Google's "Project Ellmann"

Google has unveiled a new AI initiative called "Project Ellmann" that aims to transform users' stored memories into comprehensive narratives enriched with contextual information. The concept is to offer a "bird's eye" perspective into users' lives through this project, utilizing advanced language models like Gemini. As reported by CNBC, the AI model, drawing from the capabilities of models like Gemini, seeks to address previously unanswerable questions. It can gather insights from users' search results, recognize patterns in their photos, and incorporate a chatbot for interactive engagements. Project Ellmann is purported to extract information from biographies, past photographed events, and recent occurrences to craft a cohesive story.

During a presentation, a Google product manager mentioned that Project Ellmann could discern a child's date of birth, outline details about their parents, and identify if they are an only child. The "Ellmann Chat" aspect of the software envisions a scenario where a user engages with a ChatGPT-like interface that is already well-versed in their life details. Leveraging stored memories, the AI can respond to queries like "When did I last see my sibling?" or "Do I have a pet?" In the case of the latter, Google asserts that the AI can provide specific details, including the pet's name and the individuals they were most frequently photographed with. Despite the potential invasiveness, Google emphasizes its commitment to privacy, stating that this was an early internal exploration and any new features would prioritize user privacy and safety.

Project Ellmann is designed to comprehend users' eating habits, favorite foods, preferred websites, and apps. As Google expresses interest in creating an AI serving as a "Your Life Story Teller," the deployment plan for Project Ellmann remains uncertain. However, insights from a Google Photos product manager suggest potential integration with Google Photos, a platform already familiar with AI features such as the "Memories" view and the AI video editor.

It's noteworthy that Google has been intensifying its AI endeavors, introducing models like Gemini, which consists of three variants—Nano, Pro, and Ultra—tailored for diverse applications. While Pro excels at a wide array of tasks and Ultra handles complex ones, Nano specializes in on-device tasks. If Project Ellmann aligns with Google Photos, speculation leans towards it utilizing Nano, especially considering the recent introduction of Gemini Nano to the Pixel 8 series in Google's December 2023 feature drop, enabling applications like Recorder summaries and "Smart Reply in Gboard."

iOS 17.2 Update Features

On Monday, December 11, Apple rolled out the iOS 17.2 update as the latest operating system version for the iPhone, encompassing security fixes, patches, improvements, and new features. Among the highlights, the update introduces the much-anticipated Journal app to the iPhone, focused on health and wellness, allowing users to record daily activities and thoughts. This app, announced at Apple's WWDC event in June, features options to secure the Journal with Touch ID or Face ID, scheduled notifications, filters for bookmarked entries, and iCloud syncing. Additionally, the iOS 17.2 update enables Spatial Video capture on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which can be viewed in 3D using Apple's Vision Pro mixed reality headset.

The update also enhances the iPhone 15 Pro's Action Button with new functions, introduces a new Weather widget, AirDrop improvements, and enhancements to the Messages app. Qi2 wireless charging support is extended to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series. Notably, the AirPlay in hotels feature and the Apple Music collaborative playlists have been delayed and are now expected in 2024. Apple released iOS 17.2, alongside updates for iPadOS 17.2, macOS 14.2 Sonoma, and watchOS 10.2, following several weeks of testing. Siri in iOS 17.2 gains the ability to access data from the Health app using voice commands. Other features include Enhanced AutoFill, keyboard layout support for eight Saimi languages, Sensitive Content Warning for stickers in Messages, and a translate function for the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

To download the update, users can go to Settings > General > Software Update, following the instructions. It is advisable to connect the iPhone to a power source until the update installation is complete. However, it's worth noting that the Apple Music collaborative playlists and AirPlay in hotel rooms features, initially present in beta versions, are not available in the final iOS 17.2 version and have been postponed to 2024, as confirmed by Apple.

