Understanding ProRes and Log Video: What You Need to Know for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

Upgrade your Video Experience with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

The new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have taken the tech world by storm with their sleek titanium designs and impressive performance. But one of the standout features is the upgraded camera, specifically tailored for video producers. Now, the Pro models can capture stunning 4K Apple ProRes video in Log color profile, ensuring breathtaking footage.

Discover the Power of ProRes

ProRes is a video codec developed by Apple in 2007 and has since become a favorite among video and cinema professionals. Traditionally found in high-end video cameras, ProRes files capture more data during shooting, resulting in superior quality footage compared to phones or even some dedicated cameras.

Unleash Your Creativity with Log Video

Log, short for “logarithmic,” is a color profile available on select professional video cameras and now also on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Log footage preserves image information in both highlights and shadows, granting greater flexibility in editing colors and contrast during post-production.

Understanding the Gray and Washed-Out Look

When shooting in Log mode, video files appear flat with low contrast and saturation. However, this intentional lack of contrast provides colorists with an optimal starting point for tweaking video images according to their desired look. Log footage always requires editing and grading before use.

Editing Log Video

While Apple has yet to introduce specific color editing tools for Log footage on the iPhone, you can utilize the exposure tools in the ‘Edit’ options within the Photos app to some extent. For the best results, transfer the files to your iPad, Mac, or Windows PC and edit them using specialized video production apps like DaVinci Resolve by BlackMagic. DaVinci Resolve is free to use and widely acclaimed for its color editing capabilities.

Unlock the Power of ProRes and Log on Your iPhone

To turn on ProRes and Log video on your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, navigate to Settings, scroll down, and tap ‘Camera.’ Then, select ‘Formats,’ and within this sub-menu, you’ll find the ‘Video Capture’ section. Toggle on ‘Apple ProRes,’ and below, you’ll have the option to choose between ‘HDR,’ ‘SDR,’ or ‘Log’ encoding.

It’s important to note that while you can toggle ProRes in the Camera app, switching between Log and HDR requires accessing the Settings app. For shooting 4K footage at 60 frames per second, you’ll need to connect an external SSD drive via USB-C and record directly to it.

Explore Third-Party Apps for ProRes Log Video

If you prefer using third-party apps, Apple now allows Log video shooting with ProRes in these apps. The BlackMagic Camera app is highly recommended for its extensive control over settings, similar to the capabilities found in BlackMagic’s professional cameras.

Is ProRes Log Right for You?

ProRes Log video is a specialized feature that requires additional time and resources for post-production. The file sizes are significantly larger, and color grading/editing is necessary. If you’re capturing casual videos for social media, ProRes Log may not be necessary.

However, if you’re utilizing your iPhone 15 Pro as a professional video production tool and have the time and resources to color grade and edit your footage, ProRes Log is an exceptional choice. It unlocks the potential to achieve video quality that rivals dedicated cinema cameras, providing content creators with a powerful tool to elevate their videos to a professional level.

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Google CEO Defends Business Tactics in Antitrust Trial: SEO-Optimized Title

Google CEO Sundar Pichai Testifies in Antitrust Trial

Google CEO Sundar Pichai testified on Monday in the antitrust trial brought against the company by the U.S. government. Pichai defended Google’s business tactics, including its deal with Apple and other partners to make Google the default search engine.

Government Demands Trial to Halt Google’s Monopoly

The Department of Justice and eight states, including New York, California, and Colorado, demanded a jury trial in the lawsuit against Google. The lawsuit seeks to halt Google’s anticompetitive practices and restore competition to the digital advertising market.

Google’s Defense: Just Doing Business

Google argues that its actions are simply part of doing business. The company claims that everyone wants Google as the default search engine because it’s the best, and that doesn’t make their actions illegal.

Google’s Deals and Expenditures Revealed in Trial

The trial hearing on Monday revealed interesting details, including the $26.3 billion that Google spent in 2021 to become the default search engine across various platforms. Google’s search head, Prabhakar Raghavan, testified that a significant portion of that amount went directly to Apple.

The Value of Defaults: Google’s Strategy Revealed

Google understood the value of defaults early on. An email from a 2007 meeting showed that when people changed their browser homepage to Google, they did 15% more searches. Google believes focusing on homepage market share is essential to gain search market share.

Google’s Attempt to Preinstall Chrome on iPhones

During the trial, it came to light that Google tried to convince Apple to preinstall Google on every iOS device in 2018. The goal was to create a strong connection between Google and Apple’s services, benefiting both companies. However, Apple did not agree to the proposal.

Google’s Deletion of Chat Logs under Scrutiny

The DOJ questioned Google’s policy of deleting internal chat messages, even when subject to a litigation hold. Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated that action was taken in February to comply with the DOJ’s litigation hold.

The Hypocrisy of Default Settings

Google’s legal chief, David Drummond, once criticized Microsoft’s Internet Explorer for becoming the default search engine in 2005, calling it anticompetitive. The DOJ highlighted this hypocrisy, drawing parallels to Google’s current situation.

The Outcome and Implications

The trial is expected to continue for several weeks. If ruled against, Google may be required to change its behavior and share its data with other search engines. The outcome could have implications for other ongoing antitrust cases against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Facebook.

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Mastodon App for Android Adds Highly-Requested Lists Feature, iOS Update Coming Soon

Mastodon Adds Lists Feature to Mobile App

Mastodon, the open source, decentralized alternative to Twitter/X, is adding a feature to its app that will help make the transition smoother for newcomers: Lists.

Previously, Mastodon users could only access the Lists feature via the web which made it difficult to keep up with topics the same way you could on Twitter, which has since been rebranded as X.

Mastodon’s user interface is also a bit more cumbersome on the web as you could only add and remove people from lists either by editing the list itself or from their user profile. But, in typical Mastodon fashion, the latter only worked if the user was on the same server (or “instance” in Mastodon parlance) as your own account.

Third-Party Mobile Apps Filled the Gap

Other third-party apps from indie developers and small startups stepped in to address the lack of lists on mobile. For example, apps like Tusky, Metatext, Ivory, Mammoth and more, now support lists on mobile more elegantly.

Mastodon’s own first-party mobile app didn’t offer access to lists until now. But mobile development at Mastodon has sped up since the hiring of additional developers last year, allowing Mastodon to play catch-up with Twitter/X.

Mastodon Explains the Advantages of Lists

In today’s announcement, the company explains that lists do more than allow you to curate topics around your interests — they also provide a way to declutter your home feed by limiting some accounts to lists, where you can engage with them “on your own terms.”

Lists could be helpful for subjects or interests you only want to track on occasion, as opposed to seeing every time you log on.

Mastodon’s Position in the Competition

The company has stayed in the running as a potential alternative to X as users look for other platforms to serve their microblogging needs.

Mastodon, however, has hung in there with some 1.7 million monthly active users as of this month.

Mastodon’s Funding and Growth

The company is not a traditional startup, as it operates as a nonprofit funded by donations, Patreon subscriptions, government grants and, more recently, merchandise sales.

Despite its small size and team, it’s managed to onboard several publishers, creators and users since Musk’s Twitter takeover, while also gaining integrations from other publishing startups, like Flipboard and Medium.

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AI Coaching Startup Practica Launches Personalized Workplace Mentor and Coach for Professionals

Can an AI be your mentor? Practica thinks so

Practica, a startup that evolved from a marketplace for executive coaching, has launched an AI system that aims to act as a personalized workplace mentor and coach. Built on top of an existing knowledge base developed over years of working with human coaches, the AI chatbot offers guidance and support across a range of topics, including management, strategy, sales, personal development, and more.

