Times Top News

Times Top News

YouTube Music updates artist pages on Android and iOS for easier navigation

YouTube Music updates artist pages on Android and iOS for easier navigation

by | Jul 24, 2024 | Technology


YouTube Music Photo: Shutterstock

2 min read Last Updated : Jul 24 2024 | 12:42 PM IST

YouTube Music is introducing revamped artist pages on Android and iOS. According to 9to5Google, after the redesign, the name of the artist is left-aligned accompanying the subscriber count and the follow button. The new update makes the app layout compact and easier to navigate.


In the new version of the app, across the follow button, users can find the option to start a radio station or shuffle songs. YouTube has also reportedly tested a play button in this section. The “Latest Release” card is showcased so that users can access it before scrolling down to top songs and the rest of the feed.


This modification makes the YouTube artist pages more like the album and playlist pages in 2022. The artist page was last updated in 2019 and received Material 3 tweaks later on.


The redesign is a server-side update and users will not have to manually update the apps for the changes to be visible. The redesign is being rolled out to YouTube Music for Android and iOS.


Moreover, a new Badges feature is also being introduced by YouTube Music. The new section can be found between Your Recap and Paid memberships. Users can access this feature by tapping profile image. The Badges feature is not available as of now and according to 9to5Google, it appears to be related to an existing YouTube Premium perk that offers simple badges according to how much the user uses the service. It is expected to appear on the YouTube Music profile along with other listening stats.


Recently, YouTube Music was testing an artificial intelligence-powered feature called “Ask for Music”, which will allow users to search for music through verbal prompts and voice commands. The user could also search by describing the music videos or asking for similar music to a song or from an artist. Compared to the existing search by voice command, the AI-powered feature will make search more conversational in nature.

First Published: Jul 24 2024 | 12:42 PM IST



Source link

Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6 along with new Samsung wearables set for sale today

Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6 along with new Samsung wearables set for sale today

by | Jul 24, 2024 | Technology


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 along with newly launched ecosystem devices

5 min read Last Updated : Jul 24 2024 | 11:33 AM IST


Samsung’s newly launched Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 foldable devices are set to go on sale in India on July 24 alongside new ecosystem products such as the Galaxy Buds 3 series, Galaxy Watch 7 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Samsung launched these devices at its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10 and the devices have been available for pre-order in the region with offers.

On paper, the 2024 foldable models from Samsung are not much different from the last-generation model, as the focus pivots to software and AI enhancements this time around. Notable upgrades in the 2024 model include the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, an improved design for enhanced ergonomics and durability, and more Galaxy AI features tuned for the foldable form factor. Like the foldable devices, the Watch series and Buds series are enhanced by Galaxy AI features.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: India pricing and variants


12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 164,999


12GB RAM + 512GB storage: Rs 176,999


Colours: Silver Shadow, Navy, Pink


12GB RAM + 1TB storage: Rs 200,999


Colours: Silver Shadow


Colours exclusively offered through Samsung online store: Black and White


Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: India pricing and variants


12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 109,999


12GB RAM + 512GB storage: Rs 121,999


Colours: Blue, Mint, and Silver Shadow


Colours exclusively offered through Samsung online store: Black, White, and Peach


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6: Availability and offers


Both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 are set to go on sale in India starting July 24.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Specifications


  • Cover display: 6.3-inch HD+ AMOLED, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1 to 120Hz)


  • Main Display: 7.6-inch QXGA+ AMOLED, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1 to 120Hz)


  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy


  • RAM: 12GB


  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB


  • Rear camera: 50MP with OIS + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)


  • Front camera (cover): 10MP


  • Front camera (under-display): 4MP


  • Battery: 4,400mAh


  • Protection: IP48, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2


Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Specifications


  • Cover display: 3.4-inch, super AMOLED, 60Hz refresh rate, 720 X 748 resolution


  • Main Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1 to 120Hz)


  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy


  • RAM: 12GB


  • Storage: 256GB and 512GB


  • Rear camera: 50MP primary camera with OIS + 12MP ultra-wide


  • Front camera: 10MP selfie camera


  • Battery: 4,000mAh


  • Protection: IP48, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2


Samsung Galaxy 7 and Watch Ultra: Price


Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Rs 59,999


Colours: Titanium Gray, Titanium White and Titanium Silver


Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm Bluetooth): Rs 29,999


Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm LTE): Rs 33,999


Colours:  Green and Cream


Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm Bluetooth): Rs 32,999


Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm LTE): Rs 36,999


Colours: Green and Silver


Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 series: Price


Galaxy Buds 3: Rs 14,999


Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Rs 19,999


Colours: Silver and White


Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, Watch Ultra and Buds 3 series: Availability and offers


All three devices are set to go on sale in India starting July 24, alongside the new Galaxy Z series foldable smartphones.


