Category: Software

  • Nokia Unveils New Immersive Phone Call Technology

    Nokia Unveils New Immersive Phone Call Technology

    Nokia’s CEO Pekka Lundmark recently made a phone call utilizing a cutting-edge technology known as “immersive audio and video.” This innovation aims to enhance call quality by introducing a three-dimensional effect, making the listening experience more lifelike. The demonstration was conducted with Stefan Lindström, Finland’s Ambassador of Digitalisation and New Technologies.

    Nokia anticipates their 3D calling technology will soon set the industry standard. They are urging network providers, chipset manufacturers, and handset makers to adopt and integrate this immersive calling feature into their products.

    A Step Towards Realistic Communication

    The objective of this new technology mirrors Google’s Project Starline, albeit with fewer prerequisites. The CEO’s demonstration showcased the future of voice communication, akin to his participation during the introduction of 2G calling.

    For years, the core technology and output of voice calls have remained mostly unchanged. Initially, calls employed heavy compression to minimize file size for transmission. Despite the current infrastructure’s capability to handle high-quality, multi-channel audio, we still rely on monophonic systems. Nokia’s 3D audio-based immersive calling represents a significant advancement in calling technology.

    A Leap in Live Voice Calling

    Nokia’s innovation will not only enhance auditory experience but also allow users to visualize the caller’s environment. “It is the biggest leap forward in the live voice calling experience since the introduction of monophonic telephony audio used in smartphones and PCs today,” stated Jenni Lukander, Nokia’s president.

    This new calling method’s advantage lies in its simplicity; it doesn’t necessitate special audio equipment to experience the 3D effect. A stereo microphone setup, common in most modern smartphones, is sufficient to create this immersive experience.

    Practical Demonstration and Future Prospects

    For those concerned about transmission, the demonstration used a standard 5G-enabled smartphone. As shown in the image above, CEO Pekka Lundmark was holding a Pixel device. Besides one-on-one calls, this immersive technology can also be applied to conference calls.

    Nokia plans to license this new technology and make it publicly accessible within a few years.

  • iOS 18: Advanced AI Features Might Miss Launch, Says Ming-Chi Kuo

    iOS 18: Advanced AI Features Might Miss Launch, Says Ming-Chi Kuo

    Just before the WWDC24 event, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shares his insights about iOS 18 and Apple’s forthcoming announcements. There have been ongoing discussions about Apple integrating AI features into its future devices. Kuo confirms that the company is set to reveal several AI advancements. The WWDC24 keynote session is scheduled to begin at 10:30 PM IST on June 10 (today).

    AI Integration in iOS 18

    Kuo anticipates that Apple will embed robust functionalities throughout iOS 18 and its system applications. Siri, Apple’s AI assistant, is expected to receive a significant upgrade, as previously reported. However, Kuo points out that the capabilities of on-device AI functions will be constrained by the 8GB memory size, which is insufficient for the large language model. To address this, Apple plans to merge local and server-side LLMs for its AI features.

    Phased Rollout of Server-Side AI

    Interestingly, Kuo does not view Apple’s AI advancements as a breakthrough in the field. Nonetheless, he predicts that Apple’s substantial investment in machine learning and artificial intelligence over recent years will yield benefits in the long run. His research indicates that the shipment volume of the iPhone 16 series in Q2 2024 might be slightly lower compared to the same period last year.

    The server-side LLMs require more time to train compared to smaller on-device models. Kuo suggests that the more sophisticated server-dependent features may be introduced in phases rather than being fully launched with the iPhone 16 series. Advanced AI features are expected to be available on the iPhone 15 Pro models and newer, alongside the iPhone 16 series.

    Apple's AI Partnerships

    There have been reports about Apple’s collaborations with OpenAI and Google for server-side AI features. However, Kuo downplays the significance of these partnerships. He believes that Apple’s cooperation will primarily focus on the “encapsulation model” for user and application interaction.

    In conclusion, Kuo asserts that post-WWDC24, Apple will no longer be viewed as a company lagging behind in the AI race.

