HI-FI TECH NEWS

Thursday, 8 February 2024

Poco X6 Neo to Launch in India by March, Poco F6 to Follow: Report

Poco X6 Neo is expected to launch in India soon. The model, said to join the Poco X6 and Poco X6 Pro lineup, is tipped to come as a rebranded Redmi Note 13R Pro. Previous leaks had suggested key specifications it could carry and the likely price of the smartphone in the country. Now a tipster has hinted at the launch timeline of the phone. Another model, the Poco F6, previously spotted on an Indian certification site, has also been tipped to be unveiled in the country soon.

A 91Mobiles report, citing tipster Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh), claimed that the Poco X6 Neo will launch in India by March 2024, and it will also likely be the company's last X-series model to launch in the first half of 2024. The tipster added that the Poco F6 will debut in the country by July 2024. This model was earlier spotted on the BIS certification site but not much is known about it yet. We are likely to learn more about the Poco F6 in the coming weeks, as we inch closer to its supposed launch.

Previous leaks have suggested that the Poco X6 Neo will be priced at around or below Rs. 15,000. The phone is said to get a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and will likely be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC. It could also get a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. The phone has also been tipped to arrive with a 3.5mm audio jack and an IP54-rated build for dust and splash resistance.

Since the Poco X6 Neo is expected to launch as a rebadged version of the Redmi Note 13R Pro, it is likely to share similar specifications. The Redmi model carries a 108-megapixel primary sensor alongside a 2-megapixel shooter at the back and a 16-megapixel sensor for its front camera. It ships with Android 13-based MIUI 14 and sports a 6.67-inch (1,080x2,400 pixels) 120Hz OLED display. It comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.

Notably, the Redmi Note 13R Pro launched at CNY 1,999 (roughly Rs. 23,000) for the only 12GB + 256GB option. The phone is offered in Midnight Black, Time Blue, and Morning Light Gold (translated from Chinese) colourways.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 the best foldable phone you can buy in India right now? We discuss the company's new clamshell-style foldable handset on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Apple Releases MGIE AI Image Editing Tool Capable of Making Detailed Edits Using Text Prompts

Apple researchers have released an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered image editing tool called MGIE, which is capable of editing images using simple text prompts. MGIE, which stands for MLLM-Guided Image Editing, is capable of Photoshop-style edits, global optimisation, and local edits. The AI tool was released just a few days after Apple announced in its quarterly earnings call that it has been spending a “tremendous amount of time and effort” in generative AI. The image editing model shows an improvement on currently existing AI editing tools.

Researchers from Apple and from the University of California, Santa Barbara collaborated on the efforts to develop the tool. VentureBeat reports that the paper was presented at the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR) 2024. A preprint version of the research paper has also been hosted on arXiv.

The AI tool is capable of doing Photoshop-style edits which include cropping, resizing, rotating, adding filters, and more. It can also add global optimisation where it can alter the brightness, contrast, sharpness, colour balance, and even add generative elements to the image. Additionally, it can perform local edits where it adds, removes, or alters one particular object or element in the image.

To make an edit, users can simply write a plain text prompt such as “make the sky brighter” or “make the house bigger”, which is then interpreted as an image command and is used to increase the brightness by a certain percentage or increasing the size of the house by certain metric. Users can also provide more complicated and granular edits such as “adjust between the dark and light areas to bring out the details of the leaves and the tree trunk.” The more detailed a prompt is, the closer to the desired result it will get.

While AI-based photo editing tools such as Photoshop's Generative Fill and under testing FireFly, Canva's Magic Design, and Luminar Neo already exist, they all require the user to interact with the software to either map out the edit location or to make granular changes. Apple's MGIE, on the other hand, can do the editing entirely on its own. It uses “instruction-based image editing” or “text-guided image editing”, which is made possible by taking a unique approach to artificial intelligence frameworks.

Instead of relying on the Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) framework, the AI model uses the diffusion model which is a more advanced architecture when it comes to realistic photo generation and instruction adherence. Next, the researchers shifted to using a multimodal large language model to ensure that it was capable of translating natural language into images and showing the desired effect. Further, human evaluators were also used during the process to rank the edits, and the feedback was used to further improve the model.

The tech giant has made the MGIE AI image editing tool available to download as an open-source project through GitHub. At the moment, it is not known whether Apple plans to use this technology for its devices or not. However, Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that the company will announce generative AI features that it has been working on, later this year, while Apple is reportedly working on new AI-powered features for the iOS 18 update that is expected to arrive later this year.

