Samsung’s January update reaches Galaxy A52s, A31 & more

andreasc
-
0
Samsung’s January update reaches Galaxy A52s, A31 & more
[ad_1]

Samsung‘s Galaxy S24 launch may have grabbed the attention of the tech world, but it hasn’t affected the company’s security patch rollouts. It continues to push the latest SMR (Security Maintenance Release) to eligible devices at an incredible pace. As many as six new models recently picked up the January update. The new SMR is available for the Galaxy A52s, Galaxy A31, Galaxy A03, Galaxy Note 10 Lite, Galaxy M51, and Galaxy M42.

More Galaxy devices pick up Samsung’s January security update

As of this writing, the January security update is available for the Galaxy A52s in Europe. It is rolling out with the firmware build number A528BXXS6FXA1. The official changelog supplied by Samsung confirms that the update doesn’t bring anything more than the latest security fixes. It contains a whopping 80 vulnerability patches, including one critical Android OS flaw affecting the entire Android ecosystem.

Samsung will soon push these security fixes to the Galaxy A52s globally (it wasn’t sold in the US). The Galaxy A31 is also in the process of receiving the new security update. It is currently picking up the January SMR in the company’s home country, South Korea. The updated build number for the phone is A315NKSS4DWL1. Launched in March 2020, the device is now in the final stages of its life. It may not get many more security updates.

The Galaxy A03, which arrived in November 2021, still has a lot of life left, though. Samsung is currently pushing this month’s security fixes to the budget handset in Russia with firmware version A035FXXS6CXA3. A global rollout for this phone should be just around the corner. The Galaxy Note 10 Lite, on the other hand, is receiving the update in Latin America. The new build number for the device is N770FXXS9HXA1.

The update is also available for a couple of M-series models

The Galaxy M51 and Galaxy M42 are the other two Samsung devices that recently started picking up this month’s security patch with dozens of vulnerability fixes. The updates for these devices come with the firmware build numbers M515FXXS5DXA1 and M426BXXS7DXA2, respectively.

The OTA (over-the-air) rollouts are currently limited to select markets. However, Samsung will gradually expand its coverage to more users globally over the next few days. As usual, you can navigate to Settings > Software update > Download and install to check for updates manually. You may also get a notification when the update reaches your phone.


[ad_2]
Source link

The Galaxy S24 has improved ray tracing, adds AI game features

andreasc
-
0
The Galaxy S24 has improved ray tracing, adds AI game features
[ad_1]

Samsung officially announced the Galaxy S24 series of devices today, and they come with improvements to ray tracing to make your gaming experiences feel even more immersive and look better than ever before. This improved ray tracing support should be available across all devices as they all come with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However, Samsung seems to reference the Galaxy S24 Ultra with an Exynos chip during its Unpacked live stream. Compared to last year’s Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has 53% faster ray tracing performance thanks to the new ray tracing module that the company is using.

Worth noting, however, is that Samsung confirms actual user performance will vary based on a number of factors. This will include things like “user environment, conditions, and pre-installed applications and software,” Samsung says. In practice, users should see improvements to the realism of lighting effects, shadows, and reflections when the ray tracing is on compared to when it’s off. This will depend on the game though. As not all games support ray tracing. Especially on mobile devices.

Samsung does confirm that it’s working with multiple partners to further this set of gaming enhancements. Stating that it’s working with game studios, publishers, and game engine companies to increase the amount of ray tracing-enhanced experiences users will have on their phones. Some of those partners include Blizzard with Diablo Immortal, Netease with Racing Master, Tencent with Arena Breakout, and Wemade with Night Crows. The company expects to get more studios and publishers onboard in the future.

Buy At Samsung – Galaxy S24/Galaxy S24+

Buy At Samsung – Galaxy S24 Ultra

In addition to ray tracing, the Galaxy S24 series has a wider vapor chamber for sustained performance

Samsung’s Galaxy S devices have generally been fitted with the best possible chipsets at the time. The case is no different this year. And all three phones will make great devices for mobile gaming. But they’ll need to do more than just perform. They’ll also need to perform for extended periods. Samsung knows people can sometimes play mobile games for longer sessions. So to help with sustained performance, it’s added a wider vapor chamber to the Galaxy S24 series.

