News/Mobile
Apple’s AI Features in Beta Hint at Smart, Secure iPhone Upgrade
Apple's upcoming AI features for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, announced at WWDC, are beginning to take shape in the latest developer betas. These betas offer a glimpse into the underlying instructions and limitations Apple is implementing for its AI-powered tools, providing insight into the company's approach to integrating generative AI across its ecosystem. Key AI features unveiled: Apple's developer betas contain instructions for various AI-powered features that will soon be available on its devices. A "helpful mail assistant" is programmed to ask questions based on email content, potentially enhancing user interaction with their inbox. The "Rewrite" feature is designed to...
read Aug 5, 2024Samsung is Mass-Producing Memory Chips to Enable On-Device AI
Samsung's latest breakthrough in memory chip technology marks a significant step forward in supporting on-device AI capabilities for mobile devices. The South Korean tech giant has initiated mass production of ultra-thin, high-capacity DRAM chips that promise to revolutionize the performance and efficiency of AI-powered smartphones and other mobile devices. Cutting-edge technology: Samsung has begun mass-producing the industry's thinnest dynamic random access (DRAM) low-power memory chips, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in mobile computing. The new chips are 12-nanometer (nm)-class LPDDR5X DRAM packages, available in 12-gigabyte (GB) and 16GB capacities. These memory modules are remarkably thin, measuring just 0.65 millimeters...
read Aug 5, 2024Apple’s AI Push Promises Smarter Devices, Enhanced Privacy
The big picture: Apple is making a significant move into the AI space with its new Apple Intelligence system, set to be deeply integrated into Mac, iPad, and iPhone operating systems. Apple Intelligence will offer features like writing advice, an improved Siri, and enhanced automation capabilities across Apple devices. Unlike many AI systems, Apple's approach prioritizes on-device processing, with only complex tasks being sent to the cloud with explicit user consent. The system is currently available only in developer beta versions of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1, with most features expected to roll out next year. Key features...
read Aug 4, 2024Early Reports of Apple Intelligence Put Its AI-Powered Mail Features Far Ahead of Google
AI-powered features in Apple Mail and Messages for iOS 18.1 beta represent significant productivity enhancements and user convenience. Apple Intelligence introduces a suite of capabilities that streamline communication management and, according to some early users, far outpace similar offerings from competitors like Google's Gmail. Intelligent notifications: Apple Intelligence analyzes incoming emails and messages to provide concise summaries directly on the lock screen. Instead of previewing the first few lines, notifications now display AI-generated summaries of the entire message content. For multiple incoming messages, the system provides a summary of all received communications, helping users quickly assess urgency. This feature extends...
read Aug 3, 2024Google’s Tensor G4 Raises Questions About Pixel 9 AI Capabilities
The upcoming Google Pixel 9's processor, the Tensor G4, is reportedly a minor upgrade from its predecessor, raising questions about Google's strategy for feature distribution across Pixel generations. Tensor G4's limited improvements: The Pixel 9's processor is expected to be the smallest change in the series to date, with little to no upgrade in its AI capabilities: The Tensor G4 reportedly features the same third-generation TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) as the Tensor G3, running at identical clock speeds. Google reportedly missed deadlines for a more powerful custom chipset, which will now be delayed until the Pixel 10. The CPU and...
read Aug 3, 2024AI-Powered Google Wallet Wants to Digitize Your Entire Life
Google Wallet's new "Everything else" feature is transforming the way users can digitize and store various documents and cards, offering a significant leap in convenience and accessibility for digital pass management. Innovative AI-powered digitization: Google Wallet has introduced a new feature that allows users to convert virtually any physical document or card into a digital pass: The new "Everything else" option utilizes AI technology to analyze and categorize a wide range of documents through the device's camera. Users can easily access this feature by tapping the "Add to Wallet" button and selecting "Everything else" in the Google Wallet app. The...
read Aug 3, 2024How to Access Apple Intelligence If You’re Outside the US
Apple's new AI features, collectively known as "Apple Intelligence," are set to debut in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, offering users a range of advanced capabilities. While officially limited to US developers in beta, these features can be accessed by users in most regions outside the European Union and China with a few simple steps. Device compatibility and feature overview: Apple Intelligence requires significant computing power, limiting its availability to specific devices: iPhone users need either an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max to access Apple Intelligence. iPad users require devices powered by M1 or later Apple silicon...
read Aug 2, 2024WhatsApp Rolls Out Voice Messaging with Meta AI for Android Beta Testers
WhatsApp has introduced voice messaging with Meta AI, expanding the AI chatbot's capabilities beyond text and images. The new feature, currently limited to select Android beta testers, signals Meta's push to integrate its AI assistant across its popular apps, potentially setting the stage for a new era of AI-powered communication. Key Takeaways: WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.24.16.10) now includes a voice message button in the Meta AI chat interface, allowing users to send voice messages to the AI chatbot. This update expands Meta AI's capabilities within WhatsApp, which were previously limited to text and image-based interactions. The voice messaging...
