Google Pixel handsets received the June feature drop update a couple of days back which also brought Gemini Nano to Pixel 8 and 8a. In addition, it seems like the updates that were pushed for the Pixel Recorder App have added a nee ‘Record’ shortcut using which one can conveniently begin recording right from their home screen.
As spotted by 9to5Google, long-pressing on Recorder app icon reveals a new “Record” shortcut (a red circle on white background). Tapping on the shortcut instantly starts a recording. The publication notes that the functionality of the new Record shortcut in the Pixel Recorder app is similar to that of the QS (Quick Settings) Tile. One can also tap and hold on the shortcut to then drag and place it anywhere on the home screen so they can skip tapping and holding on the Recorder icon every time they want to access the shortcut.
Image Credits: 9to5Google
The Recorder app further gained support for the ‘Summarise’ feature with the June Feature drop update for Pixel handsets. Once you enable the Gemini Nano model via the Developer settings, the Recorder app will deliver more detailed, downloadable summaries to Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a.
It’s able to detect and include the names of speakers so conversational transcripts are improved. And with the ability to export transcripts into text files or Google Docs, keeping track of things like interviews and class lectures is made easy.
Additionally, as a part of the same major update, Google also added the ability for the Pixel 8a, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to display content on a larger screen, like your computer monitor, when you plug it in via USB-C. Find My Device can now track your Pixel device even when it’s turned off. Other features include reverse phone number search via the call log, manual control over which camera lens user wants to use, new Pixel watch features and much more.
Samsung has announced the launch of Galaxy Watch FE globally. As per the brand, this new smartwatch is “ideal for those looking to begin their journey to improve their overall wellness with comprehensive insights.” It is essentially a rebranded Galaxy Watch 4 but with stronger display protection.
Galaxy Watch FE: Price, Availability
The Watch FE will retail at $199 (approx Rs 16,600) for the Bluetooth-only version and at $249.99 (approx Rs 20,800) for the LTE version. The price and availability details of the smartwatch in India will be announced soon.
Galaxy Watch FE: Features, Specs
The Galaxy Watch FE, available in a size of 40mm, offers a refreshed look and feel based on the iconic design of the Galaxy Watch series. It comes in three colors — Black, Pink Gold and Silver — with new watch bands featuring distinct blue and orange stitching.
In addition, Galaxy Watch FE offers a variety of new watch faces that allow users to customize their watch, while the one-click Band also makes it easy to switch the band to mix and match to meet their style.
Galaxy Watch FE features a Sapphire Crystal glass offering superior durability, which provides users with protection against scratches during day-to-day use. This is the only major difference in Galaxy Watch FE and the Galaxy Watch 4 which launched back in 2021.
The Watch FE has the same Exynos W920 Processor under the hood and packs Samsung’s BioActive Sensor, to provide an array of powerful fitness and wellness functions that deliver personalized and actionable tips around the clock.
To support better sleep for a good start to each day, Galaxy Watch FE offers a variety of advanced sleep features, from monitoring sleep patterns to sleep coaching and helping to create a sleep-friendly environment.
Plus, users can monitor their holistic heart health with a pack of heart health monitoring features. Galaxy Watch FE offers HR Alert to detect abnormally high or low heart rates and the Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) feature to proactively monitor heart rhythms suggestive of atrial fibrillation (Afib). In addition, users can get a deeper understanding of their heart health by monitoring Blood Pressure and ECG.
Users can track more than 100 different workouts along with their progress right from their wrist. For runners, advanced running analysis helps users not only analyze overall performance to maximize efficiency but can also provide insights and guidance to help prevent injury so they can keep moving toward their goals. For a more optimal running experience, Personalized Heart Rate Zone helps users set their own goals based on their physical capabilities.
The Body Composition feature provides comprehensive body and fitness data as indicators to track progress. In addition, users can receive motivational messages throughout the workout sessions as well.
When paired with a Samsung Galaxy device, users can quickly and easily locate their phone when disconnected from their Watch with Find My Phone. They can also remotely control the connected Samsung smartphone camera with Camera Controller to switch mode, change angle or zoom right from the wrist. Galaxy Watch FE supports Samsung Wallet, meaning users can pay for purchases as well as access identification cards such as their driver’s license or student ID on their smartwatch for a truly all-in-one digital wallet.
As for the display, it gets a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 396×396 pixels resolution, and support for Full Color Always On Display. There’s 1.5GB RAM and 16GB storage. It is backed up by a 247mAh battery with wireless charging support. It runs on One UI 5 Watch out of the box and has connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz, NFC, GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo and optional LTE. The watch is also 5ATM and IP68 certified.
