India’s premium air conditioner brand, Cruise, has roped in leading Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor as the brand face of its new cutting-edge VarioQool Ultra AC range. The new range offers customers a superior and smart cooling experience with best-in-class performance and air purification technologies.
Onboarding Vaani Kapoor resonates with modern consumers and their lifestyles, while the Cruise brand represents an exceptional and intelligent cooling experience. The new association will motivate a larger population to choose cooling options of the highest calibre. “I am happy to be the face of Cruise ACs as they do a truly fantastic job of cooling the soaring temperatures of India’s summers. Their new range offers smart and efficient cooling experience to its customers and thus, drive them to opt for a world-class cooling solution,” expresses Vaani Kapoor, Bollywood Actress.
Top Highlights of the new Cruise VarioQool Ultra DUAL EEV Inverter Air Conditioners range include AI convertible capacity for 25% faster cooling and up to 40% energy savings, with no irritating vibration sounds to ensure Noiseless Operation. 100% high-quality inner grooved copper tubes that enable faster heat exchange and longer air conditioner life, and its Rust-O-Shield anti-corrosion technology on the heat exchanger protects the AC in corrosive & coastal environments and keeps weather corrosion at bay. This range also comes with the 7-Stage Air Filtration with PM2.5 anti-bacterial and anti-viral functions that keep your indoor environment clean, pure, and healthy. Its AerPro filtration features VOC, Activated Charcoal, Catechin, Anti-bacterial, Silver ion and HD dust filter to deliver 99.9% pure air.
“We chose VaaniKapoor as the face of Cruise ACs because she embodies qualities we uphold – Style, Elegance & Diversity. She is known for her bold choices and carries a universal appeal despite playing a variety of roles. Our cooling solutions also need to be bold in the summer heat and are proven to perform in extreme conditions whether it’s in your home, office, restaurant, or a large ballroom for social gatherings,” says Roshan Sirohia, Director at Cruise Appliances Pvt Ltd.
Cruise Appliances has also been recently recognised as Asia’s Best Consumer Electronics Brand at the BARC Prestigious Brand Awards Asia 2023 in Abu Dhabi. This accolade reaffirms its passion and commitment to delivering world-class solutions to discerning customers of the Cruise group, and its latest VarioQool Ultra and VarioQool Pro range is a testament to its passion for constant innovation and sustainability.
If you are looking for an excellent tablet that serves as a healthy companion to your already large phones, there are only so many good options in India. Samsung makes excellent AMOLED tablets, but those are priced in similar categories as the iPads and the sheer iPad OS features, ecosystem locks, and restricted customisations are in a niche of their own. Xiaomi launched its Pad 5 almost two years ago, and this year it finally has competition from OnePlus. I bought the Pad 5 during its first sale and have been using it ever since. It has got several updates and is running the on the latest MIUI 14 OS based on Android 13. There is a significant price difference between the two, but how good is the new OnePlus Pad vs Xiaomi’s offering from two years ago? Let’s find out.
Design and built – Two different approaches
The Xiaomi Pad 5 features what you would consider an iPad Pro design form factor. It’s a polycarbonate matte-finish rear design with a camera island familiar to Xiaomi phones during the launch year. The rounded rectangle design is excellent to hold in hands from different angles and feels symmetrical. Overall it’s a tried and tested design with tactile buttons and relatively thicker bezels. Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support stereo switching based on the tablet’s orientation. At 511 gms, the tablet does feel tiring to hold when gaming for long, but a stand can solve this issue for most tablets. At 11 inches in a 16:10 aspect ratio, the physical dimensions are smaller than the OnePlus Pad.
The OnePlus Pad has an exciting design with a 2K 11.61-inch display. Despite weighing more than the Xiaomi Pad 5, at 550 gms, the OnePlus Pad feels slimmer to hold thanks to the clever design. Both the tablets miss a headphone jack, which is a huge turn-off. So they had the space to fill in 4 speakers in both tablets but could not make room for a little headphone jack? OnePlus expects you to use this tablet in landscape mode for most of your usage. Hence, the cameras are also placed in landscape orientation at their rear and upfront.
