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YouTube Hype, Gifts, and More New Features Announced

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YouTube, at the “Made on YouTube” event held in New York, announced a set of new features, including a new YouTube Hype button, updated Inspiration tab, and much more. “From the biggest creators and artists to the next generation just getting their start, creators on YouTube can get their hands on the latest tools, resources and earning opportunities,” said YouTube.

As spotted before, the Hype button in YouTube acts as an extension of the like button. The hype button is going to help small-to-medium-size creators land on a weekly leaderboard in their country. “If you really love a video, you can click the like button, then “hype” to help it reach a new leaderboard. That hype leaderboard will help those spotlighted creators get recognition and connect them with new audiences,” according to the streaming platform.

Aside from the YouTube Hype button, the platform announced expansion of YouTube Shopping affiliate program which will be coming to Indonesia today, and Thailand and Vietnam in the coming weeks.

Youtube gifts

Next, YouTube announced Gifts, powered by Jewels. Gifts will launch on vertical live, making it easier for viewers to react, express excitement, and actively participate in the moment, and unlocking a new way for creators to earn on YouTube.

Now, YouTube creators will soon be able to organize their content into seasons and episodes, making it easy for viewers to tune into the new must-see TV. And YouTube is making changes to the channel page to give creators the option to begin playing a video automatically, so they can immerse viewers in what their channel is all about.

In the coming months, YouTube will also be expanding the auto dubbing option to hundreds of thousands of additional creators where they’ll be able to choose to add dubbed audio tracks automatically.  Community hub has also been announced, which is an upgraded space in the YouTube Studio where creators can more easily understand and engage with their audience. They also get AI-enhanced comment reply suggestions as a starting point, so they can stay responsive even as their audiences grow.

YouTube Communities, separate from the Community hub, is a new space that creators can enable on their channel page to foster deeper relationships with their audiences. Both creators and subscribers can post art and pictures, share ideas and connect about the videos and topics they love.

The Inspiration tab in YouTube Studio is getting an upgrade, helping curate suggestions that you can mold into fully-fledged projects – all while refining generated ideas, titles, thumbnails and outlines to match the creator’s style.

Finally, Veo, which was announced last year, lets you generate backgrounds in YouTube Shorts, is now getting better as it will bring more realistic backgrounds and, for the first time, standalone video clips to Dream Screen.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Review: A Rugged Companion for Adventurers

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The Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung’s latest entry into the rugged smartwatch market, priced at Rs 59,999. It is designed for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who need a durable wearable. Here’s a detailed review, looking at where the Galaxy Watch Ultra excels and where it falls short.

Design

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra design

The design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra has undergone significant changes compared to its predecessor. It features a scratch-resistant titanium casing and sapphire glass display, giving it a tough, rugged feel. The circular watch face is now housed within a squircle-shaped frame. The watch also includes a new ‘Quick button,’ which can be customized alongside the standard Home and Back buttons.

The microphones are near the button, and the speaker is on the other side. Additionally, you can take calls directly from the watch when it is connected to the smartphone over Bluetooth.

At 47mm wide and 12.1mm thick, the Samsung Watch Ultra weighs 60.5 grams. It’s quite big! It’s designed for harsh environments, with a 10 ATM water resistance rating capable of handling depths of up to 100 meters. It also meets the MIL-STD-810H military standard, ensuring durability in extreme conditions. However, Samsung advises against using it for high-pressure water sports like diving.

The size and design may not appeal to everyone, especially users who prefer a more minimalist look. However, bulkiness is likely a positive factor for those who prioritize durability. The watch uses custom 22mm straps that integrate seamlessly into the chassis, which means standard straps won’t fit. The strap’s soft silicone material provides comfort, and its breathability makes it suitable for extended wear.

Read More:

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is Available for Rs 1,09,999: Should You Consider it Over Pixel 9 Pro XL?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Renders Show Minor Design Refresh

Controls

The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s controls combine physical buttons and touchscreen navigation. The top button returns you to the main watch face, while the bottom button acts as a back function. The new Quick button can be customized for various tasks, adding more versatility.

The touchscreen also plays a key role in navigation. Swiping down opens a customizable Quick Panel while swiping left and right provides access to tiles for fitness stats, calendars, and more.

The controls are generally intuitive, but some advanced features, especially the gestures, are only accessible if paired with a Samsung phone. For instance, double pinch gesture to get rid of notifications or click a photo using the appropriate on the watch.

