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Dell Technologies Launches Brand New Consumer-Oriented AI-Powered PC Lineup

On April 8th, 2024, Dell Technologies announced a brand new lineup of AI-enabled consumer and gaming PCs in India. The launch unveiled 3 new lines of PCs – XPS 14 & 16, Alienware m16 R2, and Inspiron 14 Plus. The devices are powered by top-of-the-line Intel® Core TM Ultra processors with integrated AI to enhance the speed and performance capabilities of the PCs. The new lineup is perfect for students, gamers, professionals, and content creators.

What’s New?

With the expansion of the XPS series, the XPS 16 is Dell’s most powerful laptop yet with supercharged performance more complex workload. The XPS 14 is the ideal laptop for travellers who need portability with its lightweight but stunning design. The new additions to the XPS series are powered by neural processing units (NPU), which means they no longer need to solely rely on a CPU or GPU for processing and performance.

A special opportunity arose at the event where Exhibit got exclusive quotes from Pujan Chadha, Director for Product Marketing, Consumer and Small Business, Dell Technologies, India. In our conversation about the novelty of the new PCs, he said, “There are typically 4 things that every product guy at Dell keeps in mind. One is the design factor, the other is the performance, then is the immersive experience, and lastly, sustainability. These are the 4 cores that every person within the Dell fraternity, from a product team standpoint, keep in mind at the time of designing new products.”

Pujan Chadha – Pujan Chadha, Director for Product Marketing, Consumer and Small Business, Dell Technologies, India.

Keeping their core vision in mind, the Alienware m16 R2 is designed specifically for gamers. Alienware m16 R2 focuses on portability without compromising on performance and speed. It includes Intel Core Ultra H Series processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics for a stunning, smooth performance. The key change is the use of the cryo-tech thermal solution to balance out the performance capability and also has a Stealth Mode button, eliminating the pesky loud fan noise that draws attention. Last but not least, the Inspiron 14 Plus is a powerful PC with a range of AI-powered assets, including auto-framing and better visual enhancements. The creativity within one device is perfect for your work-from-home needs.

Pricing:

The XPS 16 (9640) starts at INR 2,99,990 and releasing on April 25, 2024.
The XPS 14 (9440) starts at INR 1,99,990 and releasing on April 25, 2024.
The Alienware m16 R2 starts at INR 1,49,999 and released on April 9, 2024.
The Inspiron 14 Plus (7440) starts at INR 1,05,999 and released on April 8, 2024.

Dell Technology Recognises AI as an Asset

Dell Technologies is bold with its AI capabilities and development. This range of products is powered by AI for seamless performance. The new XPS 16 & 14 include a personal AI assistant to do your heavy lifting. The Inspiron 14 Plus has AI-enabled auto framing that dynamically adjusts to keep your person centred on the camera and the eye contact feature is on even when you look away. Despite the great potential of AI, there is still hesitation around the functionality. At the launch, they had guest speakers demonstrate AI’s potential.

To this, Pujan Chadha assures, “We look at each and everything as an opportunity. Even internally, we look at AI in terms of empowering our own team members. We encourage them to adopt AI wherever possible and then take it to another level. Our ethos from a Dell standpoint remains clear whatever technologies we create are more to fuel the potential of human beings. So human beings continue to be the key to each and everything we do. From that standpoint, we are pretty excited about what AI can bring in the next few years. It is still in the very niche stage of coming up so a lot of it is wait and watch.”

Raj Kumar Rishi, the Vice President and Managing Director, Consumer and Small Business, Dell Technologies, India, brilliantly sums it up at the ceremony itself:

“We are at the intersection of AI and personal computing and have the unique position to lead the PC experience revolution. Dell Technologies is just as excited today as we’ve ever been about the future of PC, of it being and will continue to be our customer’s true digital partner. We’re focused on being the leading consumer PC provider for the AI era with new AI-enabled lineups that are more intuitive, efficient, and adaptable for everyone. The next generation of CPUs, GPUs, and the addition of NPUs and accelerators will enable our customers in India to handle even more complicated AI workloads and that’s a winning opportunity for the PC.”

Final Thoughts

Chadha also finally reflects on the future of Dell, “We have always been very positive. Our motto is always the same. We simply want to make our customers very happy, to choose us, and to participate in their success and growth. That’s it, we want to make our customers happy.”