Display – 500nits of goodness
Why does one take a tablet? It has to be their display. In 2021, Xiaomi offered the Pad 5 with 500 nits of brightness IPS 2.5K+ panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The content looks rich, and display settings allow ample customisations on both tablets. In isolation, these tablets provide excellent video viewing performance coupled with great audio quality from Dolby Vision and Atmos support on both these tablets. The OnePlus Pad hits the ball right out of the park with support for a 144Hz refresh rate and a similar 2k resolution with similar 500 nits of brightness. OnePlus also offers various customisation options on the display as per your liking, which are more or less similar to Xiaomi Pad 5.
The real difference arises when one watches HDR content. Playing the same content next to each other reveals that the Xiaomi Pad 5 does good black levels, but then again, it suffers insane black crush issues. A thing reminiscent of 2021 Xiaomi devices in India, my Xiaomi Mi 11x has this black crush issue when playing HDR content. The OnePlus Pad, on the other hand, does not produce the same HDR brightness levels or deep black contrasts, but overall is the better display among the two for overall content consumption. Games and HDR content have no issues in the darkest areas, while the extra screen estate brings an increased immersive experience. On standard videos, you cannot go wrong with either of the tablets with sharpness, colours and saturation.
Performance – More than satisfactory
Considering that the Xiaomi Pad 5 was launched in the year 2021, it bought a balanced performance with the Snapdragon 860. It’s a 7nm SoC and has been performing flawlessly since the time I own the Xiaomi Pad 5. I have been gaming on this tablet ever since, and with updates, the tablet has become more efficient, if not powerful. The 6GB RAM + 3GB expandable is enough in most scenarios, but MIUI could get aggressive at RAM management, especially with gaming apps in the background.
OnePlus Pad is powered by a 4nm Mediatek Dimensity 9000 processor with 12GB RAM + 4 GB expandable. This one performs flawlessly and at times, better than the Snapdragon 860 in the Xiaomi Pad 5. This is apparent, especially during gaming; you can carry much higher frames and graphics settings in comparison. For example, Call of Duty mobile allows 120fps on the OnePlus Pad compared to a max of 90fps on the Pad 5. RAM management is similar to Xiaomi Pad 5, though games tend to reload if put in the background for more time than necessary. Overall, the wireless connectivity with dual-band WiFi on both pads is impressive, with the OnePlus Pad scoring high on WiFi 6 support and Bluetooth 5.3 compared to Bluetooth 5 on the Pad 5. Every app opens and performs excellently on these tablets.
OS – Tables turn
Performance shall only be as good as the software it runs on. This applies to both the Xiaomi Pad 5 and the OnePlus Pad. OnePlus Pad runs on the Oxygen OS 13.1, and apart from flexible Windows settings, nothing resembles anything special for the tablet. OnePlus needs to improve on this and provide an OTA update specifically for the OnePlus Pad. This feels like Color/Oxygen OS displayed on a large screen. The Xiaomi Pad 5 takes the cake in the software department. The tablet is feature loaded with gestures, multitasking capabilities with up to 5 windows running together, a dock accessible in most apps irrespective of the orientation and much more. MIUI 14 on the Pad 5 eliminates all the bloatware usually associated with affordable Xiaomi devices and brings a neat usage experience tailored to the tablet form factor.
Camera – They exist
OnePlus thinks we use the tablet in landscape orientation and never turn it to portrait mode like we never consume digital magazines or read articles online in comfortable portrait modes. Nonetheless, the camera placement is questionable. If you’re right-handed, you will smudge the rear and front cameras on the OnePlus Pad by simply holding the tablet. The best part is that the front 8MP with motion tracking and the rear 13MP camera are decent enough for use. Do not expect any phone-level performance from either tablet, but here are some photos and videos for your reference.
Accessories – Promises
Apart from chargers, the additional accessories for OnePlus Pad include a magnetic keyboard with a mouse pad that supports gestures. This accessory is worth 8K INR, making it a perfect small productive machine on the go. The typing experience is excellent for a tablet accessory, and the mouse pad is generous enough for the form factor. There’s also a stylus for all the creatives out there, which costs 5K INR and is nothing as impressive as the Apple Pencil or the Samsung S-pen but does its job well and charges magnetically via the OnePlus Pad. Xiaomi, on the other hand, has disappointed big time with its accessories options, there is only the Pen that can be had for 6K INR and brings 240Hz touch sampling with pressure points, but there is still no keyboard case available. Bluetooth keyboard is the only option as of now for the Xiaomi Pad 5. I hope they bring promised accessories with the next iteration; that said, isn’t it high time?
