2 min read Last Updated : Sep 25 2024 | 10:45 AM IST
Chinese smartphone maker Vivo is set to launch the Vivo V40e on September 25 at 12:00 pm. The upcoming model in the Vivo V40 series will be available for purchase on the company’s official website and the e-commerce platform Flipkart. The device will be offered in two colourways: Royal Bronze and Mint Green. Serving as a successor to the Vivo V30e, which launched in India in May this year, the smartphone will feature a punch-hole display with curved edges. Here are the details:
Vivo V40e launch: Where to watch
The Vivo V40e launch event will commence at 12:00 pm (IST) on September 25. The launch will be live-streamed on the company’s official YouTube channel, and you can also watch the live event via the video embedded at the end of this article.
Vivo V40e: What to expect
The Vivo V40e will feature a 6.77-inch fullHD+ curved display of a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone will be powered by a 5,500 mAh battery and support for 80W charging. It will feature a dual rear camera setup, including a 50-megapixel primary camera (Sony IMX882) with 2x portrait mode and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, along with an aura light. A 50MP front camera will be available for selfies and video calls. The device will include AI features such as AI Photo Enhancer and AI Eraser.
The Vivo V40e is expected to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. The device will measure 0.749 cm in thickness and weigh 183 grams.
4 min read Last Updated : Sep 24 2024 | 11:31 PM IST
Many digital news publishers have been desperately searching for a life raft. Traffic to news sites has fallen sharply, along with the ad revenue those clicks generate, partly because Google and Facebook decided to make news less prominent on their platforms.
Now, some publications have found a glimmer of hope elsewhere: WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging app.
Late last year, the app introduced WhatsApp Channels, a kind of one-way broadcasting system that allows publishers to send links and headlines directly to followers. Numerous outlets are using it as a way to draw in readers and build direct relationships with an audience that is largely outside the United States.
“It has become a huge source of traffic actually, larger than X,” said Marta Planells, senior director of digital news at Noticias Telemundo, the news arm of Telemundo.
The Noticias Telemundo channel on WhatsApp gained more than 30,000 followers in just the first two weeks and now has more than 820,000 followers, Planells said. The news outlet often creates original content for its channel, such as short videos from reporters on the ground or a poll on a news topic.
“WhatsApp is a big community for Hispanics — it is the platform to go to to talk to family members and friends, outside the US especially,” she said. Meta, which owns the app, says about 1.9 billion of its two billion users live outside the United States.
WhatsApp Channels exist in a separate tab from the main messaging section of the app. People, businesses or organizations can create a channel to send video, text or links to anyone who follows them. Users do not have to provide private information like their phone numbers or email addresses to follow a channel. Followers can react to posts with an emoji, but they are unable to comment with text.
The traffic created by WhatsApp still pales in comparison with what Google and Facebook send to publications. And some publishers are cautious about getting too enamored by Channels. Meta, which is also the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has a long and complicated history with news organisations.
But Channels is one of the few sources of traffic trending upward, and is part of a push by many publishers to develop direct relationships with audiences and, potentially, drive them back to outlets’ home pages or apps, rather than rely on the social media platforms. Numerous media outlets have signed up for WhatsApp Channels and already drawn millions of followers, including CNN (14.5 million followers), The New York Times (14 million), BBC News (9.3 million), The New York Post (8.1 million), The Wall Street Journal (4.7 million), and The Washington Post (3.8 million).
The journalism initiatives petered out, too. In recent years, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive, and some of his lieutenants signalled that they were not interested in featuring as much hard news or political content across their platforms.
This year, Meta said it would shut down the News tab and “better align our investments to our products and services people value the most.”
But Meta executives believe that Channels offers a more targeted and personal way to send articles and posts to followers, especially because it comes in the form of a text message update. It is a different experience from mixing in articles with other posts and videos like the Facebook news feed, they say.
(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.)