This will help with cooling efficiency and ensure that the phones don’t get too hot while gaming. As it helps to disperse heat more efficiently from the device. The vapor chamber isn’t doing all of the work though. Samsung says the Galaxy S24 series has a redesigned structure that includes a POP TIM, and a Liquid Type TIM. These together with the vapor chamber surround the APU and push heat away from it in two separate directions. This should help for more sustained high performance. But again, this could vary by user depending on what they’re playing and how long they play.

An NPU helps optimize battery life efficiency

To even further enhance the gaming experience, Samsung’s Galaxy AI-powered NPU (neural processing unit) optimizes the battery life efficiency so you can play games for longer before the device needs a recharge. This isn’t too unlike what Intel has done with its Core Ultra CPUs that also come with an NPU.

Samsung says all these things make the Galaxy S24 series the “best smartphone for gamers.” Real-world performance might tell a different story, but it’s too soon to tell. It’s also worth noting some gamers may value more gaming-centric features. And it will certainly be hard to topple mobile gaming powerhouses like ASUS’s ROG Phone series, which includes the newly launched ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro. Still, there’s no doubt these will end up being great devices to game on. Whether customers feel they’re the “best” or not. You can pre-order the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+, as well as the Galaxy S24 Ultra starting today.


[ad_2]
Source link

Google adding Pixel’s Super Res Zoom to Chromebooks

andreasc
-
0
Google adding Pixel’s Super Res Zoom to Chromebooks
[ad_1]

After updating Chromebook system requirements to qualify as “Chromebook Plus,” Google adds zooming capability to the camera app. The addition also seemingly includes the ‘Super Res Zoom‘ feature found on Google’s Pixel phones starting with the Google Pixel 3. Super Res Zoom utilizes Machine Learning (ML) to extract more detail in the final result.

Chromebooks usually have a front-facing webcam for your video calls, although, you can capture still images too. However, the sub-par hardware doesn’t always lead to a final output most people are okay with. Notably, to obtain the Chromebook Plus badge, a device must have at least a Full HD resolution webcam.

Google pushes Super Res Zoom from Pixel devices to Chromebooks

Some Chromebook devices including the Google Pixel Slate and the Lenovo Ideapad Duet series also offer a back camera. A photography session with these Chromebooks will certainly not be as convenient as on your Google Pixel 8 Pro or Galaxy S24 Ultra.

However, having the capability to show your surroundings on a call with a respectable amount of detail and clarity is seemingly something Google is looking for. Google has already added built-in lighting enhancement and background blur features to Chromebook Plus OS, reports 9to5Google.

Chromebooks didn’t have a zoom feature on its camera up until this point. In a recent code change, the ChromeOS camera app appears to include a feature flag noted as “camera-app-digital-zoom“. The code change also reveals the “super-resolution” keyword. It indicates the inclusion of the ML-powered special zoom feature ‘Super Res Zoom’ or a similar implementation.

However, it’s important to note that the camera hardware on a flagship or even midrange smartphone is way more capable than that on a Chromebook. So, you should raise the bar of your expectations accordingly.

The Zoom feature for Chromebooks is currently under development

The feature flag “camera-app-digital-zoom” is currently available on the latest Dev channel build. Although it remains inactive at the moment.

We hope to see improvements in ChromeOS devices at the hardware level as well, which will let Google run its software magic and yield great results just as the Pixel camera does.

Google Pixel 3 Super Res Zoom
Before and after Super Res Zoom (Credit: Google)

[ad_2]
Source link

Pixel Launcher may soon let you switch your search engine

andreasc
-
0
Pixel Launcher may soon let you switch your search engine
[ad_1]

Google is reportedly working on a new option for Google Pixel users to customize the default search engine on its Pixel Launcher. Regulators in various countries have urged Google to let users choose their Android search engine, and this new development may extend that choice to Pixel home screens. A recent build of the Pixel Launcher app in Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3 reveals a hidden option labeled “Search Engine.”

