Before we get to that, let’s talk about the design first. The two phones look the same, and their specifications are also quite similar. The only differences relate to RAM, storage, battery size, and charging speed.
Both the RedMagic 9S Pro & Pro+ include an under-display camera
These two smartphones feature an under-display camera and very thin bezels. They have a square shape, and flat frame on the sides… all around the phone. Shoulder triggers are still placed on the right-hand side, as is that red switch that fires up the fan and pushes the phone into heavy-duty gaming mode.
The phones have three cameras on the back, which are flush with the phone’s backplate. That’s always nice to see. You’ll also notice that they have a very nice-looking backplate, appropriate for a gaming smartphone. All of this is quite similar to their predecessor, though.
ICE 13.5 advanced cooling system is implemented here
These devices also come with the ICE 13.5 advanced cooling system. It features a 10,182mm² single-layer vapor chamber (VC) plate. It also includes a new frost cooling gel to reduce thermal resistance and lower the core temperature to 19.5°C.
RedMagic also included an upgraded 22,000 rpm high-speed turbofan with shark-fin blades. That fan is not that loud at all as it operates at just 4dB. That’s a notable improvement.
Custom RGB lights are once again a part of the package, and the display also offers high-frequency PWM dimming at 2,160Hz.
Qualcomm’s most powerful processor fuels both devices
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 fuels these phones, the overclocked version. The RedMagic 9S Pro includes 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, while the Pro+ model comes with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM. Storage goes up to 512GB inside the regular model, and up to 1TB inside the Pro+ model. UFS 4.0 is used, by the way.
You will find a 6.8-inch fullHD+ (2480 x 1116) OLED display here, which is flat. It has a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 960Hz touch sampling rate. 10-bit color depth is also on offer as is 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. The peak brightness of this display is 1,600 nits.
Android 14 comes pre-installed on both phones with RedMagic OS 9.5. The RedMagic 9S Pro includes a 6,500mAh battery and supports 80W charging. The Pro+ model comes with a 5,500mAh battery and supports 165W charging. Wireless charging is not supported.
Dual 1115K speakers are here, and the same goes for DTS:X Ultra support
Both phones have dual 1115K speakers and DTS:X Ultra support. Three microphones are also included, and there is also an audio jack on each of the two phones. An optical in-display fingerprint scanner is also something you’ll find inside each of the phones.
A 50-megapixel main camera (Samsung’s GN5 sensor) is backed by a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera (Samsung JN1 sensor). The third camera on the back is a 2-megapixel macro unit (GigaDevice GC02M1 sensor). There is a 16-megapixel under-display camera included on the front.
5G is supported here, as is Wi-Fi 6E. The same goes for Bluetooth 5.4. Both smartphones come with two nano SIM card slots too. AI has a role to play in the software too, as it improves some of the company’s gaming features and various other aspects of the software.
The RedMagic 9S Pro pricing starts at CNY4,799 ($660) and goes up to CNY5,399 ($742). The RedMagic 9S Pro+ model starts at CNY5,799 ($797) in China, and its price goes up to CNY6,999 ($962). Do note that the global variant(s) is coming soon, on July 16, so stay tuned for that.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept confined to sci-fi novels and movies. It’s a powerful tool transforming industries across the globe, and the insurance sector is no exception. The integration of AI into insurance practices is redefining how risks are assessed, policies are underwritten, and claims are processed. This article delves into the profound impact AI is having on the insurance industry, exploring the benefits, challenges, and future trends.
The Evolution of Risk Assessment
Traditionally, risk assessment in insurance relied heavily on historical data and human judgment. Actuaries and underwriters used statistical models and their expertise to evaluate potential risks and set premiums. While this method has been effective, it is not without its limitations. Human error, biases, and the inability to process vast amounts of data in real-time can lead to inaccuracies and inefficiencies.
AI changes the game by leveraging big data, machine learning algorithms, and predictive analytics. These technologies enable insurers to analyze vast amounts of structured and unstructured data quickly and accurately. For instance, AI can process information from social media, satellite images, and IoT devices to provide a more comprehensive risk profile. This not only improves the accuracy of risk assessment but also allows for more personalized insurance products.
Transforming Underwriting Processes
Underwriting is another critical area where AI is making significant inroads. The traditional underwriting process is time-consuming, involving manual data collection and analysis. AI streamlines this process by automating data gathering and analysis, resulting in faster and more accurate underwriting decisions.