3 min read Last Updated : Sep 24 2024 | 10:29 PM IST
Prince Harry said today’s youth is in the midst of an epidemic of anxiety, depression and social isolation due to negative experiences online, as he brought his campaign to help children and their parents navigate cyberspace to this week’s Clinton Global Initiative.
These platforms are designed to create addiction, Harry said in remarks Tuesday in New York City. Young people are kept there by mindless, endless, numbing scrolling being force-fed content that no child should ever be exposed to. This is not free will.
Beyond supporting parents and youth throughout this advocacy, The Duke of Sussex stressed the need for corporate accountability. He asked why leaders of powerful social media companies are still held to the lowest ethical standards” and called on shareholders to demand tangible change.
Parenting doesn’t end with the birth of a child. Neither does founding a company,” Harry said. “We have a duty and a responsibility to see our creations through.
Harry’s contribution to this year’s CGI annual meeting was part of the What’s Working theme, in a panel that included former President Bill Clinton, Clinton Foundation Vice Chair Chelsea Clinton and World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres.
The Archewell Foundation, which Harry founded with his wife, Meghan Markle, to carry out their philanthropic work recently launched an initiative supporting parents whose children have suffered or died due to online harms. Harry highlighted the work of that initiative, called The Parents Network, in his speech Tuesday.
The foundation has also partnered with the World Health Organization and others to end violence against children, an issue he and Meghan outlined during a recent trip to Colombia. Harry on Tuesday pointed to the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, which is set to take place in Bogot this November. He said that this meeting could result in the first global agreement for prioritizing child safety and protection online.
His CGI address was part of a string of appearances for Harry in New York at the growing number of humanitarian and philanthropic events that run alongside the United Nations General Assembly Week.
On Monday, he appeared at an event for The HALO Trust, where he discussed how the work of the landmine clearing charity was influential on his late mother, Princess Diana. The HALO Trust’s work in Angola meant a great deal to my mother, he said. Carrying on her legacy is a responsibility that I take seriously. And I think we all know how much she would want us to finish this particular job.
(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.)
3 min read Last Updated : Sep 24 2024 | 8:30 PM IST
Apple has released the fifth developer beta of the iOS 18.1 operating system, introducing enhanced Apple Intelligence features for compatible iPhones. Following last week’s launch of the first public beta of iOS 18.1, this developer beta brings new AI-driven functionalities and several notable updates to the Control Centre.
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy M55s 5G smartphone in India. This latest model in the Galaxy M series features a Super AMOLED Plus display, a camera system incorporating “Big Pixel Technology,” a high-capacity battery, and a fresh fusion design. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip, the Galaxy M55s 5G includes features like “Voice Focus” for calls, Samsung Knox Vault for improved privacy, and promises four years of operating system updates.
Dyson has introduced the OnTrac headphones in India. The UK-based tech company announced that these headphones offer up to 55 hours of playback time and feature over 2,000 customisable colour combinations for the outer caps and ear cushions.
With the release of iOS 18 on September 16, Apple has rolled out several India-focused features for eligible iPhones. This update enhances communication, improves the Move to iOS app, and adds support for multiple Indian languages.
British consumer technology startup Nothing has scheduled a launch for a new product on September 24. Ahead of the announcement, images of the Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds have leaked on WinFuture, revealing white earbuds with an open-ear design and a curved band that wraps around the back of the ear.
Samsung has announced a Fab Grab Fest sale, featuring deals on select Galaxy smartphones, Galaxy Books, tablets, accessories, and TVs. Beginning September 26, customers can enjoy discounts of up to 53 per cent on specific smartphones. The company is also offering reduced prices on its ecosystem devices with the purchase of select Samsung products.
Apple is expected to refresh its Mac lineup with new M4 chips starting next month. The standout update is likely to be the Mac mini, which is anticipated to receive a complete redesign. Slated to launch alongside the M4 MacBook Pro and iMac, the 2024 Mac mini is projected to feature a compact design reminiscent of the Apple TV set-top box.
