News/Mobile
Apple Announces Next Event Where iPhone 16 Expected to Launch
Apple's AI-powered iPhone 16 on the horizon: Apple has set the stage for its next major event on September 9, 2024, with the intriguing tagline "It's Glowtime," hinting at the launch of the iPhone 16 with embedded artificial intelligence as a key feature. Anticipation builds for AI-centric iPhone: The upcoming iPhone 16 is expected to be Apple's first smartphone specifically designed with AI in mind, building upon existing AI functionalities while introducing new capabilities. Enhanced Siri functionality is anticipated, potentially allowing the virtual assistant to handle more complex queries related to schedules, emails, and other user data. The gradual rollout...
read Aug 27, 2024AI-Powered Pixel Features Falter on Unlocked Devices
Pixel AI features face limitations on unlocked devices: Google's latest AI-powered features for Pixel smartphones appear to be incompatible with devices that have an unlocked bootloader, potentially affecting users who customize their devices. Several new AI features introduced with the Pixel 9 series, including Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, Call Notes, and AI weather reports, reportedly cease functioning on devices with an unlocked bootloader. The issue affects both Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series devices, according to user reports on XDA forums. Google's one-year free Gemini Advanced promotion for Pixel 9 Pro users is also unavailable on bootloader-unlocked devices. Technical implications...
read Aug 26, 2024Honor Introduces AI-Powered Apps for Magic V3 Foldable Smartphone
AI-powered productivity suite debuts on Honor Magic V3: Honor has introduced a new set of AI-powered applications for its Magic V3 foldable smartphone, developed in partnership with Google Cloud, ahead of its global launch. Key features of the AI suite: Honor unveils three main AI-powered applications: AI Eraser, Face to Face Translation, and Honor Notes Live Translation These features are designed to enhance productivity and user experience on the Magic V3 foldable device The AI suite leverages Google Cloud technology, suggesting a close collaboration between Honor and Google AI Eraser functionality: AI Eraser bears a striking resemblance to Google Photos'...
read Aug 26, 2024AI Subscription Fatigue Grows as Smartphone Makers Monetize Features
The AI subscription dilemma: Smartphone manufacturers are increasingly looking to monetize AI features through subscription models, sparking frustration among consumers already burdened with numerous monthly fees. Google has launched Gemini Advanced as a paid service, while Samsung plans to introduce a subscription for Galaxy AI features after 2025. Apple is rumored to be considering a paid "Apple Intelligence" feature in the future. The trend towards AI subscriptions is part of a broader shift to "everything-as-a-service" business models in the tech industry. Consumer fatigue and skepticism: Many users are expressing reluctance to add yet another subscription to their growing list of...
read Aug 25, 2024ElevenLabs New AI Reader App Just Expanded to 32 More Languages
AI-powered text-to-speech expands globally: ElevenLabs, an AI audio startup, has released its Reader app worldwide, significantly expanding its language support and accessibility. The Reader app, initially launched in June for the US, UK, and Canada, is now available globally on both iOS and Android platforms. The app's language capabilities have been expanded to include 32 different languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Mandarin, and Hindi. Users can utilize the app to listen to various text formats, including PDFs, articles, newsletters, and ePub files, though support for Kindle and Apple Books files is not currently available. Diverse voice options and...
read Aug 25, 2024iOS 18.1’s AI-Powered Notifications Could Apple Intelligence’s Killer App
Apple's AI-powered notification summaries: A game-changer for iOS users: Apple's upcoming iOS 18.1 update introduces a practical yet powerful AI feature that promises to change how users interact with their notifications. The core of Apple Intelligence: Apple's new AI initiative, dubbed "AI for the rest of us," focuses on implementing practical improvements to everyday tasks, with notification management being a prime example. The feature, set to launch in late October, will provide AI-generated summaries of notifications from key communication apps. Initial support includes Apple's Messages and Mail apps, with third-party app integration planned for the future. Notification summaries are designed...
