Category: Tech

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.

OnePlus 12 Review: Flagship For Masses

Price: 64999
Rating:

The OnePlus 12 is a much-awaited smartphone that is popular for offering high-quality features at an affordable price. However, in recent years, OnePlus has swayed from its path and lost its position as the best in the market. With the OnePlus 11, the company made a comeback. But can the OnePlus 12 set a new benchmark for flagship performance? Let’s discover.

Design

Let’s begin with the design. The OnePlus 12 5G is almost identical to its predecessor, the OnePlus 12. However, there are some minor upgrades. The camera ring is bigger and thicker, and a new pattern finish feels very similar to the Oppo Reno11 Pro which we reviewed recently. The phone has a premium look and feel, with a glass-metal fusion and a green matte finish that resists fingerprints. The glossy metal chassis that meets the circular camera module provides more structure to the design.

In terms of buttons and ports, the OnePlus 12 5G has an IR camera on the top, power button and volume rockers on the right side, alert slider on the left, and the SIM card slot, USB Type-C charging port, and speaker system at the bottom. The phone comes with a case and a screen guard in the box.

Display

The OnePlus 12 5G has a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a dynamic screen refresh rate of 120Hz, 1440 x 3168 pixels resolution, and a peak brightness of 4500 nits. It supports HDR10+ technology and has an in-display fingerprint sensor. The display is bright and accurate, even in harsh sunlight, and the fingerprint sensor is quick and reliable.

Camera

Moving on to the camera, the OnePlus 12 has a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64MP periscopic lens. The front camera is a 32MP selfie camera. The primary camera performs well in bright outdoor light, with vibrant colours, ample depth, and detail. In indoor lighting, the images are slightly warmer in tone. The periscope lens has 3x optical zoom, but digital zoom maxes out at 120x, compromising details. The selfie camera produces natural-looking images but misses out on depth and details when multiple subjects are in the image.

Performance

The OnePlus 12 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 system-on-chip (SoC), which offers a smooth and lag-free experience. It runs on the latest Android 14-based OxygenOS 14.0, which has an easy-to-use interface but comes with a few bloatware apps like Netflix. The phone can handle daily tasks, as well as streaming movies and shows, without any lag.

Battery

The OnePlus 12 5G has a 5400mAh battery and supports 100W SuperVOOC and 45W AirVOOC fast charging technology. The battery lasts a day or more with everyday usage, including answering calls, emails, and messages, and four to five hours of OTT and social media time. It takes only 30 minutes to charge the phone completely.

Verdict

The OnePlus 12 is a top-of-the-line smartphone that offers a range of premium features at an attractive price point – a hallmark of the company since its inception. The phone boasts a bright display with an in-display fingerprint sensor, capable cameras, and a smooth user interface. It also looks and feels luxurious, delivering flagship-level performance for Rs 64,999. While the camera could improve, the OnePlus 12 5G remains an excellent choice for anyone searching for high-end performance.

Apple Claims Global Smartphone Crown in Q4 2023

Apple has emerged triumphant over Samsung, claiming the coveted title of the world’s leading smartphone vendor for Q4 of 2023, seizing an impressive 24% share of total shipments, as reported by the reputable research firm Canalys. Not only did Apple dominate the final quarter, but it also clinched the top vendor spot for the entire year, an unprecedented achievement, marking the first time it has outpaced Samsung annually.

The smartphone landscape witnessed a remarkable resurgence in Q4 2023, experiencing positive growth after enduring seven consecutive quarters of decline. The quarter saw a substantial 8 percentage point increase in smartphone shipments, totalling a staggering 320 million units, signalling a significant turnaround from the figures reported in Q4 2022.

Apple’s stellar performance in Q4 2023 was fueled by robust demand for its cutting-edge iPhone 15 series, securing an impressive 24% of all shipments. Samsung, while securing the second spot with a 17% market share, faced a dip in the low-end segment. Xiaomi claimed the third position with a 13% share, while Transsion continued its upward trajectory, finishing the quarter as the fourth leading smartphone vendor with a 9% market share. Vivo rounded out the top five with a commendable 7%.

