Nothing is preparing a new product for January 2024

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Nothing is preparing a new product for January 2024
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Nothing is preparing to launch a new product, and it seems to be coming in January next year. What is that? Well, chances are we’re looking at the Nothing Ear (3) earbuds here, at least based on the info provided by Mashable India.

Nothing is preparing to launch a new product early next year

This information is allegedly coming from “trusted internal sources”, though we have no details on the new product. All we know at this point is that the mysterious product is supposed to be the Nothing Ear (3).

So, we’re about to get a new pair of truly wireless earbuds from Nothing. The Nothing Ear (1) didn’t really live up to the hype, while the Ear (2) presented a notable improvement. Can the Nothing Ear (3) raise up the ante considerably? Well, we’ll see.

The Nothing Ear (1) launched back in the summer of 2021. The Nothing Ear (2) earbuds arrived in March 2023. We did not expect the Nothing Ear (3) until the end of Q3 2024, at the earliest, but it seems like they’re coming in January.

The Nothing Ear (2) earbuds looked very similar to the first-gen model. There were some slight changes to size and some detail on the earbuds, but many people wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

The Nothing Ear (3) likely won’t represent a huge design change

Chances are that Nothing will stick with its design language with the third-gen model too. We have no idea what the product will look like, but if we had to guess, we’d say similar to the first two generations.

We’re expecting more improvements under the hood, though. The Nothing Ear (2) offered decent battery life, and fast charging, along with Bluetooth 5.3 support, and AAC, SBC, and LHDC 5.0 codecs. They were also Hi-Res audio certified.

The Ear (2) included plenty of features, so Nothing will have to do something noteworthy in order to up its game. There’s always room for improvement, of course, and both sound and ANC are the main fields we’re expecting to see them.


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Spotify Premium users can now access 15 hours of free audiobooks

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Spotify Premium users can now access 15 hours of free audiobooks
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Nearly a month after announcing its foray into the audiobook space, Spotify is finally rolling out its audiobook service to Premium subscribers in the United States. And although the platform claims to provide free access to over 70% of bestselling titles for users to enjoy, there is a catch.

How does the system work?

According to Spotify, the process of getting your favourite audiobook is pretty simple. Users can search for titles or navigate through the audiobook hub, add the desired books to their library, and begin listening. Additionally, to simplify the process further, out of the 200,000 audiobooks available for free to Premium users, the company will clearly mark audiobooks accessible for streaming with an “Included in Premium” tag.

Although Spotify claims to cover a wide range of books, from celebrity memoirs like Britney Spears’ “The Woman in Me” to works such as Jesmyn Ward’s “Let Us Descend,” not all audiobooks are free for streaming, thus requiring a direct purchase from the user.

A slew of restrictions

Unlike Audible, which offers unrestricted access, Spotify’s audiobook service imposes a limit of 15 hours of listening per month. Once a user reaches the limit, they must wait until the following month to continue listening or pay $12.99 for an additional 10 hours. Additionally, it is important to note that listening to past audiobooks also counts toward the allocated time, and users can neither carry over unused hours to the next month nor adjust the playback speed of a free audiobook.

Furthermore, the 15-hour listening limit applies to only one member of the Duo and Family plans, leaving the rest to rely on the costly $12.99 option.

“We’ll be working on more ways to unlock access to Premium audiobooks in the future, but for now, primary account holders on Family and Duo plans will receive the monthly audiobooks allocation,” reads Spotify’s blog post.

How does this system compare to other streaming apps?

When comparing Audible and Spotify, both have chosen a different path to audiobooks. This is because Audible offers a premium subscription at $15 a month, granting users access to popular bestsellers and the ability to permanently own these books. However, unlike Spotify, Audible users are limited to one book credit per month, thus requiring additional purchases for more titles.


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Google update makes it easier to sync Chrome on iOS

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Google update makes it easier to sync Chrome on iOS
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Google announced a small, yet important Chrome update that will make it simpler to sync your bookmarks, passwords and any other information when switching between different devices.

The new feature is available on iOS devices and will completely remove the need to set up Chrome sync to get all your information in the browser from one device to another.

Instead, you can now sign in to Chrome to save new things in your Google Account and access what’s already there. Basically, it’s exactly how other Google apps on iOS work, so the entire process of syncing Chrome should feel familiar after the change.
Google update makes it easier to sync Chrome on iOS

First, you must sign in to Chrome. Then, proceed to saving your important information to your account, including bookmarks, reading lists, passwords, payment info, addresses and settings. Additionally, you’ll be able to synchronize your tabs and browsing history from Chrome on iOS to your Google Account if you want.