The closure of Google Play Movies and TV is scheduled for January

It seems that Google is bidding farewell to the Google Play Movies and TV app. The company has initiated the removal of the app from various platforms, having already transitioned Android and iOS users to the Google TV app. The app is also being phased out from platforms like Roku and smart TVs. In 2022, Google made Android TV the default platform for renting, watching, and purchasing movies and TV shows. Now, in a recent blog post, Google has officially announced the discontinuation of Google Play Movies and TV. The app will be removed from Google Play and TV devices. However, users won't lose access to their purchased content. Google has provided a straightforward method to access purchased content. For users on Android TV or streaming devices with Android TV, the content can be accessed in the 'Your Library' row on the Shop Tab. If using a web browser or a set-top box powered by Android TV, purchased content can be accessed on YouTube.

This move by Google is aimed at consolidating its entertainment apps, likely leading to a simpler and more user-friendly experience in the long run. Similarly, Apple has structured its TV app to allow users to access Apple TV Plus while also renting and buying TV shows and movies.

Launch of Poco C65 in India is slated for December 15

Having been globally launched in November, the Poco C65 is now anticipated to make its debut in India. The global version features a MediaTek Helio G85 SoC and houses a 5,000mAh battery supporting 18W wired fast charging through a micro USB port. Equipped with a 50-megapixel dual rear camera unit and a 6.74-inch HD+ display, it succeeds the Poco C55 unveiled in February of the same year. Poco India has officially confirmed the smartphone's India launch date, set for December 15, and the handset will be available for purchase via Flipkart. The teaser poster hints at a purple color option and suggests a design similar to the global variant, likely with corresponding specifications.

Internationally, the Poco C65 is priced starting at $129 (approximately Rs. 10,700) for the 6GB + 128GB variant, with the 8GB + 256GB option at $149 (roughly Rs. 12,400). It is available in Black, Blue, and Purple colors. The global variant features a 6.74-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Helio G85 SoC, up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and up to 256GB of eMMC 5.1 storage (expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card). Operating on Android 13-based MIUI 14 for Poco, the phone incorporates a 50-megapixel primary rear sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 2-megapixel sensor with an f/2.4 aperture macro lens. The front camera, housed in a centre-aligned waterdrop notch, features an 8-megapixel sensor with an f/2.0 aperture.

Powering the Poco C65 is a 5,000mAh battery supporting 18W wired fast charging through a micro USB port, and for security, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor is included. Connectivity options comprise 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and GLONASS.

Vivo's X100 and X100 Pro smartphones will be launched globally on December 14

On November 14, Vivo introduced its latest smartphones, the X100 and X100 Pro, in China, and the company is now gearing up for a global launch. The official announcement on Vivo's website has stirred excitement among tech enthusiasts worldwide. Boasting an impressive array of features, including the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 processor, the newly launched smartphones promise an exceptional mobile experience. The global launch is set for December 14, exactly a month after their debut in China, with Vivo expected to stream the event on its official social media platforms.

When initially launched in China, the Vivo X100 was priced at 3,999 Yuan (approximately Rs. 45,600), while the X100 Pro series was priced at 4,999 Yuan (around Rs. 57,000). The global pricing is yet to be revealed. The phones, available in Chen Ye Black, Star Trail Blue, Sunset Orange, and White Moonlight colors, feature a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for an immersive visual experience.

Diving into specifics, let's explore the camera and battery aspects of the phones. The X100 boasts a 50MP main sensor with a Sony IMX VCS sensor and a 64MP telephoto camera with a Zeiss lens, offering up to 3x optical zoom. In comparison, the X100 Pro features a 50MP primary sensor with a Sony IMX989 lens and a 50MP Zeiss lens, providing an impressive 4.3x optical zoom. Both devices incorporate a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera for stunning photography capabilities. Regarding the battery, the X100 comes with a 5,000 mAh battery and a 100W charger, while the X100 Pro elevates the game with a 5,400 mAh battery and a 120W wired charger.

