iOS 18.2: Key Apple Intelligence features are coming to iPhones in December

iOS 18.2: Key Apple Intelligence features are coming to iPhones in December


Apple intelligence(Photo: Shutterstock)


Apple is releasing its new iOS 18 operating system today, on September 16. However, the initial rollout will not include Apple Intelligence features. These advanced artificial intelligence tools will be available in subsequent updates over the coming months. iOS 18.1, expected to be released by October, will include the first set of Apple Intelligence tools such as text summarisation, text generation, and notification summary. More advanced features such as Image Playground, Genmoji, and ChatGPT integration are anticipated with iOS 18.2 in December.


iOS 18.2: What to expect


According to a Bloomberg report, iOS 18.2 is expected to be available on eligible iPhone models by the end of this year, likely in December. The update will include the following features:

 


ChatGPT in Siri


With iOS 18.2, Apple is expected to introduce ChatGPT integration into Siri. While Siri will continue to handle on-device tasks such as setting alarms and making calls, more complex queries will be processed by ChatGPT. Users will have the option to choose whether their request is sent to ChatGPT for processing. Full system-wide ChatGPT integration is expected to arrive with future iOS 18 updates.


Apple Intelligence in more languages


At the iPhone 16 launch event, Apple confirmed that Apple Intelligence will initially support US English. Localised English support for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom will be introduced later this year.


Image Playground


Image Playground is Apple’s new image-generating tool that will likely be available with the iOS 18.2 update. It will offer a standalone app for generating images from text prompts and will also be integrated into other apps such as Notes, Messages, and Mail.


Genmoji


Genmoji is another image generation tool that allows users to create custom emojis. Users can generate emojis directly from the keyboard by describing what they want, and these custom emojis can be sent to others in Messages.


Hearing Health for AirPods Pro 2


Apple has announced new Hearing Health features for the AirPods Pro 2 with iOS 18, expected to roll out in December with the iOS 18.2 update. These features aim to offer prevention, awareness, and assistance to users. Notable features include Loud Sound Reduction, Hearing Test, and a Hearing Aid feature, which recently received authorisation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US.

First Published: Sep 16 2024 | 4:05 PM IST



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Lava launches Blaze 3 5G budget smartphone: Check price, specs, and more

Lava launches Blaze 3 5G budget smartphone: Check price, specs, and more



Indian smartphone brand Lava has launched the Blaze 3 5G smartphone. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chip, the smartphone features a glass back finish, dual stereo speakers, and a new “Vibe Light” feature that creates a studio-like effect for photography. The Blaze 3 5G is offered in two colours: Glass Gold and Glass Blue.


Lava Blaze 3 5G: Price and availability


Priced at Rs 9999, the smartphone is offered in a single variant with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. It will be available from September 18 on the Lava e-store and e-commerce platform Amazon India.

 


Lava Blaze 3 5G: Details


The Lava Blaze 3 5G sports a 6.5-inch HD+ IPS display of a 90Hz refresh rate. The smartphone boasts a premium design and includes a Vibe Light at the back, which provides additional illumination for low-light photography. Lava said that the Vibe Light ensures consistent and even lighting, creating a studio-like effect with better contrast and softer shadows. Users can also adjust the colour temperature output. The imaging system comprises a 50-megapixel primary camera sensor at the back and an 8MP sensor on the front.


The Blaze 3 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300+ chip, paired with 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB. It features a 5000mAh battery supporting 18W wired charging.


For privacy, the Blaze 3 5G includes facial unlock and native app lock features. Other notable functions include anonymous auto call recording, Dual App support, and an anti-peeping feature.


Lava Blaze 3 5G: Specifications


  • Display: 6.5-inch HD+ resolution, 90Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300

  • RAM: 6GB

  • Storage: 128GB

  • Rear Camera: 50MP primary + 2MP depth sensor

  • Front Camera: 8MP

  • Battery: 5000mAh

  • Charging: 18W (USB-C)

  • OS: Android 14

First Published: Sep 16 2024 | 2:59 PM IST



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Xiaomi launches Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K series in India: Price and features

Xiaomi launches Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K series in India: Price and features


Xiaomi Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 55-inch model


Xiaomi has introduced the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K series in India, comprising two variants: a 55-inch and a 43-inch model. Both variants are equipped with 2GB RAM and 8GB storage. The TVs offer a 4K resolution display and support High Dynamic Range (HDR) viewing for enhanced picture quality.


Xiaomi Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K series: Price, offers, and availability


  • 43-inch model: Rs 24,999

  • 55-inch model: Rs 35,999


The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K series will be available from September 18 on Xiaomi online store and e-commerce platform Flipkart. Introductory offers include a Rs 1,500 discount on ICICI Bank credit and debit cards.

 


Xiaomi Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K series: Features


Display: Both models feature a 4K resolution display with High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for enhanced colour and contrast. The TVs are designed with a bezel-free profile to maximise the viewing area, said Xiaomi.


Performance: Powered by a 64-bit quad-core processor, each TV is paired with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. The inclusion of Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation (MEMC) technology improves visual clarity during fast-moving scenes.


Audio: The 55-inch model is equipped with a 30W speaker system, while the 43-inch variant features 24W speakers.


Connectivity: The TVs support Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Miracast, facilitating easy streaming, content sharing, and connection with external speakers and audio devices.


Smart features: The Redmi Smart Fire TV series include a built-in Appstore with access to over 12,000 apps, including popular streaming services like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, and JioCinema. Additionally, the TVs feature a built-in Alexa voice assistant for controlling compatible smart home appliances with voice commands. Picture-in-Picture technology allows users to view multiple content sources simultaneously.