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Vivo X Fold 3 Series Spotted on MIIT Certification Site; Launch Timeline Tipped

Vivo X Fold 3 series is expected to be unveiled in China soon. The lineup will likely include a base Vivo X Fold 3 and a Vivo X Fold 3 Pro model. The vanilla model is said to succeed the Vivo X Fold 2, which was introduced in April 2023. The company has yet to confirm these purported book-style foldable smartphones, but they have surfaced online. The foldables have now been spotted on one of China's certification sites and a tipster has suggested the launch timeline of the phones.

A Gizmochina report claimed that the Vivo X Fold 3 and a Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, with respective model numbers V2303A and V2337A, were spotted on China's MIIT certification site, hinting at their imminent launch. The report added that the handsets were also spotted on IMEI previously with the same model numbers. However, the recent listing did not suggest any specifications of the upcoming foldable smartphones.

Tipster Digital Chat Station (translated from Chinese) suggested a few days back that the Vivo X Fold 3 series may launch in March this year, alongside the Vivo Pad 3.

The aforementioned report noted that some details about the base Vivo X Fold 3 have been leaked previously. It is tipped to be the more affordable model and is likely to carry the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, similar to its predecessor. It is also expected to get a 5,600mAh battery and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Expected to boot Android 14-based Origin OS 4 out-of-the-box, the Vivo X Fold 3 could also launch as the lightest foldable smartphone, weighing less than 230g. For optics, the model could be equipped with a 50-megapixel OV50H primary rear sensor.

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, on the other hand, has earlier been tipped to launch with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. It is also likely to include a 50-megapixel OV50H sensor in the main camera. It may also get an ultra-wide lens and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto shooter.

Both the cover and inner screens of the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro are expected to include ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners. The main display may come with a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The model could be backed by a 5,700mAh battery with support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 alongside the Galaxy Tab S9 series and Galaxy Watch 6 series at its first Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea. We discuss the company's new devices and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Apple Working on Clamshell-Style Foldable iPhone Prototypes, Folding iPad: Report

Apple's first mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, was made available in the US earlier this month. The rumour mill is now buzzing with details about the company's long-rumoured foldable iPhone. The Cupertino-based tech giant is reportedly developing “at least two” iPhone prototypes that fold horizontally. The upcoming handsets could be a direct competitor to the Galaxy Z Flip 5. However, it is unclear whether the foldable phones will undergo mass production within the next couple of years.

A report by The Information, citing an internal source, claims that Apple is building prototypes of at least two clamshell-style foldable iPhone models. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip devices have a similar display form factor that allows screens to fold horizontally. The foldable devices seem to be in the early development stage, and they are not reportedly in the company's mass production plans for 2024 or 2025.

Apple eyes to create a foldable iPhone with displays on the outside of the device that are visible when the device is folded shut but the engineers reportedly struggled with the design as it can break easily. Additionally, the company's engineers want to develop a foldable that's “as thin as current iPhone models,” but battery sizes and display components add to the thickness of the device, as per the report. Apple has reportedly approached at least one supplier in Asia for components related to two foldable ‌iPhone‌ models that come in different sizes.

A foldable iPad is also said to be in the pipeline. It is expected to feature the same size as the current generation iPad Mini with an 8-inch display. Apple engineers are reportedly working to narrow the crease that appears at the centre of the display. They are also said to be in the process of developing a hinge that allows the display to lie flat when unfolded.

Apple has not announced any plans to unveil an iPhone or iPad with a foldable display. Samsung currently dominates the foldable smartphone space with at least five iterations of foldable handsets. Chinese electronics maker OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo have also launched foldable smartphones. There is certainly scope for Apple to challenge Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, Oppo Find N3 Flip, and Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G with the rumoured clamshell iPhone

Apple unveiled its first mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, at its annual developer conference, along with new Mac models and upcoming software updates. We discuss all the most important announcements made by the company at WWDC 2023 on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Wednesday, 7 February 2024

Disney to Acquire $1.5 Billion Stake in Epic Games, Create Shared Universe Connected to Fortnite

Walt Disney is acquiring a $1.5 billion (roughly Rs. 12,400 crore) equity stake in Fortnite maker Epic Games as part of a collaboration involving Disney properties like Star Wars, Marvel and Avatar, the companies said Wednesday.

Fans will be able to watch, shop and play with Disney characters within the Fortnite game, according to a statement Wednesday. The deal also involves new titles and a collaboration with the company's theme parks.

“This marks Disney's biggest entry ever into the world of games and offers significant opportunities for growth and expansion,” Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger said in a release.

Creating a new universe ✨@Disney x Epic Gameshttps://t.co/gTwt5e3dpz pic.twitter.com/iPC0T2FlzU
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) February 7, 2024

Disney has had its ups and downs with video games. In 2016, the company shut down much of its game operations after struggling to develop large, successful titles in-house. Now, Disney licenses properties to outside developers and publishers like Electronic Arts and Sony Group.