From marketplace to AI coaching

Practica was initially founded in 2020 by Dave Whittemore and Andy Scheff, both of whom became executive coaches. They later expanded the platform by adding other executive coaches to the marketplace. Today, Practica boasts 250 human coaches with domain-specific expertise, serving primarily B2B clients. However, the founders recognized that the high pricing of their services prevented many individuals from accessing them.

Blending personal coaching with AI technology

To address the pricing barrier, Practica decided to combine their knowledge of one-on-one coaching with AI technology. They curated a vast knowledge base of publicly available learning materials, including blogs, videos, podcasts, and more. The AI system leverages these resources, following a technique called Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), to match the best learning materials for each user’s situation. The AI coach explains the selected resources and encourages users to further explore them.

More than a generalized AI chatbot

Unlike generalized AI chatbots, Practica’s AI remembers the learner’s history and progress over time, similar to how a human coach would. It employs a range of coaching tools, including instruction, questioning, and finding applicable challenges in the learner’s job. The AI organizes insights from the materials into a list and adds useful notes for future reference.

Increasing access to executive coaching

Practica’s AI coaching system has been in private testing since July and is now available to individual learners for a monthly fee ranging from $10 to $20. With this pricing, Practica aims to make executive coaching more accessible to a wider audience. The ultimate goal is to introduce more people to the effectiveness of coaching and encourage them to upgrade to the company’s premium human coaching services.

Practica has secured $1.5 million in funding from two rounds in 2021 and 2022, attracting support from Script Capital and over 40 individual angel investors who are leaders in the coaching domains Practica focuses on.

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Detail Releases New Multiplayer Feature for Multi-Camera Podcast Recording on iOS

The New Multiplayer Feature in Detail App Allows Easy Recording of Multi-Camera Podcasts

Detail, a startup specializing in video recording and editing apps for Mac and iPhone, has recently released a new multiplayer feature that revolutionizes the way users can record podcasts. By utilizing two iPhones (or iPads) wirelessly, the app enables seamless recording of multi-camera podcasts.

Simplifying the Podcast Editing Process

The multiplayer feature, launched as an update to Detail for iOS, not only allows users to record podcasts using multiple cameras but also automatically syncs video and audio feeds between devices, eliminating the need for extensive editing. Additionally, the app offers quick and easy editing options, including different layouts like side-by-side, picture-in-picture, or full-screen layouts.

A Brief Background on Detail

Detail released its Mac app on the App Store in 2022, following a year-long public beta testing phase. The startup then launched its iOS app earlier this year. Offering a range of features, the iPhone app includes templates and tools for creating reaction videos, tutorial videos, and video resumes, complete with a live green screen editor, AI captions, and teleprompter. On the other hand, the Mac app facilitates video editing with features such as AI-generated video descriptions and hashtags.

Enhancing Audio Quality

While recording with the Detail app, users have the option to utilize the iPhone’s built-in microphones or connect lavalier mics for improved audio quality. The app captures both audio and video locally and then syncs them together, making it especially useful for those who don’t have an external audio interface or mixer for separate audio tracks.

A Better Podcasting Experience

Founder of Detail, Paul Veugen, highlighted the distinctiveness of the app’s new feature. Unlike video conferencing tools like Zoom and Meet, the Detail app ensures that podcasts do not have to resemble video calls.

Veugen explained, “While our product on Mac evolved, we realized that people come to us for two things: a fully edited podcast episode that they can share instantly and great short-form content that helps them reach and build an audience on different platforms. But setting up cameras and recording on your Mac is still pretty complicated. We now simplify this to a few taps on iOS. It feels like we finally deliver on our promise of making pro video accessible for everyone.”

Multi-camera Freedom with iPhones

Veugen further emphasized that Detail wanted to make the multi-camera setup uncomplicated for creators, allowing them the freedom to experiment with different camera angles simply by using iPhones. It’s worth noting that the iOS app already enables users to record with both front and back cameras simultaneously.

Achievements and Future Plans

To date, Detail has raised a total of $7 million in funding with the support of investors like Adjacent, TQ Ventures, Point Nine Capital, Connect Ventures, Hustule Find, Alexander Ljung, AnkeHuiskes, Hiten Shah, and Sten Tamkivi. Looking ahead, Veugen revealed that Detail aims to roll out additional features such as remote recording, AI-powered auto-editing (recently introduced for the Mac), and AI highlight clips for its iOS app in the coming weeks.

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iPhone 14: Unlock the Power of MagSafe with These Compatible Phone Cases

Apple’s MagSafe Feature for iPhone 14 Models

All the iPhone 14 models come with Apple’s innovative MagSafe feature, which offers faster wireless charging when used with compatible chargers. This feature also allows for the use of optional accessories that can magnetically adhere to the back of your phone. These accessories include the convenient MagSafe wallet, mini wallets, and a range of mounts.

Faster and Powerful Charging

The iPhone 14, like its predecessor, the iPhone 13, utilizes an array of magnets embedded around a charging coil. Apple is actively committed to sustainability and has made these magnets from recycled materials. This configuration enables the phone to pull up to 15 watts of power, delivering efficient and high-speed charging.

Seamless Compatibility with MagSafe Accessories

If you wish to use MagSafe accessories without removing your phone case, you’ll need a case specifically designed to support MagSafe. Look for the distinctive MagSafe symbol, which is a circle with a short pipe below it. While it is visible on transparent cases, on nontransparent cases, the symbol is embedded inside, only visible from the interior of the case.

Choosing a MagSafe Compatible Case

If you already possess or plan to invest in MagSafe accessories, it is recommended to opt for a MagSafe compatible case. This ensures seamless integration and convenience. Consequently, the majority of the cases featured in this roundup are equipped with MagSafe compatibility, providing you with a wide range of choices.

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Elon Musk Announces Posts Corrected by Community Notes on X Platform Will Lose Revenue Share

Elon Musk Announces Changes to X’s Community Notes System Impacting Revenue Share

X posts that are corrected by Community Notes, the platform’s crowd-sourced fact-checking system, will become “ineligible for revenue share,” Elon Musk said Sunday.

With the aim of prioritizing accuracy over sensationalism, Elon Musk recently revealed that any posts on X that are corrected by the Community Notes system will no longer be eligible for revenue share. The Community Notes system relies on the contributions of users to propose short contextual notes, point out important omissions, or correct errors in posts. These notes are then rated by other users, with the most helpful and accurate notes rising to the top.

In an effort to maintain the integrity of the platform and combat the spread of misinformation, X has been implementing various updates to enhance accuracy via Community Notes. For instance, recent updates allow fact-checks to gather ratings more quickly, ensuring valuable and accurate notes can be published sooner. Additionally, notifications are sent to users whose activity has received a fact-check, encouraging them to either remove or edit posts for better context.

By demonetizing users whose posts have been corrected, X hopes to discourage the acceleration of sensationalist information contributed by creators who may have financial incentives to participate in the reaction economy. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures, along with previous updates, will effectively curb the tide of misinformation amidst ongoing conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine war.

It is important to note that the number of X Premium subscribers on the platform determines the user pool for the creator economy. As of August, there were fewer than 950,000 X Premium subscribers, accounting for less than 1% of the platform’s total user base of over 500 million monthly active users. Since creators must be Premium users, their presence is likely even more limited.

