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Samsung Galaxy S24 shows us what smartphone industry’s response to AI could look like | Technology News

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We are maybe at a pivotal stage in the evolution of smartphones, especially with the first ‘post-smartphone’ devices like the Humane AI pin making their debut this year. While it has not become obvious yet, smartphone companies seem worried that they too will need to offer AI capabilities on-device, not as a gimmick but as a core offering.

AI is nothing new to smartphones. Companies have been touting AI cameras and other features for a few years now. But they were all in the pre-GPT era where it was an add-on that enhanced a certain functionality. Users could well do without it, and they did. The real AI phone so far has been the Google Pixel phones where they used the company’s understanding of this emerging technology to take at least smartphone photography to the next level. And this is where the new Samsung S24 series is pushing the envelope and giving us a view into how AI could change smartphones in the near future.

The S24 series brings in a range of AI capabilities in the spheres of photography, productivity, and language communication. There is nothing here that will blow your mind and the features shown so far are all progressions of features we have seen before. However, live translation during phone calls, the ability to transcribe and summarise meetings as well as photo editing suggestions are all features users will end up using as they solve real-life problems.

But when I said the S24 series shows where smartphones are headed, I was not talking about these features. Interestingly, the hardware of the S24 series is not much different from what came out in the S23 last year. Given that flagship smartphones anyway, pack more power than users can use up, you could well see the focus shift to AI-led software enhancements of the type you have seen in the S24.

Incidentally, Samsung’s briefings and press notes about the S24 series hardly talk about the processor, battery, and other specs that were thrown at you at every launch over the years. The focus is clearly on the new AI-led enhancements. That is the narrative and it is refreshing. Samsung is talking about what the phone can do for you and not what is powering all that tech in the backend, a detail that goes over the heads of most users.

Festive offer

But this gradual shift has been happening for a while now. The Google Pixel for instance does not have the most powerful processors around, but that is not a factor in what the phone can do on the AI front. This is because top-end processors are already capable of handling even these AI tasks on-device.

And this is the other big shift we are seeing — towards on-device processing of queries. The S24 can handle most of the AI stuff without access to the internet, except when it is dabbling in generative AI. This means users will not have to wait to see the results if on a slow network. And that will help make these features more usable and used. Also, for those who are privacy conscious, this would give them the peace of mind that their data is not being misused. When Apple comes up with its AI features, I won’t be surprised if they are handled entirely on-device.

But then companies could be exploring the other end of this spectrum too. If all the features can be AI-enhanced and handled remotely, all the phone needs is a basic processor, good display, and battery life. This means they could offer more affordable smartphones and offer features as a service on top of this. Customers benefit from lower pricing and the flexibility to maybe pay for only those features they use. This Chromebook-like concept is also not new and at least some of us remember the short-lived Robin concept phone. In 2016, the phone was way ahead of its time. But in 2024, AI could well make the concept of a thin-client smartphone feasible and even attractive to lots of users.

However, when asked about this after the Galaxy S24 launch, Wonjun Choi, Executive Vice President at Mobile eXperience Business in Samsung Electronics, head of the Flagship Product R&D Team and the head of the Technology Strategy Team, told IndianExpress.com did not agree with the thin client logic and said they believe the key features of the smartphone will remain and the performance will continue to improve and develop to accommodate and support such key features.

The author is in California on the invite of Samsung. 





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Circle to Search: Share part of your screen!

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According to recent reports, Circle to Search, a feature introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, might soon undergo an upgrade. Initially allowing users to copy text from selected areas, it’s now rumored to include the capability to capture and share screenshots of specific screen sections.

This enhanced functionality, observed in the latest version of Circle to Search, enables users to not only copy text but also capture and share screen images. A video shared by a tipster on X showcased this update, revealing new options of Copy and Share upon selecting an area. Even adjustments to the selected region don’t remove these options, ensuring a seamless experience. Users can either copy the image to the clipboard for further editing or share it directly through various apps.

Previously, the visual lookup feature solely facilitated text copying. While Android devices offer a three-finger swipe-down gesture for quick screenshots, it captures the entire screen, necessitating subsequent cropping. This new functionality streamlines the process, allowing users to select and share specific screen sections in just two steps.

Interestingly, Google recently addressed concerns about accidental activations of Circle to Search in a podcast featuring its developers. They acknowledged the issue and assured users of an impending fix. This indicates ongoing efforts to refine the feature for a smoother user experience.

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Discounted OnePlus Nord CE 3 price in India: Check it out!

