Tech wrap Aug 22: Pixel 9 sale, India-made iPhone 16 Pro, iOS bug, and more

Tech wrap Aug 22: Pixel 9 sale, India-made iPhone 16 Pro, iOS bug, and more



Google’s latest Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphones are now available for purchase in India. Launched on August 13 at the Made by Google event, these models have been available for pre-order since then. Customers can buy either model through the e-commerce platform Flipkart or offline at Croma and Reliance Digital stores.


A recently discovered bug can crash an iPhone when a specific set of characters is typed. Typing “”:: in Spotlight Search or App Library search can cause the Apple mobile user interface to crash, with the device either reloading the lock screen or briefly going blank. This issue affects iOS 17 through iOS 18.1 but is not considered a security threat.


Apple is reportedly producing Pro models of its upcoming iPhone 16 series in India. While there have been multiple reports about Apple potentially starting assembly of the iPhone 16 Pro line in India, images of the box for an India-made iPhone 16 Pro have recently surfaced online, according to 9To5Mac. An image shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo shows the label on the seal of an iPhone 16 Pro box stating “Assembled in India.”


Microsoft has announced that its Recall feature for Windows on ARM will launch in October, exclusively for Windows Insiders. Recall, an AI-powered feature available through the Microsoft Copilot+ PC platform, functions like a photographic memory, allowing users to revisit what they have previously seen or done on their PC.


Meta-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp is planning to roll out a new feature aimed at increasing user privacy. Users would soon have an option to replace their phone numbers with usernames on the instant messaging platform. According to WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo, the upcoming feature, called “Username and PIN,” will offer users three privacy settings: “Username,” “Phone number,” and “Username with PIN.”


Samsung is set to launch the Fan Edition (FE) model of its flagship Galaxy S24, as the smartphone has reportedly received Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. According to 91mobiles, the anticipated Galaxy S24 FE has appeared on the BIS certification website under the model number “SM-S721B/DS”. Although the BIS certification does not provide detailed specifications, it indicates that the Galaxy S24 FE might be launching in India soon.


Apple is reportedly planning to launch the second-generation AirPods Max alongside the anticipated iPhone 16 series next month. According to a report by 9To5Mac, the new AirPods Max 2 will feature significant upgrades that could bring it on par with the AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds. Although the current generation of AirPods Max is priced higher than the AirPods Pro 2, it lacks some of the advanced audio features found in the latter. This could change with the release of AirPods Max 2.


OpenAI’s ChatGPT is expected to be integrated into Apple’s latest operating system for iPhone, iOS 18, later this year. The integration will not only introduce a set of generative AI tools to iPhones but also enhance the native voice assistant, Siri.


Hong Kong-based electronics manufacturer Secure Connection has unveiled a new line of Honeywell-branded soundbars in India. The newly launched models include the Trueno U4000 and Trueno U7000, both feature a black gloss finish and offer five play modes: Bluetooth, AUX, USB, Optical Input, and HDMI/ARC.


Zoom Video Communications raised its annual revenue forecast on Wednesday, driven by strong demand for its AI-powered collaboration tools deployed in hybrid work models, and said Kelly Steckelberg would step down as its CFO.


California legislators are set to vote on a bill as soon as this week that would broadly regulate how artificial intelligence is developed and deployed in California even as a number of tech giants have voiced broad opposition.


Google and Australia’s national science agency will join hands to develop digital tools that automatically detect and fix software vulnerabilities for operators of critical infrastructure, seeking to combat a surge in cyberattacks.

First Published: Aug 22 2024 | 8:03 PM IST



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Secure Connection launches Honeywell-branded Trueno soundbars in India

Secure Connection launches Honeywell-branded Trueno soundbars in India


Honeywell Trueno U7000 Soundbar


Hong Kong-based electronics manufacturer Secure Connection has unveiled a new line of Honeywell-branded soundbars in India. The newly launched models include the Trueno U4000 and Trueno U7000, both feature a black gloss finish and offer five play modes: Bluetooth, AUX, USB, Optical Input, and HDMI/ARC.


