2 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 3:40 PM IST
Microsoft has announced the rollout of the Windows 11 version 24H2 update to users. The latest update to the Windows platform introduces several new features, including Energy Saver mode, Hearing Aid support with Bluetooth LE Audio, HDR background support, and more. Additionally, the update brings various changes and redesigns to the taskbar, system tray, File Explorer, and more.
Windows 11 version 24H2: Eligibility and rollout schedule
Microsoft is taking a phased approach to the 2024 Update rollout. The Windows 11 24H2 update will first be available to users who have previously opted in and are using eligible devices running Windows 11, version 22H2 or 23H2. The company stated that the update will gradually become available on more devices based on hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, and other factors that impact the update experience. Users can check the Windows Update Settings page on their device to see if they have received the update.
Windows 11 version 24H2: What’s new
With version 24H2, the Start menu on Windows 11 has introduced a new side panel for Microsoft’s Phone Link. The new side panel will provide information such as the phone’s battery level and notifications while offering quick access to photos, messages, and calls. Microsoft has also added a new Energy Saver mode designed to extend battery life and reduce energy use, even when the device is plugged in.
File Explorer has undergone a significant redesign, with recent, favourites, and shared files now appearing as tabs under the home section. The context menu in File Explorer has also been updated with larger, labelled icons for actions such as copy, paste, and rename. The system tray has been redesigned with a refreshed time and date user interface. The Quick Settings menu in the tray now includes all quick actions by default and allows users to rearrange them by dragging and dropping.
Other notable changes include HDR background support for HDR displays and monitors, the option to reverse the mouse scroll direction, and a unified version of the Microsoft Teams app that supports both personal and professional accounts, among others.
2 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 3:32 PM IST
Samsung is reportedly planning to launch a “Special Edition” model of its Galaxy Z Fold 6 in select regions. According to a report by Android Authority, an image of a promotional poster for the “Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition” has surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that it could be available for pre-order in South Korea starting next month.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition smartphone could be the previously reported “Slim” variant, which features a slimmer and lighter chassis than the regular Galaxy Z Fold 6 foldable.
The “Slim” variant has reportedly been under development even before the launch of the regular Galaxy Z Fold 6, and it was initially said to be limited to the South Korean and Chinese markets. However, Samsung has also listed a Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Special Edition) model on its website in India. The listed model is currently not available for purchase and appears to be identical to the regular model in terms of specifications and dimensions. This may be an internal error, and Samsung could update the page later.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition: What to expect
If the anticipated Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition is indeed the Slim variant previously reported, the new book-style foldable smartphone could feature a titanium body, similar to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra. According to media reports, the smartphone may lose support for the Galaxy S Pen, as Samsung could remove the digitiser layer from beneath the display to achieve a thinner profile.
While the Special Edition model might bear identical specifications to the regular model, it is possible that it could feature a slightly larger display and a different aspect ratio for both the internal and cover screens.
It is also entirely possible that the Special Edition model is not the anticipated “Slim” variant, but rather offers an improved camera system, enhanced performance, and other upgrades.
2 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 2:49 PM IST
Lenovo-owned smartphone brand Motorola has launched the ThinkPhone 25. With a design similar to that of the Edge 50 Neo, this is the second offering from the brand under the ThinkPhone branding. The smartphone features military-grade durability and boasts MIL-STD 810H certification, as well as an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The device has a plastic frame and a back made of Aramid fibre. Here are the details:
Motorola ThinkPhone 25: Variant
Priced at $499, the Motorola ThinkPhone 25 will be available in a Carbon Black colour and in a single configuration of 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
Motorola ThinkPhone 25: Details
The Motorola ThinkPhone 25 features a 6.36-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, the smartphone packs a 4,310mAh battery with 68W wired and 15W wireless charging support. It runs on Android 14-based Hello UI, with the company offering five Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates until 2029.
For imaging, the smartphone features a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP Sony LYT-700C primary camera, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP 3x telephoto camera, which replaces the 2MP depth sensor found in the first generation ThinkPhone. A 32MP front camera is available for selfies.
