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Dell launches Copilot Plus AI PCs in XPS, Inspiron line: Price, specs, more

Dell launches Copilot Plus AI PCs in XPS, Inspiron line: Price, specs, more

by | Jul 16, 2024 | Technology


Dell XPS 13 and Inspiron 14 Plus Copilot AI PCs

3 min read Last Updated : Jul 16 2024 | 3:28 PM IST


Dell on July 16 launched its maiden Copilot Plus AI PCs in India, powered by the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus chips. The new Dell XPS 13 and Inspiron 14 Plus laptops are the first by US-based PC maker based on Microsoft’s new Copilot Plus PC platform, which brings exclusive artificial intelligence features. The new platform leverages the integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) of the Qualcomm processors for processing artificial intelligence workloads.


Dell XPS 13 and Inspiron 14 Plus: Price, availability


  • Dell XPS 13: From Rs 1,39,990 to Rs 1,69,990


  • Dell Inspiron 14 Plus: From Rs 1,15,590 to Rs 1,19,590


Both the XPS 13 and Inspiron 14 Plus laptops are now available in India on the company’s official website, DES, e-commerce platform Amazon, and at select retail outlets such as Croma, Reliance Retail, and Vijay Sale.


Dell XPS 13 and Inspiron 14 Plus: Introductory offers


Dell XPS 13


  • Cashback of up to Rs 10,000 on select banks


  • One-year extended warranty for Rs 4,999


  • Da Milano bag for Rs 999


  • No-interest equated monthly instalment (no-cost EMI) plans with select banks


Dell Inspiron 14 Plus


  • Cashback of up to Rs 5,000 on select banks


  • One-year extended warranty for Rs 999


  • Sennheiser headset for Rs 1,999


  • No-cost EMI plans with select banks


Dell XPS 13 and Inspiron 14 Plus: AI features


Dell has announced that both the XPS 13 and Inspiron 14 Plus laptops come with AI-powered features that utilise the AI processing capabilities of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X series chips. These features include:


Cocreator: the Cocreator feature uses generative AI to compile text prompts provided by the user along with a rough layout that they draw to generate a full image. Additionally, users can also make changes to the images in real-time.


Live Captions: The Live Caption feature allows users to translate any live or pre-recorded audio in real-time. The company said that the feature works with video calls and can translate 44 languages into English.


In addition to these AI features, the laptops also get Windows Studio effects for adjusting the lighting, adding backgrounds, and filters during video calls.


Dell XPS 13: Specifications


  • Display: up to 13.4-inch 3K OLED display


  • Processor: up to Qualcomm Snapdragon X1 Elite (25.5W)


  • GPU: Integrated Qualcomm Adreno


  • RAM: 16GB LPDDR5x / 32GB LPDDR5x


  • Storage: 512GB / 1TB PCIe 4 SSD


  • Battery: 55Whr


  • Charging: 60W through USB-C


  • Ports: 2x USB Type-C (40Gbps, Power Delivery, and DisplayPort)


  • Camera: FHD


Dell Inspiron 14 Plus: Specifications


  • Display: 14-inch QHD+ Anti-Glare display


  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus


  • GPU: Integrated Qualcomm Adreno


  • RAM: 16GB LPDDR5x


  • Storage: 512GB / 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD


  • Battery: 54Whr


  • Charging: 65W Type-C


  • Ports: 2x USB Type-C (40Gbps, Power Delivery, and DisplayPort), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, Mirco SD card reader, 1x Headset Jack


First Published: Jul 16 2024 | 3:28 PM IST



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Not smartphones, Indian consumers may pay more for AI features in laptops

Not smartphones, Indian consumers may pay more for AI features in laptops

by | Jul 16, 2024 | Technology


The laptop market is growing steadily in India. (Representational Photo)

2 min read Last Updated : Jul 16 2024 | 2:15 PM IST


India’s top smartphone brands — Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, Oppo, and Xiaomi — have introduced AI-powered features over the past year and a half. Google launched Gemini, Samsung unveiled Galaxy AI, and Apple released Apple Intelligence. Oppo and Xiaomi, based in China, are also integrating similar AI technologies into their devices.


