Category: Electronics

Gemini Utilities Extension

Google announced a new Utilities extension earlier this year to address the limitations of the Gemini AI assistant. Initially unveiled at Google I/O, this extension aims to empower Gemini to perform various smartphone tasks. These tasks include controlling alarms, timers, volume, and the camera.

However, the Mountain View-based tech giant is rolling out this feature gradually. As a result, it may take a few weeks before all Android device users can access this capability.

To use the Utilities extension, users must set Gemini as their default virtual assistant. They must interact with it through the Gemini mobile app on Android. Unfortunately, the extension currently only supports English language prompts.

Despite these limitations, the availability of the Utilities extension is a significant step forward for Gemini. It brings the AI assistant closer to the functionality of Google Assistant, offering users a more comprehensive and versatile experience.

Google Vids: AI-Powered Video Creation for Workspace Users

Google has announced the rollout of Google Vids, an AI-powered video creation tool, to select Google Workspace users. Unlike AI video generation tools like Runway or Pika, Google Vids doesn’t create videos from text prompts. Instead, it assists users throughout the video-making process, including scriptwriting, adding stock media, creating background music, and generating AI voiceovers. Users can also incorporate their own video or audio recordings.

This tool is now available for Google Workspace accounts on Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, and Enterprise Plus tiers. It is also accessible for Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, and Education Plus tiers. Additionally, Workspace users with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, or Education Premium add-ons can also access Google Vids.

BenQ has introduced the V5010i, a 4K RGB Ultra Short Throw Laser TV Projector designed to elevate home entertainment. The V5010i has advanced features and impressive color accuracy. It also delivers high-quality audio. This makes it ideal for bright spaces like large living rooms. It offers a compelling alternative to big-screen TVs. It comes equipped with Google-certified Android TV, providing seamless access to streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

The V5010i can project a screen up to 120 inches. It delivers vibrant visuals thanks to its RGB Laser Light source. The projector also covers 95% of the BT-2020 color space. The projector also boasts a robust built-in audio system with 40W speakers. It includes dual tweeters and woofers. This setup offers deep bass for an immersive cinematic experience.

Additional features include Auto Screen Fit, Auto Keystone, and 8-point corner fit for flexible installation, along with HDMI 2.1 support for 4K@120Hz input and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for gaming.

Rajeev Singh, Managing Director of BenQ India & South Asia, expressed enthusiasm about the V5010i. He highlighted its potential to transform living spaces with stunning visuals. The immersive audio is also a key feature. He believes this projector will redefine home cinema experiences.

Key highlights include exceptional color accuracy with 95% BT-2020 and 98% DCI-P3 coverage. You can project a 120-inch screen from just 13 inches away. It offers true 4K UHD resolution and built-in Hi-Fi speakers for rich sound.

The V5010i is priced at ₹6,50,000. It will be available at leading retail partners. You can also find it at the BenQ India e-store starting in September.

Honor X9c was launched in Malaysia on Tuesday. The smartphone is powered by a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC paired with up to 12GB of RAM. It is backed by a 6,600mAh battery with 66W wired charging support. According to Honor, the phone has a 2m drop resistance. It also holds an IP65M rating for dust and 360-degree water resistance. The Honor X9c carries an OIS-backed 108-megapixel dual rear camera unit. The smartphone succeeds the Honor X9b, which was unveiled in India in February this year.

Price:

• MYR 1,499 (Rs. 28,700) for 12GB+256GB
• MYR 1,699 (Rs. 32,500) for 12GB+512GB

Colors: Jade Cyan, Titanium Black, Titanium Purple

Availability: Pre-orders open in Singapore

Zepp App 9: A New Era of Personalized Fitness

Zepp Health Corporation, the parent company of the popular smartwatch brand Amazfit, has unveiled its latest innovation: Zepp App 9. This new app, available globally for both iOS and Android users, is compatible with all Amazfit devices.

A Personalized Fitness Journey

One of the standout features of Zepp App 9 is the introduction of Exertion Score. This cutting-edge technology analyzes users’ health and fitness data. It provides personalized workout recommendations. These recommendations are tailored to their individual recovery and readiness levels. By optimizing workouts, users can maximize their fitness gains while minimizing the risk of overtraining.

Beyond Fitness Tracking

In addition to fitness tracking, Zepp App 9 offers a range of wellness features, including:

• Heart Health Monitoring: Track vital heart metrics to gain insights into overall cardiovascular health.
• Sleep Cycle Analysis: Monitor sleep patterns and receive personalized recommendations for improved sleep quality.
• Stress Management: Utilize relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises to reduce stress and promote mental well-being.

A User-Friendly Experience

Zepp App 9 boasts a sleek, intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and understand health data. Key features and insights are presented in a clear and visually appealing manner.

