Google to continue selling Pixel Fold even after unveiling successor

Google to continue selling Pixel Fold even after unveiling successor



Tech giant Google has announced that it will continue to offer the original Pixel Fold for sale, even with the recent unveiling of its successor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.


According to GSM Arena, this decision comes after the Pixel 9 family, including the new foldable device, was officially introduced earlier this week.


Initially, the Google Store marked the Pixel Fold as “no longer available” following the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s announcement, leading to speculation that the original foldable might be discontinued.


However, Google has since clarified that the Pixel Fold will indeed return to the market after the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold hits stores on September 4.


For those who missed out on the original Pixel Fold before its brief disappearance, this news is likely to be a welcome relief.


According to GSM Arena, the device is set to be available again starting in early September, providing another opportunity for enthusiasts and potential buyers to get their hands on the innovative foldable phone.


While Google has yet to confirm any price adjustments for the Pixel Fold, it’s possible that the company might introduce a discount in line with industry practices.


A reduction of around USD 100 could be on the horizon, as per GSM Area.


This movie may make the older model more appealing to cost-conscious consumers, though it may not significantly impact overall sales.


Google showcased its latest advancements in artificial intelligence and hardware at the ninth annual Made by Google event.


Held on August 13 in Mountain View, California, the event highlighted the tech giant’s commitment to integrating AI across its product ecosystem, from smartphones to wearables, and revealed the new Pixel 9 series alongside other innovations, according to The Verge.


In a blog post summarizing the event, Google emphasized its vision for AI to enhance everyday life, stating, “We believe that AI can make day-to-day life more productive, open up new ways to learn, and create ways for people to express themselves. This is especially true when AI is built into the devices that people carry around with them everywhere.”


Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai also shared his excitement about the launch in a post on X.


“Today at #MadebyGoogle, we’re sharing how we’re bringing AI advances to mobile across the Android ecosystem. We also introduced our latest Pixel devices, including Pixel 9 phones built with Google Tensor G4 — our fastest and most efficient silicon yet,” he wrote.


The event was telecasted live on Google’s official YouTube page ‘Made By Google’.


Google’s approach encompasses innovation at every layer, from research and model development to the integration of AI into Android OS and custom hardware.


Central to the announcement was the introduction of Google’s Gemini AI, which now includes a multimodal model called Gemini Nano.


This AI model is designed to analyze text, images, and speech, underscoring Google’s push to make advanced AI capabilities accessible across its product range.


The Pixel 9 series marks a significant expansion in Google’s smartphone lineup, with four distinct models: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Each device introduces updated designs, powerful new processors, and a suite of AI-driven features.


According to The Verge, the Pixel 9 models boast a refreshed design language.


The standard Pixel 9 now features a larger 6.3-inch display and a reimagined rear camera bar that protrudes from the back.


In contrast, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a larger 6.8-inch screen, positioning it as a premium option within the series.


The Pixel 9 Pro, bridging the gap between the standard and XL models, includes most of the advanced features found in its Pro counterparts.A notable update across the series is the inclusion of the new Tensor G4 processor.


This chip enhances on-device AI performance, which is crucial for the advanced features introduced in these models.


All three Pro models come equipped with 16GB of RAM, while the standard Pixel 9 has 12GB. This substantial memory upgrade is designed to support the demanding AI functionalities that Google has integrated into the devices.


The Pixel 9 series introduces several new AI features, particularly focused on photography and productivity:


– ‘Magic Editor’: This tool allows users to “reimagine” scenes within their photos, transforming parts of an image using text prompts for a new creative look.- ‘Add Me’: A feature designed to facilitate group photos, allowing users to insert themselves into an existing photo by taking an initial shot, stepping into the frame, and using AI to merge the images seamlessly.- ‘Recall-Like Ability’: A new function that helps users catalog and retrieve information from screenshots, operating exclusively on-device.Moreover, the Pixel 9 series will be the first Android phones in the US to offer Satellite SOS, an emergency feature similar to Apple’s satellite connectivity, providing vital assistance when outside conventional phone reception areas. This feature is expected to roll out with Android 15 later this year.