read Aug 25, 2024‘Google Keep’ Adds AI-Powered List Creation for Android Users
AI-powered list creation comes to Google Keep: Google Keep, the popular note-taking app, is introducing a new AI-driven feature called "Help me create a list" for Android users, leveraging the power of Gemini to enhance productivity and organization. Feature functionality and accessibility: The new AI-powered list creation tool in Google Keep transforms simple prompts into comprehensive, categorized lists, streamlining the process of task and item organization for users. Users can input prompts like "write a grocery list of ingredients for healthy dinners," and the AI will generate a detailed list with categories such as lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains....
read Aug 25, 2024Google’s Pixel Screenshots and Studio Now Available in These Countries
Pixel 9 series phones are set to receive advanced AI-powered features, enhancing user experience with innovative screenshot and photo editing capabilities. New AI features for Pixel 9: Google is rolling out Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio, two AI-powered tools designed to enhance the functionality of its latest smartphone series. Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio are being introduced exclusively for the Pixel 9 series, marking a significant upgrade in the phone's capabilities. These features are currently available in English across eight countries: United States United Kingdom Canada Australia India Ireland Singapore Malaysia The release of these AI-powered tools underscores Google's commitment...
read Aug 23, 2024How to Use the Runway App to Make AI Videos on Your Phone
Runway: AI-powered mobile video creation: Runway is a cutting-edge mobile app that leverages artificial intelligence to revolutionize video creation and editing on smartphones. Key features and functionality: The app offers three primary modes of operation, each harnessing AI to transform user inputs into dynamic video content. Text/Image to Video allows users to generate videos from text prompts or static images Video to Video applies AI-powered styles to existing video footage Upload to Web enables direct importing of photos or videos from the device's library Getting started with Runway: The process of using Runway begins with a few simple setup steps...
read Aug 23, 2024Google’s AI Image Tool Sparks Controversy Over Inappropriate Content
AI image generation raises ethical concerns: Google's Pixel Studio, an AI image generation tool for the Pixel 9, has come under scrutiny for producing controversial and inappropriate content. Users have been able to generate questionable images using the tool. Digital Trends reported even more concerning results, featuring popular cartoon characters in highly inappropriate scenarios. Examples included cartoon characters wielding firearms, engaging in drunk driving, and wearing Nazi uniforms. Google's response and ongoing challenges: The tech giant has taken steps to address the issue, but concerns about AI-generated content persist. Google has reportedly implemented restrictions on some of the more problematic...
read Aug 23, 2024Google’s Pixel 9 AI Photos May Be Too Good
The Pixel 9's AI photography raises ethical concerns: Google's latest flagship smartphone introduces powerful AI-driven photo manipulation tools that blur the line between reality and fiction, sparking debate about the future of digital imaging. The Pixel 9 lineup boasts impressive hardware, a fast chip, and a distinctive camera bump, positioning it as a worthy Android flagship device. The "Reimagine" tool allows users to alter photos with simple prompts, creating highly realistic manipulated images that are indistinguishable from authentic photographs. This advancement in AI photography technology raises concerns about the potential for widespread misinformation and the erosion of trust in visual...
read Aug 21, 2024Google’s Pixel 9 Brings 10 New AI Features to Smartphones
Google unveils AI-powered features for Pixel 9: The tech giant is set to launch a suite of 10 new artificial intelligence capabilities for its upcoming Pixel 9 series, marking a significant step in integrating AI into smartphone functionality. Launch timeline and availability: Most of the new AI features will be available immediately upon the Pixel 9's release, with a few exceptions slated for later rollout. Eight of the ten announced features are expected to be ready at launch, providing users with immediate access to a range of AI-enhanced capabilities. The Video Boost update, which includes improvements like 8K sampling and...