Galaxy Watch 7: Details


The Galaxy Watch 7 features a new BioActive sensor, which Samsung claims offers more accurate measurement for existing metrics and enables more advanced features. According to Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 7 features the most powerful processor based on 3nm architecture, providing 30 percent more power efficiency. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch 7 boasts a dual-frequency GPS system for precise location tracking capabilities.


Galaxy Watch Ultra: Details


Samsung stated that the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the company’s more rugged and adventure-centric smartwatch. Drawing inspiration from the circular dial design of the standard Galaxy Watch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is equipped with titanium cushioning around it to give it a more squared-off design. The Galaxy Watch Ultra features a Titanium Grade 4 frame for durability and 10ATM water resistance. Samsung mentioned that the Galaxy Watch Ultra can also operate in more extreme environments, enabling tracking of advanced fitness experiences such as swimming in the ocean and cycling in harsh conditions.


Samsung has also introduced a new Functional Threshold Power (FTP) metric, allowing users to track their cycling more accurately and in a personalised manner. The Galaxy Watch Ultra also features a new Quick Button that Samsung said can instantly initiate and control workouts and map other functions to suit users’ needs. In addition to the display that reaches a peak brightness level of 3000 nits, the Galaxy Watch automatically switches to Night Mode for readability in the dark.


Samsung said that the watch features the longest battery life within the Galaxy Watch line-up, offering up to 100 hours in Power Saving mode and 48 hours in Exercise Power Saving mode.


Galaxy Buds 3 series: Details


The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 series introduces a completely new design that the company calls the “Blade” design. Samsung stated that with Galaxy AI integration, the new Galaxy Buds can optimise sound based on both the wearer and their surroundings, as well as provide a more enhanced adaptive noise cancellation experience. According to the company, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro constantly collects and identifies surrounding sounds, automatically adjusting the optimal level of noise and sound without manual adjustment through Adaptive Noise Control, Siren Detect, and Voice Detect. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro also features improved two-way speakers with planar tweeters for better high-range sound production and Dual Amplifiers.

First Published: Jul 24 2024 | 11:33 AM IST



Source link

Amazon Prime Video revamp brings AI-powered features and an improved design

Amazon Prime Video revamp brings AI-powered features and an improved design

by | Jul 24, 2024 | Technology


Amazon Prime Video improved design

2 min read Last Updated : Jul 24 2024 | 11:30 AM IST

Amazon has announced updates for its streaming platform Prime Video with generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) powered personalised recommendations feed and new features. In the revamped interface, it will be easier to find content to watch and the process will be more streamlined. There will be no additional cost to the membership of the platform. The improvements are rolling out widely and will be available to all in the upcoming days across all devices.


Here are the new updates


A new navigation bar has been introduced that includes options for Home, Movies, TV Shows and Live TV and Prime Video Channels add-on subscriptions. Below the navigation bar, the hero rotator will display content that the users can watch with subscription and rent. Prime member deals will also be displayed here. Users can directly play, rent or subscribe content.


Users can manage their active add-on subscription from the navigation bar in addition to browsing and signup. For users in India, more than 20 add-on subscriptions are offered, which can be accessed by selecting “Subscriptions.”


Users will be offered recommendations according to individual preference and viewing history in addition to what users have signed up for. All the deals of subscription from third-party services can also be found in one place. Prime Video has also clearly differentiated between what is included in paid membership and what will require additional payment. If a content title appears with a yellow bag icon, the user has to pay extra for it.


Generative AI has been utilised to offer personalisation features to users. Synopsis of the content will be simplified using Large Language Models (LLMs). To make this possible, Prime Video uses Amazon Bedrock, an Amazon Web service.  


The improvements also include new animations, smooth page transitions and zoom effects. Video content will play on the hero rotator when using a living room device during the time the user decides what to watch. Moreover, Live TV will automatically play the recommended 24/7 stations.

First Published: Jul 24 2024 | 11:30 AM IST



Source link

Apple releases iOS 18 developer beta 4: What's new, how to install and more

Apple releases iOS 18 developer beta 4: What's new, how to install and more

by | Jul 24, 2024 | Technology


3 min read Last Updated : Jul 24 2024 | 10:35 AM IST

Apple has released iOS 18 developer beta four for eligible iPhone models. The new platform update brings several new improvements and changes, including new camera settings, icon redesigns, and wider Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging support. There is no sign of Apple Intelligence yet on the new beta version, but Apple is expected to start testing the new artificial intelligence-powered features soon. Here is everything new in the iOS 18 developer beta four:


iOS 18 Developer Beta Four: What’s new


Camera “Controls Menu”


According to 9To5Mac, Apple has added a new “Controls Menu” in the Settings app for the Camera. The new settings option reportedly “Preserves” the previously used camera tools when the controls menu is expanded, rather than just showing the list of camera tools available.


