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Apple Bets Big on AI with iPhone 16 Series

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Apple unveiled its new iPhone 16 series, marking a significant leap in artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by integrating advanced features powered by its Apple Intelligence. The latest models include a new camera control button that activates AI-powered features, offering what Apple calls “Visual Intelligence,” an approach to enhancing user interaction through machine learning.

AI Integration: A Strategic Shift

With the release of the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models, Apple aims to combine hardware, software, and services to deliver AI functionalities directly on the device. This approach involves using the camera to understand and respond to user queries and provide suggestions based on the user’s environment. For example, the iPhone 16 Pro can analyze a scene using its camera and suggest improving the framing, indicating a shift towards context-aware AI.

Apple’s strategy includes a blend of on-device AI processing and private computing. The company emphasizes that user data is processed locally on the device or dedicated servers, ensuring privacy by keeping data from being stored or shared in the cloud. This focus on privacy is a distinctive approach compared to other AI offerings in the market.

Enhanced Hardware for AI Capabilities

The iPhone 16 series features the latest A18 and A18 Pro processors to support the new AI functionalities designed to handle high-performance computing tasks. According to Apple, these chips are faster than previous models and even challenge the performance of some high-end desktop PCs. The A18 Pro chip, exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro, is optimized for generative AI workloads, offering improved performance with greater memory bandwidth, enabling more complex AI-driven tasks.

Apple has also introduced a new “Private Cloud Compute” concept, which allows certain AI models to run on dedicated servers while ensuring that data remains under user control. This combination of on-device and cloud-based AI processing aims to provide a seamless experience without compromising privacy.

Related Stories:

Apple Unveils Hearing Health, Sleep Apnea Features: What is the X Factor?

Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, AirPods 4 ANC, and More Announced

Revamping Siri with AI

Apple is also revitalizing its voice assistant, Siri, with enhanced capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence. The company focuses on creating a more personalized user experience by integrating AI-driven features into first-party and third-party apps. Apple’s emphasis on user control over data sharing with third-party apps is expected to attract privacy-conscious users and drive growth.

New AI-Powered Features on iPhone 16 Series at a Glance

Writing Tools: AI-powered writing tools will be integrated into multiple Apple apps, such as Mail, Messages, and Notes. These tools enable users to summarize, generate, and refine text. Additionally, users can lengthen a message or email, or rewrite it in different styles using specific prompts.

Notification Summarisation: The 18 update will introduce a notification summarization feature designed to reduce notification clutter. The AI will prioritize important notifications by placing them at the top of the stack and summarizing them for quick viewing. The system will also filter out notifications that do not require immediate attention.

Clean Up in Images: The new “Clean Up” feature offers object removal capabilities. It allows users to eliminate unwanted elements from photos, such as people or objects obstructing a view. The AI can perform automatic removals or let users manually highlight objects to be removed.

AI Search in Photos: Users can search their Photos app using natural language queries, asking for specific images with descriptive prompts.

Email Summary: The AI will provide a feature to summarize lengthy email threads, highlighting the most critical points for users.

Image Playground: This tool will allow users to create custom emojis or generate images using Apple Intelligence.

Private Cloud Compute: Apple is introducing a “Private Cloud Compute” (PCC) system that enables stateless data processing. In this system, the user’s device sends data to Apple’s servers to fulfill AI requests. Apple assures that user data will only remain on the server temporarily, with no data retention after the request is completed.

The initial rollout will be in U.S. English, with additional localized English variants coming in December. Support for other languages, including Chinese, Spanish, French, and Japanese, is planned for next year.

Future AI Features to Watch

Apple also announced several AI features to be released in future updates. These include integration with ChatGPT, enhancements to Siri, and the new Genmoji tool.

ChatGPT Integration: Apple plans to integrate ChatGPT, the AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, within Siri and the system-wide Writing Tools. This integration will enhance Siri’s ability to handle web-based queries and provide in-depth responses. Users will have control over when Siri accesses ChatGPT, ensuring privacy and contextual use.

Smarter Siri: Siri will receive a significant upgrade, incorporating AI-powered conversational capabilities for more natural interaction with users. It will also be able to handle complex tasks across various apps.

Genmoji: The “Genmoji” tool will allow users to turn rough sketches into related images. Users can also upload photos and transform them into artistic interpretations.

Visual Intelligence: A new “Visual Intelligence” feature allows users to tap the Camera Control button to activate AI and gather more information about images. It offers capabilities similar to Google Lens, such as booking reservations or tickets and solving mathematical problems by analyzing images.

Market Impact and Future Prospects

While Apple has been relatively quiet about AI in its marketing until now, the company’s new AI-focused approach in the iPhone 16 series could mark a turning point in the AI landscape for consumer technology. By embedding generative AI capabilities directly into its hardware and software ecosystem, Apple aims to capture the attention of users looking for privacy-centric AI solutions.

