
- 1 x HDMI 2.1
- 1 x RJ45 network port
- 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack
- 1 x SD card slot
Tags: Core i7-14650HX, Gaming Laptops, Redmi G Pro 2024
July 5, 2024
Vivo X200 Compact Phone: Leaked Display and Camera Specs
Both the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro, which were launched in China in October 2023, come with a 6.78-inch curved-edge OLED screen and a Dimensity 9300 chipset. However, it seems that while the X200 Pro will continue to sport a larger display of about 6.7 inches, the X200 might turn out to be a more compact device with a flat display, according to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station. In a recent Weibo post, the tipster reiterated the compact design and shared some details about the display.
Alleged Vivo X200’s Key Details Leaked
In the aforementioned leak, the tipster talks about a compact smartphone with a flat display. Although the device’s name wasn’t specified, it is likely referring to the X200. The leaker had earlier indicated that the device could feature a 6.4-inch or 6.5-inch flat display.
The Vivo X200’s display is expected to have narrow bezels on all sides. It will offer a 1.5K resolution (1216 pixels), a 120Hz refresh rate, and an aspect ratio of approximately 19.5:9. The rear panel will have a large circular camera module that houses a triple camera setup, including a 50-megapixel primary camera and a periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
Additional Specifications
Reports suggest that the Vivo X200 will incorporate Vivo’s self-developed imaging chip for improved photography and an optical in-display fingerprint scanner. It will also feature the Dimensity 9400 chip, which will power both the X200 and X200 Pro. The X200 Pro, with its 6.7-inch display, is rumored to include an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor.
Since the tipster hasn’t explicitly mentioned the device’s name, it’s advisable for readers to treat this information with caution.
Tags: Compact Smartphone, MediaTek Dimensity 9400, Vivo X200 Pro
July 5, 2024
Foxconn Invests $551M in Vietnam for Smart Tech Production
Foxconn is expanding its presence in Vietnam with a significant investment of $551 million (approximately 4.013 billion Yuan) across two new projects in northern Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province. These ventures are planned for completion by July 2026 and will be centered on the production of smart technology.
Smart Entertainment Products and System Equipment
The first project, based in Song Khoai Amata Industrial Park, involves an investment of $263.7 million (around 1.92 billion Yuan). This facility will focus on manufacturing smart entertainment products, with an anticipated annual output of 4.18 million units.
The second project is located in Bac Tien Phong Industrial Park and comes with an investment of $287.2 million (approximately 2.092 billion Yuan). Covering an area of 12.4 hectares, this facility will produce intelligent system equipment. After a period dedicated to machinery installation and testing, official production is projected to commence in May 2027.
Tags: Foxconn, Smart Technology Production, Vietnam Investment
July 5, 2024
Redmi K70 Ultra & Xiaomi Mix Flip RAM, Storage Variants Leaked
Redmi is gearing up to launch the Redmi K70 Ultra in China this month (July). The exact launch date is expected to be announced next week. A recent leak on Weibo has disclosed the device’s specifications prior to the official announcement. Additionally, the leak has provided details on the variants of the Xiaomi Mix Flip, which is anticipated to debut in China next month (August).
Redmi K70 Ultra
According to the leak, the forthcoming Xiaomi phone, identified by the model number 2407FRK8EC, will come in four configurations: 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage. This model is recognized as the Redmi K70 Ultra.
Recent reports suggest the K70 Ultra will feature an OLED display with a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, a dedicated X7 graphics chip, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. It will be powered by the Dimensity 9300+ chipset, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 5,500mAh battery supporting 120W fast charging. The phone will boast a 20-megapixel front camera and a triple camera unit comprising a 50-megapixel, 8-megapixel, and 2-megapixel sensor. For durability, it will have an IP68-rated body with a metal frame.
Xiaomi Mix Flip
The Xiaomi Mix Flip, which has the model number 2405CPX3DC, will be offered in the same configurations as the K70 Ultra: 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, 16GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB.
Reports indicate that the Mix Flip will be equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a cover display of approximately 4 inches. The rear camera setup will include a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS and a 60-megapixel OmniVision OV60A telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. The device is also expected to support 67W fast charging.
Tags: Redmi K70 Ultra, Smartphone Leaks, Xiaomi Mix Flip
July 5, 2024
Honor Magic V3 Colors Revealed Before July 12 Launch
The Honor Magic V3 series of foldable smartphones is set to launch on July 12 in China. Yesterday, the company unveiled a poster highlighting the device’s design, featuring a brown variant with a leather finish. Today, the brand has released new images showing the three additional color options for the Magic V3.
Honor Magic V3 Color Options
The latest images present the Magic V3 in three distinct shades: Tundra Green, Qilian Snow, and Velvet Black. Compared to last year’s Magic V2, the V3 boasts a significant upgrade in the design of its rear camera module. It now includes a noticeable octagonal base that accommodates three triangular cameras and an LED flash.
Camera and Specifications
While the company has not yet revealed the specifics of the Magic V3’s camera, it is rumored to include a periscope telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom. The device will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and will feature a battery with an approximate 5,000mAh capacity. Reports indicate that the Magic V3 will support 66W fast charging and offer two-way satellite connectivity. It is also expected to be slimmer than the Magic V2, which has a thickness of 9.9mm when unfolded.
Honor Magic Vs3 and Other Devices
Alongside the Magic V3, the Honor Magic Vs3 will also be launched. This model is anticipated to be a more budget-friendly foldable phone, likely equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and positioned to compete with the Vivo X Fold 3. A recent leak suggests that the Vs3 may be available in black, white, and green color options.
The July 12 event in China will also debut the MagicBook Air 14 laptop and the MagicPad 2 tablet. The MagicPad 2 is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset.
Tags: Foldable Phones Market, Honor Magic V3, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets