Toyota Kirloskar Motor is temporarily suspending the dispatch of its three models — Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux — in the country after “irregularities” were found in the certification tests for the diesel powertrain.
Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), a company affiliated with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), on January 29, 2024, announced that irregularities in horsepower output certification tests were found on three diesel engine models.
In case of India, such engines are used in Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux.
“The irregularities concern the smoothing of power and torque curves but did not lead to any over-stating or over-claims on horsepower, torque or other powertrain related values,” a Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) spokesperson said in a statement when contacted over the issue.
The issue does not have any impact on the emissions or safety of the affected vehicles, the company stated.
“Toyota is working with relevant authorities to re-confirm the data used for the certification of the affected vehicles. As such, in case of TKM also the dispatch of affected vehicles will be temporarily suspended,” the automaker noted.
TKM would, however, continue to take new orders for the three models, it said. For cars that have already been dispatched but have not yet been delivered to the customer, the company will carefully explain to customers about this condition, the company stated.
“Thereafter, we will proceed with registration and delivery for customers who opt to receive their vehicles,” it added.
It further stated: “We would like to reassure our existing customers by stating that we believe their vehicles are unaffected by these irregularities, as this did not result in any variations in horsepower, torque or other powertrain-related values.”
Additionally, this has not compromised the emissions or safety of their vehicles, TKM said.
“Nevertheless, TKM sincerely apologises for any inconvenience and concern this irregularity may cause to our customers and other stakeholders,” it said.
The Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux account for almost a third of TKM’s total sales in India.
Ten models use the affected engines globally, including six in Japan.
Although iOS 17 is bringing some of the biggest updates to the iPhone, the next iteration of Apple’s iOS is going to be a game changer for Apple. Apple has already announced some major departure from the way it operates on the software side of things, especially when it comes to iPhones.
Apple now plans to allow third-party apps, browsers, and payment gateways on iPhones, signalling a substantial shift in its long-term strategy. This move is attributed to Apple’s commitment to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), reflecting a more open ecosystem for users. While the update in iOS 17 is limited to some countries in the EU, all that may change with iOS 18.
According to a Bloomberg report, this shift may extend globally, with the iOS 18 update potentially serving as the catalyst for this transformation.
The company is set to roll out these features in the iOS 17.4 update, with a focus on the European region initially. Apple has clarified that these features will gradually expand worldwide, with targeted completion by the end of 2024 through the iOS 18 update.
Anticipated to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 in June, iOS 18 promises to introduce several groundbreaking features.
Some of these advancements could be powered by artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to overcome existing limitations.
Speculations suggest that iOS 18 may integrate ChatGPT-like capabilities, potentially leveraging an in-house large language model. Reports from 9to5Mac hint at the possibility of Apple building these AI experiences on top of OpenAI’s GPT.
Upcoming AI features on the iPhone are expected to include content summarization through Siri, auto-generated playlists on Apple Music, an AI-powered notes app for swift content creation, and an enhanced photo editor driven by generative AI, akin to recent offerings from Google and Samsung.
Furthermore, iOS 18 is set to incorporate Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, providing a rich texting experience similar to iMessage even when communicating with Android users. Notably, the message bubble for such texts will retain its distinctive green colour.
Beyond iOS 18, Apple’s WWDC 2024 will also showcase updates for iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS 15. Each of these updates is expected to bring forth a range of new features and capabilities, further illustrating Apple’s commitment to innovation across its product ecosystem.
Realme has officially launched its much-anticipated 12 Pro series in India, introducing the Realme 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro+. These devices boast a 6.7-inch FHD+ 120Hz curved AMOLED display with extremely slim bezels and 2160Hz PWM ultra-high frequency dimming, mirroring the specifications of the 11 Pro series.
Additionally, the phones incorporate ProXDR technology, which assesses the content captured by the camera to enhance photo effects across a broad spectrum of brightness and dynamic range.
Elevating the aesthetic appeal, Realme collaborated with luxury watch designer Ollivier Savéo to infuse a luxury watch design into the phones. The company asserts that this partnership delivers a premium design experience previously only associated with high-end timepieces. The phones also feature a vegan leather finish.
Realme 12 Pro series: Specifications
Both models in the Realme 12 Pro series boast a uniform 6.7-inch FHD+ curved OLED display with a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels. The display impressively supports a 120Hz refresh rate, a 240Hz touch sampling rate, and peaks at 950nits brightness.
The phones are equipped with an IP65 splash-resistant rating and feature a sleek leather finish at the back, with Realme emphasizing an “Ultra-light thin form factor” for improved grip. Additionally, a 2160Hz PWM dimming function enhances visual comfort during nighttime use.
Diverging under the hood, the Realme 12 Pro+ is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, while the standard Pro version houses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset. Both models include Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience.
The camera setup is a highlight of the series, with the Pro+ featuring a 64-megapixel OV64B periscope telephoto sensor, a 50MP Sony IMX 890 main camera, and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera.
On the other hand, the Pro version offers a 32MP Sony IMX709 telephoto sensor, a 50MP Sony IMX 882 main camera, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. Front-facing cameras vary, with the Pro+ having a 32MP sensor and the Pro featuring a 16MP camera.
In terms of battery life, both phones are equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and support 67W fast charging. Realme is including the fast charger in the retail box for added convenience.
Realme 12 Pro series: Pricing and availability
Pricing details for the Realme 12 Pro start at Rs 25,999 for the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the 256GB storage variant is priced at Rs 26,999.
The Realme 12 Pro+ starts at Rs 29,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant and goes up to Rs 33,999 for the 12GB + 256GB version. The Realme 12 Pro and 12 Pro+ are available in Submarine Blue and Navigator Beige colour options. Additionally, the 12 Pro+ offers an India-exclusive Explorer Red variant, set to hit the market on February 9th.
Both models are set to go on sale on February 6, with launch offers including up to Rs 2,000 discount benefits on ICICI bank cards.
Our list of smartphones under Rs 20,000 this month has handsets with a good mix of features and performance. But that’s a given, right? Other than reasonable processing power, high refresh rate displays and 5G compliance, we also have phones that boast of features like optical image stabilisation (OIS) on the main camera, which is rare in this budget, and quite a few of them also offer 256GB internal storage. So let’s meet the best under 20K at the moment.
Best phones to buy under Rs 20,000 in India
Motorola G84 5G
The Motorola G84 5G is probably the most feature-packed of the lot in this budget, starting with a 6.5-inch Full HD+ pOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 10-bit colour depth. This is the first of the three phones in this list to flaunt a 50MP primary camera with OIS, which we should stop terming as a rarity in this segment. You also get an 8MP ultrawide camera with auto-focus, which can double up as a macro camera. Its 16MP front camera should please the selfie enthusiasts.
This phone has an IP54 rated ingress protection that makes it splash-resistant. The Motorola G84 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chip that is decent enough for this segment. You get 12GB RAM and 256GB internal (expandable) storage to go with it. It has a 5000 mAh battery that keeps it running for close to a day and a half of moderate use, and a 33W fast charger is bundled along. It runs Android 13, and like most Motorola phones, the G84 has a clean and near-stock Android user interface.
Motorola G84 5G price in India: Rs 18,999 for 12GB RAM/256GB storage
Motorola G54 5G
While the G84 is clearly a superior phone overall, the Motorola G54 5G isn’t too far behind and saves you a good Rs 3,000 despite offering comparable features and storage. This phone too has a 50MP primary camera at the back and with optical image stabilisation. You also get an 8MP ultrawide camera with auto-focus, which doubles up as a macro camera. A 16MP front camera does a good job with selfies and video calls. It has a 6.5-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD with 120 Hzrefresh rate for a flicker-free experience.