While X claims that the Community Notes contributors represent a diverse set of users, the company has not disclosed the demographics of those who have signed up. According to X CEO Linda Yaccarino’s October blog post, there are now over 100,000 Community Notes contributors in 44 countries.

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How AI Is Transforming the Future of Smartphones in 2024 and Beyond

The Evolving Role of AI in Smartphones

Technology advancements like 5G and foldable displays were once thought to be the turning point for smartphones. However, in 2023, attention has shifted to generative AI, a technology that industry moguls believe could be as monumental as the dawn of the smartphone and internet.

AI’s Impact on Smartphones

Generative artificial intelligence, or AI that can create new content, has greatly influenced the trajectory of new products from major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Instagram, Facebook Meta, and more. Now, in the last quarter of 2023, we can see how this shift is extending to smartphones.

Google’s Pixel 8 and AI

Google’s Pixel 8 launch showcased how AI algorithms can pick out the best facial expressions in group photos and seamlessly paste them into another image. Additionally, the next smartphone processor from Qualcomm is designed to expedite AI processing tasks, as disclosed during its Snapdragon Summit. Apple is also reportedly developing AI-powered features for iPhones and other products.

The Rise of Generative AI

Generative AI goes beyond passive AI functions like face detection and unlocking phones. Instead, it enables new use cases, such as generating dynamic wallpapers on demand or modifying expressions in photos. Users now have more control over AI and its applications in their daily lives.

The Future of AI in Smartphones

In 2024 and beyond, AI will play an even greater role in smartphones. Qualcomm envisions AI as a fundamental part of a phone’s daily operations, with voice, text, and image understanding capabilities. Conversational AI assistants will become more natural and offer advanced features like summarized phone calls and AI-enhanced photography.

Partnerships and Integrations

Qualcomm is collaborating with Google to run AI models locally on Snapdragon-powered phones. Xiaomi is among the first brands to adopt Qualcomm’s new chip, and others like Oppo, OnePlus, Honor, and Vivo are likely to follow suit. Motorola, owned by Lenovo, is also working on integrating AI features into its smartphones and PCs.

AI Upgrades for iPhones

While Apple rarely reveals future plans, reports suggest that the company is developing several AI upgrades for its products, including iPhones. These upgrades may include language learning models, expanded Siri functionality, and AI-assisted features in Apple’s suite of apps like Apple Music, Pages, and Keynote.

Privacy and Security Concerns

To offer personalized experiences, tech giants require greater access to user data. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip aims to process AI tasks locally, enhancing privacy and security by reducing reliance on the cloud. Apple also prioritizes on-device processing for sensitive data.

The Ethical Dilemma

As AI becomes more powerful, there are concerns about its potential misuse. Features like Magic Editor and Best Take have the ability to alter images in ways that blur the line between fact and fiction. Measures like image authenticity verification are being implemented, but challenges remain.

AI will undoubtedly transform the way we use smartphones, and new, indispensable use cases are yet to be discovered.

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Is NameDrop Dangerous? How to Disable the Feature on iOS 17 and iPhone 15

iOS 17 and NameDrop: The Good and the Concerns

iOS 17 is now available for download on compatible phones, and the iPhone 15 series has been on shelves for a few weeks. Apple fans have eagerly explored the new features brought by these latest upgrades. While some features are incredibly helpful or fun to use, there are others that are, well, not so great.

The Split Opinions on NameDrop

One such feature that has divided Apple fans is NameDrop. Some fans appreciate the convenience of being able to easily share their contact information by simply raising their phone. However, others are concerned about the ease with which their contact information can be shared or potentially stolen.

On X (formerly Twitter), users have expressed worries about the implications of this feature on their safety. For example, several women have raised concerns about avoiding uncomfortable encounters in public spaces. @ChanSteele tweeted, “How do you NameDrop a fake number? Asking for all women.”

These concerns regarding safety are justified, and if you find yourself worried and wanting to disable NameDrop, here are your options for managing it.

For more information, check out our guides on fixing the most annoying iOS 17 features and essential steps before updating to iOS 17.

Is NameDrop Dangerous?

The good news is that NameDrop itself is not inherently dangerous. According to Apple, you have the ability to choose which pieces of your information are shared when you NameDrop your contact to someone else.

Furthermore, when two iPhones are placed together and the option for NameDrop appears, you only have two choices. You can either select “Receive Only,” meaning you will only receive their contact information, or you can choose “Share.” By selecting “Share,” you both send and receive contact information.

So, even if you accidentally NameDrop with someone you didn’t intend to, you still have options. You can selectively decide which information to share or opt to only receive their information.

However, if you still feel uneasy about NameDrop, you can disable the feature. It’s important to note that NameDrop is automatically enabled when you download iOS 17 or purchase an iPhone 15. Therefore, you will have to turn it off if you want to deactivate it on your phone.

How to Disable NameDrop

If you want to permanently disable NameDrop, you’re in luck because the process is quite simple.

To disable NameDrop, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap on General.

3. Navigate to the AirDrop tab.

4. Once in the AirDrop tab, simply toggle the Bring Devices Together option off.

That’s all it takes to disable NameDrop. If you have a change of heart and decide that you are comfortable with NameDrop and want to enable it again, simply toggle the Bring Devices Together option back on.

For more information, don’t miss our detailed reviews of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

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Instagram Head Adam Mosseri Announces Threads API in the Works for Developers

Instagram’s Threads API in the Works: Creating New Experiences

Instagram head Adam Mosseri said today that a Threads API is in the works. This will give chance to developers to create different apps and experiences around Threads.

Addressing the Need for a TweetDeck-like Experience

Mosseri was responding to journalist Casey Newton, who was conversing with a user about a TweetDeck-like experience for Threads. The Instagram head expressed apprehension about publishers posting a bunch of content and in turn, overshadowing creator content.

Working Towards a Solution

“We’re working on it. My concern is that it’ll mean a lot more publisher content and not much more creator content, but it still seems like something we need to get done,” Mosseri said in a post.

News Content and Integration Challenges

Threads have taken a stance on news content by saying it is not “anti-news” but it “won’t actively amplify news.” Historically, news publications have relied on third-party tools and integrations with different social networks to automatically post on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. With the lack of availability of APIs on newer platforms like Threads, publishers have to manually post content, which is not ideal for news organizations posting a bunch of articles per day.

Addressing the Needs of Creators

While Mosseri is concerned about publishers pushing an overwhelming amount of content through API integration, creators also need different tools to post various formats of content. It makes it easier for developers to make features suited for a platform if there is an API integration.

Opening Up for Third-Party Developers

With social networks such as Twitter (now X) and Reddit making it difficult for third-party developers to create clients, Threads can open up its API for a healthy app ecosystem. Developers have made some clients for rival networks such as Bluesky and Mastodon. However, both networks comparatively have a smaller user base than Threads.

Expanding Possibilities with an API

Earlier this week, Meta said that Threads has just under 100 million monthly active users. An API and a third-party app ecosystem won’t necessarily push that number forward, but it will give ways for people to explore the network in alternative ways. The Threads teams have shipped many features in the last few months post-launch. However, if there is a third-party app ecosystem in place, developers can use various ship features users are looking for.

Integration with Fedisverse: A Promising Future

What’s more, Meta and Mosseri have talked about integrating Threads with the Fedisverse. So an open ecosystem with a well-maintained API would be a good step towards getting to that goal.

