Galaxy S24 Series Sees 2.5 Lakh Pre-Bookings In 3 Days In India
Last week, Samsung unveiled its flagship Galaxy S24 series, with pre-bookings commencing on January 18. Now, the company has announced that the Galaxy S24 series has witnessed a remarkable milestone with 250,000 pre-bookings in just three days, marking it as the most successful S series to date, in India. To compare it with last year's S23 series, Samsung had garnered 250,000 pre-bookings for its lineup in India, but it took three weeks to achieve this milestone.
WhatsApp May Bring End-To-End Encrypted Nearby Share-Like Feature
Meta-owned WhatsApp is working to introduce a file-sharing system similar to Android's Nearby Share and Apple's AirDrop. This feature is said to let WhatsApp users to exchange files seamlessly and WhatsApp's version of 'Nearby Share' will let users send and recieve end-to-end encrypted files, according to Wabetainfo.
Google AI Scientists Move On To Open Own AI Startup In Paris
Laurent Sifre and Karl Tuyls, formerly scientists with Google's AI subsidiary, DeepMind, are reportedly in talks with investors to launch an artificial intelligence (AI) startup in Paris, says a report in Bloomberg News. Having announced their departure from Google DeepMind, the duo is currently engaged in discussions for a funding round that could potentially raise over 200 million euros ($217.84 million). Acquired by Google's parent company Alphabet nearly a decade ago, DeepMind has played a key role in AI research. In a recent development, the company has introduced its own products to enter the competitive landscape of generative AI chatbots, challenging platforms such as Microsoft-backed ChatGPT.
Meta Users In The EU Can Unlink Their Instagram, Facebook Accounts
Users in the European Union (EU) will be able to unlink their Instagram and Facebook accounts, as well as other Meta services ahead of the bloc’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is coming into force in March, the social networking giant announced on Monday. The changes will apply in the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland and notifications informing users of the change will appear in the coming weeks.
Masimo Which Sued Apple For Patent Dispute Unveils Freedom Smartwatch
Masimo, which typically operates in the medical tech sector, seems to be a making a shift towards consumer-friendly devices as it has launched the Freedom smartwatch with blood oxygen monitoring. It is the same company that sued tech giant Apple for patent infringement and due to which the iPhone maker had to remove the blood oxygen feature from the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 devices, in the US.
Top Tech News Today: Galaxy S24 Series Sees 2.5 Lakh Pre-Bookings In 3 Days In India, WhatsApp May Bring Nearby Share-Like Feature, More - ABP Live Read More
The OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R and OnePlus Buds 3 launch event in India will start at 7:30 PM IST.
OnePlus is set to launch its latest OnePlus 12 series smartphones and OnePlus Buds 3 earbuds in India and globally today at 7:30 PM IST. The tech giant has also announced that the OnePlus 12 launch event will be streamed live on company's official website and YouTube channel. It has been revealed that the OnePlus 12 series phones and the latest TWS will be available on the e-commerce platform Amazon. Both OnePlus 12 5G and OnePlus 12R are also confirmed to launch with Snapdragon chipsets.
OnePlus Buds 3, OnePlus 12R, OnePlus 12 Launch Date And Time In India, How To Watch Live
The OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R and OnePlus Buds 3 launch event in India will start on January 23 (today) at 7:30 PM IST. The OnePlus launch event will be livestreamed in India on company's social media platforms, including X (previously called Twitter) and YouTube. Interested viewers can also watch the OnePlus 12 launch event live here as we have also embedded the live link here.
OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R, OnePlus Buds 3 Price In India (Expected)
According to leaks, the OnePlus 12 base model could be available in India at Rs 69,999 and the OnePlus 12R at Rs 40,000 for the vanilla variant. On the other hand, the successor of OnePlus Buds 2 is expected to priced below Rs 12000 in the country.
OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R: Specifications
The OnePlus 12 is said to come with a bigger 6.82-inch 2K resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The rear camera setup on the phone will consist of a 48MP wide-angle lens, 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with support for 3x telephoto lens. The front will have a 32MP selfie shooter. The phone will pack a 5400mAh battery and is likely to come with a 100W charger. The OnePlus 12 will run on Android 14 with a custom OxygenOS 14 skin, a bloatware-free version of ColorOS 14. Alongside a larger battery, the company is reintroducing fast wireless charging at 50W and 100W fast charging via the USB-C port.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R will come with 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a crisp 1.5K resolution. The display's rumoured peak brightness of 4,500 nits promises excellent outdoor visibility, making the OnePlus 12R a contender for one of the brightest displays available. Under the hood, the device might come with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a spacious 1TB UFS 4.0 storage option.
OnePlus 12R could feature a triple camera setup on the back with a 50MP, an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro sensor. For selfies and video calls, the device likely to come with 16MP front-facing camera. The OnePlus 12R could feature a 5500mAh battery with support for 100W SuperVOOC fast charging via the USB Type-C port.
OnePlus Buds 3 Specifications
The upcoming OnePlus Buds 3 are set to feature a 10.4mm driver, three microphones, and LHDC 5.0 Hi-Res audio output, complemented by support for AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs. Notably, these flagship earbuds will offer an impressive low latency of 94ms and include custom game sound effects. OnePlus has officially announced that these earbuds boast an extended playback time of 44 hours on a full charge.
OnePlus 12 launches officially in India on January 23 at OnePlus Smooth Beyond Belief event. This is a global launch, India included, where OnePlus will also unveil to the world a relatively less expensive phone called the OnePlus 12R and OnePlus Buds 3 wireless earbuds. Going by the history of the company’s number series flagships, and a bunch of leaks that have been doing the rounds, the OnePlus 12 price in India should be well within permissible limits. The base variant with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is expected to launch at Rs 64,999 while the 16GB/512GB version would set you back by Rs 69,999.
We will update this piece once the prices are out officially, but even before that happens, it is safe to presume the OnePlus 12 would be a premium affordable smartphone even as the OnePlus 12R will try to distill a lot of its features— and experiences— and bring to a more mainstream price bracket. Since the phone is already out in China, and the India-bound model is expected to bag the same hardware mostly, we can paint a picture leading into launch to give you a rundown on everything that you can expect from the OnePlus 12.
OnePlus 12 – specs, features, price
The OnePlus 12 comes with a 6.82-inch 2K or 1440p LTPO AMOLED display with a peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits. OnePlus has put its rainwater touch technology –to be called aqua touch in India— into the panel and so, users will be able to get smooth touch responses in rain. Support for 2,160Hz PWM dimming is also available.
Powering the OnePlus 12 is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM. Running the show is a 5,400mAh battery with 100W fast wired and 50W wireless charging.
For photography, the OnePlus 12 has a triple camera setup with a 50-megapixel main Sony LYT-808 sensor, 48-megapixel Sony IMX581 sensor behind an ultrawide lens and another 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B sensor behind a 3x periscope telephoto lens, like the setup on the OnePlus Open. On the front, the OnePlus 12 has a 32-megapixel selfie shooter.
The OnePlus 12 has a glass back and a metal frame. In India, it will come in a choice of green and black. The phone is rated IP65.
The OnePlus 12 sold in China comes in a choice of 12GB/256GB, 16GB/512GB and 16GB/1TB at a price of CNY 4,299 (roughly Rs 51,000), CNY 4,799 (roughly Rs 56,500) and CNY 5,299 (roughly Rs 62,500) respectively.
OnePlus 12 – 5 top alternatives you can buy
Samsung Galaxy S24: The S24 will be the biggest OnePlus 12 challenger (even if its higher price tag may suggest otherwise). It’s got the specs, including the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, fast wired and wireless charging, in addition to a bevy of Galaxy AI generative AI features, meant to make your phone experience “smart”. If that wasn’t enough, the S24 also gets support for seven years of software updates from Samsung, much the same as the top-shelf Galaxy S24 Ultra. The Galaxy S24 comes in a choice of 8GB/256GB and 8GB/512GB for Rs 79,999 and Rs 89,999, respectively.
