by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 19, 2024 | Technology
Representative image: AirPods (third generation)
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 19 2024 | 12:48 PM IST
Apple is reportedly planning to launch two models in the AirPods line this year. According to a report by 9To5Mac, citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple may introduce two AirPods models to replace both the AirPods 3 and AirPods 2.
The AirPods 2, which was launched in 2019, features a design similar to the original AirPods and lacks many of the latest features. The report suggests that Apple will replace the AirPods 2 with an entry-level AirPods 4 variant, which will feature a modern design and improved capabilities. Similarly, Apple plans to update the AirPods 3 from 2021 with a higher-end AirPods 4 model.
Gurman stated that both new AirPods 4 models would share a similar design, but Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology would be limited to the higher-priced model. The entry-level model is also likely to miss out on wireless charging capability but is expected to feature USB-C charging, similar to the higher-end model. He also noted that the higher-priced model will not be the next generation of AirPods Pro, but rather it will serve as a bridge between the Pro and the entry-level AirPods.
While the branding of these anticipated AirPods models remains uncertain, it is possible that Apple will launch the entry-level AirPods separately, without the AirPods 4 branding. The report suggests that the entry-level model could be branded as “AirPods Lite,” while the higher-priced model could carry the AirPods 4 (fourth-generation) name.
Both of these AirPods models are expected to launch alongside the iPhone 16 series and the new Apple Watch at an event likely scheduled for next month.
First Published: Aug 19 2024 | 12:48 PM IST
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by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 19, 2024 | Technology
Instagram Content Grid Photo: Shutterstock
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 19 2024 | 12:43 PM IST
Meta-owned
Instagram is reportedly working on a change to users’ feeds, potentially replacing the squares in the profile grid with vertical rectangles. According to The Verge, this change is currently in the testing phase and has been noticed by some users. The report indicates that the social media platform has been exploring a change to the aspect ratio of the profile grid since 2022.
Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, posted an Instagram story stating that Instagram is testing a vertical grid instead of squares. He said, “The vast majority of what is uploaded to Instagram today is vertical. It’s either 4 by 3 in a photo or 9 by 16 in a video, and cropping it down to square is pretty brutal. So, I’m hoping we can figure out a way to manage this transition.”
Mosseri also mentioned that “squares are from way back in the day when you could only upload square photos to Instagram,” a limitation that was removed in 2015. He acknowledged that this change might be frustrating for users who have spent time curating their grid but expressed a desire to better accommodate today’s content.
Instagram spokesperson Christine Pai told The Verge that the change to the profile grid is a limited test, and the platform will consider user feedback before proceeding further.
While the current profile grid is optimised for square formats, and some users might resist changes to the layout, this redesign might be welcomed by those who focus on creating reels and stories, as it would eliminate the need to crop content before posting.
First Published: Aug 19 2024 | 12:43 PM IST
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by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 19, 2024 | Technology
Representative image: Apple Watch Series 9
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 19 2024 | 11:54 AM IST
Apple is expected to launch the Watch Series 10 alongside the iPhone 16 series in September. The next-generation Apple Watch series is anticipated to bring a range of changes and improvements, including bigger displays, new chips, and possibly new health sensors. Here are the details:
Apple Watch Series 10: Design
The Apple Watch Series 10 is likely to feature a larger display on both the smaller and bigger watch models. According to a report by 9To5Mac, the smaller Apple Watch, which currently measures 41mm, will increase to 45mm. Similarly, the larger Apple Watch will grow from 45mm to 49mm, matching the size of the current-generation Apple Watch Ultra.
Apple Watch Series 10: Display
The Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to incorporate low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology for its OLED display. LTPO technology allows the display to dynamically adjust the refresh rate depending on usage, conserving battery life in the process.
With an LTPO display, the Apple Watch Series 10 is likely to offer longer battery life or could maintain the same battery life as the previous generation while packing in more features.
Apple Watch Series 10: Performance
Apple is expected to introduce a new chip with the Watch Series 10, likely named the S10. The anticipated S10 chip is expected to come with a Neural Engine (Neural Processing Unit), offering improved artificial intelligence processing capabilities.
While Apple is not expected to introduce Apple Intelligence features to the Apple Watch initially, the new processor would make the Watch ready for a potential rollout of AI features in the future. The new processor would also likely improve the overall performance of the Watch.
Apple Watch Series 10: Health monitoring
According to media reports, Apple has been working on new health monitoring features for the Apple Watch, such as hypertension detection and sleep-apnea detection. However, it is not known if these features will be ready in time for the launch of the Watch Series 10.
