Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 could feature Apple AirPods inspired design: Report

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 could feature Apple AirPods inspired design: Report


Representative image: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Samsung is reportedly planning a major design overhaul for its upcoming Galaxy Buds 3 wireless earbuds. According to a report by The Verge, Samsung would likely depart from its rounded buds-like design in favour of an Apple AirPods inspired design with the Galaxy Buds 3. The report also stated that Samsung might be working on a Pro version of the Galaxy Buds 3 as well, which would feature a similar design.


Samsung is anticipated to unveil the Galaxy Buds 3 series along with its next-generation watches and foldable devices at the Galaxy Unpacked event, which is expected on July 10. Earlier this month, 9To5Google reported that Samsung in its Members app for Galaxy devices has added support for Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Watch FE, Galaxy Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and Galaxy Ring, suggesting that these devices could be made official soon.


Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 series: Details


The upcoming Galaxy Buds will likely bring the biggest design change in the product’s history, featuring a stem design instead of the pod design that it has carried to date. Samsung is likely to adopt the new design to improve the microphone quality as mics placed on the stem offers closer proximity to the mouth and even better directional voice reception.


In addition to the buds, the case will go through a redesign too. According to media reports, the Galaxy Buds 3 series will get a rectangular design with a transparent lid that will sport the Samsung branding. The redesigned case will open up vertically, offering access to the top of the buds with the stem sliding into the cavity.


While Samsung might be working on a Pro version of the Galaxy Buds, it would likely get a similar design to the standard model with hardware improvements on the inside.

First Published: Jun 21 2024 | 1:46 PM IST



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Why limit AI features to iPhone 15 Pro models and onwards? Apple explains

Why limit AI features to iPhone 15 Pro models and onwards? Apple explains


Apple Intelligence (Source: Apple)


At its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple unveiled a suite of artificial intelligence features that will collectively be called the Apple Intelligence. The US-based technology giant is poised to bring AI-powered features to devices based on Apple A17 Pro and M1 and onwards chips. This essentially limits the Apple Intelligence to iPhone 15 Pro models in the current iPhone line-up. Naturally, the future iPhones will support AI features, but older generation models and the baseline models in the latest iPhone 15 series are excluded. Why? Apple executives explained:


According to a report by Fonearena, during a talk show at the Apple’s annual developers conference, Apple’s software engineering chief, Craig Federighi, said that while Apple wants to bring new features to older devices, Apple Intelligence features require specific hardware to function correctly.


The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are powered by A17 Pro chip, which features a 16-core Neural engine. It is this section of the processor that is tasked with handling AI workloads. Compared to the Neural engine on the A16 bionic chip, which powers the vanilla iPhone 15 models, A17 Pro offers more processing power. Federighi also said that all Apple Intelligence compatible devices need to have at least 8GB RAM, which is also a key aspect for running AI tasks.


However, older generation Apple devices are not completely incapable of running AI models. During the talk show, Apple’s head of the machine learning department, John Giannandrea said, “You could, in theory, run these models on a very old device, but it would be so slow that it would not be useful.” He explained that inference, which is essentially the process of running a large language model (LLM), is “incredibly computationally expensive” and depends on “a combination of bandwidth in the device” along with the size of the Neural Engine.


When asked if limiting the Apple Intelligence to recent iPhones is part of a plan to boost sales of newer and more expensive iPhone models, Greg Joswiak, Apple’s marketing chief denied it and said that if that would have been the case, “we would have been smart enough just to do our most recent iPads and Macs too, wouldn’t we?”

First Published: Jun 21 2024 | 1:18 PM IST



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YouTube starts cancelling premium subscriptions purchased using VPN: Report

YouTube starts cancelling premium subscriptions purchased using VPN: Report



YouTube is cancelling premium subscription of those accounts where the country of signup does not match the users’ location. If the user has purchased a YouTube premium subscription using a virtual private network (VPN) to set the country where it is cheaper, then the user could possibly lose the subscription, reported The Verge.


According to the report, many users have reportedly found their subscription to be automatically cancelled. Reportedly, YouTube is also sending emails to users about the cancellation of YouTube Premium at dates specified by the company. When the user restarts the membership, YouTube asks for a card with the address of the current residence of the user.


Google-owned video streaming platform YouTube’s Premium prices are decided on the basis of purchasing power and consumer expectations, which results in varying prices across the world. Users have utilised this difference in prices to subscribe from a location where the premium subscription is offered at lower prices. After subscribing via this method, the Premium service does not require VPN.


YouTube spokesperson Paul Pennington told American technology news website The Verge that the company has systems in place to determine the location of users. YouTube is asking users to change the subscription billing information to their current location and subscribe from payment methods of their countries so that pricing could also be charged according to the region.


In order to encourage more users to buy Premium subscription, YouTube has been cracking down on users who find a loophole in their system and use spoofing tactics. Few days ago, YouTube users also started facing buffering issues and seeing an error when using a third party ad blocker. YouTube has said that using ad blockers is a breach of its Terms of Service.