Machine learning models can evaluate a wide range of data points, from credit scores and medical records to behavioral patterns and social determinants of health. This holistic approach enables insurers to identify risks that might have been overlooked using traditional methods. Additionally, AI can continuously learn and adapt, improving its predictive accuracy over time.
Enhancing Claims Management
Claims management is often a pain point for both insurers and policyholders. The process can be slow, cumbersome, and prone to fraud. AI is revolutionizing claims management by automating routine tasks, detecting fraudulent claims, and expediting the claims settlement process.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms can analyze and interpret text from claim forms, emails, and other documents, reducing the need for manual data entry. AI-powered image recognition tools can assess damage from photos and videos, providing instant estimates for claims related to accidents or natural disasters. Moreover, machine learning models can flag suspicious claims by identifying patterns indicative of fraud, such as inconsistencies in the information provided or unusual claim activity.
Personalized Insurance Products
One of the most exciting developments driven by AI is the ability to offer personalized insurance products. By analyzing data from various sources, AI can identify individual risk factors and preferences, allowing insurers to tailor policies to meet specific needs. This personalized approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also helps insurers attract and retain clients.
For example, usage-based insurance (UBI) models, which adjust premiums based on real-time data from telematics devices in vehicles, are gaining popularity. Similarly, health insurers can offer customized wellness programs and incentives based on data from wearable devices, encouraging healthier behaviors and reducing claims.
Distribution and Impact on Insurance Penetration in Emerging Economies
AI’s influence extends beyond traditional markets, significantly impacting insurance distribution and penetration in emerging economies. In many developing regions, access to insurance has been limited due to factors such as lack of infrastructure, high costs, and low financial literacy. AI is addressing these challenges by enabling innovative distribution models and making insurance more accessible and affordable.
AI-powered mobile platforms and apps are revolutionizing the way insurance products are distributed in emerging markets. These platforms can reach remote areas where traditional insurance agents might not operate, providing potential customers with easy access to information and services. AI chatbots can guide users through the process of purchasing insurance, answering questions, and helping them choose the right policies.
Compara en casa, a leading online insurance comparison platform in Latin America, exemplifies how AI can enhance insurance distribution. By utilizing AI-driven algorithms, the company analyzes a vast array of insurance products and personal data to match customers with the best insurance options available. This approach by Compare em casa not only simplifies the decision-making process for consumers but also helps insurers reach a broader audience, increasing overall insurance penetration in the region.
Moreover, AI can analyze data from various sources, such as mobile usage patterns and social media, to assess risks and offer personalized insurance products tailored to the specific needs of individuals in these regions. This data-driven approach helps in setting premiums that are affordable and reflective of the actual risk, making insurance more attractive to low-income populations.
The increased penetration of insurance in emerging economies has profound socio-economic impacts. It provides financial protection to individuals and businesses, fostering economic stability and growth. For instance, farmers can secure crop insurance to safeguard against adverse weather conditions, while small business owners can protect their assets from unforeseen events. This financial inclusion enables people to take calculated risks, invest in their futures, and improve their livelihoods.
Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of AI in insurance are substantial, there are also challenges to consider. Data privacy and security are paramount, as insurers handle sensitive personal information. Ensuring compliance with regulations such as GDPR and CCPA is crucial to maintaining customer trust and avoiding legal repercussions.
Another challenge is the potential for algorithmic bias. AI models are only as good as the data they are trained on. If the training data is biased, the AI’s decisions will also be biased, leading to unfair treatment of certain individuals or groups. Insurers must invest in developing transparent and ethical AI systems that mitigate bias and promote fairness.
The Future of AI in Insurance
The integration of AI into insurance practices is still in its early stages, but the potential for growth is immense. As technology advances, we can expect even more sophisticated AI applications that further enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience.
Future trends may include the use of AI-driven chatbots for customer service, blockchain for secure data sharing, and advanced analytics for proactive risk management. Insurers who embrace these innovations will be well-positioned to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Conclusion
AI is redefining risk in the insurance industry, transforming traditional practices and paving the way for a more efficient, accurate, and personalized approach. By leveraging AI technologies, insurers can improve risk assessment, streamline underwriting, enhance claims management, and offer tailored products that meet the unique needs of their clients. Additionally, AI is expanding insurance penetration in emerging economies, contributing to financial inclusion and socio-economic development. However, it is essential to address challenges related to data privacy, security, and algorithmic bias to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI. As we move forward, the continued integration of AI will undoubtedly shape the future of insurance, offering exciting possibilities for both insurers and policyholders.