This phone has a water-repellent design with a modest IP52 rating. The Motorola G54 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7020 chip, and you can get its 12GB RAM and 256GB internal (expandable) storage variant under 16K at the moment. Its 6000 mAh battery keeps it powered for over two days of moderate use, and a 33W fast charger is bundled along. It runs Android 13, and again, the G54 has a clean and near-stock Android user interface.
Motorola G54 5G price in India: Rs 15,999 for 12GB RAM/256GB storage
Samsung Galaxy F34 5G
The Samsung Galaxy F34 5G too flaunts an impressive list of features other than the Samsung brand name. Right at the top of that list is a 6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits peak brightness. It is protected against scratches by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Just like the Motorola phones above, this Samsung phone also flaunts a 50MP primary camera with OIS. Support cast features an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP depth sensor. You get a decent 13MP selfie camera up front.
The Samsung Galaxy F34 5G is powered by an Exynos 1280 SoC and you get 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage to go with it. The storage can be expanded further with a microSD card. A 6000 mAh battery keeps the phone powered for close to two days of moderate use. The company doesn’t bundle a charger along and you will need to spend a few hundred bucks extra if you don’t have one already. The phones run Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1.
Samsung Galaxy F34 5G price in India: Rs 17,999 for 8GB RAM/128GB storage
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G
From 50MP cameras, it is time to jump to one with 108 megapixels. Even better, Amazon is offering a further Rs 1,000 off on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G for Republic Day. Megapixel count aside, the primary camera is quite good and does most of the heavy lifting. It has a 2MP macro camera and a 2MP depth sensor for company. You get a 16MP front camera for selfies and video calls. This phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chip, and you get its 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage variant in this budget.
This entry-level Nord 3 series phone has a 6.72-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and is noticeably bright even outdoors. The battery backup is pretty standard with a 5000 mAh battery keeping it powered for over a day and a half of moderate use. The company bundles a 67W fast charger that can charge over 75 per cent of the battery in less than half an hour. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G runs Android 13 with OxygenOS 13 with more OS and security updates expected over the next couple of years.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G price in India: Rs 18,999 for 8GB RAM/128GB storage
Lava Agni 2 5G
From the home grown brands, the Lava Agni 2 5G is one phone that ticks most of the requisite boxes in this budget and looks quite good too. The striking feature of this phone is its 6.78-inch Full HD+ curved AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 10-bit colour depth. The company claims that the Agni 2 is the first phone in India to use a Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chip, which is a good choice for this segment. It is accompanied by 8 GB RAM and 256 GB internal storage.
Rear camera department consists of a 50MP primary camera, supported by an 8MP ultra-wide shooter, a 2MP macro camera and a 2MP depth sensor. A 16MP front camera takes care of selfies and video calls. The Lava Agni 2 5G has a 4700 mAh battery that lasts well over a day of moderate use, and the company bundles a 66W fast charger that claims to charge 50 per cent of it in just 16 minutes. The phone runs Android 13, and the company promises to keep things clean and free of ads or bloatware.
Lava Agni 2 5G price in India: Rs 19,999 for 8GB RAM/256GB storage
Japan’s “Moon Sniper” spacecraft achieved a precise lunar landing, making it the fifth nation to accomplish a soft lunar landing after the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The unmanned Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), nicknamed the “Moon Sniper” for its precision technology, successfully touched down within 55 meters of its targeted landing spot on a lunar crater.
Despite last-minute engine problems and issues with the craft’s solar batteries, the pin-point landing is a significant achievement.
SLIM’s goal was to land within 100 meters of the specific target, showcasing advanced precision technology compared to typical landing zones that have a range of several kilometres.
A photo taken by a mini-rover released by JAXA displayed the yellow lander sitting intact on the rocky lunar surface, with lunar slopes rising in the background.
The mission’s primary objective is to explore a lunar crater where the Moon’s mantle is believed to be exposed.
By analysing rocks in this area, scientists hope to gain insights into the Moon’s potential water resources, which could be crucial for future human exploration and possible bases on the Moon.
Despite engine problems during the descent and challenges with solar batteries, JAXA successfully downloaded technical and image data from the mission before temporarily powering down the spacecraft.
Mission control is preparing for a possible resumption of operations around February 1, aligning with changes in the sun’s angle that may improve solar power generation.
SLIM’s mission adds to recent lunar exploration efforts by various countries and private companies, aiming to uncover new insights about Earth’s celestial neighbour.
The successful lunar landing by Japan contrasts with recent setbacks faced by the United States in its lunar programs, highlighting the technical challenges involved in space exploration.
(With inputs from agencies)
Google believes 2024 is going to be the year in which they will launch one of the biggest and most powerful AI models to have ever existed. This is also the year, they plan, where they take on OpenAI and establish themselves as the leader in generic software solutions.
In the year 2023, the artificial intelligence landscape experienced a rapid surge, fueled by the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
This triumph initiated an AI arms race, witnessing tech giants like Meta, Google, and Microsoft competing fervently to establish themselves as leaders in the field. OpenAI continued to maintain its lead, but recent leaks suggest that Google is aggressively pursuing the goal of delivering the world’s most advanced, safe, and responsible AI.
An internal document obtained by The Verge revealed Google’s ambitious objectives, encompassing seven key goals.
These include enhancing knowledge, learning, creativity, and productivity, building the most helpful personal computing platforms and devices, enabling innovation on Google Cloud, providing the world’s most trusted products and platforms, creating an exceptional environment for employees, improving company efficiency, and delivering cost savings.
While Google’s commitment to advancing AI is evident, recent layoffs within the company align to improve company efficiency and productivity, hinting at potential workforce optimizations.
The pressure on Google to catch up with OpenAI, particularly in light of the success of ChatGPT compared to Google’s Bard, has been substantial.
Despite the introduction of Gemini last year, Google’s AI capabilities are perceived to be trailing OpenAI, prompting the tech giant to explore new avenues.
Rumours suggest that OpenAI is already working on a major update to GPT-4, maintaining the pressure on competitors. Google, in response, has been integrating AI into existing products such as Pixel smartphones, business applications, and generative AI search.
While Google may not have produced an AI product equivalent to ChatGPT, there are speculations about a new chatbot powered by the formidable Gemini Ultra model.
The dynamics of the AI landscape also indicate that Microsoft’s cloud business, fueled by its partnership with OpenAI, is experiencing rapid growth, potentially surpassing Google in this domain. The AI race continues, with tech giants vying for supremacy and innovation in this transformative field.
(With inputs from agencies)
Tesla is gearing up for mass production of a new model, identified as a compact crossover, starting next year, according to insider sources cited by Reuters.
The move is seen as a response to the longstanding expectations of Tesla enthusiasts for a more affordable electric car, a concept that CEO Elon Musk has teased for years.
The base model of the anticipated vehicle, internally known as “Redwood,” could carry a price tag as low as $25,000, as per the Reuters report.
Initial production targets are set at 10,000 cars per week, with Tesla reportedly reaching out to auto suppliers through a request for quotes. The introduction of a more budget-friendly model is seen as a strategic move for Tesla to better compete with low-cost Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers.
Considering that Tesla is set to enter the Indian market, and how popular SUVs and crossover SUVs/compact SUVs have been in the Indian market, Tesla may be planning to expand its product line in a manner that entices Indian customers.