Battery and charging
The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a generous 8720mAh battery which charges via the bundled 33W charger. The OnePlus Pad has a 9510mAh battery which charges at 67W via the bundled 100W charger. The OnePlus Pad charges faster and lasts longer thanks to its efficiency and the Mediatek Dimensity 9000 4nm processor. If the Xiaomi Pad 5 lasts about 2-3 days over gaming, video consumption and music listening, the OnePlus Pad can easily surpass that time by almost 12 more hours than the Pad 5.
Verdict
The OnePlus Pad is definitely the one to get among the two if you are in the market for a great Android tablet. The Xiaomi Pad 5 was launched almost two years ago and still serves as an excellent value proposition for people strictly on a budget. In a world where flagship phones cost twice as much as these tablets, the OnePlus Pad brings flagship performance in a significant form factor. It is worth the additional asking price compared to the Xiaomi Pad 5. I am a Xiaomi Pad 5 owner, and the OnePlus Pad impresses with the hardware but desperately needs good tablet-oriented software. An exemplary job OnePlus on your first tablet. Xiaomi, it’s time for the Pad 6!
Netflix is known to spend a big chunk of its money on content generation which has been wildly criticized by both the trades and fans over the years. Netflix dropped $200 million for the film Red Notice which featured Ryan Reynolds and The Rock in prominent roles back in 2021 making it the most expensive direct-to-stream film of that year. This was followed by The Gray Man which was yet another humungous project budget-wise with its $200 million budget in 2022. Now, it looks like Netflix is finally getting a hold of its expenses and winding down its spending for 2023.
Netflix cuts costs
Netflix is reportedly planning to implement extensive budget cuts in 2023 in order to make the streaming platform more profitable. It was not long ago when Netflix revealed that it will be taking down the password-sharing option in order to increase profits. The Wall Street Journal reported that the streaming mogul is planning to cut down its spending by $300 million in 2023. The cost-cutting methods are limited to just cutting down expenses for now and the company is not expected to venture out to any layoffs at least for now.
Back in 2022, Netflix lost a sizeable chunk of subscribers amounting to 1 million which has prompted the company to cut costs and maximize profits. The streaming giant’s recent actions towards the password-sharing crackdown hints that the company is still seeking an increase in subscriptions.
The company’s decision to cut down costs means that the platform will likely produce lesser original content this year. Netflix has already been in troubled waters over canceling fan-favorite original shows. Halting or canceling shows furthermore in order to cut costs could result in greater fan scrutiny. Netflix stands at an interesting spot right now with increasing fan disappointment and decreasing costs for production. It undoubtedly has to charter these troubled waters with efficiency in order to go past this phase.
Summer is a time to relax and have fun, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to focus on your health and fitness goals. With the help of technology, staying fit and healthy during your summer vacation has never been easier. Whether you’re travelling or staying at home, there are a variety of fitness and wellness apps available to help you achieve your goals. Here are some of the best fitness and wellness apps to consider for your summer vacation:
Nike Training Club
Nike Training Club is a free app that offers a wide range of workouts designed by professional trainers. The app includes over 200 workouts, ranging from bodyweight exercises to full-body routines requiring equipment. You can customise your workout based on your fitness level, goals, and preferences. The app also includes personalised training plans, workout reminders, and a motivating community.
MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is a popular app that helps you track your food intake, set calorie goals, and monitor your progress. The app has an extensive database of foods, including restaurant meals, and allows you to scan barcodes to log your meals quickly. MyFitnessPal includes a recipe calculator, water tracker, and personalised recommendations based on your goals and activity level.
Headspace
Meditation and mindfulness are crucial for overall wellness, and Headspace is an app that can help you. The app offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep sounds to help you reduce stress and improve your mental well-being. Headspace also includes personalised plans for different aspects of your life, such as relationships, work, and sports.
