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Tech wrap Oct 7: Apple event, Meta Movie Gen AI, Indus Battle Royale, more

Tech wrap Oct 7: Apple event, Meta Movie Gen AI, Indus Battle Royale, more

by | Oct 7, 2024 | Technology


3 min read Last Updated : Oct 07 2024 | 8:03 PM IST


Apple’s upcoming major hardware launch event is expected at the end of this month. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company plans to reveal new products, including Macs powered by the M4 chip and updated iPad models, around late October, with some possibly available by November 1. Gurman also provided insights into Apple’s 2025 launch schedule for additional products such as the iPhone SE and refreshed AirTag.

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Apple’s suite of artificial intelligence features, referred to as Apple Intelligence, is scheduled to begin rolling out to eligible iPhones by the end of this month. A report from Bloomberg suggests that the iOS 18.1 update, which will include the first set of Apple Intelligence features, is expected to commence on October 28.

 


Meta has introduced its new artificial intelligence model, Movie Gen, aimed at generating video and audio from text prompts. Competing with OpenAI’s Sora, Movie Gen can produce videos based on user descriptions and create corresponding audio. The company also highlighted that it can personalise videos using actual photos of individuals, placing them in various scenarios. Users can further enhance or edit the generated videos through text inputs. However, in contrast to the Llama series, Meta is reportedly not planning to offer Movie Gen for open use by developers, according to Reuters.


Google had previously announced that the Gmail Q&A feature was being gradually rolled out on Android and would soon be available on iOS. The company has now officially added support for the Gmail Q&A feature on iOS.


Indian video game developer SuperGaming has announced the launch of its new battle royale mobile game, Indus, which is set to release on October 16 for both Android and iOS. Indus Battle Royale will offer a unique twist to the conventional battle royale format with its dual victory condition. It will also feature a new option called “Grudge,” allowing players to track down opponents who have previously defeated them.


Google is beginning to roll out the “Ask Photos” feature to selected users. This Gemini-powered feature is reportedly being introduced in the US as a server-side update within the Google Photos app, meaning the app version does not impact access. The company opened a waitlist for users to sign up on its website in September. This feature was originally announced at Google I/O 2024 in May.


The CMF Watch Pro 2, priced as a budget smartwatch, delivers basic functionality without lag. One of its standout features is Bluetooth calling, which operates effectively for hands-free calls.


Google is enhancing security for Android users by launching new anti-theft features designed to protect personal data in the event that a device is stolen.

First Published: Oct 07 2024 | 8:03 PM IST



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CMF Watch Pro 2 review: Nothing's smartwatch is good, but not without flaws

CMF Watch Pro 2 review: Nothing's smartwatch is good, but not without flaws

by | Oct 7, 2024 | Technology


3 min read Last Updated : Oct 07 2024 | 3:31 PM IST


The CMF Watch Pro 2 is a budget smartwatch from Nothing, at Rs 5,499, packed with features such as health monitoring, Bluetooth calling, and camera control. It also includes interchangeable straps and bezels, making it a first-of-its-kind modular smartwatch. Here’s a detailed look at what the Watch Pro 2 offers and how it stacks up in the budget smartwatch segment.


Design

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The CMF Watch Pro 2 showcases a sleek design with an aluminium alloy body and interchangeable bezels and wrist straps. Users can choose from liquid silicone straps in Dark Grey and Ash Grey or leather straps in Blue and Orange. The 22mm strap width and circular bezel design with a functional crown provide a user-friendly experience. The watch is lightweight at 44 grams, making it comfortable for extended wear. The bottom, which houses health sensors, is made of plastic, and the front features a glass display. The watch boasts an IP68 rating for water resistance and decent scratch protection.

 


Display


The watch features a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. The display is clear and sharp, with an auto-brightness feature that adjusts well to environmental light conditions. The 60Hz refresh rate ensures smooth transitions and animations. Gesture Control via the display works accurately, with wrist movements activating custom functions. The watch offers over 100 watch faces and an always-on display option, though the latter impacts battery life.


Software


For a budget smartwatch, the CMF Watch Pro 2 provides basic functionality without lag. The user interface is clean and smooth, with adjustable haptic feedback. Scrolling and tapping are seamless, making it efficient for casual use.


Bluetooth calling and compatibility


The smartwatch includes a built-in microphone and speakers for Bluetooth calling, which function effectively for hands-free calls. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The Camera Remote feature is user-friendly and operates well.


Companion app


The CMF Watch app, available on the Play Store, is straightforward and offers detailed statistics and metrics. The Dial Gallery provides various watch faces and customisation options. However, the app’s connectivity can be unreliable, with frequent disconnections leading to unrecorded metrics.


