Samsung Galaxy S24 series is nearly a year old at this point but the company hasn’t properly addressed the slow fingerprint unlocking issues users have been facing since launch. Now, a leak suggests that Samsung will improve the fingerprint unlocking speed of Galaxy S24 series with One UI 7.
Tipster Ice Universe has posted a video on X, suggesting that the fingerprint unlocking speed of the Galaxy S24 series devices will be drastically improved with the upcoming One UI 7 beta 3 update. Moroever, the locking and unlocking sound effect has also been replaced with a new one that’s more crisper and clearer than before. The video the tipster posted not only shows the faster fingerprint unlocking speed of Galaxy S24 series, but also has the new sound effect.
Stable One UI 7 for Samsung Galaxy S24 series will debut sometime in February according to leaks. Samsung released a second beta for One UI 7 back last month. The brand also detailed the new features of One UI 7, especially the Now Bar.
While detailing the Now Bar capabilities in One UI 7, the company said that it created the Personal Data Engine for Galaxy users, which a powerful privacy advancement that ensures on-device, cross-app personal data protection. Personalized data of users is stored in a secure space, safeguarded by an Encryption key that’s managed by Knox Vault. That’s the same trusted platform used to secure the most sensitive information on your smartphone, such as your biometric data.
Now Bar is where “you’ll control your entertainment, time your next personal best workout, get directions to your next meeting or start communicating in other languages.” Now Bar will also be an access point for the most comprehensively insightful experiences ever on Galaxy. “Now, your phone won’t just ping you, it will power your lifestyle,” said Samsung.
HMD Key has been announced in international markets as a new entry-level handset that comes with a Unisoc processor and Android 14 Go Edition software. “The HMD Key is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get a reliable smartphone. Its lightweight build, essential features, and accessible price point make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a new smartphone,” says HMD.
HMD Key: Price, Availability
The HMD Key is priced at £59 (approx Rs 6,300) in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The phone is available in two shades — Icy Blue and Midnight Black. It is unclear whether the device will be made available outside these regions.
HMD Key: Specifications
The HMD Key sports a 6.52-inch HD+ (576 x 1280 pixels resolution) LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, a 20:9 aspect ratio, and 460 nits brightness level. The HMD Key is powered by a Unisoc 9832E processor paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of inbuilt storage which is expandable up to 128GB through microSD card storage expansion.
HMD Key packs an 8-megapixel primary sensor with Autofocus at the back and a 5-megapixel sensor on the front which handles video calls and selfies. It has a single speaker and a microphone. The handset arrives with an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance.
The RAM can be virtually extended to up to an additional 2GB. It runs on Android 14 Go Edition. The handset will receive two years of security updates, while an Android OS update remains unconfirmed.
The HMD Key packs a 4,000mAh battery with support for 10W wired charging. There’s device lacks a fingerprint scanner but supports Face Unlock. Connectivity options include 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v4.2, GPS, a 3.5mm Audio Jack and a USB Type-C port for charging.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping technology across industries, but hardware development remains crucial for AI’s sustained progress, according to Alex Katouzian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Qualcomm’s Mobile, Compute, XR, and Wearable businesses.
Katouzian emphasized the interdependence of AI and hardware, highlighting that the effectiveness of AI-driven features depends on advancements in underlying technologies.
Qualcomm, traditionally known for its communications technology, has expanded its focus to become a computing company for the intelligent edge. This shift reflects the company’s efforts to integrate connectivity and computing across devices and industries, aiming to deliver seamless and efficient user experiences.
AI-Hardware Synergy Essential for Innovation
Katouzian stated that while AI enhances device capabilities, its potential is constrained without corresponding hardware development. He cited smartphone photography as an example, where AI contributes to features like improved low-light performance and background blur. These advancements, he said, are only achievable with cutting-edge image signal processors (ISPs) that support multi-camera integration and real-time optimization.
“AI can refine existing features, but the hardware pipeline must evolve to unlock the next generation of capabilities,” Katouzian said.
In gaming, AI powers features such as interactive non-player characters (NPCs), but graphical improvements like advanced shading, rendering, and lighting depend on GPU innovation. Katouzian explained that these hardware advancements are necessary to support more complex game engines and deliver higher-quality visuals.