read Aug 2, 2024How to Use ChatGPT on Your Phone
The ChatGPT mobile app brings the power of the AI chatbot to smartphones, enabling users to access its capabilities on the go for tasks ranging from mundane to creative. Getting started with ChatGPT on mobile: The process of setting up and using the ChatGPT mobile app is straightforward and user-friendly: Users can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store and sign in using their preferred method (email, Google, or Apple). To initiate a conversation, users simply type their prompt or query into the prompt box and tap the arrow to generate a response from ChatGPT. The...
read Aug 2, 2024The SeaCheck App Uses AI to Update Beachgoers on Sea Conditions
Innovative technology: The SeaCheck app, launched by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, harnesses the power of real-time data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide up-to-date information about sea conditions: Users can access current information about sea temperature, wind speed, and wave height for Boscombe Beach -- so if you don't live in the UK, you unfortunately can't access it to understand local conditions, at least for now. The app aims to help beachgoers make informed decisions before entering the water for swimming, paddling, or surfing. Pilot program and future enhancements: The SeaCheck app is currently in a pilot phase...
read Aug 1, 2024‘OnePlus Open Apex’ AI-Powered Foldable Phone Launches Next Week
The OnePlus Open Apex Edition, a cosmetic refresh of the OnePlus Open smartphone, is set to launch on August 7 with a new red colorway and potentially enhanced storage and AI features, but may come at a higher price point. New design and inspiration: The Apex Edition introduces the "Crimson Shadow" colorway, a striking red hue with a faux leather texture inspired by the iconic Hasselblad 503CW 60 Years Victor Red Edition camera. The phone's large black camera island combined with the new red color gives off a strong Deadpool vibe, making it visually distinct from the original OnePlus Open....
read Aug 1, 2024Apple Intelligence vs Google Gemini: Which Will Make Your Phone Smarter?
The rise of AI assistants from Apple and Google is transforming the smartphone landscape, with implications for user experience, privacy, and the future of mobile computing. Apple's holistic approach to AI integration: Apple Intelligence stands out by seamlessly weaving AI capabilities across its ecosystem, making the technology feel invisible and intuitive to users: Rather than confining it to a single app or function, Apple has integrated AI system-wide, enabling Siri to coordinate actions across apps and access contextual information from the user's screen. This holistic approach allows for more personalized and efficient interactions, such as asking Siri to send photos...
read Aug 1, 2024Google Phone App to Introduce AI-powered Scam Call Detection
Key features and distinctions: The upcoming Google Phone update will differentiate between spam calls and scam calls, providing a more granular approach to identifying and handling potentially malicious callers: Users will be able to manually report calls as either spam or scam, allowing for a more targeted classification of unwanted calls. The AI-powered system, codenamed "Sharpie," will automatically detect scam calls, potentially reducing the burden on users to identify and report such calls themselves. The scam detection feature will be opt-in, giving users control over whether they want to utilize the AI-powered system or not. Evidence of upcoming release: APK...
read Aug 1, 2024Google Pixel 9 Pro Prioritizes AI Video Boost Over Native 8K Recording
The Pixel 9 Pro is set to prioritize AI-enhanced video over native 8K recording, according to a recent leak, highlighting Google's continued focus on leveraging artificial intelligence to deliver premium features. Video Boost takes center stage: The Pixel 9 Pro will rely on Google's Video Boost feature to upscale 4K video to 8K using AI, rather than allowing users to capture 8K video directly: Despite the 50MP main lens being capable of shooting 8K video, Google has chosen to prioritize its AI-driven Video Boost feature. Video Boost, which debuted on the Pixel 8 series, enhances captured content by processing it...
read Jul 31, 2024Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is an AI-Powered Smartphone at a Competitive Price
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, a new AI-powered smartphone, has launched with promising features and specs that position it as a potential competitor in the mid-range market: The (2a) Plus boasts a triple 50MP camera setup, 4K video recording, 20GB of RAM, and speeds 10% faster than its predecessor, the Nothing Phone (2a), at a price point of $399. Nothing claims impressive battery life and fast charging capabilities, with the phone able to handle nearly 18 hours of continuous social media scrolling or provide a full day's charge in just 20 minutes. AI-driven enhancements take center stage: Nothing is embracing...
read Jul 31, 2024AI Features to Expect in Apple’s iOS 18.1 Beta
Apple has unveiled the iOS 18.1 beta, introducing a range of AI-powered features and enhancements to the iPhone user experience, with a stable release expected in the coming months. Key Takeaways: The iOS 18.1 beta introduces Apple Intelligence features, including an enhanced Siri, AI call recording and transcriptions, and writing tools. While the beta is currently available for developers, the stable release is expected to roll out in September, closely following the iPhone 16 series debut. However, the full-fledged Apple Intelligence rollout may take longer, with sources suggesting these features may be available on iOS by October. Enhanced Siri and...