Yet, the five best-selling brands – which control over 45 per cent of India’s $40 billion smartphone market – are struggling to find consumers for their AI-backed devices, according to a Mint report. This is despite a large young population of smartphone users in India who agree that AI is the next big thing.


In this context, industry observers have argued that while consumers may not be willing to shell out extra bucks on AI features in smartphones, AI-enabled laptops may hold the key to opening up the market. They told Mint that laptops, which offer higher computing power compared to smartphones, have a greater productivity use case.


According to experts, laptops loaded with AI features are likely to lead adoption as professionals from all verticals – ranging from coders to content creators – use AI tools on laptops for heavy tasks. This is evident, they say, as AI features in smartphones – like live transcription, translation, photo, and audio editing – are not attracting more customers as expected.


The laptop market is growing steadily in India. As per Mint research, brands shipped around 10 million laptops to retailers in India last year, amounting to approximately $5.5 billion in revenue. If experts’ projections are to be believed, AI features will take the laptop market to $6.5 billion in revenue this year.


Consumers’ inclination towards laptops with AI features is likely to become apparent in the next two financial quarters, added industry experts. Meanwhile, the smartphone market is projected to witness a mid-single digit growth this year.

First Published: Jul 16 2024 | 2:14 PM IST



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OnePlus 'Summer Launch' event at 6:30 pm: Where to watch and what to expect

OnePlus 'Summer Launch' event at 6:30 pm: Where to watch and what to expect

by | Jul 16, 2024 | Technology


OnePlus Nord 4, Pad 2, Watch 2r and Nord Buds 3 Pro

5 min read Last Updated : Jul 16 2024 | 1:56 PM IST

China’s OnePlus is hosting its “Summer Launch” event on July 16 in Milan, Italy where it will be launching the Nord 4 smartphone, Watch 2r smartwatch, Nord Buds 3 Pro wireless earphones, and Pad 2 tablet. In a run-up to the launch event, OnePlus has previewed the devices, revealing that the OnePlus Nord 4 smartphone will sport a metal unibody design and will offer new AI-powered tools for media editing, writing assistance, and more. The OnePlus Pad 2 is also set to get the AI tools.


OnePlus Summer Launch event: Where to watch


The in-person launch event will kick-off at 6:30 PM (IST) on July 16 and will be livestreamed on the company’s official YouTube channel for a global audience. You can also watch the launch livestream in the video embedded towards the end of this article.


OnePlus Summer Launch event: What to expect


AI features


Ahead of the launch, OnePlus has announced that the Nord 4 and Pad 2 will boast AI-powered tools for assisting users during various tasks such as capturing images, editing photos, summarising text, writing emails, and more.


The OnePlus Nord 4 will feature media editing tools such as “AI Best Face”, “AI Eraser”, and more. According to the company, AI Best Face feature recognises human faces, expressions, and improves group photos by “magically opening” the eyes of the subjects. For the AI Clear Face, OnePlus said that the feature will bring extra definition to faces. While AI Clear Face will be available at launch, AI best face feature will be launching later this year. These new tools will be added to the list of existing AI tools such as the AI eraser and Smart Cutout.


Apart from media editing features both the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Pad 2 will feature productivity-related AI features such as AI Speak, AI summarise, AI Writer, and more. AI Speak and AI Writer, which will be coming to the devices later this year, will help share information from a wide range of websites and apps, according to the company. AI Writer, on the other hand, would be able to compose messages and text based on user prompts. Both devices will also get features for generating summary of voice recordings and text transcripts.


OnePlus Nord 4


The company has confirmed that the OnePlus Nord 4 smartphone will feature a metal unibody design making it the maiden device to do so in the 5G smartphone era. The smartphone will boast an aluminium construction in a sleek form factor measuring 7.99mm at its thinnest point. OnePlus said that the Nord 4 smartphone has been constructed using new techniques and features a “nano-etched design” along with a new antenna design.