As Apple steps up its AI game, Apple’s success of the iPhone 16 series will likely depend on how consumers embrace these new capabilities and how they compare with the competition’s data-driven models.

Apple Unveils Hearing Health, Sleep Apnea Features: What is the X Factor?

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On Monday, Apple announced new health features for its Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2, focusing on hearing health and sleep apnea detection. The company aims to expand its presence in health technology with features that support conditions affecting billions worldwide.

Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple’s Vice President of Health, highlighted Apple’s commitment to health. “We continue to offer our users the ability to uncover important health conditions with new sleep apnea notifications, while features on AirPods Pro bring hearing health front and center.”

Hearing Health on AirPods Pro 2

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are set to become the first device to offer a comprehensive hearing health experience. The updated earbuds will include an over-the-counter Hearing Aid function, a clinically validated Hearing Test, and active Loud Sound Reduction. These features are expected to receive marketing authorization from global health authorities soon and will be available this fall in over 100 countries, including the U.S., Germany, and Japan. The Hearing Test and Aid features will work with AirPods Pro 2, paired with a compatible iPhone or iPad.

The hearing test is based on pure-tone audiometry, a standard clinical procedure for hearing evaluation, and can be conducted at home with an iPhone or iPad. It will give users an easy-to-understand summary of their hearing health, which they can share with healthcare providers.

“Hearing health is essential for overall wellbeing. Protecting and preserving our hearing enhances our quality of life both in the short-term and long-term,” said Rick Neitzel, a professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and principal investigator of the Apple Hearing Study.

Is Apple’s Hearing Aid Feature a Boon?

Apple’s decision to introduce a hearing aid feature in its AirPods Pro 2 was one of the main announcements at Apple Glowtime Event 2024, and it can potentially be a game-changer in the hearing health sector. This move represents a significant change in how people can access and use hearing assistance.

By including an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid feature in its AirPods Pro 2, Apple is making it easier for many users to access this technology. Traditional hearing aids can be expensive, ranging from hundreds to even thousands of dollars, depending on the technology and features. With this feature in a widely available consumer product, Apple is making hearing assistance more accessible. Users can buy the device without needing a prescription or a visit to an audiologist, potentially reducing both the cost and the time required.

AirPods Pro 2

Traditional hearing aids are often costly due to the expenses associated with professional fitting and customization. Apple’s approach integrates the hearing aid function into a consumer device that people might already want to buy for other purposes, such as listening to music or making phone calls. This integration could significantly reduce the actual cost of getting a hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing loss, making hearing assistance available to millions of users who might not have considered it before.

Many people worldwide are already familiar with Apple’s ecosystem and user interfaces, by integrating hearing aid functionality into AirPods Pro 2, Apple leverages this familiarity, reducing the learning curve associated with using a new medical device. The hearing aid feature can be set up and adjusted via an iPhone or iPad, providing a seamless experience for Apple users. This could be particularly beneficial for older adults who may find traditional hearing aids cumbersome or complicated to use.

Additionally, AirPods are popular and widely accepted consumer devices worn by people of all ages. Integrating hearing aid functionality into such a product reduces the stigma often associated with using a traditional hearing aid. The AirPods Pro 2 looks like any other pair of wireless earbuds, allowing users to benefit from hearing assistance discreetly without drawing attention to their hearing loss.

Sleep Apnea Notifications for Apple Watch

Apple Watch will introduce sleep apnea notifications using a new “Breathing Disturbances” metric. This feature utilizes the watch’s to detect subtle movements associated with breathing irregularities during sleep.

Sleep Apnea Notifications for Apple Watch

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, often resulting in poor sleep quality and reduced oxygen levels. It is associated with increased risks of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The condition is believed to affect nearly 1 billion people worldwide, with many cases remaining undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness and limited access to testing.

The “Breathing Disturbances” metric uses the Apple Watch’s accelerometer to detect subtle wrist movements associated with breathing interruptions during sleep. The data is analyzed over 30 days, and users are alerted if there are consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea, prompting them to consult with healthcare providers for further evaluation. The notifications are set to launch this month in more than 150 countries, including the U.S., the EU, and Japan, pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other global health authorities.

“Empowering consumers to identify abnormal breathing patterns during sleep can help uncover a serious medical condition like sleep apnea,” said Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy, a professor at the University of Arizona.

The sleep apnea notifications will be supported on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Apple’s new feature aims to increase awareness and early detection of sleep apnea by leveraging a device that many consumers already use daily. The continuous monitoring capability of the Apple Watch aims to provide a comprehensive view of a user’s sleep patterns, potentially revealing issues that a one-time sleep study might miss. Apple’s approach also offers a more accessible and less cumbersome alternative to traditional diagnostic methods, often requiring overnight clinic stays or home testing equipment.

Apple iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max Launched in India

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Apple has launched its iPhone 16 series worldwide including India, consisting of four new models, including the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and the 16 Pro Max. All the new iPhones come with a new Camera Control button, an A18 series chip under the hood, and much more.

Apple iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus: Price, Availability, Specs

Iphone 16 Plus ultramarine

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available in ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities. It can be pre-ordered starting September 13, with availability beginning from September 20. The pricing for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is as follows:

iPhone 16:

  • Rs 79,900 (128GB)
  • Rs 89,900 (256GB)
  • Rs 1,09,900 (512GB)

iPhone 16 Plus:

  • Rs 89,900 (128GB)
  • Rs 99,900 (256GB)
  • Rs 1,19,900 (512GB)

The iPhone 16 gets a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR panel. It supports for HDR, TruTone, and 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness. Under the hood, it is powered by the company’s A18 with a 6-core and a 5-core GPU. The 16 Plus gets the same display specs but with a bigger 6.7-inch size.

iPhone 16 colours

The iPhone 16 series gets dual cameras, including a 48-megapixel f/1.6 primary camera and a 12-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide camera with autofocus. The main camera sensor also enables a 12MP 2x telephoto sensor. The front of the iPhone 16 has a 12MP TrueDepth camera with an f/1.9 lens. You also get a 3D facial recognition sensor inside the dynamic island.

The iPhone 16 packs a battery that provides 22 hours of video playback, while the battery in the Plus model offers up to 27 hours. Both models come with fast wired charging and 25W wireless charging support via MagSafe chargers. 

The iPhone 16 has Bluetooth v5.3, Wi‑Fi 7 with 2×2 MIMO, a 2nd Gen Ultra Wideband chip for spatial awareness, and NFC with reader mode. Additionally, it equips stereo speakers, a USB-C port for Fast charging, and IP68 water resistance. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus run on iOS 18 and support Apple Intelligence features.

iPhone 16 series

Along with the new camera control button, the iPhone 16 series also sports the Action button we first saw on last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models. Camera Control can quickly launch the camera, take a photo, and start video recording. A new camera preview helps users frame the shot and adjust other control options — such as zoom, exposure, or depth of field — to compose a photo or video by sliding their finger on the Camera Control. Additionally, developers can bring Camera Control to third-party apps such as Snapchat.

Iphone 16 camera control button

Later this year, Camera Control will unlock visual intelligence to help users learn about objects and places faster. Users can click and hold Camera Control to pull up the hours or ratings for a restaurant they pass, add an event from a flyer to their calendar, quickly identify a dog by breed, and more.

iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max: Price, Availability, Specs

iPhone 16 Pro series India price

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available in black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium, in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities. It can be pre-ordered starting September 13 and available from September 20. Their pricing is as follows:

iPhone 16 Pro:

  • Rs 1,19,900 (128GB)
  • Rs 1,29,900 (256GB)
  • Rs 1,49,900 (512GB)
  • Rs 1,69,900 (1TB)

iPhone 16 Pro Max:

  • Rs 1,44,900 (256GB)
  • Rs 1,64,900 (512GB)
  • Rs 1,84,900 (1TB)

Surprisingly, the prices of these models have been reduced compared to the iPhone 15 Pro series, a move we don’t often see Apple make.

The iPhone 16 Pro sports a 6.3-inch 120Hz ProMotion Super Retina XDR panel. It supports HDR, TruTone, Ceramic Shield protection, and up to 2000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. It also has Always-on functionality. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.9-inch panel with the same specs as the 16 Pro’s display.

iPhone 16 Pro Display

They are powered by the company’s A18 Pro chipset under the hood. The new chip enables up to 2x faster Hardware-accelerated ray tracing for even more realistic light sources and reflections. Game Mode in iOS 18 unlocks more consistent frame rates while making AirPods, game controllers, and other wireless accessories even more responsive.

The iPhone 16 Pro series sports a triple rear camera setup featuring a 48-megapixel f/1.78 primary camera, a 48MP 13mm ultra-wide angle f/2.2 sensor with a 120-degree FoV, and a 12MP 5x f/2.8 telephoto sensor. It also sports a TrueDepth 12MP f/1.9 front-facing sensor. The devices can shoot videos in up to 4K Resolution at 120 and have Dolby Vision capture support.

The iPhone 16 Pro can run for 27 hours in video playback while the Pro Max can run for up to 33 hours. Both Pro models also have four studio-quality mics, enabling Spatial audio capture.

The iPhone 16 Pro series gets Bluetooth 5.3, Wi‑Fi 7 with 2×2 MIMO, a 2nd Gen Ultra Wideband chip for spatial awareness, and NFC with reader mode. Additionally, it equips stereo speakers, a USB-C 3.0 port for charging, and IP68 water resistance. There’s also support for 25W wireless charging.

The Pro models also get the Camera Control button, like the iPhone 16 series. The devices run on iOS 18 and support Apple Intelligence features.

Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, AirPods 4 ANC, and More Announced

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Apple, at its Glowtime event on Tuesday, announced the launch of new accessories including the Apple Watch Series 10 and two new AirPods 4 models. Further, new colour options for Apple Watch Ultra 2 and AirPods Max were also announced alongside new features for users’ hearing health in AirPods Pro. New straps for the Apple Watch series were also launched.

Apple Watch Series 10: Price, Features

Apple watch series 10 features

Apple Watch Series 10 will be available starting September 20 and can be pre-ordered today. Its pricing is as follows:

Aluminium models:

  • Rs 46,900 42mm GPS
  • Rs 56,900 42mm + Cellular
  • Rs 49,900 46mm GPS
  • Rs 59,900 46mm GPS + Cellular

Titanium models:

  • Rs 79,900 42mm GPS + Cellular
  • Rs 84,900 46mm GPS + Cellular

Apple Watch Series 10 is available in aluminium and titanium, in various colours and finishes. Jet black is a new polished aluminium finish that is distinctively reflective and sleek, while new titanium cases are available in natural, gold, and slate. Apple Watch Series 10 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes. Apple Watch Hermès is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes in silver titanium and is designed to match the stainless steel of previous generations.

Apple Watch Series 10 is nearly 10 percent thinner than Apple Watch Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9 while offering features like 18-hour runtime. The metal back integrates the into the device’s housing, combining the two layers into one.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is powered by Apple’s new S10 SiP, paired with a built-in 4-core Neural Engine allowing for intelligent features including the double tap gesture, on-device Siri, dictation, and automatic workout detection; important safety features such as Crash Detection and Fall Detection; and the updated Smart Stack, the redesigned Photos face, and the Translate app in 11.

Apple watch series 10 bigger display

The Watch also gets a bigger display, offering up to 30 percent more active screen area than Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, and Series 6, and up to 9 percent more than Apple Watch Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9. This improves readability and usability: In apps like Messages, Mail, or News, users can see an additional line of text or increase the font size without sacrificing content. The larger display also makes it easier to type a message, pause a workout, or enter a passcode.

Watch series 10 is the first Apple watch to sport a wide-angle display, which optimizes each to emit more light at wider angles. As a result, the display is up to 40 percent brighter than Series 9 when viewed from an angle, making it easier to read at a glance. The wide-angle OLED display is also more power efficient, enabling a faster when the Apple Watch is in always-on mode, going from once a minute to once a second. As a result, users can now see a ticking second hand without raising their wrists on select watch faces.

The new metal back integrates a larger and more efficient charging coil, making Series 10 the fastest-charging Apple Watch ever.

Furthermore, Apple Watch now offers a feature to help identify signs of sleep apnea. The watch uses the to monitor small movements at the wrist that are associated with interruptions in normal respiratory patterns, tracked by a new Apple Watch metric called Breathing Disturbances.

Apple watch series 10 shades

The new sleep apnea algorithm analyzes breathing disturbance data, so Apple Watch can notify a user if the data indicates consistent signs of sleep apnea. The notification will include the time period when potential sleep apnea occurred and educational materials on the importance of seeking treatment. It will also include a PDF providing three months of breathing disturbance data, notification details, and additional information to reference during a conversation with a healthcare provider.

According to the company, the sleep apnea detection feature is expected to receive marketing authorization from the FDA and other global health authorities soon. Sleep apnea notifications will be available in over 150 countries and regions this month, including the U.S., the EU, and Japan.

Next, the Apple Watch Series 10 gets a depth gauge and water temperature sensor. The former can measure down to 6 meters beneath the water’s surface, and the new water temperature sensor measures the temperature of the water once the Apple Watch has been submerged.

The watch runs on watchOS 11, with support for the new Vitals app, a Training load feature, even more, customisable activity rings, and additional support for the Oceanic+ app with new snorkelling features. Audio can now be played back through the built-in speaker on Apple Watch Series 10. Just like with phone calls, users can listen to audio from a range of apps, including Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple Books, and third-party apps.

Apple Watch Series 10 also uses a new voice isolation neural network running on the 4-core Neural Engine to suppress background noise during phone or FaceTime audio calls.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Now available in Black Titanium

Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Black titanium

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is now available in a new Black Titanium shade and will be available from September 20. It costs Rs 89,900, while the model with the new Titanium Milanese Loop costs Rs 1,04,900.

The new Titanium Milanese Loop is the first metal band for Apple Watch Ultra, inspired by mesh historically used by divers and stylish enough for any occasion. Running on watchOS 11, there’s also an all-new Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 2 which combines the durability and features of Apple Watch Ultra 2 with a nautically inspired watch band and an exclusive Hermès watch face.

Apple AirPods 4, AirPods 4 ANC: Price, Features, Availability

AirPods 4 features

The AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 ANC will be available starting September 20 via Apple stores both offline and online. Customers can now pre-order the AirPods 4 for Rs 12,900 and the AirPods 4 with ANC for Rs 17,900.

