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Tech wrap Oct 2: Microsoft Copilot AI, iPhone SE, WhatsApp, Windows 11 24H2

Tech wrap Oct 2: Microsoft Copilot AI, iPhone SE, WhatsApp, Windows 11 24H2

by | Oct 2, 2024 | Technology


4 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 8:03 PM IST


Microsoft has introduced a variety of new features for its Copilot AI, including a Copilot Voice akin to Gemini Live, as well as improved integration with the Edge web browser. The company also launched experimental capabilities that allow the chatbot to understand on-screen content for enhanced contextual awareness and to improve its reasoning for handling more complex queries.

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Microsoft has announced exclusive AI features for the Copilot Plus PC platform, specifically designed for Windows on ARM. New AI-driven functionalities include tools for image enhancement and generation in Paint and Photos, an upgraded Windows Search, and a new “Click to Do” feature. Furthermore, the company has revealed that the previously introduced Recall feature is being launched with enhanced security layers for select Copilot Plus PC users.

 


After the recent launch of its iPhone 16 series, Apple is reportedly focusing on a more budget-friendly iPhone SE model. A report from Bloomberg suggests that Apple aims to unveil the next-generation iPhone SE early next year, along with refreshed iPads.


Meta-owned WhatsApp has announced the rollout of new camera filters and backgrounds for video calls. Users can now customise their video call experience by altering their background or applying a filter.


Microsoft has commenced the rollout of the Windows 11 version 24H2 update for users. This latest update introduces several new features, including Energy Saver mode, Bluetooth LE Audio support for hearing aids, HDR background support, and more. It also includes various redesigns and changes to the taskbar, system tray, File Explorer, and other areas of the operating system.


Lenovo-owned Motorola has launched the ThinkPhone 25, which shares a design reminiscent of the Edge 50 Neo. This marks the second release under the ThinkPhone branding. The smartphone offers military-grade durability, featuring MIL-STD 810H certification and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. It comes with a plastic frame and a back made from Aramid fibre.


Samsung is reportedly preparing to launch a “Special Edition” model of its Galaxy Z Fold 6 in select regions. According to a report from Android Authority, a promotional poster for the “Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition” has been shared on X (formerly Twitter), indicating that pre-orders may begin in South Korea next month.


YouTube offers a background play feature for Premium subscribers, allowing users to continue listening to a video even after leaving the app or locking their device. However, this feature has not been available on YouTube TV or Google’s live TV service. It is expected that the feature will soon be accessible in the YouTube TV app.


Following the launch of the iPhone 16 series in September, Apple is reportedly preparing for another event this month, likely to showcase updates to its Mac lineup. Media reports indicate that Apple will unveil new MacBook Pro models powered by the M4 chip, a redesigned Mac mini, and a new iMac. Additionally, the company may introduce the next generation of the standard iPad and a new iPad mini model.


Designed for adventurers and athletes, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers robust durability, advanced health tracking, and exceptional battery life, although it comes with certain limitations.


If you’re in search of a smartphone with a performance-oriented processor, the Vivo T3 Ultra could be a suitable option. However, you may want to consider alternatives for a better camera and software experience.


Following the launch of the iPhone 16, Apple Inc. is preparing to introduce a new budget-friendly phone early next year, alongside updated iPads.

First Published: Oct 02 2024 | 8:03 PM IST



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Asus powers up, AI-powered PCs to drive 5-10% of shipments by November

Asus powers up, AI-powered PCs to drive 5-10% of shipments by November

by | Oct 2, 2024 | Technology


Arnold Su, Vice President, Consumer & Gaming PC, System Business Group, Asus India

Arnold Su, vice president – consumer and gaming PC, system business group, Asus India

3 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 9:29 PM IST


Taiwanese personal computer (PC) maker Asus has announced an ambitious plan for artificial intelligence (AI)-powered PCs to make up 5-10 per cent of its total shipments by the end of 2024. However, with demand surging, the company now expects to reach this target ahead of schedule, aiming for November instead.


