Nothing. The UK-based smartphone maker has announced a couple of new developments in the field of AI. It’ll integrate ChatGPT into all of its products, from smartphones to TWS earbuds, bringing the technology to all of them. Here’s how the brand is going to do that.
ChatGPT in Nothing Smartphones
Nothing is going all in on AI by leveraging OpenAI’s ChatGPT. For its smartphones, the brand is first bringing ChatGPT to the Nothing Phone (2) via the Nothing OS 2.5.5 update, which is now rolling out to users worldwide. It adds a ChatGPT widget for quick access from the home screen and the option to quickly copy and paste screenshots and clipboard text into a new conversation in the ChatGPT app. The App needs to be downloaded separately before you can execute these functions.
Nothing OS 2.5.5 with ChatGPT integration will also be available for two of Nothing’s other smartphones, the Phone (1) and Phone (2a), later this month. The company also provided a free one-year Perplexity AI subscription to select Phone (2a) buyers.
In addition, Nothing OS 2.5.5 introduces Ultra XDR mode to the camera app and an HDR switch for Photo and Portrait modes. It also includes Ring Mode in Quick Settings for sound management, a RAM Booster, and new Recorder and Battery widgets. The update further enhances system stability, NFC, and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as optimizations to volume settings, bug fixes, and general performance improvements.
ChatGPT in Nothing Audio Products
Nothing launched a couple of new TWS earbuds globally, including the Nothing Ear and the Nothing Ear (a). The highlight of the two products is the ChatGPT integration, which allows you to initiate a voice conversation with the chatbot through pinch controls on the earbuds.
If you buy one of the two, Nothing has already updated its companion app—Nothing X—with a new gesture option to start a voice conversation with ChatGPT. This option allows you to assign one of the controls to the ChatGPT voice conversation.
Nothing says that the ChatGPT integration won’t be limited to the newly launched earbuds but will be available on all Nothing and CMF audio products in June, later this year.
Nothing has debuted two new earbuds worldwide including India, called Nothing Ear and the Ear (a). While the former succeeds the Nothing Ear (2) the brand launched in July last year, the latter is a part of an entirely new product line. As there’s a price difference of Rs 4,000 between the two.
Nothing Ear Vs Nothing Ear (a): What Are The Differences?
The Ear is priced at Rs 11,999, while the Ear (a) is priced at Rs 7,999. As for the differences between the two, Ear (a) is an inferior product to the Nothing Ear except in one area: battery.
The Ear (a) lacks the following features when compared to the Ear:
Wireless charging
Ceramic driver (ear (a) has TPU + PMI driver)
LHDC 5.0 codec
Advanced Equaliser, Profile Sharing, Personal Sound Profile
IP55 rating for case (ear (a) has IPX2 rating for case)
Nothing Ear Vs Nothing Ear (a): Which One To Buy?
Starting with wireless charging, the charging speed on the Nothing Ear is 2.5W, meaning it’s going to charge slower than when wired charging is in use. Moreover, not everyone has a wireless charger, so this shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
The ceramic driver on the Ear will make a significant difference in audio quality, making it superior to Ear (a). The lack of LHDC 5.0 on the ear (a) isn’t a major omission, considering many devices don’t support the codec, even some flagships from brands like Samsung. However, the ear (a) does have LDAC support, which even mid-range smartphones can handle.
The advanced equaliser, profile sharing, and personal sound profile will be appreciated by those who want more granular control over the sound signature rather than just choosing the preset equalizers or a basic amount of customisation available with the Ear (a).
Finally, if you work in a dusty environment, you’ll need the IP55-rated case for the Ear, but if you don’t, you should be just fine with the IPX2-rated case found with the ear (a).
As for the standard features, both of them have IP54-rated buds, LDAC codec support, ChatGPT integration, low lag mode, pinch controls, dual connection, 45db Adaptive ANC, and Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair support. Not only that, but Nothing claims that Ear (a) can last 2 hours longer (without ANC) than Ear despite having the same battery capacity in each earbud and case.