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Introducing X’s New Premium+ and Basic Tiers: Boosted Replies, Ad-Free Feeds, and More

X Introduces New Premium+ and Basic Tiers for Subscriptions

X, formerly known as Twitter, is introducing two new tiers for its subscription offering in order to bring in additional revenue.

The social media giant is adding a new Premium+ tier that costs $16 per month and offers the “largest reply boost” and removes ads from the For You and Following feeds.

What Does Premium+ Offer?

• No ads in For You or Following
• Largest boost for your replies (vs other Premium tiers or unverified users)
• Access to our full suite of creator tools

The Premium+ tier also comes with revenue-sharing and access to other creator tools.

The second tier launching today is called “Basic” and costs $3 per month. Although it doesn’t come with a blue checkmark, it includes basic features like the ability to edit posts and post longer text and videos. It also offers a “small reply boost.”

Introducing Premium+

No ads in For You or Following
Largest boost for your replies (vs other Premium tiers or unverified users)
Access to our full suite of creator tools

Now available on Web

Subscribe here → https://t.co/Ywvyijo9CQ

— Premium (@premium) October 27, 2023

Both of the new tiers are now available on the web.

The Standard X Premium Tier

The new tiers join the standard X Premium tier, which replaced Twitter Blue. The tier costs $8 per month and gives users a blue checkmark, prioritized ranking in replies, bookmark folders, longer posts, text formatting, themes, SMS two-factor authentication, encrypted DMs and more.

The launch of the new tiers comes a few weeks after Bloomberg reported that X was working on new subscription tiers.

Generating Additional Revenue

The introduction of the new tiers will give X additional ways to grow revenues as it deals with the loss in advertising dollars that it has faced since Elon Musk took the reins of the platform last fall.

Musk’s controversial changes have turned away advertisers, as major companies ended up pulling their ads from the social network after their ads were displayed next to hate speech and pro-Nazi content.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the company’s U.S. ad revenue has declined every month since Musk took over, with the latest figures showing a 60% year-over-year decline as of August.

Since taking over the company last year, Musk has been looking for ways to generate additional revenue, and has gone so far as charging users in New Zealand and the Philippines $1 per year in order to access the social network.

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Apple’s Scary Fast Event: Expectations for New Macs, iPads, and More

Apple Set to Surprise with Scary Fast Event

Surprise! Apple’s got one more event to go this year. Word is that various supply chain issues kiboshed plans to announce additional hardware at last month’s iPhone 15 event. Whereas in past years the company has opted to do a final round of announcements through press releases, this time out it’s holding a standalone event.

Excitement has been building ever since the company sent out invites for Scary Fast—a event that could potentially unveil the long-awaited release of new desktop silicon. However, unlike previous events, this one won’t have an in-person component. This may be due to wanting to avoid inconveniencing attendees who would have to fly from around the world for potentially less substantial news.

The event is also breaking tradition in terms of its start time. Instead of the customary 10AM PT on a Tuesday morning, the kickoff time is 5PM PT/8PM ET on a Monday night—All Hallows’ Eve eve. The easiest and quickest way to follow the event (apart from AsumeTech, of course) is to visit Apple’s events page. Apple will also stream the event on YouTube, although it tends to lag behind the other stream a bit.

As for what can be expected at this event, apart from the obvious Halloween theme, the term “Scary Fast” is most likely a reference to new chips. Furthermore, the silver Apple logo on the invite and the AR effect that transforms it into the Finder widget strongly indicate that new Macs will be unveiled.

This brings us to the most anticipated highlights of the event—a new 24-inch iMac and a MacBook Pro refresh, potentially powered by the M3 and M3 Pro chips, respectively. Rumor has it that Apple is also working on a 32-inch iMac/iMac Pro, although it is unlikely to be launched until next year (at the earliest). Nonetheless, Apple seems poised to celebrate the arrival of macOS Sonoma with some new hardware.

The iPad line could also receive some love at this event. The Pro model appears to be the most likely candidate, but the entire line is up for grabs. This would also be a perfect opportunity for Apple to refresh a number of devices with USB-C connectors, just in time for the holiday season. It has been almost three years since the AirPods Max made its debut, so it wouldn’t be surprising if any member of the line received a refresh. Additionally, fans are hoping for standalone USB-C cases to be made available at some point.

However, it is reasonable to expect that the event will involve more than just Macs. The Vision Pro, which received little stage time at the iPhone event last month, could take the spotlight this time, with demos and new content being unveiled for its imminent arrival early next year.

We look forward to seeing you, alongside Tim Cook, at the event in just a few days.

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Twitter’s X Plans to Launch XWire, a Rival News Service, Taking on Cision’s PR Newswire

Instagram Threads Shifting Focus Away from News

As Instagram Threads is leaning away from news, according to statements made by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, its competitor X appears to be doubling down. Executives at the company formerly known as Twitter, spoke during yesterday’s all-hands internal meeting of their desire to create a new wire service called XWire, according to Bloomberg. The service would rival existing services for press releases, like Cision’s PR Newswire.

X Aims to Become an All-In-One Platform

The all-hands on Thursday was the first that both X owner Elon Musk and CEO Linda Yaccarino attended together, after her hiring in May. On the call, the execs touched on a number of initiatives planned for the company, including Musk’s well-known desire to shift X to become an “everything app,” which focuses on creators, video, payments, and even hosting users’ money and securities on its platform.

Challenging Competitors and Expanding Services

The company also set its sights on competitors like YouTube and LinkedIn in terms of both video and hiring. On the latter front, X recently introduced a jobs listing service, advertised through the @XHiring account, which would allow companies to post available positions directly on X through special “job cards” that detail the role, description, and other details. This already challenges LinkedIn’s hiring business, but adoption of the feature on X remains small-scale for the time being. The execs didn’t share additional information on how X would better compete with LinkedIn’s business, but tying into other areas where companies distribute their news, as with press releases, could possibly help.

The company shared other milestones during the meeting, including its reach of half a billion posts per day and 100 billion impressions per day — metrics that were previously confirmed to AsumeTech after being announced by Yaccarino in an interview at a Khanference 2023 event in October. And in a subsequent blog post, Yaccarino wrote that overall, users spend 7.8 billion active minutes every day and that an average user spends 32 minutes on the platform — numbers that differ slightly from recent third-party estimates focused on U.S. daily active users, who were spending 20.6 minutes on average on the platform as of September.

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Threads Social Network: Monthly Users Reach Under 100 Million in 3 Months, but Mark Zuckerberg Remains Hopeful for Billion-User Milestone

The Rise and Challenges of Meta’s Threads: A Text-Based Social Network

Meta said today that its text-based social network Threads has under 100 million monthly users three months after its launch.

Mark Zuckerberg notes positive growth for Threads

During Meta’s latest earnings call, CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed satisfaction with the progress of the social networking giant’s latest venture, Threads. With the current growth rate, Threads could potentially reach one billion users in the next few years. Zuckerberg emphasized the need for a billion-person public conversations app that fosters positive interactions, and he believes Threads can fulfill that vision.

Monthly active users and engagement on Threads

While the number of monthly active users is important, it might not be the best indicator of engagement on a social network like Threads. Casual users who open the website or app only once are counted as active users. In comparison, Threads’ rival X (formerly known as Twitter) boasts nearly 550 million monthly active users. Insider Intelligence analyst Jeremy Goldman reveals that Threads currently has almost five times fewer daily active users than it had at its launch in July.

