Wednesday, February 7, 2024

YouTube is experimenting with red, blue, and green video feeds

YouTube is currently experimenting with a new feature that enables users to filter videos on their home feed based on colour preferences, aiming to enhance the browsing experience. Initial reports from 9to5Google and discussions on Lemmy have unveiled this novel functionality. Select users on Android and iOS mobile devices have encountered a prompt within the YouTube app, inviting them to customize their video feed by selecting from various hues like red, blue, or green. However, this feature remains in the experimental phase and has not been widely rolled out. Upon selecting a colour filter, users observe colour-coordinated results as a new feed option atop the YouTube app interface, though the precise filtering mechanism remains opaque. While primarily serving as an aesthetic enhancement, akin to colour coordination techniques in marketing strategies, there's speculation about its potential role in data collection to understand user behaviour and preferences.

ASUS Chromebook CM14 launched in India

ASUS debuts its latest Chromebook, the CM14 (CM1402C2MA), in India, featuring a 14" FHD display and MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor enabling Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Boasting up to 15 hours of battery life, this Chromebook ensures seamless entertainment and productivity. Equipped with an octa-core processor and 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, it offers smooth performance and robust security, ideal for remote work and learning, according to ASUS. The device also sports a spill-resistant keyboard, MIL-STD 810H military-grade certification, and a 720p HD camera with a privacy shutter. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and multiple USB ports. Available in Gray, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 (CM1402C2MA) is now retailing on Amazon India for Rs. 26,990.

Android's Google Maps Now Displays Weather Updates

Similar to its iOS counterpart, Google Maps for Android now integrates weather and air quality index (AQI) data directly onto the map interface. A small box situated below the search bar displays the current temperature, along with an icon representing weather conditions and AQI information. Users can tap on this box to access more detailed weather updates, including 'Feels like' temperature, daily high/low temperatures, and a 12-hour forecast. Additionally, tapping on the AQI section provides access to the Air Quality map layer. Although the weather box is relatively small, it updates dynamically as users navigate the map. Notably, this feature has recently been introduced to Android devices, following its prior availability on iOS. Users may need to force stop Google Maps to ensure they have the latest version (11.113.x) and access to this functionality.

Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus launched in India

Sennheiser debuts ACCENTUM Plus, its latest wireless headphones featuring Hybrid ANC and a remarkable 50-hour battery life, in India. These headphones boast touch controls, aptX support, and a 37mm dynamic transducer for exceptional audio quality. Quick charge capability adds 5 extra hours of playback in just 10 minutes, while the USB-C cable facilitates music streaming and voice communication during charging. Intuitive touch panel and companion app offer gesture controls for managing listening levels, media controls, and transparency mode, alongside a 5-band EQ. Additional features include automatic wind-reduction for outdoor use, multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching, and an included audio cable for in-flight entertainment. ACCENTUM Plus, available in black and white, is priced at Rs. 15,990, with a special pre-booking offer of Rs. 14,990 until February 13th on sennheiser-hearing.com and Amazon.in, ahead of its February 14th release.

Amazfit Active launched in India

Amazfit introduces its latest smartwatch, the Amazfit Active, in India after much anticipation. Boasting a 1.75″ AMOLED display, stainless-steel frame, and lightweight build, it offers an array of features. The AI-driven Zepp Coach ensures tailored workouts for users of all fitness levels, while five satellite positioning systems guarantee precise navigation. Features include Bluetooth calling, offline music playback, 120+ sports modes, Smart Recognition, Amazon Alexa integration, and 5 ATM water resistance. With a battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge, it's a reliable companion for extended use. The Amazfit Active's specifications include a 1.75-inch AMOLED screen, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, Zepp OS 2.0, BioTracker 3 PPG biometric sensor, heart rate and stress monitoring, and more. Available in Midnight Black, Petal Pink, and Lavender Purple, it retails at Rs. 12,999 and hits Amazon.in shelves on February 10th.

Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 manual leaked

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Ring offers a simpler alternative to smartwatches, albeit with an expected high price tag for a first-gen product. To cater to budget-conscious consumers, Samsung is also launching the Galaxy Fit 3, succeeding the Galaxy Fit 2 from over three years ago. Retail availability hints at an imminent official launch, with the user manual now accessible. Positioned between Galaxy Watches and previous Fit trackers, the Fit 3 sports a rectangular 1.6-inch display, reminiscent of the Apple Watch. While featuring an optical heart rate sensor instead of a full suite, it retains core health and fitness tracking functions like heart rate, blood oxygen, stress monitoring, exercise tracking, and sleep analysis, albeit with potentially less accuracy. Samsung promises customization options including watch faces and widgets, known as tiles. Interested users can download the user manual for more insights and anticipate further Galaxy Fit 3 updates soon.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Redmi A3 Leaks

The imminent launch of the Redmi A3, succeeding the Redmi A2, promises significant upgrades in the budget smartphone segment. Tipped to be the most affordable among Redmi models, it's anticipated to feature a larger 6.71-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a notable increase from its predecessor's 6.52-inch panel. Leaked retail box images reveal a spacious 128GB onboard storage coupled with 4GB of RAM, a substantial improvement over the Redmi A2's options. The redesigned camera module, showcased in black, is expected to house a dual rear camera setup alongside an LED flash. Color options include black, blue, and forest green, with a centred waterdrop notch for the front camera. Running Android 13 out-of-the-box, it's likely to offer HD+ resolution, powered by a MediaTek chipset with 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and eMMC 5.1 onboard storage. The phone's photography capabilities may feature a 13-megapixel primary sensor and an 8-megapixel front camera, complemented by a 5,000mAh battery supporting 10W wired charging.

Samsung Could Debut Smart Finger Accessory for Health Monitoring in Second Half of 2024, Indicates Report

Samsung is gearing up for the imminent launch of the Galaxy Ring, a wearable finger accessory aimed at health tracking. The device was teased during the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event, offering a glimpse of its design while keeping its specifications, release date, and pricing undisclosed. However, a Samsung official mentioned on LinkedIn, later deleted, hinted at a launch in the second half of the year. With a probable debut at the next Galaxy Unpacked event, possibly alongside the Galaxy Z series foldables, the Galaxy Ring is anticipated to integrate Samsung Health features, catering to users seeking alternative health monitoring solutions to traditional smartwatches. Recent sightings of the device on the Good Lock app's battery widget section suggest ongoing development efforts. This innovation aims to revolutionize health and wellness tracking with Samsung's signature AI technology, promising a transformative user experience.