FitOn
FitOn is a free fitness app that offers a variety of workout videos, including dance cardio, yoga, and HIIT. The app also allows you to join live classes and work out with friends. FitOn includes personalised workout plans, progress tracking, and a community to keep you motivated and accountable.
Sworkit
Sworkit is an app that offers customisable workouts that can be done anywhere without equipment. The app includes pre-made workout plans and allows you to create workouts by selecting exercises and setting the duration. Sworkit also includes a customised warm-up and cool-down, progress tracking, and personalised recommendations based on your fitness level and goals.
Calm
Calm is an app that offers guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxing music to help you reduce stress and improve sleep quality. The app also includes breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques. Calm offers personalised plans for different aspects of your life, such as stress reduction, focus, and creativity.
Aaptiv
Aaptiv is an audio-based fitness app that offers guided workouts, including running, cycling, and strength training. The app includes music playlists and allows you to customise your workouts based on your fitness level and goals. Aaptiv also includes progress tracking, personalised recommendations, and a community to keep you motivated.
In a world driven by technological advancements, it is essential to acknowledge the profound impact of technology on our lives. National Technology Day in India serves as a momentous occasion to commemorate the country’s scientific and technological achievements. This day not only honours the brilliant minds behind groundbreaking innovations but also highlights the significance of technology in shaping our future. Join us on a journey to explore the history and importance of National Technology Day, as we celebrate India’s triumphs in the realm of science and technology.
Why do we celebrate National Technology Day?
National Technology Day, celebrated annually on May 11th, marks the day when India conducted its first successful nuclear test in Pokhran, Rajasthan, in 1998. Codenamed “Operation Shakti,” this landmark event demonstrated India’s capabilities as a nuclear power. The success of this test placed India among the elite nations with nuclear capabilities and heralded a new era in the country’s scientific prowess.
Significance of Operation Shakti
Nestled in the arid landscape of Rajasthan, Pokhran has long been synonymous with India’s nuclear ambitions. Having conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, India recognized the need to enhance its technological prowess to secure its interests on the global stage. Operation Shakti served as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment towards ensuring a secure future.
Operation Shakti involved a series of nuclear tests conducted in May, under the utmost secrecy and meticulous planning. India’s scientific community worked tirelessly to develop and refine indigenous technologies, culminating in a display of cutting-edge advancements. The operation witnessed successful detonations of both fission and thermonuclear devices, propelling India into the exclusive club of nuclear powers capable of mastering such technologies.
Operation Shakti was a definitive statement, reflecting India’s resolve to counter regional threats and maintain strategic stability. By showcasing its nuclear capabilities, India reinforced its commitment to an independent foreign policy and a credible deterrent. The operation also served as a stark reminder that India’s security interests would not be compromised, fostering a climate of peace and security in the region.
Operation Shakti was not an endorsement of an arms race, but rather a strategic move to safeguard national security interests. India has consistently advocated for global nuclear disarmament and maintains a no-first-use nuclear weapons policy. Through Operation Shakti, India highlighted the need for nuclear powers to work together towards disarmament while ensuring an equitable and secure international order.
The annual tech extravaganza, Google I/O, is just a stone’s throw away. The tech event brings the launch of the much-awaited Pixel 7A, Pixel Fold and maybe Pixel Tablet. Although the event primarily caters to developers, Google never fails to hold a keynote speech to reveal the latest and most innovative technologies that will soon be at the fingertips of consumers. Here’s everything you need to know about when and where to stream the event and a sneak peek of what to expect.
When?
The main attraction of the Google I/O 2023 event is the much-anticipated keynote, which is set to take place on May 10th, 2023, at 10:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), 1 PM Eastern Time and 10 AM Pacific Time. Google CEO Sundar Pichai will deliver remarks at the event, which will be held in person at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California, with a small live audience in attendance.
Where?
If you are eager to watch the Google I/O keynote, you can catch it live from various sources, such as Google’s official website and YouTube channel. In case you missed the live broadcast, don’t freak out! The recorded version will be available on YouTube to catch up on at your convenience.
What to expect?
