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WhatsApp gets GIPHY's sticker collection, custom sticker maker, and more

WhatsApp gets GIPHY's sticker collection, custom sticker maker, and more

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Technology


WhatsApp gets GIPHY’s sticker collection

2 min read Last Updated : Aug 15 2024 | 2:02 PM IST


Meta-owned WhatsApp has announced that it is adding new ways to personalise and enjoy stickers on its platform. The instant messaging app is rolling out new sticker features, including searchable GIPHY stickers, a Custom Sticker Maker, and more. Here are the details:


New and searchable GIPHY stickers


With the latest update, WhatsApp users can now access stickers from GIPHY directly within the app or create their own. WhatsApp has partnered with GIPHY to include searchable stickers, allowing users to find and send stickers without leaving the app. To access this new feature, simply tap on the sticker icon and search by typing or using an emoji.


Custom Sticker Maker


The Custom Sticker Maker tool is now available on Android, enabling users to easily create, edit, and share their own stickers. Newly created stickers will be saved in the sticker tray for easy access. This tool, already available to iOS users, allows for the use of editing tools like crop, text, and draw to turn photos into personalised stickers or customise existing ones.


Sticker Organization


WhatsApp has also introduced a new feature called Sticker Organization, which allows users to preview sticker packs in the sticker tray, located below the downloaded stickers. The sticker tray can be customised by tapping and holding a sticker to remove it or move it to the top for easier access.


Meta AI Stickers


Users can now find suitable stickers by using Meta AI to generate stickers from scratch, which can then be shared with others. The AI Sticker creation feature is currently available on iPhone and Android in the US WhatsApp also mentioned that Android users can test creating AI stickers in Spanish and Bahasa Indonesia.

First Published: Aug 15 2024 | 2:02 PM IST



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Samsung expands Circle to Search to Galaxy A-series smartphones, Tab S9 FE

Samsung expands Circle to Search to Galaxy A-series smartphones, Tab S9 FE

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Technology


Circle to Search on Samsung Galaxy A-series

2 min read Last Updated : Aug 15 2024 | 2:01 PM IST


Samsung has announced that Google’s Circle to Search function is now rolling out to more Samsung Galaxy devices. The latest recipients of this gesture-driven search feature include the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus, in addition to select Galaxy A-series devices. This marks the first time that any Galaxy AI features have been extended to the Galaxy A-series, as these features have so far been limited to flagship Galaxy S-series devices.


Announcing the broader availability of the feature, Samsung stated that the Circle to Search feature has evolved since its original launch on the Galaxy S24 series. The feature now supports full-page translation, homework help, and QR and barcode scanning capabilities.


“These updates unlock new possibilities for the Galaxy A series and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series and reinforce our commitment to providing cutting-edge technology for more Galaxy users,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are dedicated to bringing best-in-class AI technology to a broader audience, empowering users to work more efficiently, create more freely, and enjoy richer, more personalised interactions with their devices.”


Google’s Circle to Search is not exclusive to Samsung devices. The feature is also available on select Google Pixel devices, including the newly launched Google Pixel 9-series smartphones.


Circle to Search: Eligible devices


  • Galaxy Tab S9 FE


  • Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus


  • Galaxy A55


  • Galaxy A54


  • Galaxy A35


  • Galaxy A34

First Published: Aug 15 2024 | 2:00 PM IST



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Microsoft planning to launch a mixed-reality headset to rival Apple: Report

Microsoft planning to launch a mixed-reality headset to rival Apple: Report

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Technology


2 min read Last Updated : Aug 15 2024 | 1:24 PM IST


Microsoft is reportedly planning to launch its own portable virtual reality (VR) headset next year. According to a post on X, spotted by consumer technology publication Android Authority, Microsoft has signed a supply contract with Samsung Display to receive hundreds of thousands of micro-OLED panels for the mixed reality headset. The VR headset will reportedly be geared towards gaming and entertainment, rather than focusing on the metaverse.


