Sandesh Bhosle, Author at Exhibit Tech

Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Prices Hold Firm, Satellite Feature Confirmed!

The South Korean tech giant Samsung has yet to make an official announcement about the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S24 series, but leaks and renders have set the tech community abuzz with excitement. Speculations point towards an imminent debut in January of the upcoming flagship trio – Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra.

It is rumoured that Samsung intends to maintain the pricing strategy of its predecessor, the Galaxy S23 series, which is a compelling development. The expected pricing for the base models stands at an attractive $799 for the Galaxy S24, $999 for the Galaxy S24+, and $1199 for the premium Galaxy S24 Ultra in the US market. This echoes the company’s commitment to affordability and consumer satisfaction.

Furthermore, whispers in the tech corridors suggest that Samsung’s strategic move to equip the Galaxy S24 Ultra with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and the Galaxy S24/S24 Plus with the Exynos 2400 chip in select markets is a critical element in preserving these competitive price points. With a sales target set at an ambitious 33 million units, Samsung aims to achieve a remarkable 10% increase over the Galaxy S23 series.

Adding another layer of intrigue, reports hint at a groundbreaking feature in the Galaxy S24 series – an emergency satellite texting capability. Leaked screenshots from a Galaxy phone showcase the functionality labelled as ‘Emergency texts via satellite.’ This feature empowers users to dispatch emergency texts utilizing satellite connectivity, ensuring communication in remote areas or during network unavailability.

While Apple pioneered satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14, Samsung’s foray into this realm is eagerly awaited. The Galaxy S24 series is shrouded in anticipation, with an expected unveiling on January 17, promising a blend of cutting-edge technology and innovative features that will undoubtedly set a new standard in the smartphone landscape.

Moonstruck – ISRO’s Vision to Grace the Moon with Indian Astronauts by 2040

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised for an ambitious lunar endeavour, setting its sights on dispatching Indian astronauts to the Moon by the visionary year of 2040, as declared by Chairman S Somanath. Charting the course for the next frontier in space exploration, ISRO unveils the Gaganyaan program, an audacious plan to propel a crew of 2 to 3 Indian astronauts into the celestial theatre of Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Their cosmic odyssey is envisioned to span up to three awe-inspiring days, culminating in a secure return to a predesignated site in the vast expanse of Indian waters. Somanath detailed this cosmic vision in a compelling article for the Manorama Yearbook 2024.

From the ranks of the Indian Air Force, four intrepid test pilots have been anointed as “Astronaut-Designates” for the Gaganyaan mission. Currently undergoing specialized training at the Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru, these aviators are poised to etch their names in the annals of space exploration.

The inaugural Gaganyaan mission will be a crucible of cutting-edge technologies, scrutinizing the resilience of the human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle, the orbital ballet of the Crew Module and Service Module encapsulated within the Orbital Module, and an array of life support systems. Preceding the historic crewed mission, the spacefaring endeavour will conduct two parallel uncrewed missions, in addition to rigorous Air Drop Tests, Pad Abort Tests, and Test Vehicle flights.

The recent milestone achievement, the TV-D1 mission on October 21, 2023, showcased the mettle of the Crew Escape System. The unpressurized incarnation of the Crew Module gracefully detached from the launch vehicle, free-falling into the Bay of Bengal, where the Indian Navy deftly retrieved it.

Somanath underscores the pivotal role of this test flight as a prerequisite for the imminent missions, projecting a potential launch of the crewed Gaganyaan mission in the celestial dance of 2025. The cosmic tapestry of India’s space odyssey continues to unfold, weaving a narrative of bold exploration and scientific prowess.

Text Rewind – Google’s Messages App Testing Editing Feature for Sent Messages!

To elevate its Messages app to new heights, Google has rolled out a series of substantial updates that promise to position the platform as a formidable contender in the messaging arena. Recent enhancements include the integration of Ultra HDR support in RCS chats, introducing a visual feast with features like photomoji and animated stickers.

However, the tech giant’s innovation doesn’t stop there. Reports suggest that Google is actively developing a message editing feature, akin to the functionality found in WhatsApp. Unearthed by The SPAndroid, the beta version of the Google Messages app, released in the final week of November, subtly reveals this upcoming capability.

Diving into the details, four intriguing flags—bugle.enable_edit_ui, bugle.load_edit_history, bugle.process_outgoing_edits, and bugle.process_incoming_edits—hint at the imminent arrival of a text editing feature. The diligent folks at The SPAndroid, through an APK teardown, unveil Google’s creation of a new table in the messages database. This table, seemingly dedicated to storing edited messages, intricately captures crucial information such as message ID, the latest message ID, original RCS message ID, edited and received timestamps, offering users a comprehensive editing experience.

Although the message editing feature remains concealed from the public eye and unconfirmed by Google, it is anticipated to become a handy tool for rectifying typos or tweaking messages post-transmission. With Google consistently bolstering the Messages app, from Ultra HDR support to potential editing prowess, users can expect an evolving and dynamic messaging experience that continues to push boundaries. As the journey unfolds, these updates are poised to transform how we communicate, one innovation at a time.

iQOO 12 Roars into India as the Inaugural Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Marvel

iQOO introduced the iQOO 12, a groundbreaking smartphone that unleashes the power of the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind to hit the Indian market. The cutting-edge device offers a choice between two variants, boasting impressive configurations: 12/16 GB RAM coupled with 256/512 GB internal storage.