It’s a dedication and devotion to better performance and natural growth that Dell promises with their products. The new consumer portfolio upholds Dell’s reputation as the Leader in Technology and presents a bright future for them and their customers. The ceremony buzzed with the energy and excitement of a new era.

Review – Moto Edge 50 Pro

The Moto Edge 50 Pro emerges as a true standout, boasting a level of visual excellence that’s bound to turn heads and elevate your everyday viewing experience to new heights. Let’s see what it holds within.

Design

Moto Edge 50 Pro is a smartphone that has been designed to perfection. Right from the moment you lay eyes on the Moto Edge 50 Pro, it’s evident that every detail has been meticulously crafted to grab the attention. The harmonious blend of silicone vegan leather finish and metal frames exudes a sense of sophistication and refinement. Available in two captivating colours – Luxe Lavender and Black Beauty, the vegan leather not only adds a touch of luxury but also underscores Moto’s commitment to sustainability. And for those with a penchant for opulence, the world’s first handmade design in Moonlight Pearl Finish offers a level of exclusivity that is simply unmatched. The device we received for review was of a blue colour with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

The Moto Edge 50 Pro arrives in eco-friendly packaging, a testament to Moto’s commitment to sustainability. As you peel back the layers, you’ll be greeted by materials that are not only gentle on the environment but also elegant in their simplicity. To make your smartphone experience sensorial, Moto has come up with the concept of ‘fragrance in an box’. As you lift the lid, a subtle yet tantalising scent wafts through the air, enveloping you in a unique sensorial experience. It’s a small touch, but one that elevates the unboxing process to new heights, leaving a lasting impression long after the initial excitement fades.

Display

At the heart of the Moto Edge 50 Pro lies the world’s first and only true colour display, validated by none other than Pantone, the global authority on colour. The core display specifications of the Moto Edge 50 Pro are nothing short of impressive, setting a new standard for what’s possible in mobile visual technology. With a generous 6.7-inch pOLED display, users are treated to a canvas that’s both expansive and immersive, perfect for indulging in your favourite content with the utmost clarity and detail. With support for a staggering 1.5K resolution, every image and video comes to life with breathtaking sharpness and clarity, pulling you into the heart of the action with unrivalled fidelity.

Thanks to its impressive 144Hz refresh rate, scrolling through your feed or engaging in fast-paced gaming feels smoother and more fluid than ever before, delivering a level of responsiveness that’s second to none. Combined with its 3D curved display, which not only enhances aesthetics but also adds to the overall immersion, the Moto Edge 50 Pro offers a visual experience that’s truly beyond compare. With HDR10+ support, colours are rendered with stunning vibrancy and contrast, elevating your viewing experience to cinematic levels of immersion.

Camera

The Moto Edge 50 Pro sports the world’s first AI-powered pro-grade camera system validated by Pantone, and let me tell you, it’s nothing short of extraordinary. The camera is not just about capturing moments; it’s about elevating them to art. With the AI Photo Enhancement Engine, even novice photographers can effortlessly achieve professional-quality images. From boosting dynamic range to refining software-based bokeh and reducing noise in low-light environments, every shot is a masterpiece waiting to happen.

At its core lies the segment’s widest aperture primary 50MP 2um camera with OIS, capturing stunning detail and clarity in every shot. Accompanying this powerhouse are the 13MP ultrawide+macro secondary camera, the 10MP telephoto camera with 3X optical zoom and 30X hybrid zoom, and the segment’s highest 50MP selfie camera with autofocus and an improved aperture of f/1.9. And let’s not forget its ability to record 4K videos on both the front and back cameras, ensuring your memories are preserved in stunning clarity.

Performance

The Moto Edge 50 Pro sports the formidable Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, a 4nm marvel that pushes the boundaries of performance to new heights. Thanks to its Generative AI features support, the smartphone offers a smoother gaming experience, support for higher resolution videos, and lightning-fast GPU/CPU speeds. And with faster 5G connectivity and greater power efficiency, the Moto Edge 50 Pro ensures that you’re always ahead of the curve, no matter where life takes you.