OPPO has launched a new smartphone in India dubbed F27 Pro+. The new F-series smartphone from Oppo is one of its toughest devices ever made, thanks to the new IP69 rating which makes it waterproof. It also gets Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front along with what Oppo claims is a damage-proof 360-degree armour body. Here are all the details about the device.
OPPO F27 Pro+: Price, Availability
The F27 Pro+ from the Oppo is priced at Rs 27,999 for the 8GB + 128GB model while the 8GB + 256GB model retails for Rs 29,999 in India. It comes in Dusk Pink and Midnight Navy colour options and will ship from June 20. The device is currently available to pre-order via the brand’s own online store and Flipkart. Users can also get up to Rs 2,799 off when using SBI, ICICI or HDFC bank cards.
OPPO F27 Pro+: Specifications
OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G sports a 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED curved panel with up to 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, up to 240Hz touch sampling rate, 950 nits peak brightness and a 394 ppi. The device sports up to 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor. It runs on ColorOS 14 based on Android 14.
The OPPO handset has a 64-megapixel f/1.7 main sensor, plus a 2MP f/2.4 portrait sensor. There’a an 8MP f/2.0 front-facing sensor. It gets a 5000mAh battery with 67W Fast charging support. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.3, GPS, and a USB-C port. The handset is also IP69 rated and has stereo speakers.
OPPO F27 Pro+: Should You Buy It?
At Rs 29,999, there are other options available in the market, including the Poco F6 5G. The handset not only gets you a sharper display with Dolby Vision support, but also a far superior Chipset under the hood paired with faster RAM and faster storage. It also offers an ultra-wide angle camera on the back that’s much more useful than the portrait sensor on Oppo’s F27 Pro+ 5G.
Next up, it offers you faster charging speeds as well. The only reason you could consider the OPPO F27 Pro+ is if you want a tough smartphone, because the F27 Pro+ looks like one, at least on paper. While the Poco F6 5G’s build didn’t disappoint us in our review of the device, it sure isn’t the most premium at its price point.
For an even cheaper price tag of Rs 24,999, there’s the Infinix GT 20 Pro that gets you a smoother 144Hz display, a more powerful MediaTek chipset, same RAM but more storage, along with faster RAM and a better primary rear camera sensor, at least on paper. You do miss out on charging speed and a clean software experience but if you are a gamer or need to perform other heavy tasks, then the Infinix GT 20 Pro shouldn’t disappoint you.
To sum up, the OPPO F27 Pro+ surely isn’t the most powerful device in its segment and it does lack behind in other areas too, except for when it comes to durability and build quality, which seems to be its standout feature. You should definitely consider more options in the market at Rs 29,999 but if you want durability, the F27 Peo+ seems like an ideal fit.
Samsung still hasn’t officially confirmed the Galaxy Unpacked event that’s set to take place next month on the 10th as per leaks. However, thanks to numerous leaks, we already know what all is coming at the event, which includes the Galaxy Buds 3 series, the redesign for which may have accidentally been confirmed by Samsung.
A screenshot of Samsung Members Appposted by an X user shows the list of devices for which you want to report a problem and interestingly, the list includes the upcoming products from Samsung, namely the Galaxy Buds 3, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Galaxy Watch FE, Galaxy Ring, and the Galaxy Watch 7.
One can can clearly observe that the placeholder icon for the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro resembles earbuds with a stem. In contrast, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has a bean-like design with a rounded form factor, matching the real-world design of the earbuds.
Of course, Samsung may change the icon post the official launch of the earbuds to portray the actual design or, it may have just revealed the major redesign coming for the Galaxy Buds 3 series. Some other recently leaked renders suggest the stem design is actually coming to the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro, allowing Samsung to fit in upgraded hardware. The redesigned buds could allow for a bugger battery and also a new mic position so it can better pickup the wearer’s voice during calls.
The buds are also expected to sport what’s called a Blade Light, that’s supposed to be a light strip on the stem of the buds. Furthermore, they are expected to feature an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance. It could also have Adaptive ANC, Adaptive EQ, Ambient Sound, and offer up to 30 hours of battery life. Finally, the buds may also support hi-res audio streaming with 24-bit 96KHz audio transmission likely via Samsung’s own SSC codec.
Samsung India today announced the launch of flight, bus, movies and events ticket booking feature for Samsung Wallet, in partnership with One97 Communications Limited that owns the Paytm brand. The partnership aims to enhance consumers’ convenience by offering a seamless and integrated booking experience directly through the Samsung Wallet, which in turn will give users access to a wide range of services through Paytm.