Moreover, Tesla must have realised that India continues to be a price-sensitive market and won’t respond well to most of its current offerings, as they are priced today.
While the news signals a positive development for Tesla, it may present a challenge for European automakers. The European car industry has long struggled to surpass Tesla’s dominance in the EV market.
Even as EV sales have grown, a recent downturn in European EV sales, particularly in Germany with a 48 per cent drop in December, has been attributed to the sudden end of government EV subsidies.
Additionally, supply chain concerns have been exacerbated by the crisis in the Red Sea, impacting Tesla’s German factory.
The company had to temporarily halt production due to delays in component deliveries caused by changes in shipping routes away from the Red Sea. Tesla imports crucial battery components from China, and the Red Sea and Suez Canal, once the shortest route, are now facing increased risks.
Elon Musk’s pledge to offer an affordable Tesla has been a long-standing commitment, with the new model expected to address these aspirations.
Although the Model 3 was initially intended to be the affordable option, its starting price of close to $39,000 fell short of the anticipated affordability. Production of the new compact crossover model is projected to commence in mid-2025, according to sources cited by Reuters.
Alphabet’s innovative technology lab, known as X, is undergoing a strategic shift and laying off several employees as it seeks external funding to support its ventures.
The division, recognized for pursuing ambitious projects, is in discussions with venture capitalists and other investors to secure funding. X aims to establish a new structure allowing its projects to spin out as independent startups with backing from Alphabet and external investors.
Eric Teller, who leads X, communicated the changes to staff in an email obtained by Bloomberg. In the email, Teller stated, “We’re expanding our approach to focus on spinning out more projects as independent companies funded through market-based capital.”
The restructuring involves layoffs, predominantly affecting support staff. The move aligns with X’s effort to emphasize lean teams, capital efficiency, and collaboration with a broader base of industry and financial partners.
X, launched by Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, is renowned for exploring groundbreaking solutions to significant challenges like climate change and connectivity.
However, the lab has faced increasing pressure to transform speculative ventures into profitable businesses. The restructuring comes as part of Alphabet’s broader cost-cutting initiatives.
The move to seek external funding is seen as a shift from X’s previous reliance on Alphabet for financial support. The lab has explored raising outside capital in the past, but concerns from Alphabet leadership hindered such efforts.
X has engaged with various funding sources, including venture capital, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, and strategic investors.
Alphabet has been taking steps to streamline its operations and reduce costs. This month, Google eliminated hundreds of jobs, focusing on teams such as hardware and engineering, as it sharpens its focus on artificial intelligence.
The restructuring at X is expected to give the lab more flexibility in pursuing ambitious projects and taking moonshots independently.
Teller emphasized the importance of continuing to invent breakthrough technologies to address pressing global challenges, stating, “Because the world needs moonshots more now than ever.”
The changes at X coincide with Ruth Porat, Alphabet’s Chief Financial Officer, moving into a new role as president and chief investment officer, overseeing divisions that include X.
(With inputs from agencies)
Scientists operating Europe’s Mars Express Orbiter have identified extensive ice water deposits hidden beneath the surface of Mars. The findings, based on data from the orbiter, indicate that these deposits could be as thick as 3.7 kilometres, raising the possibility that Mars, in its past, supported conditions suitable for life.
The estimated volume of these deposits is staggering, with the potential to fill Earth’s Red Sea upon melting or blanket the entire Martian surface in a two-meter-deep layer of water.
According to experts, this evidence suggests that Mars exhibited a vastly different environment in the past, featuring glaciers, lakes, and river channels.
Colin Wilson, a project scientist at the European Space Agency (ESA), explained, “We’ve seen evidence of glaciers, extinct glaciers which are no longer there, but also some glaciers covered with dust.
Most of the water ice we’ve seen on Mars today is at higher latitudes, where the temperatures are colder and so the ice can be stable.”
The revelation challenges previous assumptions, as the ice water deposits were found at Mars’ equator rather than its poles. Wilson noted, “We don’t expect to see a polar ice cap at the equator. It’s as ludicrous on Mars as it would be on Earth, but that’s what the data are telling us, saying it does look like that.”
The unexpected location of the ice-water deposits has sparked excitement among scientists, particularly in the context of potential future human exploration missions to Mars. Unlike polar regions, the equatorial location could facilitate landing for exploration missions due to favourable orbital mechanics and increased power availability.
Jim Green, NASA’s Director of Planetary Science, expressed the significance of the discovery, stating, “Today, we’re revolutionizing our understanding of this planet. Our rovers are finding that there’s a lot more humidity in the air than we ever imagined.”
The Mars Express orbiter, which initially confirmed the presence of ice on Mars in 2004, discovered these deposits in 2007. However, the composition remained unclear until now, with the latest data suggesting that the deposits consist of layers of dust and ice.
Despite the potential benefits for future exploration missions, Wilson cautioned that the layers of dust and ice are topped with a protective layer several hundred meters thick, making direct access challenging. “Unfortunately, this probably won’t be the answer to our human exploration needs,” he added.
The Mars Express probe, launched in June 2003, recently marked two decades of studying the Red Planet, providing valuable insights into Mars’ geological history and potential for sustaining life in the distant past.
In a recent custom study conducted by NielsenIQ on behalf of Amazon, insights into the streaming preferences of Indian audiences have been uncovered. The study, conducted in December 2023, highlights the increasing popularity of streaming content on televisions, shedding light on viewer habits and preferences.
According to the findings, a significant 78 per cent of respondents favour streaming online content on their TVs through devices such as streaming sticks, smart TVs, and set-top boxes, as opposed to alternatives like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The study also reveals that nearly 66 per cent of respondents spend around five hours per day streaming content over the weekends, in contrast to less than three hours on weekdays. Moreover, a staggering 97 per cent of participants prefer streaming content on TV during dinner time, with 74 per cent enjoying this experience with family members, particularly spouses and children.
Genre preferences were also explored in the study, with comedy emerging as the most popular genre, closely followed by sports, thriller, romantic, horror, international TV shows, and news, in that order. The research emphasizes the growing significance of streaming on TV, attributing it to the comfort and superior viewing experience it offers.
Beyond the availability of a reliable broadband connection, viewers are drawn to streaming on TV due to the enhanced video and sound quality, as well as the convenience of accessing a diverse range of content from various OTT providers and online sources. The ergonomic benefits of maintaining a comfortable body posture while watching TV also contribute to the preference for this platform.
The study delves into viewer priorities when streaming on TV, revealing that the most sought-after features include lag-free streaming (39 per cent) and a wide range of OTT apps (24 per cent). Respondents also expressed interest in features such as voice assistants for content search and smart home appliance control, along with the ability to stream online content and live TV shows from DTH channels on a single screen.
Parag Gupta, Director and Country Manager of Amazon Devices India, commented on the findings, noting the evolving nature of consumer streaming habits. Gupta highlighted the enduring preference for viewing content on television and emphasized the convenience of the Fire TV stick, providing users with a faster streaming experience, simplified content discovery through Alexa’s universal voice search, and access to a vast array of apps across genres. Gupta expressed encouragement at the consistent 4+ star ratings given to the Fire TV by users, showcasing its popularity among Indian audiences.
Google has introduced a brand new feature at the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, called Circle to Search. The new feature, that does exactly what its name implies, is actually a pretty innovative functionality that allows users to tap a button, circle an item on their phone screen and instantly receive a page filled with Google search results related to the circled item.
Initially launching on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series and Google’s Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Circle to Search is set to expand to other “select, premium” Android phones in the future.