A new player has emerged on the cybercrime landscape the ransomware group “Pryx.”
Pryx has claimed its first attack, announcing that it has compromised the systems of Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC.edu) and stolen 30,000 university applications.
This announcement was made on their data leak site, accessible through the traditional internet and the dark web.
According to the report from Red Hot Cyber, the stolen data includes a wide range of sensitive information.
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The compromised data encompasses general information such as legal names and NJ ReUp Program participation, contact details including email addresses and phone numbers, demographic information like Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and race, and citizenship and military affiliation.
Additionally, high school and college information, including graduation status and previous institutions attended, was also compromised.
Rowan College’s Reaction
Rowan College has not released any official statement regarding the incident on its website.
This silence makes it difficult to confirm the veracity of Pryx’s claims precisely.
The available information should be cautiously approached without an official response from the institution.
The absence of a formal statement from Rowan College underscores the urgency and severity of the situation, leaving students and applicants uncertain.
Implications of the Breach
The amount and nature of the exposed data are highly concerning.
Students’ personal information, including Social Security numbers and contact details, can be used for various fraudulent and illegal activities, such as identity theft.
The breach jeopardizes the privacy and security of the affected individuals and highlights the growing threat posed by ransomware groups like Pryx.
Pryx’s data leak site is a platform where the group publishes information about victims who have not paid the demanded ransom.
This site is publicly accessible online and, as is common among ransomware groups, also through the dark web.
The site features a menacing interface, dominated by the image of a spider web and the slogan “Get pryxed.”
The platform includes various sections, such as contact information, the public PGP key, all updates, and Pryx’s breaches and operations.
The site’s homepage invites visitors to “Get pryxed,” highlighting their intimidating and provocative approach.
The emergence of Pryx and their first attack represent a further development in the growing threat ransomware groups pose.
The absence of an official statement from Rowan College underscores the need to monitor this situation closely.
This article serves as an initial intelligence report, and future developments will be followed carefully to provide accurate and timely updates.
The academic community and cybersecurity experts must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing such threats to safeguard sensitive information and maintain trust in educational institutions.
Threat actors have been found selling sensitive data from the Shopify commerce platform on the dark web.
This alarming news was first reported by DarkWebInformer on their social media Twitter account, raising significant concerns about the security of e-commerce platforms and the safety of consumer data.
🚨MAJOR DATA FOR SALE🚨888 is allegedly selling data belonging to Shopify, a complete commerce platform that lets anyone start, manage, and grow a business. Revenue: $7.4 Billion dated 2024.
— Dark Web Informer (@DarkWebInformer) July 3, 2024
Data Breach Details
According to the report, a well-known source for dark web intelligence, the stolen data includes various sensitive information.
This encompasses customer names, email addresses, physical addresses, order details, and payment information.
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The breach appears to have affected many Shopify merchants and their customers, though the exact scale of the breach is still under investigation.
The data is sold on dark web marketplaces, where cybercriminals can purchase it for malicious purposes such as identity theft, financial fraud, and phishing attacks.
The presence of payment information in the stolen data significantly heightens the risk for affected individuals, potentially leading to unauthorized transactions and financial losses.
Shopify’s Response
Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform millions of businesses use worldwide, has responded swiftly to the breach.
In a statement, the company acknowledged the incident and assured users that they are working diligently to investigate the breach and mitigate its impact.
Shopify has also urged merchants and customers to monitor their accounts for suspicious activity and change their passwords as a precautionary measure.
The company collaborates with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies to track the perpetrators and prevent further unauthorized access.
Shopify has also emphasized its commitment to enhancing its security measures to protect its users’ data in the future.
Implications for E-commerce Security
This incident underscores the growing threat of cyberattacks on e-commerce platforms and the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures.
As online shopping continues to surge, platforms like Shopify must prioritize data protection to maintain consumer trust and safeguard sensitive information.
E-commerce businesses are advised to implement comprehensive security protocols, including regular security audits, encryption of sensitive data, and multi-factor authentication.
Conversely, consumers should remain vigilant, regularly update their passwords, and monitor their financial statements for any unusual activity.
The sale of Shopify data on the dark web is a stark reminder of the ever-present risks in the digital age and the need for continuous vigilance and proactive security measures.