To sum up, we can say that Ear (a) would be ideal for you if you can compromise slightly on the audio quality, want better battery life, and can lose out on the advanced equaliser for better control over the audio. We’d say you can save those 4000 bucks by purchasing the ear (a) as it is almost as good as its elder sibling. If you want to take a look at other options available in the market, here’s an article listing the top 3 cheaper alternatives to Nothing Ear (a).
Nothing Ear (a), the brand new pair of earbuds from the brand, has now arrived in India at a price point of Rs 7,999. It has a decent list of features, such as LDAC support, dual connection, up to 42.5-hour playback, low-lag mode, ChatGPT integration, and more. However, other options for TWS earbuds are available in the market that may suit you better than nothing for various reasons. Here’s a list of the top 3 alternatives for the Nothing Ear (a) TWS earbuds in India.
OPPO Enco Air 3 Pro
At Rs 4,999, you’ll get the Enco Air 3 Pro in India, which has an industry-first bamboo fiber-designed driver. It packs a 12.4mm dynamic unit and also supports LDAC technology, enabling high-definition audio for an immersive listening experience. The Enco Air 3 Pro also features OPPO Alive audio for spatial surround sound during movie viewing on smartphones.
It incorporates Golden Sound 2.0, which customizes the ear canal model based on the user’s hearing. The earbuds have received TÜV Rheinland certification for their noise-cancellation performance. Speaking of it, the buds support up to 49dB active noise cancellation.
They offer an ultra-low Latency of 47ms with Bluetooth v5.3 and a runtime of 7 hours on a single charge, which can be extended up to 30 hours with the charging case. The earbuds support fast charging; a 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of juice. They come equipped with DNN Noise Cancellation for Calls, automatically filtering out background noise.
Finally, the earbuds are IP55 dust and water-resistant, suitable for outdoor activities. They offer touch controls, Google Fast Pair, HeyMelody App support, and the ability to connect with two devices simultaneously.
For a Rs 3,000 cheaper price tag, you get the same features as Nothing with even stronger noise cancellation and spatial audio effect over the Ear (a). The downsides, however, include inferior battery life, no IP rating for the case, and no ChatGPT integration. We’d say the tradeoffs are minimal for a justified price difference, thereby making the Air 3 Pro one of the best and worthy alternatives to the Nothing Ear (a).
For Rs 5,499, the OnePlus Buds 3 has a good amount of features on offer as well, serving as one of the strong alternatives to the Nothing Ear (a). These buds comprise a dual driver setup comprising a 10.4mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter. Each earbud gets 3 microphones with -38dB sensitivity. They also enable 49dB adaptive noise cancellation. The stems support pressure-sensitive touch controls for media and call management, and you can also swipe up and down for volume controls.
It gets support for AAC, SBC, and LHDC 5.0 codecs and Hi-Res Audio support as well, which is Japan Audio Society (JAS) certified, according to OnePlus. It features a low-latency mode that can bring down latency up to 94ms, along with Google Fast Pair support. The dual connection mode also allows you to connect the OnePlus Buds 3 with two devices simultaneously.
The OnePlus Buds 3 offer up to 6.5 hours of playback with ANC enabled and up to 28 hours with the charging case. With ANC turne off, the TWS headset can offer 10 hours of continuous use, and up to 44 hours playtime with the charging case.
Each earphone has a 58mAh battery and the charging case has a 520mAh battery — OnePlus says a 10-minute charge is good for up to 7 hours of battery life. The OnePlus Buds 3 have an IP55 rating for dust and splash resistance.
In comparison with the ear (a), you get better battery life, the same TPU drivers for a cheaper price tag (but the sound will differ for obvious reasons), stronger ANC, and LHDC 5.0 codec, which could both be an advantage or a drawback depending on whether your device supports the codec or not. Again, a cheaper price tag accounts for almost the same subset of features as the Nothing Ear (a), but you do miss out on the LDAC codec, ChatGPT integration, and IP rating for the case.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro
For Rs 4,499, the Buds Air 5 Pro gets an 11mm bass driver with a 6mm micro-planar tweeter. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3 and supports LDAC, AAC, and SBC audio codecs with Hi-Res certification and 3D spatial sound effects. The 6-mic design enables ANC up to 50dB, along with 40ms Super Low Latency Gaming Mode.