“If hardware isn’t advancing, both the user experience and energy efficiency will plateau,” he added.
Competition with Apple
Qualcomm’s commitment to hardware development is evident in its competition with Apple. Apple’s A17 Bionic chip, powering the latest iPhones, has garnered attention for its performance. However, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Elite processors have set benchmarks in areas such as multitasking efficiency, rendering, and battery life.
Katouzian noted that Qualcomm’s processors outperform Apple’s A17 chip in several metrics. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, for instance, offers advanced capabilities for gaming, photography, and connectivity while maintaining lower power consumption.
Qualcomm’s horizontal business model, which involves supplying chipsets to a wide range of partners, contrasts with Apple’s vertically integrated approach. Katouzian highlighted that this model enables Qualcomm to optimize its solutions for various manufacturers, including Google, Samsung, Oppo, and Motorola, broadening the reach of its technologies.
Focus on the Intelligent Edge
Central to Qualcomm’s strategy is the concept of the intelligent edge, which combines local high-performance computing with seamless cloud connectivity. By integrating connectivity and computing, Qualcomm aims to enable devices to deliver advanced features without relying solely on cloud-based processing.
Katouzian emphasized that The company’s expertise in communication technologies and long-standing innovation in low-power, high-performance computing has positioned it as a leader in this space. Qualcomm has also been investing in AI for over 15 years, embedding intelligence into devices well before the global AI boom.
“AI-driven features such as voice commands, real-time photo enhancements, and secure device access have become integral to modern devices, and Qualcomm’s hardware innovations ensure these capabilities are both effective and efficient,” Katouzian said.
Expanding Beyond Mobile
While Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets dominate the premium Android smartphone market, the company has expanded its focus to include automotive, PCs, extended reality (XR), and industrial IoT.
In the automotive sector, Qualcomm is developing digital infotainment systems and autonomous driving technologies, addressing the needs of the growing electric vehicle market.
For PCs, Qualcomm’s AI-powered tools are enhancing productivity by enabling features such as natural language searches and automated document summarization.
In XR, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR solutions are driving advancements in augmented and virtual reality, with applications in education, gaming, and remote collaboration.
In industrial IoT, Qualcomm’s AI-enabled security cameras and monitoring systems improve factory safety and efficiency by detecting potential hazards and issuing real-time alerts.
As AI continues to play a central role in modern devices, Qualcomm’s emphasis on hardware innovation highlights the importance of balancing AI capabilities with robust technological foundations. While AI can enhance many functions, hardware advancements remain critical for achieving better performance, efficiency, and user experiences.
By focusing on the synergy between AI, connectivity, and hardware, the company aims to deliver transformative experiences across industries while maintaining its competitive edge.
Moto G05 India launch has been confirmed to take place next week on January 7. The G05 launched globally back in December 2024, and the device is touted as a budget 4G offering with a MediaTek Helio Chipset under the hood, a generous 5200mAh battery, and more. Here are all the details.
Moto G05 India Launch
The Moto G05 India launch was confirmed through a Flipkart microsite. The listing not only confirms the specifications of the phone (which remain identical to the global model), but also reveals the price segment of the device, which could be under Rs 7,000. The device will launch on January 7 at 12PM IST.
The device can be seen in two colours, which could be called Forest Green and Plum Red. We’ll have to wait for details regarding the variants and pricing till the launch date of the device.
The Moto G05 features a 6.67-inch (1604 × 720 Pixels) HD+ LCD display with a 20:9 aspect ratio, 90Hz refresh rate, up to 1000 nits peak brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme chip, coupled with 4GB LPDDR4x RAM and up to 256GB of storage which is expandable up to 1TB.
It has a single rear camera including a 50MP f/1.8 primary camera sensor along with an ambient light sensor. On the front, there’s an 8MP front camera with f/2.05 aperture. The device packs a 5200mAh battery with 18W fast charging. The device runs on Android 15.
Additional features on the two include 3.5mm audio jack, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, IP54-rated bodies, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Connectivity options include Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS, and a USB Type-C port.
Samsung has announced that it will equip its 2025 Samsung TVs and Soundbars with Eclipsa Audio technology which it developed in partnership with Google. Eclipsa Audio is being described as a “groundbreaking 3D audio technology” by the company, and here are all the details regarding the development.