Health and fitness tracking


The Watch Pro 2 includes health monitoring features like heart rate tracking, stress measurement, SpO2 monitoring, and sleep tracking. It offers a 7-day vitality score and supports 120 sports modes, including auto-recognition for several activities. However, the accuracy of fitness and sleep tracking can be inconsistent. Steps are sometimes recorded inaccurately, and the watch may inaccurately log sleep when not worn.


Battery


The battery life of the Watch Pro 2 is impressive for its price. With a 305 mAh battery, it offers up to 11 days of battery life under typical usage conditions. With the always-on display enabled, battery life reduces to seven to eight days, and it lasts around five days with both features active. The magnetic charger could be sturdier, as it occasionally disconnects with slight movements. Charging takes approximately 100 minutes.


Verdict


At Rs 5,499, the CMF Watch Pro 2 delivers basic features and excellent battery life at an affordable price. It is lightweight and comfortable for daily use, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious buyers seeking health monitoring features. However, for those requiring more advanced fitness tracking and detailed metrics analysis, other options might be available at a higher price.

First Published: Oct 07 2024 | 3:30 PM IST



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India-based SuperGaming to launch Indus Battle Royale game on October 16

India-based SuperGaming to launch Indus Battle Royale game on October 16

by | Oct 7, 2024 | Technology


Indus Battle Royale Mobile

Indus Battle Royale Mobile

3 min read Last Updated : Oct 07 2024 | 2:31 PM IST


Indian video game developer SuperGaming has announced the launch of its new battle royale mobile game, Indus. Set to release on October 16 for both Android and iOS, Indus Battle Royale will add a unique twist to the traditional battle royale gaming style with its dual victory condition. Additionally, it will feature a new in-game feature called “Grudge,” which will allow players to track down opponents who have defeated them.


Indus Battle Royale: Storyline

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Indus is set in a futuristic landscape on the mysterious planet Indus, featuring visuals inspired by ancient civilisations. Within the game, players will take on the role of Mythwalkers—elite operatives under the command of a powerful criminal syndicate, COVEN. Players will be tasked with collecting a rare resource called Cosmium while outlasting other players on Virlok, a floating island-style map set on planet Indus, characterised by shifting terrain and Nirvana storms.

 


The game will include multiple Indian-inspired avatars such as Morni, Pokhran, Sirtaj, Heena, and Mech-Balika, alongside various futuristic-style weapons and vehicle options.


Indus battle royale game: Gameplay


Indus will feature a unique dual victory condition. Players can win the match either by outlasting other opponents or by securing the rare resource Cosmium, which spawns in the last circle of Nirvana. The game developer has stated that this adds a new layer of depth to the battle royale gameplay, offering a balance between survival, combat, and strategy.


Additionally, the game will introduce the Grudge mechanism, which will allow players to seek revenge on opponents who have defeated them. The Grudge system will encompass two roles for the main player: Hunter and Defender. Players or squads can adopt one or both roles during a match, each offering unique gameplay dynamics. The Hunter is guided by the game to track down their target, while the Defender is alerted to the threat, leading to strategic showdowns.


Grudge allows players to declare a vendetta against an opponent or a squad at the press of a button. The developer has emphasised that this addition does not disrupt the game’s flow, as all Grudge interactions occur outside the main battle royale gameplay loop.


In addition to this, there are options for 4v4 and 2v2 team deathmatch, enhancing the multiplayer experience.


Indus Battle Royale game: Trailer

First Published: Oct 07 2024 | 2:31 PM IST



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Meta announces 'Movie Gen' AI model: What is it, how it works, and more: Technology news

Meta announces 'Movie Gen' AI model: What is it, how it works, and more: Technology news

by | Oct 7, 2024 | Technology


3 min read Last Updated : Oct 07 2024 | 12:52 PM IST


Meta has announced its new artificial intelligence model, Movie Gen, for generating video and audio from text prompts. Competing with OpenAI’s Sora, Meta’s Movie Gen AI model can create videos based on user descriptions and generate accompanying audio. The company stated that it can also produce personalised videos using actual photos of individuals to depict them in various scenarios. The generated videos can be further enhanced or edited using text inputs. However, unlike the Llama series of AI models, Meta is unlikely to release Movie Gen for open use by developers, reported Reuters.


Meta Movie Gen: What is it and how it works

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In a research paper detailing the new AI model, Meta explained that the Movie Gen model has been trained for both text-to-image and text-to-video tasks. When prompted, it generates several coloured images, each serving as a frame for the video.


Meta stated that Movie Gen can produce high-definition (1080p) videos of up to 16 seconds at 16 frames per second (FPS). Within its parameters, the model can generate videos of variable resolutions and durations in different aspect ratios. The company noted that the model has learned real-world visuals by “watching” videos and can reason about object motion, camera motion, subject-object interaction, and more.


For audio generation, Meta mentioned that the Movie Gen model can produce corresponding audio using video-to-audio and text-to-audio techniques. The company claims it can generate 48kHz audio with cinematic sound effects and music synchronised to the video input. While the model’s video-generating capabilities are limited to a few seconds, it can create “long-form coherent audio for videos up to several minutes long.”