Achievements and challenges

Threads achieved the remarkable milestone of 100 million signups within a week of its launch. However, engagement numbers have since dwindled. To counter this, Meta has introduced sought-after features such as post search, a web version, an edit button, and easy account switching. Future updates include trending posts and separate account deletion from Instagram. Notably, Threads is still unavailable to users in the EU, and no timeline was mentioned for its launch.

Efforts to increase engagement

To boost engagement, Meta has tried various tactics, including displaying a carousel of suggested Threads posts on Instagram and Facebook. There are rumors that users may soon be able to share Threads posts directly to their Instagram stories. Although Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who oversees Threads, has stated that the platform will not amplify news, it is not against it. However, searches for health-related terms such as ‘Covid’ and ‘vaccines’ have been banned, although this ban is expected to be lifted soon.

Threads: A place to empower creators

Meta’s vision for Threads is to make it a space that empowers creators. However, real-time news may be difficult to follow on Threads, as not all reporters and publications are actively posting on the platform. Reporters are seeking an alternative to X, which has made life challenging for publishers by removing headlines from link previews. While Threads is gaining attention for posting information on events like the Israel-Hamas conflict, it will take time for the platform to become a hub for real-time events with significant engagement, including pop culture moments and sports events.

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Honor Magic 6 to Run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chip, Bringing Generative AI to Users Everywhere

About the Honor Magic 6

The Honor Magic 6, rumored to launch in 2023, will be powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. This announcement was made by both companies on Wednesday. With the new chip, Magic 6 users can enjoy the benefits of generative AI wherever they are, even without an internet connection.

The Rise of Generative AI Tools

The popularity of generative AI tools began in November with the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Since then, major companies like Google and Microsoft have been in a race to bring generative AI tools to computers and smartphones.

The Advantages of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chip

Qualcomm highlights the boosted privacy and faster speeds of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Additionally, it supports on-device large language models (LLMs), similar to ChatGPT’s technology. This enables more personalized features and services.

The Unique LLM of the Magic 6

Honor claims that the Magic 6’s LLM is distinct from cloud-based LLMs, which are trained on publicly accessible datasets. Instead, the Magic 6 draws from its understanding of the user’s device to provide personalized services based on their preferences.

Showcasing AI Capabilities

During the Qualcomm Summit keynote, Honor demonstrated the AI capabilities of the Magic 6 through its assistant, Yoyo. They created a short video using photos and footage stored on the phone. Honor also teased a feature called Magic Capsule, which bears resemblance to Apple’s Dynamic Island on the iPhone but incorporates eye-tracking technology.

More Flagship Phones and AI Integration

Other flagship phones from Xiaomi, Oppo, and OnePlus are also expected to run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. However, these companies will need to collaborate with Qualcomm to integrate AI features into their devices, as they are not inherently available.

Google’s AI-Packed Pixel Phones

In addition to the Honor Magic 6, Google recently launched the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. These phones are loaded with AI features, such as enhancing photos, answering calls, and creating custom wallpapers.

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How to Mirror Your Android Phone to Your TV: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mirror Your Android Phone to Your TV: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Mirror Your Android Phone?

Sometimes, you just need to cast whatever is on your Android phone over to your TV. Whether you’re streaming a movie or browsing through TikTok, doing it on a bigger screen can enhance your experience. While you could use a tablet, mirroring your phone screen onto your television is the best option.

Everything You Need to Mirror Your Android Phone to Your TV

To begin mirroring your Android phone to your TV, you’ll need:

• An Android device with mirroring capabilities
• A Google Chromecast streaming device, such as the Chromecast with Google TV HD or a TV with built-in Chromecast support, like the Hisense U8H Google TV

If you’re unsure whether your TV has Chromecast support, you can check by seeing if it shows up as an available casting device when following the methods below.

Method 1: Cast Your Screen Using the Google Home App

The most reliable way to mirror your Android phone’s screen is by using the Google Home app. If you already have Google’s smart speakers, Nest Wifi Pro, or Chromecast devices set up, you likely have the app installed. Otherwise, you can download it from the Play Store.

1. Open the Google Home app on your mobile device.
2. Select the Chromecast device you want to use.
3. At the bottom of the screen, tap the “Cast my screen” button.
4. On the prompt that appears, tap “Cast screen” to start casting your phone or tablet’s screen to your TV.
5. To stop casting your screen, tap the “Stop mirroring” button in the Home app.

Method 2: The Quick Settings Panel Shortcut

If you prefer an easier method, you can use the Casting shortcut in the quick settings panel of your Android phone or tablet. Here’s how:

1. Swipe down from the top of your device’s display to access the quick settings panel.
2. Look for the “Screen cast” option. If it’s not available, use the “Smart View” shortcut (usually found on Samsung devices).
3. Tap the cast button and select the device you want to mirror your display on from the list.
4. Wait for your phone to connect to the Chromecast-enabled device. Once connected, your screen will appear on your TV.
5. To stop casting, repeat the same steps outlined above.

Note: Some phones may not have a cast button option in the quick settings panel. In such cases, you can still mirror your phone using the Google Home app.

Things to Keep in Mind

When you mirror your screen, everything on your phone or tablet’s display will also show up on the TV, including alerts and notifications. To minimize disruptions, consider turning on Do Not Disturb. Additionally, there may be a lag between your phone and TV when casting, so it’s best to avoid more intensive games like Fortnite.

If you’re looking to get more out of your Chromecast, be sure to check out these helpful tips. And don’t forget, Google Assistant has a handy trick for when you have a song stuck in your head.

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Automattic Acquires Texts.com, All-in-One Messaging App, for $50 Million

WordPress.com and Tumblr Owner Automattic Acquires Messaging App Texts.com for $50 Million

Automattic, the owner of WordPress.com and Tumblr, has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of all-in-one messaging app Texts.com for $50 million. The app consolidates various messaging apps, including iMessage, Slack, WhatsApp, Instagram, and more, into a single dashboard. Texts.com offers unique features such as end-to-end encryption, message scheduling, message marking as unread, and summaries of group chats.

Automattic’s Expansion into the Messaging Market

The acquisition of Texts.com allows Automattic to enter a “fourth market that’s integral to the modern web experience: messaging.” This move complements Automattic’s existing offerings, which include WordPress for online publishing, WooCommerce for e-commerce, Tumblr for blogging, and a suite of ad tools. In 2021, Automattic also acquired journaling app Day One, podcast app Pocket Casts, and an ActivityPub plug-in for WordPress.

Founder Kishan Bagaria Joins Automattic

As part of the acquisition, Texts.com founder Kishan Bagaria will join Automattic as the new head of messaging. The entire distributed Texts.com team will also become part of Automattic’s workforce.

A Solution to Personal Frustration

Automattic owner Matt Mullenweg explained that the desire for the acquisition stemmed from personal frustration with using multiple messaging apps and the difficulty of tracking conversations across platforms. The acquisition of Texts.com ensures a centralized messaging experience for users.

Regulatory Framework and Security

Mullenweg also cited the current regulatory framework as a factor that made the Texts.com deal more viable. The encryption and user-centric nature of Texts.com make it more difficult for larger players like Apple, Google, and Meta to block the app under EU regulations. Texts.com guarantees end-to-end encryption by sending messages directly to the platforms, without ever being stored on its servers.