The absence of a physical rotating bezel is compensated for by a digital one in Galaxy Watch Ultra. You can drag your finger along the screen’s to navigate menus. Samsung has also enhanced the haptic feedback to mimic the feeling of rotating a physical bezel, improving the user experience despite the lack of a physical rotating bezel.

Display

The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, offering sharp visuals with its 480×480 resolution. The brightness peaks at 3,000 nits, making it easy to view in direct sunlight. The always-on display looks quite good, and some of the watch faces give the watch an look.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the watch is powered by an Exynos W1000 chip, featuring a 5-core that delivers faster performance than its predecessor. Samsung claims a 2.7x improvement in app launches and over 3x faster performance in both single-core and multi-core tasks. With 2GB of and 32GB of storage, the watch has enough power to handle various apps and functions without lag.

Software

The Galaxy Watch Ultra runs on Wear 5 with Samsung’s One Watch 6 on top. The software is smooth and offers a high level of customization, allowing users to tweak settings like watch faces, tiles, and quick settings. However, a significant drawback is the need for multiple apps—Samsung Wearable, Samsung Health, and Samsung Health Monitor—to fully utilize the watch’s capabilities. This makes the user experience somewhat cumbersome, especially for non-Samsung smartphone users.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra brings a host of features for fitness and health enthusiasts. At the core of this is the new BioActive sensor, which combines multiple functions, including heart rate monitoring, body composition analysis, and electrical heart activity measurements. This sensor supports Blood Pressure (BP), Electrocardiogram (ECG), and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), providing detailed insights into your body composition, including fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, body water, and basal metabolic rate.

The watch introduces a new Multi-Sports mode that is accessible via Multi-Sports tiles. This allows users to create and track custom workout combinations, making it a great companion for duathlons, triathlons, and other multi-sport activities. Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is another standout feature for cyclists, providing critical insights into workout intensity. Samsung’s Galaxy AI also powers new insights, such as the Energy Score, which provides a daily wellness score based on sleep, heart rate, and workout data.

Menstrual Cycle and Heart Health Tracking

For women, the Samsung Health app offers menstrual cycle tracking. The Watch Ultra also provides irregular heart rhythm notifications (IHRN), which can alert users to atrial fibrillation (AFib) risks.

Step Tracking and Accuracy

The Galaxy Watch Ultra’s step tracking is quite accurate, and GPS performance is also reliable. The watch quickly locks onto a signal and maintains accuracy during outdoor workouts.

Body Composition and AGEs Measurement

To measure body composition, users place their middle and ring fingers on the home and back buttons. The BioActive sensor sends electrical signals through the body and returns data on fat, muscle mass, and BMI. While this method is not 100% precise, it provides useful trends for tracking over time. The Galaxy Watch Ultra also introduces a new feature for monitoring Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), which are linked to biological ageing and metabolic health.

Sleep Tracking

Sleep tracking on the Galaxy Watch Ultra is comprehensive, offering detailed insights into sleep stages (REM, light, deep) along with charts that track your blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and respiratory rate during sleep. The watch can detect snoring by placing your phone nearby, although this feature doesn’t always work flawlessly. The Sleep Apnea feature, which is available in some regions, is not yet supported in India.

Heart Rate, SpO2, and Stress Monitoring

The watch uses lights and photodiodes to monitor heart rate and SpO2 (blood oxygen) levels. Data from these measurements is logged continuously, providing real-time alerts if your heart rate goes too high or low. Samsung’s heart health features also include ECG and stress monitoring, and users can receive notifications about irregular heart rhythms (IHRN). While blood pressure tracking is available, accurate readings require calibration with a traditional cuff-based monitor.

Overall, the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s health and fitness tracking features are robust, though its best capabilities are optimized for Samsung phone users, limiting its broader appeal.

Safety Features

The Galaxy Watch Ultra also has a few safety features. It has an 86-decibel siren that can be activated for emergencies by pressing the quick button for 5 seconds. Additionally, it has fall detection capability and an emergency SOS function to alert specified contacts in case of need.

Battery Life

The watch is powered by a 590mAh battery, which provides around two days of battery life with features like always-on display and sleep tracking enabled. However, charging the watch is slow, taking up to two hours to reach a full charge using the provided wireless charger. It also lacks compatibility with other chargers, which could be inconvenient for some users.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: Betting Big on AI

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Google has unveiled its latest high-end smartphones, the 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, showcasing the company’s and machine learning advancements. Both devices come equipped with the new Tensor G4 chip and a redesigned look, placing Google in competition with industry giants like Samsung and Apple.