While reminiscent of Google Lens, Circle to Search offers the added convenience of accessibility from anywhere on the device.
Users can activate the feature by long-pressing the home button in three-button navigation or using the navigation handle in gesture navigation, making it appear on top of the current app or screen. The tool allows circling, highlighting, or tapping on subjects, including both text and images.
In a brief demo on a Galaxy S24, the feature showcased effective subject isolation and provided relevant search results.
While not a revolutionary method of internet searching, Circle to Search offers a practical solution, eliminating the tedious process of taking screenshots, switching apps, and selecting images for searches.
Contrary to its name, the Circle to Search feature on Android is more about engaging with text or images on the screen to initiate a search, rather than relying solely on circling gestures. While circling is one option for triggering a search, other gestures can also be used for a seamless search experience.
For example, if watching a video or viewing a photo and wanting to identify a specific item, users can employ circling gestures. However, if chatting about a restaurant in a messaging app, a simple tap on the restaurant’s name can prompt a search for more details. Another option is swiping across a series of words to turn them into a search query, as demonstrated with the term “thrift flip” in a YouTube Shorts video about thrifting.
In scenarios where the user is interested in something visual on the screen, circling or scribbling gestures can be employed. Google suggests circling sunglasses in a video or scribbling on boots to explore related items on Google without the need to switch between different apps. The scribble gesture is applicable to both images and words.
Search results may vary based on the query and the user’s participation in Google Labs products. Simple text searches may yield traditional results, while queries combining text and images, referred to as “multisearch,” utilize generative AI. Users participating in Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) experiment via Google Labs can expect AI-powered answers for relevant queries within the SGE framework.
The feature seamlessly integrates into the user experience, feeling like an intuitive capability that should have been present from the start.
The launch of Circle to Search coincides with an update to Google’s multisearch feature. This enhancement to an existing Lens feature enables users to refine visual searches with complex questions.
For instance, a picture of a plant can be accompanied by the question, “How often should I water this?” The upgraded multisearch, available in the Google app starting today, allows users to delve deeper into understanding the reasons behind things, not just identifying them. However, this feature is currently limited to the US on both Android and iOS devices.
In response to escalating cyber attacks in India, private insurers such as HDFC Ergo General Insurance and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance are taking proactive measures, including engaging in negotiations with cyber attackers, to address claims arising from ransomware incidents, as per a report by The Economic Times
India has recently become one of the most targeted countries globally for cyberattacks.
In addition to refining their cyber insurance products, insurers are modifying covenants and strengthening contracts with clients to enhance their capabilities in the rapidly growing cyber insurance sector.
Insurers are collaborating with intermediary agencies that specialize in negotiating with hackers, often referred to as “threat actors.”
These agencies play a crucial role in facilitating negotiations when hackers demand a ransom in exchange for not releasing stolen data. Experts estimate that at least 5-10 cases involving substantial sums of money have been settled through such negotiations in just over a year.
The primary objective of insurers engaging in negotiations is to confirm the responsibility of threat actors for the cyberattack and then work towards minimizing the ransom payment.
The Economic Times report quotes Hiten Kothari, Chief Underwriting Officer and Chief Actuary at HDFC Ergo General Insurance, who explains, that ransomware negotiation service providers offer a range of services, including ransomware remediation, public relations assistance, post-attack monitoring, detection and response services, and products designed to prevent future attacks.
While obtaining official numbers on such negotiations is challenging, industry experts suggest that approximately 5-10 deals may have transpired over the past year.
The reduction in reinsurer capacity over the last 1-2 years, due to substantial overseas claims, is prompting a reevaluation of exposure to cyber insurance.
Assessing the impact of cyberattacks, experts note that cybercriminals strategically publicize data breach details on the dark web to exert pressure during negotiations and increase the potential ransom amount.
Companies often assess the business impact of a data breach to determine whether paying the ransom is the most viable option, claims The Economic Times report.
This evolving cyber threat landscape has led to the implementation of more stringent terms and agreements in cyber insurance policies. Companies are now discussing cybersecurity concerns in boardrooms, and insurance policies are adapting to cover emerging risks. Collaborations between insurers and cybersecurity firms are on the rise to provide proactive risk management solutions.
As of the latest data, HDFC Ergo has observed a 25 to 30 per cent tincrease in new corporate cyber policy enrolments.
In response to the rising instances of payouts, insurers are incorporating limits on claims percentages for ransomware cases into new covenants, resulting in increased premiums and higher deductibles.
The corporate cyber insurance market in India has witnessed significant growth, with premiums surging by 50-60 per cent in the past year. The market is currently valued at around Rs 600 crore, up from Rs 400 crore just six months ago.
The increased demand for cyber insurance is not limited to large companies in the IT, ITes, and BFSI sectors, as other industries, including manufacturing and pharma, along with mid-sized companies, are now seeking coverage.
However, policies for smaller companies may vary based on their system strength and tech infrastructure.
Cyber insurance policies continue to evolve, offering more customized coverage that takes into account specific risks and compliance requirements.
Insurers are adopting comprehensive risk assessment approaches, utilizing detailed questionnaires to evaluate companies’ cybersecurity measures, including the strength of their firewalls and security infrastructure.
Premiums are then priced accordingly, with an emphasis on reinforcing technology infrastructure and appointing Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs).
In a historic shift, Apple’s iPhone outpaced Samsung’s smartphones to clinch the title of the world’s best-selling smartphone in 2023, marking the first time the South Korean tech giant has surrendered the top position since 2010.
Preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) reveals that Apple recorded an impressive 234.6 million iPhone shipments in 2023, commanding a 20.1 per cent share of the global market with an annual growth rate of 3.7 per cent.
Meanwhile, Samsung experienced a 13.6 per cent decline in smartphone shipments, totalling 226.6 million units and securing a market share of 19.4 per cent, as reported by the IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.
China’s Xiaomi claimed the third position with 145.9 million shipments, representing a 12.5 per cent market share, according to IDC. Following closely are Chinese smartphone manufacturers Oppo and Transsion.
IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team Research Director, Nabila Popal, noted, “Despite facing increased regulatory challenges and renewed competition from Huawei in China, its largest market, the biggest winner is clearly Apple.” Popal attributes Apple’s success to the rising trend of premium devices, accounting for over 20 per cent of the market, fueled by aggressive trade-in offers and interest-free financing plans.
The power shift at the summit of the consumer electronics market is attributed to Apple’s all-time high market share, securing the No. 1 spot annually for the first time. Apple emerges as the only global player among the top three to register positive growth, surpassing Samsung over the course of a full year, indicating resilience in the face of an industrywide decline in the past two years.
Global smartphone shipments witnessed a 3.2 per cent year-on-year decline to 1.17 billion units in 2023, marking the lowest full-year volume in a decade. However, an 8.5 per cent year-on-year growth in worldwide smartphone shipments in the fourth quarter of 2023, totalling 326.1 million units, exceeded the 7.3 per cent growth forecast, signalling a potential recovery in 2024.
Analysts anticipate the 2024 recovery to be driven by the growth of emerging market economies, increased consumer spending, higher average selling prices, and the rapid integration of generative artificial intelligence devices.
While Apple’s ascent contributed to Samsung’s decline, industry experts note that the overall Android market is diversifying, and Huawei is quickly making inroads in China. Ryan Reith, Group Vice President with IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, emphasized the smartphone space is heading towards an interesting phase with intensified competition, the rise of foldable devices, and increased discussions around AI capabilities.