Camera Innovations


On the camera front, the Pixel 9 series maintains the 50-megapixel f/1.7 main camera found in previous models, but with updated ultrawide cameras across the range.


The Pro models feature a new 42-megapixel selfie camera with autofocus, enhancing selfie quality.


The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, while trailing slightly in camera specs compared to its Pro counterparts, benefits from an improved inner screen that is now brighter and larger, making it more functional for various uses.


One of the most anticipated aspects of the Pixel 9 series launch is its debut in India.


This marks the first time Google’s foldable Pixel device will be available in the world’s second-largest smartphone market.


The Pixel 9 series will be sold through offline retail chains such as Croma and Reliance Digital, in addition to online partner Flipkart, according to Tech Crunch.


The new devices will also be supported by three new walk-in service centres to enhance after-sales support.


Pricing for the Pixel 9 series in India starts at Rs79,999 for the standard Pixel 9, with the Pixel 9 Pro priced at Rs 1,09,999 and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at Rs 1,72,999.


Pre-orders for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will commence on August 14, with sales beginning on August 22. Details regarding the Pixel 9 Pro’s availability will be announced later in the year.


Here’s a breakdown of the specifications for each model in the Pixel 9 series:


– Google Pixel 9:Display: 6.3-inch Actua OLED with 1080 x 2424 pixels resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rate.Processor: Google Tensor G4 SoC with Titan M2 security coprocessor.RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM and up to 256GB storage.Camera: 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, and 10.5MP selfie camera with autofocus.Battery: 4,700mAh with IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.Software: Android 14 with seven years of OS and security updates.


– Google Pixel 9 Pro:Display: 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED with 1280 x 2856 pixels resolution and 1Hz-120Hz refresh rate.Processor: Google Tensor G4 SoC with Titan M2 security coprocessor.RAM/Storage: 16GB RAM and up to 512GB storage.Camera: 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, and 42MP selfie camera with autofocus.Battery: 4,700mAh with IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.Special Features: Ultra-wideband chip for precise spatial orientation.


– Google Pixel 9 Pro XL:Display: 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED with 1344 x 2992 pixels resolution and 1Hz-120Hz refresh rate.Processor: Google Tensor G4 SoC with Titan M2 security coprocessor.RAM/Storage: 16GB RAM and up to 512GB storage.Camera: 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, and 42MP selfie camera with autofocus.Battery: 5,060mAh with IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.Special Features: Ultra-wideband chip for enhanced spatial orientation.


Alongside the Pixel 9 series, Google introduced the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2.


These devices complement the new AI capabilities showcased during the event.


The Pixel Watch 3 features enhanced health tracking and connectivity, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers improved sound quality and integration with Google’s AI features.


The new Pixel 9 series, with its innovative features and expanded global availability, represents a significant leap forward for the company’s hardware and AI strategies.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



Source link

Tech wrap Aug 16: Gemini Live, Moto G45 5G, POCO Pad 5G, iOS 18, and more

Tech wrap Aug 16: Gemini Live, Moto G45 5G, POCO Pad 5G, iOS 18, and more



Google has announced the launch of Gemini Live during Made by Google 2024, with a broad rollout now underway for select Pixel and Samsung devices, and additional availability coming to Android devices. Gemini Live offers a conversational experience that enables free-flowing interactions with the digital assistant. The feature supports both text and voice inputs for hands-free operations and functions in the background or even when the phone is locked.


Valve, the American game developer behind the Steam Deck handheld console, has confirmed it is working on expanding SteamOS support to third-party handheld gaming consoles, including ASUS’s ROG Ally devices. This move presents a challenge to Microsoft, as most competitors to the Steam Deck currently use the Windows platform.


Motorola’s upcoming budget 5G smartphone, the Moto G45 5G, is set to launch on August 21. The device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chip and will support 13 5G bands for enhanced connectivity. It will feature a 6.5-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, and will offer Dolby Atmos surround sound support along with Hi-Res audio certification.


