by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology
2 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 1:31 PM IST
Apple unveiled an array of new features for the iPhone 16 series at the “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9, including Camera Control button, Apple Intelligence, Visual Intelligence, and more. However, several features will be absent from the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro at launch. Here’s a look at the features that will be missing initially:
New Siri
The new Siri will not be available on the iPhone 16 at launch. Although the iPhone 16 will be equipped with iOS 18, the new Siri will only be introduced with iOS 18.1, which will also feature Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence and AI Features
Apple Intelligence features will also not be included in the iPhone 16 at launch. Absent artificial intelligence (AI) features include Genmoji, ChatGPT integration, AI notification summaries, and Clean Up in the Photos app.
Camera Control’s two-stage shutter
At the event, Apple introduced a new physical button for Camera Control, allowing users to access the camera, take a photo with a press, and zoom in by sliding. However, the two-stage shutter, which will enable the Pro model users to lock focus and exposure with a light press, will be added later this year.
Visual Intelligence
Visual Intelligence, another feature of Camera Control, uses the camera to gather information about places and objects in the real world. This feature will also be released later this year. With Visual Intelligence, users can click and hold Camera Control to retrieve information about objects in the camera’s view, such as restaurant ratings or dog breeds.
Apple’s initial set of AI features will be introduced with iOS 18.1 in October. Additional features will be added with iOS 18.2 in December, with further updates planned through 2025.
First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 1:31 PM IST
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by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology
2 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 1:26 PM IST
Microsoft’s new Xbox Game Pass Standard subscription plan for consoles is now available in India. Announced in July, the new Standard subscription replaces the Xbox Game Pass for Console plan. This new paid tier offers a middle ground between the entry-level Xbox Game Pass Core and the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription plans.
Existing subscribers to Game Pass for Console with automatic payment renewal enabled can continue their membership for the time being.
Xbox Game Pass Standard Plan: Details
Priced at Rs 619 per month, the Xbox Game Pass Standard plan offers access to over 100 game titles on console, a significantly larger catalogue than the Core subscription plan. The new tier also brings online console multiplayer and exclusive discounts on games. However, day-one access to new video games and the included EA Play membership remain exclusive to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan.
It is important to note that the Standard subscription is valid only on gaming consoles and not on PCs.
Xbox Game Pass: All subscription plans
Xbox Game Pass Core (console only)
Price: Rs 349 per month
Details: Catalogue of over 25 games, online console multiplayer support, member deals and discounts
Xbox Game Pass Standard (console only)
Price: Rs 619 per month
Details: Catalogue of over 100 games, online console multiplayer support, member deals and discounts
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (for both console and PC)
Price: Rs 829 per month
Details: Catalogue of over 100 games, day-one access to new games, online console multiplayer support, member deals and discounts, exclusive offers, EA Play membership
Xbox Game Pass PC (PC only)
Price: Rs 449 per month
Details: Catalogue of over 100 games, day-one access to new games, member deals and discounts, EA Play membership
First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 1:26 PM IST
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by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology
Huawei Mate XT Ultimate tri-fold smartphone
2 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 12:35 PM IST
China’s Huawei launched the first tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT Ultimate Design, in its home country on September 10. The smartphone features a 10.2-inch tablet-sized OLED display that folds to function as a regular smartphone or as a dual-screen foldable. Huawei’s announcement came just hours after Apple revealed its iPhone 16 series, positioning the company to rival the American technology giant, particularly in China.
Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design: Details
Unlike regular foldable phones, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design features a 10.2-inch foldable OLED panel with 3K resolution. When fully folded, the device transforms into a 6.4-inch smartphone, with the option to use it in dual-fold mode, offering a 7.9-inch screen. When unfolded, the smartphone is just 3.6mm thick, making it one of the thinnest smartphones globally.
According to a report by CNET, Huawei stated that the smartphone’s twice-folding display is made using flexible materials that can bend in both directions. Regarding the dual-hinge mechanism, the company mentioned that it “involves two tracks working in tandem to support inward and outward folds.”
Although Huawei did not specify the chip powering the smartphone, it revealed that the Mate XT Ultimate Design comes with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of built-in storage. On the rear, the device features a triple camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 12MP telephoto camera. The smartphone also includes an 8MP front-facing camera. Powered by a 5600mAh battery, the Mate XT supports 66W wired charging and also offers wireless charging capabilities.
The smartphone is currently exclusive to the Chinese market and is priced at 19,999 yuan for the base variant.
Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design: Specifications
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Display: 10.2-inch (triple screen mode), 7.9-inch (dual screen mode), 6.4-inch (single screen mode), OLED display, 2232 × 3184 resolution in triple screen mode, LTPO
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RAM: 16GB
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Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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Rear camera: 50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP periscope telephoto ( 5.5x optical zoom)
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Front camera: 8MP
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Battery: 5600mAh
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Charging: 66W wired, 50W wireless, 7.5W reverse wireless
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Weight: 298g
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Thickness: 3.6 mm unfolded, 12.8mm folded
First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 12:30 PM IST
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by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology
2 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 11:56 AM IST
Samsung is expected to launch the Fan Edition (FE) variant of its flagship Galaxy S24 smartphone soon. According to SamMobile, the Galaxy S24 FE is anticipated to launch in October alongside the Galaxy Tab S10 series. The Fan Edition device is reportedly priced higher than the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Leaked images suggest that the design of the Galaxy S24 FE is similar to the S23 FE but will be available in new colours.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is expected to be powered by the Exynos 2400e chip, with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The Exynos 2400e is a slightly slower variant of the chip used in the Galaxy S24 in Europe, though reports suggest that Samsung will use the same chip in the US market. For context, Samsung rarely offers phones with Exynos chips in the US, as the Galaxy S23 FE launched last year was powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, not Exynos.