Canalys analysts attribute the demand surge to thriving markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, with low and midrange devices emerging as the driving force behind this remarkable growth. Looking ahead, Canalys anticipates a pivotal shift toward on-device AI in high-end devices slated for launch in 2024, as major players strategically position themselves to meet the escalating market demand. The stage is set for an exciting evolution in the smartphone landscape, with innovation and market dynamics poised to shape the industry’s trajectory in 2024.

Worldwide smartphone market share split – 

Samsung teased the launch of “Galaxy Ring” at Galaxy Unpacked 2024

At the much-anticipated Samsung Unpacked 2024 event, the tech giant from South Korea took the stage to reveal its latest marvels – the Galaxy S24, S24+, and the showstopper, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The audience was not just witnessing the evolution of smartphones; they were introduced to a groundbreaking addition, the Galaxy AI, leaving everyone in sheer amazement.

As the event reached its climax, Samsung teased tech enthusiasts with a glimpse into the future by showing the enigmatic Galaxy Ring. Elegantly circular and draped in black, as teased in the unveiling, the Galaxy Ring is poised to redefine health technology. Samsung boldly proclaims it to be a “powerful and accessible health and wellness device, here to change the shape of future health like only Samsung can.”

The mystique surrounding the Galaxy Ring prompts speculation about the significance of its unique form. The circular design raises intriguing questions: What could it symbolise, and how will it revolutionise the health tech landscape? The Galaxy Ring, a subject of fervent rumours leading up to the event, was anticipated by many to take centre stage. While that didn’t unfold, the whispers persist, suggesting a potential unveiling later this year. Could it make its grand entrance alongside the much-awaited next-gen foldable in July? The anticipation builds, and only time will reveal the truth.

Considering its role as a smart wearable, the Galaxy Ring is poised to offer more than just stylish aesthetics. With no screen to drain its power, it promises extended battery life. The Galaxy Ring goes beyond the conventional, tracking an array of health metrics and delivering notifications through subtle vibrations. The Galaxy Ring is not just a gadget, it’s a leap into the future of wearable health technology.

Xiaomi’s 360 Home Security Camera 2K, An Affordable Solution

Home surveillance is the need of the hour. Xiaomi has launched its latest smart surveillance camera – Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K. Equipped with a 3-megapixel camera and 2K HD video capability, the Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K is designed to address the unique yet affordable requirements of users, including new parents and pet parents.

Xiaomi’s latest smart surveillance camera comes with AI Human Detection for precise human alerts and reduces any false alarms due to pet movement. The 360-degree Panorama View captures every corner of the room, eliminating blind spots with its 6P lens. The Full-Color feature in low-light conditions enhances nighttime surveillance and provides vivid, detailed footage even in poor lighting conditions. The camera supports standard and inverted mounting to enable easy installation with 360-degree horizontal movement and 108-degree vertical movement, providing a wide range of coverage. It also features two-way audio, facilitating real-time communication through the camera.

The 2K resolution delivers sharper, more detailed video footage with clear zoomed-in visuals, surpassing standard HD quality, making it an ideal choice for users across small businesses, shops, garages, or monitoring homes. The Xiaomi Home App makes monitoring simple and seamless, and users can also playback captured footage from various devices, including smartphones, tablets and desktops, adjusting playback speed with optimised H.265 Video encoding that saves significant video storage space. It additionally has voice-controlled smart home functionality with seamless integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Price and Availability:

The Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K is retailing for INR 3299 exclusively from 13th January on the official Xiaomi website. Starting January 22nd, this affordable home security camera will also be available on Amazon and Flipkart

Will Rabbit R1 appraise AI-powered gadgets?

What is the Rabbit R1?