Eclipsa Audio allows creators to adjust audio data such as the location and intensity of sounds, along with spatial reflections, to create an immersive three-dimensional sound experience. As the first in the industry to adopt the technology, Samsung announced that it will launch its 2025 Samsung TVs and Soundbars with Eclipsa Audio Technology — from the Crystal UHD series to the premium flagship Neo QLED 8K models.
Further, starting in 2025, creators will be able to upload videos with Eclipsa Audio tracks to YouTube. Viewers with 2025 Samsung devices will be able to watch YouTube videos with premium spatial audio when available.
To ensure consistent audio quality, Samsung and Google are working with the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) to create a certification program for devices using Eclipsa Audio, ensuring that consumers experience the highest standards of sound fidelity.
In related news to Samsung, the company will reportedly offer free Gemini Advanced to Galaxy S25 series buyers. The Galaxy S25 could get three months of Gemini Advanced for free, the Galaxy S25 Plus could get six months, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra could get a year’s worth of Gemini Advanced subscription for free. Both Google and Samsung haven’t mentioned the offer, and we’ll have to wait until the devices officially launch for further details.
The Galaxy S25 series is seemingly launching on January 22, 2025. As usual, the Galaxy S25 series will consist of three models: the Galaxy S25, the Galaxy S25+ and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Out of these, the Ultra model is expected to bring the most amount of upgrades over the Galaxy S24 Ultra in the entire S25 lineup.
HTech has announced the release of Android 15-based MagicOS 9.0 for Honor Magic 6 Pro 5G in India. The update not only enhances the smoothness of the handset, but also brings a set of AI features amongst others. Some first-party apps by Honor have also gotten a refreshed design. Here are the full details of the update.
Honor detailed the changelog of MagicOS 9.0 for Honor Magic 6 Pro with version 9.0.0.131 (C185E10R2P2) via a Magicnation post, and it is as follows:
Smoothness
This update revolutionizes the fluidity and responsiveness of your phone with enhanced animations and system performance.
User-Centered Animation:
Long-take animations ensure smooth transitions between pages, such as in the Notification Centre, Control Centre, media cards, and call notifications.
Touch-feedback animations provide noticeable responses in scenarios like the Home screen, Global Search, Notification Centre, and Control Centre.
Snap animation offers a satisfying sense of completion when dragging apps to folders or accessing the Password screen.
Optimized spatial hierarchy animations maintain consistency when entering or exiting apps.
Parallel operation animations enhance App startup and exit, delivering a seamless experience.
System Smoothness:
Optimized system load at startup ensures improved performance after updates and restarts.
Refreshed System
Your phone’s interface gets a makeover for improved usability and personalization.
New Interaction:
Updated color schemes and layouts for apps like Calendar and Notes give a fresh, modern look while enhancing usability.
Personalized Home Screen:
Pinch with two fingers on the Home screen or lock screen to access personalization options. Choose trendy themes, and customize the style, color, size, and shape of icons to make your Home screen unique.
Camera Enhancements:
Fan-Shaped Zoom: This improves the Zoom experience, making it more intuitive.
Simplified Toolbar: Functions like AI Photography and video Resolution adjustments are now easier to access, with a cleaner, more organized camera interface.
HONOR AI
AI Translate:
Interpreter Mode: Ideal for meetings or lectures, this feature provides real-time translations for seamless communication.
Loop Recording Mode: Translate conversations in real-time without tapping repeatedly. Enable it by navigating to Settings > HONOR AI > AI Translate > Home screen shortcut.
Magic Portal:
Knock and draw a circle with your knuckle to open the Magic Portal, providing quick access to services like Google Translate, Google Search, YouTube, TikTok, and Booking.
AI Office
HONOR Notes:
Record notes, use voice-to-text, and access real-time translations to streamline productivity.
More Optimizations
HONOR Eye Comfort Display:
The AI Defocus Display reduces transient myopia through defocus stimulation. Enable it via Settings > HONOR Eye Comfort Display > Defocus Eyecare.
Personal Hotspot:
Share your hotspot using a QR code by going to Settings > Mobile Network > Personal Hotspot > Turn it on > Scan to connect.
Set inactivity durations for automatic hotspot switch-off through Settings > Mobile Network > Personal Hotspot > More > Duration.