Galaxy smartphone users will now have access to Paytm’s suite of services, including flights and bus bookings, movie ticket purchases, and event bookings, all integrated within the Samsung Wallet.
Galaxy smartphone users using the Paytm App for flight, bus and movie ticket booking and the Paytm Insider app for event bookings, will be able to add their tickets directly to Samsung Wallet using the ‘Add to Samsung Wallet’ functionality. This will enable them convenient access to enter airports, bus terminals, cinema halls, event venues, etc.
As for the availability, the brand says that Samsung Wallet users can avail the new services by updating their app.
Samsung India and Paytm will soon also introduce discount offers of up to Rs 1,150 on first bookings across the newly launched services. Samsung Wallet will further be launching a Referral Programme soon. Each time you refer a new user, both the referrer and referee will get a gift card from Amazon worth Rs 100 upon successful registration on Samsung Wallet. Users can earn up to Rs 300 via referrals.
Aside from that, Samsung will soon announce Samsung Wallet tap & pay offer. Users can make a payment using their debit or credit card of choice by mobile tap & pay. During the offer period, users will get a gift card of Amazon worth Rs 250 on completing four tap & pay transactions.
HMD is working on a slew of new smartphones and the brand is just getting started. A new leak now hints at another smartphone that’s in the works, dubbed HMD Ridge. Similar to some of its other upcoming devices, the HMD Ridge would be a budget offering with a Snapdragon processor under the hood. Aside from this, the complete portfolio of upcoming smartphone launches from the brand was also revealed.
HMD Ridge: What Do We Know
According to a leak by user @smashx_60on X, the HMD Ridge will sport a 6.64-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a full-HD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The HMD Ridge will draw power from a Snapdragon 480+ 5G processor with Adreno 619 GPU handling the graphics.
The device will get 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB RAM options with 128GB and 256GB storage variants. It will sport dual rear cameras with a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP sensor on the front. It’ll be backed by a 5000mAh battery. The back of the device will also be made of glass and protected with the same Gorilla Glass 3 as the front. The frame of the device would be made up of plastic. The leaked render suggests that the rear will have a geometrical pattern design.
HMD Future Smartphones’ Portfolio
The same user also posted the complete portfolio of upcoming smartphones from the brand. It includes HMD Aura, Pulse, Pulse+, Pulse Pro and Arrow under the budget segment of devices. HMD Ridge and HMD Waylay will be budget 5G handsets. However, our source contradicts this information, and suggests that Arrow will be a budget 5G handset rather than being a 4G model or a rebrand of the HMD Pulse. while HMD Xenon and HMD Skyline will be higher mid-range 5G handsets. A couple of US-exclusive handsets are also there, including the HMD Vibe and the HMD Atlas.
HMD Xenon is expected to bring back the much awaited Fabula design with a Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset under the hood and a 108MP camera sensor on the back. Finally, it seems like an HMD Aura Pro is also in the works, that’ll feature a Unisoc SC9863A processor paired with 4GB of RAM.
ChromeOS is Google’s competitor for Windows and macOS and with the world rapidly moving towards adopting AI, it’s time Google has to integrate some features into ChromeOS too, apart from the Gemini support. The company has now confirmed that to continue the development of AI in ChromeOS, it needs to adopt and integrate Android technology in the operating system.
Through a blog post, Google confirmed that to “continue rolling out new Google AI features to users at a faster and even larger scale, we’ll be embracing portions of the Android stack, like the Android Linux kernel and Android frameworks, as part of the foundation of ChromeOS.” It asserts that it already has a strong history of collaboration, with Android apps available on ChromeOS and the start of unifying our Bluetooth stacks as of ChromeOS 122.
Integrating the Android-based tech stack into ChromeOS will essentially allow Google to accelerate AI innovation within ChromeOS, streamline engineering efforts, and enhance compatibility between devices like phones and accessories with Chromebooks. Simultaneously, Google will also maintain security, consistent user experience, and robust management features that are vital for ChromeOS users, enterprises, and schools.
The company further notes that these improvements in the tech stack are now starting but “won’t be ready for consumers for quite some time.” Google will provide a seamless transition to the updated experience once it’s ready.
Google has recently been focusing significant attention on ChromeOS. It recently announced that the company has acquired software virtualization company Cameyo, which will help it integrate virtualized Windows App support into ChromeOS. In addition, it also announced Gemini integration into Chromebook Plus laptops, too. The integration allows for features like “Help me write”, where one can right click to get suggestions or change the tone to fit one’s audience. Help me write will help you generate text from scratch using a prompt or you can rewrite your existing text to make what you wrote more formal, shorter, or rephrase it altogether.
