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Tech wrap Jul 25: HP laptops, Google Maps, Apple Maps, Phone 2a Plus, more

Tech wrap Jul 25: HP laptops, Google Maps, Apple Maps, Phone 2a Plus, more

by | Jul 25, 2024 | Technology


5 min read Last Updated : Jul 25 2024 | 8:03 PM IST


HP, the American PC brand, has launched its first laptops based on Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC platform in the Indian market. The HP EliteBook Ultra and HP OmniBook X AI laptops, powered by the Qualcomm X Elite chips, boast artificial intelligence features that are limited to the Windows on Arm platform. Both devices are now available in India.


Google has announced six new AI-powered features for its Maps service in India. The US-based software giant stated that it has built an artificial intelligence model especially keeping Indian roads in mind and utilised satellite imagery and Street View data to estimate road width. Type of road, distance between buildings, tree covers, poles and drains have also been accounted for to aid four-wheeler drivers navigate narrow roads. Moreover, Google said that the new features will also be of help to bikers in two-wheeler mode and pedestrians in the walking mode to navigate India roads safely.


Apple has announced the launch of its Maps service on the web for the first time as part of the public beta. Users can access Apple Maps on the web using Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad and Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. This is assumed significant because for a long time Apple Maps services have been exclusively available on Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches. This has allowed Google Maps to remain the leading navigation option for users.


British consumer technology brand Nothing has confirmed that its upcoming Phone 2a Plus will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro. In addition to the chip details, Nothing confirmed that the Phone 2a Plus will get up to 12GB RAM and support for virtual RAM extension (up to 8GB) through RAM Booster technology. Previously, Nothing confirmed that it will be launching the Phone 2a Plus on July 31.


HMD (Human Mobile Devices) on July 25 debuted Crest smartphone series in India with focus on design and repairability. About the latter, the Finnish mobile phone brand said that both HMD Crest and HMD Crest Max introduce Repairability 1.0, “simplifying replacement of back panel, battery, display or charging port. This feature extends device lifespan and reduces e-waste.”


Apple has announced “university student offer” in which it is bundling AirPods with select Mac laptops and Pencil with iPads at no additional cost. The India unit of US-based technology giant is also offering a 20 per cent discount on AppleCare+ plans. These offers are now live on Apple Education store and will be applicable until September 30.


Jio Things, a subsidiary of Reliance Jio Platforms, has collaborated with the Taiwanese chip maker MediaTek to offer Android-powered Smart Digital Cluster and Smart Module with 4G connectivity for electric two-wheeler (2W) vehicles. JioThings said its collaboration with MediaTek for smart cluster and module for 2W will “revolutionise” electric vehicle (EV) landscape in the country.


Western Digital (WD) has announced 2.5-inch portable hard disk drives (HDD) in up to 6TB storage capacity across its WD, WD Black and SanDisk Professional line up. The WD My Passport portable HDD line and SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE ArmorATD in 6TB storage capacities are now available in India.


The OPPO Reno 12 is now available for purchase in India. Launched alongside the Reno 12 Pro, the baseline model boasts AI-powered tools for media editing, text generation, and summarisation. Priced at Rs 32,999, the OPPO Reno 12 smartphone is offered in 8GB RAM and 256GB built-in storage configuration. The smartphone is available in Sunset Peach, Matte Brown, and Astro Silver colours.


Google is introducing new features to its Google Play Store on Android. One of the updates is focused on gaming. In an interesting development, Play Games users on PC will be allowed to run two games at once. Players can play a game in one window and another game on another screen. Google Play will let players jump back and forth from mobile to PC while making sure progress is not lost.


Amid rising competition from homegrown challenger Ola Maps, Google on Thursday announced a slew of new features on Google Maps to woo users in India, including EV charging station information, flyover callouts and AI-driven routing capability to reduce narrow road usage for four-wheeler drivers.