Apple iPhone 15: On the other side, lies the iPhone 15, giving you Apple’s latest and greatest tech inside a relatively more affordable price setting. The 15 has a modern design with access to Apple’s Dynamic Island. The phone is IP68 rated and comes powered by the A16 Bionic, a pro chip previously seen on the iPhone 14 Pro. You get a 48-megapixel main camera sensor in the iPhone 15 that allows for 2x zoom and portrait capture without needing to actually switch to the dedicated portrait mode. It is joined by another 12-megapixel ultrawide. The iPhone 15 comes in a choice of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB for Rs 79,900, Rs 89,900, and Rs 1,09,900, respectively.
Google Pixel 8: The Pixel 8 uses the first-generation Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and is IP68 rated. It comes with a 6.2-inch non-LTPO AMOLED panel with 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate and Google’s Tensor G3 processor alongside a promise of up to seven years of software updates from Google. For photography, you get dual cameras with 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide. The Pixel 8 comes in a choice of 8GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB for Rs 75,999 and Rs 82,999, respectively.
Vivo X100: The X100 is basically the X100 Pro with a slightly tweaked camera setup and then when you factor in the lower price, it becomes very desirable as a solid value proposition. You get a trio of high-resolution sensors in the X100 and MediaTek’s fastest chip, the Dimensity 9300 fueling the package, which is also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. The X100 comes in a choice of 12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB memory trims for Rs 63,999 and Rs 69,999, respectively.
iQOO 12: The iQOO 12 offers the best value on a flagship at the time of writing. And it will continue to do so, even after the launch of the OnePlus 12. iQOO has priced it that way. Barring wireless charging and “full proof” water resistance, the iQOO 12 covers big ground in almost perceivable way giving buyers dibs at the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip without charging a bomb for it. A version with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs Rs 52,999. The top-of-the-line 16GB/512GB trim is priced at Rs 57,999.
▲ Visitors at the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event in San Jose, California, waiting to experience new Galaxy products
A new age of connection, creativity and collaboration began today at Galaxy Unpacked in San Jose.
On January 17, Samsung Electronics announced a new era of mobile AI with the release of its Galaxy AI S24 series — forever changing how we interact with the world through our mobile devices.
▲ TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, announced the start of Galaxy Unpacked 2024 in San Jose on January 17.
TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, introduced Galaxy S24 series in his keynote address, emphasizing that Samsung Galaxy will be an open gateway for secure and meaningful AI experiences on a global scale.
“Galaxy S24 is truly the phone of the future,” said TM Roh. “Together with Samsung Galaxy AI, we will reshape the technology landscape. We are opening a new chapter without barriers to unleash your potential.”
With all-new ways to connect, search, create and play, read on to discover how Samsung is using AI to create human-centered experiences that ignite new possibilities.
Galaxy Unpacked 2024: 5 Key Highlights at a Glance
Communication is key to our daily lives. This is why Galaxy AI offers innovative AI features to enhance user experiences, enabling seamless communication anywhere, anytime. Drew Blackard, Vice President of Mobile Product Management, Samsung Electronics America introduced this new range of features for the Galaxy S24 series via live demonstration.
The Galaxy S24 series offers Live Translate, real-time, two-way call translations within the native call app. The feature supports audio and text translations for up to 13 languages, no matter what phone the other person uses. Additionally, Galaxy AI is more secure as it operates on-device instead of relying on external cloud systems.
▲ Drew Blackard, Vice President of Mobile Product Management at Samsung Electronics America, introduces a new range of communication features for the Galaxy S24 series via live demonstration.
The presentation highlighted how the Galaxy S24 series can be conveniently used in everyday life. The device can act as a user’s personal Interpreter, whether they’re lost and asking for directions or ordering food at a restaurant. Plus, when a user sends a text, Chat Assist immediately translates the message, allowing users to easily text with friends in the language they’re most comfortable speaking. Drew Blackard explained that with Transcript Assist, users can create and share short summaries of recorded conversations or use Note Assist to stay organized during meetings. Finally, the new Android Auto feature allows drivers to navigate safely, access their favorite media and stay connected while on the road.
▲ Samsung demonstrated how Google Messages is equipped with new AI features on the Galaxy S24 series. The upgrade is powered by Gemini Nano, Google’s most efficient model built for on-device tasks.