Rabbit R1 is an AI-powered handheld device that can operate any smartphone’s apps and their interface, primarily known as UI. Half the size of an average smartphone, the Rabbit R1 was introduced to the world at CES 2024. Surpassing the initial anticipated demand, 10,000 units of the Rabbit R1 were sold out, and the next batch, which is about to be released in March 2024, is sold out, too. The Rabbit R1 sports an intuitive modernised walkie-talkie design with a 2.88-inch OLED panel up front running Rabbit OS. There’s a revolving camera, a push-to-talk button, and speakers on the outside. Powered by a 2.3Ghz MediaTek processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB Storage, WiFi and Bluetooth running the AI coupled with cloud processing for Rabbit AI on their servers, the Rabbit R1 runs on LAM (Large Action Model), an AI capable of understanding and interacting with app interfaces on your smartphone, tablet or other computing internet devices.

Rabbit R1 is the brainchild of Rabbit CEO Jesse Lyu, who believes that smartphones were supposed to save time but ended up consuming more of our time than ever. Rabbit R1’s LAM is adaptable and learns from new interactions, app updates and more. The best part is that it will never record a single data from the user. All app authentication and logins are authorised inside the main apps, while Rabbit R1 only navigates through the interface as per user commands.

What could it be used for?

Theoretically, an adaptive AI pocket gadget has limitless possibilities with its hardware and modal AI software. Rabbit claims that the R1 responds in milliseconds and also understands execution as detailed as the voice command tells it to do. It integrates the entire smartphone and app interface into a simple voice-enabled command-based interface. It is not simply a smartphone or as basic as any voice-based AI like Google Assistant, Alexa or Siri. Imagine pressing a button with no voice commands to start but a conscious push-to-talk button and asking the Rabbit R1 to plan an itinerary for your next trip based on location, budget and schedule, and getting a detailed plan using your smartphone. Singles could simply ask the R1 to swipe on potential matches in their area, and the R1 would be doing so on all installed dating apps in less than a second.

The Rabbit R1 itches our brains with the adaptive LAM AI. No wonder it has garnered such interest in a world where most people cannot name the apps on their phones; this AI pocket gadget can use them all for your perusal. Made minimalist in collaboration with teenage engineering, this gadget looks fantastic, and the website is worth a knowledge fair to think out of the box with your smartphone usage. Interactive AI is becoming cool.

AMD launched a new Ryzen 5000 and 8000G series CPU and RX 7600 XT GPU at CES 2024

AMD unveiled a spectacular lineup that transcends the boundaries of performance and innovation at the CES 2024. Leading the charge is the groundbreaking Ryzen 8000G series, a fusion of Zen4-based CPUs with integrated graphics that redefine gaming standards. While conventional AMD CPUs boast integrated graphics, the 8000G series elevates the game with a prowess that promises an immersive gaming experience without the need for a dedicated graphics card.

Venturing on this visual odyssey are four distinct models, ranging from the formidable 4-core 8300G to the powerhouse 8-core 8700G. With Radeon 700M graphics, AMD boldly claims a seamless 1080p gaming escapade, even in demanding titles. But that’s not all – the 8000G series marks a significant milestone as the first AMD offering to feature an integrated NPU, ushering in an era of AI acceleration.

Meanwhile, the AM4 platform receives a final salute from AMD with the introduction of four new CPU models. The Ryzen 7 5700X3D steals the spotlight, a refined version of the beloved 5800X3D, adorned with 96MB of 3D V-Cache. Joining the ranks is the Ryzen 7 5700, once exclusive to system integrators, now making its grand entrance into the DIY market – a worthy successor to the discontinued 5700G, sans the integrated graphics.

The Ryzen 5 series witnesses the arrival of the 5600GT and 5500GT, offering enthusiasts enhanced CPU clocks and subtle differentiations from their predecessors. Not to be outdone, the graphics domain welcomes the Radeon RX 7600 XT, a marvel sporting an elevated base and boost clocks coupled with a generous 16GB of memory. Priced at $329, it sets a new standard, ready to grace the gaming landscape from January 24, while the Ryzen chips follow closely on January 31, promising a new era of computing exhilaration.

How to Keep Your ChatGPT Conversations Private?