X, formerly known as Twitter, is changing its block feature to allow everyone on the platform, including blocked users, to view all public posts. In response to a discussion about the removal of the current block button, X owner Elon Musk clarified that the “block function will prevent that account from engaging with you but will not stop them from seeing public posts.”
While the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold excels in design, it falls short in software performance compared to other foldable devices on the market, particularly those from Samsung and Chinese manufacturers.
3 min read Last Updated : Sep 24 2024 | 4:49 PM IST
Samsung has announced a Fab Grab Fest sale in which the South Korean electronics maker is offering deals and offers on select Galaxy smartphones, Galaxy Books, tablets, accessories, and TVs. Starting from September 26, customers can avail of discounts of up to 53 per cent on select smartphones. Additionally, the company is offering discounts on its ecosystem devices with the purchase of select Samsung products.
These offers will be available on purchases made through Samsung’s website, Samsung Shop App, and Samsung Exclusive Stores until the end of the sale period.
Samsung Fab Grab Fest: Bank offers
In addition to discount offers, customers can avail bank cashback of up to 40 per cent (up to Rs 15,000) on select smartphones, tablets, wearables, and laptops when using debit or credit cards from select banks, including ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank.
Customers can also receive up to 22.5 per cent cashback (up to Rs 25,000) on purchasing Samsung smart TVs and other appliances using debit or credit cards from select banks, including ICICI, HDFC, and SBI.
Samsung Fab Grab Fest: Offers
Smartphones
Samsung stated that customers purchasing select Galaxy Z series, Galaxy S series, and Galaxy A series smartphones can avail discounts of up to 53 per cent. Additionally, the company is offering the Galaxy Buds FE earbuds at a discounted price of Rs 1,249 with the purchase of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 smartphone.
Here is a list of smartphones available with discounts during the sale period:
Galaxy Z Fold 6
Galaxy Z Flip 6
Galaxy S24 series
Galaxy S23 series
Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy A55
Galaxy A35
Galaxy M35
Galaxy M15
Galaxy F55
Galaxy Books
Samsung is offering discounts of up to 27 per cent on select Galaxy Book 4 series devices. Additionally, customers can get an FHD Flat Monitor at a discounted price of Rs 1,920 with the purchase of a Galaxy Book 4 model. The discount offer is applicable on the following devices:
Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360
Galaxy Book 4 Pro
Galaxy Book 4 360
Galaxy Book 4
Tablets
Select Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab S9 series models, along with Buds 3 Series and Galaxy Watch Series devices, will be available with discounts of up to 74 per cent during the Samsung Fab Grab Fest sale.
Galaxy Tab S10 series
Galaxy Tab S9 series
Galaxy Tab S9 FE series
Galaxy Tab A9 series
Watches and earbuds
Galaxy Watch 7 series
Galaxy Watch Ultra
Galaxy Watch FE
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Galaxy Buds 3
Galaxy Buds FE
Galaxy Fit 3
Samsung TVs and more
Beyond Samsung Galaxy products, the company is offering discounts of up to 43 per cent on select Samsung Smart Televisions. Similar offers apply to The Frame speakers, Freestyle projector, and more.
Customers purchasing Samsung 55-inch TV models and above will receive a Samsung Smart Television or Soundbar at no additional cost. Samsung will also provide a three-year comprehensive warranty at no extra cost on select 32-inch TVs and larger models.
Neo QLED 8K
Neo QLED
QLED
Crystal 4K UHD
Freestyle projector
The Frame
Select 55-inch and above TVs
Select 32-inch and above TVs
Others
Apart from these devices, Samsung is also offering discounts on its range of refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and monitors.
5 min read Last Updated : Sep 24 2024 | 3:03 PM IST
Google introduced its first foldable device in the Pixel series this year, while also expanding availability to several new regions, including India. Named the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, this book-style foldable is not unique in form factor but introduces freshness through its design and enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) features. But does it stand as the best foldable available in the market? Let us find out:
Design
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold balances the typical challenges of foldable devices, offering a design that is both novel and functional. While it might appear thick and heavy compared to bar-shaped smartphones, within the foldable category, it maintains a relatively compact profile.