Nvidia, the leading AI chip manufacturer based in the US, has started supplying its newest chips, including the GH200 AI, to Indian partners such as Tata Communications and Jio Platforms.


Tech giant Google on Thursday announced six major updates to Maps that address some of the most common challenges faced by customers in India.

First Published: Jul 25 2024 | 8:03 PM IST



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HMD debuts Crest series 5G smartphones in India with focus on repairability

HMD debuts Crest series 5G smartphones in India with focus on repairability

by | Jul 25, 2024 | Technology


2 min read Last Updated : Jul 25 2024 | 5:10 PM IST


HMD (Human Mobile Devices) on July 25 debuted Crest smartphone series in India with focus on design and repairability. About the latter, the Finnish mobile phone brand said that both HMD Crest and HMD Crest Max introduce Repairability 1.0, “simplifying replacement of back panel, battery, display or charging port. This feature extends device lifespan and reduces e-waste.”


HMD Crest series: Pricing, models, and availability


HMD Crest


Configuration: 6GB RAM + 128GB storage


Price: Rs 14,499


HMD Crest Max


Configuration: 8GB RAM + 256GB storage


Price: Rs 16,499


HMD Crest will be available in midnight blue, royal pink and lush lilac colour options whereas the Crest Max will be available in deep purple, royal pink and aqua green colour options.


Both the devices will be available for purchase on e-commerce platform Amazon India besides the company’s official website.


As for the introductory offer, HMD Crest and Crest Max will be available at a special introductory price of Rs 12,999 and Rs 14,999, respectively on Amazon Specials.


HMD Crest: Specifications


Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED


Processor: Unisoc T760


OS: Android 14


RAM: 12GB RAM (6GB Fixed + 6GB Virtual)


Storage: 128GB


Rear camera: 50MP + 2MP


Front camera: 50MP


Battery: 5000mAh


Charging: 33W


HMD Crest Max: Specifications


Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED


Processor: Unisoc T760


OS: Android 14


RAM: 16GB RAM (8GB Fixed + 8GB Virtual)


Storage: 256GB


Rear camera: 64MP + 5MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro


Front camera: 50MP


Battery: 5000mAh


Charging: 33W

First Published: Jul 25 2024 | 5:10 PM IST



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Phone 2a Plus will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro chip: Nothing

Phone 2a Plus will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro chip: Nothing

by | Jul 25, 2024 | Technology


3 min read Last Updated : Jul 25 2024 | 4:03 PM IST


British consumer technology brand Nothing has confirmed that its upcoming Phone 2a Plus will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro. In addition to the chip details, Nothing confirmed that the Phone 2a Plus will get up to 12GB RAM and support for virtual RAM extension (up to 8GB) through RAM Booster technology. Previously, Nothing confirmed that it will be launching the Phone 2a Plus on July 31.


Nothing Phone 2a Plus: Chipset and performance


In a press note by the company, Nothing noted that the chipset has been co-engineered with MediaTek for enhancing the user experience on the upcoming smartphone. The Dimensity 7350 Pro chip is based on Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) 4nm Gen 2 process and will offer 10 per cent faster CPU performance than the Phone 2a, said Nothing. The Phone 2a Plus will offer much improved gaming performance, the company added.


Detailing on the new chip’s prowess, Nothing confirmed that the Phone 2a plus would get 4K resolution video recording option across the front and rear camera systems, along with HDR images and HDR10+ playback. Nothing has also confirmed that the Phone 2a Plus will get up to 12GB RAM with the option to boost it up by 8GB more using RAM Booster technology.


Nothing Phone 2a Plus: What to expect


Previously, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nothing’s co-founder Akis Evangelidis said that with the Nothing Phone 2a Plus, the company had the opportunity “to create a beefed-up version” of the Phone 2a smartphone with “more processing power.” He also said that the upcoming smartphone will bring improvements “that didn’t require hardware design changes.” This suggests that the Phone 2a Plus would likely get the same overall design as the Phone 2a smartphone, but might sport a bigger display.