The company expects the ongoing festival season to boost sales by 5-10 per cent compared to the previous year, driven by a new refresh cycle, a senior executive at the firm said.

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“During the pandemic, many consumers were forced to buy PCs. This resulted in a slight decline in PC sales in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, however, a new purchase cycle has begun, with customers now looking to upgrade their devices,” Arnold Su, vice-president — consumer and gaming PC, system business group, Asus India, told Business Standard.

 


Su added that this is also the first year for AI PCs, so many consumers are seeking to upgrade to more powerful devices.


“Next year, AI PCs will be the main driver of growth for the overall business,” Su said.


India’s PC market, which includes desktops, notebooks, and workstations, grew 7.1 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to 3.39 million shipments in the second quarter (Q2) of calendar year 2024, according to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC).


Asus holds the fifth spot in the Indian PC segment, with a market share of 7.1 per cent during Q2 this year, down slightly from 7.1 per cent in the same period last year, according to IDC.


The Taipei-headquartered firm is not a contender in the commercial PC market but witnessed a 131.7 per cent Y-o-Y growth in this segment in Q2.


Asus became the second-largest player in the consumer segment behind HP in 2023.


“In the second half of 2024, we will be a strong no. 2 (consumer) brand in India, and we are preparing to challenge the no. 1 position in the next two years. By the end of 2024, we aim to cross the 20 per cent market share benchmark, up from 18 per cent last year,” Su said.


According to Su, Asus aims to capture 25-30 per cent market share in the consumer PC market within the next two years. To achieve this, the company is doubling down on expanding its offline retail footprint.


“Currently, India’s PC penetration rate is just 11 per cent. We want to target the remaining 89 per cent of households, rather than competing within the existing 11 per cent… By the end of 2025, our end goal is to be able to service 600 districts across India,” said Su.


As much as 70 per cent of the company’s sales currently come from offline channels. The PC maker will open its 300th Asus exclusive store on Thursday. In addition, the company operates around 1,500 ‘shop-in-shops’ — retail outlets that sell Asus PCs.


Asus has also partnered another 2,500 small dealers who sell the company’s products. In total, there are more than 4,000 shops in India selling Asus products.


“The Indian market is not just for entry-level products. It is also for the latest technology and our premium offerings. Catering to this demand will further help us increase our market share,” Su added.

First Published: Oct 02 2024 | 7:27 PM IST



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Google working on software for reasoning AI, similar to OpenAI's 'o1'

Google working on software for reasoning AI, similar to OpenAI's 'o1'

by | Oct 2, 2024 | Technology


Google Deepmind

Despite the slower pace of Google’s product rollouts, it remains a formidable player. | Photo: Bloomberg

3 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 7:09 PM IST

By Julia Love and Rachel Metz


Google is working on artificial intelligence software that resembles the human ability to reason, similar to OpenAI’s o1, marking a new front in the rivalry between the tech giant and the fast-growing startup.

 


In recent months, multiple teams at Alphabet Inc.’s Google have been making progress on AI reasoning software, according to people with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. Such software programs are more adept at solving multistep problems in fields such as math and computer programming. 

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AI researchers are pursuing reasoning models as they search for the next significant step forward in the technology. Like OpenAI, Google is trying to approximate human reasoning using a  technique known as chain-of-thought prompting, according to two of the people. In this technique, which Google pioneered, the software pauses for a matter of seconds before responding to a written prompt while, behind the scenes and invisible to the user, it considers a number of related prompts and then summarizes what appears to be the best response. 


Google declined to comment on the effort.


Google and OpenAI have been locked in an intense fight for dominance in AI, particularly since the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a popular chatbot that some investors worry will eventually obviate the need for Google search. Google has taken various steps to regain its lead, including merging its premier research labs to form the Google DeepMind unit and fortifying relationships between researchers and product teams. Yet the search giant continues to move more slowly when it comes to releasing AI products, pausing to consider ethical problems, the need to live up to the public’s expectations of trust in its brand, and the competing interests of multiple similar efforts in the vast organization.


