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Showing posts from March, 2024

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE back panel glue reportedly melted playing COD Warzone Mobile

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In a bizarre and slightly comical incident (if you weren't the owner of the phone!), a Redditor claimed their friend's Samsung Galaxy S21 FE reportedly suffered a glue-melting thermal disaster while playing Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile. The intense heat generated by the game apparently caused the adhesive holding the phone's back panel to give way, exposing the battery in a scene reminiscent of a budget sci-fi movie. S21fe melting from playing warzone by u/Fantastic-Win-2387 in WarzoneMobile While isolated incidents like this are always possible, it highlights a very real issue with Warzone Mobile's current state on Android devices – it's woefully under-optimized. The game has a reputation for turning smartphones into pocket-sized furnaces, pushing hardware to its limits and sometimes beyond. Let's be clear: it's highly unusual for a phone to suffer physical damage like this due to a game. However, it's a stark reminder that pushing your device too h...

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 to come in three variants and increased storage

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Samsung is shaking things up with its next generation of smartwatches. According to SamMobile , the upcoming Galaxy Watch 7 will come in three different models, a first for Samsung's smartwatch lineup. Historically, Samsung has launched just two smartwatch variants each year - a standard model and a "Classic" version with a rotating bezel. But in 2024, the company plans to broaden its offerings with a third variant thrown into the mix. The exact naming scheme and positioning of these three Galaxy Watch 7 models remains unknown. However, leaks point to Samsung adopting a new model numbering system. The entry-level variant is rumored to bear the model numbers SM-L300 and SM-L305, while a step-up model uses SM-L310 and SM-L315. The highest-end "pro" version reportedly carries model numbers SM-L700 and SM-L705. In addition to the expanded model range, Samsung is also said to be doubling the onboard storage from 16GB to 32GB on the Galaxy Watch 7 series. This generou...

Meta Quest 3 false dust or debris in the USB-C port warning frustrates many

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The Meta Quest 3, initially lauded as a significant upgrade for its VR capabilities, has hit a snag in the form of a bizarre technical hiccup. Numerous users are reporting a persistent false warning message claiming "dust or debris in the USB-C port." This frustrating error effectively renders the headset unusable, interrupting gameplay and preventing charging in some cases. The issue seems widespread, with panicked users flooding Reddit and the official Meta community forums . "This is infuriating. My Quest 3 is brand new, and I'm already getting this stupid error," remarks one disgruntled user. Another laments, "I can't play, I can't charge, the headset is basically a paperweight!" Meta has acknowledged the problem but a permanent fix remains elusive. Here's what a support member said on the official forums: Hey everyone! Back with another update. I got word from the team that we should start seeing improvements in the upcoming updates,...

Microsoft pisses off many by replacing 'Show Desktop' button with Co-Pilot in Windows 11

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Image credits: Windows Latest In a move that's sure to leave countless Windows 11 users baffled, Microsoft has delivered a gut-punch with the latest February update (KB5034765). The beloved "Show Desktop" button, a staple of Windows taskbars for ages, has been rudely evicted. In its place? The new Copilot AI assistant. Image credits:  @YourWaifu Apparently, Microsoft thinks the ability to instantly minimize all windows with a flick of the wrist is a luxury we don't deserve. Because, you know, having a friendly AI assistant right there on the taskbar is way more important. Never mind the millions of muscle-memory actions now thrown into disarray. But hey, maybe this is just Microsoft's way of encouraging multi-tasking! They're practically daring us to become so entangled in a web of open windows that the only way to glimpse our wallpaper is with a desperate invocation of the Win+D keyboard shortcut. Of course, Twitter and Reddit are ablaze with disgruntled user...

Honor might launch the Magic 6 Pro in India

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The Honor Magic 6 Pro, a powerful smartphone launched globally in January 2024, might be coming to India soon. This exciting news comes from a tweet by Madhav Seth, the CEO of Honor India. In a retweet of a post by tech influencer Ishaan Agarwal, Seth playfully said that if the post gets 10,000 retweets, he would "push for launching" the Magic 6 Pro in India. While this might seem like a lighthearted remark, it has sparked a frenzy among Honor fans in India. I'm thrilled to hear that you absolutely adored the device! And guess what? If we manage to get 10K retweets on this post, I will push for making its glorious debut in India. So let's spread the word and make this happen! 😄🎉 https://t.co/OE79OhmQG0 — Madhav Sheth (@MadhavSheth1) March 24, 2024 While there is no official confirmation from Honor regarding the Indian launch or the specifications for the Indian variant, based on the global launch, we could speculate what the Honor Magic 6 Pro might offer if it ar...