  • Siri in iOS 18: Discover New AI Features Enhancing Performance

    Siri in iOS 18: Discover New AI Features Enhancing Performance

    Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is a breeding ground for rumors about upcoming software updates, and this year, Siri, Apple’s digital assistant, has been at the forefront. A recent leak from Apple Insider, reportedly from sources close to Apple’s AI projects, provides the clearest insight yet into Siri’s upcoming features for various iPhone apps.

    Enhanced Natural Language Understanding

    The leak indicates that Apple has been concentrating significantly on improving Siri’s ability to understand natural language commands. The tech giant has been training Siri with intentionally vague user requests, such as “I want to make a blog” or “I’m feeling nostalgic right now.”

    The goal is to move Siri beyond requiring specific syntax for tasks. Ideally, users won’t have to use precise commands like “turn on the coffee machine,” but can instead say something more natural like, “Hey Siri, I want some coffee.”

    Integration with Built-In iPhone Apps

    The leak also outlines Siri’s integration with no fewer than 18 built-in iPhone apps. Here are some of the most noteworthy highlights:

    • Camera: Siri will be able to handle voice commands for camera control. Users can switch between video and photo modes, set a shutter timer, and toggle between front and rear cameras using voice commands.
    • Mail: For the Mail app, Apple is adopting a page from Gmail by using machine learning to automatically classify emails. Additionally, Siri will manage tasks like composing, sending, and scheduling emails, marking emails as junk, setting reminders, summarizing emails, and creating “smart replies.”
    • Photos: Apple might introduce a suite of photo editing features powered by generative AI. Features could be similar to those on Pixel phones, such as removing unwanted objects from photos, filling in gaps using generative AI, searching for specific photos based on people or animals in them, and applying AI-powered filters.
    • Safari: Siri integration in Safari could offer webpage summaries, akin to the functionality provided by Google’s Gemini on Android. Users can also expect voice commands for creating new tab groups and opening private tabs.
    • Voice Memos: Siri will enable completely hands-free voice memo recording. Users can instruct Siri to create a new recording, begin speaking, stop the recording, assign a specific name, and even move it to a designated folder – all through voice commands.

    Gradual Rollout

    Apple Insider’s report reveals nearly everything Siri will offer in upgrades, so it’s worth a read for those seeking full details.

    Regarding the launch, Apple leak specialist Mark Gurman notes that not all these features will be available immediately. While some might be announced at WWDC, their actual release could be staggered until 2025 via software updates.

  • Apple Could Reveal Dedicated Passwords App at WWDC

    Apple Could Reveal Dedicated Passwords App at WWDC

    We are just a few days away from Apple’s annual WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) that kicks off on Monday, June 10. The tech giant is anticipated to reveal the next-generation operating system for its iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more. A recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that Apple may introduce a new Passwords app on iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15. This means Apple could potentially compete with well-known services like LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane.

    Apple may introduce a dedicated Passwords app at WWDC

    Currently, Apple’s iPhones, iPads, and Macs have a passwords feature, but it is hidden deep within the Settings app. Users need to go through a three-step process to access it. A standalone Passwords app would address this issue, making it more accessible, especially for those new to the Apple ecosystem.

    The existing passwords feature in Settings can store logins, passwords, support one-time passcodes, share passwords, and more. These capabilities will be included in the dedicated Passwords app as well. It will be powered by Apple’s iCloud Keychain service, which syncs credentials across all devices.

    New Features and Compatibility

    Gurman reports that the Passwords app will organize user logins into categories such as accounts, Wi-Fi networks, and passkeys. It will also be compatible with Windows devices and the Vision Pro headset. The app is expected to support verification codes and function similarly to Google Authenticator. Additionally, it will allow importing passwords from other services like LastPass and 1Password.

    WWDC Announcements

    Apple is anticipated to announce the new Passwords app on June 10 at WWDC. It will be part of a series of announcements, with iOS 18 expected to take the spotlight, focusing significantly on AI features. Official details are expected to be revealed on Monday.

