2 min read Last Updated : Aug 20 2024 | 1:21 PM IST
Meta has launched an app for the Quest 3, Quest 2, and Quest Pro models, enabling users to use their VR headsets as a screen for HDMI or DisplayPort-equipped devices, such as consoles, laptops, smartphones, or any video device. The app, called Meta Quest HDMI Link, expands the functionality of the Quest headsets and offers a viewing experience from other devices on a large virtual screen. Users can also resize and reposition the customisable virtual screen within the VR environment.
Meta announced the launch of the app on its blog, noting that using Meta Quest HDMI Link is not as straightforward as Air Link, which is an easier option if the user has reliable Wi-Fi. Meta explained that “HDMI Link is great for situations where the Wi-Fi is spotty, though—and the only option when there’s no internet at all. It also supports many devices that would otherwise be unavailable on Quest.” However, HDMI Link cannot display content protected by HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), which is common with many streaming services.
HDMI Link supports 1080p content with low latency. To use the free Meta Quest HDMI Link app, additional hardware is required. Users will need to add a UVC (USB Video Class) and UAC (USB Audio Class) with the necessary cables, such as USB 3.0. A compatible capture card is also required to connect the HDMI source to the headset via USB. Modern capture cards often include an extra port for a power adapter, allowing the Quest to remain charged while connected.
The Meta Quest HDMI Link app is available on App Lab. Users will need to connect a video device to the capture card input using the appropriate cable and then connect the capture card to the headset. After starting up the Quest, users will need to grant the necessary permissions. Once set up, video from the connected device will be visible on a floating, resizable screen.
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 20 2024 | 12:56 PM IST
Sony has launched the Bravia 9 4K mini LED TV series in India, branding it as the company’s brightest 4K TV. The Sony Bravia 9 is offered in 75-inch and 85-inch display options, both featuring Mini LED displays. Sony claims that the Bravia 9 TVs offer high peak luminance for detailed natural scene reproduction and incorporate local dimming algorithms to control thousands of LEDs for enhanced contrast.
Sony Bravia 9 Series: Price and availability
75XR90 (75-inch): Rs 4,49,990
85XR90 (85-inch): Rs 5,99,990
Sony Bravia 9 Series: Details
The Bravia 9 series TVs come with XR Backlight Master Drive, Sony’s backlight control technology that uses local dimming algorithms to manage the LEDs within the display, offering improved contrast and detail retention such as in shadows. The mini LED panel also features XR Contrast Booster 30 technology, which enhances image depth and detail by producing deeper blacks and brighter whites.
The Bravia 9 series is powered by the AI Processor XR, which understands human perception of sound and sight. This processor enables a scene recognition system that detects and analyses data to produce lifelike visuals. The TV includes a Studio Calibrated Mode that delivers visuals as intended by content creators. In addition to Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode and Sony Pictures Core Calibrated Mode, the Bravia 9 series supports a new Prime Video Calibrated Mode.
Other notable features include XR 4K Upscaling for enhancing lower resolution content to near 4K quality, XR Clear Image for sharpening details, and XR Motion Clarity for reducing blur in fast-moving scenes.
In terms of audio, the Bravia 9 series features Acoustic Multi-Audio+ with a Beam Tweeter at the top and Frame Tweeters on the sides, creating a surround sound experience. The TVs also include Voice Zoom 3 technology, which uses artificial intelligence to adjust the volume of human dialogue.
Sony has also optimised the Bravia 9 series for gaming, with features such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), enhancing the gaming experience on the PlayStation 5 console.
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 20 2024 | 12:12 PM IST
China’s OPPO has launched its budget smartphone A3 5G in India. OPPO said the A3 5G has been certified for military-grade shock resistance and features multiple liquid resistance protections to safeguard the smartphone from functional damage caused by various liquids.
OPPO A3 5G: Price and variants
Priced at Rs 15,999, the OPPO A3 5G is available in a 6GB RAM and 128GB on-board storage configuration. The smartphone comes in two colour options: Nebula Red and Ocean Blue.
OPPO A3 5G: Availability and offers
The OPPO A3 5G is now available in India on the company’s official website. For a limited time, customers can receive a discount of up to Rs 1,600 on Bank of Baroda and SBI bank cards. Additionally, there are options for no-cost equated monthly instalment (EMI) plans for up to six months with select banks.