Automattic’s Advantage as a Non-“Big Tech” Player

Mullenweg believes that placing a messaging app in the hands of a company like Automattic, which is not considered “Big Tech,” will result in faster development and a maintained focus on the Texts.com platform. Unlike larger companies, such as Google, Automattic aims to get messaging right by catering to user-centric values. Additionally, Texts.com’s integration with various platforms appeals to users who utilize multiple messaging apps.

Pricing and Compatibility

Texts.com is available for $15 per month for most users and $30 per month for businesses. The app is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, with iOS and Android apps in development. While iMessage is only supported on Mac, SMS communication is available with iMessage. Other supported platforms include WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, IRC, Slack, and Discord DMs.

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Create and Customize Grocery Lists with Apple’s iOS 17: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Joy of Creating Grocery Lists with Apple’s iOS 17 Software

There are very few things I could say that would convince you that making a grocery list is fun. What I can tell you is that, with Apple‘s new iOS 17 software, it’s easier than before to make and maintain a grocery list.

Create Dedicated Grocery Lists with Apple’s Reminders

In Apple’s Reminders, you can now create a dedicated grocery list, where your shopping list can live permanently — no more making a new list in your Notes or texts every week. These new grocery lists in Reminders combine all the best parts of regular reminders with new features that make creating a grocery list less painful. If you’re looking for the quickest, easiest way to simplify your grocery trips, this is it.

How to Create Grocery Lists in Reminders

1. Open Reminders.
2. Tap Add List in the bottom right corner.
3. Under List Type, select Groceries from the dropdown menu.
4. Name the list and choose its icon symbol and color.
5. Click Done in the upper right corner.

Once you have your list, you can add your items by tapping New Item in the bottom left corner. Because this is a dedicated grocery list, items will automatically organize themselves into categories like produce, dairy, snacks and more.

In my testing, Apple categorized my items correctly 90% of the time. Occasionally, depending on how I phrased an item, it wouldn’t be able to recognize what it was. This was easily remedied by placing the main food word at the beginning of the item. Or you can just not bother and leave it uncategorized at the bottom of your list.

Customize and Share Your Reminders Grocery List

To share your grocery list with someone else, simply tap the share button (a box with an up arrow) in the upper right corner.

There are two ways to view your grocery list: as a list or by columns. To toggle between views, tap the three dots in the upper right corner and change the view.

If you want to manually sort your items, you can do so by tapping the “i” icon next to the item, then tapping Section and selecting where you want it to be. This is also where you can create a new, custom section header. To edit the text of existing section headers, simply tap the text and type in your changes.

You can use the arrows next to each category heading to collapse and open each section. When the sections are collapsed, you can reorder sections by tapping and dragging them up and down the list. To see all the ways you can sort your grocery list, tap the three dots in the upper right corner and open the dropdown menu under Sort By.

Note that when you check off an item, it will automatically disappear from the list. If you want to see your completed items, click the three dots in the upper right corner and tap Show Completed.

Similar to other Reminders, you can add notes, priority level and time/date stamps to each item. To access these specific options, tap the item and click the “i” to see more options.

For more about iOS 17, check out how to use the new Check In feature, how to create live stickers and how to use Maps offline. All this and more lives on our iOS 17 cheat sheet, which is updated regularly with new explainers and how-to guides.

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The Best iPhone Deals: Up to $1,000 off the iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone SE (2022)

Best iPhone Deals Available Now

Find the best deals for models across the iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 and iPhone SE 2022 below, grouped by generation.

iPhone 15 deals

Buying your iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro directly at Apple can score you a deal. Various financing options are available, including up to $650 off unlocked models with a qualifying trade-in. Or you can opt for a carrier deal via Apple and save as much as $1,000 when you trade in your old phone.

AT&T is offering up to $700 off the iPhone 15 or 15 Plus, or up to $1,000 off the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. To get the discount, you’ll need to have an eligible unlimited plan and purchase the phone on an installment plan. And to get the full discount, your trade-in needs to be valued at just $230 or more. And even old or damaged phones valued at just $35 or more will still net you $350 in savings.

Verizon is offering trade-in savings on the iPhone 15 series. Up to $830 off the basic iPhone 15, $930 off the 15 Plus, or $1,000 off the 15 Pro and Pro Max with an eligible trade-in. Existing customers who qualify for an upgrade can save up to $830 on all four models.

T-Mobile is offering trade-in savings on the iPhone 15 series. Up to $1,000 off with an eligible trade-in. You can also save up to $830 with both a trade-in and a new line of service. And if you need more than one new phone, you can buy one and get up to $700 off another.

iPhone 14 deals

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are available to buy directly from Apple. You can trade in your old device for up to $650 off your new one and use an Apple Card to get 3% back on your purchase.

AT&T customers can save on the iPhone 14 series with same-day activation on a new line or account. Up to $360 off with an installment plan. No trade-in required. Old phones, tablets, and smartwatches are accepted for additional discount.

Verizon customers can get the iPhone 14 or 14 Plus for free with a new line on any 5G unlimited plan. The 14 Pro is free with a new line on an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate Plan. You can also save up to $280 on an iPad and $120 on select Apple Watches with the purchase.

T-Mobile customers can save on the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro with a trade-in. Up to $1,000 off with a trade-in. You can also save up to $830 with an eligible plan

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TikTok Testing Ability to Upload 15 Minute Videos: Will It Compete with YouTube?

TikTok Testing 15-Minute Video Uploads

TikTok is testing the ability for users to upload 15-minute videos, the company confirmed to AsumeTech on Monday. The social media giant said the new upload limit is being tested in select regions with a limited group of users, but declined to share specifics. The new option increases the video upload limit on the app from 10 minutes to 15 minutes.

Embracing Long-Form Content

The change was first noted by social media consultant Matt Navarra, who posted a screenshot of a message shown to users who have access to the new option. According to the screenshot, users can upload longer videos to the platform from both the TikTok app and on desktop.

TikTok initially gained fame for being the most popular short-form video platform but has slowly been embracing long-form content. The company expanded its maximum video length to 10 minutes, up from three minutes, back in February 2022. Before that, the limit was 60 seconds after initially expanding from 15 seconds.

Increased Opportunities for Creators

The expanded video length will give creators even more time and flexibility when sharing things like cooking recipes, beauty tutorials, education content, and comedy sketches. Currently, if a video is longer than 10 minutes, creators will direct viewers to a “Part 2” video. With this expanded time limit, creators may no longer have to create an entire video series when sharing content.

Competition with YouTube

The change puts TikTok in even more direct competition with YouTube. The move indicates that TikTok is looking to attract longer-form video creators who normally post content on YouTube. In the past, TikTok was seen as the platform for short-form content, while YouTube was seen as the home for long-form content. The past few years have blurred the lines between the two companies as TikTok embraces longer videos and YouTube adopts shorter videos with Shorts.

Expanding Into YouTube’s Territory

It’s worth noting that TikTok has also inched further into YouTube’s territory with a horizontal full-screen mode that’s being tested in select regions.

Reception and Future Rollout

It’s likely that not everyone will welcome the new video time limit. TikTok is known for short and entertaining videos, so that’s probably what people go to the platform for, not necessarily long videos. Not everyone has an appetite for long videos, which TikTok seems to be aware of given its recent launch of a feature that lets you fast-forward videos by holding down the right side of a video.

TikTok did not say if or when it plans to roll out the change to everyone.