With Apple making AI and non-AI changes to most of its apps with iOS 18, it turns out that the forecast for the tech giant’s native Weather app calls for two new features. One has to do with the actual temperature listed on the app at any given time, and the “Feels like” temperature. The latter gives users a more realistic temperature revealing how hot or cold the air feels to a human body after figuring in some variables such as relative humidity, wind speeds, and the amount of sunshine.
In iOS 18, Apple’s Weather app will show both the actual temperature and “Feels like” temperature right up front where both figures can easily be seen. At the top of the weather app, you’ll see the current temperature in big numbers, and right underneath the current temperature, the app will say “Feels Like” using a smaller-sized font. Currently, you can see the actual temperature at the top of the screen. Scroll down to find the “Feels Like” box which is “Similar to the actual temperature,” says Apple. The “Feels Like” temp will be shown in a different color and, as previously noted, a smaller font.
So that’s one decent change coming to the Apple weather app with iOS 18. Even more interesting, the “Feels Like” number will reportedly not appear when the actual and “Feels Like” temperatures are too close. This way you won’t come across a situation where the actual temperature appears as 75 and the “Feels Like” number is the exact same. Both variants of the temperature will appear only when there is a significant difference between them. For example, if the actual temperature is 91 degrees and the “Feels Like” figure is 100 degrees, you will see both readings, front and center, on the Apple Weather app.
In iOS 18 the iPhone’s Weather app will show the “Feels Like” temperature in a new location|Image credit-9to5Mac
The second new feature coming to the Weather app with iOS 18 has to do with how the Apple Maps app grabs your home and work addresses from your contact card in the Contacts app. This makes it easier for an iPhone user to get directions quickly to his home and the office via Apple Maps. With iOS 18, the Weather app will get the same information from the Contacts app so that your home and work addresses will be automatically added to the locations tracked by the native Weather app.
You can expect to see these changes come not only to the iPhone’s Weather app in iOS 18 but also in the Weather app on the iPad with iPadOS 18 and the Mac with the upcoming macOS 15 Sequoia update.
Google Photos has made a significant change to how users access the Locked Folder on their Android and iOS devices. Previously, the Locked Folder was tucked away in the Utilities section, requiring several taps to access. Now, it’s prominently displayed in the Library tab, right next to Favorites, Archive, and Trash.This update aims to provide quicker and more convenient access to the Locked Folder, where users store private photos and videos. Google Photos on the web already had the Locked Folder in the navigation drawer, and this change brings the mobile apps in line with that design.
The previous location of the Locked Folder, deep within the Utilities section, made its existence less obvious, which could be seen as a benefit for privacy-conscious users. However, Google seems to prioritize ease of access with this update, aligning it with the web version’s layout.
Old vs. New location of Google Photos’ Locked Folder | Images credit — 9to5Google
With the Locked Folder now easily accessible, users can quickly store and retrieve their sensitive media without navigating through multiple menus. This change is particularly beneficial for those who frequently use the Locked Folder feature.In addition to the Locked Folder relocation, Google Photos has also reorganized the Utilities section by moving many of its functions to the “plus” sheet in then app bar. This includes options like creating new albums and the shortcuts for sharing with a partner and importing photos from other places. This reorganization streamlines the app’s interface, making it easier for users to find and use various features that were previously either difficult to find or too cumbersome to navigate to.
The update with the new Locked Folder location and Utilities reorganization is available on both Android (version 6.89) and iOS devices. Users can check their app version and update it if necessary to enjoy these changes.
We’re here to compare Motorola’s brand new flip phone flagship, vs the old one. In other words, we’ll be comparing the Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Motorola Razr+ 2023. Motorola did improve its new offering in some ways, and its camera performance comes to mind first. The two devices do look very similar, though. There are, of course, both similarities and differences between them, so let’s see if the new one is worth it (for you).
As per usual, we’ll first list their specifications, and will then move to compare the two devices in other categories. We’ll be comparing their designs, displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and audio output. This article will hopefully help you make a purchasing decision. Both devices are compelling, but… the new one may just be enough to tip you over. Let’s get to it.
Specs
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Motorola Razr+ 2023, respectively
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Motorola Razr+ 2023: Design
As you can see, the two phones do look very similar. In fact, they’re rather difficult to tell apart, unless you’re paying attention to details. The biggest giveaway is the cover display, and it’s bigger on the new model. Both phones have rounded corners, and their foldable displays have a centered display camera hole. The bezels around both displays are quite thin. Their buttons on the side have a similar placement, they’re both located on the right side. Also, the power/lock button doubles as a fingerprint scanner on both smartphones.