With the Pixel 9 Pro XL priced at Rs 124,999, Google is betting on AI-driven features to justify the premium cost. But is it a good buy? We will answer this question in our Pixel 9 Pro XL review. Also, please note that this review will be relevant for the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, as apart from display screen size, there is no difference between the two Desmartphones.

Design  

The Pixel 9 Pro models showcase a redesigned camera bar, now shaped like a pill. Flat, polished edges give the phone a premium feel, addressing past complaints of a less refined look. The Pixel 9 Pro XL particularly exudes a more polished appearance than the Pixel 8 Pro. Besides, the phone doesn’t wobble when kept on a flat surface.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review design

In terms of buttons, the power and volume keys are located on the right-hand side, positioned a bit higher than before. Google continues to swap the volume rocker and power button compared to other smartphones. Most smartphones have the power button lower and the volume rocker higher on the side of the phone, except for the iPhone, which has the volume rocker on the opposite side. Unfortunately, if you’re switching from a non-Pixel phone to the Pixel 9 Pro, you will need some time to get used to that. Also, you will most of the time press the volume rocker whenever you want to power up the device.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL design flaw

At the bottom, there is a speaker grille, a USB-C port, a microphone hole, and a card slot. To me, the placement of the SIM card slot and Microphone seems to be a design flaw, as users might accidentally stick the SIM ejection tool into the microphone hole and damage the microphone.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL sim slot

This year’s Pixel 9 series introduces a new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which is faster and more efficient than the previous optical scanner. This upgrade eliminates the bright illumination that bothered users in low-light environments.

Display:

The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch display, while the standard Pixel 9 Pro has a smaller 6.3-inch screen. Both models offer the same set of features, including a dynamic of 1Hz to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The display is 1344p, which enhances visibility, especially in bright outdoor conditions.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL display

The bright screen proved advantageous for outdoor photography, reading, and watching videos, and it has good visibility even in direct sunlight. Overall, the viewing experience on the Pixel 9 Pro XL was flawless.

Performance

Powered by the Tensor G4 chip and Titan M2 security chip, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has 16GB of and storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB. Google claims a 20% improvement in web browsing speeds and a 17% increase in launch speed compared to its predecessor. The device performs efficiently in real-world usage, competing well with devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

One area where the performance improvement is most noticeable is image processing. The Pixel 9 Pro XL processes images almost instantly, significantly reducing the time taken to view captured photos compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. However, the device tends to heat up during prolonged use, particularly when gaming or using the camera for extended periods.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Audio and Call Quality

The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s call quality is solid, with effective noise cancellation during test calls. However, the clarity could be improved. The device’s speakers are good but fall short compared to those on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While it supports spatial audio over wireless connections, the absence of Dolby Atmos support may disappoint audiophiles.

Battery

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 5,060mAh battery, which is improved over its predecessor. It supports 37W wired charging, which takes the battery from 0% to 100% in about 1 hour and 25 minutes. A quick 15-minute charge brings the battery to 28%. While the battery life is good, with around 8 hours and 30 minutes of screen-on time, competitors like Samsung offer faster charging speeds. For medium usage, one and a half days is what you expect for a Pixel 9 Pro XL in one full recharge. Notably, the Pixel 9 series does not include a charger in the box, a trend few handset brands have adopted.

Camera

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL camera

The camera system on the Pixel 9 Pro XL consists of a 50MP primary shooter, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The camera excels in colour accuracy and low-light performance. Images are processed almost instantly, and the AI-enhanced post-processing adds a polished finish to photos. The camera allows users to take photos at either 12.5MP or 50MP resolutions. The main camera takes pictures at 12.5MP by default, with slightly better colour in the 12.5MP shots and improved detail in the 50MP images. The ultra-wide camera also takes 12.5MP photos by default, but users have the option to shoot at full resolution. Additionally, the 48MP telephoto camera takes 12.5MP photos, which are then upscaled to 50MP.

The front-facing camera is a 42MP sensor, a notable upgrade from the Pixel 8’s 10.5MP selfie camera. Despite this, final images are saved at 10MP, with 0.7x and 1x zoom options. The front camera produces accurate colours, though selfies at 0.7x are distorted at the edges, and Portrait images look great.