AirPods 4 feature an entirely new acoustic architecture, low-distortion driver, and high dynamic range amplifier. They also add Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for the most immersive media experience. With the H2 chip, AirPods 4 support features like Voice Isolation and Siri Interactions, allowing users to simply nod their heads yes or gently shake their heads no to respond to Siri announcements.

Apple AirPods 4, AirPods 4 ANC

For even more control, AirPods 4 also feature a new force sensor on the stem to play or pause media and mute or end calls with a quick press. Thanks to the H2 chip, AirPods 4 also low wireless audio and excellent voice quality for gamers when they are chatting with teammates and other players, including support for 16-bit, 48kHz audio.

The charging case of the AirPods 4 now offers USB-C charging and is more than 10 percent smaller in volume than its predecessor — all while still delivering up to 30 hours of battery life. In addition to a USB-C charging cable, customers that choose AirPods 4 with ANC can charge using an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger, and at just 50mm wide, “the charging case is the smallest in the industry with wireless charging capabilities,” as per Apple.

The ANC model of AirPods 4 brings Active Noise Cancellation for the first time to AirPods with an open-ear design. AirPods 4 with ANC also introduces intelligent features like Transparency mode to keep users aware of their environment; Adaptive Audio, which dynamically blends Transparency mode and ANC based on the conditions of a user’s environment; and Conversation Awareness, which lowers the user’s media volume when they start speaking to someone nearby. Apart from these, the rest of the specs of the two AirPods 4 models remain the same.

AirPods Max: New Colours, USB-C support

AirPods Max new colours

AirPods Max headphones are now available in five new colours: midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple. Additionally, they feature USB-C charging capabilities, instead of Apple’s lightning port.

Customers can now pre-order AirPods Max with USB-C charging for Rs 59,900, with availability beginning from September 20.

AirPods Pro 2: New Health Features

AirPods Pro 2 health features

The AirPods Pro 2 are gaining new hearing health features, including Hearing Protection. The ear tips of the AirPods Pro help to provide passive noise reduction, while the H2 chip helps to actively reduce louder, more intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second. On by default, across all listening modes, Hearing Protection is helpful in various loud settings. Plus, there’s an all-new multiband high dynamic range algorithm, so sounds at live events like concerts remain natural and vibrant.

Apple is also introducing a scientifically validated Hearing Test feature with AirPods Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad, allowing users to quickly check their hearing from the comfort of their home in minutes.

AirPods Pro also adds an innovative, over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. Using the personalized hearing profile from the Hearing Test, this new feature transforms AirPods Pro into a clinical-grade hearing aid. After setup, the feature enables personalized dynamic adjustments so users can boost the sounds around them in real-time. This first-of-its-kind software-based hearing aid feature gives users the ability to fine-tune their experience at any time, says Apple.

After taking the Hearing Test, users can also use their hearing profile to personalize the AirPods Pro listening experience.

The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are expected to receive marketing authorization from global health authorities soon and will be available this fall in more than 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, and Japan.

The new hearing health features will be available this fall for AirPods Pro 2 customers in a free software update when paired with iPhone or iPad running 18 or 18. AirPods Pro 2 can be bought for Rs 24,900 in India.

Realme Narzo 70 Turbo 5G Launched in India: Price, Specs, Availability

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Realme has announced the launch of Realme Narzo 70 Turbo 5G in India. The device is more powerful than that of the Narzo 70 which debuted earlier in April in India, and comes packed with a MediaTek Dimensity chipset, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and much more. Here’s what you need to know about the new launch from Realme.

Realme Narzo 70 Turbo 5G: Price, Availability

The Realme Narzo 70 Turbo 5G comes in Turbo Yellow, Turbo Green and Turbo Purple colours and is priced at Rs 16,999 for the 6GB + 128GB trim, Rs 17,999 for the 8GB + 128GB version and Rs 20,999 for the top-end 12GB + 256GB variant. The device will be available from realme.com, Amazon India, and leading offline stores starting from September 16 at 12 PM IST.

As for launch offers, one can avail of a Rs 2,000 coupon discount and also get Buds Air 5 and Wireless 3 Neo at discounted prices of Rs 1,999 and Rs 999 alongside the purchase of the Narzo 70 Turbo 5G.

Read More: Realme 13 5G Vs CMF Phone 1: Which One’s The Better Choice?

Realme Narzo 70 Turbo 5G: Specifications

Narzo 70 turbo 5g specs

The Realme Narzo 70 Turbo 5G sports a 6.67-inch (2400 x 1080 pixels) full-HD+ screen with 120Hz refresh rate, up to 2000 nits peak brightness, 180Hz touch sampling rate, and Panda Glass Protection. The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset, paired with up to a 12GB LPDDR4x and up to 256GB of 3.1 storage that supports expansion.

