In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, Google Cloud has introduced Veo, an advanced video generation model, and Imagen 3, its highest-quality image generation model to date. Both models are now available on Vertex AI, aiming to empower businesses to effortlessly create high-definition visuals from simple text or image prompts.
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Breaking New Ground with Veo
Developed by Google DeepMind, Veo stands as the first hyperscaler to offer image-to-video capabilities. It allows companies to transform existing creative assets into dynamic visuals, streamlining video production workflows. With an advanced understanding of natural language and visual semantics, Veo generates videos that closely align with user prompts, ensuring realistic movement of people, animals, and objects throughout shots.
Imagen 3 surpasses its predecessors in detail, lighting, and artefact reduction, producing photorealistic images from simple text prompts. Starting next week, all Vertex AI customers can access Imagen 3 to generate high-definition images that reflect their brand’s style and logos, useful for marketing, advertising, or product design. New features like image editing and customization provide greater control, allowing users to infuse their brand elements into generated images.
Prioritizing Safety and Responsibility
In line with Google’s AI Principles, both Veo and Imagen 3 come with built-in safety features. Digital watermarking via Google DeepMind’s SynthID embeds invisible watermarks into every generated image and video frame, helping to reduce misinformation and misattribution concerns. Safety filters protect against the creation of harmful content, and robust data governance ensures customer data is processed only according to user instructions, without being used to train the models.
Real-World Applications and Customer Success
Companies like Mondelez International are leveraging these models to accelerate campaign content creation, producing hundreds of thousands of customized assets for brands like Oreo and Cadbury. WPP, a global leader in marketing and communication services, is integrating Veo and Imagen 3 into its AI-powered operating system, WPP Open, to streamline content ideation and production. Agoda, a digital travel platform, is testing the models to generate unique images and videos of travel destinations, enhancing their marketing efforts.
The introduction of Veo and Imagen 3 on Vertex AI marks a significant advancement in enterprise AI models. By offering tools that simplify the creation of high-quality visuals, Google Cloud is enabling businesses to innovate in their marketing and product design efforts without incurring substantial time or financial costs.
Google Cloud’s latest offerings signal a shift towards democratizing advanced AI tools for businesses of all sizes. While the technology is impressive, its true impact will depend on how companies integrate these models responsibly into their workflows. As AI continues to evolve, striking a balance between innovation and ethical considerations will be key to unlocking its full potential.
The Chinese smartphone brand Vivo is preparing to launch its next camera-focused lineup- the Vivo X200 Series in India. The company has officially announced the launch date of the upcoming smartphone which is expected to include two models Vivo X200 and Vivo X200 Pro. In China, the Vivo X200 Series consists of three models — the vanilla Vivo X200, X200 Pro, and X200 Pro Mini. It was introduced in October.
Vivo X200 Series India launch is set for December 12. The launch event will begin at 12 noon IST. The upcoming smartphone lineup will be available for purchase via Amazon in the country. In India, the company is likely to introduce only two variants vanilla and Pro. In October the smartphone series was launched in China and included three models Vivo X200, X200 Pro, and X200 Pro Mini.
A few days back an India tipster suggested the devices will go on sale in the country on December 19. He also revealed the expected launch date at the same time.
The Vivo X200 and Pro models have 6.67-inch and 6.78-inch displays with 1.5K OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, and 4500 nits peak brightness. They feature MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, up to 16GB RAM, and 1TB internal storage. Operating on Origin OS 5, they have a 5,800mAh battery for the X200 and a 6,000mAh battery for the Pro, with 90W wired fast charging support.
The Vivo X200 features a Zeiss-powered 50MP 1/1.56-inch Sony IMX921 main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 50MP Sony IMX882 telephoto sensor. On the other hand, the Pro model comes with a 50MP LYT-818 primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 200MP Zeiss APO telephoto sensor with a V3+ imaging chip. Both models have a 32MP selfie camera.
Garena Free Fire Max is a battle royale game with regular awards and tournaments to keep players interested. If you play Garena Free Fire, you should be aware of the redeem codes that are released on a daily basis. However, because the battle royale game is banned in India, players from other countries can use theFree Fire Redeem codes daily. If you’re unfamiliar with the Garena Free Fire redeem codes or don’t know how to get them, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help youredeem them. Check out Garena Free Fire Max Redeem Codes for 4 December 2024.
The Free Fire Max redeemcodes are a great way to get free stuff. These are 12-digit codes that contain alphabets and numbers, as well as an expiration date and time. Because the Garena FF redeem codes cannot be used more than once, you should hurry to the redemption page to claim your free reward before someone else does. To get a free reward, all you have to do is go toreward.ff.garena.com/en, which is the official redemption page. Also, keep an eye on this space for daily updates on Garena Free Fire Max redemption codes and rewards.
Are you looking for today’s Wordle for December 4, 2024? The problem is difficult to solve, so if you need assistance, we’ve included hints and the answer to the December 4 Wordle.
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Hints and Answers for Today’s Wordle December 4
Before answering directly, please check the December 4 Wordle Hints first.
Hint 1: Today’s Wordle answer includes no vowels. Hint 2: The answer for today has no repeating letter. Hint 3: An underground room or vault beneath a church, used as a chapel or burial place.
What word does today’s Wordle begin with?
Do you need help with today’s Wordle answer’s initial letter?
The first letter in today’s Wordle is “C”
Today’s Wordle Answer December 4 #1264
The answer to Wordle #1264 on December 4, 2024, is — CRYPT
Wordle: A Five-Letter Word Guessing Game • The game allows six guesses of a five-letter word. • Provide feedback on guessed letters’ placement in the puzzle. • The New York Times purchased the game in 2022. • Created by Josh Wardle for his partner, narrowing down 12,000 English words to 2,500. • Named after the word “word.”
How To Play Wordle?
Wordle is a New York Times word puzzle game that allows users to guess a five-letter word in six attempts. The letters are highlighted in Yellow and Green, indicating whether the word is present in the answer or not, and Green letters indicate the correct guess.
Select a powerful starting word: Avoid using unusual words, as they frequently do not match common letters. A good opening word has plenty of benefits.
Repeating letters: Don’t be afraid of repeating letters; they appear frequently in words. The answer may contain one or two repeated letters.
Use the Wordlebot: The NYT’s Wordlebot analyses and compares replies to itself. This challenge can assist you enhance guessing skills and highlight areas for development.
4 December 2024: New Amazon Quiz is now available. Customers from different parts of the country are participating in the daily quiz. The quiz starts at midnight today and will be live until 11:59 PM tonight. By successfully answering every question, participants in the quiz have the chance to win wonderful rewards. Up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance is up for grabs to participants today.
One wrong answer could eliminate you from the quiz. You have a chance to win up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance if you successfully answer every question. Users of the app only have the opportunity to take the quiz. Check Out 4 December 2024 Amazon Quiz Answers.
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Are you not able to find Amazon FunZone? Click below and participate.
We have written an explainer above, you can refer to that.
When are the winners of the Amazon Quiz and contest announced or declared?
The announcement of today’s Amazon quiz winner will take place Tomorrow. As for the Special Quiz and “Spin & Win” Contest, the winners will be declared once the Quiz Contest comes to an end. To find out who the lucky winner is, you can refer to the Amazon Quiz Winners List or visit the Amazon Winners tab in the Amazon App.
How to participate in the Daily Amazon Quiz?
That is very easy, just got to the Amazon app and scroll to the bottom of the page and you will find the Quiz section. Click on it (usually it is called the fun zone) and you can enter the Amazon Today Quiz Contest.
Are there any other quizzes or contests running on Amazon daily?
Yes, there are many running on a daily basis. These range from spinning the wheel to answering the questions correctly. All are located in the Fun Zone.
What are the criteria for selecting a winner in the Daily Amazon Quiz?
