Times Top News

Times Top News

HP Spectre x360 2024 review: All-round premium laptop with portable design

HP Spectre x360 2024 review: All-round premium laptop with portable design

by | Mar 14, 2024 | Technology


The Spectre X360 is a longstanding line of convertible laptops within HP’s premium range. Known for its premium design, ultra-portable form factor, rich display, immersive audio, and long-lasting battery life, the 2024 model continues this tradition while also introducing performance upgrades and artificial intelligence features, courtesy of the Intel Core Ultra chip. However, the price has increased slightly this time, starting at Rs 164,999. Is it worth the investment? Let us delve into the details:


Design


The design is a cornerstone of the HP Spectre x360 line, and the 2024 model impresses with its sleek silhouette, premium materials, and minimalist appearance. With a more rectangular shape and a hinge featuring ‘Spectre’ branding, the laptop exudes elegance. It maintains its ultra-portable ergonomics with a thin (16mm) and lightweight (1.34kg) form factor. However, the number of ports could be improved, with just four available: 1x USB-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4 with USB-C, and a 3.5mm audio/mic port.


Display and Audio


The HP Spectre x360 2024 boasts a 14-inch OLED display with a 2.8k resolution, presented in a 16:10 aspect ratio. Featuring touchscreen capability with support for digital inking and a 120Hz refresh rate, it ensures smooth coverage. Additionally, the 10-bit panel inherently supports HDR.


Beyond technical specifications, the display stands out as one of the key strengths of the 2024 HP Spectre x360. It offers brightness, vividness, and responsiveness. While HP incorporates the convertible form factor in other product lines, the Spectre x360 distinguishes itself when utilised in various modes such as laptop, tablet, and display. Furthermore, the 16:10 aspect ratio display, optimised for IMAX content, strikes a balance to deliver an optimal experience for work, entertainment, and everything in between.


Complementing the stunning visual experience is the exceptional audio quality delivered through a four-speaker system comprising two top-firing tweeters and two forward-facing woofers. Although the overall speaker setup may appear underpowered on paper, it proves efficient and impresses with clarity, expansive sound, and volume.


Software


Running on Windows 11 Home edition, the Spectre x360 is equipped with an artificial intelligence-powered software suite tailored to enhance the user experience, whether for work or leisure. An illustration of this is the integration of Windows Studio effects with the 9MP front-facing camera, enhancing video conferencing with features like automatic framing, background blur, and portrait effects. Additionally, HP has incorporated value-added features aimed at improving the camera’s performance in low-light conditions.


While the majority of these enhancements revolve around video conferencing, there are also features designed to enhance the overall user experience. For instance, the touchpad supports gesture controls for adjusting volume and display brightness. Thanks to haptic feedback, these gesture controls feel intuitive and natural to use.


Performance and Battery Life


Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7-155H processor, coupled with 32GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage, the laptop delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and casual graphics-intensive workloads. While thermal efficiency is maintained when plugged in, performance may decrease noticeably when operating on battery power, particularly for power-intensive tasks. Nonetheless, the laptop offers good on-battery life, suitable for extended use without frequent charging.


Verdict


Overall, the HP Spectre x360 2024 ticks all the boxes for a premium thin-and-light laptop. It excels in casual everyday use and can handle some power-and-graphics-intensive tasks. Intel Evo certification ensures quick boot times, instant resume function, extended on-battery time, and enhanced data transfer rates. However, it is worth noting that this laptop is not intended for gaming or content creation, although it can manage casual gaming and multimedia editing. For those tasks, a laptop with discrete graphics may be more suitable.

First Published: Mar 14 2024 | 3:12 PM IST



Source link

Govt cracks down on 18 streaming platforms for 'obscene content': List out

Govt cracks down on 18 streaming platforms for 'obscene content': List out

by | Mar 14, 2024 | Technology


The Centre said that 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms have been disabled.


The Centre on Thursday launched a major crackdown on as many as 18 ‘over-the-top’ (OTT) streaming platforms, banning them for publishing “obscene, vulgar, and, in some instances, pornographic content.”


In an official press release, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) said that 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms have been disabled for public access in India. Of the 10 banned applications, seven were available on the Google Play Store and three on the Apple App Store.


“The recent decision was taken under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 in consultation with other Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, and domain experts specialising in media and entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights,” the release said.