For optics, there’s a dual rear cameras setup, including a 50MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, flash, paired with an additional 2MP f/2.4 portrait sensor. At the deont, there’s a 16MP f/2.45 sensor for selfies and video calls. The handset is backed up by a 5000mAh battery with 45W fast wired charging.

Connectivity options on the device includes 5G, 6, v5.4, GPS, a USB-C port and a 3.5mm audio jack. The device has stereo speakers and an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometrics. The handset is also IP65 rated and runs on 14-based Realme 5.0.

With this launch, Realme completely cannibalised its own Narzo 70 5G which sports an inferior set of specifications, especially a much less powerful processor. It is also IP54 rated while the Realme Narzo 70 Turbo 5G device has an IP65 rating. However, it also poses a threat to the CMF Phone 1 which is priced slightly lower than Narzo 70 Turbo 5G.

Motorola Razr 50 Launched in India: Should You Buy it?

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Motorola Razr 50 has been launched in India at a price point below Rs 70,000, and comes with features like a MediaTek Dimensity under the hood, a cover display with a 90Hz refresh rate, dual rear cameras, and much more. Should you buy it or skip it? Find out more below.

Motorola Razr 50: Price, Availability

Available in a single 8GB + 256GB trim, the Motorola Razr 50 is priced at Rs 64,999, which is a Rs 5,000 increment over last year’s Razr 40. The device can be bought in Spritz Orange, Beach Sand, and Koala Grey shades. The pre-order for the handset begins on September 10, at 12 PM IST via Amazon India, Motorola store, and leading retail stores. When clubbing with the bank offer, you can get the device at Rs 49,999.

Motorola Razr 50: Specifications

The Razr 50 sports a 6.9-inch (2640×1080 pixels) FlexView FHD+ LTPO AMOLED Display which supports 10-120Hz refresh rate, HDR 10+, 120% DCI-P3 color gamut, up to 2600 nits peak brightness, and Dolby Vision. At the front, it gets a 3.6-inch (1066 x 1056 pixels resolution) QuickView LTPS AMOLED cover display which gets 90Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 1700 nits peak brightness, along with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.

The handset is powered by a newly announced MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset, paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. The device also runs on Hello UI based on Android 14. For optics, there’s a 50MP f/1.7 primary camera with OIS, and a 13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera. There’s a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security.

There’s a 32MP f/2.4 front camera for selfies and video calls. Connectivity options include 5G, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C port, and NFC. It is further equipped with stereo speakers that suppprt Dolby Atmos. The device is also IPX8 rated and is backed up by a 4200mAh battery with 30W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging support.

Motorola Razr 50: Should you buy it?

For a foldable, the Razr 50 offers an appealing set of specs along with a decent-looking design. However, if you go beyond the foldable form factor, there are other devices available in this segment which offer you much better specifications in almost every way. There’s the OnePlus 12 with a better display, a flagship processor, bigger battery, faster charging, along with longer software update support.

Other smartphones like iQOO 12, Vivo X100, are also value for money devices if its RAW performance or camer performance you require. If you desperately want a foldable, the Razr 50 is worth a pick but we wouldn’t suggest you to make a decision hastily and consider all factors before you spend a significant amount of money,

Apple iPad Mini 7, M4 Mac Mini, and More Coming in October

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Apple is hosting ‘It’s Glowtime’ event today where it will unveil a slew of new hardware but it won’t be its last event for the year, as the brand is expected to unveil the iPad Mini 7, M4 Mac Mini, M4 powered MacBook Pro and iMac in October at another launch event. Here’s everything to expect from Apple next month.

As per a report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the iPad Mini 7 is expected to debut at an Apple event set for October. iPad Mini hasn’t been updated since 2021 and the new Apple iPad Mini 7 could bring an improved display with a changed direction of its assembling to help reduce the jelly scrolling effect which users complained of in iPad Mini 6.

Despite this improvement, the iPad mini 7’s display could still run at a 60Hz Refresh Rate, have the same size as iPad Mini 6, and use LCD screen technology. The tablet could also retain the same design as the 2021 iPad Mini. In addition, the next-generation iPad Mini will feature a more powerful processor for improved performance. Rumours suggest it could be the A17 or the A18 chip so the tablet could run Apple Intelligence features. The iPad Mini 6 packed the A15 Bionic processor so A17 or A18 in iPad Mini 7 could be a huge leap forward in terms of performance.

Read More: Apple ‘It’s Glowtime’ Event Scheduled for Today: What to Expect?

Gurman adds that Apple will also launch new Mac models at the October launch event. One of these new models will reportedly be a Mac Mini powered by Apple’s M4 which is currently present only in the iPad Pro. The M4 Mac Mini will have a much smaller body than the current M2-powered Mac Mini model.

Finally, the MacBook Pro and the iMac will also be updated with the M4 processor next month. Apple debuted the MacBook Pro and iMac with M3 family of chips last year in October end. The M3 MacBook Pro models remained largely similar to their predecessors in terms of design and specs, except for the chip upgrade and the new space black finish.