The US lawsuit against Apple: A case of misguided regulation

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The US Department of Justice's recent lawsuit against Apple , alleging monopolistic practices in the smartphone market, raises serious concerns about the role of government in regulating rapidly evolving tech industries. While antitrust laws are designed to protect fair competition, this case appears to be a misguided application of these principles. Here's why: The smartphone market: A dynamic, competitive landscape It is crucial to remember that the smartphone market is far from stagnant. Apple faces robust competition from rivals such as Samsung, Google, and numerous Chinese manufacturers. The Android operating system, an open-source platform, fosters a multitude of device options, providing consumers with a wide range of choices and price points. This competitive landscape stands in stark contrast to true monopolies of the past, where a single company controlled a market with little room for alternatives. Apple's App Store: Innovation facilitator, not market strangler O...

GM says it can catch up to Tesla sales by 2025 in the US, Musk says "LMAO"

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General Motors CEO Mary Barra is setting her sights high. In a recent interview with CNBC , she boldly proclaimed that GM can "absolutely" surpass Tesla in U.S. electric vehicle sales by 2025. The key to this ambitious goal, according to Barra, lies in GM's rapidly expanding EV lineup, including the highly anticipated GMC Hummer pickup, the luxurious Cadillac Lyriq, and an upcoming Chevrolet crossover. Barra's confidence appears to stem from positive public reception to these upcoming EV models. "When people get into these vehicles, they are just wowed," she asserted during the CNBC interview. GM's audacious plan drew a swift response from Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Taking to 𝕏, Musk posted a simple yet telling reply: "LMAO". Lmao — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 22, 2024 His dismissive tweet speaks volumes, likely reflecting skepticism about GM's ability to quickly dethrone the reigning EV champion. The exchange between Barra and Musk highlights...

How to take a screenshot on a Google Pixel 8

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Screenshots are a quick and easy way to capture exactly what's displayed on your phone. Whether you want to share a funny text conversation, save a recipe, troubleshoot a problem, or reference something later, the humble screenshot is a powerful tool. The Google Pixel 8 offers several ways to take a screenshot. Methods for taking a screenshot on Google Pixel 8 Hardware buttons: Navigate to the screen you want to capture. Press and hold the Power and Volume down buttons simultaneously. Release the buttons when the screen flashes or you hear a shutter sound. Quick Settings: Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to reveal the Quick Settings panel. Locate and tap the Screenshot icon (it typically resembles a pair of overlaid rectangles). Google Assistant: Activate Google Assistant by saying "Hey Google" or "OK Google," or by using a configured gesture. Say, "Take a screenshot." Three-Finger Swipe (if enabled): Go to Settings > System > Gesture...

What to expect at the Google I/O event on May 14

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Google's annual developer conference, I/O, is back and promises major reveals on May 14th. This highly anticipated event is a showcase of Google's latest innovations, software advancements, and potentially even exciting new hardware. Here's what you can expect: Android 15: Deeper dive While Android 15 is already in developer preview, I/O offers Google the perfect stage to delve into the next iteration's key features. Expect insights into enhanced privacy controls, new UI elements, potential battery optimizations, and exciting developer-focused tools. AI in the spotlight AI continues to shape Google's ecosystem. Anticipate a strong focus on AI-powered advancements across various areas. This could include language model improvements for Search and Google Assistant, AI-driven image generation and editing tools, and maybe even more surprising applications of this cutting-edge technology. The Pixel 8a debut The long-rumored Google Pixel 8a is highly likely to make its of...

How to use Circle to Search on Google Pixel & Samsung Galaxy phones

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Circle is a handy gesture feature available on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones that allows you to quickly access Google Assistant and perform searches with a simple circular motion on your screen.  How to enable Circle to Search Before you can use Circle to search, you'll need to enable the feature in your settings: Google Pixel: Open the Settings app. Tap "System" > "Gestures" > "Active Edge." Turn on "Active Edge" and select "Google Assistant" as the action. Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6.1 and later): Open the Settings app. Tap "Advanced features" > "Motions and gestures." Turn on "Gesture control" and enable "Circle to search." Using Circle to Search Once you've enabled Circle to search, you can start using it right away: Wake up your phone's screen. Place your finger or thumb near the bottom corner of the screen. Draw a circle with your finger in a clockwise or countercl...

A brief overview on how to take advantage of Google's Gemini AI

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Google's Gemini AI represents a significant stride in how powerful artificial intelligence models can enhance our everyday lives. This article dives into practical examples of how Gemini can revolutionize various sectors, enabling businesses and individuals to streamline processes, unlock creative potential, and make informed decisions. Writing and content creation Enhanced ideation: Generate fresh blog post topics, marketing campaign slogans, or even entire story outlines. Gemini excels at brainstorming to overcome writer's block. Refined content: Ask Gemini to rephrase content for clarity, improve grammar, or adjust the tone to match different audiences (formal vs. casual). Translation services: Translate documents or marketing materials into multiple languages. This is especially useful for businesses expanding into new markets. Research assistance: Having an AI tool like Gemini is like having a tireless research assistant. Ask it to summarize lengthy articles, find reli...