OnePlus also recently confirmed that the smartphone will receive updates for four years and security patches for an impressive six years, surpassing even its flagship OnePlus 12 series in this regard. The company is also integrating its “Battery Health Engine” technology into the smartphone. OnePlus said this proprietary system adapts to users’ charging habits, optimising power input and charging times to preserve battery life. The Nord 4’s battery has been certified for 1,600 complete charging cycles, underlining its durability and efficiency.


OnePlus Nord 4: Expected specifications


  • Display: 6.74-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1.5K resolution


  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3


  • Rear camera: 50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide


  • Front camera: 16MP


  • Battery: 5,500mAh


  • Charging: 100W wired


  • OS: Android 14


OnePlus Pad 2


About the second-generation OnePlus Pad, the company said that the Pad 2 will “build upon the strong foundations of previous generations of OnePlus Pad.” Apart from the new AI features, the company has confirmed that the OnePlus Pad 2 will sport a 12.1-inch display in 7:5 aspect ratio and an “industry-leading chipset”.


The OnePlus Pad 2 is expected to be the rebranded version of the OnePlus Pad Pro, which was recently launched in China.


OnePlus Pad 2: Expected specifications


  • Display: 12.1-inch, 3K resolution (3000×2120), 144Hz refresh rate, 900 nits peak brightness, 7:5 aspect ratio


  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3


  • RAM: 8GB/ 12GB/ 16GB


  • Storage: 128GB / 256GB/ 512GB


  • Battery: 9510mAh


  • Charging: 67W


  • OS: Android 14


OnePlus Watch 2r: Details


For the OnePlus Watch 2r, the company has already revealed that it will boast an aluminium casing and will feature a distinctive bezel, inspired by classic wristwatches. OnePlus said that the Watch 2r will offer up to 100-hour battery life and will come with dual-frequency GPS connectivity.


Similar to the tablet, the OnePlus Watch 2r is expected to be a rebranded model based on the eSIM-based Watch 2 which recently launched in the company’s home country.


OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: Details


OnePlus has confirmed that it will be positioning the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro in the mid-range price segment. The Nord Buds 3 Pro is set to offer Active Noise cancelling (ANC) up to 49dB and a frequency range of up to 4,000 Hz. Additionally, the next generation of Nord Buds wireless earphones are set to feature a 12.4mm driver for producing clear audio. The Nord Buds 3 Pro will also come with BassWaveTM 2.0 technology that the company said will enable it for producing “pulsating bass tones.”


OnePlus Summer Launch event: Watch livestream

 

First Published: Jul 16 2024 | 1:56 PM IST



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Apple releases iOS 18 public beta: What is new, eligible iPhones, and more

Apple releases iOS 18 public beta: What is new, eligible iPhones, and more

by | Jul 16, 2024 | Technology


4 min read Last Updated : Jul 16 2024 | 1:08 PM IST

Apple has released the first public beta of its upcoming iOS 18 operating system to eligible iPhones. The public beta offers early preview of upcoming apps, features, and technologies from Apple. In the first public beta, Apple previews lock screen customisation options, new control centre features, upgraded Messages app, and a redesigned Photos app.


It should be noted that the iOS 18 public beta is not a general release. It is an early release for testing purposes, therefore, users who wish to upgrade to the public beta version of the new OS should expect stability and performance issues with their device.


iOS 18 Public Beta: How to download and install


  • Sign up for the public 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 Pubic 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 Public 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)


iOS 18 pubic beta: What is new


Home screen customisation


With iOS 18, iPhone users get new ways of customising their home screen. Apple now allows placing app icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen. Additionally, users can now add a colour tint to app icons on the home screen for a more personalised look. Users can also select a new Dark Mode option, which essentially turns the majority of the home screen app icons dark.


Lock screen control


With iOS 18, users can customise the two controls that appear on the iPhone Lock screen. Previously, Apple only offered flashlight control and a camera button on the lock screen. Moreover, there is support for dynamic wallpapers on the lock screen.