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NameDrop on iOS 17: How to Disable the Controversial Contact Sharing Feature

iOS 17: NameDrop Feature and Your Safety

Apple has recently released iOS 17, and the new iPhone 15 series has hit the shelves, exciting Apple fans who can’t wait to explore the latest software upgrades. While there are some amazing features that users find helpful and fun, there are others that are not quite as appealing.

The NameDrop Feature

One feature in iOS 17 that has divided Apple fans is NameDrop. While some users enjoy the convenience of quickly sharing their contact information by raising their phone, others have concerns about the potential risks involved.

On social media, users have expressed worries about their safety. For instance, some women worry about being approached by strangers in public spaces. A Twitter user, @ChanSteele, questioned how to NameDrop a fake number, seeking advice for all women facing similar concerns.

These safety concerns are valid, and if you want to disable NameDrop, read on to learn about your options.

Is NameDrop Safe?

The good news is that NameDrop is not necessarily dangerous. According to Apple, you have control over which pieces of information are shared when you use the NameDrop feature.

When two iPhones are brought together with NameDrop enabled, you have two options: Receive Only or Share. By selecting Receive Only, you will only receive the other person’s contact information. On the other hand, selecting Share means you will send your contact information and receive the other person’s contact information as well.

If you accidentally NameDrop with someone you didn’t intend to, don’t worry. You can be selective about the information you choose to share or opt to receive information only.

However, if you still feel uncomfortable with NameDrop, you have the option to disable it. Keep in mind that NameDrop is automatically enabled when you download iOS 17 or purchase an iPhone 15, so you will need to turn it off if you don’t want it active on your phone.

How to Disable NameDrop

Disabling NameDrop is a simple process:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on General.
3. Navigate to the AirDrop tab.
4. Once the tab is open, toggle off the Bring Devices Together option.

That’s it! NameDrop will now be disabled. If you change your mind later and decide to turn it back on, simply toggle the Bring Devices Together option again.

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Review: OnePlus Open – Impressive Hardware but Lacks Value Compared to Competitors

Review: OnePlus Open – Impressive Hardware with Some Compromises

Introduction

Released in 2023, the OnePlus Open offers impressive hardware but falls short in terms of software and value compared to established foldables like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5. This review explores the features, strengths, and weaknesses of the OnePlus Open foldable phone.

What’s good: The hardware

The OnePlus Open features a hybrid design that combines elements from Google’s Pixel Fold and Samsung’s Z Fold 5. It boasts a 6.31-inch front screen and a 7.82-inch vibrant OLED display on the inside. The device stands out for its thinness, minimized crease, and excellent screen resolution. Features like Dolby Atmos-capable speakers, an integrated fingerprint sensor, and a complete closure without wedges contribute to its appeal.

Benchmarks, battery, and interesting hardware choices

The OnePlus Open utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and offers 16GB of RAM. It supports 5G connectivity and delivers zippy performance. The device comes with a 4,805-mAh battery that provides impressive endurance and charges rapidly with the included 67-watt charger. However, it lacks wireless charging, which may disappoint some users. OnePlus also includes an IR blaster for using the phone as a remote control, a feature that adds convenience.

Cameras: What you’d expect from OnePlus

The OnePlus Open is equipped with five cameras, including a 32-megapixel front camera and a rear camera system with a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 64-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera. While the camera quality is satisfactory, it falls slightly short compared to Samsung’s foldables. The device offers features like zoom capabilities and the ability to use the rear cameras for selfies, but the 120x digital zoom may be impractical in everyday use.

Software: Lacking foldable polish

OnePlus ships the Open with OxygenOS 13.2, based on Android 13. While the software provides a clean Android experience, it lacks the refined multitasking features of Samsung’s foldables. OnePlus needs to improve its multitasking software to make better use of the larger foldable display. The company promises four years of major Android OS upgrades, but the software currently falls short in terms of foldable optimization.

Is the Open worth it?

The OnePlus Open offers impressive hardware, including a sleek design, vibrant screens, and fast wired charging. However, its software and value are its weaknesses. Priced at $1,700, it struggles to compete with trade-in offers and carrier deals on rival devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Pixel Fold. While it shows promise, the OnePlus Open is a hard sell compared to its more refined and potentially more affordable alternatives.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Open brings competition to the US foldable market with its impressive hardware, but its software and value fall short. Buyers looking for a foldable phone this holiday season should consider the OnePlus Open, but Samsung’s model may be a better choice in terms of software refinement and affordability.

How we test phones

Our comprehensive phone tests evaluate various factors, including camera performance, battery life, special features, and overall value. We assess camera quality in different lighting conditions and put features like night mode and portrait mode to the test. Battery endurance is evaluated through daily usage and specific battery drain tests. We consider additional features like 5G support, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus compatibility, fast charging speeds, and foldable displays. The final verdict takes into account all these factors and the price to determine if the phone represents good value.

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Comprehensive iPhone Review: Features, Design, Performance, Cameras, Battery Life, and Value

iPhone Review: A Comprehensive Assessment of Key Features, Design, and Performance

At our testing facility, we leave no stone unturned when it comes to evaluating the latest iPhones. We aim to provide you with a realistic understanding of how these devices perform in real-world scenarios. Our reviews cover various aspects including features, design, performance, cameras, battery life, and overall value. Additionally, we ensure our reviews stay up to date by periodically updating them to reflect new iOS updates and to compare against the latest offerings from competitors such as Samsung, Google, and OnePlus.

Photography: Unleashing the iPhone’s Camera Capabilities

A major focus of the iPhone lies in its photography capabilities. To truly grasp its potential, we extensively test it by capturing pictures and videos of various subjects across a range of settings and lighting scenarios. Moreover, we meticulously explore any new camera modes introduced, such as the recently debuted Action mode that accompanies the iPhone 14 line.

Battery Life: Assessing Endurance and Performance

Our rigorous battery testing procedures involve assessing how long an iPhone can last during a typical day of use. Additionally, we carefully evaluate its endurance during more demanding tasks such as video calls, media streaming, and gaming sessions. To provide a comprehensive analysis, we also conduct a video playback test. Though not always included in the initial review, this aspect is added later in an update to deliver a complete picture of the iPhone’s battery performance.

Performance Measuring: Testing the iPhone’s Efficiency

Utilizing benchmarking apps and drawing from our own anecdotal experiences, we gauge the performance of each iPhone model. We pay special attention to aspects such as graphics and animations, assessing whether they exhibit smooth transitions or encounter any lag or stutter. Furthermore, we examine how swiftly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations and how quickly the camera app launches and is ready to capture a photo.

To further evaluate performance, we engage in processor-intensive tasks including photo and video editing, video exporting, and gaming. This comprehensive assessment enables us to determine whether newer iPhone versions provide enough compelling features to justify an upgrade from previous models. Some of these tests are incorporated in updates following the initial review’s publication.

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Introducing Luzia: A WhatsApp-based AI Chatbot for Spanish and Portuguese Speakers

Introducing Luzia: A WhatsApp-based AI Chatbot for Spanish and Portuguese Audiences

The availability of Large Language Models (LLMs) has made it easier for developers to make chatbots. Large companies such as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, have made ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing Chat widely available. However, non-tech affluent audiences might not be aware of some of these bots. Spain-based Luzia is trying to introduce AI chatbot tech to users through a WhatsApp-based bot.