  • iOS 18 AI Features Exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro, Not Older Models

    iOS 18 AI Features Exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro, Not Older Models

    Apple has been developing a range of AI features for the upcoming iPhone 16 series and beyond, which were anticipated to be available to older models with the iOS 18 update. However, according to Mark Gurman, the more sophisticated AI features will only be accessible on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

    Limited AI Features for Older iPhones

    Mark Gurman suggests that while the basic AI functions in iOS 18 will operate on-device, the more advanced features will necessitate more processing power and will depend on Apple’s servers.

    Previous reports indicate that Apple is also creating chips for its servers to manage these advanced AI features. Additionally, there are mentions of the company’s plans to utilize its M series chips in servers to process AI tasks.

    The restriction of cloud-based AI features to fewer iPhones could be due to the current limited infrastructure. Similar strategies have been adopted by Samsung and Google, who have also reserved many of their advanced AI capabilities for newer models.

    iOS 18 AI Features

    The iOS 18 update is expected to incorporate AI features such as notification summarization (termed Greymatter Catch Up), object removal from photos, an overhauled notes app with speech-to-text and summarization capabilities, among others. Siri will also gain new abilities, like opening specific documents, deleting emails, and summarizing articles.

    AI Features for Older Models

    Most text-based AI functionalities are likely to be considered basic features that can run on-device. Therefore, recent iPhone models eligible for iOS 18 (including the iPhone 11 series and above, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generations) might receive these features. However, it remains unclear which specific features will be available on-device.

    Moreover, Gurman indicates that there could be some on-device AI features that only the iPhone 15 Pro models and later are capable of handling. These functionalities might not be available on older models and the non-Pro iPhone 15 models equipped with the A16 Bionic chip.

    AI Features in iPadOS 18 and macOS 15

    iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 are also set to receive some AI features. Gurman notes that the minimum requirement for macOS and iPadOS devices will be an M1 chip or later. Consequently, Intel-powered Mac devices will not support these features, which is understandable given that Intel chips and older iPhone Bionic chips lack the necessary NPU to run on-device LLMs.

  • OnePlus 11R Update: New Animations, May 2024 Security Patch

    OnePlus 11R Update: New Animations, May 2024 Security Patch

    OnePlus has recently released a significant update for its devices, bringing numerous changes and enhancements to the operating system and UI. This update, named OxygenOS 14.0.0.800, is currently being rolled out to Indian users of the OnePlus 11R. The detailed list of changes is provided below.

    OnePlus 11R OxygenOS 14.0.0.800 Update Changelog

    New Smooth Animations

    • Introduces wallpaper zoom and seamless icon transitions during app launch and exit for an enhanced visual experience.
    • Adds a bounce animation effect at the bottom of the notification drawer and optimizes the layer effects of Quick Setting icons and widgets for a more natural and delicate visual effect.
    • Enhances transition animations for Home screen icons and widgets and adds wallpaper zoom animations upon device unlock.
    • Adds wallpaper zoom animations and gradual brightness transitions when the screen is turned on or off.
    • Optimizes background colors and Gaussian blur effects in Quick Settings, Notification drawer, Home screen drawer, and Global Search.
    • Improves transition animation when the Lock screen clock and buttons disappear upon device unlock.
    • Optimizes animations for entering and exiting Global Search for a smoother and more consistent visual experience.

    New Touch Control Experience

    • Adds a transition animation when swiping in from one side of the screen to exit an app before it starts up.
    • Introduces a transition animation when swiping in from one side of the screen to go back to the previous page before a new page is opened.
    • Adds a transition animation when swiping inward from a side of the screen or swiping up to exit an app in landscape mode.
    • You can now tap the lower right corner of a large folder to view more apps.
    • Allows you to pull down app icons in large folders and then open an app in just one move.
    • Improves touch control responsiveness, making tapping and swiping on the Home screen and Recent tasks screen faster and more stable.
    • Enhances touch responsiveness for app usage scenarios, such as when opening and closing apps, entering and exiting recent tasks, or swiping on the gesture guide bar to switch between apps.
    • Optimizes animations when using large folders, making dragging apps on the Home screen smoother.