Details are scarce and Google has not officially confirmed the feature. However, it suggests a potential shift toward allowing users to set third-party search engines as defaults.

The Pixel Launcher’s search engine customization option is currently in the developmental stage. Additionally, Google has not provided any information on when or if it will introduce the said ability to Pixel phones. The description accompanying the hidden option reads, “Select the app you’ll use to search the web. This will affect search and content on your home screen.”

If implemented, users could choose alternatives like Bing instead of being restricted to Google Search on their home screens.

A response to the ongoing antitrust challenges that Google is facing?

The speculated customization option may be a response to the ongoing antitrust challenges Google faces, with accusations of monopolistic practices. Regulators, including the US Justice Department and state attorneys general, allege that Google’s dominance in the search engine market creates a monopoly, limiting users’ ability to explore alternative options. Google’s control over Android has been a focal point in these debates.

Any potential changes to the Pixel Launcher could have implications for the appearance and functionality of the search bar widget on the home screen.

Google Search is unlikely to lose a considerable portion of its Android users anyway

Google, as the dominant search engine, is likely to remain the go-to choice for most of the users. Over the years Google has put a lot of effort into providing a seamless search experience.

The ability to set another search engine as default in the Pixel Launcher could be a welcome change. However, this addition alone is unlikely to make a difference for the search giant.

Pixel launcher search engine
Credit: Google News channel (Telegram)

[ad_2]
Source link

This is how much Apple CEO Tim Cook earned in 2023

andreasc
-
0
This is how much Apple CEO Tim Cook earned in 2023
[ad_1]

There is no denying that the CEOs of Big Tech companies are among the highest-paid executives in the world. They usually take millions of dollars in cash, and the rest comes in the form of stock shares, which could also be worth tens of millions of dollars.

With a market cap of over $2.88 trillion, Apple is currently the second-largest company in the world. So it should not be surprising that its CEO, Tim Cook, is on the top earners list. As 9to5mac reports, Apple has released its annual proxy statement to inform shareholders, investors, and the public. The report contains the payments to the company’s executives and other related expenses.

According to Apple’s statement, Tim Cook’s promised compensation for 2023 was $49 million. This is a 40% decline from the $84 million targeted in 2022. However, the actual number shows that CEO Cook could earn much more than the targeted compensation.

Apple reveals Tim Cook’s salary and his other expenses in 2023

To be exact, Tim Cook earned $63,209,845 in 2023, which is roughly 28% more than what was promised to him ($49 million). The increased payment comes after Apple announced its revenue from iPhone set an all-time record for the quarter. Meanwhile, compared to his 2022 earnings, the 2023 income is still 36% short.

Tim Cook’s salary at Apple was set at $3,000,000, while his stock awards were worth $46,970,283. The non-equity incentive plan compensation is $10,713,450, and all other compensations account for $2,526,112.

Apple also revealed how much it paid for Tim Cook’s private jet costs. In 2023, the tech firm paid $1,621,468 for Cook’s travel expenses. Compared to last year, Cook’s personal jet expenses have almost doubled. Of course, the costs were justified by Apple’s board of directors in 2017 for “security and efficiency reasons.” Protecting the CEO also cost Apple $820,309 in 2023.

Apple’s annual proxy statement includes payments to other company executives. In 2023, Apple Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri earned $26,935,883, while General Counsel and Secretary Kate Adams made $26,941,705. Also, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail, Deirdre O’Brien, received $26,937,010 in compensation, and Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, got $26,961,226.