Audio Improvements:
AI Dual-Path Noise Reduction minimizes background noise for clearer calls. Enable it via Settings > Accessibility Features > Call Enhancement > AI Noise Cancellation.
Enhanced Display:
The Super Dynamic Vivid Display improves light and shadow effects when watching HD videos. Activate it in Settings > Display & Brightness > Video Enhancer > Super Dynamic Display.
Improved Touch:
Rainproof Touch ensures stability in all conditions.
Upgraded System Apps:
The Smart Remote app now includes a timer for air conditioners and supports controlling electric fans.
Communication Enhancements:
Optimized cellular self-healing improves network performance in some scenarios.
Battery Life:
Multi-dimensional battery optimization provides power-saving suggestions and one-tap solutions for extended battery life. Access it via Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization.
The Android 15-based MagicOS 9.0 for Honor Magic 6 Pro could be rolling out in batches, which means the update might take a few days to reach your unit. However, you can check for updates by going to Settings > System > System Update and download the update if it’s available.
A new update for Telegram has been released by the Messaging platform which includes collectible gifts that can be transferred or re-sent to other users, the ability to send reactions to in-chat events, filters for message search, an in-app QR code scanner and much more.
The update for Telegram introduces Collectible Gifts. Gifts you receive on Telegram are now able to be upgraded to collectibles. Collectible gifts have special attributes and can be transferred to other users or auctioned on NFT marketplaces.
When you upgrade a gift it unlocks a new appearance from dozens of custom variationsmade by Telegram artists. Collectibles also receive a random set of secondary traits, including a background color, icon and number. This means every collectible gift is a unique work of art — and that some will be more rare than others.
When buying a gift for another user, the company says you can send it already upgraded — and watch as they unwrap their collectible artwork right in the chat. Then, when someone sends you a gift, joins a group or starts a video chat, a special service message appears in the conversation which now support reactions — so you can say thanks or welcome new members in just two taps.
The search bar in your chat list lets you quickly find messages from any of your chats. Results in the ‘Chats’ tab now have extra filters that let you refine the list to show results only from private chats, group chats or channels.
Telegram allows public figures and organizations to become verified, so users can quickly identify official sources of information. To further improve transparency on Telegram, official third-party services are now able to assign extra verification icons to user accounts and chats. This decentralized platform for additional verification will help prevent scams and reduce misinformation — with a unique proactive solution that sets a new safety standard for social platforms.
Next, Folders names now support custom emoji, which lets Premium users make their folders extra expressive — or more minimalist by replacing text with specific icons. The in-app camera on Android and iOS now recognizes QR codes by default, opening links in your preferred browser without switching apps.
Finally, Telegram noted that in 2024, thanks to Premium subscriptions, privacy-conscious ads, Telegram Stars and more, Telegram reached profibability.
Hyundai Motor India has announced the launch of Hyundai Creta Electric in the country. According to the brand, “SUV combines bold design, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled safety to set new benchmarks in India’s EV market.” Here are the details about the new EV from Hyundai in India.
Hyundai Creta Electric: Everything to Know
The Hyundai Creta Electric will be available in 4 variants – Executive, Smart, Premium and Excellence with 8 monotone and 2 dual-tone color options including 3 matte colours. The pricing of the vehicle will be revealed on the launch day, which is January 17, 2025. The EV will go head-on against the new electric vehicles by Mahindra, including the BE 6e and the XEV 9e.
The Hyundai CRETA Electric features a pixelated graphic front grille with an integrated charging port and a pixelated graphic lower bumper. Complementing the front design is the pixelated graphic rear bumper paired with LED tail lamps. The design also integrates unique Active Air Flaps (AAF), which are strategically placed to manage the airflow and help in cooling the vehicle components & improve aerodynamic performance.
The Hyundai CRETA Electric is equipped with R17 (D=436.6mm) Aero Alloy Wheels with Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) tires, enhancing aerodynamic performance and contributing to improving range efficiency. The long-range variant of the car can achieve 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds. It will come in two battery pack sizes, one with 51.4 kWh (Long Range) offering a driving range of 473 km on a single charge, and the other with a 42 kWh battery offering a driving range of 390 km on a single charge.
