Wednesday, February 7, 2024

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.

Details on Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra's Surface

Details about the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra have emerged online, suggesting an imminent launch. The phone, speculated to surpass the base Zenfone 11, was recently spotted on the Google Play Console. Reddit user Td3v11 claims to have discovered details about the Zenfone 11 Ultra in the latest ROG 8 firmware update, revealing its design akin to the ROG Phone 8 Pro but with distinct features. The leaked specifications indicate a 6.78-inch Samsung flexible AMOLED LTPO display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, up to 16GB RAM, and up to 512GB storage. It's expected to feature a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor with gimbal OIS, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP telephoto camera. The device may also sport a 32MP front camera, a 5,500mAh battery with 65W wired and 15W wireless charging, a 3.5mm audio jack, and dual stereo speakers, offered in five color options.

Xiaomi 14 Series Set for Launch on Feb 25 During MWC 2024


Xiaomi has officially announced the global debut of its highly anticipated Xiaomi 14 series at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona on February 25, although the specific event time remains undisclosed. This announcement signals a major event for tech enthusiasts worldwide, with social media teasers hinting at the "Lens to Legend" tagline, suggesting a focus on camera advancements. Rumors suggest the launch will include two models: the standard Xiaomi 14 and the much-awaited Xiaomi 14 Ultra, potentially replacing the Pro variant globally. This strategic shift aligns with reports indicating superior camera specs for the Ultra, possibly featuring a variable aperture main camera and four high-performance rear sensors, likely utilizing the potent Sony LYT-900 sensor. While model availability confirmation awaits, both the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro debuted in China last October with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. The absence of the Pro model globally fuels speculation about the Xiaomi 14 Ultra serving as its advanced successor, appealing to users seeking premium camera capabilities. With the official launch date confirmed, excitement and anticipation build around the Xiaomi 14 series, promising groundbreaking mobile photography experiences.