Samsung has a long history of partnering up to push the boundaries of what’s possible to deliver leading and premium experiences. TM Roh returned to the stage and introduced Google as the primary partner to lead the mobile AI era with the Galaxy S24 series.
▲ (From left) TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, and Hiroshi Lockheimer, Senior Vice President of Platforms and Ecosystems at Google. Samsung partnered with Google to enhance the Android ecosystem and new generative AI functionality on Galaxy with Google Cloud.
Following the announcement, Cathy Edwards, VP of Google Search, unveiled Circle to Search, a new way for users to intuitively search for anything on their phones with only a simple gesture and without switching apps.
▲ Cathy Edwards, VP of Google Search, demonstrating Circle to Search. Users can now circle, highlight, scribble or tap any item onscreen to learn more, all thanks to breakthroughs in Google AI.
Along with innovative search features, the Galaxy S24 series protects users’ personal information. By working closely with Google, Samsung developed a device to make the search process more secure, giving users total transparency and complete control. Under Advanced Intelligence settings, each user can decide whether they want to allow online processing and the full functionality of AI.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra can maximize users’ creative freedom with a wide-ranging suite of AI tools, powered by an all-new ProVisual Engine. Tara Rael, Product Specialist at Samsung Electronics America, took the stage and played a concert video of the popular K-POP group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) shot with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The video, filmed as if the user were sitting in the front row, utilized Nightography Zoom on Galaxy S24 Ultra.
▲ A concert video of K-POP group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) taken using the Galaxy S24 Ultra. With a new 5x optical lens and 50MP sensor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra can take high-quality videos and photos in low lighting, even from afar.
With the Galaxy S24 series, users can now take advantage of the Galaxy’s native camera experiences on their favorite social media apps. The power of AI also extends to video, where users can create and watch any video in Instant Slow-mo, even if they didn’t film it that way. Or, they can use Dual Recording to create 4K vlogs utilizing the front and rear cameras at the same time. Now, anyone with the Galaxy S24 series can produce pro-quality content without additional equipment.
▲ American YouTube creator MrBeast (James Stephen “Jimmy” Donaldson) showed off the new camera features of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Quick Share, Galaxy’s file sharing feature, has evolved as well. Through the partnership with Google, users can now easily share files across all Android devices and Windows PCs.
The latest AI features call for cutting-edge chip technology. That’s why the Galaxy S24 series is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon®8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy and Samsung’s Exynos 2400, respectively. With these, the device offers superior usability and faster and smoother gameplay alongside Ray tracing module for a more immersive gaming experience.
▲ Product Specialist, David Thompson presented the state-of-the-art NPU, the fastest in the Galaxy series, and highlighted the enhanced CPU and GPU performance.
Thanks to Galaxy AI, the Galaxy S24 series’ battery performance is constantly optimized. When combined with an even longer battery life, users can now enjoy extra-long gaming sessions.
▲ Moroccan-Canadian gaming influencer Pokimane (Imane Anys) demonstrated how the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s intelligent displays adapt to the surrounding lighting, ensuring optimal visibility for gamers in any environment.
Galaxy S24 Ultra design utilized titanium for the first time on Galaxy smartphone for an unparalleled premium feel and enhanced durability. The thinnest model yet, the device features a flat front edge display compatible with the S Pen and a more vivid and durable screen with even bezels.
▲ The iconic design of Galaxy continues in the Galaxy S24 series, offering durability and style while focusing on consistency in design and sustainability.
The next frontier of innovation can and should do more for people and the planet. For the first time in a Galaxy device, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s battery features a minimum of 50% recycled cobalt, while all the magnets in the speaker are made from 100% recycled rare earth elements. Additionally, every Galaxy S24 series is packaged in 100% recycled paper. Looking forward, the company aims to incorporate at least one recycled material in every module of all its mobile products by 2030, advancing its commitment to sustainability.
▲ Inhee Chung, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability Center at Samsung Electronics, outlined how the Galaxy S24 series aligns with Samsung’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future.