Since OpenAI unveiled its o1 model, known internally as Strawberry, in mid-September, some in DeepMind have fretted that the company had fallen behind, according to another person with knowledge of the matter. But employees are no longer as concerned as they were following the launch of ChatGPT, now that Google has debuted some of its own work, the person said.


Despite the slower pace of Google’s product rollouts, it remains a formidable player, said Oren Etzioni, a veteran AI researcher who founded TrueMedia.org, a nonprofit dedicated to combating political disinformation.


“Technically it’s always been the case that Google’s capabilities were top notch. They were just more conservative in rolling things out,” Etzioni said. “It’s a marathon, and it’s anybody’s race to win.”


In July, Google showcased AlphaProof, which specializes in math reasoning, and AlphaGeometry 2, an updated version of a model focused on geometry that the company debuted earlier this year. The programs aced four of the six problems featured in the International Mathematical Olympiad, an annual competition in which students tackle topics such as algebra and geometry, Google said in a blog post. 


At its developer conference in May, Google offered a glimpse of an AI assistant, Astra, which can use a phone’s camera to see the world around it and answer questions, such as telling a user where she had left her glasses. Google said some features of assistant may come to its flagship AI model, Gemini, toward the end of this year.


“Advanced mathematical reasoning is a critical capability for modern AI,” Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis wrote in a post on social network X in July.

First Published: Oct 02 2024 | 7:09 PM IST



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'Women bunk tech career for lack of support, higher education cost'

'Women bunk tech career for lack of support, higher education cost'

by | Oct 2, 2024 | Technology


3 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 4:33 PM IST


Companies struggle to find right women talent with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) profiles as lack of family support and higher cost of education discourage girls from pursuing higher education in this stream, according to industry experts.


The gender gap persists largely in STEM education due to societal and cultural factors including gender biases and lack of support.

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“While the higher cost of education can sometimes be a factor, the bigger issue is a lack of encouragement from a young age, limited role models, and not enough support for women entering STEM related fields,” workforce solutions provider NLB Services CEO Sachin Alug told PTI.

 


This is making it difficult for companies to find the right women talent from the STEM stream, he said, adding that lack of gender diversity is limiting creativity, innovation and different perspectives to solve complex business problems.


Echoing a similar view, home-grown software solutions provider in business processes Tally Solutions executive director Nupur Goenka said there is a huge gap in men-women ratio in the STEM area as access to continuous education is a privilege rather than a right.


“To encourage women, it is important to change how we perceive a woman’s role in society at a fundamental level across the population. Without this, it is difficult to imagine how social construct, education opportunity, workforce opportunity, culture, safety, and policies will all start working together to create a system where women can succeed in STEM,” he noted.


Tally, she said, talks to young girls in schools and colleges to encourage women to choose and continue in the STEM fields.


“I do believe that every company should look at equal opportunity without compromising merit and talent,” she added.


Quess Deputy CEO – IT Staffing, Kapil Joshi said that there is an improvement in male-female ratio in STEM across colleges, which will gradually reflect in the job market in the future.


“However, several societal and geopolitical challenges continue to hinder this progress. These barriers include social biases against women in certain STEM fields, a lack of resources and leadership commitment, gaps in the education ecosystem, issues of socialisation and isolation in STEM, and others,” he added.


He said, the significance of STEM education is underscored by the fact that 80 per cent of jobs created in the next decade will require some form of maths and science skills.


Moreover, 70 per cent of the top-paying jobs globally will demand highly skilled STEM graduates, he said, adding that fields like statistics, information security, and computer science are expected to see substantial growth, making it imperative that we prepare a gender-diverse workforce to meet this demand.


“Addressing the gender skill gap in STEM is crucial for India’s economic future. As we move forward, it’s essential that we continue to foster an environment where women in STEM can thrive, contributing to a more innovative and equitable workforce,” added Joshi.

(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.)