First Published: Sep 16 2024 | 2:48 PM IST



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iPhone 16 series ships without Apple sticker, no cable with AirPods: Report

iPhone 16 series ships without Apple sticker, no cable with AirPods: Report


Apple is shipping the retail units of the iPhone 16 series without its stickers. According to a recent communication to Apple Store teams, as reported by 9to5Mac, the iPhone 16 packaging will no longer feature the sticker. Buyers purchasing the iPhone 16 in-store can request an Apple sticker if desired, but those ordering online for home delivery will not receive one. Additionally, third-party retailers and carrier partners will not have Apple stickers available.


The updated iPhone 16 retail box will now contain only the phone, documentation, a SIM ejector pin (in India), and a braided USB-C to USB-C cable.

 


This move is part of Apple’s broader environmental strategy and commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models packaging will be entirely fibre-based, aligning with Apple’s goal to eliminate all plastic from its packaging by next year.


This change follows a similar approach taken with the Apple Vision Pro, which launched in February without Apple stickers, and the new M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air, which also lacked the stickers. The iPhone 11 was the last model to include two Apple stickers, a 5W power adapter, a USB cable, and EarPods. After Apple began omitting chargers from its iPhones, other smartphone manufacturers followed suit, though some still include chargers in their packaging.


It has been reported that the AirPods 4 series will ship without charging cables. This change follows Apple’s recent trend of omitting accessories from its product packaging to reduce environmental impact.


The iPhone 16 series is currently available for pre-order in India, with official availability commencing on September 20. Similarly, the AirPods 4 are also available for pre-order, with their availability set to begin on September 20.

First Published: Sep 16 2024 | 2:42 PM IST



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Motorola Edge 50 Neo with IP68 rating for dust, water resistance launched

Motorola Edge 50 Neo with IP68 rating for dust, water resistance launched


Motorola, a Lenovo-owned smartphone brand, is expanding its Edge 50 series in India with the launch of the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. This new model boasts US Military Grade certification for durability and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, said Motorola. The smartphone features a 50-megapixel sensor main sensor (Sony LYTIA) paired with a 3x telephoto camera.


Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Price and variants


The Motorola Edge 50 Neo is priced at Rs 23,999 and comes in an 8GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration. It is offered in four Pantone-validated colours: Nautical Blue, Poinciana, Latte, and Grisaille.

 


Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Availability and offers


The smartphone will be available for an exclusive one-hour sale on Flipkart starting at 7PM on September 16. The open sale begins on September 24 on Flipkart, the company’s official website, and select retail outlets.


Introductory offers include a Rs 1,000 discount on select bank cards, a Rs 1,000 exchange bonus on trade-in deals, and a no-cost EMI plan for up to nine months.


Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Details


The Edge 50 Neo features a 6.4-inch flat pOLED display with LTPO technology for dynamic refresh rate adjustments up to 120Hz. The display is a 1.5K resolution panel with a peak brightness of 3000 nits and supports HDR10+.


Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, the smartphone comes with a 50MP primary camera with Sony LYTIA 700C sensor and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 13MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom. The 32MP front camera supports 4K recording.


The Motorola Edge 50 Neo is MIL-STD-810H military-grade certified, meaning it can withstand shocks, vibrations, and accidental drops from up to 1.5 metres. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, and the smartphone’s IP68 rating ensures it can endure submersion in up to 1.5 metres of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.


Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Specifications


  • Display: 6.4-inch flat pOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1.5K resolution, LTPO, HDR10+, 3000 nits peak brightness

  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300

  • RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X

  • Storage: 256GB UFS 2.2

  • Rear Camera: 50MP (Sony LYTIA 700C) primary sensor with OIS + 13MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto (3x zoom)

  • Front Camera: 32MP

  • Battery: 4310mAh

  • Charging: 68W wired, 15W wireless

  • Weight: 171g

  • Thickness: 8.1mm

  • Protection: MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification, Corning Gorilla Glass, IP68

First Published: Sep 16 2024 | 1:33 PM IST



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Apple mulls switching from aluminium to plastic case for next-gen Watch SE

Apple mulls switching from aluminium to plastic case for next-gen Watch SE



Apple is reportedly considering a switch to a rigid plastic casing for the next-generation Apple Watch SE, which could be launched next year. This development follows Apple’s experimentation with plastic, which was not included in recent announcements.


According to a report by 9to5Mac, citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the shift to a plastic casing is “increasingly likely.” Gurman also mentioned that this change could offer a broader range of colours, potentially making the device more appealing to children. The Apple Watch SE, currently in development, is facing challenges related to the plastic switch, which is delaying its launch.

 


The Apple Watch SE is expected to feature an upgraded processor, possibly the S9 chip from the Apple Watch Series 9 or the forthcoming S10 chip anticipated for the next-generation Apple Watch Series 10.


Switching from an aluminium to a plastic casing could significantly reduce manufacturing costs. This reduction might enable Apple to enhance the Apple Watch SE’s functionality and features, such as introducing an always-on display and improved electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. Additionally, a lower production cost could lead to a more affordable price for consumers while retaining a competitive feature set.


Overall, the move to a plastic casing could allow Apple to offer a more cost-effective Apple Watch SE with advanced features and possibly a more attractive price point, broadening its appeal to a wider audience.


For context, Apple switched to Titanium casing from Stainless Steel for the Watch Series 10, which is also offered in aluminium casing option. The Apple Watch Series 10 comes with larger 42mm and 46mm options, featuring a wide-angle OLED display with a wider aspect ratio than its predecessor. According to Apple, the new chassis design of the Watch Series 10 is 9.7mm thick, making it 10 per cent thinner than the Apple Watch Series 9.

First Published: Sep 16 2024 | 1:20 PM IST



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