When a qualified player submits correct answers to all the questions, they will automatically be entered into a lucky draw. This draw will include all participants who answered all the questions correctly. Amazon randomly selects the final winners from the pool of eligible participants who gave the right answers.
Which Types of Questions are asked within Amazon Daily Quiz?
These are very simple and straightforward questions. These are mainly related to general knowledge.
Where should I look for Amazon Daily Quiz answers?
You can bookmark our website www.gadgetbridge.com as we will help you every day with the Amazon Daily Quiz. We bring you fresh answers every day for the Amazon Daily Quiz and Contest.
What time does Amazon Announce previous winners?
The previous winner’s name will be announced today at 12 PM (noon).
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms on the internet, which makes it a hotbed for scammers. To combat this, Instagram offers users certain filters to control who can message them on the platform. These filters come in quite handy if you’re trying to ward off scammers or random accounts filling up your inbox. They also act as excellent organisational tools that keep your inbox from becoming a cluttered mess. So, without further ado, check out how you can control who messages you on Instagram.
The ‘Requests’ folder comes in quite handy if you’re trying to keep your Instagram inbox decluttered. This folder can be accessed from the inbox itself. When you respond to a message in the Requests folder, the conversation gets moved to your main inbox. Think of this folder as a purgatory for conversations. When you view a message belonging to a conversation in this folder, the sender does not get a read receipt. You can choose to delete the message and block the user if you’re suspicious of their conduct.
By default, messages from people you don’t follow end up in the Requests folder. This includes your followers and other random accounts on the platform. Using your profile settings, you can restrict messages from these users altogether. Messages from people you follow (and mutual followers) land in your main inbox directly.
Choose how others can interact with you on Instagram
Step 1: Launch the Instagram app and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Hit the hamburger menu in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Scroll down to the ‘How others can interact with you’ section and tap on Messages and story replies.
Step 4: Tap on Message requests.
Step 5: Tap on Your followers on Instagram.
Step 6: If you want to block messages from your followers altogether, select Don’t receive requests. Otherwise, select Message requests.
Step 7: Go back and select Others on Instagram. This category includes people who don’t follow you.
Step 8: Choose whether you want to open message requests for ‘Others’ or restrict them from messaging you altogether.
Block the Instagram account
Since there is no way to stop an individual user from messaging you on Instagram, your only option to prevent them from reaching out to you is blocking their account. Here’s how you can go about it.
Step 1:Launch the Instagram app and go to the user’s profile.
Step 2: Hit the ellipses in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Hit Block.
Step 4:Confirm your selection in the pop-up box.
Set your account to private
If your account is public, anyone can contact you on Instagram. You can set your account to private to prevent scammers and non-followers from messaging you. Here’s how.
Step 1:Launch the Instagram app on your phone and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Hit the hamburger menu in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap on Account privacy.
Step 4: Turn on the toggle switch next to Private account.
Bonus Tip: Restrict someone on Instagram
If you don’t want to receive messages from a specific profile but don’t want to block it either, try the ‘restrict’ option. Restricting a user on Instagram redirects their DMs to the ‘Requests’ folder.
Step 1: Go to the Instagram profile.
Step 2: Hit the ellipses in the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Hit Restrict.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to control messages on Instagram?
Go to your Instagram profile, tap the hamburger menu, and go to Messages and story replies>Message requests.
Can you control who can DM you on Instagram?
You can choose to restrict messages on Instagram from followers and non-followers or redirect them to the Requests folder; however, you cannot restrict messages from a single person.
Can I turn off messages on Instagram?
To turn off messages on Instagram, go to profile settings, navigate to Messages and story replies>Message requests>Followers, and select ‘Don’t accept requests’. Go to the previous page and do the same for non-followers as well.
How to stop a message from sending on Instagram?
Go to your Instagram DMs, select a conversation, long-press a message, and hit ‘Unsend’.
How to make Instagram private?
Go to your Instagram profile, tap the hamburger menu, select ‘Account privacy’, and turn on the toggle switch next to ‘Private account’.
These are the top 3 ways to control who messages you on Instagram. If you don’t want someone’s comments on your posts to be visible to other users, consider restricting their profile. If you have any other questions, let us know in the comments!
iQOO’s newest flagship smartphone is finally here. The iQOO 13 is priced at Rs 54,999 and packs the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. What’s interesting about the gaming specialist is that it takes some inspiration from its Vivo V Series sibling. A sleek LED strip runs around the camera array of the iQOO 13 – much like the Aura light on the Vivo V30 Pro and V40 Pro. However, unlike the Aura Light, you can do a lot more with iQOO’s Dynamic Light. Let’s take a look at how you can enable and use the Dynamic Light on your iQOO 13.
While Vivo’s Aura Light serves its purpose as a ring/fill light, the Dynamic Light on iQOO 13 has an RGB effect that comes to life in different scenarios. Here are some of the common functions that can trigger this LED strip.
Incoming Calls
Notifications
Music
Battery level
Gaming
The range of customisation options offered for the Dynamic Light is very exhaustive. You can change its intensity, colour, and even the effect. There’s an option to keep it turned on at all times. If you want to conserve your battery life, you can set a schedule for the light.
Enable the Dynamic Light on iQOO 13
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Shortcuts & accessibility.
Step 3: Select Dynamic light.
Step 4: Turn on the toggle switch next to Dynamic light.
Step 5: Tap on Active period and choose whether you want the light to be active all day or within a fixed schedule.
Step 6: Go to the previous page and use the brightness slider to set the intensity.
Step 7: Tap the function for which you want to enable the Dynamic Light.
Step 8: Turn on the toggle switch.
Step 9: Set the effect and the colour.
Step 10: If you want to keep the Dynamic light active at all times, go to the previous page and tap on Atmospheric light effect.
Step 11: Turn on the toggle switch and set the effect, speed, and colour.
Add the Atmospheric light effect tile to the Quick Settings Menu
For easier access to the Dynamic Light, you can add its tile to the Quick Settings Menu.
Step 1: Swipe down from the status bar to reveal the Quick Settings Menu.
Step 2: Hit the pencil icon.
Step 3: Drag the Atmospheric light effect tile from the bottom panel to the top panel.
Step 4: Go back.
You can tap this tile any time you want to turn on the Dynamic Light.
Enable Dynamic Light for gaming
Step 1: Go to Settings and tap on Ultra Game Mode.
Step 2: Scroll down and select Game light effects.Step 3: Switch to the Rear camera light effect tab.
Step 4: Set the brightness and tap on Common scenario settings.
Step 5: Turn on the toggle switch next to the scenarios in which you want the Dynamic Light to become active.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the price of iQOO 13?
Prices for iQOO 13 start at Rs 54,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model and go up to Rs 59,999 for the 16GB RAM + 512GB storage variant.
iQOO 13 is powered by the latest flagship processor from Qualcomm – Snapdragon 8 Elite.
How do I turn on the Dynamic Light on my iQOO 13?
Go to Settings>Shortcuts & accessibility>Dynamic light and turn on the toggle switch. Go through the list of functions and choose which ones you want to sync with the light.
Is iQOO owned by Sony?
iQOO is a subsidiary brand of Vivo and falls under the umbrella of BBK Electronics.
This is how you can turn on the Dynamic Light on your iQOO 13. While enabling the Atmospheric Light Effect is great for aesthetics, it can drain your phone’s battery at a faster pace. Set a schedule for the Dynamic Light if you want to preserve your phone’s battery life. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!