First Published: Oct 02 2024 | 4:32 PM IST



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X valued at 80 per cent less since Elon Musk's acquisition, says Fidelity

X valued at 80 per cent less since Elon Musk's acquisition, says Fidelity

by | Oct 2, 2024 | Technology


4 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 3:58 PM IST

The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is reportedly worth almost 80 per cent less than it was two years ago when Elon Musk acquired it, according to recent estimates from investment giant Fidelity. This staggering drop in value has raised concerns about the platform’s future and its financial health under Musk’s ownership.


From $44 billion to $9.4 billion: A steep decline


Musk took Twitter private in October 2022, after purchasing the platform for $44 billion. Since then, the company no longer trades publicly, but Fidelity continues to report on the value of its shares in X. According to Fidelity’s latest disclosure, its shares in X were worth just $4.2 million at the end of August 2024. This represents a 24 per cent decline from the end of July and a dramatic 79 per cent drop from the $19.66 million Fidelity estimated those shares were worth in October 2022.

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Based on this valuation, Fidelity implies that X is currently worth around $9.4 billion, a fraction of the price Musk paid to acquire the company. However, other investors may assess the platform differently.


 


Shrinking ad revenue and investor concerns


The steep drop in X’s valuation, as noted by Fidelity, may reflect the platform’s declining ad revenue. Since going private, X no longer publishes quarterly financial metrics, making it difficult to gauge the company’s financial performance. However, analysts point to several indicators suggesting that the platform is struggling to attract advertisers.


“Musk clearly overpaid for this asset,” Dan Ives, managing director and senior equity analyst at Wedbush Securities, was quoted as saying by CNN.


Ives estimated that X was worth around $30 billion when Musk acquired it and believes its value has dropped to approximately $15 billion today. While user engagement remains “strong,” according to Ives, X is still facing significant ad pressure.


Under Musk’s leadership, advertisers have raised concerns about their brands being associated with extreme content. A recent global survey by Kantar found that 26 per cent of marketers plan to reduce their spending on X next year, marking the steepest cutback among major global ad platforms. Only 4 per cent of advertisers believe X offers “brand safety,” compared to 39 per cent for Google.


X’s advertising challenges were compounded in November 2023 when Musk faced backlash from brands after endorsing an antisemitic conspiracy theory popular with White supremacists. Although Musk later apologised, calling it his “dumbest” social media post, he also told advertisers leaving the platform to “go f**k yourself.”


 


X: A platform in transition


Despite the challenges, X remains a significant player in the social media landscape. The company reported 570 million monthly active users during the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 6 per cent from the previous year. However, data from Similarweb, a research firm, showed a decline in engagement on mobile devices. In August 2024, X had 73.5 million monthly active users on iOS and Android in the United States, down nearly 11 per cent year-on-year and 20 per cent from October 2022.


While US web traffic to X.com has dropped compared to Twitter.com before Musk’s acquisition, Similarweb noted that the platform’s traffic has performed better outside the United States.


Is X really worth less? Not everyone thinks so


Not all experts agree with Fidelity’s sharp valuation decline. Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, argues that Fidelity’s estimates may be overly pessimistic. “Fidelity was overly aggressive. They are essentially cleaning house on the investment,” Munster told CNN.


He believes that in the long run, X’s data will be more valuable than what Musk paid for Twitter. The data from X is currently being used to train Grok, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by Musk’s AI startup, xAI. Munster sees Grok as a potential game-changer and Musk’s biggest future wealth source.


“When Musk bought Twitter, investors didn’t realise we’d be taking off on AI as fast as we are,” said Munster. “Musk buying Twitter is a case of better luck than smart,” he added.

First Published: Oct 02 2024 | 3:58 PM IST





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Vivo T3 Ultra review: A blend of premium style and powerful performance

Vivo T3 Ultra review: A blend of premium style and powerful performance

by | Oct 2, 2024 | Technology


5 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 3:55 PM IST


The Vivo T3 Ultra is a mid-range smartphone, starting at Rs 31,999, packed with premium features and powered by the performance-oriented MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ system-on-chip. The smartphone from the Chinese manufacturer features a 5,500 mAh battery in a thin and lightweight design. Moreover, there is a flagship-grade camera system on offer. That said, does the Vivo T3 Ultra stand out as an all-rounder in the segment? Let us find out.