Some may want an extra layer of privacy and avoid syncing tabs and browsing history between devices, but it’s meant to make it easier to pick up browsing where you left off.

It’s important to mention that signing in to Chrome on iOS will remain optional, which means that you can still save your bookmarks, passwords and other information without signing in, but they will only be available on the device where you saved them. Obviously, users can continue to sign in to other Google apps without signing in to Chrome.

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Google Drive could get a rather odd UI update on Android

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Google Drive could get a rather odd UI update on Android
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The Google Drive app could soon get a rather odd UI update on Android. This information comes from AssembleDebug, a trusted source of Google leaks. The info was shared via X.

That being said, the source shared two screenshots, of what the Google Drive app looks now, and what it may look like in the future. As part of this test, Google is not revamping the app entirely, but quite a few visual changes are included here, and not everyone would agree they’re for the better.

Google is testing a rather odd UI update for Google Drive on Android

If you check out the images below, you’ll see what we mean. The new design highlights the backgrounds of all folders in a grid view. Truth be said, that doesn’t really look that great to us. It doesn’t look as “clean” as it does on the current UI.

Furthermore, the ‘+’ button is now wider, as it includes the word ‘New’ next to it. This button allows you to create new folders, files, scan a document, and more. It’s basically for creating new entries in Google Drive.

Now, another difference here is the lack of a status bar in the new UI. Truth be said, it will probably still be there, this is probably done this way just for representation purposes. Google has no reason to block out the status bar while you’re running Google Drive, of course. So don’t worry.

We’re not sure where the source got this image, but the change is likely coming

We are not sure where AssembleDebug got this image. We’re not sure if this is what Google’s doing in a specific Google Drive version at the moment, or perhaps it’s rolling out the redesign to some people only, for testing purposes. It could also be a change hidden behind a flag, we don’t know.

In any case, considering that this design is in testing at the moment, it’s possible Google will push it out to everyone at some point. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen, but chances are it will.


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Amazon Fire TVs will now include more ads than ever

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Amazon Fire TVs will now include more ads than ever
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Amazon’s Fire TV Stick has been the most popular way for users to turn their regular TVs into smart ones. However, after years of providing a cheap and straightforward upgrade option, Amazon is now turning to prominent ads to recoup its investments.

While Amazon’s Fire TV sticks have always included ads, they were primarily exclusive to the home page. However, according to Charlotte Maines, the head of Amazon Fire TV’s advertising department, the company will introduce new ad formats that not only offer companies more advertising space but may also impact the overall user experience.

How would these ads work?

Reports suggest that Amazon plans to implement ads in three different formats. The first format would use Alexa, equipped with generative AI, to help users discover content. While this may seem like a useful feature, the company plans to integrate ads within these search results. For instance, when a user asks Alexa to find a movie featuring Robert Downey Jr., the search results will display ads for shows or movies starring the actor.

Similarly, the second type of ad format will appear when a user is browsing the TV catalogue. Lastly, the third format, known as the “Cadillac of ad spots,” will open up the Featured banner at the top of the Home Screen to all advertisers rather than being exclusive to streaming services.

Why is Amazon doubling down on ads?

Given the slowdown in the streaming business, Amazon’s shift towards ads is evident since the company now generates more revenue from these advertisements than from its subscription fees. Additionally, to make matters worse, these ads will not be limited to Amazon’s Fire TV devices but will extend to third-party vendors, such as TCL, who use the Fire TV platform on their TVs.

However, this shift could also potentially impact its customer base. Recognizing this issue, Maines stated, “If you do not enjoy using your Fire TV, you will stop using it. Then I don’t have an opportunity for advertisers because I don’t have a user.”


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Wind of change: Apple recognizes the inevitability of third-party app stores in Europe

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Wind of change: Apple recognizes the inevitability of third-party app stores in Europe
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In 2022, the European Union introduced the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into application across the countries in the EU a year later this May. Apple and other big tech companies, seen as gatekeepers, have probably known for a while, maybe even years, that they would have to follow the new competition rules. Recently, European officials once again urged Apple to open its ecosystem to competitors, and now it looks like it might finally have to do it.
 
TechCrunch reports that Apple seems to have acknowledged the inevitable and stated that it “expects to make” changes to its App Store policies to align with the DMA. The adjustment in language appears in the updated risk factors section of Apple’s fiscal year 2023 Form 10-K filing. This alteration signifies a departure from the company’s previous stance, conveying a more definite commitment to potential modifications in App Store policies.