The cover display on the new model is a bit larger, and the bezels around it are a bit thinner. You’ll also notice that the outer area where the hinge is located has thinner accents. Both cameras on the back and an LED flash are located inside the cover display… on both smartphones. They’re horizontally aligned in the top-left corner. Motorola’s logo is centered on the back, while the ‘razr’ logo sits below it.
Both smartphones have an aluminum frame, and a hinge made out of stainless steel. The new model includes vegan leather aka silicone polymer on the back, while the old one has glass on the back. The two devices are almost the same height and thickness, while they’re exactly the same in terms of width. The difference in weight is a couple of grams, so that’s basically the same too. The Motorola Razr+ 2024 comes with an IPX8 certification for water resistance. The old model only has a water-repellent coating. It’s also worth saying that the new model is less slippery due to the silicon polymer back.
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Motorola Razr+ 2023: Display
The Motorola Razr+ 2024 features a 6.9-inch fullHD+ (2640 x 1080) Foldable LTPO AMOLED display. That display can project up to 1 billion colors and supports Dolby Vision too. HDR10+ content is supported, and the panel goes up to 3,000 nits of brightness at its peak. The screen-to-body ratio is around 85%, and the refresh rate goes up to 165Hz. The cover display, on the other hand, measures 4 inches and has a resolution of 1080 x 1272. That is also an LTPO AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 165Hz. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ content are supported, and the panel can project up to 1 billion colors. The peak brightness here is 2,400 nits at its peak. The Gorilla Glass Victus protects this panel.
Motorola Razr+ 2024
The Motorola Razr+ 2023, on the flip side, also has a 6.9-inch panel. It has the same 2640 x 1080 resolution, and it’s also an LTPO AMOLED display with 1 billion colors and HDR10+. Even the refresh rate is the same. There is one difference here, however. With a peak brightness of 1,400 nits, it doesn’t get as bright. The cover display on this phone measures 3.6 inches, and it has a resolution of 1056 x 1066. It’s an AMOLED panel that can project up to 1 billion colors, and HDR10+ content is also supported. This panel goes up to 144Hz when it comes to the refresh rate, and has a peak brightness of 1,100 nits. The Gorilla Glass Victus protects this display.
Both smartphones have excellent displays. The thing is, both panels on the new model are brighter. Yes, you’ll notice that difference when outdoors, as it’s really not all that small. If you find the old model’s brightness to be sufficient, then you really don’t need to upgrade, at least as far as displays are concerned. All four panels offer vivid colors with deep blacks and good viewing angles. They’re all sharp enough and offer a high refresh rate.
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Motorola Razr+ 2023: Performance
The Motorola Razr+ 2024 is fueled by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, one of Qualcomm’s latest and most powerful chips. It also comes with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 flash storage. The Motorola Razr+ 2023, on the flip side, is fueled by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. It includes up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 flash storage. The new model is an upgrade in every way, basically. Not only does it include a more powerful, and more modern SoC, but faster and more efficient RAM and flash storage.
With that in mind, the Motorola Razr+ 2023 still performs admirably. That chip is more than powerful enough to push it through basically anything with ease. Is the new model faster? Well, yes. You can notice that if you’re using them side by side, that’s for sure. Still, the difference is not that big, to be quite honest. As far as regular day-to-day performance is concerned, if you own last year’s model, there’s really no reason to upgrade.
Some of you may consider upgrading due to gaming, perhaps. Well, neither of these two phones is made for gaming, per se. And yes, the Motorola Razr+ 2024 will push through demanding games a bit better, but for the vast majority of titles, they’ll perform about the same. The difference can be noticeable in truly graphically-demanding titles. Everything else… they’re about the same. Both can get quite warm from gaming, but not as much to affect the performance or to be too hot to handle.
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Motorola Razr+ 2023: Battery
The Motorola Razr+ 2024 features a 4,000mAh battery on the inside. Its predecessor comes with a 3,800mAh battery. Now, based on the battery size alone, you may think that the Motorola Razr+ 2024 offers better battery life. While that may be the case in some cases, it’s a toss-up, to be quite honest. In fact, we’d say that the Motorola Razr+ 2023 has better battery life overall. That is not all that surprising considering how efficient the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is.