[ad_2]
Source link

Google employees criticize layoffs amid their CEO’s silence

andreasc
-
0
Google employees criticize layoffs amid their CEO’s silence
[ad_1]

Last week, Google laid off hundreds of workers across multiple teams, totaling over a thousand job cuts. Officially, the company told multiple news outlets that some positions were eliminated to help teams work more efficiently together. But there was silence from one significant figure: Sundar Pichai, the chief executive officer of Google. While their company’s head has been quiet, Google employees have been outspoken. Following the cuts, Google employees criticized layoffs via posted messages in the company’s internal communication boards, as reported by The Verge.

“Thank you, our corporate overlords, for our new annual tradition,” one employee wrote. “Google culture changed dramatically last year with its first major round of layoffs,” said another.

The messages were posted in Memegen, the name for Google’s internal meme board used by employees. By “annual tradition,” the Google employees are referencing the pattern of layoffs within the company. Last year, nearly a year prior exactly to the latest round of cuts, Google laid off 12,000 employees. It was a big hit to the company and employee morale, and employee discontent has continued.

Google has continued to lay off smaller groups of employees since the 12,000 people were let go in January 2023. The most recent round of cuts, which affected Google’s AR, core engineering, and Assistant teams, represented about 0.5% of the company. It was part of a larger restructuring that saw the co-founders of Fitbit depart and hardware teams become more unified. However, the company’s claims that people needed to lose their jobs for Google to work more efficiently aren’t sitting well with employees.

Google employees are speaking out on layoffs

Notably, Pichai hasn’t made a public statement regarding the latest round of job cuts. More importantly, per reports, the CEO hasn’t even addressed the issue privately with employees. Laid-off workers have found out that their positions are being eliminated via bland emails, and other employees are following along with the rest of us in the media. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why Google employees are strongly criticizing the layoffs.

When pressed by employees, like at a recent all-hands meeting last month, Pichai was forced to open up. The Google and Alphabet leader called it a moment unlike any other the company has experienced in 25 years. “It became clear that if we didn’t act, it would have been a worse decision down the line,” Pichai said in the meeting, per Business Insider. “It would have been a major overhang for the company. I think it would have made it very difficult in a year like this with such a big shift in the world to create the capacity to invest in areas.”

Despite last year’s cuts, which Pichai described as necessary, it appears the layoffs are still ongoing. Google has well over 100,000 employees still working for the company, and these employees are watching layoffs occur without much explanation or support from Pichai. As experts argue, the employees deserve better from their top boss.


[ad_2]
Source link

DJI’s Mic 2 has AI noise-canceling and connects to your phone

andreasc
-
0
DJI’s Mic 2 has AI noise-canceling and connects to your phone
[ad_1]

DJI is known for, among other things like drones and cameras, making high-quality microphone kits. The original DJI Mic was an industry-standard choice for capturing mobile audio through multiple wireless microphone receivers. Now, the company has released a new DJI Mic 2 with — you guessed it — artificial intelligence features. Aside from equipping the microphone with AI, there are also a few other quality-of-life improvements. The biggest one is the ability to pair directly with a smartphone, which is a neat addition. DJI added a bigger touchscreen, enhanced internal recording quality, and made the device easier to control.

As soon as you take a look at the DJI Mic 2, you’ll be captivated by the new transparent colorway. The Pearl White color option is a sleek and simple white color, but the Shadow Black one is transparent. The front of the Shadow Black transmitter is just clear enough to reveal some of the chips and the board inside the Mic 2. Aside from that, each transmitter is similar to the original, although the footprint has been shrunk a bit. They can be used as wireless lavalier mics, with a built-in clip and magnetic mount option.

Looks are far from all that’s new in the DJI Mic 2. The buttons are shifted around and are now all circular. On the left side of each transmitter, you’ll find the record button and a USB-C port. The right side features a power button, link button, and LED status light. This is a big deal since the first edition had the light on the front, where it could be seen in video shots. Each transmitter has a longer battery life, too. The transmitters last up to six hours on a single charge and can be extended to up to 18 hours with the charging case.