With a generous 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, this device is a multitasking powerhouse, effortlessly juggling multiple apps and tasks without breaking a sweat. Navigating the Moto Edge 50 Pro’s intuitive interface is a breeze, thanks to the innovative Hello UI. With all Moto apps conveniently housed in one place, customisation and personalisation have never been easier. And with the latest Android 14 onboard, along with assured 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of SMR updates, you can rest assured that your device will always be up to date and secure.

With IP68 underwater protection, the Moto Edge 50 Pro offers worry-free water usage, withstanding immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Whether you’re caught in a sudden downpour or accidentally drop your device in water, rest assured that the Moto Edge 50 Pro can handle it with ease.

Battery

With the Moto Edge 50 Pro, you’re treated to not just one but two groundbreaking charging technologies. The segment’s only TurboPowerTM 50W wireless charging ensures that you’re always powered up and ready to go, without the hassle of tangled wires or cumbersome cables. And for those moments when time is of the essence, the 125W TurboPowerTM charging kicks into high gear, fully charging your phone’s 4500mAh battery in as little as 18 minutes under ideal conditions.

Verdict

Motorola has taken a conservative approach in a few areas to keep the pricing competitive. The Moto Edge 50 Pro does not have an ultra-high resolution screen or the most powerful zoom camera. It is not a benchmark setter in any critical area, but it offers a good combination of performance, camera capability, and general ease of use, complemented by ultra-fast charging. Compared to its predecessor, the Edge 50 Pro is superior in many ways, but we suggest purchasing it at an offered price rather than its actual price.

Price

8GB RAM/256GB with a 68W charger at ₹31,999 (offer price ₹27,999)
12GB RAM/256GB with a 125W charger at ₹35,999 (offer price ₹31,999)

Sales for the new Moto Edge 50 Pro will begin on April 9th, 2024 at 12 pm IST. The phone will be available for purchase on Flipkart, Motorola.in, and at major retail outlets, such as Reliance Digital. Additionally, Flipkart will offer exclusive early access to a limited stock of the Handmade Moon Light Pearl Finish variant during a live commerce event on April 8th, 2024 at 7 pm IST.

Also read: Review – HP Omen Transcend 14

Review – HP Omen Transcend 14

The HP Omen Transcend 14 laptop is specially designed for gamers and creators who want to play and create anywhere with an emphasis on portability. The laptop was unveiled at CES 2024 and labelled as the world’s coolest and lightest 14-inch gaming laptop. Like all gaming laptops, the HP Omen Transcend 14 is available in various customisable configurations. The machine we received for the review comes at a retail price of ₹1,74,999 and had an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.

Design and Display

The HP Omen Transcend 14 boasts a sleek metal design with vibrant colours and a sturdy build. It lacks glowing logos but features an attractive RGB-lit keyboard. While the screen’s hinge doesn’t open to 180 degrees, efficient cooling ensures optimal performance. Connectivity options include Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and HDMI 2.1, though they are limited. Its touchpad offers smooth navigation and decent sensitivity for everyday tasks and light gaming, though the pre-installed software may be overwhelming.

The Transcend 14 is a remarkable machine that stands out from the crowd thanks to its blend of style, performance, and immersion. However, its true magic lies in its OLED screen, which is mesmerising when turned on. The display has a luminance of 398.3 nits in SDR, producing vivid and vibrant colours that bring images to life. With a resolution of 2880 x 1800, the display is a masterful canvas that can render text, images, and videos with exquisite detail and clarity.

The Transcend 14 also supports HDR and can shine with a brightness of up to 500 nits, which creates a realm of breathtaking realism. It may not be the brightest display out there, but it delivers a well-balanced performance that elevates your gaming and multimedia experiences to new heights of immersion. The cinematic wonder of the display brings your favourite movies and games to life with unparalleled clarity and depth, drawing you into the heart of the action.

Webcam, Biometrics and Speakers

The webcam of the Transcend 14, while boasting 1080p resolution, falls short on sharpness and vibrancy, even in well-lit environments. Regarding the microphone, it’s functional enough for clear communication, though not remarkable. Biometric features like the IR camera for Windows Hello login perform reliably across diverse lighting scenarios. The laptop offers decent audio quality along with spacious sound with high-end detail and low-end bass, but it can become shrill and lose clarity at higher volumes.