Today, iQOO 13 debuted in India. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC and 4+5 years of security updates are included with the gaming smartphone. It features a triple back camera array and a Q10 2K 144Hz Ultra Eyecare display. The device currently competes with the Oppo Find X8, another flagship phone. We have compared both phones to help you in selecting the flagship that best suits your requirements. Here are iQOO 13 and Oppo Find X8 compared.
iQOO 13: Triple rear cameras: a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel sensor with a telephoto lens, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens
Oppo Find X8: A 50-megapixel Sony LTY-700 primary sensor, a secondary 50-megapixel ultrawide lens with 120 degrees FoV and a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
Selfie camera
iQOO 13: 32-megapixel sensor
Oppo Find X8: 32-megapixel front-facing camera
RAM and storage
iQOO 13: 12GB RAM with 256GB storage/12GB RAM with 512GB storage/16GB RAM with 512GB storage/16GB RAM with 512GB storage
Oppo Find X8: 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage/16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage
Battery
iQOO 13: 6,150mAh battery
Oppo Find X8: 5,630mAh battery
Operating System
iQOO 13: OriginOS 5 with Android 15 out
Oppo Find X8: ColorOS 15, which is based on Android 15
The iQOO 13 is a gaming gadget that uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and has RGB lights and a faster refresh rate. A more advanced gadget with balanced power and wireless charging is the Find X8. Both phones have a variety of charging options, however, the Find X8 is best suited for multimedia and photography fans, while the iQOO 13 is best for users on a tight budget searching for a Snapdragon 8 Elite phone for gamers and performance seekers.
As 2024 comes to an end, it is time to look back and assess the smartphone releases that took place this year. While stalwarts like Apple, Samsung, and Google led the charge in AI innovation, tech outfits like Oppo, OnePlus, and Vivo also stepped up their game to bridge the gap. Despite AI dominating most of the headlines around smartphone releases, incredible strides were also made in terms of hardware, cameras, and processors. Let’s take a look at the top 10 smartphones to come out in 2024.
Samsung has a reputation for putting out the most complete and powerful smartphone as the top-spec model in its Galaxy S series every year. This year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra continues the tradition. This smartphone has very few peers that can match its raw performance. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra puts up incredible benchmark numbers and backs them up in everyday performance. Its extravagant rear camera panel comprises not 3 but 4 lenses – a 200MP primary shooter, 12MP ultrawide lens, 10MP telephoto lens, and 50MP periscope telephoto lens. The S24 Ultra is one of the few flagship smartphones that still rocks a stylus. Read our review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max belongs in the upper echelon of smartphones released in 2024. It marks the debut of Apple Intelligence, the AI suite of features from Apple. There are some hardware upgrades on offer too – the smartphone now comes with a dedicated button for camera controls. This button acts as a shutter and can also be used to change the exposure, depth, zoom, style, and tone. The 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display has a 120Hz refresh rate and can reach 2,000 nits in High Brightness Mode. The smartphone packs the new 3nm Apple A18 Pro chipset under its hood. Its rear camera panel comprises a 48MP primary shooter, a 48MP ultrawide lens, a 12MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a TOF 3D LiDAR scanner.
Google’s top-spec Pixel 9 Pro XL was one of the best smartphones to come out in 2024. When other smartphones played it safe with their design language, Google reinvented the Pixel’s rear panel, trimming the camera visor to a bar. The smartphone is flatter with minimal curves around the corners. It draws power from Google’s new in-house Tensor G4, which is a respectable chipset. Pixels are known for their exquisite cameras and the Pixel 9 Pro XL upholds that reputation. Its rear camera array packs a 50MP primary shooter, a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide sensor. The 5,060mAh battery pack lasts an entire day with ease. Read our Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review to know more about the smartphone.
There are several reasons why the OnePlus 12 belongs on this list. Its 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display has a 120Hz refresh rate and can reach a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. It packs the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC under its hood. The 9140 mm² VC cooling system dissipates the heat quickly and keeps the internal temperature in check during high-intensity tasks like gaming and video editing. OnePlus 12’s cameras are tuned by the photography giant Hasselblad. The round camera cutout at the back features a 50MP primary shooter, a 64MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 48MP ultrawide sensor. The 5,400mAh battery pack supports 100W fast charging, which is pretty impressive. Check out our review of the OnePlus 12.
The gaming specialist iQOO 13 is the newest entry in this list. iQOO’s preference for year-end launches gives it the advantage of equipping its smartphones with next year’s flagship processors. The iQOO 13 is powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite, which will feature in most flagship smartphones in 2025. While the smartphone’s design language is consistent with its recent predecessors, the LED indicator around the camera ring is one of the finer touches in the newest model. The Supercomputing Chip Q2 plays a vital role in enhancing the gaming experience. The 7K Ultra VC cooling system keeps the device cool at all times, no matter how demanding the task at hand is. Lastly, the 6,000mAh battery pack inside this device is one of the biggest units we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. It supports 120W wired charging, which is an added bonus.
The Vivo X100 Pro featured one of the best camera systems we’ve seen on a smartphone this year. We reviewed the smartphone as soon as it was released and were blown away by its stunning portrait shots. Vivo’s collaboration with Zeiss yields great results on this smartphone. The 1-inch sensor for the 50MP primary shooter lets in a lot of light and produces detailed results in a wide range of lighting conditions. The 50MP telephoto lens has 4.3x optical zoom. The smartphone packs a 5,400mAh battery pack which supports 100W fast charging. The MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset under its hood puts forward a strong performance.
Released at the tail end of 2024, the Find X8 Pro smartphone from Oppo towers over its peers with its exceptional photography skills, fast processor, and ultra-smooth display. The smartphone features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits of peak brightness. It is powered by MediaTek’s 2025 flagship chipset – Dimensity 9400. The circular camera cutout on the back panel has 4 50MP sensors – primary shooter, ultrawide lens, 3x optical zoom lens (periscope telephoto), and 6x optical zoom lens (periscope telephoto). The 5,910mAh battery pack supports 80W fast charging.
The base variant in the iPhone 16 series has a lot of things going for it. For starters, it features a vertical camera array instead of the diagonal setup from the yesteryears. A 40MP primary shooter and a 12MP ultrawide lens make up this camera array. Up front, the smartphone houses a 12MP selfie camera inside the Dynamic Island. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display can reach 2,000 nits in High Brightness Mode. Like its Pro siblings, the base variant also gets a Camera Control button. Powered by the Apple A18 chipset, this smartphone is equipped to run Apple Intelligence.
Over the years, Xiaomi has proved that it can hang with the heavyweights like Samsung, Google, and Apple. Xiaomi 14 is yet another reminder of that. Its compact form factor, clean design, and powerful processor make it one of the best smartphones of the year. The 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display has a 120Hz refresh rate and can hit 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC produces rock-solid gaming and everyday performance. The 3 50MP sensors for the primary shooter, ultrawide lens, and telephoto camera produce brilliant results. On top of that, the 4,610mAh battery pack supports 90W fast charging. Read our review of the Xiaomi 14 to find out why it is one of the most underrated smartphones of the year.
The vanilla Google Pixel 9 is significantly pricier than its Pixel 8 series counterpart, but it offers some important upgrades. The 6.3-inch OLED display now packs an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor which works at a very rapid pace. The design language of the smartphone is identical to its Pro siblings. It features a camera bar across the flat back panel. The curved edges complement the smartphone’s flat panels. Known for its camera magic, the Pixel 9 features a 50MP primary shooter and a 48MP ultrawide lens. The 4,700mAh battery pack supports 27W wired charging. Read our review of the Google Pixel 9 to know more about the smartphone.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is one of the best compact smartphones to come out in 2024. Well, as compact as a smartphone can get in 2024. Its 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display has a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,400 nits. However, unlike its Ultra sibling, the Galaxy S24 base variant is powered by Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2400 processor. The vertical camera array at the back features a 50MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens, making it one of the rare base variants of a flagship series to pack a telephoto camera. Read our Samsung Galaxy S24 review to find out how the smartphone fared in everyday use.
These are our picks for the 10 best smartphones to be launched in 2024. Stay tuned for our year-end lists for the best midrange and flagship alternative smartphones as well. Think there’s a device that deserves to be on this list? Give it a shout-out in the comments!