We were able to get outstanding battery life with last year’s model, barely getting over 8 hours of screen-on-time on several occasions. 7+ was no issue at all. The new model is also very comfortable at over 7 hours of screen-on-time, at least it was for us, but it was a level below last year’s phone. It’s possible that will change after some updates, of course. In any case, do note that we did not play games on either phone when we got such numbers, but they were used for a lot of other tasks such as browsing, messaging, emailing, social media, TikTok, YouTube, camera testing, image editing, and so on. Both phones actually offer really good battery life, and the 2024 model even did better on some days. As I said, an update or two could completely flip the script, but you don’t have to worry about battery life on either phone.
In regards to charging, the Motorola Razr+ 2024 does have an advantage. It offers 45W wired, 15W wireless, and 5W reverse wired charging. Last year’s model supports 30W wired and 5W wireless charging. The new model does charge a bit faster. Do note that neither phone includes a charger in the box, though.
Motorola Razr+ 2024 vs Motorola Razr+ 2023: Cameras
One area in which Motorola improved things considerably from last year is the camera department. The Motorola Razr+ 2024 not only offers a better camera setup but noticeably better camera performance too. The Motorola Razr+ 2024 has a 50-megapixel main camera, and a 50-megapixel telephoto unit (2x optical zoom). The Razr+ 2023 arrived with a 12-megapixel main camera, and a 13-megapixel ultrawide unit (108-degree FoV).
Motorola Razr+ 2023
A larger camera sensor is used this time around for the main camera. The same goes for the secondary unit, in addition to the fact it’s a telephoto camera this time around and not an ultrawide unit. Granted, the ultrawide camera on last year’s model did not really have an extremely wide FoV, so it was not all that useful. This telephoto camera is arguably more useful, though it would be best if Motorola actually used a good ultrawide camera on this year’s model.
Now, in regards to image quality. Last year’s model did a good job, but it wasn’t great. The Motorola Razr+ 2024 is a massive improvement. It does a better job of balancing images during the day, offers more details, and sharpening is barely visible and not always present. In low light, we were actually surprised at how good the phone was. It managed to preserve a lot of detail, while doing great at keeping images well-lit without much noise. Low light images are a lot better than they were last year. The telephoto camera is nothing to write home about, but it’s okay. It would be more useful if it had a higher optical zoom level, at least 3x.
Audio
Both of these phones have stereo speakers. Last year’s model had a really good speaker performance with good loudness. This year’s model does even better in that regard, as the loudness is excellent, and the quality preserved.
What they do not have is an audio jack. You can use their Type-C ports to connect your wired headphones, though, of course. You will need a dongle, though. Bluetooth 5.4 is supported on the new model, while the old one has Bluetooth 5.3 support.
Samsung has opened “Galaxy Experiences Spaces” worldwide in selection regions. The company is inviting tech enthusiasts to these futuristic centers and offering a glimpse of its Galaxy AI technology.
Samsung opens Galaxy Experience Spaces in seven cities worldwide
Apple recently debuted its “Apple Intelligence”, the iOS maker’s take on Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI). Companies like Microsoft, and Google may already have their iterations of Gen AI, but Samsung is now reportedly engaging its present and potential consumers to advertise its Gen AI and its myriad use cases.
Samsung is actively marketing its Galaxy AI technology. To ensure consumers get a hands-on experience of the company’s AI-optimized products, Samsung has opened interactive spaces in seven cities worldwide.
Experience the next chapter of technology at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Summer 2024 in Paris! Unveiling the latest in AI and mobile innovation. Read more at https://t.co/tlvPqlugTE. #SamsungUnpacked#TechNews
Just like every other company, Samsung is confident Gen AI can revolutionize the way smart device users interact with technology. Hence, it is committed to demonstrating the Gen AI capabilities of the entire product ecosystem. Speaking about the Galaxy Experience Spaces, Jamie Park, VP & Head of Experience Marketing Group, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, said,
“[Samsung is] introducing a new world of possibilities to Galaxy fans. The Galaxy Experience Spaces will offer an exclusive look at how Galaxy AI capabilities can enrich our daily lives.”
Where, when, and why to visit these spaces?
The Galaxy Experience Spaces are located in Paris, Berlin, New York City, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. The South Korean tech giant hasn’t indicated if it will open more such interactive spaces in the future.