Honeywell Trueno U4000 and Trueno U7000: Price and availability


Honeywell Trueno U7000: Rs 33,999


Honeywell Trueno U4000: Rs 24,999


Both the Honeywell Trueno U7000 and U4000 are available at discounted price of Rs 15,399 and Rs 8,799 on Amazon India.


Honeywell Trueno U4000: Features


The Honeywell Trueno U4000 is a 2.1 channel audio system, equipped with four 57mm drivers for 240W output. It comes with a wired subwoofer and supports Bluetooth V5.3+EDR connectivity, allowing users to stream audio wirelessly from smartphones, PCs, tablets, or TV screens within a 10m range. It offers three equalizer settings—Movies, News, and Music—and includes a remote control for convenience.


Honeywell Trueno U7000: Features


The Honeywell Trueno U7000 boasts Dolby Audio enhancements. With a 500W output, it supports 5.1 channel sound reproduction and includes three 58mm drivers, a subwoofer with 165.10mm drivers, and two satellite speakers with 58mm drivers each. The soundbar also features Bluetooth V5.3+EDR for wireless audio streaming within a 10m range. Additionally, it offers six equalizer settings—POP, ROCK, JAZZ, CLASSIC, COUNTRY, and STD—and includes a remote control for ease of use.

First Published: Aug 22 2024 | 4:52 PM IST



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Galaxy S24 FE could be Samsung next AI-enhanced smartphone: What to expect

Galaxy S24 FE could be Samsung next AI-enhanced smartphone: What to expect



Samsung is set to launch the Fan Edition (FE) model of its flagship Galaxy S24, as the smartphone has reportedly received Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. According to 91mobiles, the anticipated Galaxy S24 FE has appeared on the BIS certification website under the model number “SM-S721B/DS”. Although the BIS certification does not provide detailed specifications, it indicates that the Galaxy S24 FE might be launching in India soon.


Earlier this month, the smartphone’s support page briefly appeared on Samsung’s website, bearing the same model number.


Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: What to expect


The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is expected to feature a design similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy S23 FE. It will likely include a slightly rounded metal frame, a flat display with uniform bezels, and a glass back with separate camera cutouts for each sensor. New colour options, including Yellow and Blue, are anticipated.


Samsung traditionally uses a dual-chip strategy for its Fan Edition models, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip in the US and an Exynos chip for global markets. For the Galaxy S24 FE, Samsung is expected to launch it with the Exynos 2400e chip globally. This chip is anticipated to be an underclocked version of the Exynos 2400, which powers the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus models. The Galaxy S24 FE is expected to be powered by a 4,565mAh battery.


The Galaxy S24 FE is expected to come with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, boasting a peak brightness of 1,900 nits and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Plus. In terms of imaging, the smartphone is anticipated to include a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom. A 10MP front-facing camera is also expected.


Most importantly, the Galaxy S24 FE is expected to feature Samsung AI features such as Live Translate, Generative Edit, Interpreter, Summariser, and more.

First Published: Aug 22 2024 | 4:14 PM IST



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WhatsApp tests usernames in shift from phone numbers for privacy: Know more

WhatsApp tests usernames in shift from phone numbers for privacy: Know more


Meta-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp is planning to roll out a new feature aimed at increasing user privacy. Users would soon have an option to replace their phone numbers with usernames on the instant messaging platform. According to WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo, the upcoming feature, called “Username and PIN,” will offer users three privacy settings: “Username,” “Phone number,” and “Username with PIN.”


With the username option, users can hide their phone numbers and display only their usernames to new contacts. However, existing contacts who already have the phone number will still be able to see it. If the username with PIN option is selected, users will use a four-digit PIN to connect with others; only those who know the PIN will be able to contact the user. Existing contacts with the phone number will still be able to reach the user even if the PIN is activated.