On Tuesday Vivo’s sub-brand iQOO launched its flagship and gaming-centric phone iQOO 13 in India. The device comes with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s fastest flagship processor. The Android smartphone also features a Q10 2K 144Hz Ultra Eyecare display and triple rear camera setup. Over that, there is a 6,150 mAh battery. Additionally, there is a 7K Ultra VC cooling system and a new Q2 Supercomputing Chip that enhances the gaming experience.
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iQOO 13 Specifications
The iQOO 13 comes with a Monster Halo lighting effect around the rear camera panel that is customisable. It features a 6.82-inch 2K BOE Q10 8T LTPO 2.0 OLED display with 1,440 x 3,168 pixels of resolution. The display has up to 144Hz refresh rate and HDR support. The phone is water and dust-resistant, having IP68 and IP69 classifications and Schott Xensation Alpha display protection for the display.
The gaming device is driven by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC (which has an excellent AnTuTu score of over 3 million) with up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage. The smartphone comes pre-installed with OriginOS 5 with Android 15 out of the box, and 4+5 years of security updates, making it a durable choice for everyday use. The Funtouch OS 15 will have advanced AI capabilities including AI Photo Enhance, real-time call translation, and LIVE Transcribe in over 80 languages. In addition, Funtouch OS 15 provides UI customisation with over 3,800 design elements including as live and static wallpapers, fingerprint unlock animations, themes, and Always on Display.
The iQOO 13 sports three rear cameras: a 50-megapixel IMX 921 main sensor, a 50-megapixel 100mm sensor with a telephoto lens for portraits, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens. It has a customisable “Energy Halo” LED for dynamic effects and 12 colour options. The front camera uses a 32-megapixel sensor capable of 4K @60FPS videos.
The iQOO 13 has a 6,150mAh battery that supports 120W wired fast charging. The phone incorporates an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for safety. 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, GPS, and a USB Type-C connector are among the available connectivity options. It has a Supercomputing Chip Q2, 2K Game Super Resolution, 144 FPS game frame interpolation, and a 7000mm² VC Cooling System for the best gaming experience. Touch Sampling adjustment, Network switch option, Game Small Window function, and FPS meter are all new features in the redesigned Ultra Game Mode UI.
As for the price, the iQOO 13 can be purchased at Rs 54,999 for the 12GB RAM with 256GB storage variant and Rs 59,999 for the 16GB RAM with 512GB storage option. It will be offered in Nardo Grey and Legend Edition colours with BMW’s iconic red, black, and blue tri-colour stripe in India. The design is identical to the model that debuted in China last month.
The device will go on sale in the country via the e-commerce platform Amazon, company’s website, vivo exclusive stores and mainline retailer on December 10 (for pre-book users) at 10 AM onwards and non pre-booking users will be able to buy from 11 December at 12 noon.
In a sudden turn of events, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger announced his retirement effective December 1, 2024, marking the end of his three-year tenure to revive the struggling chipmaker. The decision, reportedly prompted by frustrations within Intel’s board over its slow progress in reclaiming lost market share, signals a pivotal moment for the once-dominant semiconductor leader.
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A Leader’s Exit, a Legacy Uncertain
Gelsinger’s return to Intel in 2021 was greeted with high expectations. As a long-time Intel veteran and former VMware CEO, he was seen as the ideal candidate to restore the company’s technological dominance. Yet, his ambitious turnaround plans faced stiff headwinds.
From delays in launching cutting-edge technology to missteps in the AI chip race—dominated by Nvidia—Intel struggled to regain momentum. Even Microsoft’s AI-driven PC launch snubbed Intel as a partner, further highlighting the company’s faltering position.
Despite receiving $7.9 billion in federal funding under the CHIPS and Science Act to bolster its domestic manufacturing, Intel’s next-gen chipmaking initiatives have stalled. Gelsinger’s proposed spin-off of Intel’s chipmaking business, coupled with halts in factory construction across Europe, only added to the turmoil.
Interim Leadership Amid Market Jitters
Following Gelsinger’s departure, Intel’s CFO David Zinsner and Intel Products CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus will serve as interim co-CEOs. Meanwhile, board member Frank Yeary has stepped in as interim executive chair. The leadership shake-up underscores Intel’s precarious position as it faces fierce competition in both AI and traditional chipmaking sectors.
Investors reacted with mixed feelings. Intel’s stock saw an initial 6% surge before settling with a slight decline, reflecting lingering doubts about its future.
A Tenuous Path Forward
Under Gelsinger, Intel’s revenue suffered, with its chipmaking division reporting $7 billion in operating losses in 2023. Layoffs affecting over 15,000 employees added to the internal strain. Critics argue that Intel’s late entry into AI chips and inability to execute on ambitious manufacturing goals have left it playing catch-up in an industry defined by relentless innovation.
Intel’s next leader faces an uphill battle—balancing innovation, competitive pricing, and the urgency of addressing AI demands. While Gelsinger’s tenure failed to meet expectations, it’s clear Intel’s challenges run deeper than one leader’s strategies. The board’s decision to part ways with Gelsinger may open doors to new ideas and approaches, but time is not on Intel’s side. A reboot of both strategy and execution will be crucial if Intel hopes to reclaim its former glory in an ever-evolving semiconductor landscape.
In a bold move to curb China’s technological advancements, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced on Monday a fresh set of export controls targeting China’s semiconductor industry. These measures are designed to restrict China’s ability to produce advanced chips crucial for artificial intelligence (AI), military modernization, and next-generation weaponry.
The updated regulations cast a wide net, introducing stringent controls on 24 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, including essential tools like etching, deposition, lithography, and inspection machines. Additionally, advanced software used in developing or producing cutting-edge semiconductors is now under the microscope. High-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical component for AI and advanced computing, will also require U.S. government authorization before being exported to China.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo described the rules as “groundbreaking and sweeping,” emphasizing the administration’s intent to “impair China’s ability to indigenize production” of technologies that pose national security risks. The BIS highlighted that these actions are proactive measures to impede China’s military modernization efforts.
Closing Loopholes and Expanding Reach
The new rules also address potential workarounds previously exploited by Chinese entities. The BIS added 140 entities to the Entity List and modified 14 others, targeting Chinese semiconductor fabs, tool manufacturers, and investment firms that support China’s military goals. Notably, the regulations introduce two new Foreign Direct Product (FDP) rules:
SME FDP Rule: Extends U.S. jurisdiction over foreign-produced semiconductor equipment destined for Macau or countries in Group D:5, which includes China.
Footnote 5 FDP Rule: Covers foreign-produced items involving entities on the Entity List that support China’s military modernization.
Moreover, the De Minimis Rule now applies to items containing any amount of U.S.-origin technology, tightening the noose further on China’s semiconductor supply chain.
Industry and Geopolitical Ramifications
These measures are poised to slow down China’s quest for a self-sufficient semiconductor industry, a cornerstone of Beijing’s strategic goals. In the past, Chinese companies had managed to stockpile chips and equipment before restrictions were finalized, but the new controls aim to preempt such moves.
However, experts like Gregory Allen from the Wadhwani AI Center caution that potential loopholes remain. For instance, older HBM chips might still be accessible, and not all facilities linked to major Chinese tech firms have been blacklisted, leaving room for manoeuvring.
The U.S. government’s latest actions underscore a strategic effort to maintain technological superiority and national security. By tightening export controls and closing loopholes, the U.S. is sending a clear message about its stance on China’s military and technological expansion. While the immediate impact on China’s semiconductor industry may be significant, it’s a calculated move in the broader context of global tech competition.
Are you trying to get the best mechanical gaming keyboard in India at a low cost? Check out our Redragon Magicwand SE review. For the price this keyboard is being provided, it appears to be very promising on paper. This compact, 75% mechanical RGB keyboard features hot-swappable red switches, dedicated media and macro buttons with a fully functional numpad. This is our review, after a week of use, of the Redragon Magicwand SE.