DJI’s Mic 2 kit and new AI features

DJI Mic 2 Transmitter

The two transmitters are just parts of the DJI Mic 2 kit. The included receiver has a 1.1-inch OLED screen and a digital scroll wheel for making tweaks. It’s designed for connecting the receivers to a camera or other device, but some users won’t need it. That’s because DJI has now made it possible to connect Mic 2 receivers straight to a smartphone with Bluetooth. You can still connect the receiver to your phone if you have the full set, though. This new functionality allows users to only buy the parts they need, for example, the $99 transmitter microphone instead of the $349 set.

Sound quality is improved on Mic 2, starting with 32-bit float internal recording. It can pick up sounds at various decibel levels, at a range of up to 250 meters away. An AI-based noise-cancelation feature reduces environmental sound in noisy environments, too, a great feature for recording in loud places.

The DJI Mic 2 kit, as well as the individual microphones and accessories, is available for purchase now. The full set costs $349, the transmitter costs $99, and the Lavalier microphone costs $39.


[ad_2]
Source link

Otterbox releases a full lineup of Galaxy S24 series accessories

andreasc
-
0
Otterbox releases a full lineup of Galaxy S24 series accessories
[ad_1]

With the Galaxy S24 series now official, Otterbox is one of the many different case and accessory companies that have geared up to protect your new device. And if you’re looking to protect your phone from drops, dings, scratches, and other instances that life can throw at you, Otterbox should at least be one of the brands you consider.

Otterbox built its name and reputation on device protection. And that level of product defense has carried through years of different device releases. With the Galaxy S24 series Otterbox is launching four new cases and a screen protector. So your phone ends up with total body coverage. While you might hate screen protectors based on those flimsy ones from the past, this new one from Otterbox is nothing like that. The ‘PolyArmor’ screen protector is made of a special material that was designed to provide shock absorption. It’s not glass though, so it won’t shatter if the phone happens to fall face down.

Otterbox says that it also delivers long-lasting scratch protection. Additionally, it was designed to prevent fingerprints and smudges. So you end up with a clean phone screen that looks just as good even with the PolyArmor on. It’s also made from 60% recycled materials, and that’s always a nice touch since it helps cut down on waste. These will retail for $34.95 to $44.95 depending on the phone you buy them for. However, they aren’t available yet and Otterbox doesn’t mention a launch date.

Otterbox offers four new cases for the Galaxy S24 series

Otterbox Galaxy S24 Series Cases (2)

The first thing to know is that each of these cases is available for every model. So whether you go for the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, or Galaxy S24 Ultra, you can find these case options. Also worth noting is that not all of them provide the same level of protection. For example, if you want the best protection possible, then you want to go with the Defender XT case. It’s a little more expensive at $69.95. But if you just bought a Galaxy S24 Ultra, you want all the protection you can get.

Otterbox will also offer the Defender Series XT Holster for $14.95 so you can slide the phone in face-first. It clips in nice and snug and it’s great for attaching your phone to a bag’s shoulder strap on runs or bike rides. If you want something less expensive, something like the Symmetry Series case might be more your speed. This one even comes in two limited edition designs, one of which has a bunch of cute dogs all over it.

The last two cases are the Defender and Defender Pro, and the Commuter series. These will be priced at $64.95 and $39.95 respectively. All of the cases should be available for purchase from today and it looks like most of them are shipping immediately. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a case ready to go when your phone shows up. And if you haven’t pre-ordered yet, you can place your pre-order for the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra starting today.

Buy At Samsung – Galaxy S24/Galaxy S24+

Buy At Samsung – Galaxy S24 Ultra


[ad_2]
Source link

There were more than 250,000 layoffs in the tech industry in 2023

andreasc
-
0
There were more than 250,000 layoffs in the tech industry in 2023
[ad_1]

The tech industry has been in pretty bad shape since the pandemic. And it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon, especially with the recent surge in tech industry layoffs. Just two weeks into 2024, about 50 tech companies, along with more than 7,500 employees, have already been laid off. It’s not a great situation.