Samsung announced a couple of weeks back that it will be making available a beta for the upcoming One UI 6 Watch update for a trio of its Galaxy Watch series and the first build is initially available in two regions across the world. Here’s what features the beta brings and how you can download and install it on your watch.
As updated on Samsung’s US community page, here’s what the update is touted to bring:
Health and fitness advancements
Monitor your energy levels: Samsung Health’s new energy score shows your physical and mental readiness based on you sleep and physical activity. If your energy score is low, it may be best to take a rest. If your energy score is high, it could be time set a personal best in your favorite exercise. Galaxy AI provides personalized insights and motivation to keep you on the right track.
Get more detailed sleep analysis: Galaxy AI-powered sleep insights give you more detailed and accurate analysis of your sleep quality. Your comprehensive sleep report now includes your heart rate, respiratory rate, and the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep after you lie down.
Make your own workout routines: Combine a series of different exercises together for a custom workout routine. You can set targets for sets, reps, and more.
Enhanced watch control
Do more with double pinch: Take quick action in a variety of situations by pinching your thumb and index finger together twice. You can answer calls, turn off alarms, scroll through notifications, control music, take pictures, and more. A finger icon will appear on buttons that can be controlled with a double pinch.
Faster horizontal scrolling: Flick the screen left or right or to quickly scroll through notifications or tiles.
View ongoing activities all at once: Tap the bottom of your watch face to view a list of ongoing activities such as phone calls, exercises, or music playing. Tap an item in the list to easily switch between them.
Take action quickly with Universal gestures: In situations where a quick action is needed, such as answering a phone call or turning off an alarm, the button for the action will be automatically focused so you can do the action immediately without the need to manually change focus.
Go back without touching the screen: Move your wrist back and forth to go back to the previous screen. You can control this in Universal gestures.
Get only the notifications you want: Choose which apps are allowed to send you notifications directly on your watch without opening the Galaxy Wearable App on your phone.
Control your watch with modes: Modes can now automatically control more of your watch’s settings based on what you’re doing or where you are. Modes can control Do not disturb, Always On Display, Raise wrist to wake, Touch screen to wake, Touch bezel to wake, Sound mode, and Disconnection alerts.
Communication and connectivity
Instantly access your favorite emojis: You can set the emojis you use most as favorites so they’re always available to send as a quick response.
Save image attachments: You can now save images attached to messages on your watch. Saved images can be viewed in the Gallery app, shared with others, or used to create a unique photo watch face.
Additional improvements
Stylish new font: One UI 6 Watch has a new default font with a more stylish and modern feel. You’ll see the new font if the default font is selected in Settings. If you’re using a different font, you’ll still see that font after upgrading to One UI 6 Watch.
Make your battery last longer: When Power saving is turned on, you can also choose to limit health features to make your battery last even longer than before.
Automatically connect to Bluetooth audio devices: When you start playing music on your watch, your Bluetooth headphones or speaker will automatically connect for playback. If no Bluetooth audio devices are available to connect, music will play through your watch’s speaker if your music app supports it.
One UI 6 Watch Beta: How To Download?
The One UI 6 Watch Beta is available in only two regions as of now, including the US and South Korea and only for the Galaxy Watch 6 Bluetooth model. The steps we mention to download the beta update to your Galaxy Watch 6 will remain identical for other Galaxy watches too, once the beta program adds support for Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4 series. The steps are as follows:
Step 1
Open the Samsung Members app on your Galaxy device. If you are using your Galaxy Watch with a non-Samsung phone, you won’t be able to download the beta.
Step 2
Tap on the “Speaker” button at the top-right corner to open the “Inbox.”
Step 3
Now under the “Notices” tab, tap on the topmost option that says “Join One UI 6 Watch Beta program,” and then tap on the blue “Join” button at the bottom.
Step 4
You are now all set. You can update your watch to the latest beta by going into the Software update section on your watch or on your phone via the Galaxy Wearable app to initiate the update.
Also, make sure to download the supplementary apps via the links provided in the Samsung members post, such as the Galaxy Wearable APK and the Galaxy Watch 6 Manager APK files. These will be needed for a successful sync between the watch and your Galaxy smartphone.
Jabra has announced the launch of its last pair of TWS earbuds, including the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and Elite 10 Gen 2. It’s the last pair because Jabra has decided to wind up its consumer-facing TWS audio products business, which includes its Elite and Talk lineup of earbuds. The brand made such a decision due to changing market dynamics and increased profitability.