CarPlay Wallpapers


As per the report, iOS 18 introduces eight light mode and dark mode wallpapers for Apple CarPlay that are inspired by the new iPhone wallpapers.


Redesigns


Apple brings system-wide minor redesigns to app icons and user interface. Stocks app icon now has a new design while apple has also tweaked the design for the new Hidden app folder in the App Library. Additionally, Apple now also allows users to keep dark mode widgets on the home screen while the iPhone is in light mode.


RCS support


Apple has reportedly enabled RCS messaging support to more network carriers in the UK, Canada and Spain. RCS messaging support on iPhones is expected to be more widely available when iOS 18 is released publicly.


iPhone Mirroring


With iOS 18 Beta four, Apple has added a new window sizing option for mirroring the iPhone screen on a Mac. In previous beta versions, iPhone mirroring only supported a fixed size of the window on the Mac. However, with iOS 18 developer beta four and macOS Sequoia new beta, users have three window size options – actual size, small and large.


iOS 18 developer beta four: How to download and install


  • Sign up for the developer beta on Apple’s website (https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/)


  • On iPhone, go to Settings-General-Software Update


  • Tap on the Beta Updates option and select iOS 18 Developer Beta


  • Move back to Software Update page and wait for the download to appear


  • Agree to Apple terms and initiate download process


  • Installation will begin after download process


Note: Back up iPhone before installing the beta


iOS 18 developer beta: Eligible iPhone models


  • iPhone 15


  • iPhone 15 Plus


  • iPhone 15 Pro


  • iPhone 15 Pro Max


  • iPhone 14


  • iPhone 14 Plus


  • iPhone 14 Pro


  • iPhone 14 Pro Max


  • iPhone 13


  • iPhone 13 mini


  • iPhone 13 Pro


  • iPhone 13 Pro Max


  • iPhone 12


  • iPhone 12 mini


  • iPhone 12 Pro


  • iPhone 12 Pro Max


  • iPhone 11


  • iPhone 11 Pro


  • iPhone 11 Pro Max


  • iPhone XS


  • iPhone XS Max


  • iPhone XR


  • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

First Published: Jul 24 2024 | 10:35 AM IST



Source link

Alphabet's revenue exceeds expectations, boosted by cloud computing

Alphabet's revenue exceeds expectations, boosted by cloud computing

by | Jul 24, 2024 | Technology


YouTube reported $8.66 billion in revenue, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $8.95 billion | Photo: Bloomberg

5 min read Last Updated : Jul 24 2024 | 8:15 AM IST


By Davey Alba and Julia Love

 


Google parent Alphabet Inc. reported second-quarter revenue that exceeded analysts’ expectations, boosted by demand for cloud-computing services and advertising on its search engine.

 


Sales, excluding partner payouts, were $71.36 billion in the second quarter, the company said Tuesday in a statement. Analysts had projected $70.7 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Net income was $1.89 per share, compared with Wall Street’s $1.84 per-share estimate.


Google once had a head start in the AI race because it developed much of the technology underpinning popular chatbots. Now, the company is under pressure to prove that it can withstand competition from the likes of OpenAI and Microsoft Corp. as they try to draw people away from traditional web search, pushing chatbots that can answer users’ questions in a conversational fashion. Google has rushed to weave artificial intelligence into all of its widely-used products, including Gmail, Google Docs and search, while boosting its own AI capabilities — an expensive initiative with mixed results. 


The tech giant is also providing cloud-computing services to fast-growing startups, fueling consistent profitability for that business after years of losing money.


Still, some investors are looking for clearer evidence of return on investment for all the billions in spending on AI progress, said Daniel Morgan, senior portfolio manager at Synovus Trust. 


“How much revenue are you getting from that?” he said. “When I look at this report what I see is Google as it’s always been. They generate money from advertising and search.”


Alphabet’s capital expenditures in the second quarter were higher than analysts had expected, in support of artificial intelligence and computing power. The company spent $13.2 billion, compared with estimates of $12.2 billion.


Alphabet shares fluctuated in extended trading, and were down more than 1 per cent at 6 p.m. New York time after an earlier bump of almost 2 per cent. The stock has gained 30 per cent so far this year.