The list of banned OTT platforms:


1) Dreams Films


2) Voovi


3) Yessma


4) Uncut Adda


5) Tri Flicks


6) X Prime


7) Neon X VIP


8) Besharams


9) Hunters


10) Rabbit


11) Xtramood


12) Nuefliks


13) MoodX


14) Mojflix


15) Hot Shots VIP


16) Fugi


17) Chikooflix


18) Prime Play


The Centre said that the content hosted on these platforms was found to be “obscene, vulgar, and portrayed women in a demeaning manner.” The content included sexual innuendos and, in some instances, prolonged segments of pornographic and sexually explicit scenes devoid of any thematic or societal relevance, it added.


Broadcasting such content is in violation of Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act, Section 292 of the IPC, and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, the release said.


Of the banned OTT platforms, one had about 10 million downloads and two others had nearly 5 million downloads each on the Google Play Store. “These OTT platforms extensively utilised social media to disseminate trailers, specific scenes, and external links aimed at attracting audiences to their websites and apps. The social media accounts of the concerned OTT platforms had a cumulative followership of over 3 million users.”

First Published: Mar 14 2024 | 1:18 PM IST



Source link

Govt's AI advisory needs changes, should focus on risky apps: GTRI

Govt's AI advisory needs changes, should focus on risky apps: GTRI

by | Mar 14, 2024 | Technology



The government’s advisory on artificial intelligence (AI) needs certain modifications such as a clear definition of “significant platforms”, focus on applications with higher risks of spreading misinformation, and a transparent approval process, for the growth of AI technologies in India, a report said on Thursday.


Days after Google’s AI platform’s response to queries on Prime Minister Narendra Modi generated controversy, the government earlier this month issued an advisory for social media and other platforms to label undertrial AI models and prevent hosting unlawful content.


In an advisory to intermediaries/platforms on March 1, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology warned of criminal action in case of non-compliance. The advisory is applicable to significant players/platforms and untested platforms, not start-ups.


The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) also recommended that the government exempt the AI applications in areas of research medicine, education, disaster management, agriculture, technology (broad spectrum); encouraging self-regulation; engaging with broader range of stakeholders, including AI experts, academia, industry representatives, and civil society, in refining and implementing the advisory; and rolling out the advisory’s requirements in phases.


“These modifications in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology advisory would support the growth of AI technologies while still addressing the issue of false information,” GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said.


“There is a need to clearly define what constitutes ‘significant platforms’ versus startups or smaller companies. AI is a new field and every firm could be a start up. Large platforms could hive off its AI venture as a fresh start up. Even independent start-ups may have investment from large platforms,” it said.


It added to narrow the advisory’s scope to focus on applications with higher risks of spreading misinformation or causing harm, rather than applying a broad brush approach; and suggested implementing a transparent, and faster approval process with specific timelines for government responses.


“Encourage the development of industry-led guidelines and best practices for AI ethics, reliability, and safety, with government oversight to ensure compliance. Allow companies to conduct self-assessments and audits against these guidelines, reporting to the government only if they identify significant risks,” the report said.


It also asked to establish mechanisms for ongoing evaluation of the advisory’s impact on AI development and misinformation, adjusting policies as needed based on empirical evidence.


“MeitY advisory on AI is in the right spirit. However, it needs major modifications for rapid growth of the AI industry in India,” Srivastava said.

(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: Mar 14 2024 | 1:04 PM IST



Source link

Samsung launches Galaxy A55, A35 smartphones in India at Rs 30,999 onwards

Samsung launches Galaxy A55, A35 smartphones in India at Rs 30,999 onwards

by | Mar 14, 2024 | Technology


Samsung Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35

After global unveiling, Samsung has launched the Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35 smartphones in India. Both the smartphones boast super AMOLED displays of 120Hz refresh rate and 50-megapixel based triple-camera set-up on the back. Here are the details of the two new Galaxy A-series smartphones:


Samsung Galaxy A55: Price and variants


  • 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs 39,999


  • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 42,999


  • 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 45,999


Samsung Galaxy A35: Price and variants


  • 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs 30,999


  • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 33,999


Samsung Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35: Availability and introductory offers


Both the smartphones are now available on Samsung online store. The smartphones will be available at Samsung exclusive and partner stores, and other online platforms starting March 18.


As for the introductory offers, the Samsung Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35 are available with a cashback offer of Rs 3,000 on select bank cards. There is also an option for a no-interest equated monthly instalment plan of up to 6 months with select banks.