There’s dual device connection support, touch controls, IPX5 rating for the buds, and up to 40 hours of total playback time with Fast charging support present as well. Compared to the Nothing Ear (a), the Buds Air 5 Pro have one major advantage and that’s its price tag that makes it much more affordable with almost the same amount of features. What they lack over the ear (a) is ChatGPT integration, IP rating for the case, no dust resistance for the buds, as well as slightly less battery backup also.
Despite the drawbacks, it supports an even more powerful ANC mode that’s much stronger than what you get with Nothing ear (a), making Buds Air 5 Pro one of the most affordable alternatives to the Nothing earbuds.
As we move forward into the year 2024, the gaming industry is constantly changing, offering more realistic and immersive experiences than ever before. The hardware that powers these experiences is becoming more powerful, but it also comes at a higher cost. As a gamer, you are faced with a critical decision: should you invest in a PlayStation 5 (PS5) or one of the many gaming laptops available?
Performance and Power
The PlayStation 5 has been lauded for its impressive gaming power at a value-for-money price tag. At Rs 44,990, it offers a gaming experience that surpasses even desktop PCs in the same price range, let alone gaming laptops. With its custom SSD and support for 4K 60fps gaming and Ray Tracing, the PS5 delivers a seamless and visually impressive gaming experience.
On the other hand, gaming laptops in 2024 have made significant strides, with premium models boasting Intel Core Ultra CPUs, up to 32GB of RAM, and Nvidia RTX 4070 GPUs or higher. These specs promise a performance on par with the PS5, but at a higher cost, with premium laptops like the latest Dell Alienware m18 R2 Gaming Laptop starting at Rs 1,49,999 and going up to almost Rs 3 lakhs. Even some of the cheapest gaming laptops begin at Rs 49,990, making the PlayStation 5 look like a better deal in terms of value.
Portability and Convenience
One of the most significant advantages of a gaming laptop is its portability. Unlike the PS5, which requires a fixed setup, gaming laptops allow you to take your gaming sessions anywhere. This flexibility is a boon for those who travel frequently or have limited space.
PS5, on the other hand, always requires an external monitor or a TV. If you know you have a TV to connect it to, you can take it with you wherever you travel. However, you’ll also have to carry some accessories that are vital for the PS5, such as the controller, HDMI cable, power cord, and more.
PS5 does have an advantage, though, and that’s the whole experience it can create with the games. The controller has high-quality Haptics to mimic the feel of the in-game environment with vibrations that occur when the player interacts with the elements in the game. Further, PS5 requires you to connect it to a bigger screen, resulting in a more immersive experience with less eye strain. While gaming laptops also support external monitors and controllers, replicating the overall PS5 experience still requires a lot of effort and additional money.
The PS5 shines with its curated library of exclusive titles, offering games you won’t find on any other platform. The attraction of exclusive games like “Spider-Man 2” can be a deciding factor for many gamers.
The PS5 also gets backward compatibility support, where 99% of the 4000+ titles playable on PS4 can run on PS5. As per Sony’s own website, only 6 games are supported solely on the PS4, while the rest can run on PlayStation 5. Not only that but select PS4 games also benefit from the PS5 console’s Game Boost, which may make PS4 games run with a higher or smoother frame rate.
With PlayStation Plus, you can utilize a cloud-based streaming service provided by PlayStation. This service enables you to select and enjoy games on your PS5 that belong to various previous generations of PlayStation consoles up to PS1. However, the subscription comes at a monthly or yearly cost based on your region.