Performance

We got our hands on the Omen Transcend 16/22 Core Ultra 7 155H, equipped with 16GB DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an RTX 4060 laptop GPU. Despite opting for a slightly lower spec than its counterparts, it’s a sensible choice given the laptop’s slim profile and cooling capabilities, minimising throttling issues. In productivity and creative tasks, it competes closely with models like the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED and Acer Swift Go 14, slightly lagging in some benchmarks but excelling in others.

While gaming, it offers playable frame rates in AAA titles, albeit not at maximum settings or resolutions. For instance, in Returnal, it achieves 72fps at 1080p Epic settings but drops to 40fps at QHD and lower at higher resolutions. Despite its power, the Transcend 14 remains surprisingly quiet, with its fans emitting a mere whisper even under heavy load. Whether for work or play, it’s a versatile and efficient option, seamlessly balancing performance with portability.

Verdict

The HP Omen Transcend 14 is a fantastic gaming laptop that is also suitable for non-gamers. It boasts impressive gaming performance and features a stunning OLED display. The laptop is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for people who want a powerful yet easily transportable machine, but gamers who want maximum performance should look elsewhere.

Learning a New Language? Here Are 5 Apps Better Than Duolingo

We’ve all seen and used Duolingo once in our lifetime. Maybe you had the impulse to learn French with how romantic it can be or you really want to understand anime without subtitles so you decided to take up Japanese. However, it’s also common knowledge that Duolingo is not the best way to learn. Their methods don’t allow for consistent progress. We’ve all seen the weird sentences that you would not use regularly as genuine practice. So what should you use?

Memrise

This UK-based app has a great range of coursework to choose from. You can even choose what you would like to focus on and it has reinforcement-based learning. Progress has never been more consistent with Memrise and they use appropriate visual aids to help you memorise vocabulary seamlessly.

Mango Languages

Mango Languages is superior in every way. It doesn’t rush you into learning and takes the time to explain the logic behind the grammar and vocabulary. This app is for more serious than casual learners but in our opinion, if you wish to learn something even casually, a serious teaching method will do wonders.

Busuu

A huge competitor to Duolingo, Busuu has the same approach to learning as Duolingo with its simple exercises but unlike Duolingo, your work is reviewed by fluent and native speakers. That is an optional advantage but it makes a huge difference to interact with fluent speakers and get their feedback.

Babbel

Babbel is again similar to Duolingo but without the nonsensical sentences about animals wearing shirts. Babbel’s gamified coursework is more catered to real-life conversations and scenarios. Thus, giving you practice for daily situations that you might find yourself stuck in. It presents a good challenge to language learners.

LingoDeer

LingoDeer found everything wrong about Duolingo and fixed it. The app is catered towards beginners, a level that language apps are mostly used for. They teach and drill simple vocabulary into you first rather than throwing you in. While this is a confusing method for beginners, serious learners at the beginner level might also appreciate their story-reading coursework.

The Tech That Makes the 2024 IPL Possible

After the exciting start to the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) on 22 March 2024, we thought it would be timely to discuss the IPL’s technology that makes the experience more enjoyable. The IPL is a huge event worldwide, with a devoted crowd and heftier new coverage. Their reliability is through their technology usage in the most appropriate ways to provide accurate and thorough information. We have compiled a list of their tech and their purpose to give you, the reader, more insight into the thrilling event.

Hawk-Eye Operators – Smart Replay

IPL has developed its technology to its maximum potential over its 16 years of operation. In 2024, they adopted one of the most effective systems – The Smart Replay System by Hawk-Eye cameras. This system directly assists the umpires in making precise decisions. This includes two cameras that assist the TV umpire directly and eight cameras recording footage all around the field. These different angles provide the best quality images to the umpire.

BuggyQam

The Buggy Camera is a high-quality camera system that allows high and low-speed video recordings at a low speed. BuggyQam is more specifically a 5-axis-stabilized camera with smooth movement on the ground. It also eliminates jitter, even at maximum zoom.

Dolby Atmos Sound System

In 2023, Star Sports Network partnered with Dolby to bring the Dolby ATMOS sound system to every fan watching. Considering that not everyone worldwide can attend a physical match at the stadium, they decided to make the IPL more immersive with the Dolby ATMOS (5.1.4). They have optimised the sound to simulate a stadium brought right to your couch.