The partnership between Microsoft and Samsung is still in its early stages, and mass production might not begin until 2026, according to Korea’s The Elec.


Microsoft previously launched its HoloLens augmented reality (AR) headset and the Windows Mixed Reality line of VR headsets. However, the company later reduced the size of the HoloLens team and discontinued Windows Mixed Reality. Meanwhile, Samsung announced a partnership with Google and Qualcomm last year for a new handset, which might be launched around the end of this year.


If Microsoft’s mixed reality headset enters the market, it will likely be seen as a rival to Apple’s Vision Pro and compete with Meta Quest. Apple and Meta currently hold a substantial share of the VR headset market, offering a variety of options. Apple is reportedly planning to launch a more affordable variant of its mixed reality headset by the end of next year, after having to cut Vision Pro production due to low demand. Meanwhile, Meta has positioned its VR headset as a more accessible alternative.

First Published: Aug 15 2024 | 1:24 PM IST



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Lenovo Legion Tab now available for purchase in India: Check price, specs

Lenovo Legion Tab now available for purchase in India: Check price, specs

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Technology


2 min read Last Updated : Aug 15 2024 | 1:26 PM IST


The Lenovo Legion Tab, a gaming tablet powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, is now available for purchase in India. Launched on August 13, the tablet is designed specifically for gamers, offering features that enhance performance and manage thermals during gaming sessions. Lenovo aims to bridge the gap between PC and mobile gaming with this Android tablet. Here are the details:


Lenovo Legion Tab: Price and availability


Priced at Rs 39,999, the Lenovo Legion Tab comes with 12GB RAM and 256GB of on-board storage. The tablet is available for purchase on Lenovo’s official website and the e-commerce platform Flipkart.


Lenovo Legion Tab: Details


The Lenovo Legion Tab features an 8.8-inch QHD+ (2560×1600) display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It also supports DisplayPort 1.4 technology through its USB-C port, allowing users to connect the tablet to an external display.


Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, the Legion Tab is equipped with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM. It also features Lenovo’s Legion ColdFront vapor thermal solution to keep thermals in check. The tablet offers multiple performance modes, including Beast Mode for maximising performance during gameplay, Balanced Mode for optimised performance, and Energy Saving Mode for conserving battery life.


The Legion Tab integrates Lenovo Freestyle, the company’s in-house technology that allows users to connect with other Legion devices. This feature enables content sharing between a Lenovo Legion laptop and the tablet, as well as quick connectivity with Legion series monitors, headsets, keyboards, and mice.


The Lenovo Legion Tab is equipped with a 6550mAh battery and supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology using a 45W charging adapter.


Lenovo Legion Tab: Specifications


  • Display: 8.8-inch, QHD+ (2560×1600) resolution, 144Hz refresh rate


  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)


  • RAM: 12GB LPDDR5X


  • Storage: 256GB


  • Rear Camera: 13MP primary + 2MP macro


  • Front Camera: 8MP


  • Ports: 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 support


  • Battery: 6550mAh


  • Charging: 45W

First Published: Aug 15 2024 | 12:40 PM IST



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Google to expand AI initiatives in India, target language barrier, farming

Google to expand AI initiatives in India, target language barrier, farming

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Technology


Google’s ongoing focus is on continuously improving language quality and expanding support for more Indian languages in the future | Representative Image

3 min read Last Updated : Aug 15 2024 | 12:28 PM IST


Google is intensifying its focus on India with the introduction of advanced AI tools aimed at breaking down language barriers and enhancing agricultural practices, a senior company official said.


Abhishek Bapna, Director of Product Management at Google DeepMind, highlighted the importance of reducing language barriers in India’s economic development.


Language is very essential for economic development. For instance, a language barrier should not hinder someone from explaining their medical issues to a doctor or accessing banking services, Bapna said during his short visit to IIM Calcutta.


The tech giant has launched Google Gemini, formerly known as Bard, an artificial intelligence chatbot that supports more than 40 global languages, including nine Indian languages.