Engaging with ChatGPT is like unlocking a portal to creativity and innovation, but not every conversation is meant for public consumption. The desire for privacy is paramount, especially when delving into personal or sensitive topics. Deleting your chats or erasing your chat history may seem the only recourse, but that’s not true! Recently, OpenAI introduced a discreet feature that ensures your conversations remain confidential without sacrificing accessibility.

How to hide ChatGPT chats on the web?

For those navigating the ChatGPT universe on the web, the solution is as elegant as it is effective. Archiving your chats takes them off the main screen without consigning them to oblivion. To perform the digital magic, follow the below steps:

  1. Glide over to the chat you wish to tuck away from prying eyes.
  2. Click on the ellipsis (…) button, a gateway to hidden potential.
  3. Select the ‘Archive chat’ option from the unveiling menu.

And just like that, your chat disappears from the sidebar, leaving only a mystic trail.

How to hide ChatGPT chats on your iPhone?

For iPhone users, the power of concealment is in the swipe. Currently exclusive to iOS users (Yeah, it’s not available yet for Android aficionados, but soon it will come), the process is quite easy.

  1. Swipe left on the chat you wish to send in the archive.
  2. Tap the ‘Archive’ button that materialises like a hidden treasure.
  3. Witness as the chat fades away from the sidebar, leaving no trace for the curious.

Now, let’s see how to view archived ChatGPT chats!

Now, the beauty of the hidden lies in its potential to be found. To unveil or unshroud your secret chats on the web:

  1. Click on your OpenAI account name in the bottom-left corner of the ChatGPT realm.
  2. Select ‘Settings’ – your portal to the secrets.
  3. Click on ‘Manage’ adjacent to ‘Archived chats,’ revealing a trove of hidden treasures.
  4. Dive into the list of archived chats, each a tale waiting to be told. To gaze upon a chat’s secrets, a simple click on its name suffices. To revive it, click on the ‘Unarchive conversation’ button, akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Now, for smartphone users, the ritual is similar within the app’s settings menu. However, remember, the art of concealment allows for only one chat to be shrouded at a time. For those with an abundance of hidden gems, patience is the key to unveiling them individually. In the world of ChatGPT, the power to hide is as much an art as the conversations it conceals. So go ahead, weave the tapestry of your thoughts, secure in the knowledge that the curtain of secrecy is just a click or swipe away.

Nearby Share and Quick Share Merging into one cross-Android Solution

Apple has AirDrop and AirPlay to share files between devices or stream content to connected displays, but being an open ecosystem, what does Android have in common? Well, not much to be proud of (at least until 2023), but now they have something valuable in their quiver.

Google has unleashed a series of cutting-edge features at the CES 2024, with the spotlight on the revolutionary Quick Share system. Crafted in collaboration with Samsung, this innovation is poised to supersede Google’s 2020-introduced Nearby Share.

What’s intriguing is Google’s adoption of Samsung’s terminology for this service, now dubbed Quick Share. Billed as the epitome of technological convergence, Google asserts it has seamlessly integrated experiences with Samsung, fashioning the ultimate default, built-in option for peer-to-peer content sharing across all Android and Chrome OS devices.

Google is also partnering with leading PC manufacturers, including LG, to extend the Quick Share functionality to Windows PCs as a preinstalled app in the near future. The simplicity of the new system is striking, just tap the Quick Share icon, and a list of available nearby devices materialises. Users can control who discovers their device and sends files, choosing from options like everyone, only contacts, or exclusively their own devices. The anticipated rollout of Quick Share to existing Nearby Share-enabled devices is slated for February.

Shifting gears, the Fast Pair feature is set to expand its reach to Chromecast with Google TV in the coming month, with plans to encompass additional Google TV devices later in the year. Connecting compatible headphones or speakers to your Google TV becomes a seamless experience with a single tap after putting your accessory in pairing mode. Google tantalisingly hints at user-friendly audio output controls for swift transitions back to default TV audio.

Google foresees LG’s 2024 TV lineup, along with devices in LG Hospitality and LG Healthcare, featuring Chromecast built-in, opening avenues for seamless casting from your phone to the LG TV in your hotel or hospital room. The tech giant reveals an impressive user base of over 220 million monthly active Google TV and Android TV devices.