The ThinkPhone 25 integrates seamlessly with Lenovo laptops and Motorola tablets, offering automatic syncing, shared keyboard capabilities, and webcam features to enhance the overall ecosystem experience. Additionally, the Moto Device Manager provides remote control and management capabilities for devices. Motorola’s ThinkShield offers protection against malware, phishing, and various other threats.
The device features dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and more.
3 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 1:30 PM IST
Following the release of the iPhone 16 series in September, Apple is reportedly preparing for another event this month, expected to introduce updates to its Mac lineup. According to media reports, Apple is set to reveal new M4 chip-powered MacBook Pro models, a redesigned Mac mini, and a new iMac model at the October event. Additionally, the company may launch the next generation of the standard iPad and a new iPad mini model.
According to a report by Android Authority, Apple could schedule its October launch event towards the end of this month, likely on October 28.
The new M4 MacBook Pro is expected to feature at least 16GB of RAM, regardless of the M4 chip configuration, compared to the 8GB base variant of the M3 MacBook Pro. The M4 base model is also expected to include a 10-core CPU and GPU, an upgrade from the M3’s 8-core CPU.
For connectivity, the M4 MacBook Pro will likely have three Thunderbolt 4 ports, up from two in the current model. Additionally, the base model may be available in Space Black, a colour previously limited to higher-end MacBook Pro models.
Mac mini
The Mac mini, unchanged since 2010, is reportedly set for a major redesign, expected to be much smaller, similar in size to the Apple TV but potentially taller. Apple is likely to skip the M3 chip, equipping the new model with M4 and M4 Pro chips. The base M4 chip will resemble the one in the iPad Pro, while the M4 Pro may offer more GPU cores and higher memory options.
The new Mac mini is expected to drop USB Type-A ports, featuring up to five USB-C ports, along with an HDMI port, headphone/microphone jack, and Ethernet. The power supply may be internal despite the compact design.
iMac
Alongside the new MacBook Pro and Mac mini, Apple is expected to introduce an updated 24-inch iMac model with the M4 chip. However, no major design changes are anticipated.
iPad mini
The iPad mini, last updated in 2021, has missed some features introduced in other iPads, such as a landscape front camera and Apple Pencil Pro support. These updates are expected for the next-generation model.
While a major design overhaul is not expected for the iPad mini, the seventh-generation model might receive a performance boost from the latest Apple Silicon, possibly featuring the A18 chip from the iPhone 16 series to support Apple Intelligence features.
iPad 11th generation
The 2024 entry-level iPad is not expected to undergo major design changes but may receive a performance boost. While it typically features older Apple Silicon, the 11th generation could come with the latest A18 chip to support Apple Intelligence. Additionally, new colour options might be introduced.
4 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 1:01 PM IST
In creating its first smartwatch designed specifically for athletes and adventurers, Samsung combined everything it had, pushing its capabilities to the maximum. The result is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, which, though not a first-of-its-kind, introduces several segment-first features. Launched alongside the mainstream Galaxy Watch 7, the Ultra model is niche, suited to a few who understand and appreciate its utility.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra features a circular display housed within a boxy case, resulting in thick borders around the screen. While not intended as a style statement, the bulk around the display is purposeful, providing cushioning to protect the display and enhance its durability. The watch is built to endure rugged environments, a key factor for athletes and adventurers.
The display is a standout feature, boasting a brightness level of up to 3,000 nits, ensuring legibility even under direct sunlight in harsh outdoor conditions. This makes it one of the brightest smartwatch displays available, surpassing many in terms of visibility during outdoor activities. However, the display can be unreliable when wet, sometimes struggling to function properly if there is water on it or when operated with wet fingers—a surprising limitation given the watch’s rugged design.
A notable addition is the third button, called the “Quick Button”, which features a rotating crown-like design. Unfortunately, the rotating bit does not function, not even within the app drawer. However, the button itself is customisable, allowing users to assign it to specific functions or create multi-sport workouts by combining various exercises. The watch also features two additional buttons for confirmation and back functions.