Pixel 7A
The highly anticipated Google Pixel 7A has been making rounds in the rumour mill for several months now, and the device will likely be announced at the upcoming I/O event. Recent leaks have revealed a new sky-blue colour option as well as the packaging the device will come in. In fact, someone even managed to get their hands on the Pixel 7A back in March.
According to rumours, the Pixel 7A is expected to come with notable upgrades, such as a Tensor G2 chip and an upgraded 64MP primary camera with a 13MP ultrawide camera. In a first for Google’s budget-friendly A-series devices, it may also launch with a 90Hz refresh rate and support for wireless charging. However, these upgrades may come at a cost, as rumours suggest it could be priced at around ₹45k to 50k.
Pixel Tablet
Google fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of the Pixel Tablet for a while. After the initial unveiling of the Android-powered tablet at the 2022 I/O conference, leaked images showed a design that didn’t quite measure up. However, recent leaks suggest that the Pixel Tablet has undergone a significant overhaul and fits perfectly into the Pixel ecosystem.
The tablet is expected to come in various colours, and according to rumours from 9to5Google, the Pixel Tablet will feature the Tensor G2 chip, Android 13, 8GB of RAM, and an 11-inch display with a nano-ceramic finish. An early listing on Amazon confirms these rumours and indicates that the device may come with two 8-MP cameras, three microphones, up to 256GB of storage, and USI 2.0 stylus support.
Pixel Fold
A foldable Pixel phone is coming, and Google has finally confirmed the rumours circulating for some time – The search giant shared a teaser image and video showcasing the new device, which folds like a book. Unfortunately, the specifications of the Pixel Fold were not released, but a CNBC report suggests that it could have a 5.8-inch display when folded and a 7.6-inch screen when unfolded – a size identical to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4. The Pixel Fold is anticipated to be powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, which is used in Pixel 7 series devices.
Android 14
Google I/O 2023 will likely unveil more about Android 14, the latest version of the Android operating system. The OS comes with several enhancements that cater to foldable devices, tablets, and larger screens, making it a perfect fit for introducing the Pixel Fold. Google has already released the beta version of Android 14, which includes several new features, such as better battery life, improved privacy controls, and enhanced font scaling. Additionally, the operating system has a new back arrow that blends with your background and supports passkeys.
AI
Google’s upcoming I/O keynote is expected to focus heavily on AI-related announcements, as the tech giant recently launched its ChatGPT rival, Bard, and is preparing to launch PaLM 2, the latest version of its large language model that supports over 100 languages. According to CNBC, Google is also expanding the generative AI tools it’s been testing in Workspace to Sheets and Slides and may announce enhancements to Bard, including “generative experiences” related to coding, math, and logic, as well as support for Japanese and Korean languages. Additionally, reports suggest that Google will release new AI-powered search tools this month.
It won’t be an understatement to say that we are going through an AI revolution. Ever since the inception of ChatGPT in November 2022, the landscape of AI around the world changed rapidly. Soon, big tech players like Microsoft, Google, Meta, and even social media giants like Snapchat jumped onto the bandwagon and released their own AI products. Now, AI has become a common tool people use in their day-to-day lives. Be it researching a topic or just having a casual conversation with a chatbot, AI has quickly carved a place in the human experience.
Before we jump onto the list of the best AI tools let’s understand what they are and how they help users. AI tools can be defined as software programs or platforms that allow developers and general users in the training, testing, creation and deployment of AI models and their applications. These tools generally use machine learning, deep learning, and other AI technologies to evaluate data and make predictions based on the said data. AI tools allow users to improve performance, individualize experiences, and save costs. Here are some of the top AI tools you can use right now which are 100% free –
Simplified
As the name suggests, Simplified exists to make your life easier. It gives users comprehensive solutions for content creation and also streamlines a content creator’s everyday routine easily. It comes with graphic design capabilities which allow users to create invites, advertisements, social media posts, and more. It also comes loaded with specific templates for the creator’s ease. It also features an AI writer which allows users to easily compose any form of written material and also includes a rewriting tool. What if I told you that this AI tool can also build a social media strategy for you? Well, that’s true! Simplified can create a social media strategy for users allowing them to handle their social channels swiftly. In a nutshell, Simplified is the go-to AI tool for you and your organization for content production solutions.