Apple’s dominance extends beyond smartphones, as it recently surpassed Amazon to claim the title of the world’s most valuable brand, valued at $516.6 billion, according to a report by consultancy Brand Finance. The report attributes Apple’s 74 per cent yearly increase in brand value to its strategic expansion into new markets, ecosystem growth, and encouragement of upgrades to higher-value iPhones.
In a significant development for Elon Musk’s social media platform X, the social media platform has obtained a money-transmitter license from the state of Utah. This marks the 15th state in the United States to grant approval to X as the company explores the integration of payment features into its platform.
The approval from Utah was officially granted on Friday, as reported by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry, an online database overseeing licensing activities.
Similar to payment giants like PayPal’s Venmo, this license empowers X to facilitate money transfers, paving the way for users to send funds to one another directly through the platform. The move into payment services is seen as a strategic effort by X to diversify its revenue streams beyond its reliance on digital advertising, which faced challenges following Elon Musk’s ownership.
Following Musk’s controversial agreement with an X user promoting an antisemitic conspiracy theory last year, major advertisers suspended their spending or abandoned the platform altogether. Musk’s subsequent profane comment about brands that had pulled their ads further exacerbated the situation.
Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in October 2022, he has expressed a vision of transforming the platform into an “everything app,” akin to the popular Chinese app WeChat. WeChat allows users not only to exchange messages but also to perform various tasks, such as hailing a taxi or making payments to merchants.
This recent license approval in Utah adds to X’s growing list of state money-transmitter licenses. The company had previously obtained approvals in states including New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and Michigan. With these regulatory milestones, X is strategically positioning itself to expand its offerings and reshape its business model beyond its roots in social media and digital advertising.
(With inputs from agencies)
Realme is gearing up to launch its highly anticipated Realme 12 Pro series, promising to elevate the mid-priced smartphone experience. The series will introduce the Realme 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro+ models to the market, with the company officially announcing the launch date through its social media channels.
One standout feature of the Realme 12 Pro series is the inclusion of a periscope lens in the 12 Pro model, traditionally found only in high-end flagship phones. This move represents a significant advancement, bringing cutting-edge technology to the mid-range smartphone segment.
The Realme 12 Pro is set to provide users with an immersive visual experience, featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a pixel resolution of 2412X1080. This vibrant display is poised to deliver vivid colours and sharp details, ensuring an enhanced viewing experience for users.
Under the hood, the Realme 12 Pro+ is anticipated to impress with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, promising robust performance for seamless multitasking and efficient application handling.
In terms of memory and storage options, both models offer four variants: 6GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, and an impressive 16GB+1TB configuration. This extensive range caters to diverse user needs, allowing them to choose the model that best suits their requirements, from everyday use to more demanding tasks.
When it comes to camera capabilities, the Realme 12 Pro features a noteworthy setup with a 50MP primary camera, a 32MP secondary lens, and an 8MP sensor. Selfie enthusiasts can rejoice, as the device includes a 16MP front camera for stunning self-portraits.
Taking photography capabilities a step further, the Realme 12 Pro+ boasts a 64MP primary camera, a 50MP secondary lens, an 8MP camera, and a 32MP front camera. This variant aims to provide users with a versatile and powerful photography experience.
Both smartphones share a common feature in the form of a robust 4,880mAh battery. This substantial battery capacity is expected to offer users a reliable and long-lasting power source, ensuring that the Realme 12 Pro series can keep up with the demands of modern smartphone usage.
The Realme 12 Pro series is scheduled to launch in India on January 29 at 12 noon, with the listing already live on Amazon. As the launch date approaches, more details about the event and the smartphones are expected to be revealed, including its pricing. However, if one was to make an estimate, the base variant of the Realme 12 Pro+ should be launching at the Rs 27-32,000 price point, making the Realme 12 Pro series a compelling choice in the competitive mid-range smartphone market.
In a significant development Apple is set to close its 121-person strong Data Operations Annotations team, dedicated to Apple’s artificial intelligence operations in San Diego. Sources familiar with the matter reveal that employees face potential termination if they choose not to relocate to Austin, Texas, where the team will merge with its Texan counterpart, said a Bloomberg report
Apple notified the affected team, responsible for enhancing Siri functionality by assessing the accuracy of voice service queries, on Wednesday. Individuals familiar with the situation, requesting anonymity, disclosed that the employees have until the end of February to decide on relocation. Failure to relocate will result in termination on April 26.
The unexpected move has left San Diego staff surprised, as they were initially informed of a relocation within the city, specifically to a new Apple campus at the end of January. Instead, they are now required to move to Austin, a prospect that a majority of affected workers are reportedly unwilling to consider.
An Apple spokesperson confirmed the decision to relocate, stating, “We are bringing our Data Operations Annotations teams in the US together at our campus in Austin, where a majority of the team is already based.” She reassured that all current employees would have the opportunity to continue their roles with Apple in Austin.
However, some employees express concerns about eligibility for other roles within the company due to the lack of engineering backgrounds. The San Diego team focuses on Siri use in various languages, including Hebrew, English, multiple dialects of Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and French.
Apple emphasized its commitment to San Diego, where it has witnessed significant growth, and asserted ongoing hiring efforts as part of its engineering team expansion. The company offered affected employees the option to apply for other positions but acknowledged the potential reluctance to relocate.
For those willing to move to Austin by the end of June, Apple is providing a $7,000 relocation stipend. Departing employees will face elimination, accompanied by four weeks of severance pay, with an additional week for each year worked, and six months of health insurance.
The AI team’s history at Apple dates back to its contractor-dominated early days, where privacy concerns led to changes in Siri query monitoring practices in 2019.
The team, now comprised of full-time employees, is actively involved in assisting Apple’s shift towards AI products based on large language models (LLMs). Apple plans to unveil its LLM strategy in June 2024, according to previous reports by Bloomberg News.
(With inputs from agencies)
In anticipation of the upcoming pran pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, preparations are underway with a mighty fervour.
However, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the situation by deploying traps to deceive unsuspecting devotees. Numerous people have reported receiving WhatsApp messages offering free VIP entry to the pran pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir, signalling a potential cyber threat.
According to a News18 report, the deceptive WhatsApp message, promising VIP access to the Ram Mandir pran pratishtha ceremony on January 22, instructs recipients to download an APK file.
The file is suspected of installing spyware or malware on the device upon installation. The message encourages users with the following prompt: “Congratulations! You are getting VIP access at Ram Mandir’s inauguration on January 22; download the VIP Pass by installing the application.”
Experts speculate that through this spyware, hackers may gain access to sensitive user data, including private photos, videos, contact lists, and more, paving the way for potential financial fraud.
Devotees must recognize that neither the government nor the Ram Mandir Trust is issuing VIP entry invites, in exchange of downloading an app. Downloading fraudulent apps poses a significant risk of financial loss and data theft.
Additionally, reports from users on various platforms indicate the emergence of websites claiming to offer free prasad from the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
These sites assert that devotees only need to cover shipping charges. While the authenticity of these websites remains unconfirmed, devotees are advised to exercise caution online and interact only with trusted websites or services.
In response to the heightened excitement among devotees and the increased activity of cybercriminals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people not to visit the Ram Mandir on January 22, the day of the pran pratishtha of the temple.
Instead, he has recommended that devotees light a diya at their homes, emphasizing the importance of staying safe and vigilant during this significant event.
Oppo has officially launched the Reno 11 series in the Indian market. The series comprises two models – the Oppo Reno 11 and the Reno 11 Pro.
