Windows 11 users now have access to a feature that has been absent for years, providing them with the ability to view word count when composing text in Notepad. While it may seem like a modest addition, the significance lies in the fact that Windows users lacked the option to check word count for an extended period. This update, although not yet publicly released, is accessible to those using the latest Canary channel test version. Unlike Word, which has had word count functionality for years, and Google Docs, which offers a shortcut for displaying the number of words in a document, Notepad has been missing this tool until now. The implementation of this feature follows the conventional approach seen in other applications with word count options. Users can highlight a specific section of the text to view the word count in the Notepad status bar at the bottom. Alternatively, if no specific portion is selected, Notepad will provide the word count for the entire document. While such enhancements bring excitement to Windows 11 users, anticipation is building for Microsoft's introduction of AI into the Windows ecosystem in 2024. Reports suggest that Windows 12 is expected to incorporate numerous AI features, potentially leveraging expertise from ChatGPT. Microsoft's robust partnership with OpenAI, coupled with its investment in the AI giant, positions the company to advance swiftly compared to other tech brands like Google and Amazon.
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Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Google Maps New Features
In a bid to enhance user privacy, Google Maps has introduced updates to provide users with increased control over location data storage and recent activity. These enhancements empower users to manage their Location History with greater precision, impacting the way marketers leverage analytics for location targeting. The Timeline feature in Google Maps, designed to help users reminisce about places they've visited, is undergoing a significant privacy-focused transformation. Users with Location History enabled will experience a shift in their Timeline storage, now being stored directly on their devices rather than on cloud servers. This on-device storage approach offers users more autonomy over their location data, ensuring its privacy. For those concerned about device loss or switching phones, there's an option to back up their Timeline to the cloud. While this on-device storage and deletion approach provides users with more control, it may limit the availability of user location data for ad targeting, potentially affecting campaigns heavily reliant on location-based targeting. The auto-delete function for Location History will default to a three-month lifecycle, a significant reduction from the previous default setting of 18 months. Users can customize this option to retain location data for a longer period or opt-out of location tracking altogether. This shift in user behavior regarding sharing location data could impact search patterns and potentially influence the effectiveness of location-based keywords and ad copy. Ads focusing on user privacy and control, highlighting opt-in features for location sharing or transparent data usage policies, may resonate better with users. In the coming weeks, Google Maps will introduce support for managing location information related to specific places directly within the Maps app. Additionally, the blue dot symbolizing the user's current location in Google Maps will serve as a quick access point to location settings, providing information on whether Location History or Timeline is active and if Maps can access device location data. This feature could be particularly useful for holiday shopping or surprise planning by allowing users to manage their digital footprint. If these changes result in reduced location data, contextual targeting based on user interests and online behavior may gain increased significance. These updates, set to roll out gradually over the next year on Android and iOS, underscore Google's dedication to prioritizing user privacy.
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G, Galaxy A15 5G and A15 4G announced
Samsung has unveiled its latest smartphone offerings, the Galaxy A15 duo and Galaxy A25 5G, in Vietnam. The Galaxy A15 is available in both 4G and 5G variants, with similar core specifications except for the chipsets. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A25 features upgraded cameras and Samsung's Exynos 1280 chipset. All three phones share a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and Infinity-U notch cutouts. The A15 models boast a 90Hz refresh rate with 800 nits of brightness, while the A25 is equipped with a 120Hz panel reaching a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The Galaxy A15, fueled by MediaTek's Helio G99 chip, offers 8GB RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, while the A15 5G, powered by the Dimensity 6100+ chip, provides 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Both devices support expandable storage up to 1TB. The A25 5G, featuring the Exynos 1280 chip, offers configurations of 6GB or 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. In the camera department, all three phones include a 13MP front-facing camera and the innovative Key Island design, featuring a convex shape around the power and volume keys for a secure grip. The A15 models sport a 50MP f/1.8 main camera, 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. The A25 boasts a 50MP main shooter with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. Regarding battery life, all three phones run on One UI 6.0 based on Android 14, offering up to 4 OS versions and 5 years of security updates. Each device is equipped with a 5000mAh battery supporting 25W charging (charger sold separately). Additionally, all handsets feature a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security and Samsung Knox defense-grade multi-layer security. The Samsung Galaxy A15 duo and A25 5G will be available for purchase in Vietnam starting December 16, 2023, with color options including Personality Yellow, Fantasy Blue, Optimistic Blue, and Ban Linh Black, priced as follows:
- Galaxy A15 4G: Starting from 4,990,000 VND (USD 205 / Rs. 17,150 approx.).
- Galaxy A15 5G: Priced at 6,290,000 VND (USD 259 / Rs. 21,620 approx.), exclusively distributed at Mobile World.
- Galaxy A25 5G: Starting from 6,590,000 VND (USD 271 / Rs. 22,650 approx.).
Meta’s AI for Ray-Ban smart glasses
Meta is introducing an early access test for the most advanced AI capabilities of the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses. In a recent announcement, Meta revealed the upcoming rollout of its multimodal AI features, enabling the AI assistant to provide information based on what it sees and hears through the glasses' camera and microphones. Mark Zuckerberg showcased the update on Instagram, demonstrating tasks such as asking the glasses to suggest matching pants for a held shirt, translating text, and displaying image captions. The multimodal AI capabilities were first discussed by Zuckerberg in a September Decoder interview with The Verge's Alex Heath, where he mentioned users interacting with the AI assistant throughout the day for various inquiries. The AI assistant, as shown by CTO Andrew Bosworth, can accurately describe objects and assist with tasks like captioning photos and language translation. During the initial test phase, access will be limited to a small number of users who opt in, and the trial will be restricted to the United States.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX3402 Launched in India
WhatsApp now allows users to pin messages in both individual and group conversations
WhatsApp is introducing the capability to pin chats in both one-on-one and group conversations. Users can now pin various types of conversations, encompassing text, polls, images, and emojis. However, the feature allows the pinning of only one chat at a time. According to the Meta-owned chat app, users can pin a chat by long-pressing on a conversation and selecting "Pin" from the menu. Duration options for pinning include 24 hours, 7 days (the default option), and 30 days. This feature proves particularly handy for scenarios such as sharing addresses for a first-time visit to a friend's place, ensuring easy access. In group chats, it facilitates highlighting essential information about an event or a place, such as rules or critical details. The company notes that in groups, administrators can decide whether only admins or any member can pin a message. Notably, WhatsApp's rivals Telegram and iMessage already provide a pin message option for users in both individual and group chats. It remains unclear if WhatsApp intends to extend the pinned messages feature to Channels. In a recent update, WhatsApp also introduced the ability to send disappearing voice messages that can only be viewed once by the recipient.
iQoo 12 Launched in India
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
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."