Blackbox
Blackbox is a boon for coders who are tired of being stuck in their mundane routines. It is an assistant for coders which provides a significant productivity increase for developers. It can turn any question into a code. For example, users can search ‘How to make a snake in Python’ and Blackbox provides a complete code solution for the query. It can also extract code from any video and search for codes from over 100 million repositories.
Unscreen
Another handy tool for content creators is Unscreen. It is an AI tool that is capable of removing background from any video. Everything a content creator has to do is simply submit a video or GIF to Unscreen and it handles everything seamlessly. It automatically detects the foreground subject in a picture or a video and eliminates the backdrop. This leaves the subject in the photo or the video within a transparent background which can be overlaid with any other image or video. It is an easy tool if you’re a content creator or a social media influencer who quickly needs to edit an aesthetically pleasing video or photo.
Looka
How many times have you found yourself creatively bankrupt when it comes to designing logos for your company or your own brand? My advertising major days in BMM were spent breaking my head trying to create catchy logos and brand kits. However, now an AI can do all of that for you. Looka Logo Creator combines logo design choices with the help of AI to build a personalized logo for you. All you need to do is begin by adding your company’s name and industry and Looka takes care of the rest. Additionally, Looka also allows users to develop a brand kit. Users can use their logo, brand colours, fonts, and pictures to make nearly 300+ brand templates. Besides this, the tool also provides users with logo ideas.
Durable
Website creation has always been a hassle for the general user. However, now AI can help people with creating websites and making their lives easier. Durable’s AI website creator makes websites in mere seconds. All you need to do is provide the AI tool with some information on how you want the website to be and it takes care of the rest. Besides website creation, it also handles finance management which allows users to send and collect money automatically.
These were some of the best AI tools you can use right now to make your existence a little easier. There are over 100+ AI tools available on the internet right now. Make sure you try the majority of them to find the one that suits you best!
Samsung unveiled a new smartphone in their affordable Galaxy lineup – the M14 5G, which comes in three colours– Icy Silver, Berry Blue and Smoky Teal. I usually have low expectations for entry-level smartphones, but the Galaxy M14 5G exceeded my expectations. The M14 5G delivers a complete smartphone experience, but can it compete with its rivals? Let’s check it out.
Display:
The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G features a 6.6-inch PLS LCD panel with FHD+ resolution, protected by Gorilla Glass 5. The display supports a smooth 90 Hz refresh rate, allowing smooth scrolling between screens. The display is bright, with natural colours and good detail. However, the viewing angles are mediocre, and it doesn’t have HDR certification.
Design:
The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G continues the premium look trend of Samsung smartphones with a teardrop notch and a glossy rear panel finish. The camera module design and the circular ring-like modules for the three rear cameras make it more recognisable as a Samsung device. The phone houses a USB-Type C port, a single speaker, and a 3.5 mm audio jack at the bottom of the phone, while the right side has the SIM tray and power button that doubles as a fingerprint sensor.
Camera:
The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G has a triple camera setup, with a 50MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera performance is impressive for a budget smartphone, with natural-looking images, good detail, and accurate colour reproduction. The macro sensor does a decent job, but the depth sensor could be better. The front-facing camera is a 13MP sensor that takes decent selfies but struggles in low light.
Performance:
The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G is powered by an Exynos 1330 5 nm SoC, making it an unbelievable performance-oriented beast on paper. It’s one of the few smartphones with 5 nm processors under ₹15K. The phone has One UI 4.0 based on Android 13, a clean and minimalistic UI. The phone has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 512GB using a microSD card. The phone is fast and snappy, and it handles day-to-day tasks and multitasking with ease. However, the fingerprint sensor can be quite bothersome, as it doesn’t always read fingerprints accurately.
Battery:
The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G comes with a 6000mAh battery that supports 15W fast charging, lasting a day of moderate use. The phone has a USB Type-C port for charging but doesn’t support wireless charging.
Verdict:
The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G is an affordable smartphone that packs a punch. It has 5G connectivity, a 5 nm processor, a smooth 90 Hz refresh rate, and a triple camera setup, making it an excellent choice for a budget smartphone. The camera output is impressive, and the phone is fast and snappy. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G is an impressive smartphone that could revolutionise the sub-₹15,000 smartphone market.