Chinese smartphone brand POCO has announced the launch of its first Android tablet, the POCO Pad 5G, in India on August 23. The tablet is listed on e-commerce platform Flipkart, confirming its Indian debut. Unveiled globally in May, the POCO Pad 5G is already available in select markets, and the Indian variant is expected to mirror the global specifications.


Apple is reportedly planning to launch the next-generation MacBook Pro with M4 in October this year. A report by 9To5Mac, citing analyst Ross Young, stated that Apple will follow a similar release schedule to last year for its new MacBook Pro models.


Google has launched the latest version of its AI text-to-image generator, Imagen 3, to users in the US, according to technology website VentureBeat. The image generator tool is available through Google’s ImageFX platform and can be accessed on Google’s AI Test Kitchen. Imagen 3 was first announced during Google I/O in May and was previously available to select Vertex AI users only.


Apple is reportedly accelerating the development of a table-top robotic device. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is working on a home device featuring an iPad-like screen connected to a robotic limb that can move and reposition the display. The device is expected to serve as a smart home command centre and could also function as a video conferencing tool.


Apple’s iOS 18 is expected to launch before the end of September this year, introducing various new customisation tools and upgrades to apps, alongside Apple Intelligence. According to 9to5Mac, the upcoming update will include several notable improvements for the Reminders app, too.


Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Foxconn chairman Young Liu met here on Friday and discussed the future of technological innovation in India and the world.

First Published: Aug 16 2024 | 8:03 PM IST



Source link

India's IT industry is paving the way for its AI future

India's IT industry is paving the way for its AI future



AI is transforming the world in unprecedented ways, creating new opportunities for human ingenuity and innovation across industries and societies. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India has huge potential to leverage AI for inclusive development and progress, with the country’s IT and IT-enabled services (ITES) industries playing a central role in this transformation.


India’s IT and ITES industries have been major contributors to India’s growth and economic boom, accounting for 7 per cent of the country’s GDP and employing nearly 5.5 million people, making the sector pivotal to accelerating the country’s AI adoption and transformation.


The AI opportunity for IT companies in India


The Indian IT industry is a global powerhouse and has been instrumental in positioning the country as a preferred investment destination among global investors and creating huge job opportunities in India, as well as in the USA, Europe, and other parts of the world. Having proven its capabilities in delivering both on-shore and off-shore services to global clients, AI now offers an entirely new gamut of opportunities for IT firms in India.


Productivity gains from software developers adopting generative AI tools could contribute an estimated $1.5 trillion to the global economy, according to a study by Harvard Business School, Keystone.AI, and GitHub. As one of the countries with the largest pool of developers and the highest AI skill penetration, this potentially makes India’s IT industry and India one of the biggest beneficiaries of productivity gains from AI.


In India, the IT industry is one of the leading adopters of AI, with a 60-65 per cent adoption rate compared to the national average of 48 per cent, according to a recent study by staffing firm TeamLease Digital. To harness the full potential of AI, IT players need to take a holistic and structured approach to AI implementation, by setting up responsible AI councils to strategise and roll out AI across roles and functions.


The Microsoft LinkedIn 2024 Work Trend Index findings show that an overwhelming 92 per cent of knowledge workers in India use AI at work, higher than the global average, indicating how rapidly generative AI is diffusing in IT and other knowledge industries in the country.


Copilots: A game-changer for the industry


Generative AI copilots have revolutionised how employees work by helping them reduce time spent on mundane tasks, boosting their ability to do focused work, and amplifying creativity and ingenuity. Studies show that developers using GitHub Copilot report 75 per cent higher satisfaction with their jobs and are up to 55 per cent more productive.


For employees, Copilot is an invaluable companion that allows them to spend more time on meaningful work and be more productive. For organisations, in a world where agility is a competitive advantage, Copilot helps deliver value to customers faster and improve business outcomes.