Apple ‘It’s Glowtime’ Event Scheduled for Today: What to Expect?

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Apple is set to host its ‘It’s Glowtime’ event later today at 10:30 PM IST and the brand is expected to make huge announcements at the event, including new hardware which of course, includes the new iPhone 16 series. There’s not only iPhone 16 series to look forward to, but other new devices from Apple as well. Here’s everything you can expect from the Apple ‘It’s Glowtime’ event.

iPhone 16 series

Consisting of the same four models as last year, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple is expected to bring upgrades to all of them. The camera details of the iPhone 16 devices has already been leaked once before, suggesting the standard and Plus models will have two cameras same as before, including the primary wide camera that provides a 1X and 2X zoom, and a secondary ultra wide camera for the .5X zoom out.

The primary sensor, like in last year’s iPhone 15, will be a 48MP lens with an f/1.6 Apertureand 2X Optical Zoom telephoto capabilities. The ultrawide sensor though, will get a faster f/2.2 aperture from the f/2.4 it had before, allowing for better light intake in low-light shots. Moreover, the non-Pro model iPhones are also believed to support macro photography for the first time.

Coming to the Pro models, they’ll have the same setup as last year, including a wide camera, an ultra wide camera, and a telephoto camera. However, the Pro model will have an upgraded 5x telephoto sensor we saw last year only on the 15 Pro Max. This sensor will be shared with the iPhone 16 Pro Max as well, and will essentially replace the 3X telephoto lens we saw in the iPhone 15 Pro. This telephoto lens will be a 12MP sensor with an f/2.8 aperture.

The main sensor remains unchanged from iPhone 15 Pro devices, including a 48MP lens with an f/1.78 aperture. Finally, the iPhone 16 Pro and the Pro Max will feature an upgraded 48MP ultrawide angle sensor that will have the same pixel-binning feature as the primary camera. It will have .7 micrometer pixels when shooting at full Resolution or 1.4 micrometer when used as a quad pixel.

All four of the iPhone 16 models will also pack a new Capture button which will be located on the lower-right corner, below the power button. It is a capacitive button designed to be used exclusively by camera-specific apps. Users will be able to choose which camera app it opens once clicked, be they Apple’s or third-party ones.

Once in the camera app, it has a force-sensitive half-press that will rely on a developer API. This could, for example, lock the exposure and focus, before you press it completely to capture the photo. As it is capacitive, it can also act as a trackpad of sorts. Sliding your finger along the button, which is also tied to a developer API, can do different actions. Apple may use it to allow users to zoom in or out when on the viewfinder screen, choosing different filters, and more.

In terms of design, only the standard and Plus models are expected to see a redesigned camera module with vertically stacked while the Pro and Pro Max will retain the same look as their predecessors. However, as per Mark Gurman, the Pro models will feature noticeably thinner bezels around the display. The displays will also be brighter and bigger, going up to 6.9-inches on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

When it comes to performance, the iPhone 16 series will pack Apple’s A18 Pro chipset, focused mainly on introducing AI enhancements to iPhones rather than a performance boost. The internal graphene thermal system is also said to be optimised. In addition, there will be significant upgrades in the battery department, too, so the iPhones can last longer. Not only that, but the 128GB storage model could be completely omitted for the Pro models, meaning they could start at the same prices as last year but would offer 256GB storage instead on the Pro model, as the iPhone 15 Pro Max also didn’t have a 128GB model.

Aside from this, the new iPhones will come packed with Apple Intelligence features and will run on 18. All four models are expected to pack these AI features, unlike last year’s iPhones where only the 15 Pro and the 15 Pro Max support Apple Intelligence. will also be upgraded from 6GB on previous models to 8GB for efficient working of the AI features.

Finally, the Pro models will now come in a gold titanium shade to replace blue titanium, while the black, white and natural options will be retained. The non-Pro versions will retail in yellow shade, replacing the white and will get new shades of green, pink and blue.

Read More: Apple iPhone 15 Price Dropped in India: Should You Wait for iPhone 16?

Apple AirPods (4th Gen)

Apple is expected to offer two new 4th gen non-Pro AirPods models that will have updated designs (resembling AirPods Pro), redesigned cases, and USB-C charging. The upper-end version of the two models will include active noise cancellation, a feature it would borrow from the AirPods Pro. The cases of the two new AirPods will include a speaker so they can support the Find My feature in case the user loses them. They’ll also pack better battery life and audio quality over the previous generation model.

Apple Watch Series 10

At the ‘It’s Glowtime’ event, Apple will also introduce the Watch Series 10, that’s expected to sport bigger displays, a thinner body, with even thinner bezels around the display than Watch Series 9. For the first time since the Watch Series 7, the flagship Apple Watch model will get an updated look.

A major new health feature is also coming to Apple Watch Series 10, which is sleep apnea detection. This feature aims to detect whether the wearer may have sleep apnea and will recommend further testing with a healthcare professional if necessary. Although Apple is preparing to introduce this capability, it may not be available immediately when the new model hits the market.