Software and User Interface
The Galaxy Watch Ultra runs on Google WearOS but is layered with Samsung’s One UI, creating a user experience that feels distinctly Samsung. This blend offers the familiarity of Samsung’s ecosystem with the advantages of WearOS, including access to third-party apps and Google services. The user interface is consistent with previous Samsung smartwatches—swipe down for quick settings, swipe up for apps, swipe right for notifications, and swipe left for tiles. This system is intuitive, though some software features are only fully functional on Samsung phones, limiting the experience for users with non-Samsung Android devices.
Health and Fitness
Samsung has taken extra steps to ensure the Galaxy Watch Ultra lives up to its name in health and fitness tracking. A significant new feature is the “Energy Score,” which tracks sleep, heart rate, activity levels, and other metrics to generate a score reflecting energy levels. While the accuracy of this score is questionable, it serves as a motivational tool, encouraging users to improve their daily habits, such as getting better sleep and taking periodic breaks for breathing exercises.
Heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking are accurate on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with the data being displayed in an easy-to-understand format via the Samsung Health app. This health app is comprehensive, offering insights that go beyond basic fitness metrics to help users achieve better health outcomes. However, wearing the Galaxy Watch Ultra to bed can be uncomfortable due to its thick and heavy form factor, even though its battery life can easily last through the night. Other notable health features include ECG, irregular heart rhythm notifications, and blood pressure monitoring, ensuring the watch covers a wide spectrum of health metrics.
Battery Life
Even with all the features and high brightness levels, the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers an impressive three-day battery life on a single charge. This is a notable achievement for a smartwatch with such a feature-rich offering. Charging is fast, but it uses a proprietary cradle, limiting compatibility with third-party chargers.
Compared to other smartwatches in the same segment, Samsung has managed to balance performance and battery life, a challenge for many manufacturers with feature-packed wearables.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is arguably the best WearOS smartwatch available, but it is not designed for everyone. Its strengths lie in its rugged and durable design, excellent battery life, and the versatility of the WearOS platform, which provides access to a wide range of third-party apps. However, it is not without its flaws—the display struggles with wet conditions, and the accuracy of the Energy Score is debatable.
For athletes, adventurers, and those who need a durable, long-lasting wearable, the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers on most fronts. Priced at Rs 59,999, it justifies its cost with premium features, but its niche appeal means it will resonate only with a select group of users.
2 min read Last Updated : Oct 02 2024 | 1:00 PM IST
After launching its iPhone 16 series last month, Apple has reportedly shifted its focus to a more affordable iPhone SE model. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple plans to release its next-generation iPhone SE early next year, alongside updated iPads.
The report states that Apple is set to start production of the new iPhone SE soon, codenamed V59 internally. This new low-end model is expected to feature a more modern design, moving away from the iPhone 8 series inspired design with a home button. The next iPhone SE model will likely adopt an iPhone 14-like design and include support for Apple Intelligence features.
Apple is also reportedly planning to release new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad AI models, along with an updated version of its Magic Keyboard accessory around the same time.
iPhone SE: What to expect
Design: The next-generation iPhone SE model is expected to undergo a significant design overhaul. It will likely adopt an iPhone 14-inspired chassis with a flat frame and glass back, departing from the home button and replacing it with an edge-to-edge display featuring thin bezels and a notch design at the top.
Display: The 2025 iPhone SE model is anticipated to sport a 6.06-inch OLED display panel with a 60Hz refresh rate.
Performance and Apple Intelligence: Apple is expected to equip the low-end iPhone with the latest A18 chip to support Apple Intelligence features. Additionally, it is expected to feature 8GB of RAM, which is essential for AI processing.
Connectivity: With plans to modernise the iPhone SE, Apple is likely to replace the older Lightning connector with a USB Type-C port.
Imaging: For imaging, the iPhone SE is expected to feature a single 48MP camera sensor on the back, a significant upgrade from the 12MP camera on the current generation model. With the removal of the home button, the iPhone SE may include a Face ID sensor at the front, alongside the front-facing camera.
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