read Aug 20, 2024Qualcomm Aims to Bring AI to Low-Cost Phones with Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon 7s Gen 3: The new mobile platform aims to bring advanced AI capabilities and premium features to more affordable smartphones, marking a significant step in democratizing high-end technology. Key features and performance improvements: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 boasts substantial enhancements across multiple aspects of mobile computing, promising a more powerful and efficient user experience. CPU performance sees a 20% improvement, coupled with a 45% boost in power efficiency, enabling smoother multitasking and longer battery life. GPU performance receives a significant 40% increase, enhancing graphics capabilities for gaming and other visually demanding applications. AI performance is bolstered...
read Aug 20, 2024Xmems Labs is Making Tiny Fans to ‘Micro-Cool’ AI Chips
Breakthrough in mobile device cooling: Xmems Labs has introduced a groundbreaking "fan on a chip" micro-cooling technology that could revolutionize thermal management in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. The XMC-2400 μCooling chip: This innovative component is the world's first all-silicon, active micro-cooling fan designed specifically for ultramobile devices and next-generation AI solutions. Measuring just 9.26 x 7.6 x 1.08 millimeters and weighing less than 150 milligrams, the chip is 96% smaller and lighter than existing alternatives. A single chip can move up to 39 cubic centimeters of air per second with 1,000Pa of back pressure, providing significant cooling capacity....
read Aug 20, 2024Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Prioritizes AI and Energy Efficiency Over Raw Power
Qualcomm's next-gen mobile chip focuses on efficiency: The upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor is set to prioritize energy efficiency and AI capabilities over raw CPU performance, according to recent leaks. Key features and specifications: The chip is expected to come in two variants: the standard SM8750 and the performance-focused SM8750P It will likely be manufactured using TSMC's 3nm process, potentially reducing power consumption while maintaining solid performance The processor is rumored to feature Qualcomm's custom Oryon CPU cores, first introduced in their laptop processors A 2+6 core configuration is expected, with two high-performance cores at 4.0GHz and six efficiency...
read Aug 20, 2024Google Gemini Update Gives Users Access to AI Across Other Apps
Google's Gemini AI receives significant Android update: The latest enhancements to Google's AI assistant bring a host of new features and a redesigned interface, marking a step forward in the integration of AI technology into everyday smartphone use. Key features of the update: The Gemini AI update introduces a less intrusive glowing overlay interface and expands the AI's contextual understanding capabilities, improving user interaction and functionality. The new interface allows users to interact with Gemini without fully leaving their current app, offering a more seamless experience. Users can now ask Gemini for context about YouTube videos or on-screen content, enhancing...
read Aug 20, 2024Google’s Tensor G4 Chip Focuses on Real-World Performance, Not Benchmarks
Google unveils Tensor G4 chip for Pixel 9 series: The tech giant has announced its latest custom-designed processor, focusing on real-world performance improvements and enhanced AI capabilities for its upcoming smartphone lineup. Prioritizing practical enhancements: Google has positioned the Tensor G4 as its "fastest and most efficient" chip to date, emphasizing optimizations for everyday use cases rather than benchmark performance. The chip is designed to improve multitasking capabilities and app opening efficiency, addressing common user pain points. Google's approach reflects a shift towards prioritizing tangible user benefits over raw processing power metrics. AI capabilities take center stage: Collaboration with DeepMind...
read Aug 19, 2024AI Smartphones Will Face Adoption Hurdles with Expensive Subscriptions
The AI smartphone conundrum: Major phone manufacturers are poised to introduce AI capabilities to their devices, but their approach of tying these features to expensive subscriptions on flagship models may hinder widespread adoption. Samsung, Apple, and Google are planning to offer AI subscriptions for their high-end smartphones, potentially limiting access to these advanced features. This strategy could exclude a significant portion of users who might benefit most from AI technology, such as elderly or disabled individuals who could use features like real-time translation. The case for affordable AI: Introducing basic AI features to more budget-friendly smartphone models could be a...