Luzia, founded in 2023 by Álvaro Martínez Higes, Javier Andrés, and Carlos Pérez, is targeting the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking market for chatbots. With Luzia, communication is simple and convenient. Users can save the chatbot as a contact on their phones and start talking to it on WhatsApp or Telegram.

Impressive User Numbers and Expansion

The startup proudly shared that over 17 million users have interacted with Luzia to date, with 8 million of them being active on a monthly basis. Although the number of daily active users was not disclosed, the company receives a staggering 13 million daily requests.

Martínez Higes revealed that a large portion of users forward Luzia as a contact to their friends so that they can also chat with the bot.

Multilingual Capabilities and Expansion in the U.S.

Luzia uses the user’s phone number to detect the country they are in and starts conversing in Spanish or Portuguese accordingly. As the company expands its reach in the United States, Luzia will also offer English-speaking capabilities. However, if users converse in Spanish, the chatbot will default to Spanish. Moreover, thanks to its GPT technology, Luzia can converse in other languages as well.

Currently, Luzia is compatible with users in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and now the United States.

Introducing AI to New Users

The main objective of Luzia is to introduce AI chatbot technology to users who might not be familiar with AI models. Many first-time users compare Luzia with voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. While the app provides a basic onboarding message with some use cases, the startup does not actively send educational messages to users to inform them about the various features available.

Powerful Interaction Through Multiple Models

Luzia harnesses the power of various models such as GPT 3.5/4, Llama, and Kandinsky to provide an engaging and interactive experience. Users can ask Luzia to generate text for emails or answer questions. Additionally, they can send voice notes or audio files for the bot to transcribe. Luzia can even generate images based on given prompts.

Raising Funds and Future Plans

Luzia recently secured $10 million in Series A funding, with Khosla Ventures leading the investment. Other notable investors include Basketball Hall of Famer Pao Gasol, A* Capital, Abstract Ventures, FJ Labs, Globo Venture, Mike Santos of Technisys, Sean Ryan of Sean Investments LTD, and Grupo Product. Prior to this funding round, the company had already raised $3 million.

The focus for Luzia currently lies in growth and creating user value, and hence, the bot remains free. Álvaro Martínez Higes emphasized that while monetization tools are available, such as unlocking unlimited messages or access to better models through paid plans, choosing that route would have hindered the company’s progress.

Promising Future in the Personal Assistant Market

Adina Tecklu, a partner at Khosla Ventures, believes that Luzia is well-positioned to address the personal assistant market. Tecklu also emphasized the immense opportunity that exists by targeting the Latin American and Iberian Peninsula markets.

Tecklu stated, “Their product is truly resonating with Spanish and Portuguese consumers, and having such early user traction is impressive.”

Khosla Ventures has shown interest in investing in several startups working on AI and LLM technology this year, including reading coach app Ello and conversational learning app Quazel.

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Poshmark Shuts Down International Operations in India, Australia, and UK to Focus on Core Markets

The End of an Era: Poshmark Shuts Down International Operations

Saying Goodbye to India, Australia, and the UK

Poshmark is shutting down its international businesses – operations in India, Australia and the UK – as the social shopping marketplace shifts attention to “core markets,” the company informed customers.

The firm’s marketplace will become inaccessible in India, Australia and the UK on November 2, it said. Some features such as the ability to use Posh Credit will start expiring on October 25.

Poshmark expanded to India and Australia in 2021, whereas its entry to the UK happened in January this year.

“While our ambition is to connect as many closets as possible, we are closing our marketplace in India, Australia, and the UK to focus on and increase our investments in our core markets of the U.S. and Canada,” the company wrote in accompanying FAQ pages.

Thursday’s move follows South Korean giant Naver acquiring Poshmark in a deal last year that valued the peer-to-peer resale platform at $1.6 billion, a fraction of its $7.3 billion peak market cap.

[H/T Digbijay Mishra]

The Marketplace Fades Away

Poshmark, the renowned social shopping marketplace, has made an unexpected announcement that has left its international customers crestfallen. It revealed that it will be shutting down its operations in India, Australia, and the UK, redirecting its attention solely to its “core markets.” This decision marks the end of an era, as Poshmark bids farewell to the global community it had nurtured.

Mark Your Calendars

A dark cloud looms over Poshmark’s international users as the marketplace will become inaccessible to them on November 2. The countdown has begun, leaving customers with limited time to wrap up their transactions and prepare for the imminent closure. Posh Credit, once a valuable feature, will start expiring on October 25, adding urgency to the situation.

Expanding Horizons

Poshmark’s expansion into India and Australia in 2021 was met with excitement and anticipation. However, this joyous journey has been cut short as Poshmark now pulls out of these markets. Similarly, the company’s venture into the UK earlier in the year was met with high hopes, only to be dashed as Poshmark redirects its focus elsewhere.

Double Down on Core Markets

In an effort to channel their resources where it matters most, Poshmark’s decision to close its marketplace in India, Australia, and the UK is aimed at increasing investments in its core markets of the U.S. and Canada. As disappointing as it may be for global shoppers, Poshmark’s strategic realignment is driven by its ambition to strengthen its presence where it thrives the most.

A Changing Landscape

This recent development follows Poshmark’s acquisition by South Korean giant Naver in a deal last year. The acquisition valued Poshmark’s peer-to-peer resale platform at $1.6 billion, a significant decrease from its peak market cap of $7.3 billion. This change in ownership has had a ripple effect on Poshmark’s operations, ultimately leading to the closure of international markets.

[H/T Digbijay Mishra]

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Google Maps to Integrate Metro Ticket Bookings in India, Deepens Collaboration with ONDC

Google Maps to Introduce Metro Ticket Booking in India

Google Maps will soon allow users in India to book metro tickets directly through the mapping app, the search giant announced as it deepens collaboration with the country’s open e-commerce network.

Booking Metro Tickets with Google Maps

At the Google for India event on Thursday, Google said its users will be able to book metro tickets through the Maps app, as a result of its partnership with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

Rollout to Metro Cities in India

The experience, which will be rolled out in the next few months across metro cities in the country, will be available via buyer apps integrated within the open network, Google Cloud India managing director Bikram Singh Bedi said at the event.

Google and ONDC Collaboration

Earlier this year, Google partnered with ONDC to launch an accelerator program for sellers coming online through the open network. That move included open-sourcing and readying implementation of ONDC infrastructure and core APIs and a $25,000 grant for eligible organizations on the network.

Google’s Support for Digital Commerce

Subsequently, Google introduced an India-wide hackathon for startups and developers building solutions for digital commerce and the availability of Google Cloud’s generative AI tools for buyers and sellers coming into the open network.

Collaboration with Stakeholders

“As always, partnerships are at the heart of this entire effort while we as Google will play our part, but as all of you know, acknowledging is only an enabler for the real and tactile aspects of our life,” said Sanjay Gupta, country head and vice president at Google India. “We will collaborate deeply with all stakeholders, which includes the government, the financial ecosystem, the startups, public health infrastructure, law enforcement, and many more, to make this a reality.”

WhatsApp’s Offering and Other Announcements

WhatsApp also recently introduced metro ticket bookings through the instant messaging app for users in Bengaluru and Delhi. The Meta-own app, however, offers the ticket booking experience along with payment support end-to-end through its partnerships with the respective city metro train corporations.

At the annual event, Google also announced new lending offerings for Google Pay users and merchants and number of generative AI updates. Additionally, the Android maker revealed its anticipated plans to start manufacturing Pixel phones in the country, starting with the Pixel 8 series.

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