First Published: Jul 25 2024 | 4:03 PM IST





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Google Maps announces India-focused features, including flyover callouts

Google Maps announces India-focused features, including flyover callouts

by | Jul 25, 2024 | Technology


2 min read Last Updated : Jul 25 2024 | 3:50 PM IST

Google has announced six new AI-powered features for its Maps service in India. The US-based software giant stated that it has built an artificial intelligence model especially keeping Indian roads in mind and utilised satellite imagery and Street View data to estimate road width. Type of road, distance between buildings, tree covers, poles and drains have also been accounted for to aid four-wheeler drivers navigate narrow roads. Moreover, Google said that the new features will also be of help to bikers in two-wheeler mode and pedestrians in the walking mode to navigate India roads safely.


Flyover navigation


Google has added a feature to show flyovers call-out along the way. From this week, users will see flyover callouts in 40 cities across India for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler on Android app and in Android Auto. Support for iOS and CarPlay is expected soon. Moreover, Google has added a warning feature to alert if there are narrow areas approaching ahead. This feature will be available on Android devices at first in eight cities and is expected to be available on iOS in upcoming days.


EV charging information


Google said it has partnered with ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam, and Statiq to integrate information about over 8,000 charging stations to its Maps service. This information will reveal real-time viability and plug types including those for two-wheelers. Users can also filter charger type and check if the station is open or not. This is also the first time Google has launched EV charging stations for two wheelers for any country as globally this feature is available only for four wheelers.


Moreover, the process of reporting road incidents has been simplified. Users can also confirm reports by other people. This update is available across Android, iOS, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.


Public transport, powered by ONDC and Namma Yatri


Google has announced the expansion of metro booking option in Google Maps to Kochi and Chennai. This is part of Google’ ongoing collaboration with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Namma Yatri, a Google-backed ride-hailing app. The feature rolls out to these cities starting this week. Users will receive a QR code as a ticket.


Additionally, Google is collaborating with NDTV Food and MagicPin to present curated lists in ten cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Jaipur,and offering recommendations about tourist places. 

First Published: Jul 25 2024 | 3:50 PM IST



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Google Maps to allow direct booking of Metro tickets in Kochi, Chennai

Google Maps to allow direct booking of Metro tickets in Kochi, Chennai

by | Jul 25, 2024 | Technology


3 min read Last Updated : Jul 25 2024 | 4:59 PM IST


Google Maps is set to launch a slew of new features, including direct metro ticket bookings in Chennai and Kochi, ‘flyover callout’ feature in 40 cities and ‘narrow road’ indicator for four-wheelers. Also, India will be the first country where the tech giant is set to rollout EV charging station pointers for two-wheelers.


It all comes a day after Apple Maps was made available on the web.


Starting this week, commuters in Chennai and Kochi will now be able to book metro tickets on Google Maps, a facility which will be powered by the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Namma Yatri.


“Now, when you search for public transport directions in these two cities, you’ll start seeing a new booking option for the metro leg of your trip. With a simple tap, you will be guided through the booking and payment process, powered by ONDC and Namma Yatri, eliminating the need to wait in line at the station,” said the company’s blog.


‘Flyover callout’ option


There have been complaints from Indian users about confusing navigation in the maps when it comes to distinction between flyovers and normal routes. 


Google has tried to fix it by introducing ‘flyover callouts’ on the routes.


Starting this week, users will see flyover callouts in 40 cities across India for both four-wheeler and two-wheeler active navigation on Android apps and Android Auto. 


“iOS and CarPlay support will be coming soon,” said the company.


AI to mark narrow roads


The tech giant is also working to fine-tune its existing routing algorithms to help four wheelers avoid narrow roads whenever possible, without significantly impacting travel time or distance. And for this, the firm is taking the help of artificial intelligence (AI).


In case taking a narrow road is unavoidable, users will be able to see clear callouts in Maps directions and navigation screens to get alerts about narrow sections on their route. 