Video capture tops out at 60 on both the front and rear cameras. The rear cameras have optical image stabilization, which yields smooth video, removing small shakes. While the front-facing camera doesn’t have OIS, it’s also surprisingly smooth. Colours are accurate regardless of which camera you use to shoot video.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL front camera

AI Imaging Tools

Introduced last year, the “Video Boost” feature has been improved to enhance the quality of videos by sending them to Google servers for post-processing. A feature has also been added called “Zoom Enhance,” which uses AI to fill gaps in zoomed-in photos. Additionally, Google has revamped its Panorama tool, offering low-light panoramas with Night Sight integration.

A standout feature is “Add Me,” which allows the photographer to appear in group photos using augmented reality. While this is a fun addition, it requires manual activation and could benefit from being enabled by default. I am unsure how many users will use it, as it is more about creating moments than capturing them.

This is a new add-on in the Magic Editor, which Google introduced in the Photos app last year. This feature lets you transform images by typing prompts to modify or add new elements.

Another new addition is the Reframe tool, which uses generative AI to expand an image’s canvas or help you crop it more artistically. It’ll even generate parts of the image that were cut off in the original. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 line can also do this.

If you don’t want to take actual photos, you can play with Pixel Studio to create custom images. Note that creating images of people has not been supported yet. Here, you can try to make various pictures based on text prompts. I think the usefulness of this type of image generation right now seems limited.

Software and AI Integration

The Pixel 9 Pro series comes with 14 out of the box and promises seven years of software support, including major OS updates and security patches. Google’s clean Android interface is fast and fluid, providing an intuitive user experience.

The lock screen is clean and simple. The home screen supports app icons, folders, widgets, and an app drawer. Google’s app suite includes the mandatory Messages, Files, and Drive, Gmail and Chrome, Photos and Camera, Calculator, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Maps, Safety, Thermometer, Wallet, Watch, YouTube, and YT Music. You will see some new apps here, such as Gemini, Screenshots, and a new weather app.

Google Gemini:

Google’s Gemini Advanced can be easily accessed by pressing and holding the power button while you ask something. It’s decent but occasionally comes up with weird answers.

Using Gemini Advanced isn’t the end of the features. You can also use Gemini Live, which allows you to talk with the AI more naturally (as if you were having a conversation).

Pixel Screenshots:

The Pixel Screenshots app is your screenshot organizer, where you can deep-search through your countless screen grabs. The app uses Gemini to identify content across all of your screenshots, allowing you to recall information in them.

Circle to Search:

Circle to Search is also available. Just press and hold the nav bar at the bottom of the screen and then doodle on anything on your screen that you want to search for. We have already seen it on Galaxy S24 Ultra. It eliminates the need to screenshot and open it with Google Lens, and it really works as advertised—you circle something, and Google finds it for you.

Weather:

The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a new Pixel Weather app, powered by Gemini Nano. The app offers real-time weather updates with AI-generated reports and forecasts. Other improvements in the new weather app include features like drag-and-drop customization of weather blocks, allowing users to prioritize metrics like humidity, AQI, or hourly forecasts.

Infinix Zero 40 5G Launched in India: Price, Specs, Availability

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The Infinix Zero 40 5G has been launched in India with features like a GoPro mode, Gorilla Glass 5 protection, segment-first 4K 60fps front and rear camera video recording, and more. Here’s everything you should know about the Infinix Zero 40 5G.

Infinix Zero 40 5G: Price, Availability

The Infinix Zero 40 5G will be available in two variants: 12GB + 256GB at Rs 27,999 and 12GB + 512GB at Rs 30,999. Buyers can avail of bank discount of Rs 3,000. The device comes in three colors – Violet Garden, Moving Titanium, and Rock Black. Sales will commence on 21st September starting 7 PM IST onwards via Flipkart.

Infinix Zero 40 5G: Specifications

Infinix Zero 40 5G sports a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED Display with an FHD+ resolution, up to 1,300 nits peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The Zero 40 5G supports up to 144Hz Refresh Rate and comes with an in-display optical fingerprint reader.

The Infinix Zero 40 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate Processor with 12GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB UFS 3.1 storage options. It runs on Android 14-based XOS 14.5 out of the box and will receive 2 major OS upgrades along with 3 years of security patches.

The Infinix Zero 40 5G sports a triple-rear camera setup that consists of a 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM6 f/1.8 primary shooter with OIS, a 50MP f/2.0 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth lens with an LED flash. There is a 50MP Samsung JN5 f/2.5 front shooter. The device can shoot 4K resolution 60 FPSvideos both from front and back sensors.