Tech industry layoffs peaked in 2023

In 2023, layoffs reached a staggering figure. Layoffs.fyi, a tech layoff tracking website, reported a total of 262,582 employees losing their jobs till January 17. It also marked an alarming increase of over 160% compared to the previous year, with 2022 witnessing significantly fewer layoffs.

Tech industry layoffs in 2023 significantly impacted major players, including Google, letting go of about 6% of its total staff, around 12,000 employees—one of the largest tech layoffs since the pandemic took place. Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Salesforce also experienced significant layoffs.

Additionally, other tech giants also experienced significant layoffs: Meta released 10,000 staff, Microsoft laid off more than 10,000 employees, Amazon faced a combined reduction of 9,000 and 8,000 jobs over the year, while Salesforce saw 8,000 job cuts.

Two weeks into the new year, more than 7,500 have already lost jobs

Big tech giants, including Google, are also facing problems. Google recently let go of 1,000 workers and might cut more jobs in their ad and sales teams. Other well-known companies like Discord, Instagram, Amazon, Twitch, Humane, and Unity are also experiencing difficulties, showing that the impact is widespread.

Even strong platforms like The Messenger are dealing with the aftermath of job cuts, and some, like Artifact, have had to stop their operations completely. These tech industry layoffs are affecting many people, leaving them without jobs in these tough times. Meanwhile, Apple largely avoided layoffs in 2023. But signs indicate potential layoffs if an AI-focused team doesn’t relocate.

While some experts suggest not worrying too much about a recession, the impact of tech industry layoffs is evident. Companies are responding by continuously trimming their staff and prioritizing efficiency over growth. Despite differing opinions, certain experts anticipate that 2024 may bring a combination of positive and challenging circumstances.


[ad_2]
Source link

iPhone 15 and Galaxy S23 stand out

andreasc
-
0
iPhone 15 and Galaxy S23 stand out
[ad_1]

As we bid farewell to 2023, reflecting on the performance and value retention of flagship smartphones becomes imperative. According to a report by price comparison site SellCell, Apple exhibited its ability to retain the iPhone 15 series’ value much better compared to many of its Android counterparts. In the Android realm, the Samsung Galaxy S23 series emerged as a resilient option.

The iPhone 15 lost only 27.9% three months post-release. Putting it into comparison, this figure is 27.1% less than the average depreciation seen in other flagship Android devices. The iPhone 15 series, particularly the 256GB iPhone 15 Pro Max, stood out, depreciating by a mere 18.2% during the initial three months.

Coming to Android, the Galaxy S23 experienced 32.8% less depreciation compared to other Android flagships in the same timeframe. Despite an initial loss of 43.5% in the first two months, the Galaxy S23 held its ground, with the 256GB Galaxy S23 Plus showcasing exceptional value retention, losing only 35.3% after three months.

However, unlike the Galaxy S23, some Android flagships depreciated considerably

However, not all Samsung models fared equally well. The Galaxy S23 FE took the unfortunate title of the worst-depreciating model, with an astonishing 68.4% loss in value within three months of release. The Galaxy S22, its predecessor, had depreciated by 46.8% in the initial two months.

Interestingly, the Google Pixel 8 faced a significant drop in value, plummeting by 61.2% in the first three months. Surprisingly, its predecessor, the Pixel 7a, outperformed it by losing 52.5% of its value in a comparable period.

OnePlus entered the scene with the OnePlus 11, experiencing a depreciation of 48.5% in the initial three months. While this performance landed it on the list of worst-depreciating phones in 2023, it still outshone the Google Pixel 8. Some Galaxy S23 models are also featured on this list, potentially impacted by discounts offered by Samsung and third-party retailers. It influenced their resale values.

In summary of the smartphone value retention study, Apple’s iPhone 15 and Samsung’s Galaxy S23 fared the best in terms of value retention. The Galaxy S23 FE and Google’s Pixel 8 faced some significant value depreciation.

Top 15 most value retaining phones 2023
Credit: SellCell

[ad_2]
Source link
1...520521522...1,482Page 521 of 1,482