The subscription also grants you access to many other PS5-exclusive titles at no additional cost. You may not even have to purchase the titles separately, considering the PS Plus subscription may grant you access to your favourite ones. Moreover, these titles keep rotating on a monthly basis, so if you decide to purchase them if you don’t finish the game, you get it at a discount. Even if you do not want to purchase a title, many of them are free on consoles, such as Rocket League, Fortnite, etc.
On the other hand, gaming laptops also provide access to a vast array of games across different platforms, including PC-exclusive titles and the ability to use emulators for older console games. While some of the PC exclusives are also paid, players get another advantage if they are into pirated content and have ways to install paid games through piracy websites for free.
While we don’t support content piracy, it cannot be denied that the method still exists and works like a charm for many. Various subscriptions are available for the PC as well, such as the Xbox Game Pass or the Steam subscription, which provides you with free games every once in a while.
Pricing of the games depends on how the publisher wants it, and it may vary depending on the platform. For instance, one of the latest games, Helldivers 2, is available for Rs 2,499 on both the PlayStation store and Steam PC store. The price disparity might be present in some cases, but it may not in many.
As a result, whether you choose PC or PlayStation 5, you won’t ever be short on games, but the pricing will vary depending on what method you opt for when downloading or purchasing titles.
AI Features
With Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking the world by storm, a lot of the technology has made its way to the gaming segment, too. Microsoft has begun integrating AI features into Windows and has also partnered with various manufacturers such as Acer, to back gaming with AI capabilities.
The latest from Acer, including gaming laptops like Nitro 16 and Helios Neo 14, AI enhances the devices’ capabilities for gaming and productivity, such as smooth visuals with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPUs supported by DLSS 3.5 technology. They have NVIDIA’s RTX AI platform that can boost ray tracing and DLSS performance and offer better performance in tons of AI-powered apps.
AI will improve the power and efficiency of laptops. It will be able to judge how much battery life is left and adjust settings accordingly for a longer runtime. Of course, this isn’t needed for PlayStation 5, as it has to be connected to a power outlet at all times.
As for PlayStation 5, it doesn’t have any major subset of game-changing AI features considering they are harder to enable on older hardware even with firmware updates. Some of them even require dedicated hardware capabilities. Despite that, Sony hasn’t given up on AI in PS5 completely, as it did recently add an AI-based feature for the PS5’s DualSense controller where the built-in speaker can now get louder.
Moreover, the controller’s microphone will suppress the sound of button presses and game audio while you chat with your friends, thereby enhancing the overall voice-calling experience. A new AI machine-learning model enabled both these enhancements.
Reports also suggest that Sony will indeed bring AI to PS5 Pro later this year, giving it a graphical boost. Like Nvidia’s RTX AI platform, it may also enable improved ray tracing alongside other capabilities. As per some leaks, a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a Processor designed to accelerate artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, may also make its way to the PS5 Pro.
Longevity and Upgradability
Gaming laptops offer the advantage of upgradability. As technology advances, you can swap out components to keep up with the latest trends. The PS5, while powerful, is a closed system, which means you cannot upgrade its internal hardware.
You can rely on the PlayStation 5 for its life of 6 to 7 years, which is usually the period Sony supports its gaming consoles for. On the other hand, gaming laptops may require periodic maintenance for optimal operation, such as thermal paste or battery replacement, and additional costs may also incur. In the case of the PS5, you may need to clean out the fan periodically by taking the side plates off, but that won’t cost you anything.
To sum up, while laptop hardware will keep getting upgraded with games optimised for the latest hardware, games made for PlayStation 5 are tuned explicitly for it so players don’t face performance issues. With gaming laptops, even if you upgrade your hardware, you’ll have to shell out more money, which isn’t the case with PlayStation 5, as even newer games are optimised for their hardware.
Take Away
The choice between a PS5 and a gaming laptop in 2024 boils down to what you value most in your gaming experience. If you’re looking for the most gaming power for your money and exclusive titles, the PS5 is an excellent choice. However, if you need the flexibility of a portable system and the ability to upgrade hardware, a gaming laptop might be the better way to go.