It further packs a 5000mAh battery unit with 45W fast wired charging, 20W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging support as well. Connectivity options of the device include 5G Dual-SIM, 4G, WiFI 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and a USB-C port for charging. It has stereo speakers tuned by JBL and is IP54 rated also.

It also comes with a dedicated GoPro mode, enabling users to pair the devices with a compatible GoPro camera, using the phone as a viewfinder and controlling shooting modes directly from the camera app. Additionally, the GoPro Quik App is pre-installed on the phone.

Instagram Teen Accounts Feature Announced: What is it?

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Instagram has announced a new feature called Instagram Teen Accounts, a new experience for teens, guided by parents. Teen Accounts come with built-in protections designed to safeguard younger users by controlling who can contact them and the type of content they encounter. These accounts also offer teens new opportunities to explore their interests in a safe environment. The platform will automatically assign eligible users to Teen Accounts.

Instagram says that teens under 16 years of age will need parental consent to make any changes that would reduce the level of protection or relax the preset restrictions. This ensures that younger users remain in a more secure online space unless explicitly allowed otherwise by a parent or guardian.

Instagram Teen Accounts are designed to better support parents, and give them peace of mind that their teens are safe with the right protections in place. Teens will also get access to a new feature, made just for them, that lets them select topics they want to see more of in Explore and their recommendations so they can focus on the fun, positive content they love.

Teen accounts settings

The following protections are turned on automatically, and parents decide if teens under 16 can change any of these settings to be less strict:

  • Sleep mode enabled: Sleep mode will be turned on between 10 PM and 7 AM, which will mute notifications overnight and send auto-replies to DMs. 
  • Private accounts: With default private accounts, teens need to accept new followers and people who don’t follow them can’t see their content or interact with them. This applies to all teens under 16 (including those already on Instagram and those signing up) and teens under 18 when they sign up for the app.
  • Messaging restrictions: Teens will be placed in the strictest settings, so they can only be messaged by people they follow or are already connected to. 
  • Sensitive content restrictions: Teens will automatically be placed into the most restrictive setting of our sensitive content control, which limits the type of sensitive content (such as content that shows people fighting or promotes cosmetic procedures) teens see in places like Explore and Reels. 
  • Limited interactions: Teens can only be tagged or mentioned by people they follow. We’ll also automatically turn on the most restrictive version of our anti-bullying feature, Hidden Words, so that offensive words and phrases will be filtered out of teens’ comments and DM requests. 
  • Time limit reminders: Teens will get notifications telling them to leave the after 60 minutes each day. 

Teens under 16 will need their parent’s permission to use less protective settings. To get permission, teens will need to set up parental supervision on Instagram. If parents want more oversight over their older teen’s (16+) experiences, they simply have to turn on parental supervision. Then, they can approve any changes to these settings, irrespective of their teen’s age.

Read More: Comments on Instagram Stories Are Now Possible

Instagram teen accounts settings

Once supervision is established, parents can approve and deny their teens’ requests to change settings or allow teens to manage their settings themselves. Soon, parents will also be able to change these settings directly to be more protective.

Instagram confirms that it will start placing teens who sign up for Instagram into Teen Accounts, and it will notify teens already using Instagram about these changes as it will begin moving them into Teen Accounts next week. 

Instagram plans to place teens into Teen Accounts within 60 days in the US, UK, Canada and Australia, and to start placing them in Teen Accounts in the European Union later this year. Teens around the world will start to get Teen Accounts in January. It will also bring Teen Accounts to other Meta platforms next year.

Additions to Supervision feature

There are new updates for the existing Supervision feature in Instagram for parents, including;

  • Get insights into who teens are chatting with: While parents can’t read their teen’s messages, now they will be able to see who their teen has messaged in the past seven days.
  • Set total daily time limits for teens’ Instagram usage: Parents can decide how much time their teen can spend on Instagram each day. Once a teen hits that limit, they’ll no longer be able to access the app. 
  • Block teens from using Instagram for specific time periods: Parents can choose to block their teens from using Instagram at night, or specific time periods, with one easy button.
  • See topics your teen is looking at: Parents can view the age-appropriate topics their teen has chosen to see content from, based on their interests.