Snickometer

For accurate conclusions, the Snickometer is a device attached to the wicket that catches sound frequencies made by the bat hitting the ball or a part of the cricketer’s body. This does filter out any other distracting sounds–cheering audiences, wind, or the batsman’s foot movement, stuff that is unnecessary to a point scored in cricket. It shows a slow-motion, play-by-play replay that then goes through an oscilloscope (electronic test equipment) to display any spikes in frequency. This spike would only be a result of the bat hitting the ball.

Spidercam

Spidercam is a cable-suspended camera system that moves both horizontally and vertically. The camera operates with four motorised winches over the area and is positioned on each corner. It is also commonly known as the Flying Fox camera.

Speed Gun

The speed of the ball is calculated with the Speed Gun. The Speed Gun is essentially a radar gun that works on the principle of the Doppler Effect, also known as the Doppler Shift. The Doppler Effect, in simple words, is a change in frequency relative to the source of a wave and its observer. The Speed Gun is propped near the sight screen on a high pillar. Radio waves are transmitted to any moving object but mostly to the ball to calculate its speed.

360° Cameras

Ever wonder how you get every angle of a run, even an amazing cover drive by Virat Kohli? 360° Cameras make those difficult to spot possible. This expensive but useful camera setup is made up of 100 cameras all over the stadium. So, while it costs a fortune and more, it is worth the spectacle.

Hot Spot Technology

Now here’s a more controversial product. While Hot Spot Technology is efficient and trustworthy, there have been alleged loopholes that players adopt to go undetected. The way Hot Spot works is it identifies heat signals produced by a hit and determines if the player is out. However, some players can apply Vaseline or tape so that it wouldn’t spot anything. Thus, while it was trustworthy in the past and used less, the latest technology like Snickometer and Hawk-Eye Operators are infinitely reliable.

Real-Time Analytics

Data analytics has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts all over the world. The coaches and captains use data-driven analytics to make decisions on the cricket pitch as well as judgements of who to match up. The real-time statistics keep the audience and at-home viewers informed. This allows enthusiasts to take a deep dive into the strategic side of cricket.

LED Stumps and Bails

Across the more than 1 acre field, matches are almost always too close. Stumpings and dislodged bails are close calls that can make or break a game. LED stumps and bails light up when they break and come off their groves, making the judgement easier. It’s also a delight for enthusiasts to see them light up.

Apple MacBook Air with M3 chip goes on sale in India

Launched on March 4, Apple’s MacBook Air with M3 is now available for purchase in India. The MacBook Air with M3 features a sleek design along with unrivalled performance and is offered in 13-inch and 15-inch display options. Starting at a price of ₹1,14,900 for the 13-inch model and ₹1,34,900 for the 15-inch variant, the MacBook Air with M3 arrives with its array of captivating hues, including midnight, starlight, silver, and space grey, ensuring a match for every taste and style.

The new MacBook Air range is not just about aesthetics—Apple has crafted a powerhouse with the M3 chip, boasting a staggering 60% increase in performance compared to the M1 chip. The MacBook Air welcomes you to dive into a world of seamless multitasking and lightning-fast processing as the 16-core Neural Engine unleashes the full potential of AI applications, from language models to image generation, all within the confines of your MacBook Air.

Featuring a feather-light design and an astonishing battery life of up to 18 hours, the MacBook Air with M3 is the epitome of portability and endurance. Immerse yourself in the brilliance of the Liquid Retina display, enhanced by 2x faster internet connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring an unparalleled browsing experience. The new MacBook Air elevate your video calls with the 1080p FaceTime HD camera and revels in crystal-clear audio, thanks to the three-mic array and enhanced voice clarity. And for the audiophiles, indulge in a sensory journey with the immersive sound system, boasting support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

The M3-loaded MacBook Air offers great possibilities with customizable configurations, ranging from 8GB unified memory and 512GB storage to a luxurious 16GB memory option, ensuring that your MacBook Air is tailored to your every need. And the cherry on top? Unlock exclusive offers, including a generous bank discount of ₹8,000 on HDFC bank credit cards, or opt for a hassle-free instalment plan on select bank cards because luxury should be within reach for all who dare to dream.