In a press release, GN CEO Peter Karlstromer recognized Jabra’s achievements in rivaling top brands and pioneering true wireless earbuds. Nonetheless, he explained that shifting market conditions and challenges in ensuring a profitable return prompted the decision to discontinue the Elite and Talk lines of audio products. Currently, the brand sees greater potential in other areas of its business.
“The decision to gradually wind down the Elite and Talk product lines is part of our commitment to focus on attractive markets where we can deliver profitable growth and strong returns,” said Karlstromer. “It is today our assessment that we cannot generate a fair return on investment compared to the many other opportunities we have within our Hearing, Enterprise, and Gaming businesses,” he added.
Jabra will reduce the inventory of the affected products, of which most are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. It will, however, continue to service and support customers for several years. As a result, the brand announced its last two pairs of TWS earbuds under the Elite line, including the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and Elite 10 Gen 2. Jabra says these are its “best-ever earbuds.”
Available for $229.99 (approx Rs 19,200), the TWS earbuds will be available later this month in colors such as Coral, Black, Navy Blue, and Olive. They are currently available to pre-order and come with a 2-year warranty.
As for the features, the Elite 8 Active Gen 3 comes packed with the world’s first LE Audio smart case where users can experience spatial sound from their TV or the treadmill at the gym, with easy plug & play to any device using the USB-C/3.5mm cable provided. Jabra claims that the ANC in Elite 8 Gen 2 cancels out twice as much noise than Elite 8 Active’s previous generation.
They come with a 6-mic setup for clearer calls and have physical buttons. They charge via USB-C and support wireless charging, too. The earbuds also support a wireless connection with a smartwatch. They feature a 6nm speaker with Dolby Audio support and features like Auto resume, auto pause, along with AAC & SBC codecs. The earbuds offer a battery life of up to 56 hours.
The earbuds have an IP68 rating while the case has an IP54 rating. The earbuds have also achieved a MIL-STD-810h rating. The connections are handled via Bluetooth v5.3 and they support multipoint connections as well. Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair and voice assistants are also supported.
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2: Price, Features
Priced at $279.99 (approx Rs 23,400), the Elite 10 Gen 2 are also available for pre-order and will come in Denim, Cocoa, Gloss Black, Soft White, and Titanium Black colour options. These earbuds will also have a 2-year warranty.
These Jabra Elite series earbuds are also packed with the LE Audio smart case where users can experience spatial sound from their TV or the treadmill at the gym, with easy plug & play to any device using the USB-C/3.5mm cable provided. They have support for Spatial Audio with Dolby head tracking. The ANC in these earbuds is touted to cancel out twice as much noise than Elite 10’s previous generation.
They pack a 10mm speaker and can provide a playback time of up to 36 hours with the case and have wireless charging support as well. All the other features on these earbuds remain the same as the Elite 8 Active Gen 2, except for the IP rating, where the case of the Elite 10 Gen 2 doesn’t have one while the earbuds themselves have an IP57 rating.
Nu Republic, an Indian lifestyle technology brand, has announced the launch of Cyberstud Spin – India’s first wireless earbuds in a unique form factor of a fidget spinner. With its charging case designed as a fidget spinner, the brand claims that the Cyberstud Spin “offers a one-of-a-kind experience that keeps users engaged and entertained at the same time.”
Cyberstud Spin: Price
The Cyberstud Spin is available at a price of Rs 2499. The TWS earbuds are available at a variety of stores across the country including the brand’s own online store.
Cyberstud Spin: Features
The TWS earbuds sit in fidget-cased spinner and metal gliders which revolve with a “swoosh sound.” “This unique design caters to restless minds, offering an engaging and functional accessory that enhances both gaming and everyday tech experiences,” says the brand. The buds boast a Frequency range from 20Hz to 20kHz and pack 13mm neodymium drivers with X-Bass technology and ENC mode.
Fidget-Spinner Earbuds come with Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity that allows up to 15 meters of operational range. Users get a playtime of up to 70 hours when paired with the case and up to 100 hours of standby time.
The earbuds also offer touch controls for easy operation, dual mode functionality (Game/Music) to switch between different audio experiences, and a low Latency of 40ms for a lag-free gaming experience. Additionally, the earbuds are splash and sweat-resistant.
Meanwhile, in the audio products space, Jabra has promptly announced its exit from the TWS audio segment due to the changing market dynamics and in a bid to attain increased profitability from other areas of its business. It has also launched the last two pairs of its Elite series earbuds, including the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and the Elite 10 Gen 2. Both of them offer the world’s first LE Audio Smart Case where users can experience spatial sound from their TV or the treadmill at the gym, with easy plug & play to any device using the USB-C/3.5mm cable provided.