Another notable change is the size of the display. The Galaxy S24 FE is expected to feature a 6.7-inch display, compared to the 6.4-inch display on the Galaxy S23 FE. This change would align the Fan Edition device more closely with the size of the Galaxy S24+.
Reports also suggest that Samsung plans to equip the entire Galaxy S25 series with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, potentially moving away from its previous dual-chipset strategy for flagship smartphones. In the past, Samsung used a combination of Qualcomm and its own Exynos chipsets to power its Galaxy devices, with Snapdragon processors used in the US and Exynos in other markets, including India.
First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 11:55 AM IST
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by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology
2 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 11:27 AM IST
US-based audio device maker Sonos has made India foray with the Sonos Ace launch. With these over-the-ear headphones, Sonos makes its entry into the personal listening category. The Sonos Ace supports lossless and spatial audio, and offers Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) along with an Aware Mode.
“Sonos Ace leverages everything we’ve learned over two decades as an audio leader to bring stunning sound, sleek design, and long-lasting comfort to one of the largest and most popular audio categories worldwide,” said Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos.
Sonos Ace: Price and availability
Priced at Rs 39,999, the Sonos Ace headphones are now available in India at select retail outlets. The headphones are available in two colours—Black and Soft White.
Sonos Ace: Details
Sonos said the Ace headphones feature a sleek profile, blending metallic accents with a matte finish. The headphones have contrasting colours inside the ear cups to indicate correct placement. When not in use, the Sonos Ace headphones can be folded flat and stored in a lightweight travel case. The headphones use lightweight, premium materials for a comfortable fit, and the ear cushions are made of memory foam wrapped in vegan leather, which can be replaced.
The company added that the Sonos Ace headphones are equipped with dual custom drivers that deliver each frequency with precision and clarity. The headphones feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and an Aware Mode to allow ambient sound in. The Sonos Ace supports spatial audio with Dolby Atmos surround sound for a more immersive experience, and includes dynamic head tracking.
The headphones are also compatible with Sonos soundbars, allowing users to switch TV sound between devices. Sonos will introduce a new TrueCinema technology later this year, which the company says will map the user’s surroundings for an enhanced surround sound experience.
First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 11:27 AM IST
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by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology
3 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 10:47 AM IST
With the PlayStation 5 Pro,
Sony introduces a mid-generation upgrade to the PS5 gaming console. Unveiled at a special presentation on September 10, the PS5 Pro brings notable performance improvements and minor design changes. The console will be available from November 7 in select regions. Here are the details:
PlayStation 5 Pro: Price and availability
Priced at $699.99 in the US, the PlayStation 5 Pro will come with a 2TB SSD. The console will be shipped with a DualSense wireless controller and a pre-installed copy of Astro’s Playroom. It is important to note that the PS5 Pro is a disc-less console; however, the PS5’s Disc Drive, sold separately, will be compatible with the Pro model.
Pre-orders for the PS5 Pro will start on September 26 at direct.playstation.com. In regions where the platform is not available, pre-orders will begin on October 10 at select retailers.
PlayStation 5 Pro: What’s new
The PlayStation 5 Pro is not a completely new console but rather an enhancement of the existing PS5 line. The new Pro model retains a similar design to the PS5 console but features stripe-like vents on either side.
Sony’s press release states that the new PS5 Pro can run higher fidelity graphics with smoother frame rates at 60 frames per second compared to the standard PS5. The new graphics processing unit (GPU) in the PS5 Pro has 67 per cent more Compute Units than the existing PS5 and 28 per cent faster memory. These enhancements reportedly make gameplay rendering up to 45 per cent faster.
The PS5 Pro also includes improved ray tracing capabilities. Sony has stated that the more powerful ray tracing will offer more dynamic reflections and light refraction within game graphics. Advanced ray tracing on the PS5 Pro will enable rays to be cast at up to three times the speed of the current PS5. Additionally, the PS5 Pro introduces PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an artificial intelligence-powered upscaling technique that uses machine learning algorithms to enhance visual detail, sharpness, and clarity.
Other notable updates include Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, variable refresh rates (VRR), and 8K resolution gaming support.
PlayStation 5 Pro: Compatible games
Sony has announced that select existing video game titles will receive a free software update to take advantage of the PS5 Pro’s new features. These titles will feature a “PS5 Pro Enhanced” label. Some of the updated games include:
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Alan Wake 2
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Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
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Demon’s Souls
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Dragon’s Dogma 2
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Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
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Gran Turismo 7
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Hogwarts Legacy
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Horizon Forbidden West
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Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
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Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
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The Crew Motorfest
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The First Descendant
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The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Additionally, Sony announced a new feature for the PS5 Pro called “Game Boost”. This feature will enhance and stabilise the performance of supported PS4 and PS5 games, including over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games. The company also stated that “Enhanced Image Quality” for PS4 games will be available on the PS5 Pro to improve resolution on select PS4 titles.
First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 10:47 AM IST
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