Apple has stated that forthcoming changes could impact how it charges developers for platform access, the management of app distribution beyond the App Store, and the extent to which it allows developers to communicate with consumers regarding alternative purchasing mechanisms within the App Store.


The DMA’s primary objective is to shift competition enforcement against tech giants by imposing specific obligations on designated gatekeepers, like Apple, Google, and Meta, from the outset. These obligations include not hindering business users from promoting their own offers to end users and prohibiting the prevention of third-party app store installations.


In a client report, analysts from Morgan Stanley investment banking company expressed their belief that Apple’s altered language confirms the imminent arrival of App Store changes. They anticipate that Apple will likely introduce third-party app stores on devices in Europe, positioning the company well to compete due to the “App Store’s security, centralization, and convenience.”


The deadline for gatekeepers to comply with the DMA is March 7, 2024, with penalties for infringements reaching up to 10% of global annual turnover—potentially more for repeated offenses. The tech industry braces itself for significant transformations as the DMA reshapes the landscape for major players in the EU.


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OnePlus details main & telephoto cameras for OnePlus 12

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OnePlus details main & telephoto cameras for OnePlus 12
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OnePlus has decided to shed more light on the main and telephoto cameras coming to the OnePlus 12. The company did this via its social media channels in China.

OnePlus details main & telephoto cameras for its OnePlus 12 flagship

Before we get into it, it’s worth noting that the Sony LYT-808 (LYTIA) camera sensor was confirmed for the OnePlus 12 quite recently. The same goes for a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. The thing is, OnePlus didn’t, until now, confirm the details regarding that telephoto camera. The company also shared more camera info in general.

Having said that, the company re-confirmed that the Sony LYT-808 will be used for the main camera. That is a variation of the Sony LYT-T808 camera sensor which is used in the OnePlus Open. The LYT-808 is made for non-foldable phones.

OnePlus actually claims that the Sony LYT-808 is the most powerful sensor in its class. We’ll have to see once the phone arrives, but it does look great on paper. The LYT-T808 also proved its worth on the OnePlus Open. Still, the LYT-900 is technically considered a more powerful sensor, so… we’ll see.

The phone’s periscope telephoto camera will be quite capable too, it seems

Now, in addition to that 50-megapixel LYT-808 sensor, the OnePlus 12 will also include a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. That will be a 1/2-inch sensor with an f/2.6 aperture lens. OIS will be supported, and you’ll get 3x optical zoom here. 6x hybrid zoom will likely be included too, though, as is on the OnePlus Open.

This will certainly be an improvement over the OnePlus 11, which offered 2x optical zoom. It also had a regular telephoto camera.

While revealing this info, OnePlus also highlighted some new OPPO image algorithms which will be used. The Ultra-Clear Image Quality Algorithm for clear and accurate pictures was mentioned. The same goes for a Hyperlight and Shadow Algorithm for balanced contrast, and a Natural Color Algorithm with Hasselblad’s natural color optimizations.

To wrap up, OnePlus also said that the OnePlus 12 will support a 2K resolution ‘ProXDR’ display.


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Samsung unveils Galaxy AI, a comprehensive mobile AI solution

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Samsung unveils Galaxy AI, a comprehensive mobile AI solution
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Samsung has opened up about its new AI technologies that will transform the Galaxy smartphone experience starting next year. The company says its Galaxy AI will give users an on-device artificial intelligence experience that they haven’t seen anywhere before. The Galaxy S24 series is expected to debut the solution.

Galaxy AI is coming to usher in a new era of mobile AI

Last month, a report emerged that Samsung plans to make the Galaxy S24 trio the “best AI phones” ever. The two chipsets powering the 2020 Galaxy flagships—Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Samsung’s Exynos 2400—already bring an unprecedented boost in AI performance. In fact, with the rapid expansion of the generative AI trend, AI performance has been a key focus for all chipmakers this year.

Earlier this week, Samsung unveiled its long-rumored generative AI model called Samsung Gauss. It consists of language, code generation, and image-generation tools. The company said it is already using the service internally to enhance employee productivity. It plans to make the tool public through its products next year. Ahead of that, the Korean behemoth has given us a glimpse of what the Galaxy AI will bring to the table.

According to Samsung, Galaxy AI is a comprehensive mobile AI solution that will enhance your everyday mobile experience. “Designed to empower everyone, everywhere, Galaxy AI is universal intelligence on your phone as you’ve never seen it before. In all the places it matters most — from barrier-free communication to simplified productivity, to unconstrained creativity — we’re unleashing new possibilities,” the company said.