The gaming subscription model continues to thrive, evolving with diverse options that cater to various gamer needs and preferences. In 2024, leading platforms like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now dominate the scene, boasting extensive libraries that span legacy titles and brand-new releases.
Xbox Game Pass has enhanced its appeal by enabling game streaming across multiple devices, including Valve’s innovative Steam Deck. Concurrently, PlayStation now updates its game offerings regularly, integrating newer games along with its classic hits.
This dynamic adaptation ensures these platforms remain at the forefront of the subscription model’s expansion.
“The Global Subscription-based Gaming Market size is estimated at USD 10.92 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 17.46 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.84% during the forecast period (2024-2029),” as per a report by Mordor Intelligence.
As per the report, in 2024, the Asia-Pacific accounts for the largest market share in the Global Subscription-based Gaming Market and is expected to continue teh growth trajectory throughout the year.
Broadening Scope Across Gaming Formats
Interestingly, even niche gaming sectors like real-money and card-based games are adopting subscription models. For example, players can download rummy app and subscribe to gain additional features, expanding the model’s influence across different gaming formats.
The Convenience Factor
A significant driver of the subscription model’s popularity is its convenience and affordability. Gamers can access a wide range of titles for a monthly fee, reducing the financial barrier to entry and offering the flexibility to explore new games without significant financial commitment. Leaders like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Now, and EA Play exemplify this trend, providing vast libraries across various genres.
Additionally, this expansion is evident in traditional markets and emerging regions, supported by enhanced internet access and mobile technology.
Subscription Options and Strategic Entries
The landscape features a plethora of subscription packages, each tailored to different user preferences. Notably, Netflix’s foray into cloud-based gaming in Canada and the UK marks a pivotal expansion of subscription services, leveraging its disruptive history in entertainment to influence gaming. In markets like India, poker and rummy game is effectively retain a growing customer base through subscription models.
Technological Advancements and Community Integration
The rise of gaming subscriptions is closely tied to advances in streaming technology and social media integration within gaming communities. Platforms like Discord and Twitch are instrumental in fostering interaction and engagement through live events and influencer activities, thus enhancing the gamer experience and community retention.
Beyond Traditional Platforms
Thanks to cloud gaming platforms, gaming subscriptions are transcending traditional consoles and PCs. These services utilize cloud computing to stream games directly to smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, making gaming more accessible without costly hardware.
Additional Benefits of Subscriptions
Beyond game access, many subscription services offer perks like exclusive discounts, early releases, and premium content, which enhance subscriber loyalty and community feeling. These benefits are integral to the value proposition offered to gamers, distinguishing subscription services in a competitive market.
Pricing Structures and Consumer Choice
The pricing of subscription services varies widely, accommodating different budgets and gaming habits. For instance, Nintendo Switch Online offers an affordable option for retro game enthusiasts. At the same time, EA Play and Uplay Plus provide tiered pricing with added benefits like early game access and purchase discounts.
Subscriptions to Watch Out For
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: A combination of console and PC games, a cloud-based service, and a partnership with EA for a $15 monthly fee, with an introductory offer of $1 for the first month.
PlayStation Plus: Provides a broad selection of games along with Sony’s PS cloud gaming service, offering several subscription tiers.
Nintendo Switch Online: $19 for a single-person plan and $35 for a family plan, including cloud gaming options.
Apple Arcade: Priced at $5 per month, this service offers hundreds of ad-free games on iOS devices.
EA Play: Features a range of popular EA games with plans varying from $5 to $15 per month.
Future Prospects and Industry Evolution
As the gaming industry embraces digital and subscription models, the options available to consumers are becoming more sophisticated and diversified. This promises a dynamic future for gaming consumption, suggesting continuous innovation and expansion in the years to come.
The evolving landscape of gaming subscriptions is shaping a more accessible and enriched gaming experience, heralding a significant shift in how digital entertainment is consumed.