Google Cloud brought in profit of $1.17 billion, beating analysts’ estimates for operating income of $982 million. Google still trails Amazon.com Inc. and Microsoft in the cloud computing market, but in the past year, the unit has attracted business from artificial intelligence startups. Investors are also eyeing Google Cloud as the unit with the most potential to boost growth at Alphabet overall, especially as its search business matures.


“We’ve certainly seen the benefit of our strength in AI, AI infrastructure, as well as generative AI solutions for cloud customers,” Alphabet Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat said on a call with media. “There is no question customers are turning to us as they are building out their capabilities.”


In May, Google announced AI Overviews for search written by generative artificial intelligence technology, but the launch of the feature didn’t go well. Some AI Overviews offered embarrassing suggestions, advising people to eat rocks or to put glue on pizza, for example. Still, quarterly search advertising revenue was $48.5 billion, compared with the average analyst projection for $47.6 billion. 


“If it takes more effort for consumers to go anywhere else to search,” said Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf, an analyst with EMarketer, “Google is going to keep monetizing search traffic higher than any of its competitors.”


YouTube reported $8.66 billion in revenue, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $8.95 billion. Of Alphabet’s various businesses, YouTube has been the most vulnerable to swings in the digital-ad market. 


Alphabet’s Other Bets — a collection of moonshot units that includes the life sciences business Verily and the self-driving car effort Waymo — brought in $365 million in revenue while posting an operating loss of $1.13 billion. That was steeper than analysts’ projection for a loss of $1.07 billion. Alphabet has recently put pressure on its bets to spin off as independent startups, rather than becoming business units of their parent company.


In its latest report, Alphabet indicated that it has $100.7 billion in cash, equivalents and marketable investments, down from the $108 billion it reported in the first quarter. In recent months, Google showed interest in acquiring two companies, either of which would have been the biggest-ever purchase for the internet giant — but both times, the deals fell apart. The acquisitions, for HubSpot Inc. and Wiz Inc., would have strengthened the company’s cloud and cybersecurity offerings, helping it to compete with its tech rivals.


“We are always looking for good opportunities to diversify the portfolio and will continue to do so if we find the right combination of factors, including value,” Porat said, without commenting on the Wiz talks. “Regulatory scrutiny is not new for us, and we have successfully managed regulatory reviews of many large deals in the past.”


Later this month, Anat Ashkenazi, a veteran Eli Lilly & Co. executive, will join the search giant as chief financial officer. Porat, Alphabet’s longest serving CFO, will stay on as president and chief investment officer, spending more time working on the company’s portfolio of other bets.

First Published: Jul 24 2024 | 8:15 AM IST



Source link

Apple Inc likely to release foldable iPhone as early as 2026: Report

Apple Inc likely to release foldable iPhone as early as 2026: Report

by | Jul 23, 2024 | Technology


The company has reached out to suppliers in Asia to make components for the device, the Information reported, adding that iPhone maker has created an internal code name V68 for the product. (Photo: Reuters)

2 min read Last Updated : Jul 23 2024 | 11:50 PM IST


Apple is likely to introduce its foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reported on Tuesday, that could mark the biggest hardware design revamp for the company’s most popular product.


The Cupertino, California-based company’s plan to release a foldable iPhone could mimic a similar move by Samsung Electronics, which pioneered the foldable segment in 2019 in a bid to attract new customers with a major hardware design refresh.

 


Apple’s foldable iPhone has progressed from the ideation stage, the report said, citing two people with knowledge of the matter.

 


The company has reached out to suppliers in Asia to make components for the device, the Information reported, adding that iPhone maker has created an internal code name V68 for the product.

 


Foldable smartphones, powered with artificial intelligence features, are expected to trigger demand for the iPhone maker, which faces stiff competition from Honor and Huawei in China and Samsung globally.

 


Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphones earlier in July, making its priciest flagship model lighter and slimmer with new AI functions.

 


Global foldable smartphone market grew 49% in the first quarter from a year earlier, marking its highest rate of increase in six quarters, according to a Counterpoint Research report from May, with Huawei taking the top spot for the first time, beating Samsung.

 


Apple also plans to bring an upgrade to a camera of at least one iPhone model, that would let its users to control the size of the aperture with a mechanical system, possibly allowing users to create depth-of-field effect, the Information report added.

 


The report also said that there is no guarantee that Apple would release the foldable iPhone.

 


Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

First Published: Jul 23 2024 | 11:50 PM IST



Source link

About-us

Privacy Policy

Email: hansrajagrawalakola@gmail.com

YouTube
Instagram
WhatsApp