Then, Matthew Wiggins, Head of Samsung Research America’s Health Solutions Lab, introduced how Galaxy AI is kicking off an entirely new era of digital health with four new smart sleep analysis indices for the Galaxy Watch.
▲ Matthew Wiggins, Head of Samsung Research America’s Health Solutions Lab, talked about the upcoming vision of Samsung Health and introduced the Galaxy Ring.
Concluding the presentation, Matthew Wiggins gave an exciting glimpse of Samsung’s brand-new, powerful and accessible health and wellness device: the Galaxy Ring.
That’s a wrap! If you couldn’t tune in to the full event, take a look at the video below for a full replay of this January’s Unpacked 2024 showcase. Stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom’s complete coverage of the event to learn more about the new era of technology — all powered by Galaxy AI.
The Times of India-Gadgets Now Awards are back to honor the most influential technological advancements of the year. In the fourth edition of the awards, we recognize the gadgets that have not only transformed our personal lives but also revolutionised the business landscape. Let's examine the four nominees for the best audio device (TWS earbuds) of the year more closely.
Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C)
The Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C ) stands out for its key features, including Adaptive Audio and Personalised Volume with Active Noise Cancellation. Offering up to 30 hours of battery life and using Bluetooth 5.3, these AirPods Pro ensure an extended and premium sound experience. The inclusion of AI features enhances the overall appeal of these earbuds, making them a compelling choice for users seeking comfort and advanced audio technologies. Read our review of AirPods Pro (USB-C).
Jabra Elite 10
The Jabra Elite 10 earbuds feature 10mm drivers, providing up to 27 hours of battery life. With SBC and AAC codecs, these earbuds offer effective active noise cancellation and a dedicated app for various controls. The Jabra Elite 10 is notably recognized for its long-lasting comfort during extended wear and features like Spatial Audio and head tracking. Read our review of Elite 10.
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds have an 8.4mm dynamic driver and an impressive battery life of up to 36 hours. Supporting SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs, these earbuds boast a premium and sophisticated design. Enhanced noise cancellation, Speak-to-chat functionality, and ambient mode contribute to an elevated overall user experience, making the Sony WF-1000XM5 a nominee for users looking for sophistication and advanced features. Read our review of XM5s.
Apple Vision Pro Pre-Bookings: Cupertino-based tech giant Apple announced on January 8 that the Vision Pro headset will be available on the Apple Store and online website in the United States from February 2. Ahead of the offline launch, the pre-orders for the device are now live on Apple's US website today. Interested buyers in the US can pre-book the device from the US version of Apple's site.
The premium headset is powered by the visionOS software to aid the spatial experiences of a user. According to Apple, the App Store on the headset will offer over one million apps across iOS and iPadOS that can harness the capabilities of the headset. In the words of CEO Tim Cook: "Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created. Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore." Here are the pricing and specifications details of the device.
Apple Vision Pro Price
The Vision Pro comes in three storage trims: 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. Here are the variant-wise pricing of each of these models.
- 256GB | $3,499
- 512GB | $3699
- 1TB | $3899
The price of additional batteries, light seals and travel case starts from $199 per piece. Plus, an extra strap will cost you $99. Speaking of the box accessories, buyers will get the "Apple Vision Pro with Light Seal, Light Seal Cushion, Solo Knit Band, a Dual Loop Band, a cover, a battery pack, Light Seal Cushion, Polishing Cloth and a 30W charger with USB-C cable.
A buyer in the US can pre-order the device with the help of a FaceID-enabled iPhone or iPad for scanning the face to determine the right amount of Light Seal and the fit of the bands, which will be a prerequisite for an immersive experience. Buyers who use prescription glasses must submit a valid prescription to order the ZEISS lenses that can be purchased separately.
Apple Vision Pro Specifications
The device offers a micro-OLED display with up to 100Hz refresh rate and 23 million pixels. It runs on M2 and R1 chips for performance. Vision Pro gets 12 cameras, five sensors, six mics and more. The headset offers Optic ID, an Iris‑based biometric authentication system. Plus, the speakers support Spatial Audio sound. Its battery can deliver up to two hours of backup with general use. Running on visionOS, the device offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity.