An upcoming casting feature, slated for later this year, will empower users to seamlessly shift what’s playing on Spotify and YouTube Music from their Pixel phone to a docked Pixel Tablet when in proximity. This functionality promises a smooth transition from on-the-go listening to an immersive tablet experience at home.

Looking ahead, LG TVs and select Google TV and Android TV devices are poised to evolve into hubs for Google Home, simplifying the process of adding Matter protocol-supported devices to home networks and enabling local control through the Google Home app.

10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Digital Camera

Thinking about taking a leap of faith with photography? The vast array of cameras available today can be overwhelming, and choosing the right camera would be a journey that can offer you a free dose of headaches. So, we’ve jotted down 18 things to consider before buying a digital camera to help you navigate this thrilling landscape and find the perfect camera that suits both your needs and budget.

Set A Budget Before Buying

Whether you’re eyeing a sleek DSLR or a compact powerhouse, knowing your financial boundaries will save you from the frustration of falling for a camera that’s beyond your means. Start with a more budget-friendly option to hone your photography skills before splurging on a high-end model.

Prime Lens Vs Zoom Lens

A prime lens offers a fixed focal length, providing affordability and lighter weight. In contrast, a zoom lens with variable focal lengths provides versatility but comes at a higher cost and greater bulk. So, before purchasing, consider your shooting style and preferences when making this decision.

Small Doesn’t Mean Underpowered

Don’t underestimate the potential of compact cameras. Their portability, inconspicuousness, and advancements in megapixel resolutions make them formidable contenders against larger DSLRs. Small cameras can be perfect for capturing moments without the burden of carrying heavy equipment.

Compact Cameras Pack a Punch

Never underestimate the potential of compact cameras. Their portability, inconspicuousness, and advancements in megapixel resolutions position them as formidable competitors against larger DSLRs. Small cameras can be perfect for capturing moments without the burden of lugging around heavy equipment.

Exercise Caution with Package Deals

Package deals may appear tempting, but hop on carefully. Scrutinise the contents and compare individual prices before succumbing to bundled offers. While some deals may be alluring, they could lead to unnecessary expenses on items you may not actually need.

Demand Magnified Photo Previews

Previewing images on a digital camera is a boon, but for a more detailed inspection, opt for a camera with a magnified preview mode. This feature enables you to scrutinise image details, ensuring the highest quality, a crucial consideration for professionals and enthusiasts striving for perfection.

Don’t Overlook Built-In Microphones

The potential benefits of a built-in microphone should not be overlooked. Cameras with voice memo or voice annotation features allow you to add context to your photos, enhancing organisation and memory. Additionally, a movie mode with sound opens up possibilities for creating short videos, ideal for documenting your adventures or even embarking on a YouTube journey.

Decoding Megapixel

Ready to take the pixelated journey with your digital companion? Megapixels, the digital currency of cameras, often pull us into a pixelated rabbit hole. But hold on tight, for not all pixels are born equal. Enter the mysterious Foveon X3 three-layer sensor, a technological marvel that reshapes the rules of the pixel game.

The Lure of Low Prices: Unmasking Deception

Bargain hunters, beware! In the labyrinth of camera prices, the enticing allure of a too-good-to-be-true deal may be a mirage. As you eye that budget-friendly camera, tread cautiously through the pitfalls of package deals. A seemingly affordable camera might be the bait, leading you into a web of substandard accessories, closeout memories, and dubious promises.

The Tripod Socket

When it comes to visual storytelling, let the stability of your camera not be an afterthought. The tripod is a silent maestro of steadiness and deserves a dance partner well-grounded in balance. When selecting your visual companion, heed the siren call of the tripod socket. Seek its residence on the underbelly of your digital marvel. 

Ideally centred, it clasps the tripod in harmonious equilibrium, ensuring every frame is a testament to clarity, untainted by the tremors of an unsteady embrace. For those who envision crystal-clear tales etched on the canvas of pixels, let the socket’s placement be a prelude to your photographic symphony, a perfect overture to stability.

Exit mobile version