Customers across industries are seeing this benefit. Recently, we announced a partnership with Cognizant to make Microsoft’s generative AI and Copilots available to millions of users, to transform enterprise business operations, enhance employee experiences, and accelerate cross-industry innovation.


Generative AI can be a game-changer for virtually every business in every industry, opening up new possibilities for innovation, efficiency, and growth. The across-the-board benefits of generative AI also highlight an important distinction—that it’s not only organisations that are driving adoption but employees as well, who are seeing value in it.


A skilling-first approach to being AI-ready


The IT industry has long invested in training and skilling its workforce and has been a pioneer in championing continuous learning for employees, given the dynamic nature of the industry. However, generative AI has lent a new urgency to these efforts. The rapid diffusion of AI and its ubiquitous applicability have led to a boom in demand for AI skills far outstripping supply and a race for AI-ready talent.


To address this challenge, it is crucial for the industry to adopt a skilling-first approach to AI and invest in upskilling and reskilling at scale. AI skills are already rivalling experience when it comes to candidate selection. According to the 2024 Work Trend Index findings, 80 per cent of leaders in India prefer to hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills over a more experienced candidate without these skills.


The IT industry has been investing in various initiatives and programmes to reskill and upskill its employees and talent pool. Wipro has trained 200,000 in generative AI principles. Nasdaq-listed Cognizant, which, like Wipro, has announced an investment of $1 billion in generative AI, has skilled 35,000 developers in GitHub Copilot and plans to skill another 40,000.


The industry also needs to collaborate closely with academia to ensure a future-ready talent pipeline that can meet the demand for AI skills. India has one of the largest pools of STEM graduates at about 2.5 million, and ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed for the age of AI will be crucial to maintaining the IT industry and India’s leading position as a global hub of technology and innovation.


Historically, the IT sector has played a crucial role in providing employment, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP, and transforming the economic landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, AI adoption and a focus on AI skilling and workforce development will be key to sustaining its growth and competitive edge. The growth and prospects of India’s IT industry underpin the nation’s aspirations to become a global leader in AI and technology and accelerate inclusive development and progress for its people.


The writer is GM, ITES, Microsoft India


Disclaimer: These are the personal views of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of www.business-standard.com or the Business Standard newspaper.

First Published: Aug 16 2024 | 7:38 PM IST



Source link

Multiplayer game Fortnite returns on iPhones in EU, globally on Android

Multiplayer game Fortnite returns on iPhones in EU, globally on Android



Multiplayer shooter game Fortnite is available again on iPhones in the European Union and worldwide on Google’s Android devices after a gap of four years, following legal measures by the EU, developer Epic Games said on Friday.

 


Fortnite, created by Epic, a U.S.-based studio, and backed by China’s Tencent, the world’s largest game studio, launched in 2017 and its last-player-standing, “battle royale” format became an instant hit, drawing in millions of dedicated players.

 


But in August 2020, Apple and Alphabet’s Google removed Fortnite from their app stores for violating their guidelines by launching a payment feature, prompting several lawsuits challenging their rules of charging up to 30% commissions on payments.

 


At the time of the ban, Epic had 116 million users just on Apple’s platform.

 


The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) law is allowing Epic to launch its game store in the bloc, though Apple is still blocking users outside Europe from accessing Fortnite and its games store, the company said.

 


“We are really grateful to the European Commission for not only passing the DMA and enabling store competition, but also going in and robustly holding Apple and Google’s feet to the fire to ensure that they can’t just obstruct competition,” Epic CEO Tim Sweeney told reporters.

 


“They were going to great efforts to slow us down, and tried to stop us several times, and the European Commission always stepped up and ensured that competitors were able to enter the market,” he said.

 


The store is launching with Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe and the all-new Fall Guys for mobile, and Epic is working with other developers to launch their games and apps through its store.

 


Epic, which has 75 million monthly active users in its PC store, expects to add 100 million new mobile users by the end of the year.


The games would also be available through independent mobile stores such as AltStore.

 


However, the installation process is lengthy with a 15-step installation process on iOS devices, confusing device settings and scare screens, Epic said.