Samsung has, however, confirmed that these Galaxy Experience Spaces are open for a limited time. All these interactive spaces have a common theme: Travel. These centers will highlight how Samsung Galaxy AI can enhance travel experiences. The company further indicated that these spaces will have the newest Galaxy devices for a hands-on experience.
Specifically speaking, Samsung is attempting to emphasize how its Galaxy AI can plan, streamline, and simplify the holiday experience. The company would showcase how its Gen AI can plan a trip, capture memories, and even eliminate language barriers.
The venues and dates of the Samsung Galaxy Experience Spaces are as follows:
Berlin: July 10 to August 7 at Mall of Berlin, Leipziger Pl. 12
Dubai: July 11 to August 7 at Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road
Jakarta: July 11 to August 4 at Kota Kasablanka, Jl. Casablanca Raya Kav. 88
New York City: July 10 to August 7 at 500 Broadway
Paris: July 10 to October 31 at CE 125, 125 Av. des Champs-Élysées
Seoul: July 11 to August 11 at The Hyundai Seoul, 108 Yeoui-daero
Tokyo: July 11 to August 6 at Shibuya Tsutaya (Q FRONT), 21-6 Udagawacho
Google’s Chrome is the most popular internet browser on both the desktop and mobile platforms. It provides one of the best browser experiences one can find today on almost all devices. The search engine giant continues to improve the user experience by continuously adding new features to the popular browser. Google is now testing a new Chrome feature for Android, which will auto-revoke site permissions to improve overall security.
Chrome’s new feature for Android will auto-revoke website permissions to improve security
According to the X user @Leopeva, the upcoming feature is currently available in the latest build of the Chrome Canary version. As per the source, the new Chrome feature for Android devices will auto-revoke website permissions to improve security. This feature will let users enable the option to allow Chrome to auto-revoke permissions from sites that they don’t visit often.
The screenshot shared by the source suggests that the new feature will be available in Chrome’s Site settings page. It can be easily toggled on or off. When switched on, Chrome for Android will automatically revoke the permissions users granted to websites they haven’t visited recently. It will essentially improve the privacy of the users. It will also ensure that the sites can’t misuse the permissions the users granted earlier.
It’s worth mentioning this feature has already been available on Chrome for desktops for quite some time. However, it is the first time we are seeing it being tested on its Android counterpart, at least in the Canary build.
As of now, it’s not clear when Google will begin rolling out the new feature for Android or iOS devices. However, since it’s available in the Canary version, it shouldn’t take much time to reach the Stable Channel users.
Chrome for Android is also getting another feature to help you manage inactive tabs
Furthermore, Chrome for Android is also getting another important feature in the near future. The upcoming functionality will help users to declutter and manage inactive tabs. It will automatically manage and delete inactive tabs. The users will have the option to decide if inactive tabs are automatically closed after 60 days.
The feature is already live in the Chrome Canary version for Android. It is expected to be available to all users in the upcoming Chrome updates.
Amazon has just discontinued its Astro for Business project. The small home robot received a “Business” version at the end of 2023. It was designed for better video surveillance and advanced assistance. However, it seems that it did not go as well as the company expected.
Astro was born as a home robot with autonomous movement. The device brings together home surveillance, remote management, and an Alexa-powered virtual assistant. The design of the robot was thought to mimic a pet, so it is kind of adorable too. It even supports a good variety of “facial expressions,” which gives it more life. Some time later, Amazon saw potential in offering a “for Business” version of the product.
Amazon will disconnect all Astro for Business units on September 25
Astro for Business offered more monitoring and assistance options compared to the Home version. That said, Amazon will shut down the product starting September 25. Apparently, it’s not possible to convert a “Business” model to a “Home” one, so the only option is to throw it away. Amazon spokesperson Courtney Ramirez said Astro for Business buyers will receive a free shipping label to facilitate their recycling.
It’s worth noting that this development does not mean that Amazon will lay off workers. While Amazon Astro for Business has been discontinued, the Home version lives on. In fact, the company says they are “excited about the in-home experiences we’re inventing for Astro.” Meanwhile, Astro for Business buyers will also receive a full refund plus $300 Amazon credit.
Home version still alive; improvements in development
The first Astro for Home buyers paid $1,000 for the robot. Later, its price increased to $1,449.99, receiving another increase to 1,599.99. If you are a user of the Home version, it doesn’t seem like you have to fear a possible discontinuation. In fact, a leak from last year mentioned some of the possible improvements it could receive. These include increased memory and understanding, detection of potential dangers on the floor, and more.