Apple to Likely Equip iPhone 17 Pro Models With 2nm Chips

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The iPhone 16 series just launched and we are already seeing rumours about the upcoming iPhone 17 models, suggesting that Apple will likely pack the iPhone 17 Pro models with 2nm chips made by TSMC. Apple has also likely booked all of TSMC’s 2nm production capacity, similar to what it did with TSMC’s 3nm node with A17 Pro chips used in iPhone 15 Pro models.

Reports from Chou News Agency suggest that Apple has reserved all of TSMC’s 2nm capacity, however, because the new process technology has low production yields, the will only be featured in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max at launch. Meanwhile, a report from, December last year revealed that TSMC had showcased its new 2nm chips to Apple.

The production of the chips had allegedly begun in July earlier this year. It is reported that while TSMC can make the chips, it needs the help of other suppliers to package them ready for installation in devices. “The TSMC 2-nanometer process will be mass-produced in 2025, and the advanced process technology will continue to be proud of the group, and will be adopted by major customers Apple and AMD,” read the report.

The upcoming iPhone lineup is also expected to consist of a Slim iPhone which is likely to be marketed as iPhone 17 Air. This iPhone may pack the regular A19 chip (if that’s what it would be called) along with the iPhone 17, while the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max should get the Apple A19 Pro chip made on TSMC’s 2nm node.

Meanwhile, in related news to Apple, the company recently began rolling out major software updates for its whole portfolio of products, including iOS 18 for iPhones, iPadOS 18 for iPads, watchOS 11 for Apple Watches, tvOS 18 for Apple TV devices, and macOS Sequoia for all the macOS powered MacBooks and other Mac devices.

Vivo V40e India Launch: What We Know

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Vivo is about to add a new smartphone to the V40 series lineup in India, which already consists of the V40 and the V40 Pro. As per leaks, the new Vivo V40e is about to debut in India and some of its specifications as well as its price range in India has leaked. Here’s everything to know about it.

Vivo V40e: Key Specs Leaked

According to a report, the Vivo V40e will sport the same panel as the V40 and V40 Pro, suggesting that it will be a 6.78” curved AMOLED panel with a 120 refresh rate, 4,500 Nits of peak brightness and 1,200 Nits in high brightness mode. Under the hood, it will pack the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, paired with 8GB and 128GB or 256GB storage options.

For optics, the Vivo V40e will feature a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor joined by an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. Up front, you’ll get a 50MP selfie camera, likely the Samsung JN1 sensor, for selfies and video calls. The device will pack a 5500mAh battery with 80W charging speeds and will be IP65 rated as well.

It will be available in Monsoon Green and Royal Bronze colours.

Vivo V40e: Launch timeline, Expected Price Range

The Vivo V40e is expected to debut in India by the end of this month, within a price range of Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. At this price point, it would be competing with Nothing’s Phone (2a) Plus, its own sub-brand’s iQOO Z9s Pro, Realme P2 Pro, and more. Again, this is just a speculation so it should be taken with a grain of salt.

We have already reviewed the Vivo V40 in the past we absolutely loved its cameras. While the display, build quality, and design were great too, its minus points remained its haptics, as well as inconsistencies in the software. However, Vivo is said to have improved on the animations front in FunTouch OS 15, which may solve one of the strongest weak points of Vivo and iQOO phones so far.

Upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tablets up for Pre Reservation

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Samsung Electronics announced on Tuesday that pre-reservations for its upcoming flagship Galaxy tablets are now open in India. Customers can secure their devices by making a pre-booking at a nominal fee, gaining early access benefits and the chance to receive their tablets shortly after the official launch.

Samsung Galaxy Tablets Pre-Reservation

Customers can pre-order these new tablets for Rs. 1,000 through various platforms, including Samsung’s official website, Samsung India Smart Cafés, e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, and authorized retail stores. Those who pre-order will also receive additional benefits valued at Rs. 3,499.

Rumours of Galaxy Tab S10 Series Launch

Samsung has not officially disclosed details about the tablets, but there is speculation that the Galaxy Tab S10 series will be unveiled soon. Online leaks and renders of the Galaxy Tab S10+ and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra have already surfaced, giving hints about their possible design and specifications. The series is expected to be powered by the company’s Galaxy AI suite, which integrates enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities.

Read More:

Samsung Expands F Series with Galaxy F05 Launch in India at ₹7,999

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is Available for Rs 1,09,999: Should You Consider it Over Pixel 9 Pro XL?