    System

    • Adds a horizontal layout for the Lock screen clock.
    • Volume adjustment is now possible in Quick Settings.
    • You can choose not to show the track when drawing the Lock screen pattern to unlock your device.
    • Fingerprint unlock can now be used without waking up the screen.
    • You can now create photo collages without frames in Photos.
    • Adds a “Partial screenshot” option in the Smart Sidebar.
    • Pressing and holding the Volume Down button now turns the flashlight on when the screen is off.
    • Introduces the “app-specific volume” feature to adjust the volume for individual apps based on your needs.
    • You can adjust the size of a floating window by dragging its bottom and swipe up to close a mini window.
    • Improves the volume bar’s design for ease of use and visual consistency.
    • Integrates the May 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.

    The update is initially being rolled out to a limited number of devices in India, with a broader release expected soon. If you haven’t yet received the OTA update notification on your device, you can manually check for it by navigating to Settings > About Device > OxygenOS and tapping on Check for Update.

  • Instagram Tests Unskippable Ads Called “Ad Breaks”

    Instagram Tests Unskippable Ads Called “Ad Breaks”

    Social media users were taken aback recently when Instagram announced it’s experimenting with unskippable ads within the app. Screenshots of this new feature, called “ad breaks,” have been making rounds online. These ad breaks feature a countdown timer, effectively halting users’ ability to scroll through their feed until the ad concludes.

    Value for Advertisers

    This approach by Instagram mirrors the ad strategy used by the free version of YouTube, which requires viewers to watch ads before and sometimes during videos. The shift seems logical for Instagram, given its transformation into a video-centric platform through features like Stories and Reels, diverging from its original photo-sharing focus.

    Though Instagram has not provided detailed information, a Meta spokesperson confirmed the tests to TechCrunch, mentioning that the company is investigating “formats that can drive value for advertisers.” They stressed that these are merely tests and any changes based on the results will be communicated.

    User Reactions

    The news was first revealed by Instagram user Dan Levy, who posted a screenshot encountering an unskippable ad. Levy criticized the move, calling it “bonkers.” Additional details were shared via a Reddit post, noting that clicking the ad break’s information icon displays a message explaining it as “a new way of seeing ads on Instagram,” and users might have to watch it before continuing to browse.

    Public Sentiment

    Unsurprisingly, the reactions have not been overwhelmingly positive. Levy’s post gained attention as it was re-shared by other social media accounts. While Instagram hasn’t specified the locations where the test is running or its global reach, screenshots indicate that the ad breaks appear within the in-app feed during video post viewing. It is also unclear whether content creators will have any say over these ad placements. The company might be aiming to increase ad revenue. For now, it remains a test, but it’s a development that frequent Instagram users should monitor.


    Instagram Tests Unskippable Ads Called

    (Via)

  • iOS 18: Easily Remove Unwanted Objects from Photos Before Sharing

    iOS 18: Easily Remove Unwanted Objects from Photos Before Sharing

    Apple may soon introduce on-device and cloud-based AI features to iOS 18 for the iPhone 16 series, following in the footsteps of Google, Samsung, Huawei, and other Android OEMs. The heart of Apple's AI strategy for iOS 18, known as Project Greymatter, will integrate these features across core apps and services like Safari, Notes, and Photos.

    New AI Features in iOS 18

    One of the standout features is 'Greymatter Catch Up,' a notification summarization tool that allows users to listen to summaries of recent notifications via Siri. Additionally, Apple plans to introduce AI-powered photo editing and other features.

    iOS 18 Generative Playground

    Apple is reportedly working on a new object-erasing photo editing feature. This generative AI tool can recognize and remove unwanted objects from images, filling the space with AI-generated content that blends seamlessly with the surroundings. This feature is similar to what is already available on Pixel, Galaxy, and Huawei devices.

    Apple has also developed an "internal application" called Generative Playground, which may allow users to experience this AI-powered photo editing feature. This tool might be integrated into iMessage for easy sharing. iOS 18 could also offer the capability to generate personalized emojis.