Bapna added that Google’s ongoing focus is on continuously improving language quality and expanding support for more Indian languages in the future.


Currently, the chatbot supports nine Indian languages – Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.


Bapna noted the complexity of India’s multilingual environment, where people often use multiple languages simultaneously.


This presents unique challenges for AI models, as they must correctly identify and apply the appropriate dictionaries to understand and generate accurate responses, Bapna said.


To empower developers in India, Google is expanding Project Vaani in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).


The project offers developers over 14,000 hours of speech data across 58 languages, collected from 80,000 speakers in 80 districts.


Additionally, Google introduced IndicGenBench, a comprehensive benchmark designed specifically for Indian languages. This initiative aims to assess and fine-tune language models for more accurate and effective use in India.


In a parallel effort to support India’s agricultural sector, Google is working towards launching the Agricultural Landscape Understanding (ALU) Research API. This limited availability tool is designed to make agricultural practices more data-driven and efficient.


The ALU API aims to enhance farm yields, improve access to capital, and provide better market access for farm products.


“On agriculture, right now we are conducting a pilot with the Telangana government that is already underway. Once the pilot is complete, we plan to scale it up and engage actively with state governments, Bapna said.


He emphasized that Google’s agricultural initiatives are driven by two major goals: improving livelihoods and addressing climate change through necessary interventions.


“Banks and insurance companies could also be end users. Right now our focus is to make sure that the technology works properly,” Bapna said.


By offering granular landscape insights at the farm field level, the ALU API is expected to transform India’s agricultural ecosystem.

(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: Aug 15 2024 | 12:28 PM IST



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Google announces price cut for older models following Pixel 9 series launch

Google announces price cut for older models following Pixel 9 series launch

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Technology


Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 XL

2 min read Last Updated : Aug 15 2024 | 11:28 AM IST


Google has announced a price reduction for its previous-generation Pixel smartphones in India. The prices are revised for the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, and Pixel 7a smartphones. The Google Pixel 8 Pro with 256GB on-board storage, launched at Rs 113,999, is now priced at Rs 106,999. Similarly, the 128GB storage variant of the Pixel 8 Pro is now offered at Rs 99,999, down from its launch price of Rs 106,999. The price of the Pixel 8a smartphone, launched in May this year, has also been reduced. Here are the new prices:


Google Pixel Smartphones: Models and new pricing


Pixel 8 Pro


128GB storage


Launch Price: Rs 106,999


New Price: Rs 99,999


256GB storage


Launch Price: Rs 113,999


New Price: Rs 106,999


Pixel 8


128GB storage


Launch Price: Rs 75,999


New Price: Rs 71,999


256GB storage


Launch Price: Rs 82,999


New Price: Rs 77,999


Pixel 8a


128GB storage


Launch Price: Rs 52,999


New Price: Rs 49,999


256GB storage


Launch Price: Rs 59,999


New Price: Rs 56,999


Pixel 7a


128GB storage


Launch Price: Rs 43,999


New Price: Rs 41,999


Google has reduced the prices of these previous generation models following the launch of the new Google Pixel 9 series on August 13. The series includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While Google has started accepting pre-orders for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL in India, the other two models will be available at a later date. Google has also announced pre-booking offers for both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL in India.


Pixel 9: Pricing


12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 79,999


Pixel 9 Pro XL: Pricing


16GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 124,999  


16GB RAM + 512GB storage: Rs 139,999


On Flipkart, both Google smartphones are available with introductory offers from banks on full and equated monthly instalment (EMI) transactions. Customers pre-ordering the Pixel 9 can avail of a Rs 4,000 discount on ICICI Bank credit cards and EMI transactions, while a Rs 10,000 discount is applicable on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Additionally, Google is offering Pixel Buds Pro wireless earbuds at a discounted price of Rs 7,999 with the pre-order of either smartphone. There is also an option for no-cost EMI for up to 12 months on pre-orders from ICICI Bank.

First Published: Aug 15 2024 | 11:28 AM IST



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