read Jul 30, 2024Google to Bundle Gemini Advanced with Pixel 9 Pro Smartphones
According to a new report, Google will bundle a valuable AI subscription with its upcoming Pixel 9 Pro smartphones, significantly increasing the appeal of these devices for consumers interested in advanced AI capabilities. Key details of the bundled offer: The report reveals that Google will include a one-year subscription to Google One AI Premium, worth $239.88, with each purchase of a Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold smartphone: Google One AI Premium provides 2TB of cloud storage and access to Google's premium Gemini Advanced AI features, enabling the use of the powerful Gemini 1.5...
read Jul 30, 2024The Cautious Apple Intelligence Rollout Risks Frustrating iPhone Upgraders
The iPhone 16 is set to launch without some of the most anticipated Apple Intelligence features, potentially disappointing customers who are looking to upgrade for the AI capabilities. Apple's cautious approach to AI rollout: Apple is taking a slow and measured approach to introducing its new AI features, even for developers: The first iOS 18.1 developer beta provides access to a limited set of Apple Intelligence features, such as writing tools, Siri improvements, and natural language searches in Photos. Some expected features, like the AI image generation tool Image Playground, were not included in the 18.1 beta. Apple is labeling...
read Jul 30, 2024Pixel 8a Drops to $449, Comes Packed with Google AI
The Google Pixel 8a Android handset has returned to its all-time low price of $449 on Amazon, offering a more affordable mid-range option for those not wanting to splurge on the upcoming Pixel 9 flagship devices. Key features and specs: The Pixel 8a comes packed with impressive features despite its more budget-friendly price point: 6.1-inch Actual display Google's Adaptive Battery, providing over 24 hours of battery life (up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver) IP67 protection against "slips, spills, and dust" Support for Google AI features like searching by drawing a circle around an image, text, or video, email...
read Jul 29, 2024Apple Released AI-Powered Updates in iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia — Here’s How to Join the Waitlist
Apple has released iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 developer betas, offering a preview of the company's first set of AI features dubbed "Apple Intelligence." Key features in the beta: The update introduces several AI-powered enhancements across various apps and services: Siri receives an updated design and gains the ability to maintain context across multiple requests. Mail app gets smart reply and email summary features. Photos app introduces natural language search capabilities. Availability and requirements: To access the Apple Intelligence features, users must meet specific device requirements and join a waitlist: Compatible devices include iPhone 15 Pro or...
read Jul 29, 2024Apple’s AI Features Will Be Delayed to iOS 18 Launch in 2025
Apple's AI features are set to launch after iOS 18, with rollout extending into 2025 Delayed release: While Apple unveiled its new AI capabilities at WWDC 2024, the company will not include them in the initial public release of iOS 18 and its other operating system updates in September: According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the "Apple Intelligence" features will be available for developers to beta test this week, but they won't be included in the first public releases of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15. The rollout of these AI features, including the upgraded Siri showcased at WWDC, could...
read Jul 27, 2024Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Smartphones Come with an AI Subscription Package
Google's bundled Pixel 9 Pro offer: Google is providing a valuable AI subscription package with the purchase of its upcoming Pixel 9 Pro smartphones, potentially giving the company a competitive edge and attracting consumers to its ecosystem. A comprehensive report reveals that Google will offer a free one-year subscription to Google One AI Premium, worth $239.88, with the purchase of Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold smartphones. The Google One AI Premium subscription includes 2TB of cloud storage and access to Google's most advanced AI features, such as Gemini 1.5 Pro and Gemini integration...
read Jul 26, 2024Samsung is Betting on AI to Expand Its Hardware Ecosystem and Drive Revenues
Samsung is betting on AI and new form factors to drive smartphone upgrades and expand its product ecosystem. Galaxy AI push to incentivize upgrades: Samsung is leveraging its Galaxy AI suite of artificial intelligence features to motivate users to purchase new products, emphasizing the convenience and benefits these capabilities bring: The company recently launched the Z Fold6, Z Flip6, and its first smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, with AI as a key selling point. Samsung mobile head TM Roh believes Galaxy AI will become more pervasive in daily life over time, similar to the trajectory of smartphones and the internet....
read Jul 25, 2024When to Expect Apple Intelligence on Your Devices
Apple's upcoming AI features, collectively known as Apple Intelligence, won't be immediately available in the iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia betas, but will eventually be added ahead of a launch later this year, albeit still in beta form: Apple Intelligence features are designed for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, but require specific hardware, such as the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 15 Pro models or M1 chips in Macs and certain iPad models. While the software updates will be released to the general public in the fall, likely in September, the Apple Intelligence features will still carry a...
read