In This Article
Redragon Magicwand SE Review: Design
Speaking of the contents of the box, you receive branding stickers and a user’s manual with the keyboard. Since it’s a wired keyboard, a decently long USB Type-C cable is included. It can be connected to any USB port on a laptop or PC. Additionally, if you need to replace a switch, the manufacturer has supplied extra switches, a keycap, and a switch puller.
Moving on, the keyboard features two colour schemes—white and grey—as well as RGB lighting throughout. It has a 78-key layout design, eliminating unnecessary space while retaining the media scroll/keys, macro keys, and numpad for increased usefulness. The keyboard also sports a metal scroll for adjusting brightness and volume in the upper right corner.
Standard keys are used in place of mechanical keys for the media and macro buttons at the top of the keyboard. Because of this, they are a bit more difficult to press, yet they are strong and work well. You can also use software to personalise the macro keys, which adds even more functionality.
Its top board is made of solid aluminium and has the traditional frosted surface treatment applied to it. The user is provided with twin pull-out feet beneath the keyboard, which elevate it a few millimetres for a more comfortable and ergonomic experience.
The socket’s distinctive, proprietary construction design makes mounting the switch less difficult. Overall, it appears to be of excellent quality.
The Redragon Magicwand SE keyboard can select from up to 20 preset backlighting setting options. There are also onboard controls for brightness and flow speed so you can choose your favourite playing mode. Over that, cleaning is made simple by the ability to remove and separate the keys.
Redragon Magicwand SE Review: Performance
Now let’s discuss the Redragon Magicwand SE keyboard’s performance. This keyboard’s incredibly smooth keys are a pleasure to use. As soon as we placed our hands and fingers on this keyboard, we felt totally at ease. But there isn’t much room for movement between keystrokes. It will take some time for anyone accustomed to typing on laptops to get comfortable using this keyboard because it lacks flat keys. Nevertheless, typing on this brought back fond memories of our early days of learning to use a typewriter.
Redragon Magicwand SE has a travel distance of about 2 ms and requires an actuation force of 40 ms for a keypress. Additionally, the keyboard has a very low response time. Although three-pin switches have been used, it also supports five-pin switches, which is an additional benefit. The keys are also easily configurable. Since these are linear switches, typing on them is a treat.
The keyboard is RGB illuminated, as we previously stated. To disable this feature, hit the backspace key. There are 20 easily adjustable backlight effects included.
Despite its small size, the keyboard still has arrow keys and a full-fledged numpad with media keys on top. A volume roller and more media keys are located in the upper right corner, while some macro buttons are placed in the upper left corner. All of these work flawlessly. Some of them are a little soft or more difficult to press than others because they are not mechanical switches. Nonetheless, easy to use.
Verdict
Redragon Magicwand SE is currently one of the most reasonably priced mechanical gaming keyboards, costing Rs 3,994. A word of caution: use the key puller that is included in the package with care, as it may cause scratches on the keys. If you’re looking for an affordable gaming option, Redragon’s keyboard will undoubtedly improve your setup.
Vivo’s sub-brand, iQOO, is all set to launch a new smartphone in India today. The firm will announce the iQOO 13, the successor to the iQOO 12 launched last year. Ahead of its India debut, the firm has unveiled the smartphone’s essential specs. The iQOO 13 debuted in China in October. It was one of the first handsets to use a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. The iQOO 13 runs Android 15 and has a 50-megapixel triple back camera set-up.
The iQOO 13 will be unveiled at 12 p.m. IST. The launch event will be broadcast live on the company’s YouTube account and other social media outlets. You may watch the launch event live right now on our website by clicking on the link below.
A tipster revealed the phone’s India pricing just a few days before the official announcement. In India, the iQOO 13 base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage will cost under Rs 55,000, which is more than the iQOO 12’s initial launch price of Rs 52,999. It is anticipated that iQOO will provide bank and introductory deals for the phone. The 12GB RAM with 256GB variant of the iQOO 13 costs CNY 3,999 in China, while the 16GB with 1TB RAM and storage configuration costs CNY 5,199.
iQOO 13 specifications
The iQOO 13 features a 6.82-inch 2K BOE Q10 8T LTPO 2.0 OLED display with 1,440 x 3,168 pixels of resolution. The display has up to 144Hz refresh rate and HDR support. Under the hood, there is a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC with up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage. The handset operates on OriginOS 5 with Android 15 out of the box.
The phone sports three rear cameras: a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel sensor with a telephoto lens, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens. It has a customisable “Energy Halo” LED for dynamic effects and 12 colour options. The front camera uses a 32-megapixel sensor.
The handset has a 6,150mAh battery that supports 120W wired fast charging.
Garena Free Fire Max is a battle royale game with regular awards and tournaments to keep players interested. If you play Garena Free Fire, you should be aware of the redeem codes that are released on a daily basis. However, because the battle royale game is banned in India, players from other countries can use theFree Fire Redeem codes daily. If you’re unfamiliar with the Garena Free Fire redeem codes or don’t know how to get them, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help youredeem them. Check out Garena Free Fire Max Redeem Codes for 3 December 2024.
The Free Fire Max redeemcodes are a great way to get free stuff. These are 12-digit codes that contain alphabets and numbers, as well as an expiration date and time. Because the Garena FF redeem codes cannot be used more than once, you should hurry to the redemption page to claim your free reward before someone else does. To get a free reward, all you have to do is go toreward.ff.garena.com/en, which is the official redemption page. Also, keep an eye on this space for daily updates on Garena Free Fire Max redemption codes and rewards.
Are you looking for today’s Wordle for December 3, 2024? The problem is difficult to solve, so if you need assistance, we’ve included hints and the answer to the December 3 Wordle.
In This Article
Hints and Answers for Today’s Wordle December 3
Before answering directly, please check the December 1 Wordle Hints first.
Hint 1: Today’s Wordle answer includes one vowel. Hint 2: The answer for today has no repeating letter. Hint 3: Not firm or strong
What word does today’s Wordle begin with?
Do you need help with today’s Wordle answer’s initial letter?
The first letter in today’s Wordle is “S”
Today’s Wordle Answer December 3 #1263
The answer to Wordle #1263 on December 3, 2024, is — SHAKY
Wordle: A Five-Letter Word Guessing Game • The game allows six guesses of a five-letter word. • Provide feedback on guessed letters’ placement in the puzzle. • The New York Times purchased the game in 2022. • Created by Josh Wardle for his partner, narrowing down 12,000 English words to 2,500. • Named after the word “word.”
How To Play Wordle?
Wordle is a New York Times word puzzle game that allows users to guess a five-letter word in six attempts. The letters are highlighted in Yellow and Green, indicating whether the word is present in the answer or not, and Green letters indicate the correct guess.
Select a powerful starting word: Avoid using unusual words, as they frequently do not match common letters. A good opening word has plenty of benefits.
Repeating letters: Don’t be afraid of repeating letters; they appear frequently in words. The answer may contain one or two repeated letters.
Use the Wordlebot: The NYT’s Wordlebot analyses and compares replies to itself. This challenge can assist you enhance guessing skills and highlight areas for development.
3 December 2024: New Amazon Quiz is now available. Customers from different parts of the country are participating in the daily quiz. The quiz starts at midnight today and will be live until 11:59 PM tonight. By successfully answering every question, participants in the quiz have the chance to win wonderful rewards. Up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance is up for grabs to participants today.
One wrong answer could eliminate you from the quiz. You have a chance to win up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance if you successfully answer every question. Users of the app only have the opportunity to take the quiz. Check Out 3 December 2024 Amazon Quiz Answers.
In This Article
Are you not able to find Amazon FunZone? Click below and participate.
We have written an explainer above, you can refer to that.
When are the winners of the Amazon Quiz and contest announced or declared?