The Hyundai Creta Electric can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 58 minutes (DC charging), while the 11kW Smart Connected Wall Box charger can charge from 10%-100% in 4 hours (AC Home Charging).
Further, the Hyundai Creta Electric Offers Vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, enabling users to power external devices both inside and outside the vehicle, transforming it into a portable power source for added convenience and versatility. It is further equipped with i-Pedal technology, enabling a seamless one-pedal driving experience that allows drivers to accelerate, decelerate and even bring the car to a complete stop using just the accelerator pedal.
Finally, Hyundai CRETA Electric features an ergonomically placed Shift-by-wire System, offering “intuitive gear control with enhanced convenience and a futuristic driving experience.” It also supports Digital Key functionality, allowing users to lock, unlock and start the vehicle using their smartphone or smartwatch.
Vivo T3x 5G price has been dropped in India by Rs 1,000 for all the variants of the device. The device was launched in India in April of 2024, packing a huge 6000mAh battery under the hood, a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and more. Here are all the details about the new pricing of Vivo T3x 5G.
Vivo T3x 5G Price Drop
The vivo T3x 5G now costs Rs 12,499 for the 4GB + 128GB model, 6GB + 128GB model costs Rs 13,999 and the 8GB + 128GB model is priced at Rs 15,499. These models costed Rs 13,499, Rs 14,999, and Rs 16,499, respectively, at launch.
The new Vivo T3x 5G price is now live on vivo India e-store, Flipkart, and all partner retail stores. Buyers can also avail an additional Rs 1,500 discount with select bank cards. It can be bought in Celestial Green, Crimson Bliss, and Sapphire Blue shades.
Vivo T3x 5G: Specifications
The Vivo T3x 5G sports a 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1000 nits peak brightness, 393 PPI, and TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification. The handset is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Processor paired with Adreno GPU for graphics. It comes with up to 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and up to 128GB UFS 2.2 internal storage, which is further expandable via a microSD card. There’s also up to 8GB Virtual RAM support.
The handset runs on Android 14-based Funtouch OS custom skin out of the box. The Vivo T3x 5G features a dual camera setup on the back, with a 50MP f/1.8 primary camer and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. There is an 8MP shooter on the front for selfies. It is backed up by a 6,000mAh battery with 44W Fast charging support.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, 5G, Bluetooth v5.1, GPS and a USB-C port for charging. The handset is also IP64 rated, supports 4D game vibration, gets a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a stereo speaker setup for audio.
Redmi has announced the Redmi Turbo 4 in China, which will likely launch in India as Poco X7 Pro 5G next week on January 9. The Turbo 4 packs a huge 6550mAh silicon carbon battery with 90W fast wired charging support. Here’s everything else to know about the new smartphone.
Redmi Turbo 4: Price
The Redmi Turbo 4 starts at CNY 1,999 (approx ₹23,490) for the 12GB + 256GB model in China. The top-end variant has 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. It is available in Shadow Black, Shallow Sea Green, and Auspicious Cloud White colours.
Redmi Turbo 4: Specifications
The Redmi Turbo 4 sports a 6.67-inch (2712 x 1220 pixels) 1.5K 12-bit OLED 20:9 display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 480Hz touch sampling rate, up to 3200 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1920Hz PWM Dimming, DC Dimming, and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection
The device packs the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra SoC and runs on Android 15-based HyperOS 2.0. The smartphone also houses up to 16GB LPPDR5x RAM, 512GB UFS 4.0 storage, and VC liquid cooling system. The device is IP66 + IP68 + IP69 rated.
For optics, the handset features a dual rear camera setup with a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 f/1.5 sensor with OIS and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens. For selfies, the handset houses a 20-megapixel OV20B f/2.2 selfie camera.
Connectivity options include 5G dual SIM, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth v6.0, Dual-Band GNSS, IR blaster and NFC. It has dual stereo speakers. The handset also features an in-screen optical fingerprint sensor. For battery, the smartphone packs a 6550mAh silicon-carbon battery along with support for 90W fast charging.
Poco will also be announcing its Poco X7 series in India on January 9, and out of the series, the X7 Pro 5G is expected to be a rebadged Redmi Turbo 4. The device’s battery capacity has already been confirmed to be identical to Turbo 4’s. Further, the device is expected to carry a sub-Rs 30,000 price tag.