Specifications of the Galaxy Tab S10 Series (Rumoured)

The Galaxy Tab S10+ is expected to feature a 12.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the higher-end Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra could offer a 14.6-inch display. The S10+ model may come equipped with up to 12GB of and up to 512GB of internal storage. On the other hand, the S10 Ultra is tipped to include 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage capacity.

In terms of camera features, the Galaxy Tab S10+ is rumoured to include a single 12-megapixel front-facing camera, while the Ultra variant may come with dual 12-megapixel front cameras. Both models are expected to feature a dual rear camera setup, consisting of a 13-megapixel primary sensor and an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor.

Powering the devices, the Galaxy Tab S10+ could be supported by a 10,090mAh battery, while the S10 Ultra might include an 11,200mAh battery.

Nothing Open Ear Headset Hinted, Launch on September 24

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The UK-based consumer tech firm Nothing confirmed on Tuesday that it is preparing to launch a new product, rumoured to be the Nothing Open Ear Headset, later this month. The startup, by former OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has been teasing the release of a yet-to-be-named product over the past few weeks. The company has not provided specific details about the type of device or its specifications.

In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Nothing shared a brief video showing two rounded cables briefly touching. The video was accompanied by the text “out in the open” and an announcement that a new product would be unveiled on September 24. No further details have been released.

The teaser suggests the potential launch of a Nothing Open Ear Headset headset, a design commonly seen in products such as the Soundcore AeroFit Pro or Aftershokz OpenFit Air. However, nothing has been confirmed as to whether this product will be a new set of earphones. Interestingly, sometime back, a listing on Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) website suggested that the yet-to-be-launched product could be called Nothing Ear Open, as this name was registered.

Nothing Open-ear wireless earphones are designed to sit outside the ear canal, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to audio. However, these headsets typically allow more sound leakage than in-ear designs, diminishing the listening experience in noisy environments.

TWS launched by Nothing:

Nothing has made a significant mark in the audio industry with several unique (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds offerings. These products are notable for their innovative designs and sound performance. Below is an overview of the key TWS models launched by Nothing:

  1. Nothing Ear (1): Launched in 2021, the Nothing Ear (1) was the company’s first TWS. It featured active noise cancellation (ANC), clear sound quality, and a transparent design that quickly caught attention. Priced competitively, it was equipped with 11.6mm dynamic drivers, offering strong bass and crisp audio.
  2. Nothing Ear (Stick): In late 2022, the Nothing Ear Stick was released with a focus on design innovation, featuring a cylindrical charging case that resembles a lipstick tube. However, it did not have ANC like the Ear (1). It was equipped with 12.6mm drivers for punchy bass and balanced sound but did not come with silicone ear tips, which some users found less suitable for noisy environments.
  3. Nothing Ear (2): In early 2023, a new model was introduced as an upgrade to the Ear (1), with improved ANC, sound quality, and personalization options. It maintained the transparent design of its predecessor and introduced new features such as LHDC codec support for high-resolution audio. The Nothing Ear (2) also boasts enhanced environmental noise cancellation, making it well-suited for noisy environments.

Samsung Expands F Series with Galaxy F05 Launch in India at ₹7,999

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Samsung has introduced the Galaxy F05 in India, expanding its F series just days after unveiling the Galaxy M05. The Galaxy F05 shares the same specifications as the M05, except that it has a leather-patterned back.

The Galaxy F05 has a 6.7-inch display, housing an 8MP front-facing camera in a notch. It supports a 60Hz refresh rate and an octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 processor, which is paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM. The processor comprises dual Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.8GHz. For graphics, it integrates an ARM Mali-G52 clocked at 1000MHz.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy M05 vs Galaxy A05 vs Galaxy A06

In terms of dimensions, the phone measures 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8mm and weighs 195 grams. The battery offers a substantial 5000mAh capacity, with capability, though the device lacks an included charging brick.

It runs on 14 with Samsung’s One Core 6.0 overlay. The company has confirmed that the device will receive two major Android OS updates along with four years of security patches.

The Galaxy F05 sports a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor on the back. Security features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The smartphone is powered by a 5000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging, though it does not come with a charger in the box.

The Galaxy F05 has 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded to 1TB using a card. It also includes a 3.5mm audio jack, dual VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, 5.3, GPS, and a USB port.

The Galaxy F05 is available in Twilight Blue and is priced at Rs 7,999 for the sole variant with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. Sales will begin on September 20, through Samsung’s official website and select retail outlets across India.