Meta Movie Gen: Notable features


Meta stated that the Movie Gen model has been trained to condition on both text and images, enabling it to generate videos featuring a selected person from an actual image. The company assured that the video will maintain the person’s identity while the actions will be based on the user’s prompt.


Additionally, the model possesses video editing capabilities for both generated content and real videos. The company claimed that Movie Gen can perform “precise and imaginative edits” to a provided video based on the user’s description. In a preview shown by the company, the model successfully edited the background of a video and added additional elements to the main subject.

First Published: Oct 07 2024 | 12:52 PM IST



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Google starts rolling out Gemini AI-powered 'Ask Photos' feature in Photos: Technology news

Google starts rolling out Gemini AI-powered 'Ask Photos' feature in Photos: Technology news

by | Oct 7, 2024 | Technology


Photos, Google Photos

Photos, Google Photos(Photo: Shutterstock)

2 min read Last Updated : Oct 07 2024 | 12:47 PM IST


Google is rolling out the “Ask Photos” feature to select users. The Gemini-powered feature is reportedly rolling out for users in the US as a server-side update and appearing in the Google Photos app, meaning it does not matter which version of Google Photos the user has. The American technology company opened the waitlist for access in September this year, allowing users to sign up on Google’s website. The feature was unveiled at Google I/O 2024 in May.


Ask Photos in Google Photos app: What is it

 


Ask Photos allows users to pose questions in natural language directly within Google Photos, utilising Google’s Gemini AI models. The app will display results based on the content of the photos, along with the image that best matches the answer. It also enables searches for people, pets, and more.


Ask Photos in Google Photos app: Availability


Once the feature is available on an account, it will be accessible on all devices, including Android and iOS apps. According to 9to5Google, it will appear as a new tab in the Photos app at the bottom, replacing the “Search” tab. Classic search will still be available but only after using the Ask Photos feature first.


It is not clear when the feature will be widely rolled out. However, if a user has signed up for the waitlist, they may soon see Ask Photos on their device.


Ask Photos in Google Photos app: How it works


Following the activation of Ask Photos, users will be prompted to learn how the feature works, what data it requires access to, and to confirm details, including verifying that the correct names are associated with people. Users will also need to set relationships for people and pets, arranged by how frequently they appear in the library. The feature is reportedly more effective at answering questions about people and places rather than events or objects, as stated by 9to5Google.

First Published: Oct 07 2024 | 12:47 PM IST



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iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence could arrive on eligible iPhones on Oct 28: Technology news

iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence could arrive on eligible iPhones on Oct 28: Technology news

by | Oct 7, 2024 | Technology


Apple intelligence

Apple intelligence (Photo: Shutterstock)

2 min read Last Updated : Oct 07 2024 | 11:13 AM IST


Apple’s suite of artificial intelligence features, called Apple Intelligence, is expected to start rolling out to eligible iPhones by the end of this month. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is expected to begin the rollout of the iOS 18.1 update packed with the first batch of Apple Intelligence on October 28.


The report indicates that the initial batch of Apple Intelligence features with the iOS 18.1 update will include functionalities like notification summaries, writing tools in native apps such as Mail, and more. Additionally, the dedicated Image Playground app for generating custom images using AI may arrive with the iOS 18.1 update. Subsequent iOS 18 platform updates will introduce more advanced features. The report stated that OpenAI’s ChatGPT integration into iPhone, along with the Genmoji feature for generating custom emojis, will be available with the iOS 18.2 update.

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In March 2025, with the iOS 18.4 update, Apple is likely to roll out an upgraded version of Siri, featuring more in-app control for handling complex tasks and improved contextual understanding to offer more personalised responses to users, according to a Bloomberg report.


iOS 18.1: First batch of Apple Intelligence features


  • Image Playground: This is Apple’s new image-generating tool, offered as a standalone app for generating images from text prompts. It will also be integrated into other apps such as Notes, Messages, and Mail.


  • Redesigned Siri: Siri will receive an updated interface and enhanced natural language processing, with integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT planned for a future update.


  • Notification Summary: This feature compiles notifications from various apps, including third-party applications, into a concise overview.


  • Webpage Summary: Available in Safari’s Reader mode, this tool provides summaries of web pages for quicker reading.


  • Writing Tools: AI-powered tools for proofreading, rewriting, and summarising will be integrated into apps like Notes, Mail, and Messages.


  • Smart Reply: AI-generated reply suggestions will be available in the Messages and Mail apps.


  • Clean-up: An AI-based image editing tool in Photos that removes unwanted background elements from images.


  • Movie Memory: This feature uses AI to create videos from stored images and clips based on user descriptions.

First Published: Oct 07 2024 | 11:13 AM IST



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