Apple may also introduce a Black colour for its Apple Watch Ultra 2, while the Ultra 3 is seemingly not coming until next year.

Xiaomi 15, OnePlus 13 Confirmed to Launch Soon, Likely in October with Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC

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Brands are gearing up to launch their next-generation flagships as the launch of Qualcomm’s next chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, nears. Two brands have confirmed that their flagships are coming soon, including Xiaomi and OnePlus, which will likely be called Xiaomi 15 and OnePlus 13, respectively, and the common link between them will probably be the they’ll use, which should be the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

Qualcomm is set to host its Snapdragon Summit 2024 on October 21, 2024, which will continue until October 23, 2025, in Maui, Hawaii. The chipmaker is expected to unveil the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 at the summit, which is rumoured to be a significant upgrade over last year’s 8 Gen 3. Whenever Qualcomm launches a new flagship SoC, it’s a race between the brands as to which one of them will launch a device equipped with that chipset first.

Xiaomi 15 to Launch in October 2024

This year, it is expected to be Xiaomi has confirmed the arrival of its next flagship, the Xiaomi 15. A post by William Lu, President of Xiaomi group, on Weibo reads, “2024 is the turning point of the chip industry. In the next month or so, everyone will see the turning point appear! Two processor players in the first echelon of the industry have firmly chosen the “dual super core”, and the competition will be announced soon.”

“Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship new platform will be upgraded strongly, and the new desktop microarchitecture will bring “three super features”: ultra-high frequency, ultra-high performance and ultra-low power consumption. Regardless of each point, it is a subversive upgrade to the past,” he added. Lu refers to the Xiaomi 15 here, which will have the 8 Gen 4 under the hood. Xiaomi 15 will be the first smartphone to feature the chip, similar to how Xiaomi 14 was also the first smartphone to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 last year.

OnePlus 13 to Launch in October 2024

Separately, OnePlus China President Louis Lee also posted on Weibo stating, “This morning, my R&D partner showed me the exclusive performance technology that will be used in the new OnePlus flagship, and the effect was amazing! OnePlus has been working hard on the performance track, bringing the industry’s first 120-frame “Genshin Impact” experience, which has not been surpassed so far.”

“The latest generation of flagship chips that will be equipped on the new OnePlus flagship product to be released next month is designed by a star team that once designed epoch-making PC chips. For the first time, it adopts a fully self-developed dual-core architecture to achieve a comprehensive leap and leadership in mobile platform performance, and achieve an epoch-making performance experience,” he added. Again, OnePlus is also hinting towards the launch of its next flagship, likely called OnePlus 13.

Both Xiaomi 15, OnePlus 13 are confirmed to launch next month in China, shortly after Qualcomm announces the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, which means the launches could take place towards the end of October.

Motorola Edge 50 Neo 5G India Launch Confirmed

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Update 08/09/2024: Motorola has confirmed via a Flipkart microsite that the 50 Neo will launch in India on September 16 at 12 PM IST.

Original Story Below

Motorola India has confirmed the launch of Edge 50 Neo 5G in India. The device is confirmed to be arriving in four different shades in India. The Edge 50 Neo 5G has already debuted in global markets with features like a MediaTek Dimensity chip under the hood.

Motorola Edge 50 Neo 5G: India Launch

The Motorola Edge 50 Neo 5G India launch is set to take place soon, according to a teaser shared by Motorola India via its X account. The teaser lists out the Pantone colours of Motorola’s upcoming handset, including Nautical Blue, Latte, Grisaille, and Poinciana, which are the same hues Edge 50 Neo 5G debuted in. The teaser also confirms that the device will be available in the region via Flipkart.

Motorola Edge 50 Neo 5G: Specs

The Edge 50 Neo 5G sports a 6.4-inch 120Hz pOLED display, 1.5K resolution, 3000 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, 360Hz touch sampling rate, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

The Edge 50 Neo 5G gets a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies. The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 paired with 512GB 3.1 storage. The device has 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM.

The Edge 50 Neo 5G packs a 4310mAh battery with 68W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging. There is a triple rear camera setup, which includes a 50MP f/1.8 primary sensor with OIS, a 13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor with PDAF, and a 10MP f/2.0 telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom.

It runs on 14 out of the box and will get five Android OS upgrades according to Motorola global, which is a first for any Motorola handset. The device also gets moto features. For connectivity, it features v5.3, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, GPS, and a USB-C port for charging. It is also rated. In addition, it packs stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support.

Motorola Edge 50 Neo 5G: India Price (Expected)

The Edge 50 Neo 5G starts at €499 (approx Rs 46,500) in Europe which is quite steep if converted to INR based on the specs on offer. The device should ideally cost below Rs 30,000 in India where it would be facing the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, iQOO Z9s Pro, and more devices.