PC gaming is a vast market, and it’s only getting bigger. Mobile PC gaming is also catching heat thanks to technological advancements, both hardware and software. Just like full-grown consoles vs handheld consoles, a good gaming PC will outperform a similar-priced mobile gaming solution. Games are becoming increasingly demanding, and to get the most out of your hardware, you might want to overclock your CPU and GPU. The gains come at the cost of more power draw and heat generation.
With the latest generation of hardware, the amount of heat and power draw is more than ever. However, if you’re uncomfortable doing this or don’t want to risk damaging your hardware, you can underclock it instead. This will still give you a performance boost and is more efficient, meaning your hardware will last longer. This is great if you intend to use your PC for many fruitful years with minimum hiccups.
Intel processors – CPU
Intel processors are some of the most popular on the market and some of the easiest to overclock. However, underclocking is just as simple. To underclock an Intel processor, you need to use the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU). This free download from Intel’s website is compatible with all their latest processors. Once you’ve installed XTU, you can open it up and click on the “Performance” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all of your installed processors. To underclock one of them, simply click on it and then use the slider to adjust the clock speed.
AMD processors – APU, CPU and GPU
AMD processors are more challenging to overclock than Intel processors but are also more powerful. Underclocking them is a little simpler, but you must still use a tool like AMD OverDrive.AMD OverDrive is a free download from AMD’s website and is compatible with all of their latest processors. Once installed, you can open it and click on the “AMD OverDrive” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all of your installed processors. To underclock one of them, simply click on it and then use the slider to adjust the clock speed.
Nvidia processors – GPU
Nvidia processors are some of the most popular on the market and some of the easiest to overclock. However, underclocking is just as simple. You need to use the Nvidia Control Panel to underclock an Nvidia processor. This free download from Nvidia’s website is compatible with all their latest processors. Once you’ve installed the Nvidia Control Panel, open it up and click on the “Manage 3D Settings” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all of your installed processors. To underclock one of them, simply click on it and then use the slider to adjust the clock speed.
Trials and Errors
Like overclocking, underclocking, too, requires some trials and errors. Sometimes the voltages need to be higher for the processor to maximise its full potential. It is advisable to go down a couple of points at a time when underclocking and not more than 5-10 points when overclocking on the under-volt settings. It is advisable to check similar settings on the internet to get the best results as tried and tested by more experienced users. Under-volt and sometimes underclocking with more headroom for boost allows the processor to perform great under increased stress loads, especially when gaming for long. PCs produce heat with vigorous power delivery, and controlling it on some parameters allows us to enjoy the best of PC performance while allowing us to beat the heat.
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT & Microsoft Bing have made their way to the mainstream. While these tools are surely a pathbreaking step in the world of tech, the looming threat around the misuse of this technology also remains prevalent. To discuss these concerns, chief executives of major tech firms like Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic are expected to meet with US Vice President Kamala Harris and other government officials soon. Tech leaders like Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, and Dario Amodei will be meeting with the US Vice President. The formal invitation was obtained by Reuters recently which revealed that US President Joe Biden wants to meet the CEOs in order to make sure their products are safe before making them available to the public.
Tech Leaders to Meet US Vice President
The US Vice President’s meeting with tech leaders around AI does not come as a surprise as the technology has been under troubled waters recently. Recently, several notable tech entrepreneurs like Apple’s co-founder Steve Wozniak and Tesla/Twitter owner Elon Musk signed a letter demanding a pause in AI research until at least the end of the year. The report highlights furthermore that the said meeting is expected to take place on May 4th. It will reportedly be attended by the US President’s Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed, director of the National Economic Council Lael Brainard, and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
Surprisingly, it is expected that the tech CEOs of the world may talk about AI regulations with the US government. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman has been vocal about regulating AI, reiterating the same in several interviews. On the other hand, similar concerns were shared between Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, with the former stating publically that the technology can be very harmful if it’s not deployed correctly. The world of AI has definitely been taking a negative turn as Geoffrey Hinton, who is referred to as the ‘God of AI’ announced his departure from Google to warn humanity about the perils of AI. It will be interesting to see how the meeting between the US Vice President and Tech CEOs turns out to be.