Design

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The Vivo T3 Ultra boasts a sleek and lightweight design, featuring a frame that feels premium. The smartphone is one of the slimmest in its segment and, due to its evenly distributed weight, is comfortable to hold. The device has a similar in-hand feel to the more expensive smartphones in the V40 series by the brand.

 


The rear side of the smartphone houses a camera setup with the Aura ring flashlight, which is neatly integrated without protruding excessively, while the front sports minimal bezels with a punch-hole for the selfie camera. The power button and volume rocker are easily reachable while using the phone. The T3 Ultra has a plastic back with a matte finish that feels smooth and is not prone to fingerprints. The bottom of the smartphone houses the speaker, microphone, and charging port.


The Vivo T3 Ultra boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and is protected by Schott Xensation glass. Overall, the smartphone is visually appealing and convenient to use for extended durations.


Display


Sporting a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display, the T3 Ultra, with minimal bezels, ensures sharp visuals and vibrant colours. With a refresh rate of 120Hz, scrolling through apps and menus feels smooth and responsive. Brightness levels peak at 4500 nits, making the screen easily readable even in direct sunlight. With crisp colours and clear visuals, the screen provides an excellent viewing experience for movies and games.


Battery and performance


The T3 Ultra packs a 5500mAh battery and supports 80W fast charging, taking about an hour to fully charge. The smartphone lasts a full day with moderate usage. A fast charging option can be enabled in settings, although the device gets warm during this process. Additionally, the smartphone tends to heat up during extensive use, such as gaming.


In terms of performance, the device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+, offering value for money at this price, coupled with 12GB of RAM and options for up to 256GB of internal storage. Multitasking is seamless, and demanding apps run smoothly without noticeable lag. The smartphone keeps apps running in the background and switches between them without delay or reloading. Overall, it provides snappy and responsive performance, with no sluggishness even under extensive use.


Software


The Vivo T3 Ultra runs on Android 14, based on Funtouch OS 14, allowing users to customise their devices to suit their preferences. The software is designed to enhance the overall user experience, featuring smooth navigation and intuitive gestures. However, the smartphone has several pre-installed apps. First-party apps cannot be uninstalled, but third-party pre-installed apps can be removed. The device is not bloatware-free, which may be unappealing to some users.


Camera


The smartphone is equipped with a 50MP main camera sensor with optical image stabilisation (Sony IMX921) and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. The front houses a 50MP wide-angle camera for selfies and video calls, along with a flicker sensor.


The device supports 4K video recording at 60 FPS and features hybrid OIS and EIS stabilisation. While the primary camera produces vibrant photos in daylight, similar to many smartphones from the brand, it struggles at times, resulting in underexposed shadows. Even after multiple attempts at capturing the same image, issues with details related to shadows and highlights persisted.


Video recording offered average results, and the flicker sensor was ineffective in completely preventing flickering issues. The images captured in less-than-ideal lighting conditions were satisfactory, especially when enhanced with night mode. The front camera delivered decent images for selfies and video calls.


Audio


The T3 Ultra delivers good audio performance with stereo speakers that provide clear and balanced sound, whether you’re watching videos or listening to music. With clear highs and balanced mids, it works as good for both music and calls. The device lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, but Bluetooth 5.3 support ensures stable connectivity for wireless headphones, although it had trouble detecting the OnePlus Nord Buds Pro 3 that I was using.


Verdict


Priced from Rs 31,999, the Vivo T3 Ultra offers a compelling package that balances performance, design, and usability. The smartphone is a strong choice for those seeking a solid display, battery, and processor. While the viewing and gaming experience are delightful, heating issues and camera performance are areas needing improvement. If you are looking for a reliable smartphone for multitasking with a performance-oriented processor, the Vivo T3 Ultra could be your go-to choice. However, if you desire consistent camera performance and bloatware-free software, you may want to consider alternatives.

First Published: Oct 02 2024 | 3:54 PM IST



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