First Published: Jun 21 2024 | 12:41 PM IST



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Lenovo Tab Plus with eight JBL speakers unveiled: Know specs, features

Lenovo Tab Plus with eight JBL speakers unveiled: Know specs, features


China’s Lenovo has announced a new Android tablet with an eight-speaker system. Named Lenovo Tab Plus, the tablet boasts four tweeters and four force-balanced woofers housed in four-speaker boxes. Co-created in partnership with American audio brand JBL, the audio system supports Dolby Atmos and high-res audio of 24-bit and 96kHz frequency when using headphones. The Lenovo Tab Plus is now available at $289.99 onwards in select regions. Though the brand has not confirmed India launch, yet, it is anticipated to bring the tablet to the country soon.


Lenovo Tab Plus: Details


Featuring eight JBL Hi-Fi speakers that includes four tweeters with matrix structure and four woofers for, the Lenovo Tab Plus offers 26W of stereo sound.


The Lenovo Tab Plus comes with a built-in kickstand and can be turned into a Bluetooth speaker for streaming audio from any connected device such as smartphones. The tablet also gets an app volume control feature, which allows the users to personalise volume level and audio setting for individual apps, so that the device automatically switches to the customised audio profile the moment an app launches.


In the display department, the Lenovo Tab Plus sports an 11.5-inch 2K LCD display of 90Hz refresh rate. Lenovo said that the display on the tablet has been certified by TUV for low-blue light production and less screen flicker for more eye comfort.


Powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, paired with 8GB RAM and up to 256GB on-board storage, the Lenovo Tab Plus boasts an 8,600 mAh battery that the company said can offer streaming up to 12 hours. The tablet supports 45W fast wired charging.


Lenovo Tab Plus: Specifications


  • Processor: MediaTek Helio G99

  • RAM: 8GB

  • Storage: 128GB and 256GB

  • Display: 11.5-inch LCD, 2k resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, 400nits peak brightness

  • Camera: 8MP front + 8MP rear (autofocus)

  • Audio: 8x JBL speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos

  • Battery: 8600mAh

  • Charging: 45W wired

  • Port: USB-C 2.0, 3.5mm Audio Jack, MicroSD slot

  • OS: Android 14

  • Colour: Luna Grey

  • Weight: 650g

First Published: Jun 21 2024 | 11:52 AM IST



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Instagram introduces 'Close Friends on Live': What is it and how it works

Instagram introduces 'Close Friends on Live': What is it and how it works


Instagram is rolling out an option to let users on the platform live stream exclusively to close friends. Called “Close Friends on Live”, the feature was announced on June 20 and is being introduced globally. With this update, the users’ live stream will be visible only to those in their “Close Friends” list. The user can add or remove people from their close friends list. The live streaming can be joined by up to three other accounts.


Previously, live broadcasts hosted by Instagram users were visible to all their followers and if the user’s account was public then anyone could join and see the live streaming, but it is set to change with a new option that will allow users to have control over who will be able to see the live broadcast.


Meta owner social media platform Instagram has been trying to give users the option to make their presence and interactions on the platform more private and this feature is also a step in that direction.


In November last year, Instagram allowed users on the platform to mark posts on their content grid for their close friends. Instagram had earlier also given the option to add mute button for everyone except close friends with which users could opt for better safety settings. The feature was first rolled out only for creators but is now available to all users. “Notes” on Instagram is also a way to connect with followers and friends privately.


Instagram has also announced that it will let users add music to carousel posts including videos. Earlier, music could be added to the carousel with photos only.

First Published: Jun 21 2024 | 11:19 AM IST



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Back to School: Apple bundles AirPods with Macs, Pencil with iPads for free

Back to School: Apple bundles AirPods with Macs, Pencil with iPads for free



Apple has announced “Back to School” offers in which it is bundling for free the AirPods with Mac laptops and Pencil with iPads. Moreover, the US-based technology giant is offering its AppleCare+ plans with up to 20 per cent off. The offers are now live on Apple Education store and will be applicable until September 30. Apple is also launching new bookable sessions at Apple Stores to assist students choose a Mac laptop based on their preference, use and need. Here are the offers detail:


Apple Back to School: AirPods with Macs


During the offer period, students purchasing select Mac devices can get AirPods (third generation) with a “Lightning Charging case” at no additional cost. Alternatively, other AirPods are available at a discounted price.


AirPods (3rd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case


Price: Rs 20,900


Discounted price with Mac: Rs 1,000


AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB??’C)


Price: Rs 24,900


Discounted price with Mac: Rs 5,000


AirPods Max


Price: Rs 59,900


Discounted price with Mac: Rs 40,000


The offers are available on the following Mac devices:


  • MacBook Air with M2

  • MacBook Air with M3

  • MacBook Pro 14-inch with M3

  • MacBooK Pro 16-inch with M3

  • iMac with M3

  • Mac mini with M2


Apple Back to School: Apple Pencil with iPads


During the offer period, students purchasing select iPad models can get the new Apple Pencil Pro or the Apple Pencil with USB-C at no additional cost.


Eligible iPad models


  • iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)

  • iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

  • iPad Air 13-inch (M2)

  • iPad Air 11-inch (M2)


In addition to the offers, Apple is launching new bookable sessions at Apple stores to help students choose the right Mac laptop based on their personal college experience, customise features to fit their needs, and explore options to fit their budget.


On its online store, Apple has redesigned the education section to make it easy for students to take advantage of services like upgrading and trade-in, migrating to Mac or iOS, personalised shopping support, and more.

First Published: Jun 21 2024 | 10:40 AM IST



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