Price

MacBook Air with M3 (13-inch):
8GB unified memory + 512GB storage – ₹1,34,900
16GB unified memory + 512GB storage – ₹1,54,900

MacBook Air with M3 – (15-inch):
8GB unified memory + 512GB storage – ₹1,54,900
16GB unified memory + 512GB storage – ₹1,74,900

Calm your Mind with STM Relax and Reawaken cases

The STM Relax and Reawaken Cases are designed to provide complete protection for your iPhone 15 series while offering innovative features for convenience and functionality. These cases are made from high-quality materials such as ABS and silicone, which ensure reliable protection against scratches, drops, and other daily wear and tear. The case has precise cutouts that allow for easy access to ports.

The Relax variant of The Focus Collection incorporates a mesmerizing flowing sand design effect that mimics the natural patterns of sand dunes or the tranquil waves of a tropical beach. It creates a soothing and calming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day or setting a peaceful ambience for meditation or yoga. The gentle movement of the sand effect provides a subtle visual stimulation that can aid in relaxation and help clear the mind.

The Reawaken variant is cutting-edge technology that is designed to help you achieve a state of heightened focus and concentration. It does so by following the movement of your fingers along its captivating contours, providing you with unique tactile feedback that helps you release your mind from the clutter of daily life. This innovative technology enhances your productivity, creativity, and overall well-being by allowing you to tap into your innate potential and experience a sense of flow like never before.

Furthermore, the lightweight design of the case makes it easy to carry and use your iPhone 15 on the go. The case enhances the overall usability of your device without adding unnecessary bulk, whether you’re texting, taking photos, or watching videos.

In conclusion, the STM Relax and Reawaken Cases for iPhone 15 offer a perfect combination of style, protection, and functionality. This case is a must-have accessory for iPhone 15 owners looking to enhance their device’s look and calm their minds. Whether you’re a busy professional or a casual user, the STM Relax and Reawaken Case delivers on its promise of quality and reliability.

How to Nearby Share? Apple has AirDrop; Android has Nearby Share

Apple’s AirDrop is a proprietary ad hoc service allowing Apple machine users to seamlessly transfer and share content among Apple devices, including Macs, iPads and iPhones. This service has been robust and reliable, almost a second nature for sharing content among Apple device users. Google has been experimenting with something similar for decades. Their last known attempt was Android Beam, which was limited to specific devices during nascent years over a decade ago in 2011. Competition has proven to improve the market for everyone involved and thereby was born Nearby Share.

Launched on August 4, 2020, Nearby Share is a service provided by Google that acts similarly to Apple devices but is not limited to Google devices. Nearby Share is not to be mistaken for Nearby Sharing, the service by Microsoft on Windows 10 or later. Google’s Nearby Share is available for all Android, ChromeOS and Windows devices. Nearby Share is compatible with devices running Android 6.0 or later, ChromeOS 91 or later, and Windows 10 or later. This service is built into the OS for Android and ChromeOS devices, while Windows devices need a separate installation with permissions for WiFi and Bluetooth.

On Android and ChromeOS, Nearby Share is enabled by going to Connected Devices > Connection preferences > Nearby Share (or Google > Devices & sharing > Nearby Share) in the settings app and enabling “Use Nearby Share.” Samsung has banked on the Google partnership and merged this service with what they name “Quick Share”. Weirdly, in the tech world, terminologies and technologies have different names on different devices. Vivo also names Nearby Share as Quick Share and so on. The options on display look like – Hidden, Contacts Only and Everyone (time limiter). The criteria are simple: one can simply share content like Apple devices on Android devices; Nearby Share allows for the sharing of files and links, such as images, videos, text, contact info, directions, YouTube videos, and other data. It shares content with Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WebRTC, and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi. It can be configured only to share content offline, restricting it to Bluetooth-only operation. When sharing content between two devices registered on the same Google account, there is no need to confirm file transmission or wake the other device to receive shared content. Forget data usage or document sharing on chat apps; Nearby Share is the authentic sauce for sharing files on Android and Windows.

Are you fed up with fake profiles on dating apps? Bumble has an AI solution for avoiding scams and frauds.