In a move to enhance transparency and prevent the misuse of content, Snapchat has announced the introduction of watermark on AI-generated images within its platform. This new feature aims to provide clear identification of AI-generated content, allowing users to distinguish between authentic and computer-generated imagery.
The watermark will feature a translucent Snapchat ghost logo, accompanied by a sparkle emoji, symbolizing the AI-generated nature of the image. It will be automatically applied to any AI-generated image that is exported from the App or saved to the camera roll. Snapchat has emphasized that any attempt to remove these watermarks will be considered a violation of its terms of use.
It hasn’t been made clear as to how Snapchat would detect if the watermark has been removed. Snapchat is also using other methods to notify users of AI-generated content. It uses contextual icons, symbols, and labels in-app to provide contextual transparency to Snapchatters when they’re interacting with a feature that is powered by AI technology.
For example, when a Snapchatter shares an AI-generated Dreams image, the recipient sees a context card with more information. Other features, like the extend tool which leverages AI to make a Snap appear more zoomed out, are demarcated as an AI feature with a sparkle icon for the Snapchatter creating the Snap.
Following controversies around AI-generated content, Snapchat has taken measures to improve AI safety and moderation. Snapchat’s decision aligns with a broader industry trend where tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Google have taken steps to label AI-generated content.
AI is being added to various other apps off late, such as in WhatsApp where Meta AI is now available to select users. Once you tap on the newly introduced search bar inside WhatsApp or when you open the Meta AI chat, you will be shown various prompts to initiate a conversation with the chatbot. Users can also ask the AI about various information, such as the current weather conditions at their location and more.
Satellite Connectivity in smartphones is a feature made popular by Apple and it seems like Google will now follow suit. The brand is already preparing to integrate satellite connectivity in its Pixel 9 series and a report suggests that Google will also bring the same to its Maps service.
Spotted by developer AssembleDebug on X (via Piunikaweb), the Google Maps beta v11.125 carries evidence suggesting the app would allow interaction with the satellites directly. The developer spotted three strings of code inside the APK file which suggests that Google Maps will allow you to update your location in the app via satellite at 15-minute intervals, up to five times a day.
This could be a useful and probably a life-saving feature if you’re stuck in an area with no network reception. The feature is set to work only with devices that support satellite connectivity, which according to a recent leak would include the Google Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro as well.
The same source recently also spotted an icon for upcoming Satellite Gateway app that will let users communicate with emergency services seamlessly. With evidence spotted for Satellite Connectivity support in Google Maps, it makes it clear that Google is definitely working on it behind closed doors and will be revealing everything to us when the Pixel 9 series launches later this year, possibly in early October.
Meanwhile, Google is planning to launch three smartphones under its Pixel 9 series this year, which would include the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The vanilla model is set to have dual rear cameras while the Pro and Pro XL will get triple rear cams. All of them could be powered by Google’s Tensor G4 processor.
Vivo debuted the V30 series in India in March 2024 and a new entrant in the series is coming soon, as the brand has begun teasing the arrival of the Vivo V30e 5G in the Indian market. The brand has not only confirmed the design of the smartphone but also some of its key specs. Here’s everything we know about the Vivo V30e.
Vivo V30e: Design
According to the microsite Vivo India has created, the V30e will have a circular camera module positioned towards the left side of the rear panel, along with a ring around it. The device has two rear camera Sensors paired with a flashlight and an aura light as well. The device will be available in Velvet Red and Silk Blue colour options. Not only the back panel but the display will also be curved. Vivo further claims this smartphone is India’s slimmest smartphone that packs a 5500mAh battery.
Vivo V30e: Key Specs
The Vivo V30e is all set to get a 3D curved AMOLED Display which should have the usual 120Hz refresh rate. The display should 6.78-inches in size. It will have a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera. The device will be backed by a 5500mAh battery.
Coming to the leaked specs, these include 45W fast charging, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, 8GB RAM and up to 256GB of storage. Aside from this, it should have an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor on the back, a 50MP front facing sensor, and an IP64 rated body. It will run on Android 14-based FunTouch OS 14 out of the box.