OPPO A3 5G: Details
The OPPO A3 5G features a 6.67-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HD+ resolution. The display can achieve brightness of up to 1000 nits. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip, the smartphone supports 5G connectivity. It is equipped with a 5100mAh battery and supports 45W SUPERVOOC fast wired charging. OPPO also states that the smartphone has undergone extensive fluency testing and will provide a smooth experience even after three years of use.
In the camera department, the OPPO A3 5G includes a 50MP primary camera sensor with Auto Focus on the rear and a 5MP front camera housed in a punch-hole design.
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 20 2024 | 11:50 AM IST
Apple will soon begin assembling the Pro models in its upcoming iPhone 16 series in India, reported Money Control on August 20. According to the report, Apple, through its partner Foxconn, aims to diversify iPhone production beyond China and increase its manufacturing presence in India.
Money Control stated that Apple has been considering production of the iPhone Pro models in India “for the last couple of years,” and the US-based technology giant has now decided to manufacture the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models in India. The report indicates that the first batch of India-made iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models will be assembled within this fiscal year.
Foxconn’s facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, will soon begin the “new product introduction” (NPI) process for the Pro models of the iPhone 16 series, according to Money Control. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models are expected to enter mass production at the facility once they are launched. Initially, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models will be imported into the country, but Apple will start assembling them domestically for both the domestic market and exports shortly after launch.
For context, Apple introduced India-made iPhone 15 models at last year’s launch, subsequently expanding to include the iPhone 15 Plus model. The India-made iPhone 15 models were available in the country from day one of their launch.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 16 series globally by the second week of September, with the new models likely going on sale in India by the end of next month.
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 20 2024 | 11:15 AM IST
OnePlus is set to launch the Buds Pro 3 on August 20. Ahead of the launch, the Chinese smartphone maker said that its third-generation wireless earbuds will deliver “the best audio experience OnePlus has ever provided”. Although specific details have not been confirmed, the Buds Pro 3 are expected to feature a dual-driver setup with an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter. The company indicated that the Buds Pro 3 will enhance the features offered on the previous generation models.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3: Where to watch
The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 will be unveiled at 6:30 pm (IST) on August 20. The launch event will be live-streamed on the company’s official YouTube channel.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3: What to expect
A teaser image released by OnePlus suggests that the Buds Pro 3 will feature a rounded charging case with a leather-like texture. According to a report by Smartprix, the upcoming earbuds will include dual drivers with an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter. The earbuds are also expected to offer active noise cancelling (ANC) up to 50dB. In addition to standard Bluetooth codecs such as sub-band coding (SBC), the flagship earbuds are anticipated to support lossless audio with the Low Latency High-Definition Audio Codec (LHDC). The Buds Pro 3 are expected to support Bluetooth version 5.4 and provide ultra-low latency audio with a delay of just 94 milliseconds.
Regarding battery life, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are reported to offer up to 43 hours of usage with the charging case, an increase of 4 hours over the Buds Pro 2. The earbuds are also expected to support quick charging and are anticipated to be rated IP55 for dust and water resistance.
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 20 2024 | 10:53 AM IST
China’s smartphone brand Honor has announced that it will launch the Magic V3 book-style foldable smartphone at the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) exhibition in Berlin, Germany, on September 5. The global launch was announced by Honor Global in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Introduced in China last month, the Honor Magic V3 is touted by the company as one of the slimmest foldable smartphones on the market. The device is 9.2mm thick when folded and measures 4.35mm in unfolded state. Alongside the Magic V3, Honor also launched the more affordable Magic Vs3, a book-style foldable smartphone, in China. However, it remains unclear whether the Magic Vs3 will also be available in the global market.
Honor Magic V3: Specifications
According to Honor’s website in China, the Magic V3 features a 6.43-inch OLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2376×1060. The primary foldable display is a 7.92-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2344×2156. The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and is available with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of onboard storage in China. It also includes a 5150mAh battery with support for 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
In the imaging department, the smartphone is equipped with a triple camera setup on the back, including a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilisation, a 40MP ultra-wide angle camera, and a 50MP periscopic telephoto camera. Both the internal and external displays feature identical 20MP cameras.
Honor Magic V3: Expected specifications
Cover display: 6.43-inch, OLED, 2376×1060 resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio
Main display: 7.92-inch, OLED, 2344×2156 resolution, 9.78:9 aspect ratio