An example of its capabilities is the live translation of audio calls. With the built-in AI Live Translate Call feature, Galaxy users will be able to translate calls across several languages in real time as they speak. Along with the translated audio, you also get a transcription of the call in the desired language, all in real-time. The tool is integrated into the native call feature and doesn’t require a standalone app.

It’s like a major upgrade for Bixby Text Call. Samsung hasn’t said anything about the future of Bixby following the arrival of Galaxy AI. It might make the AI assistant more powerful and proactive. Rumors say Samsung’s new AI features will also improve many other aspects of the smartphone experience, including cameras. And everything happens on-device, ensuring that your data doesn’t leave your phone at any point.

Samsung Galaxy AI

The Galaxy S24 series phones are expected to feature the new tool

Samsung says Galaxy AI is coming early next year. This more or less confirms that the tool will debut with the Galaxy S24 series, which is rumored to arrive on January 17, 2024. It may eventually push some of the new AI features to other models through software updates. Hardware limitations (less powerful NPUs) may make some features incompatible on older devices, though.

“Breakthrough experiences that empower real connection and open up new possibilities right from your phone. That’s Galaxy’s promise,” Samsung said in a press release. “This is just a glimpse of what’s to come. Life opens up with Galaxy, so get ready for a new era of mobile AI.”


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YouTube update introduces new “For You” section for creators

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YouTube update introduces new “For You” section for creators
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YouTube announced a new feature specifically tailored for creators, a “For you” section available from the Home tab. The new section has been designed to recommend YouTube users various content from the creator’s channel based on their watch history.

Announced this week, the new feature will be rolled out to viewers starting November 20, but YouTube creators should already be able to check it out and configure it as they see fit.

The “For you” section gives your audience a tailored experience when visiting your channel Home tab. This section surfaces a mix of personalized content based on what the individual viewer has watched. You can choose what types of content to show and select to show only content recently posted within the last 12 months.

Even though YouTube is now rolling out the feature, not all creators might have access to it yet. But if you do, here is how you can edit your “For you” section:

  • Sign in to YouTube Studio
  • From the left menu, select Customization / Layout
  • Scroll down to “Recommendations for your viewers,” and click More settings
  • Select the content types you want to show and whether to only show content that was posted within the last 12 months
  • Click Done
  • Click Publish

In addition to that, creators can turn “For you” section on or off by following the same procedure, but instead of selecting the content type switch the section or on or off.

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HONOR 100 series coming with blazing fast charging

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HONOR 100 series coming with blazing fast charging
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The HONOR 100 series is on the way, and a recent certification has confirmed that it will support blazing fast charging. Two HONOR 100 devices were certified by the 3C authority in China, thus confirming the peak charging speed.

The HONOR 100 series will support blazing fast charging, certification confirms

The upcoming HONOR 100 series will support 100W fast wired charging. The HONOR MAA-AN10 and MA-AN00 have surfaced on the 3C website, and both support 100W wired charging. It has also been revealed that both will support 5G connectivity, as expected.

Now, you’ll notice that there are two smartphones mentioned here, while HONOR is expected to announce three. The HONOR 100, HONOR 100 Pro, and the HONOR 100 GT are expected to launch.

The base model could end up offering slower charging

So, which two smartphones are these? Well, we’re not sure. The HONOR 100 GT will likely just be a different iteration of the HONOR 100 Pro, so chances are that both of them will offer 100W charging.

On the flip side, the HONOR 100 could as well, but if HONOR ends up going the HONOR 90 route, it won’t. The HONOR 90 supports 66W wired charging, while the HONOR 90 Pro offers 90W wired charging.

That being said, the HONOR 90 series does not support wireless charging. The same is expected with the HONOR 100 series, but the company could yet surprise us, that’s for sure.

The HONOR 100 Pro will likely ship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC

Now, we don’t have much spec info regarding these phones, but the HONOR 100 Pro will likely include the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. Its predecessor offers the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, so it makes sense.

The HONOR 100 will likely ship with an inferior SoC, while the ‘GT’ model could include the same chip as the ‘Pro’ variant.

Do note that the HONOR 100 series does not represent HONOR’s flagship lineup. These are the company’s mid-range offerings, even though the ‘Pro’ model is usually closer to the flagship lineup.

The HONOR Magic 6 Pro, which is expected to arrive in Q1 2024, will be the company’s flagship. Well, that entire lineup, to be quite honest.


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