Control Center


Apple is offering extensive customisation options on the Control Center. User can now completely reorganise the layout of the Control Center and even add multiple pages for additional controls.


RCS support


Apple is adding support for RCS (Rich communication services) messaging to iPhones in the messaging app. This improves cross platform messaging between iPhones and Android smartphones with features like Read Receipts, typing indicator, high-resolution media sharing and more. RCS support on iPhones with iOS 18 beta versions is currently limited to select regions.


Messaging


Apart from RCS support, Apple is adding more features to the Messages app with iOS 18. Users can now add text effects to individual words within a message that includes an option to to make the word bigger, smaller, shaky, ripple, jitter and more. Tapback system to react to messages with emojis has also been updated. Apple has also added the option to schedule messages for delivering an already typed message at a later time.


iPhone Mirroring


With iOS 18 Apple is adding an iPhone mirroring option for users to display their iPhone screen on supported Mac computers. This feature enables seamless interaction between devices, including receiving notifications and utilising drag-and-drop functionality without unlocking the iPhone.


Enhanced SharePlay


Apple has updated the SharePlay screen sharing feature by enabling users to draw on and control others’ screens during shared sessions, facilitating effective communication and cooperation.


New Photos app


With a comprehensive redesign to the Photos app on iPhones, Apple has simplified accessing memories and organising photos, with built-in intelligence for creating collections.


Safari Browser


With iOS 18, Safari Browser gets a new Highlights feature that Apple said uses machine learning to provide key information from the webpage you are about to visit.


Other features


Other notable features coming to iPhones with iOS 18 includes a new Passwords app for storing and accessing all saved passwords, a new Game mode that minimises background activity to improve the gaming experience, new accessibility features such as Eye-tracking navigation, and improvements to native Apple apps such as Maps, Journal, Notes and more.

First Published: Jul 16 2024 | 1:08 PM IST



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Lenovo Tab Plus review: A big screen tablet with focus on audio and design

Lenovo Tab Plus review: A big screen tablet with focus on audio and design

by | Jul 16, 2024 | Technology


4 min read Last Updated : Jul 16 2024 | 3:37 PM IST

China’s Lenovo announced a new addition to its tablet portfolio, the Lenovo Tab Plus. This Android tablet boasts an eight-speaker audio system, which it said is developed in collaboration with American audio brand JBL. The audio system supports Dolby Atmos and high-res audio (24-bit and 96kHz frequency) when using headphones. The tablet boasts an 8,600mAh battery and runs on Android 14. Is the device as good as it appears on-paper? Let us find out:


Design


The Lenovo Tab Plus boasts a sleek and modern design with a premium build quality. Its slim profile and lightweight build make it portable, while the aluminium body provides durability. At 7.7mm thick, the tablet is easy to hold and has a built-in kickstand – for easy mount on the tablet-top. Its large screen gives you a notebook-like feel. The camera sits atop the rear. The right side of the frame accommodates a volume button near the top and a microSD tray towards the bottom. At the top, the tablet houses speaker grills and the power button. The bottom side features another speaker grill and a USB-C port on the left side. The audio jack is at the leftmost edge of the top side. The tablet effectively resists fingerprint marks and smudges. The weight distribution is balanced and allows for comfortable handling.


Display


The Lenovo Tab Plus sports an 11.5-inch 2K LCD display of 90Hz refresh rate. The display is supported by add-on features such as reading mode, auto-brightness, and eye protection mode. The display supports up to 400 nits of brightness, making it sufficiently bright for indoor use and moderately bright environments outdoors. The Lenovo Tab Plus offers wide viewing angles with minimal colour shift when viewed from different angles. With 90Hz refresh rate, the display ensures smooth scrolling.


Audio


Audio is one of the highlights of the Lenovo Tab Plus. The tablet boasts four tweeters and four force-balanced woofers housed in four-speaker boxes and offers 26W of stereo sound. The eight JBL Hi-Fi speakers and Dolby Atmos support offer an immersive surround sound experience. The sound is crisp and clear and room filling. The Lenovo Tab Plus has a 3.5mm headphone jack and supports Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting wireless headphones or speakers. The tablet offers high resolution audio support with wired headphones.