Notably, the Pro+ variant is absent this year, leaving fans curious about the company’s decision.
Priced competitively in the under Rs 40,000 segment, the new Oppo 5G phones enter a market already teeming with compelling options.
Oppo Reno 11 Pro, Oppo Reno 11: Key Specifications
The Indian versions of the Oppo Reno 11 series deviate slightly in terms of specifications. The standard model is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC, while the Pro variant boasts a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC.
In contrast, the Chinese models sport a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset for the Reno 11 and a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC for the Pro model.
Both Oppo Reno 11 models feature 6.70-inch full-HD+ OLED curved displays with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. The Pro model goes a step further with HDR 10+ support. The displays are safeguarded by Dragontrail Star 2 glass, and the Pro variant features a Gorilla Glass 5 back panel (Pearl White) for enhanced durability surrounding the rear camera module.
On the camera front, both models boast a triple rear camera setup, including a 50-megapixel primary sensor. The Pro model stands out with a 32-megapixel telephoto sensor and an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera. Selfie enthusiasts can make use of the 32-megapixel front camera on both phones.
Powering the Reno 11 Pro is a 4,700mAh battery with 80W Super Flash Charge support, while the Oppo Reno 11 houses a 4,800mAh battery with 67W Super Flash Charge capabilities.
Oppo Reno 11 Series: Price in India Revealed
The Oppo Reno 11 Pro 5G is priced at Rs 39,999, with sales scheduled to commence from January 18. The Oppo Reno 11 5G will be available for purchase slightly earlier, starting from January 25.
The device offers two storage variants, with the 128GB model priced at Rs 29,999 and the 256GB model at Rs 31,999. Interested buyers can find these smartphones on Flipkart, the OPPO e-Store, and various mainline retail outlets.
(With inputs from agencies)
In a recent development, Google has implemented significant layoffs, affecting numerous employees across various divisions, encompassing engineering and services.
The restructuring measures extend to critical areas such as the voice-activated Google Assistant, a component of the knowledge and information product team, as well as the Devices and Services PA (DSPA) team, responsible for overseeing hardware like Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit.
While Google, with a workforce of 182,000 employees as of September 30, 2023, has officially acknowledged the layoffs, the company seeks to downplay the impact, attributing it to organizational changes.
A spokesperson for Google stated, “To best position us for these opportunities, throughout the second half of 2023, a number of our teams made changes to become more efficient and work better, and to align their resources to their biggest product priorities.
Some teams are continuing to make these kinds of organizational changes, which include some role eliminations globally.”
Expressing dissent, the Alphabet Worker Union characterized the layoffs as “needless” and criticized the company for dismissing employees while reporting substantial profits.
Additionally, Google has made strategic adjustments within its AR hardware team, opting to collaborate with other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
This move involves consolidating multiple hardware engineering teams into a single unit, replacing the previous individual teams dedicated to Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest.
As part of the restructuring, Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman are departing from Google. James Park played a significant role in introducing the Pixel Watch line of smartwatches to Google’s hardware lineup. Google’s acquisition of Fitbit for $2.1 billion in 2019 was finalized in 2021, leading to the integration of Fitbit products into Google’s ecosystem.
Furthermore, reports indicate that Google has let go of personnel from the Google Assistant team, signalling a broader shift within the company. In the past year, Google has experienced layoffs across various departments, including the Waze mapping service in June, the recruiting team in September, and the news division in October.
(With inputs from agencies)
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has been hit hard by recent federal budget cuts, resulting in the reported layoff of 100 contractors last week.
The funding constraints are now posing a significant threat to NASA’s ambitious Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, as reported by the LA Times.
The JPL director, Laurie Leshin, informed staff that the MSR mission may be limited to a budget of $300 million this year, representing just over a third of the 2023 budget of $822 million and less than a third of the budget requested by the Biden administration.
This substantial reduction in funding adds to the existing challenges faced by the MSR mission, which has already experienced budget uncertainties and growing costs. NASA also had to announce that its manned mission to the moon, Artemis, has been postponed.
In June, concerns were raised as the mission’s costs were escalating rapidly, prompting NASA to reassess its architecture in October after an independent review board deemed the current budget and schedule “unrealistic.”
Last week’s budget cuts further intensified the situation.
Director Leshin acknowledged in an internal email that adjusting to such a significant budget cut in a single year would be painful, and potential layoffs at JPL could have broader impacts beyond the MSR mission.
NASA has instructed JPL to curtail a key project within the MSR mission as a response to the budget constraints.
The MSR mission, a complex collaboration with the European Space Agency, involves collecting samples on Mars using NASA’s Perseverance rover, shooting them into Martian orbit, and later retrieving them for a return to Earth in the early to mid-2030s.
Due to budget restrictions, JPL has imposed a hiring freeze and paused work on the mission’s Capture, Containment, and Retrieval System, designed to retrieve the samples in orbit.
Lawmakers, including Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), expressed dissatisfaction with NASA’s decision to cut funding for the MSR mission before the completion of Congress’s appropriations process.
Schiff emphasized the mission’s importance as NASA’s highest scientific priority and a crucial element of American leadership in space science.
While the MSR mission faces setbacks, lawmakers responsible for NASA’s budget approved the requested $7.91 billion for returning to the Moon, highlighting a divergence in priorities within the space agency’s funding allocations.
(With inputs from agencies)
In response to Washington’s restrictions on the export of high-performance processors, Chinese tech firms are turning to unconventional methods to acquire chips for their artificial intelligence (AI) projects.
NVIDIA gaming graphics cards, designed for PC gaming, are being repurposed as makeshift AI processors, providing a workaround to the scarcity of high-end chips in China.
Factory managers and chip buyers reveal that thousands of NVIDIA gaming graphics cards are being dismantled each month in Chinese factories and workshops. The stripped components are then integrated into new circuit boards, presenting a creative yet desperate solution to the challenges imposed by export controls.
Despite the raw computing power of NVIDIA’s gaming-focused products, industry experts note that they may not match the high-precision calculations required for training certain large language models with extensive datasets.
The limitations of interconnection speeds between chips further complicate efforts to address this issue by forming computing clusters.
Analyst Charlie Chai from research group 86Research describes the move as “a desperate move by Chinese companies under the export controls,” comparing it to using a kitchen knife for artwork—doable, but suboptimal.
The Biden administration’s tightened export controls on cutting-edge AI chips in October have made it more difficult for chip companies like NVIDIA to sell high-performance semiconductors to China. This has led to a surge in demand for the repurposed graphics processing units sourced from NVIDIA gaming cards.
While the repurposed components find buyers among public enterprises and small AI labs, concerns are raised about potential violations of NVIDIA’s intellectual property rights. Moreover, the gaming cards themselves could face bans from being sold to China at any time.
NVIDIA’s response to the export controls includes the release of a slower version of its banned cards, the GeForce RTX 4090 D, complying with the latest regulations. However, industry insiders warn that the modified versions may not be powerful enough for extensive language model training.
In an effort to meet China’s growing demand for AI systems while adhering to export controls, NVIDIA has developed three chips tailored for the Chinese market. Nevertheless, the performance of these chips is reportedly weaker than previous models, and they are not expected to be widely available until March.
Chinese customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the prices set for these inferior processors, prompting some companies to explore alternatives within China’s developing chip ecosystem. In the meantime, others are turning to NVIDIA’s less expensive gaming chips, hoping for successful albeit temporary solutions.
Buyers remain cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the uncertainty of this reinvention but expressing a collective hope that these adapted machines will prove usable, at least in the short term.