Bumble Inc. (BMBL), the popular women-centric dating app, has announced its latest feature, Deception Detector™, aiding its decade-long priority of building kind, safe, and authentic connections. Deception Detector™ uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help identify spam, scams and fake profiles, aiming to take action before members see them. Within the first two months of the technology’s introduction, Bumble saw member reports of spam, scams, and fake accounts reduced by 45%.

Research from Bumble Inc. shows that globally, respondents cited fake profiles and the risk of scams as their top concerns when online dating. In India, 29% of respondents expressed keeping their personal data safer, and 28% expressed the risk of scams as their top concern when meeting or dating people online. This concern and anxiety can lead people to miss out on meaningful connections that can positively impact their lives.

Deception Detector™ introduces a fast, reliable machine learning-based model to assess the authenticity of profiles and connections on Bumble Inc.’s platforms. Of those accounts identified as spam/scam profiles, Bumble Inc.’s testing showed that Deception Detector™ supported blocking 95% of these accounts automatically. This automated and AI-based technology is used in conjunction with dedicated human support to prioritise a safe and empowering community.

Lidiane Jones, CEO at Bumble Inc., addressed,

“In recent years, the online landscape has evolved significantly, and we see a growing concern about authenticity. Bumble Inc. was founded to build equitable relationships and empower women to make the first move. Deception Detector™ is our latest innovation as part of our ongoing commitment to our community to help ensure that connections made on our apps are genuine.

With a dedicated focus on women’s experience online, we recognise that in the AI era, trust is more paramount than ever. We are being thoughtful about using new models best to reduce the anxiety of making connections and support our community, with AI as a main focus area.”

Master Of All, Jack Of None Sony WF-1000XM5 Evolves, But How?

Sony nails it when it comes to their headphones but is still trying innovations with their TWS. Remember the cool-looking Sony wf-1000xm4? They were bulky, but the 6mm drivers were absolute bangers in some tunes. The xm5 improves the design, making them slightly more approachable, but the new 8mm drivers made me listen to more music than I usually do for a review.

Design

The newer design is a welcomed iteration of the wf-1000xm series. The older design was bulkier and heavier than the rounded and relatively lightweight XM5. The case, too, is redesigned, and it retains wireless charging. Overall, the new design can be summarised in one word – smooth. The Sony wf-1000xm5 is excellent to use visually and physically as a pair of daily audio drivers.

Audio performance

Here is where I had to listen to this pair for the longest time. The new 8mm drivers are different from the older 6mm drivers. Sony has managed to keep the sound stage as impressive as the earlier XM4, and just about every frequency is tuned perfectly for a relatively louder, clearer-sounding pair of earphones. My biggest issue was the excursion from the newer pair compared to the older ones. The 6mm drivers of the xm4 produce deeper bass, while the 8mm drivers of the xm5 produce a much tighter bass that audiophiles would appreciate. This is the pair’s highlight; it has become so precise that it seems like a pair of flat monitor speakers unless you customise it.

The software is king here. Overall, you still get that fantastic spatial audio, an AI that maps your ear canals through the camera and creates an audio graph to suit your ears. Only proceed to use these earphones with the software. They improve the sound by many folds and have some neat tricks to track your usage, upload settings to the cloud and link to your Sony account for easy pairing. Ambient sound control, the ability to pair with two devices simultaneously and DSEE extreme with a 5-step equalizer and ten positive or negative step clear bass settings allow the best audio fidelity with a wide range of codec support. ANC is suitable for most scenarios and can sometimes struggle thanks to the seal created by the newer foam + plastic tips; it is a hit or a miss for most users. Mic quality, call quality and battery life were excellent.

Battery

The earphones were always used with ANC on, and I could not kill them even after using them for 8+ hours on some days. I’ve used these earphones for more than 90+ hours, and they have never managed to die on me yet. The battery life claimed is surpassed, with a quick charge from the case and the case’s capability to charge relatively fast with wireless charging ability. The case can charge these units twice, and unless you are on a multi-day trek, there are barely any chances the Sony wf-1000xm5 would run out of juice.

Verdict

Sony wf-1000xm5 is a definite evolution in all aspects, but the new drivers leave me wanting more bass excursions in life. Don’t get me wrong, I am nitpicking. In isolation, these are absolute masters of all and jacks of none. They have some of the most amazing sound quality in all genres of music, and this time around, they shall also appeal to the audiophile audience.