With Motorola concreting its presence in the budget segment, the brand has been on a launch spree since the beginning of 2024, with the latest addition in the segment being the Moto G64 5G. The new handset has a few highlighting features such as a huge 6000mAh battery, stereo speakers and much more. After the device impressed us in its first impression, we put it to the test to find out whether its worth its price tag of Rs 14,999. Explore this comprehensive review of the Moto G64 5G to help you decide whether it’s the right purchase for you.
Design & Display
As we mentioned in the first impression of the Moto G64 5G, the handset is quite nicely built. The 3D PMMA material used to craft the rear panel doesn’t feel cheap at all and actually feels like glass. Because of the huge battery, the device is slightly on the heavier side, but that makes it feel dense, which is another plus point if we talk of the in-hand feel. It’s also compact to hold and despite getting a plastic frame, the overall feel of the handset is impressive.
The power and volume buttons reside on the right and have a tactile feel when clicked. The power button also doubles as a fingerprint sensor that works without issues. It recognises the finger 9/10 times. The only quarrel I have with the buttons is their positioning, as they are too high up than where they should be. While the power button seems fine, the volume buttons are slightly higher than the normal position.
The device has Dolby Atmos technology for the stereo speakers, which is excellent for the price point they are offering. They are loud and clear with vocals. The device also supports Moto Spatial Sound which creates a reverb effect when turned on even for sound from the speakers. As for the haptics, they are like any other budget smartphone in the segment and aren’t the most useful. This Motorola device is also IP52 rated meaning it can withstand a few splashes and some dirt as well.
The Moto G64 5G has a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a punch-hole cutout, 240Hz touch sampling rate, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel produces decent colours and sharp content. The 120Hz Refresh Rate doesn’t, and even when set to ‘Auto’, it doesn’t drop often.
This isn’t the best LCD panel in terms of brightness, though. Even when indoors, the maximum brightness looks comfortable, while outdoors, it becomes pretty difficult to read the content. Not only that, but even the viewing angles are below average, as even the slightest tilt won’t allow you to see what is being displayed (as shown in the photo above).
Performance & Software
Moto G64 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 octa-core Chipset and is the first smartphone in the world to come with it. It’s further paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage that is further expandable up to 1TB. The phone runs on Android 14-based MyUX 5.0 custom skin out of the box.
With the top variant in our hands, we can say that the Moto G64 5G didn’t disappoint in terms of performance during the review period. It’s snappy and fluid for the most part, and casual gaming such as playing Bullet Echo, can also be handled with ease by the smartphone. RAM management is also managed well by the OS, with most of my apps staying in memory even after a while. However, we did notice some stutters in animations across the whole user interface but the device never became unresponsive.
Another issue I faced was even when I denied the system to install some of the apps it asked me to, such as Kotak 811, Solitaire, etc, it did that anyways and I had to uninstall them later on, considering it was part of bloatware. During the setup, it showed me apps from Motorola that would compulsorily be installed, which included the Shopping folder, entertainment folder, etc. Fortunately, all of them could be uninstalled. Finally, there was another major problem with the battery stats page where it just didn’t want to update. Due to that, it didn’t record at least 1.5 hours of screen-on time and I couldn’t find any fix for this bug either.
As for the customisation features, we don’t get to see the Hello UI, which debuted with the EDGE 50 Pro, but Motorola has confirmed to us that the Moto G64 5G will receive the Hello UI update sometime in the future. Even without Hello UI, there’s a good amount of customisation on offer, including features like Motorola’s signature twist and chop gestures for turning on the camera or the flashlight, respectively.
You can also customise the manner in which the notifications are shown on the lock screen, change the colours of the UI based on wallpaper or preset themes, access various fonts, set dynamic wallpapers, and do much more. It also supports split screen for multitasking, virtual RAM, smart sidebar, flip to DND, attentive screen, etc. Overall, the phone retains the near Stock Android look and feel but with essential customisation options that can elevate the experience.