read Aug 19, 2024The Latest Leaks and Rumors on iPhone 16’s AI-Powered Features
Apple's next-generation iPhone: AI-driven innovations and design changes: The upcoming iPhone 16 lineup is poised to introduce significant upgrades, focusing on advanced AI capabilities and subtle design modifications to enhance user experience and functionality. On-device AI capabilities take center stage: Apple Intelligence, the company's new on-device AI system, is expected to be a key feature of the iPhone 16 series, requiring improved hardware specifications to support its functionalities. Local summaries, writing tools, and AI image generation capabilities are among the anticipated features that will leverage on-device processing power. These AI-driven enhancements aim to provide users with more personalized and efficient...
read Aug 18, 2024Google’s Gemini AI Represents a Significant Leap for Smartphone Capabilities
Google's Gemini AI: A potential game-changer for mobile devices: Google's latest artificial intelligence model, Gemini, is poised to revolutionize the way we interact with our smartphones, offering a range of practical features that could enhance productivity and user experience. Shifting perceptions on AI in mobile technology: The introduction of Gemini has prompted a reevaluation of the role of AI in smartphones, challenging previous skepticism about the practical utility of such features. Many earlier AI implementations on mobile devices were often perceived as gimmicky or of limited value, leading to widespread skepticism among tech enthusiasts and consumers. Gemini's demonstration at a...
read Aug 18, 2024Google’s New AI Photo Editing Tools Are Making Photographers Uncomfortable
AI-driven photo editing sparks debate: Google's latest advancements in AI-powered photo editing tools for the Pixel 9 have ignited discussions about the future of photography and its authenticity. The introduction of Magic Editor and subsequent features like Auto-frame and Reimagine has raised concerns among photography enthusiasts about the potential loss of authenticity in captured moments. These tools allow users to significantly alter photos, from changing backgrounds to recomposing shots, blurring the line between reality and digital manipulation. The ease of editing has sparked fears that it may lead to a decline in photographic skills and a reliance on post-processing fixes....
read Aug 16, 2024Geekbench Has a New Benchmark to Evaluate Devices for AI Workloads
New benchmark for AI capabilities: Geekbench has introduced Geekbench AI, a cross-platform tool designed to evaluate device performance specifically for AI workloads across various hardware components and software frameworks. The benchmark assesses the performance of CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs (Neural Processing Units) in handling machine learning applications. It provides a comprehensive evaluation based on both accuracy and speed, offering insights into how well devices can execute AI tasks. Geekbench AI supports multiple frameworks, including ONNX, CoreML, TensorFlow Lite, and OpenVINO, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of AI development environments. Performance metrics and scoring: The tool offers a nuanced approach...
read Aug 15, 2024Samsung Lowers Price on Flagship AI Tablet Galaxy Tab S9
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra sees significant price drop, offering advanced features at a more accessible price point. Deal details and pricing: Samsung and Best Buy are currently offering a $150 discount on the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, bringing the price of the flagship Android tablet to its lowest point in recent months. The 256GB model is now available for $1,049.99 shipped, down from its regular price of $1,199.99. For those requiring more storage, the 512GB variant is priced at $1,169.99 shipped, also reflecting a $150 reduction. This pricing matches previous discounts on Samsung's top-tier Ultra-sized tablet, making it an...
read Aug 15, 2024Halide’s ‘Process Zero’ Intentionally Strips AI from iPhone Photography
A new approach to smartphone photography: Halide's latest update introduces "Process Zero," a mode that strips away AI and computational enhancements, offering iPhone users a minimalist approach to raw image capture. Process Zero aims to present photos as the camera sensor captured them, with minimal processing and without computational photography enhancements. This new mode operates on a single exposure, revealing all the grain and detail that might otherwise be lost in heavily processed images. The bare-bones system leaves photographers in full control of image quality, for better or worse. The context of AI fatigue: Process Zero emerges at a time...
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