 


Apple said that to enable the new capabilities for developers in the EU, it worked to make them as easy as possible for users while also trying to protect their privacy and security.

 


“We probably lost over a billion dollars of revenue by losing access to the iOS customer base worldwide for four years, but what’s the cost of freedom?,” Sweeney said.

First Published: Aug 16 2024 | 4:42 PM IST



Source link

Apple to enhance Reminders app for iPhone with iOS 18 update: Report

Apple to enhance Reminders app for iPhone with iOS 18 update: Report



Apple’s iOS 18 is expected to launch before the end of September this year, introducing various new customisation tools and upgrades to apps, alongside Apple Intelligence. According to 9to5Mac, the upcoming update will include several notable improvements for the Reminders app, too. Here is a roundup of all the new functions the app is set to receive with the iOS 18:


Integration into the Calendar app


The Reminders app will see an upgrade allowing users to create and manage reminders directly within the Calendar app. While not all features of the Reminders app will be available in Calendar, this integration aims to streamline user experience by bringing calendar events and reminders together.


Apple Intelligence


The revamped Siri, part of the Apple Intelligence features, will enable context-aware reminder creation based on what is visible on the user’s screen. Additionally, iOS 18 may introduce priority notification features for reminders, enhancing their visibility and importance.


Smart Lists with Substacks


iOS 18 will support the display of substacks within Smart Lists. Previously, substacks were not visible within Smart Lists, whether in Today view or Scheduled view. Users will also have the ability to reorder sections in the Today list, moving beyond the default order.


Recently deleted list


A new recently deleted list will be introduced in Reminders, allowing users to recover deleted reminders for up to 30 days before they are permanently removed. This feature aligns with similar functionality in Notes and Photos.


Grocery list items in additional languages


The grocery list feature will support additional languages. Users can enable this by navigating to Settings > Apps > Reminders, where a new additional language menu will allow for the selection of a second language for grocery list items.


Enhanced shortcuts automation


iOS 18 will include new shortcut actions for the Reminders app within the Shortcuts app, such as options to show or hide completed reminders or Smart Lists.

First Published: Aug 16 2024 | 3:38 PM IST



Source link

Apple to launch MacBook Pro M4 in Oct, Mac mini and iMac to follow: Report

Apple to launch MacBook Pro M4 in Oct, Mac mini and iMac to follow: Report


Representative image: Apple MacBook Pro M3


Apple is reportedly planning to launch the next-generation MacBook Pro with M4 in October this year. A report by 9To5Mac, citing analyst Ross Young, stated that Apple will follow a similar release schedule to last year for its new MacBook Pro models.


According to the report, display panel shipments for the 14-inch and 16-inch versions of the next-generation MacBook Pro were scheduled for July and August, aligning with last year’s timeline. This suggests that Apple could announce the M4-powered MacBook Pro later this year.


The M4 chip, introduced earlier this year with the iPad Pro, features an enhanced Neural Engine for improved AI workload management. The new MacBook Pro is expected to be offered in configurations with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips.


In addition to the MacBook Pro, Apple is likely to introduce several other products with the new M4 chip in 2024. These include:


Mac Mini: Expected to be redesigned to a significantly smaller size, potentially similar to an Apple TV set-top box. The new Mac mini will reportedly be powered by the M4 chip.


iMac: While design changes are expected to be minimal, the 2024 iMac will likely receive the M4 chip and updated accessories with USB-C connectivity.


For 2025, Apple is anticipated to update its entire Mac lineup with M4 Series chips, including:


MacBook Air: Expected in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes with no major design changes. The MacBook Air with M4 is anticipated to launch in Spring 2025.


Mac Studio and Mac Pro: These models are expected to receive the M4 chip by mid-2025. The Mac Studio may be downsized, similar to the Mac mini, while the Mac Pro could feature significant design changes and be the first to include the M4 Ultra chip alongside M4 Pro and M4 Max options.

First Published: Aug 16 2024 | 2:25 PM IST



Source link

YouTube
Instagram
WhatsApp