The announcement of today’s Amazon quiz winner will take place Tomorrow. As for the Special Quiz and “Spin & Win” Contest, the winners will be declared once the Quiz Contest comes to an end. To find out who the lucky winner is, you can refer to the Amazon Quiz Winners List or visit the Amazon Winners tab in the Amazon App.
How to participate in the Daily Amazon Quiz?
That is very easy, just got to the Amazon app and scroll to the bottom of the page and you will find the Quiz section. Click on it (usually it is called the fun zone) and you can enter the Amazon Today Quiz Contest.
Are there any other quizzes or contests running on Amazon daily?
Yes, there are many running on a daily basis. These range from spinning the wheel to answering the questions correctly. All are located in the Fun Zone.
What are the criteria for selecting a winner in the Daily Amazon Quiz?
When a qualified player submits correct answers to all the questions, they will automatically be entered into a lucky draw. This draw will include all participants who answered all the questions correctly. Amazon randomly selects the final winners from the pool of eligible participants who gave the right answers.
Which Types of Questions are asked within Amazon Daily Quiz?
These are very simple and straightforward questions. These are mainly related to general knowledge.
Where should I look for Amazon Daily Quiz answers?
You can bookmark our website www.gadgetbridge.com as we will help you every day with the Amazon Daily Quiz. We bring you fresh answers every day for the Amazon Daily Quiz and Contest.
What time does Amazon Announce previous winners?
The previous winner’s name will be announced today at 12 PM (noon).
Logitech took the wraps off its new PRO series gear last month. Among the new peripherals were 2 gaming mice – Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and Pro 2 Lightspeed. While Logitech’s naming scheme may be confusing and redundant, their products are anything but. The new Logitech G Pro 2 Lightspeed retains its iconic design but gets some important upgrades under the hood. The mouse now features the state-of-the-art HERO 2 sensor. The mechanical switches have been ditched in favour of the hybrid ‘Lightforce’ switches. Designed for competitive gaming where every small movement can be the deciding factor, this device leaves very little room for complaints. We used the Logitech G Pro 2 Lightspeed for a week, here is our review of the gaming mouse.
Here’s what you get inside Logitech G Pro 2 Lightspeed’s retail box:
Mouse
Lightspeed wireless receiver
USB Type-A to Type-C cable
Receiver extension
Extra side buttons
Side button covers
Setup guide
Safety guide
The design of the G Pro 2 Lightspeed is indistinguishable from its predecessor. The gaming mouse retains its ambidextrous form factor – which is one of our favourite things about the mouse. There are secondary buttons on either side of the mouse. However, the depth of the curve on the left panel makes the mouse slightly more favourable to right-handed users. Having said that, using the mouse with the left hand was an absolute delight. Switch the button covers with the extra buttons provided in the box and you’re good to go.
The shape and size of the mouse accommodate all kinds of grip styles. Whether you like to rest your palm on the mouse or claw it with your fingertips, the G Pro 2 Lightspeed ensures that you’re never uneasy. It is very easy to get the maximum performance out of this mouse without making any grand customisations to it. The plastic build of the mouse keeps its weight at a nifty 80 grams. While it isn’t the lightest mouse out there, it is easy to roll around the pad for quick in-game movements. The matte finish on the body lends the device an excellent in-hand feel.
The left and right click buttons on the Pro 2 Lightforce are equipped with Lightforce switches. These switches combine the ‘clickiness’ of mechanical switches along with the speed and reliability of optical switches. Logitech has done a fine job of not making these Lightforce switches too loud. You can work with this mouse in shared spaces without bothering your neighbours. The clicky feedback is extremely satisfying and way superior and muted clicks. The scroll wheel in the middle of the two buttons is finished in rubber. The bottom panel of the device houses three compact RGB indicators and an RGB Logitech logo.
The bottom panel houses the new HERO 2 sensor, a DPI button, and a removable lid that gives access to the wireless receiver storage area. The segmented rubber feet cover the top half of this panel while a single curved strip rests at the bottom.
One of the things that doesn’t get talked about much but Logitech nails to perfection is the use of magnets. There are 4 removable buttons on this mouse but you won’t realise that by simply holding the device. These buttons sit plush and are held firmly in place by magnets. Even with rigorous use, there is no looseness or unnecessary flex to be felt.
Logitech G Pro 2 Lightspeed Review: Performance
Pairing the G Pro 2 Lightspeed with your laptop or PC is as easy as it gets. Plug the wireless receiver into your PC, flip the mouse’s power switch, and you’re flying. The entire mechanism is purely plug-and-play, you don’t need to install any drivers before connecting the mouse.
The HERO 2 sensor adds fire to an already superb gaming mouse. This sensor has a maximum resolution of 44,000 DPI. The resolution level can be switched within the range of 10-44,000 DPI using the dedicated button at the bottom of the mouse. Logitech’s G Hub customisation software allows users to shift the DPI too. The new sensor pushes the maximum acceleration and speed to 88G and 888IPS respectively. It has a maximum report rate of 1,000Hz (1 ms). Needless to say, these are high-end specs for users who do not leave any stone unturned when it comes to gaming.
Logitech G Pro 2 tracks comfortably on most surfaces. However, we suggest using a good mouse pad to unlock its maximum potential. We used the mouse to play titles like Call of Duty & Counter-Strike 2 and were pleased with its silky-smooth performance. At high DPI settings, the G Pro 2 did an excellent job of keeping up with the pace of the game and allowing free movement. The Lightforce switches make their presence felt with ultra-precision. In some ways, the device feels like an extension of your hand – despite its relatively higher weight.
The Logitech G Hub companion software allows you to customise the buttons on the mouse. Depending on your style of play, you can program the side buttons to perform a range of tasks. You can save multiple customisation profiles on the mouse itself, saving you the hassle of launching G Hub every time you want to switch to a different profile. The RGB lighting can also be customised with the help of this software. You can set it to synchronise with music, gameplay, or videos.
Logitech claims a battery life of 60 hours with RGB turned on and 95 hours with RGB disabled on this mouse. This is a decent upgrade over its predecessor which offered 48 hours and 60 hours with the lighting turned on and off respectively. The G Pro 2 Lightspeed is compatible with Logitech’s wireless charging mouse pads. However, it will set you back a whopping $100.
The Logitech G Pro 2 Lightspeed is one of the most complete gaming mice we’ve reviewed. Sure, the upgrades are largely incremental but they are important nonetheless. The hybrid switches ensure greater precision and longevity. The new HERO 2 sensor tracks like a dream and boasts high-end numbers. If this is your first high-end gaming purchase, the smoothness in performance will be noticeable right off the bat. The extra pair of side buttons add to the weight of the mouse, but they also open the door to a lot of customisation options. If a lighter build is your biggest priority, we would suggest going for the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. Both mice are priced similarly, with the G Pro 2 Lightspeed fetching Rs 13,995.
OnePlus today officially announced the launch time for the OnePlus 13 in India and globally. The device made its debut in China in November and is set to enter the global market. It is the company’s latest flagship to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. The gadget runs ColorOS 15, which is based on Android 15, and has a big 6,000mAh battery. The 6.82-inch AMOLED display sports a refresh rate of 120Hz and a 50-megapixel triple-back camera unit.
The OnePlus 13 flagship, which made its debut in China last month, will soon enter the global market, according to OnePlus. Although a debut date has not yet been announced, the device is confirmed to arrive in January 2025.
OnePlus has created a dedicated homepage for the OnePlus 13 smartphone, which comes in three colours: Midnight Ocean, Black Eclipse, and Arctic Dawn.
Additionally, the OnePlus 13 features an IP68 + IP69 rating for water and dust protection. In the upcoming weeks, this company will provide additional information regarding the global debut; it is anticipated that the global version will have the same specs as the Chinese variant.