As for the quality, the audio does not get distorted when volume is turned to the maximum. The speakers produce clear and balanced sound with a good amount of bass, which is often lacking in tablet speakers. The tablet can be used as a Bluetooth speaker for the connected smartphone. The audio output maintains its richness and loudness even when outdoors and has the ability to cut through the noise.


One does realise the exceptionality of the audio at full volume and the balance between bass, treble and midrange is maintained. The mids and highs are also well-represented, ensuring vocals and dialogues are crisp and clear. It is one of the best sound quality currently offered in a tablet.


Lenovo Tab Plus speaker


Battery and performance


The device boasts an 8,600mAh battery and supports 45W wired charging. The charger takes short of two hours to charge the battery, which lasts for a full-day on moderate usage. Powered by MediaTek Helio G99, the tablet offers a balance of performance and power efficiency. Though the chip is capable of handling routine everyday workloads without hiccups, it is not a performance powerhouse. That said, the tablet is best used as a companion device for basic chores because it does not have the performance to handle power-and-graphic intensive workloads.


Camera


The Lenovo Tab Plus has 8-megapixel camera sensors on the front and back. Cameras are not the strongest suite for tablets, and it is the same case here – quality is average and will fulfil the purpose of video calls and clear document scanning.


Verdict


Priced at Rs 22,999 (8GB RAM + 256GB storage), the Lenovo Tab Plus offers a well-rounded multimedia experience. Its combination of sleek design, high-quality audio and impressive battery life makes it a competitive contender in the tablet market, especially for the entertainment segment. For those looking for a utility focused tablet with remarkable sound quality, the Lenovo Tab Plus can be an option to be considered. Performance is not its forte, and therefore, look otherwise if that is essential.

First Published: Jul 16 2024 | 12:59 PM IST



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20 satellites to 'fall from sky' as SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket malfunctions

20 satellites to 'fall from sky' as SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket malfunctions

by | Jul 16, 2024 | Technology


Falcon 9 rocket’s second stage engine did not complete its second burn, said Space X. (Photo: X@SpaceX)

2 min read Last Updated : Jul 16 2024 | 12:10 PM IST


As many as 20 Starlink satellites are doomed to fall through the atmosphere and burn up as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has left them in a lower-than-intended orbit.  


According to an official statement from Elon Musk-led SpaceX, the upper stage engine of the Falcon 9 rocket malfunctioned several minutes after it was blasted off from California on Thursday (July 11) night. The malfunction, a first in nearly a decade for SpaceX, was triggered by a liquid oxygen leak, said the company.  


Initially, the rocket launch proceeded as expected, but “the second stage engine did not complete its second burn,” SpaceX added. Consequently, the Starlink satellites were left stranded in an elliptical orbit at an altitude of 135 kilometers, approximately half their intended operational altitude.


“At this altitude, our maximum available thrust is unlikely to be sufficient to successfully raise the satellites… Therefore, the satellites will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and be destroyed,” said SpaceX.


While SpaceX did not specify when the satellites might re-enter the atmosphere, the company assured in a post on X that “they do not pose a threat to other satellites in orbit or to public safety.”


Currently, over 6,000 Starlink satellites orbit the planet, providing internet service to customers in some of the most remote areas worldwide.


Meanwhile, an internal inquiry has been initiated to investigate the Falcon 9 rocket malfunction. The investigation will be conducted under the supervision of the US Federal Aviation Administration. Until the investigation is concluded, SpaceX has suspended further Falcon 9 rocket launches.


Notably, this incident marks the first Falcon 9 launch failure since 2016 and represents the second-largest loss of Starlink satellites, following a similar event in February 2022 when 40 satellites were lost due to a geomagnetic storm.

First Published: Jul 16 2024 | 12:10 PM IST





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