(With inputs from agencies)
Technology giant Apple, which has held the title of the world’s most valuable publicly-listed company since July 2022, is at risk of losing its crown this year, as mounting pressures and challenges take a toll on its market value.
Investors are expressing concern over the company’s recent performance, marking its worst start to the year by some measures.
The company’s shares experienced a 0.4 per cent decline on Friday, closing at approximately US$181. This downturn follows reports from The New York Times indicating that the US Justice Department is nearing the filing of an antitrust case against Apple.
This development, coupled with existing challenges such as slowing iPhone sales and patent issues related to the Apple Watch, has intensified apprehensions among investors.
Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Anurag Rana commented that the potential antitrust case could target Apple’s business model, known for tightly integrating its devices and services. The Cupertino-based company has witnessed a continuous decline in its stock for five consecutive days, representing its longest losing streak since October.
While Apple has been the most valuable stock since July 2022, it has already lost approximately US$177 billion in market value in the current year, according to Bloomberg data.
This decline marks the largest market value destruction at the beginning of any year on record, even surpassing previous percentage declines in the first week of January.
The challenges for Apple began earlier in the week when the company faced two ratings downgrades, citing a weak macro environment in China impacting iPhone demand. This setback has narrowed its lead over Microsoft Corp, another technology giant, to less than US$100 billion.
According to the South China Morning Post, analysts and experts believe that investors are reacting to the rarity of two downgrades before an earnings report. Gene Munster, managing partner of Deepwater Asset Management, told South China Morning Post, “Investors realize how rare it is to have two people go negative.”
Additionally, market dynamics at the start of the year, where investors tend to rebalance their portfolios, are contributing to the pressure on Apple’s stock.
As a result of these challenges, Apple’s market value has now fallen to around US$2.8 trillion, approaching Microsoft’s US$2.7 trillion.
Microsoft’s more modest decline at the beginning of the year has been attributed to its involvement in the artificial intelligence trade, making it OpenAI’s largest shareholder with approximately US$13 billion invested in the ChatGPT parent company.
(With inputs from agencies)
As space agencies prepare for extended missions to Mars, researchers from the US, the UK, Australia, and Spain have addressed the culinary challenge faced by astronauts on long space voyages.
Published in the journal ACS Food Science & Technology under the title “Modeling of Space Crop-Based Dishes for Optimal Nutrient Delivery to Astronauts and Beyond on Earth,” the study presents an optimal “space meal” designed to provide both nutrition and flavour.
Considering the recommendations of NASA, which outline up to 36 nutrients and 102 crops, the researchers focused on fresh ingredients tailored to meet the specialized nutritional needs of male astronauts. The result is a tasty vegetarian salad, featuring components that can be cultivated in space.
Astronauts in space expend more calories than their Earthbound counterparts and require additional micronutrients, such as calcium, to maintain health in prolonged microgravity conditions.
With future long-term missions necessitating sustainable food production within spacecraft or colonies, the researchers, led by Dr Volker Hessel from the University of Adelaide and the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick, aimed to optimize a space meal that fulfils nutritional requirements and is palatable.
Employing linear programming, a computational method balancing various variables to achieve a specific goal, the researchers assessed combinations of fresh ingredients.
Their model determined how well these combinations could meet a male astronaut’s daily nutritional needs while minimizing water consumption for cultivation.
Sustainability was a key consideration, with an emphasis on ingredients requiring minimal fertilizer, time, and space to grow, and the potential recyclability of inedible portions.
Among the ten scenarios examined, a vegetarian meal comprising soybeans, poppy seeds, barley, kale, peanuts, sweet potato, and/or sunflower seeds emerged as the most efficient balance of maximal nutrients and minimal farming inputs.
While not providing all necessary micronutrients, the researchers propose supplementing the missing elements separately.
To ensure the identified combination was not only nutritious but also tasty, the team created the ideal space meal as a salad and conducted taste tests on Earth with four participants.
While one tester gave rave reviews, expressing a willingness to eat it throughout the week as an astronaut, others were more reserved in their praise, though they returned for second helpings.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to explore options for female astronauts and expand the variety of crops in their database based on computer model outputs.
(With inputs from agencies)
Pros
– One of the best camera arrays fitted to a smartphone, ever
– Blazing-fast performance
– Stunning AMOLED display that is vibrant and bright
– Solid build quality with an IP68 rating
– Solid battery life, with 100W wired charging, 50W wireless
– Stunning design
Cons
– Front-facing camera feels very normal and just adequate enough
Price: Rs 89,999
Rating: 4.75/5
Vivo has been acing the smartphone camera with their flagship X series for quite some time now. This year, however, their X100 Pro takes things to a whole new level. There is simply no point in beating around the bush here — The X100 Pro, very simply, has the best smartphone camera that has been launched yet.
It handily beats some of the best offerings from 2023, by a mile, and in all likelihood, will beat a lot of the upcoming flagship smartphones of 2024 in the camera department, and that too at a price that is half of what most flagships from other major smartphone brands cost.
And its not just the camera of the X100 Pro that makes it so enticing. It has some really good specs, offers a ton of performance, and is a beast of a device when it comes to multitasking, again, at a price that seems to be the bargain of the century, when you see the devices it goes up against.
VivoX100 Pro review: The design
Similar to the X90 Pro, the Vivo X100 Pro comes exclusively in just one colourway. This time around, Vivo is calling it Asteroid Black. The X100 Pro features a fluorite anti-glare glass back panel. Unlike other brands in this price range, Vivo doesn’t offer buyers any alternatives.
The X100 Pro boasts a robust build, which is evident from the moment you pick the device up. Although it weighs 225 grams and is 8.91mm thick, Vivo has managed to give it a sleeker appearance with a rounded design, possibly explaining their continued preference for a 3D curved edge display.
Although the X100 Pro retains some elements of the X90 Pro’s design language, there are notable changes.
The most significant is the larger rear camera module to accommodate the new, bigger sensors. The bezel around thecamera module are fluted, which feels really nice to the touch, almost mimicking the ribbing we get in the zoom and focussing rings of post mirrorless or DSLR lenses. It is very subtle,
However, the protruding camera module prevents the phone from lying flat on surfaces. The phone leans towards the heavier side, likely due to a larger battery and an enlarged camera module. All of this also makes the phone top-heavy, prompting the use of the included case right out of the box.
The matte-finished fluorite glass back panel glints when light hits at a certain angle, which adds a touch of elegance.
On the right side, you’ll find the volume rockers and the power button. The left side of the device has no buttons. The bottom features a speaker grille housing one of the speakers, the USB Type-C port, and the SIM tray. At the top, there’s a microphone and an infrared blaster.
The device comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Throughout the review period, the front glass of the phone, which is not from Corning but from an unnamed manufacturer, was pretty much smudge-free in appearance and did not get scratched. But because the glass is curved, it makes holding on to the device a little tricker. Another reason, why you will want to use the included case right from the get-go.
All in all, the Vivo X100 Pro, looks and feels as premium a device can get in 2024. We especially liked how well the device feels in the hand, once you to terms with how to have a secure grip over it.
VivoX100 Pro review: The display
The phone features a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display using an 8T LTPO panel from BOE. With support for a 120Hz refresh rate, a 100 per cent DCI-P3 colour gamut, and an impressive peak brightness of 3000 nits, the display showcases some curvature on the sides and slim bezels, delivering an exceptional viewing experience characterized by sharpness, brightness, vibrant colours, and wide viewing angles. Content consumption on the X100 Pro is truly a great experience.