The device comes with the February 2024 security patch pre-installed but Motorola tells us it will soon receive the April 2024 patch too. The security updates will be pushed out bi-monthly while the device is also guaranteed to receive the Android 15 OS update when it’s ready. Connectivity performance including Jio 5G, 5Ghz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth remained optimum.
Battery backup
The device packs a 6000mAh cell with 33W fast charging. Thanks to this huge cell, you can use the Moto G64 5G for almost 2 days without any anxiety of charging it, as noted during our review. With around 29 hours of use, which included casual gaming, social media scrolling, browsing chrome, watching videos, and more, I could get around 8.5 hours of screen-on time which is phenomenal.
With lighter use, the device can easily exceed the 29-hour mark. When charging with the included 33W charger, the device takes slightly more than 1.5 hours to charge which is decent considering its a huge battery.
Cameras
Moto G64 5G has a dual camera setup on the back, consisting of a 50MP f/1.8 main sensor with OIS, and an 8MP ultra-wide angle f/2.2 lens with LED Flash. There is a 16MP f/2.4 front camera for selfies and video chats.
In our review of the Moto G64 5G, it shot decent photos when given enough light, with plenty of details and average dynamic range as well. However, the overall tone is on the warmer side, which takes away the natural effect. The sharp, highly detailed photos are appealing, despite the somewhat average color tone.
The ultra-wide angle sensor shoots photos that look oversharpened but the detailing isn’t compromised. The colour tone deviates heavily from what is seen on the main sensor and now switches to the cooler side that has the blue-ish tint. Edge distortion could have been better but once again, there wasn’t a lot to complain about considering the price of the smartphone. This sensor also doubles as a macro sensor and these types of shots are there for the sake of it. They do lack proper detailing and have some amount of noise.
Portrait photos have a decent bokeh effect with edge detection that’s above average. The exposure levels can be inconsistent, but the photos often turn out detailed, sharp, vivid, and generally satisfactory.
Selfies are good with colours and skin tones but these photos lack detail. Also, the exposure can mess up and blow the background in case it’s too bright. Coming to shots clicked under artificial lighting, the main sensor doesn’t disappoint. The colours and the detailing of the shot are well contained by the camera.
For low-light photos, the detailing drops drastically. The colours go for a toss, and the device begins to struggle even when trying to focus. Most of the time, it would give me a blurry and unusable shot. Turning on Night mode does help brighten some parts of the image and also helps the device pick up accurate colours, but again, you’ll have to be really patient when clicking photos under poor lighting conditions.
Spotify recently launched an AI-backed playlist generator for select regions and days after its announcement, it seems like Amazon is now doing the same with its release of Maestro in beta. Amazon says that Maestro in Amazon Music can help you create all the types of playlists you want, thanks to AI. Here’s how it works.
Maestro will allow you to create playlists with just a prompt idea—you can go for something short (or long), use emojis, emotions, activities, sounds, or choose from one of the suggested prompts. For instance, if the user inputs a robot emoji, they’ll be able to get a unique-to-them playlist that brings a selection of electronic and robot-like tracks to life. You can save the playlist, share it with friends to listen, and they can create their own to share back.
Amazon cautions that the technology behind Maestro is new and won’t always interpret the users’ inputs correctly the first time. The company has also implemented systems to proactively block offensive language and inappropriate prompts. It’ll be applying the users’ feedback, and continue to make Maestro a safer experience for everyone.
As for availability, Maestro AI Playlist Generator is rolling out in beta to a subset of Free, Prime, and Unlimited Amazon Music customers in the U.S. on iOS and Android mobile apps. Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers can listen to their playlists instantly and save for later, while Prime members and ad-supported customers can listen to 30-second previews of their playlists before saving. Amazon plans to expand access to more customers eventually.
How To Use Maestro In Amazon Music?
Download the latest version of the Amazon Music mobile app.
Customers who are in the beta will see Maestro either on their home screen, or when they tap the plus sign where they usually create a new playlist.