Weight: At 257g, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels heavy in hand, which is not uncommon for foldables, but it may take some getting used to for those transitioning from lighter smartphones.
Materials: The phone is constructed using aluminium, which contributes to its durability.
Hinge: The hinge design is particularly noteworthy, as it offers flexibility and ensures a smooth folding and unfolding experience. The two halves of the phone close completely without leaving any gaps.
Protection: It is IPX8 rated, providing water resistance, although dust resistance is absent. This could be a concern for those looking for outdoor usage.
Rear camera design: The rear camera module has a polarising design, which some users may find aesthetically pleasing, while others may not.
Display
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with two displays – a cover display and a larger inward-bending display:
Cover Display: A 6.3-inch fullHD AMOLED panel with adaptive refresh rates (60Hz-120Hz). It offers a traditional smartphone experience, maintaining similar size and aspect ratio to bar-shaped smartphones.
Main Display: The foldable 8-inch AMOLED LTPO panel (fullHD) offers adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz. Its near-square aspect ratio allows for a more consistent experience, whether in portrait or landscape orientation.
Both displays are bright and deliver excellent colour accuracy. The foldable screen elevates multitasking capabilities, as Google has optimised the interface to handle multiple windows and apps. However, despite these efforts, the foldable experience remains behind Samsung and Chinese foldable devices.
App Experience: Google has made efforts to optimise apps, such as Gmail, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp, for the larger foldable screen. These apps present different interfaces for the cover and main display, enabling smooth multitasking, app switching, and drag-and-drop functions.
However, Samsung and other foldable manufacturers provide a more refined multitasking experience, particularly with their user interfaces designed specifically for foldables.
Camera
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with a versatile camera system:
Rear Camera Setup: 48MP primary sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS), a 10.5MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens with OIS.
Cover Display Camera: 10MP sensor.
Main Display Camera: 10MP sensor.
While the primary sensor excels in various lighting conditions and offers excellent natural depth-of-field, the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses are not without compromises. The ultra-wide lens softens edges and struggles in low-light environments, while the telephoto lens performs well in daylight but falters under dim lighting.
The camera performance is solid for a foldable device, but does not match the photography experience of premium bar-shaped smartphones, including Google’s own Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Software
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Android 14 and will receive seven years of software support, including operating system updates and security patches. The user interface is similar to the Pixel 9 series, with a significant emphasis on AI, which you can read in detail about in the Pixel 9 Pro XL review here. However, there are no foldable-specific AI features, leaving the experience mostly akin to traditional smartphones.
App Optimisation: Google’s attempt to manually set app aspect ratios through the display settings falls short, as it is not a native solution and can cause inconsistencies across apps.
This is a significant area where Google lags behind its competitors, who have been refining their foldable-specific software for years. Samsung’s One UI and foldable optimisations far exceed Google’s efforts in this regard.
Performance
Powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, paired with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold handles multitasking, AI functionalities, and day-to-day operations smoothly. The device remains cool under most conditions, though power-intensive tasks can lead to slight warming around the hinge and display areas.
Battery
The battery performance is where the Pixel 9 Pro Fold truly shines. With a screen-on time of approximately seven hours in mixed usage, it can comfortably last through a full day. It supports fast charging through both wired and wireless methods, and is compatible with any Qi-based wireless charger. However, the charging speed is not exactly worthy calling fast.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a unique foldable experience with its thin, lightweight design, premium build, excellent display quality, and long-lasting battery. However, while it excels in hardware design, it falters in software and camera performance compared to other foldables in the market, especially those from Samsung and other Chinese manufacturers.
At a price of Rs 1,72,999, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is among the most expensive foldables in India. For this price, there are better options in terms of both features and foldable-specific software experience, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series or devices from Vivo and OnePlus.