Out of the box, the refresh rate is set to dynamic, offering 60Hz and 120Hz options. Both rates automatically adjust when the screen displays static content, ensuring a smooth experience in various applications. Swipes, scrolls, and general movements feel consistently smooth across all apps.
The screen incorporates up to 2,160Hz PWM Dimming, effectively reducing screen flicker and contributing to eye protection. While the colour customisation options are somewhat limited compared to previous Vivo phones, the adaptive setting effectively balances visuals to suit ambient lighting conditions.
Vivo has significantly increased panel brightness this time, claiming a peak of 3000 nits, which positions it among the top smartphones. While real-world use might not reach that extreme brightness, it still performs well outdoors, maintaining visibility even in really challenging conditions.
VivoX100 Pro5G review: The camera
Now, the piece de resistance of the entire package is the Vivo X100 Pro — its camera set-up. In my opinion, it genuinely is one the best camera setups in any smartphone. That’s largely because of the way Zeiss has worked on the camera.
Getting the specs out of the way, the main camera is a 50MP Sony IMX989 sensor, with an aperture of f/1.75. For the wide, we have a Samsung JN1 50MM sensor, paired with a 15mm lens and an aperture of f/2.0.
Next up we have a 50MP floating periscope camera with a focal length of 100mm, from Zeiss. Unlike periscope cameras that we have seen before, the floating periscope telephoto in this Vivo puts a lens in front of the prism to form a grouped structure.
Furthermore, it uses Apochromatic lenses, which have some of the best colour correction capabilities. Zeiss APO lenses work wonders in correcting chromatic aberrations, because of which macro photos and videos out of the X100 pro, look spectacular.
Tying everything up neatly in a bunch is Vivo’s V3 imaging processor.
All of this translates to an awesome performance across a range of lighting conditions. The 100mm focal length allows you to get some great separation between your subject and the background, resulting in some really delicious bokeh without relying heavily on software trickery. The 10x zoom proves highly functional during daylight, offering jaw-dropping portraits that don’t lose detail even before applying the Zeiss-flavored blur styles emulating specific lenses.
Low-light situations are handled adeptly, showcasing ample detail with minimal image noise. The camera excels in macro photography, with an 18cm focus distance allowing for capturing fine details without being directly in front of the subject. The 4.3x zoom performs impressively in all lighting conditions, and the cropped 8.6x setting remains effective when exposed to ample light.
Daylight photos exhibit exceptional quality, boasting a wide dynamic range that brings out shadow depth and highlights detail. The white balance is consistently accurate, with Vivo’s colour treatment leaning towards realism rather than Samsung’s more vivid approach.
Even in nighttime scenarios, the automatic low-light mode produces equally impressive snaps. Noise is kept minimal, the white balance remains realistic, even in the presence of overly yellow street lights, and there’s an abundance of detail. In the darkest scenes, the image processor may enhance sharpening to extract definition.
The camera app’s user-friendly interface allows seamless navigation, featuring a carousel for easy switching between Photo, Video, Portrait, Night, Cinematic Portrait Video, and more. Preset zoom levels of 2x, 4.3x, and 10x, along with the 0.6x ultra-wide option, are available. The Supermacro mode, activated by the flower icon, proves useful for capturing close-up shots of flowers, insects, or food.
A noteworthy feature is the Multi-Focal Portrait mode, offering focal lengths of 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 100mm. We also get Zeiss’s portrait features such as Distagon, B-Speed, Biotar, Planar, Cinematic, and B-speed, all of which provide an enjoyable experience and lets you get really creative when experimenting with different combinations.
As for the 32MP front-facing camera, it is solid and bankable, but it won’t blow you away like any of the rear cameras. It just doesn’t feel that special. For the X100 Pro, Vivo & Zeiss seemed to have all their focus on making the best rear camera module ever fitted to a smartphone, so much so that the front-facing camera, seems to be an afterthought.
For some unedited camera samples straight out of the Vivo X100 Pro, click here.
VivoX100 Pro5G review: The performance, software experience and UI
The Vivo X100 Pro stands out as the first phone in India to feature the new MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset, a flagship offering that boasts four Cortex-X4 performance cores clocked up to 3.25GHz and four Cortex-A720 efficiency cores reaching up to 2.0GHz.
With a substantial 16GB of RAM and an additional 16GB of virtual RAM, the device proves more than capable of handling multitasking and cycling between multiple apps. This ensures that apps and games remain in memory for extended periods, allowing for instant access without the need for the apps to be relaunched and reloaded.
As one of the fastest Android phones on the market, the Vivo X100 Pro provides a seamless multitasking experience, avoiding lag or slowdown even when navigating through apps. The MediaTek chipset effortlessly handles demanding games, such as Apex Legends and BGMI, even at the highest graphics settings, without causing any major overheating issues.
Running on the Android 14-based Funtouch OS 14 the device offers a relatively clean UI with a few pre-loaded apps like Block Blast, and PhonePe, alongside a few of Vivo’s own apps. Vivo has also promised 4 major updates, so you will have the next 4 versions of Android OS.
Users have the option to uninstall third-party apps for a more stock appearance. Furthermore, with Funtouch OS you get a ton of customisation features. The phone provides ample customization opportunities, featuring a range of home screen widgets, always-on display options, and dynamic animation effects. A convenient pop-out sidebar facilitates launching two apps in split-screen mode, although specific app pairings cannot be saved. The Quick Settings menu resembles vanilla Android, and Google Discover is just a swipe away from the home screen.
Although you will need to tweak the UI a little to get it to your liking, once you have dialled everything in, things run pretty smoothly.
During extended use, the phone does experience some warmth, with sustained performance gradually decreasing, although not to a level where it should be concerning. The device effectively manages heat thanks to its vapour chamber cooling system.
VivoX100 Pro5G review: The battery life
The Vivo X100 Pro comes with a massive 5400mAh, which on paper seems like a massive upgrade. However, you have to keep in mind the king of hardware that the X100 Pro comes with, and therefore can’t expect the device to last two days on a single charge.
The battery in the Vivo X100 Pro will last you a day comfortably, but that’s about it. You will need to plug in a charger at the end of the day. Due to the MediaTek Dimensity 9300’s emphasis on high-performance cores, it tends to consume power more rapidly, especially when engaging in resource-intensive applications.
The good news is that Vivo has sorted the charging scenario out pretty well. The X100 Pro comes with a 120W charging brick included in the box, although the device supports only 100W wired charging, and 50W wireless, both of which are pretty solid options. In wired charging, I was able to get my device from 2 per cent to a full charge in just over half an hour, which is really impressive.
Vivo X100 Pro review: The verdict
The X100 Pro truly is one of the best, value-for-money flagship devices on the market right now, considering that it goes toe to toe against devices that are at least 40-50K more expensive than it, and often comes out ahead of them. And as far as the Zeiss- powered cameras are concerned, they are simply, the best in the business.
Even otherwise, the phone excels in nearly every aspect that has come to define a flagship device — a dazzling AMOLED display, impressively rapid charging speeds, and top-notch performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 9300, serving as a capable flagship chipset, ensures swift and high-performance operations, standing toe-to-toe with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.
Adding to its appeal is a substantial 5,400mAh battery that provides enduring power, lasting a day and a half even under moderate to high usage.
The Vivo X100 Pro ticks a lot of the boxes that would make it the perfect smartphone for a whole bunch of people. However, if taking photos is what you use your smartphone the most, picking the Vivo X100 Pro seems to be a no-brainer for now.