Samsung Galaxy A55: Specifications


  • Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate


  • Processor: Exynos 1480


  • RAM: 8GB / 12GB


  • Storage: 128GB / 256GB


  • Rear Camera: 50MP Primary with OIS (f1.8) + 12MP Ultra-Wide angle (f2.2) + 5MP macro (f2.4)


  • Front Camera: 32MP (f2.2)


  • Battery: 5,000mAh


  • OS: OneUI 6.1 based on Android 14


  • Support: 4 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches


Samsung Galaxy A35: Specifications


  • Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate


  • Processor: Exynos 1380


  • RAM: 6GB / 8GB


  • Storage: 128GB / 256GB


  • Rear Camera: 50MP Primary with OIS (f1.8) + 8MP Ultra-Wide angle (f2.2) + 5MP macro (f2.4)


  • Front Camera: 13MP (f2.2)


  • Battery: 5,000mAh


  • OS: OneUI 6.1 based on Android 14


  • Support: 4 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches


First Published: Mar 14 2024 | 1:02 PM IST





Source link

Now, WhatsApp for Android blocks screenshots on profile pictures: Details

Now, WhatsApp for Android blocks screenshots on profile pictures: Details

by | Mar 14, 2024 | Technology


Meta’s instant messaging platform WhatsApp is now blocking users from taking screenshots of contact profile pictures. In an update that is now rolling out to WhatsApp for Android, the instant messaging platform no longer allows screenshots of other users’ profile pictures. Although the company has not notified the change, the feature is rolling out to Android users globally, including India.


WhatsApp: What’s new


Now, you cannot take screenshots of the users’ profile pictures on WhatsApp for Android. If you try to, WhatsApp will show no error or warning message but capture a blacked-out picture in place of the profile image. Important to note, the screenshot is disabled only for the full profile picture view. You can still take a screenshot in the profile view mode, which shows the profile picture in a small circular pop-out window.


Is it available on iOS for iPhone


WhatsApp for iOS continues to allow screenshot of a profile picture in the full-screen mode, suggesting that the change is being rolled out only to Android devices as of now.


This feature adds to the existing privacy features that are available on WhatsApp for choosing who can view your profile picture. Under the Profile Picture section within Privacy settings, users get the option to make their picture available to only a limited number of contacts.


Last month, Whatsapp rolled out a feature that allows users to search a chat by date filter. Users can choose to view chats, media and links shared within a conversation from a specific date. The feature is available on both Android and iOS apps. Additionally, it also works on Mac, desktop and WhatsApp web. 


First Published: Mar 14 2024 | 12:33 PM IST





Source link

MSI Claw handheld gaming device launched in India at Rs 88990: Details here

MSI Claw handheld gaming device launched in India at Rs 88990: Details here

by | Mar 14, 2024 | Technology


Taiwanese electronic brand MSI has launched the Claw, its inaugural handheld gaming device, in India. Announced at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in January, the MSI claw is powered by Intel Core Ultra processors. In India, MSI is offering the Claw in two processors – Intel Core Ultra 7 and Intel Core Ultra 5. Below are the details:


MSI Claw: Price and variants


  • Claw with Intel Core Ultra 7 (155H): Rs 96,990 onwards


  • Claw with Intel Core Ultra 5 (135H): Rs 88,990


MSI Claw: specifications


The MSI Claw sports a 7-inch fullHD touchscreen of up to 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, the handheld gaming device by MSI features Intel XeSS technology for enhancing frames per second (FPS) that the company said makes for a smoother gameplay experience.


For thermals, the Claw has MSI Cooler Boost Hyperflow thermal technology. The handheld gaming device has a 53Wh battery built-in, which the company said can provide two hours battery life in full workload condition.


  • Display: 7-inch FHD touchscreen, IPS display, 120Hz refresh rate, 100 per cent sRGB, 500 nits peak brightness


  • Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 (155H) / Intel Core Ultra 5 (135H)


  • Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics


  • RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 onboard


  • Storage: 1 x NVMe M.2 2230 SSD by PCIe Gen 4 x4


  • OS: Windows 11 Home / Windows 11 Pro


  • Sensor: 6-Axis IMU Vibration Motor, Power button with Fingerprint Sensor


  • Ports: 1 x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C, 1 x microSD Card Reader, 1 x Audio combo jack


  • Battery: 53Wh Lithium Polymer 6-cell


  • Charging: 65W through USB-C


  • Weight: 675g


  • Colour: Black

First Published: Mar 14 2024 | 11:51 AM IST



Source link

About-us

Privacy Policy

Email: hansrajagrawalakola@gmail.com

YouTube
Instagram
WhatsApp