The immersive visual feast offered by the iQOO 12’s 6.78-inch 144Hz refresh rate 1.5K resolution AMOLED screen, featuring LTPO technology for dynamic power management, seems stunning. With Wet Touch technology ensuring functionality even when wet and an official IP64 rating for water and dust resistance, this device seamlessly blends style with resilience.

Crafted with an aluminium frame and glass back, the iQOO 12 exudes sophistication. While lacking wireless charging, its 120W fast charging capability ensures you’re always powered up. The triple-camera setup, featuring a 50 MP primary shooter, 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64 MP periscope telephoto lens, promises photography excellence.

The 16 MP selfie camera adds finesse with 1080p 30fps video recording.
Under the hood, the iQOO 12 runs on a robust 5,000 mAh battery and ships with Android 14, overlaid with FunTouchOS 14 for a seamless user experience. With the promise of three major Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates, the iQOO 12 is not just a phone; it’s a future-proof investment in innovation.

The aesthetic allure comes in two distinct flavours – Legend, a pristine white adorned with BMW M Sports branding, and Alpha, a sleek black variant. The smartphone is priced at ₹52,999 for the 12 GB RAM/256 GB storage base model and ₹57,999 for the 16 GB RAM/512 GB powerhouse, the iQOO 12 is set to redefine your smartphone experience. Priority pass holders can seize the opportunity from December 13, while the general public gains access starting December 14.

An exclusive offer awaits HDFC and ICICI Bank cardholders, who enjoy an instant ₹3,000 discount, bringing the effective cost down to an enticing ₹49,999. Furthermore, iQOO and Vivo smartphone users can enjoy an additional ₹5,000 benefit when exchanging their existing devices, making the iQOO 12 even more appealing than its predecessor, the iQOO 11.

Galaxy A15 and A25 5G – Samsung’s Surprise Package for Tech Enthusiasts!

Breaking away from the traditional timeline, Samsung has unveiled its cutting-edge Galaxy A15 duo and Galaxy A25 5G, defying expectations set for 2024. The Galaxy A15 comes in both 4G and 5G variants, distinguished mainly by their chipsets. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A25 takes the spotlight with enhanced cameras and Samsung’s proprietary Exynos 1280 chipset.

All three devices boast expansive 6.5-inch Super AMOLED displays with FHD+ resolution, adorned with Infinity-U notch cutouts. The A15 models push the boundaries with a 90Hz refresh rate, while the A25 elevates the experience with a 120Hz panel reaching a dazzling 1,000 nits of brightness compared to the A15’s 800 nits.

A unified design element across the trio is the inclusion of a 13MP front-facing camera and the innovative Key Island design, featuring a distinctive convex shape around the power and volume keys.
Under the hood, the A15 packs MediaTek’s potent Helio G99 chip, 8GB RAM, and expandable storage options of 128GB or 256GB.

Its 5G counterpart, the A15 5G, features the Dimensity 6100+, paired with 8GB RAM and a spacious 256GB storage, also expandable. The A25 5G introduces the Exynos 1280 chip, 6/8GB RAM configurations, and a generous 128GB expandable storage.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the A15’s 50MP main camera, while the A25 steps up with a 50MP main shooter equipped with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. All three devices run on One UI 6.0 based on Android 14 and boast robust 5,000 mAh batteries supporting 25W charging. Choose from vibrant colours, including Yellow, Fantasy Blue, Optimistic Blue, and timeless Black.

iOS 17.2 – The Game-Changing Update Your iPhone Has Been Waiting For

Apple’s latest innovation, iOS 17.2, brings a wave of exciting updates for eligible iPhones. The 1.5 GB update is a symphony of bug fixes and enhancements, introduces the avant-garde Journal app, elevates your visual experience with spatial video capture on the iPhone 15 Pro series, and breathes new life into the Weather and Messages apps.

The crown jewel of this update is the iPhone 15 Pro series, unlocking a realm of possibilities with spatial video recording. Dive into the immersive world of 3D videos seamlessly captured by the main and ultra-wide-angle cameras, aided by the LiDAR sensor. While these videos won’t grace your iPhone’s screen in 3D glory, the promise of compatibility with the upcoming Vision Pro VR headset beckons a new era in visual storytelling.

Enhancements extend beyond visuals, as Apple fine-tunes the performance of the telephoto lens, reducing capture time for sharper images. The action button on the iPhone 15 Pro series gains newfound versatility, transforming into a quick translator for on-the-fly language conversions.

Meanwhile, the Journal app, Apple’s gift to the introspective, finds its place on all iPhones running iOS 17.2, from the iPhone XS to the latest iPhone 15 series. Secure your thoughts with Face ID or Touch ID, adding an extra layer of intimacy to your musings.

The iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series embrace the future of wireless charging with compatibility with the Qi2 standard. Fast charge your device with up to 15W using non-MagSafe certified wireless chargers, freeing you from the constraints of conventional power sources. The iOS 17.2 update, a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation, is a journey into the future of technology, seamlessly weaving together form and function for a captivating user experience.

Vivo X100 and X100 Pro All Set for Worldwide Debut on December 14

Vivo has set the global stage ablaze with the international launch of its cutting-edge smartphones, the X100 and X100 Pro, following their debut in China on November 14. The much-anticipated announcement, gracing the company’s official website, has triggered a surge of excitement among tech enthusiasts worldwide. These sleek gadgets promise a groundbreaking mobile experience, courtesy of the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300 processor.

Global enthusiasts can mark their calendars for December 14, exactly a month after the China launch, as Vivo gears up to unveil the smartphones to a global audience. The launch event is expected to be streamed live on the company’s official social media channels, ensuring that no one misses out on the grand unveiling.

Initially priced at 3,999 Yuan for the X100 and 4,999 Yuan for the X100 Pro in China, the global pricing remains suspenseful. The smartphones, available in captivating hues such as Chen Ye Black, Star Trail Blue, Sunset Orange, and White Moonlight, are poised to captivate users worldwide.

Beyond the mesmerizing 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, the true marvel lies in the cameras and batteries of these devices. The X100 showcases a 50MP primary sensor with a Sony IMX VCS sensor and a 64MP telephoto camera with a Zeiss lens, offering an impressive 3x optical zoom.

Meanwhile, the X100 Pro steps it up with a 50MP primary sensor with a Sony IMX989 lens and a 50MP Zeiss lens, providing an extraordinary 4.3x optical zoom. Both models feature a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, promising unparalleled photography capabilities.

The X100 boasts a 5,000 mAh battery with a 100W charger, while the X100 Pro elevates the game with a 5,400 mAh battery and a 120W wired charger. With up to 16GB of LPDDR5T RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, these devices promise not only high performance but also a seamless user experience.

The comprehensive connectivity spectrum covers USB-C 3.2, WiFi-7, 5G, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.3. While global anticipation reaches a crescendo, Vivo is yet to unveil the official launch date for the X100 series in India, intensifying the thrill for eager fans.

Folding into the Future – Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 are expected to come with drastic display changes

Samsung’s next-gen foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, are ready to emerge from the shadows of leaks and speculation. Anticipation is building as these technological marvels, poised to make their grand entrance midway through the upcoming year, promise to redefine the realm of foldable smartphones.

The latest revelation, originating from a post on the Korean blogging site Naver, adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative. A seasoned tipster suggests a departure from the norm, hinting at unique display aspect ratios for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and its flip counterpart.

The inner sanctum of the foldable, its primary display, is undergoing a metamorphosis, promising a departure from the Galaxy Z Fold 5. This shift, as per the source, will not only influence the inner display but also ripple through to reshape the aesthetics of the outer cover display, promising an overall transformation in the look and feel of the device.

While the tipster tantalizingly holds back the exact aspect ratio details, the leak, sourced from the intricate web of supply chain insiders, carries an air of authenticity. Turning our gaze to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, the tipster weaves a tale of refinement. Changes, albeit subtle, are on the horizon, with a thinner bezel gracing the inner display, promising a sleeker profile. The distinctive odd-shaped folder-like design of the current Galaxy Z Flip 5’s cover display is also set to undergo a notable evolution.

This leak, a harmonious echo of previous reports suggesting larger displays, teases not just changes but a breath of fresh air. For the Galaxy Z Fold 6, envision a complete redesign, a metamorphic shift in form factor, with a rejuvenated display aspect ratio at its core. Samsung’s foldable future beckons, promising innovation that transcends the ordinary.

The Future of Play – Sony’s PS VR2 Headset Makes a Grand Entrance in India!

Sony is set to unleash a visual extravaganza in India with the arrival of its second-generation Virtual Reality marvel, the PlayStation VR2. A culmination of cutting-edge technology, this headset boasts a mesmerizing 4K HDR resolution (2000×2040 per eye) and an OLED screen operating at a blistering 120Hz refresh rate.

Crafted for an immersive experience, the PS VR2 offers a personalized fit with its adjustable headset band. Sony has taken innovation a step further by introducing a lens adjustment dial, vibration feedback, and advanced haptics for controllers. Its 110-degree field of view, foveated rendering, and revolutionary eye-tracking technology set this gaming giant apart. The latter optimizes rendering by adjusting image quality outside the user’s direct line of sight.

Equipped with four tracking cameras and a passthrough mode for real-world awareness, the PS VR2 requires the powerful PlayStation 5 for its magic, connected via a USB Type-C port. This virtual reality masterpiece can be acquired through leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Reliance Digital, Croma, and ShopAtSC, priced at Rs 57,990—an investment surpassing the cost of the PlayStation 5 itself.

For the ultimate gaming odyssey, enthusiasts can indulge in the Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle, encompassing the latest VR Game along with the headset, all for a captivating price of ₹61,999. So, prepare to be transported to realms beyond imagination with the PlayStation VR2 – where reality meets the extraordinary.