Anthropic's Claude 3: Everything you need to know

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Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence research company, has recently unveiled its latest language model called Claude 3 . This advanced AI system represents a significant leap forward in the field of natural language processing and has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with machines. In this article, we'll dive deep into the inner workings of Claude 3, exploring its capabilities, underlying technology, and potential applications. The evolution of language models  Before delving into Claude 3, it's essential to understand the context in which it was developed. Language models have come a long way since their inception, with each iteration pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Early models like GPT-2 and GPT-3, developed by OpenAI, demonstrated the remarkable ability of AI to generate human-like text. However, these models had their limitations, including biases and a lack of common sense reasoning. The power of constitutional AI  Anthropic's ...

White-hat hackers strike digital gold: Google pays out $10 million in bug bounties

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Picture this: you're an avid tech enthusiast who stumbles upon a hidden flaw in your favorite Android app. Or maybe you’re a cybersecurity wiz who discovers a sneaky bug in Google Chrome. It's a pivotal moment – exploit this bug maliciously, and there could be trouble. But you decide to take the high road. That's where Google's Vulnerability Reward Program (VRP) comes in. Last year alone, it paid an impressive $10 million to over 600 people just like you – ethical hackers who helped make Google's products a little bit safer for the rest of us. Android, the world's most popular mobile operating system, was the star of the bounty show. Researchers uncovered bugs worth $3.4 million, with Google even upping the top payout for critical vulnerabilities to $15,000. Think of it as the digital Wild West, attracting the best bug hunters around. Chrome wasn't far behind, with bounty costs reaching $2.1 million. The VRP also targeted older Chrome versions and its V8 eng...

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 might get a larger cover screen

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Okay, let's dive into the latest buzz in the foldable phone world. Word on the street – or rather, on X – is that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 might be sporting a cover screen so big it'll make you do a double-take. According to a certain tipster (@TheGalox_), the Z Flip 6 could be rocking a gigantic 3.9-inch cover screen.  Now, that's a considerable leap from the current 3.4-inch display on the Z Flip 5. We're talking about nearly half an inch of extra screen real estate! Galaxy Z Flip6 • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy • Bigger cooling system • 3.9 inch outer & 6.7 inch inner displays • 50/12 cameras • 4000mah battery • Improved hinge & internal layout • Gorilla Glass Armor • 7 years of updates • Galaxy AI • Possible 12gb ram models pic.twitter.com/OH1kXnYHPd — Anthony (@TheGalox_) March 13, 2024 Before you get too excited, let's address the elephant in the room.  Our friend @TheGalox_ doesn't exactly have the most stellar track record when it comes ...

TikTik Photos app unearthed, likely to compete with Instagram

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TikTok, the massively popular short-form video-sharing platform, appears to be venturing into a new territory – photo sharing. Amidst the potential ban of TikTok in the United States due to national security concerns, the company seems to be diversifying its offerings with a new app called "TikTok Photos." According to a report from 9to5Google , code found in the latest Android version of the TikTok app reveals the company's plans to launch a separate app dedicated solely to sharing photos. The code strings describe TikTok Photos as an app that will help users "reach other like-minded people who enjoy photo posts." One of the key features uncovered in the code is the ability to sync public photos between the main TikTok app and the new TikTok Photos app. This integration would allow users to maintain a consistent presence across both platforms, leveraging their existing TikTok audience for their photo content. The code suggests that TikTok Photos will be "l...

Google Pixel 7a long-term review: Budget champ!

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After using the Pixel 7a as my daily driver for the last six months, I can confidently say that Google has once again delivered an outstanding budget smartphone that punches well above its weight class. Design and Build Let's start with the design. The Pixel 7a has a premium aluminum body with a soft, matte finish that feels great in the hand. The phone is slightly smaller than the 6a, but the narrower bezels give it a modern look. While not the most compact phone out there, the 7a strikes a nice balance between screen size and overall footprint. The under-display fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate too. Star of the Show: The Camera But the real star of the show is the amazing camera system. Google has brought the exact same 64MP main camera and 13MP ultrawide camera from the flagship Pixel 7 Pro to this $499 device. In my testing, the main camera takes phenomenal photos in virtually any lighting condition. The high dynamic range, accurate colors, and excellent detail rivals ph...

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 might ditch the circular design in favor of a square display, similar to Apple Watches

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Samsung might be ready for a major shakeup in its smartwatch design language. After a decade of popular circular Galaxy Watch models, rumors suggest the Galaxy Watch 7 could make a bold return to the square display format. Blast From the Past This wouldn't be Samsung's first foray into square smartwatches. Early models like the Galaxy Gear, Gear 2, and Gear Live all sported rectangular screens, mirroring popular smartwatch trends at the time. However, the Gear S2 introduced the now-iconic circular watch face and rotating bezel, a design that has graced Samsung's wrists ever since. Why the Change? While the reason for Samsung's potential shift remains unclear, a square display offers a few advantages. It typically translates to a larger screen area, ideal for apps, notifications, and fitness data display. A square design could also allow for a closer resemblance to the highly successful Apple Watch series. Timing and Challenges It's uncertain whether this bold desig...