Integration with Zepp Aura

The app integrates seamlessly with Zepp Aura. It allows users to access features like sleep music and meditation support. Users can also benefit from personalized AI sleep coaching. Users can even upgrade to premium services for advanced sleep analysis and personalized recommendations.

With Zepp App 9, Amazfit aims to empower users to take control of their health and fitness goals. By providing personalized insights and recommendations, the app helps users achieve optimal well-being.

SpaceX has introduced detailed mock-ups of crew cabins, sleeping quarters, and research labs. These are within its Human Landing System (HLS) Starship. The ship is designed for the Artemis III Moon landing planned for 2026. These mock-ups are set up within the nosecone section of the HLS at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas. It offers a glimpse into the conditions astronauts might experience en route to-and-from the lunar surface. The interior aims to maximise both comfort and functionality, supporting astronauts’ daily activities and scientific work during lunar expeditions.

As per a tweet by Toby Li, the cabins provide designated spaces for essential activities. These activities include sleeping, dining, and research. This ensures astronauts have access to critical amenities in a confined yet adaptable environment. SpaceX has revealed that the airlock section features a streamlined design. This design will allow for smoother transitions between the lunar surface and the spacecraft. This layout is crucial for mission efficiency, as it is intended to minimise space constraints while enabling safe operations.

Oppo Find X8 Mini might be launched by the Chinese smartphone maker soon, according to details shared by a tipster. The company recently launched the Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro in China. It is expected to announce a new Find X8 Ultra model as part of the series. However, it looks like Oppo might also be preparing a fourth model in the lineup. This model could compete with Vivo’s X200 Pro Mini smartphone that launched in China last month.

Tipster Digital Chat Station (translated from Chinese) states in a post on Weibo, the Chinese microblogging platform. Oppo is working on a new smartphone. It could arrive alongside the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, which is expected to launch in the coming months. The tipster suggests that this handset could be the purported Oppo Find X8 Mini.

BioWare has moved past the disappointed launches of Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem. The company finally delivered what seems to be a hit with Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The action-RPG has climbed to the top of Steam’s Top Sellers list. This happened following its launch across PC, PS5 and Xbox Series S/X on Thursday. The game pushed the recently released Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 into second place. The new Dragon Age title has become BioWare’s biggest Steam launch ever. This is according to concurrent player figures on SteamDB.

Within a day of launch, Dragon Age: The Veilguard has reached a peak concurrent player count of 70,414 on Steam. This makes it the most popular Steam release from BioWare ever (as spotted by VGC). The studio’s previous biggest launch on Valve’s storefront was 2021’s Mass Effect Legendary Edition. It reached a peak player count of 59,817 on the platform.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is also one of publisher EA’s biggest single-player launches on Steam. It beats Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which released last year. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor recorded a peak player count of 67,855 on Steam.

ChatGPT Search, the artificial intelligence (AI) search engine for the OpenAI-built chatbot, was introduced on Thursday. The feature arrives after months of speculation about the AI firm’s SearchGPT waitlist. The web search feature allows users to run a web search about a topic. It provides natural language results based on information from various websites. This new capability has been integrated into the ChatGPT interface and can both be triggered manually and automatically. ChatGPT Search is currently rolling out to paid subscribers of the AI chatbot.

OpenAI detailed the new web search capability for ChatGPT. Earlier reports have highlighted that the AI firm was creating its own search engine. This aimed to reduce the reliance on third-party search engines. The feature also fills an important gap. AI chatbots such as Gemini and Copilot can run web searches based on user prompts.

Notably, the GPT-4o AI model did have real-time web search capability, but there were two caveats. The responses were integrated into the conversation seamlessly. This made it impossible for users to distinguish whether the information came from the AI model’s datasets or the Internet. Second, users did not have a direct way to trigger a web search.

Nokia 108 4G (2024) and Nokia 125 4G (2024) were unveiled as the latest feature phones by HMD. The new phones come with wireless FM radio support and have an MP3 player. Both phones include Nokia’s classic Snake game. The Nokia 108 4G (2024) and Nokia 125 4G feature a 2.0-inch display. The former houses a 1,450mAh battery, while the latter gets a 1,000mAh cell. The Nokia 125 4G (2024) seems to be a rebrand of the recently announced Nokia 110 4G (2024). The specifications of the Nokia 108 4G (2024) match with the HMD 105 4G.

Price and availability details of Nokia 108 4G (2024) and the Nokia 125 4G (2024) are yet to be announced. They are currently listed on the company’s official website. The Nokia 108 4G (2024) is available in Black and Cyan colours. The Nokia 125 4G (2024) comes in Blue and Titanium shades.