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The OnePlus Nord CE 3 has recently undergone another price reduction in India, marking a significant update for potential buyers. Initially introduced to the Indian market in June 2023, this smartphone received its first price adjustment in November of the same year. The base variant, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was notably listed at a price Rs. 2,000 lower than its launch price, signaling OnePlus’s commitment to providing competitive pricing to its customers.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and ships with the Android 13-based operating system. It boasts a triple rear camera setup, enhancing its photography capabilities, and supports SuperVOOC charging, ensuring rapid replenishment of its battery. The inclusion of these features positions the Nord CE 3 as a compelling option for smartphone enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance, affordability, and innovation.

The recent unveiling of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 in India marks the continuation of OnePlus’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users. Serving as the successor to the Nord CE 3, the Nord CE 4 is expected to build upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new enhancements and features to further elevate the user experience.

When considering the revised pricing of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, it’s evident that OnePlus aims to make its devices more accessible to a wider audience. The reduction in price, particularly on platforms like Amazon and the OnePlus India website, presents an opportunity for consumers to acquire a high-quality smartphone at a more affordable rate.

Let’s delve deeper into the specifications and features of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 to understand its capabilities and appeal to potential buyers.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Price in India (Revised)

The base variant of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was initially launched in India at Rs. 26,999. Following its first price cut in November, the price was reduced to Rs. 24,999. Now, the same variant is available on Amazon at Rs. 22,990, representing a Rs. 2,009 reduction from its previous price. Furthermore, customers can benefit from an additional flat Rs. 2,000 instant discount on ICICI and HDFC Bank cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 20,990.

On the OnePlus India website, the 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs. 22,999, marking a Rs. 2,000 decrease from the November price of Rs. 24,999. It is worth noting that this discount is exclusively applicable to the 128GB model, as the higher-end 256GB variant is currently listed as out of stock.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Specifications and Features

Display:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 boasts a 6.7-inch full-HD+ fluid AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,412 pixels. With a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, users can enjoy smooth and fluid visuals, enhancing their overall viewing experience.

Processor and Performance:

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 delivers robust performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. With up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage, users can seamlessly navigate between apps and store their multimedia content with ease.

Operating System:

The smartphone ships with Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1, providing users with a clean and intuitive user interface coupled with a plethora of customization options. OxygenOS is known for its smooth performance and timely software updates, ensuring that users stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

Camera:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 features a versatile camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) support. Accompanying this primary sensor is an 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro shooter, allowing users to capture a wide range of subjects with stunning detail and clarity. On the front, the device houses a 16-megapixel sensor for high-quality selfies and video calls.

Battery and Charging:

Equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers ample battery life to power through a full day of usage. Additionally, the device supports 80W wired SuperVOOC charging, enabling users to quickly replenish the battery and minimize downtime.

Connectivity:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and USB Type-C. Whether it’s streaming multimedia content, browsing the web, or staying connected with friends and family, users can rely on the Nord CE 3 to deliver seamless connectivity and performance.

Security:

For enhanced security, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 features an in-display fingerprint sensor, allowing users to conveniently unlock their device with a simple touch. This biometric authentication method adds an extra layer of protection to safeguard sensitive data and personal information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers a compelling combination of performance, affordability, and innovation, making it an attractive choice for smartphone enthusiasts in India. With its recent price reduction and competitive specifications, the Nord CE 3 presents a compelling value proposition for consumers seeking a high-quality smartphone experience without breaking the bank. As OnePlus continues to innovate and introduce new features with each iteration, the Nord CE 3 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional devices tailored to the needs of its users.

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Namma Yatri launches cab service in Bengaluru

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In its largest market, Bengaluru, ride-hailing company Namma Yatri has expanded its services to include cab-hailing, marking a significant shift from its previous focus on auto rickshaws. Namma Yatri, known for pioneering a daily subscription model as opposed to the commission-based model utilized by competitors like Ola and Uber, had initially concentrated on auto rickshaws in Bengaluru. However, it now features a distinct section on its app dedicated to booking cabs in the city. Additionally, Namma Yatri already provides cab rides in Kochi and Kolkata.

The decision to venture into cab services follows Namma Yatri’s separation from its former parent company, Justpay, and comes on the heels of a reported expansion plan announced on April 1st. The move also aligns with the broader trend observed in the industry, as both Ola and Uber have recently introduced subscription-based plans for auto-rickshaw drivers on their platforms. This strategic shift towards subscription-based models, akin to Namma Yatri’s approach, as well as that of Rapido, highlights a growing preference within the industry for alternative pricing structures beyond traditional booking fees or commissions.

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