This feature, currently available in WhatsApp Android beta version 2.24.18.2, aims to enhance privacy and protect users against spam. While there is no official release date, it is expected that the feature might be launched before the end of the year. It will be optional, allowing users to enable or disable it as desired.


WhatsApp is also expected to introduce a chat theme feature for iOS in a future update. This feature will allow users to change the colour of chat bubbles and preview how message colours will look when applied.

First Published: Aug 22 2024 | 3:02 PM IST



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Apple AirPods Max 2nd-gen may launch with iPhone 16 series: What to expect

Apple AirPods Max 2nd-gen may launch with iPhone 16 series: What to expect


Representative image: Apple AirPods Max


Apple is reportedly planning to launch the second-generation AirPods Max alongside the anticipated iPhone 16 series next month. According to a report by 9To5Mac, the new AirPods Max 2 will feature significant upgrades that could bring it on par with the AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds. Although the current generation of AirPods Max is priced higher than the AirPods Pro 2, it lacks some of the advanced audio features found in the latter. This could change with the release of AirPods Max 2.


AirPods Max 2: What to expect


The second-generation AirPods Max is expected to be powered by the H2 chip, which is currently featured in the AirPods Pro 2. This more powerful processor will enable several new features, such as Adaptive Audio, which dynamically switches between different Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) modes depending on the environment. The new model may also include the Conversation Awareness feature, which detects an ongoing conversation and lowers the volume of the music while isolating the voice for improved clarity. Another anticipated feature is Personalized Volume, which adjusts the volume of media based on the user’s environment.


Apple may also introduce new features for AirPods Max 2 that were announced for the AirPods Pro with iOS 18. These could include head-shaking gestures to respond to voice assistant Siri, voice isolation during phone calls, Personalized Spatial Audio, and more.


While the design is not expected to change significantly, the AirPods Max 2 might offer new colour options beyond the current Space Grey, Pink, Green, Silver, and Sky Blue. The new colours are anticipated to include Midnight and Starlight. Additional changes may include a USB Type-C port and a redesigned Smart Case for the AirPods Max 2.

First Published: Aug 22 2024 | 1:43 PM IST



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iOS 18: How Apple plans to integrate ChatGPT with AI-powered Siri assistant

iOS 18: How Apple plans to integrate ChatGPT with AI-powered Siri assistant



OpenAI’s ChatGPT is expected to be integrated into Apple’s latest operating system for iPhone, iOS 18, later this year. The integration will not only introduce a set of generative AI tools to iPhones but also enhance the native voice assistant, Siri. Here is how ChatGPT integration will transform the iPhone experience:


ChatGPT integration


ChatGPT will be integrated into Apple’s voice assistant, but it will not replace Siri. Instead, both systems will work alongside each other, giving iPhone users the option to choose between them. When Siri is prompted with a query, the voice assistant will offer users the choice of using ChatGPT to answer the question. Users can opt to receive a response generated by Siri if they prefer.


At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple stated that integrating ChatGPT within Siri would benefit iPhone users due to the AI chatbot’s extensive “world knowledge.” Currently, Siri sometimes cannot answer queries and relies on web search for information. ChatGPT’s integration will leverage its generative AI capabilities to provide more personalised responses. Conversely, the updated version of Siri, with deeper system integration, will be more adept at performing tasks such as setting reminders, drafting messages, and more.


It is important to note that enabling ChatGPT on Siri will not require downloading a separate app, and iPhone users will not need to create an OpenAI account to use ChatGPT through Siri.


ChatGPT in iOS 18


While Apple has introduced its own text and image generation tools with Apple Intelligence, iPhone users will also have the option to use ChatGPT for more advanced requests. Although Apple Intelligence offers writing tools, they are designed to assist users in writing themselves.


For generating complete messages or emails, iPhone users will have the option to use the ChatGPT compose tool. Users can enter their requests, and OpenAI’s chatbot will generate text from scratch. Additionally, users will be able to ask ChatGPT to generate images within the same compose tool.

First Published: Aug 22 2024 | 1:01 PM IST



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