    The new operating system will include an automated response generation feature based on large language models (LLMs). This feature will intelligently consider factors like names, calendar events, locations, and times when generating responses. Siri is also being improved to offer more natural and smooth text-to-speech functionality for a better user experience.

    Major Improvements to the Notes App

    The Notes app will receive a significant upgrade with iOS 18 and macOS 15, incorporating text-based generative AI capabilities like speech-to-text conversion and summarization. Users will be able to record audio directly from the Notes app, convert it to text, and summarize it. This could make it easier to access information from an entire meeting or lecture.

    Apple is expected to announce these developments at the upcoming WWDC conference, which will take place from June 10 to June 14.

  • Android 15 Instant Hotspot Not Compatible with Samsung Devices

    Android 15 Instant Hotspot Not Compatible with Samsung Devices

    As Android 15 gears up for its launch later this year, Google is making final adjustments to its new features. One notable addition is Instant Hotspot, a handy tool that enables Android tablets and Chromebooks to effortlessly connect to a phone’s hotspot. However, recent findings indicate that this feature will not be accessible on Samsung Galaxy devices.

    Instant Hotspot enhances the ease of connecting your tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s internet. When nearby and lacking Wi-Fi, a prompt will appear on your device, urging you to connect to the phone’s hotspot. It’s a straightforward and user-friendly experience.

    Familiar Territory for Galaxy Users

    For those using Galaxy devices, this might seem recognizable. Samsung’s One UI already includes a similar function named Auto Hotspot. Both features serve the same purpose of linking your tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s internet.

    The main distinction is in compatibility. Google’s Instant Hotspot is compatible with any Android tablet and Chromebook, whereas Samsung’s Auto Hotspot is restricted to Galaxy devices that are part of the same Samsung account or family group.

    Impact on Galaxy Users

    Although Samsung users have been benefiting from Auto Hotspot for some time, the lack of Instant Hotspot in Android 15 won’t significantly impact their experience. If you exclusively use Samsung Galaxy devices, you won’t miss out on the advantages of Instant Hotspot.

    However, if you were looking forward to using Auto Hotspot with other Android tablets or Chromebooks, you might be disappointed when Android 15 is released.

    Speculations on Feature Exclusion

    The reason why the Instant Hotspot feature won’t be available on Galaxy devices remains unclear. The feature is part of Google Play Services, which is accessible on all Google-certified Android devices, including Samsung’s.

    Samsung probably chose to exclude this feature due to its overlap with their existing Auto Hotspot. Nonetheless, with the introduction of Instant Hotspot, the practicality of Auto Hotspot seems somewhat diminished.

  • iOS 18 to Introduce New Text Effects for Apple Messages

    iOS 18 to Introduce New Text Effects for Apple Messages

    Apple is set to revamp the iMessage experience with the upcoming iOS 18! The tech giant is rumored to be adding even more dynamic text effects that could enhance messaging, even when communicating with Android users.

    Here’s what we know so far:

    Animated Text

    Say farewell to static text messages. iOS 18’s iMessage might enable you to animate individual words within a sentence. Picture sending a “Happy Birthday” with the word “Happy” bursting in a shower of confetti, or a “Congrats” accentuated by shimmering fireworks. According to MacRumors, these effects would surpass the current whole-message animations like balloons and confetti showers.

    Cross-Platform Compatibility

    This is where things get intriguing. While iMessage currently restricts fancy effects to iPhone users, Apple’s confirmation of RCS messaging support in iOS 18 hints that these new text effects could also be sent and viewed on Android devices. RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a messaging standard designed to bridge the gap between SMS and iMessage features.

    Beyond these text effects, rumors also suggest that iOS 18’s iMessage could utilize Apple’s expanding AI capabilities in exciting ways. Imagine asking iMessage to generate an image based on your description, and then seamlessly sending it within your message.

    With the official iOS 18 reveal expected at WWDC (Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference) coming up soon, we shouldn’t have to wait long for confirmation of these features and more.