The OnePlus 13 has a 6.82-inch Quad-HD+ LTPO AMOLED screen with 1440×3168 pixels of resolution. The BOE display features an adjustable refresh rate (1Hz-120Hz) and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. The screen has a pulse-width modulation rate of 2,160Hz for low-light scenarios. The smartphone runs ColorOS 15, which is based on Android 15. The global model will be accessible in OxygenOS 15. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC is powered by an Adreno 830 GPU. The device includes up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The OnePlus 13 has a triple rear camera arrangement customised by Hasselblad, which includes a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens. It also comes with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.
The phones include an IR transmitter for controlling appliances and are dust and water-resistant, having IP68 and IP69 certifications.
The device has an ultrasonic fingerprint reader for biometric verification, a 6,000mAh battery, 100W Flash Charge (wired) and 50W Flash Charge (wireless), and allows reverse wired and wireless charging.
Social media platforms across the board are upping their game to combat internet scams. While awareness is still key in dodging a scam, you can rely on a few helpful features to check the legitimacy of any account that reaches out to you. For instance, Instagram lets users check how many times someone changed their username in the past. Multiple changes to the handle are always suspicious and hint towards a case of impersonation. Let’s take a look at how you can check someone’s username history on Instagram.
Is it possible to check the usernames someone used in the past?
While Instagram lets you see how many times someone changed their username in the past, it does not give you a history of their usernames. Initially, the social media platform provided the date of change as well, but that information is kept under wraps now.
There is another caveat to tracking someone’s username history. If the profile is private and you don’t follow the user, you cannot view their account info. However, there is no way for public accounts to keep their username history private.
Instagram lets you view your username history as well. This option is tucked away in the ‘Your activity’ section in your profile section. Unlike public accounts, you can view your past usernames and when you changed them. Similarly, you can check your previous bios and the dates when you changed your password.
Check someone’s username history on Instagram
Step 1:Launch the Instagram app and go to a profile.
Step 2: Hit the ellipses in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on About this account.
Step 4: Tap on Former usernames.
Step 5: This is where you can see how many times the user changed their Instagram handle.
Bonus Tip: How to check your username history on Instagram
Step 1:Launch the Instagram app and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Hit the hamburger menu in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on Your activity.
Step 4: Scroll down and tap on Account History.
Step 5: Scroll to the Username section to view your past handles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to change my username on Instagram?
Go to your Instagram profile, tap on ‘Edit profile’, and enter your new handle in the ‘Username’ section. If the username is available, hit the tick icon in the top right corner of the screen. Once you change your Instagram username, you cannot change it in the next 14 days.
Can I see my old username on Instagram?
Go to your profile, tap on the hamburger menu icon, select ‘Your activity’, hit ‘Account History’, and go to the ‘Username’ section to view your previous handles.
Can I find out someone’s previous username on Instagram?
While you cannot find out someone’s previous username on Instagram, you can check how many times they changed their handle since creating their account.
How to see if someone changed their username on Instagram?
Go to the user’s profile, hit the ellipses, tap on ‘About this account’, and select ‘Former usernames’ to see how many times they changed their Instagram handle.
Can I find an Instagram account using an old username?
No, you cannot find an Instagram account by using the person’s old username. You need their current handle to search for them on the platform.
This is how you can check someone’s username history on Instagram. If the ‘Former usernames’ section does not appear on their profile info, it means they have never changed their handle. Instagram only allows you to view the username history of public accounts or accounts that you follow. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!
The Nothing Phone 3, a brand-new smartphone, was recently discovered on a benchmarking website. A potential launch date for the next devices has now also been hinted at. A 6.5-inch screen and a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC are anticipated features of the phone, which will be available in Pro or Plus versions.
Nothing is probably going to release three new smartphones in the upcoming year, according to a tipster. According to him, the device might be released in 2025’s first half. Nothing Phone 3 recently surfaced on Geekbench, but he did not provide any other information. Additionally, prior sources suggest that a Pro or Plus version of the Nothing Phone 3 may be released. As you are aware, Nothing released the Phone 2a and Phone 2a Plus this year rather than the Nothing Phone 2’s replacement.
As mentioned earlier, a device that is thought to be the Nothing Phone 3 just appeared on Geekbench. The listing claims that a Nothing phone with model number A059 is the Nothing Phone 3, which has test scores of 1,149 for single-core and 2,813 for multi-core. It is said to be powered by an undisclosed octa-core CPU, most likely the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC.
The main core clocks at 2.5GHz, and the efficiency and performance cores run at 2.4GHz and 1.8GHz, respectively. The phone is expected to have an Adreno 810 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a NothingOS overlay built on top of Android 15. 6.5 inches is the expected screen size. The rumoured “Nothing Phone 3 Plus” alternative, which might also be called the “Nothing Phone 3 Pro,” is anticipated to include a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 CPU and a 6.7-inch screen.
Reportedly, Nothing Phone 3 code named Arcanine is likely to cost $599 whereas the Pro model codenamed Hisuian may come with a price tag of $699 translating to Rs 50,500 and Rs 58,900 in Indian rupees respectively.
Samsung’s upcoming Android 15-based operating system, One UI 7, has just had a not-so-subtle reveal, thanks to an unexpected leak from the company’s Spanish website. The leak spills the beans on several Samsung One UI 7 features, including AI-driven tools like Sketch to Image and Portrait Studio, set to enhance user experience when the OS rolls out early next year.
The leak, spotted by leaker Chunvn8888 on X (formerly Twitter), highlights that “AI powers every step” in One UI 7, giving it a “sophisticated new look.” Among the standout features is the AI-powered Sketch to Image tool, which allows users to turn humble sketches into detailed images. This feature will now offer options like 3D Cartoon, Sketch, and Watercolor, adding a creative twist to your digital doodles.
But wait, there’s more! The Portrait Studio feature leverages AI to transform regular portraits into artistic profile pictures with themes such as Comic, 3D Cartoon, and Sketch. It’s like having a personal artist in your pocket, minus the beret and existential angst. Just remember, these artistic endeavours will be saved as 9MP images with a watermark, and you’ll need an internet connection and a Samsung account to get started.
Not to be outdone, the Live Effects in One UI 7 lets you add depth and perspective to your photos, giving them that extra oomph to stand out in your gallery—or your social media feed, if you’re into that sort of thing.
On the more practical side, Samsung is introducing enhanced Samsung Galaxy child safety controls, particularly in the Galaxy Store. Now, when your little tech prodigy tries to purchase apps, the guardian’s approval will be required. So, no more surprise charges for that premium unicorn racing game you didn’t know existed.
The update also hints at features like Circle to Search powered by Google’s Gemini large language model, Live Translate powered by Galaxy AI, and AI Zoom for photography—although some of these have already made appearances in earlier versions. Additionally, the Energy Score feature, which debuted with One UI 6 Watch on Wear OS 5 for Galaxy smartwatches, gets a nod.
As for compatibility, the fine print suggests that Samsung Galaxy AI integration features will be available for free on compatible devices until the end of 2025. The rollout is expected in Q4 2024 for select models, including the Galaxy S24, S23, S22, various Galaxy Z Fold and Flip models, and several Galaxy Tab S series tablets.
Of course, Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed any of this, which suggests someone at Samsung Spain might be getting a stern talking-to—or at least a lesson in the perils of premature publication.
While leaks are often met with mixed feelings, this one certainly adds a dash of anticipation for what’s to come. Samsung’s focus on AI-driven features in One UI 7 could set a new standard for mobile operating systems, blending creativity, practicality, and a touch of fun. Let’s just hope the official release lives up to the hype—and that the Sketch to Image feature doesn’t turn our stick figures into something out of a Picasso painting.
Instagram has a colourful element to its DMs that isn’t found in any of its peers. You can set sparkling chat themes for your conversations, react with emojis, and add special effects to your texts. This makes the texting experience on Instagram more engaging, vivid, and interactive. The ever-evolving social media platform has a couple of neat tricks in store for serious texters. Today, let’s take a look at how you can send messages with special effects on Instagram.