Miriam Daniel, VP & GM, Google Maps said, “From a custom-built AI approach for tackling narrow roads and flyovers, to powering sustainable journeys with EV charging stations, as well as enabling the biggest community of maps contributors to surface real-time road disruptions on the map, we’re excited to bring such helpful features to millions across the country. India truly is at the centre of our innovation, and we can’t wait to build the future of Maps right here.”




 


EV charging points: Get info on plug type & real time availability


The company in its update also announced that it will now provide information about EV charging stations, flyover alerts to commuters in India. 


For EV charging stations, the company has collaborated with leading EV charging providers in India — ElectricPe, Ather, Kazam, and Statiq — to add information for over 8,000 charging stations.


Under the update, Google Maps will now provide information such as plug types (including those for two-wheelers) and real-time availability. 




 


“For the first time we are launching EV charging stations for two-wheelers on Google Maps, and India is the first country to get this feature,” said the company.


“We’ve now built a new AI model, specifically for Indian roads that estimates road widths. It takes satellite imagery and combines it with street view imagery. And, also take inputs on road type, tree cover, and poles and drains,” said Lalitha Ramani, GM, Google Maps, India.


The company will roll out this feature on Android devices this week in eight cities including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Indore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati. 

First Published: Jul 25 2024 | 3:33 PM IST



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Nvidia starts supply of new AI chips to Tata Communications, Jio Platforms

Nvidia starts supply of new AI chips to Tata Communications, Jio Platforms

by | Jul 25, 2024 | Technology


In September last year, Nvidia said that it is partnering with Reliance and Tata group companies

2 min read Last Updated : Jul 25 2024 | 3:19 PM IST


Nvidia, the leading AI chip manufacturer based in the US, has started supplying its newest chips, including the GH200 AI, to Indian partners such as Tata Communications and Jio Platforms.

 


The companies are developing AI-cloud infrastructure in India.


A Moneycontrol report quoted Vishal Dhupar, managing director of South Asia at Nvidia, as saying, “Yes, the deployment is ongoing by our partners, and we are delivering products to them.”


Concerns have been raised about delays from the American chip giant in delivering chips, as companies compete for a larger portion of the AI market.


Nvidia, Tata, Reliance drive AI cloud


In September last year, Nvidia said that it is partnering with Reliance and Tata group companies to support the creation of AI-driven supercomputers, AI clouds, and generative AI applications.


Tata Communications MD and CEO AS Lakshminarayanan confirmed the progress, stating that the company had received some chips and that installation was underway, the report said.


The report quoted Lakshminarayanan as saying that the full-scale launch of AI Cloud in collaboration with Nvidia is expected by the third quarter of this financial year, initially targetting select customers.


Yotta expands AI capacity with Nvidia


Yotta Data Services, a data centre subsidiary of the Hiranandani Group, announced it received its first batch of 4,000 H100 Tensor Core GPUs from Nvidia in March. The company aims to expand its GPU inventory to 32,768 units by the end of 2025.


The GH200 Grace Hopper platform by Nvidia showcases an advanced computing architecture specifically designed for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing (HPC), and data analytics.

 


Named after computer scientist Grace Hopper, the GH200 platform combines multiple advanced technologies to provide outstanding performance and efficiency, the report said.


Nvidia’s focus on developing Indian markets


On competition from Intel and AMD in the AI compute infrastructure arena, Dhupar said his commitment is towards addressing India’s significant challenges through partnerships and leveraging Nvidia’s technology and AI solutions. He said that the company’s priority was not capturing market share but rather developing new markets to benefit the economy, as quoted by the report.


The report quoted Dhupar as saying, “We want to do it because nobody was willing to solve them. It was within my competency; I could put resources and apply myself, and I know that it impacts people and the economy. I build markets… I build industries.”

First Published: Jul 25 2024 | 3:19 PM IST



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