First Published: Aug 19 2024 | 11:54 AM IST
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by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 19, 2024 | Technology
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 19 2024 | 11:39 AM IST
Google Maps are now available in offline mode on select Wear OS-powered smartwatches, allowing users to store map data on-device for navigation services without needing an internet connection.
According to 9to5Google, offline support for Google Maps on Wear OS is now rolling out in the public beta version. After updating the Google Maps app, users reportedly see a banner stating, “Offline maps on the phone are auto-downloaded to the watch.” In the latest public beta for Google Maps, a new “Offline maps” page appears above the “Settings” near the bottom of the main menu.
The watch app automatically downloads maps for the user’s local area and syncs offline areas already saved on the phone. It also shows how much space the maps occupy and allows users to delete them with a tap, similar to the Android experience. Google notes that the watch is automatically synced when connected to Wi-Fi and charging.
When in offline mode, Google displays a slashed cloud icon next to the time in the map view. This feature accompanies the new “Search & go” tile that appears on Home and Work shortcuts and the microphone for voice input. Users can also jump directly into map view with a single tap, bypassing the main feed. Additionally, the option to manage downloaded maps on the smartwatch by tapping the new “Offline maps” button and selecting “Manage on Phone” is available.
This update is included in version 11.140.0701.W of Google Maps for Wear OS on the Pixel Watch 2, according to 9to5Google, as they are also enrolled in the public Google Maps beta.
First Published: Aug 19 2024 | 11:39 AM IST
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by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 19, 2024 | Technology
Representative image: Apple iPhone 15 Pro colour line
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 19 2024 | 11:06 AM IST
Apple is reportedly planning to launch the iPhone 16 series with a new colour option. According to a report by 9To5Mac, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models will be offered in a new bronze colour, likely to be called “Desert Titanium.” This new colour is expected to replace the existing “Blue Titanium” colour that Apple introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro line.
Apple currently offers the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max in Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium, and Blue Titanium.
The report indicates that the anticipated Desert Titanium colour will have a “dark gold” shade. It also mentions that the colour will be “relatively discrete and deep,” similar to the iPhone 14 Pro’s Deep Purple colour. In addition to the new colour, Apple might introduce changes to the existing colours. The report suggests that the Black Titanium colour for the iPhone 16 Pro models could be significantly darker and that the Natural Titanium colour might have a more grey finish. Additionally, Apple might revert to a stainless steel-like finish for the iPhone 16 Pro line, akin to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models.
Apple iPhone 16 series: What to expect
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 16 series next month. The next-generation iPhone series is anticipated to bring significant changes, including a new chip, design modifications, a new dedicated camera button, and more.
Apple is expected to introduce a new A18 chip for this year’s iPhone models. Unlike previous years, where Apple equipped standard iPhone models with the previous year’s flagship chip, the company is likely to equip all four models of the iPhone 16 series with the same processor. However, Apple might still differentiate the Pro models by incorporating more Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) cores and branding the chip in the Pro models as the A18 Pro.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models are also expected to feature the “Action Button,” which debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. Moreover, Apple is likely to add a new dedicated camera button, potentially named the “Capture Button.” Unlike the Action Button, which was exclusive to the Pro models, the Capture Button could be available across the iPhone 16 series.
Design-wise, not much change is expected; however, the standard iPhone models could receive a redesigned rear camera module, with both sensors aligned vertically rather than diagonally.
First Published: Aug 19 2024 | 11:06 AM IST
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by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 18, 2024 | Technology
1 min read Last Updated : Aug 18 2024 | 10:17 PM IST
About eight out of 10 pharma and life sciences companies have adopted artificial intelligence (AI) on a small scale. However, only about one of 10 such firms has integrated AI in functional procedures, according to a joint survey by Nasscom and Kantar on ‘Advancing Healthcare in India: Navigating the transformative impact of AI’.
Use of AI can reduce drug discovery costs, achieve faster time to market, and improve clinical success. It helps health care providers streamline patient journeys, reduce misdiagnosis, enable personalised treatments, and preventative care.
Challenges in adoption of AI include lack of specialised talent, insufficient budget allocations, data complexities, and scale issues. To expand AI in the Indian health care market, firms need to beef up foundational elements, infrastructure, skills, planning & implementation, scalability and regulatory frameworks. The survey polled over 75 health care firms.
First Published: Aug 18 2024 | 10:17 PM IST
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