Which special effects can you use on your Instagram DMs?
Currently, Instagram offers four special effects for messages. Here’s what each of them means:
Hearts: The text bubble has a red background and hearts around it. When the message is sent, the screen gets covered in heart animations.
Gift box: The text bubble is shaped like a gift box with a ribbon around it. When the user taps on the box, the lid comes off and the message is revealed.
Flames: The text bubble is surrounded by flames that keep flaring as long as the message is on the screen.
Confetti: A splash of confetti appears on the screen as soon as the message is sent. This effect is recreated every time you tap on the text.
Send messages with special effects on Instagram
Step 1:Launch the Instagram app on your phone and swipe left to access the DMs page.
Step 2: Open a conversation.
Step 3: Enter your message in the text field.
Step 4: Hit the magnifying glass icon next to the message box.
Step 5: Select a special effect from the top row.
Step 6: The message will go through as soon as you make a selection.
Bonus Tip: Add a special effect to your reactions
Emoji reactions are one of the best ways to acknowledge text messages on Instagram without necessarily responding to them. You can add special effects to the emojis and make them cover the entire screen. Tap and hold a message to view the emoji reactions. Long press an emoji to create its special effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to send a message with special effects on Instagram?
Type the message in the text box, hit the magnifying glass icon, and select a special effect from the top row. Special effects do not work for long messages.
How to change the chat theme on Instagram?
Open a chat, tap the name of the contact/group at the top, select ‘Theme’, and pick one from the list.
How to set Instagram to dark mode?
Go to your Instagram profile, tap on ‘Accessibility and translations’, select ‘Dark mode’, and hit ‘On’.
What is Sleep Mode on Instagram?
Enabling Sleep Mode on Instagram pauses notifications and lets people know you’re asleep. You can set custom timings for the Sleep Mode by going to Profile>Menu>Time Management>Sleep Mode.
What is Vanish Mode on Instagram?
Vanish Mode can be enabled by swiping up from the bottom of the chat. The messages become ephemeral once a chat has been set to Vanish Mode. This means that anything you send in the chat gets deleted as soon as someone leaves the page or disables the mode.
This is how you can add special effects to your messages on Instagram. These effects are available for short messages only. Once your texts exceed a certain character limit, the magnifying glass icon disappears from the screen and gets replaced by Meta AI’s text editor. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!
For the Indian phone industry, December is anticipated to be a busy month as companies like Xiaomi, Vivo, and iQOO vying for consumer attention. Here are some of the many smartphones that will be released in the upcoming weeks.
To meet the changing needs and tastes of smartphone users, a large number of smartphones will be introduced in India in December 2024. Businesses are always vying for customers with features and innovative designs. Many Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphones, with prices starting at Rs 60,000, will be released in the nation this month. A list of the most anticipated smartphones for the final weeks of 2024 can be found here.
In This Article
OnePlus 13
OnePlus 13 India launch date: Yet to be announced
The OnePlus 13 has a 6.82-inch Quad-HD+ LTPO AMOLED screen with 1440×3168 pixels of resolution. The BOE display features an adjustable refresh rate (1Hz-120Hz) and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. The screen has a pulse-width modulation rate of 2,160Hz for low-light scenarios. The smartphone runs ColorOS 15, which is based on Android 15. The global model will be accessible in OxygenOS 15. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC is powered by an Adreno 830 GPU. The device includes up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The OnePlus 13 has a triple rear camera arrangement customised by Hasselblad, which includes a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens. It also comes with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.
The OnePlus 13 has a triple rear camera arrangement customised by Hasselblad, which includes a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens. It also comes with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.
iQOO 13
iQOO 13 India launch date: December 3
The iQOO 13 features a 6.82-inch 2K BOE Q10 8T LTPO 2.0 OLED display with 1,440 x 3,168 pixels of resolution. The display has up to 144Hz refresh rate and HDR support. Under the hood, there is a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC with up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage. The handset operates on OriginOS 5 with Android 15 out of the box.
The iQOO 13 sports three rear cameras: a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel sensor with a telephoto lens, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens. It has a customisable “Energy Halo” LED for dynamic effects and 12 colour options. The front camera uses a 32-megapixel sensor.
The handset has a 6,150mAh battery that supports 120W wired fast charging.
Vivo X200 series India launch date: Yet to be announced
After introducing the Vivo X200 series for the worldwide markets earlier last month starting with Malaysia, Vivo has been teasing the X200 series launch in India ahead of the December launch.
The Vivo X200 and Pro models have 6.67-inch and 6.78-inch displays with 1.5K OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, and 4500 nits peak brightness. They feature MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, up to 16GB RAM, and 1TB internal storage. Operating on Origin OS 5, they have a 5,800mAh battery for the X200 and a 6,000mAh battery for the Pro, with 90W wired fast charging support.
The Vivo X200 features a Zeiss-powered 50MP 1/1.56-inch Sony IMX921 main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 50MP Sony IMX882 telephoto sensor. On the other hand, the Pro model comes with a 50MP LYT-818 primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 200MP Zeiss APO telephoto sensor with a V3+ imaging chip. Both models have a 32MP selfie camera.
The Vivo X200 Pro Mini features a 6.3-inch 1.5K OLED LTPO display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It shares the chipset, OS, selfie camera, and IP rating with its older siblings. The rear camera features a 50MP Sony LYT818 primary camera, 50MP ultrawide sensor, and 50MP periscope sensor with 100x digital zoom. It has a 5,700mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging support.
Redmi Note 14 Series
Redmi Note 14 Series India launch date: December 9
The Redmi Note 14 range has 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED panels. HyperOS, based on Android 14, is installed inside. The Redmi Note 14 Pro has a 4nm Dimensity 7300 CPU, the Note 14 Ultra has a 6nm Dimensity 7025 Ultra processor, and the Pro+ variant has a 4nm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor.
While all three cameras have 50-megapixel sensors, the Pro+ differs from the other two in that it contains an ultrawide shooter and a telephoto zoom sensor. The vanilla version does not include an ultrawide shooter, and the lenses are enclosed within a square shaped camera module.
Additionally, the Plus model boasts a larger 6,200mAh battery that supports 90W charging. Only the 45W charging speed is available for the Pro and standard Note 14 sports, and both models have smaller batteries.
Tecno Phantom V Fold 2 and Tecno Phantom V Flip 2
Tecno Phantom V Fold 2 and Tecno Phantom V Flip 2 India launch date: Yet to be announced
This month, Tecno plans to introduce the Tecno Phantom V Fold 2 and Tecno Phantom V Flip 2 in India. With a 3.64-inch AMOLED outside display and a 6.9-inch Full HD+ LTPO AMOLED primary display, the Tecno Phantom V Flip 2 is a rebranded Infinix Zero Flip. The MediaTek Dimensity 8020 CPU powers it, and its 4,720mAh battery supports 70W fast charging. It is anticipated that the gadget will feature a 32MP selfie camera on the front and a 50MP primary and 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens on the back.
Garena Free Fire Max is a battle royale game with regular awards and tournaments to keep players interested. If you play Garena Free Fire, you should be aware of the redeem codes that are released on a daily basis. However, because the battle royale game is banned in India, players from other countries can use theFree Fire Redeem codes daily. If you’re unfamiliar with the Garena Free Fire redeem codes or don’t know how to get them, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help youredeem them. Check out Garena Free Fire Max Redeem Codes for 2 December 2024.
The Free Fire Max redeemcodes are a great way to get free stuff. These are 12-digit codes that contain alphabets and numbers, as well as an expiration date and time. Because the Garena FF redeem codes cannot be used more than once, you should hurry to the redemption page to claim your free reward before someone else does. To get a free reward, all you have to do is go toreward.ff.garena.com/en, which is the official redemption page. Also, keep an eye on this space for daily updates on Garena Free Fire Max redemption codes and rewards.