Disney and Epic have collaborated for years, including through Disney's Accelerator program, where company executives mentor smaller businesses. Epic has offered Fortnite players avatars based on Star Wars, Marvel and Indiana Jones characters. Epic's Unreal Engine software has been used to develop Disney games.

“Disney was one of the first companies to believe in the potential of bringing their worlds together with ours in Fortnite,” Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, said in the statement.

The new project will span several years, the companies said. Epic will develop the experiences internally.

The deal follows other collaborations between Epic and big consumer products companies. In 2022, Kirkbi, the family holding company that controls the Lego Group, invested $1 billion in Epic to build online experiences using its brand. Lego Fortnite, released last year, featured characters in blocky Lego style, and had as many as 2 million people playing shortly after its debut.

What are the most exciting titles that gamers can look forward to in 2023? We discuss some of our favourites on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Fujifilm Instax Pal Digital Camera With 1/5-Inch CMOS Sensor Launched in India

Fujifilm Instax Pal digital camera was launched in India on Wednesday (February 7). The instant film camera debuted in the US last year and has now been introduced in the Indian market, as well. The pocket-sized digital camera features a 1/5-inch CMOS sensor with primary colour filter and a resolution of 2560×1920 pixels. Geared towards children and teenagers, the newest introduction in the Instax lineup has a smooth, round design and comes in pastel colours. The camera is available in five different colour options.

Fujifilm Instax Pal price in India, availability

The price of the Fujifilm Instax Pal digital camera starts at Rs. 10,999 in India. It is available in Gem Black, Lavender Blue, Milky White, Pistachio Green, and Powder Pink colour options. The palm-sized camera can be purchased from Fujifilm's website. A detachable ring strap that acts as the viewfinder of the device as well as a camera stand, and a Link Mode switch for quickly printing the photos using Instax's Link series printers can be purchased separately.

Fujifilm Instax Pal specifications

The Fujifilm Instax Pal digital camera is a unique offering by the company. It does not have a viewfinder or an inbuilt photo printer, which just leaves a pocket-sized camera. The instant film device features a 1/5-inch CMOS sensor with a primary colour filter, a flash, a tiny speaker that gives the shutter sound, a microSD card slot, power button, photo mode button, and a USB-C Type charging port.

The camera has an aperture of f/2.2 and a shooting sensitivity from ISO100 to ISO1600. The shutter speed varies between 1/4 second to 1/8000 second, and switches automatically.

There are two modes in the camera. The Standard Mode, activated by pressing the shutter button on the rear panel utilises a wide-angle lens to click photos independently. In this mode, the digital camera can hold a maximum of 50 photos without a microSD card. Then there is a Remote Mode, where the Instax Pal connects with a smartphone via Bluetooth and can remotely click pictures using the Instax Pal app which are directly sent to the phone.

The companion app comes with its own set of features. It allows users to create custom shutter sounds, add filters, text, and stickers to the photos, and more. The device takes 2-3 hours to fully charge.

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Thursday, 1 February 2024

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Early Renders Showcase Wider Displays and Slimmer Design

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 are only a couple of months old, but speculations about their successors are already emerging on the Web. Most recently, early renders of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 based on one of Samsung's newest patents have leaked online. The renders suggest major design improvements for the book-style foldable device. The handset appears to have a slimmer design with a larger external display. Samsung is expected to release the Galaxy Z Fold 6 alongside Galaxy Z Flip 6 in the second half of this year.

Tipster David Kowalski (@xleaks7), in collaboration with Pigto, shared supposed renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. The renders, based on Samsung's recent patent filing, suggest bigger inner and outer displays for the upcoming foldable offering more room for users to perform daily tasks. The smartphone could also offer a slimmer and wider design than the current iteration.

Samsung is expected to introduce a novel hinge module for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6. It is said to sport a different aspect ratio as well.

While not much is known about the Galaxy Z Fold 6 at this point, early leaks about the Galaxy Z Flip 6 suggest that Samsung is testing a larger screen for the next-generation flip. It is expected to get a 3.9-inch cover panel, instead of Galaxy Z Flip 5's 3.4-inch cover screen. The Galaxy AI features that debuted on the Galaxy S24 series are also expected to land on the new foldables as well.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 are expected to go official in either July or August. With just around six months to go for the potential launch, we can expect more new rumours and leaks about the devices to pop up online in the coming weeks.

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Thursday, 8 February 2024

Wednesday, 7 February 2024

Fujifilm Instax Pal price in India, availability

Fujifilm Instax Pal specifications

Thursday, 1 February 2024

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