Ensuring top-notch performance and a seamless user experience, both devices offer up to 16GB of LPDDR5T RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Connectivity options include USB-C 3.2, WiFi-7, 5G, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.3. Despite the global anticipation, Vivo is yet to disclose the official launch date for the X100 series in India, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.

WhatsApp is set to introduce a new feature called Channel Alerts in the near future

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is gearing up to introduce compelling features for Android users, including the Channel Alerts feature, the capability to search messages by date, and an option to hide navigation labels and the top bar while scrolling through the app. As per information from WABetaInfo, the new Channel Alerts feature has been unveiled in the WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.23.26.6 update and will be progressively available to all users in the coming days. This feature aims to enhance the experience for channel users by offering real-time information about the suspension status of their channel. Channel administrators can leverage Channel Alerts to stay informed about potential violations of WhatsApp's policies and request a review of their suspension directly from the Channel Alerts screen. The transparency brought by the Channel Alerts feature allows users to identify issues with their channels and outline necessary actions for resolution.

Additionally, Meta is rolling out two more features on its Android app soon: firstly, the ability to hide navigation labels and the top app bar when scrolling down, providing users with a larger view of chats, call logs, community group chats, and channels. Secondly, the introduction of a feature enabling users to search messages by date, streamlining the process of navigating chat history and locating specific messages. Notably, WhatsApp is also exploring integration with Instagram through a new status update feature. According to WABetaInfo, users will soon be able to share their WhatsApp status updates directly as Stories on Instagram, potentially saving users significant time.

Google introduces Photomoji in Messages app

In a recent update to its Messages app, Google has introduced an innovative feature known as Photomoji, poised to revolutionize the way users express themselves in messaging. Initially exclusive to beta testers, this feature is set to roll out to all users in the coming weeks. Photomoji in Google Messages allows users to craft and send personalized emoji reactions using their own images. This means you can capture a picture of your own facial expression, feature a beloved pet, or even photograph an object that perfectly conveys your reaction to a message. Essentially, it's about creating emojis that are uniquely yours, injecting a personal and intimate touch into your conversations. By utilizing your own facial expressions, personal photos, or objects that resonate with your emotions, Photomoji enables you to convey feelings in a way standard emojis cannot. This feature transcends conventional emoji sets by allowing the use of real-life images to authentically capture your reactions. To familiarize users with this exciting new feature, Google has shared some key details. Currently, Photomoji operates solely in a specific type of chat known as RCS chats. Users can create and maintain up to 30 Photomoji at a time, easily modifying or deleting them from the dedicated "Photomoji" section in the app. However, not everyone may have access to this feature just yet, as it is still in the process of being made available to all users. To check its availability, users are encouraged to update their Google Messages app or consider joining the beta program for early access.

Apple restricts Beeper Mini's iMessage service due to security concerns

Beeper Mini, the newly introduced Android app offering access to Apple's iMessage service for a monthly fee, faced an outage shortly after its release. The app, created by former Pebble Co-Founder Eric Migicovsky, encountered a setback when Apple confirmed blocking its service, citing privacy and security concerns. Despite Apple's claims of Beeper Mini exploiting "fake credentials," Beeper asserts the safety of its service and is actively working to restore the app. Users experienced issues such as "failed to lookup on server: lookup request timed out" messages. Beeper acknowledged the problem and assured users of ongoing efforts to rectify the situation. Apple defended its actions, emphasizing the significant risks posed to user security and privacy by Beeper's techniques. Beeper Mini contends that its messaging service provides end-to-end encryption and enhances security compared to unencrypted SMS. The company expressed a willingness to share its source code for security evaluation with mutually agreed-upon third parties. Founder Eric Migicovsky questioned Apple's commitment to user privacy, asking why they would block a service enabling encrypted messages between iPhone and Android users. Beeper is optimistic about resolving the issues and promised to share positive updates with users soon. The service, priced at $1.99 per month, aimed to facilitate communication between Android and iOS users via iMessage.