We are approaching the launch of next-gen Android flagship chips. MediaTek is set to launch its Dimensity 9400 on October 9, while Qualcomm will bring Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 later this month.

Although these new chips are said to get a price hike, new information from Vivo Product Manager Han Boxiao suggests that this year’s SoCs (System on Chip) will deliver performance improvements that will surpass the combined gains of the past two generations.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 / Dimensity 9400 will fill two generations of performance gap. And speaking of whether it is the right time to shift to a flagship, Han acknowledges that while last year’s flagships were appealing because of more RAM at lower costs, 2024 could be an even better time to make the switch.

Also Read: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 QRD Seen In Benchmarks

New Chipsets To Become Even More Powerful

According to Han, who claims to have “17 generations” of products and “12 SoC iterations” experience, the typical SoC performance improves by around 15% from generation to generation, with occasional jumps of around 25%. However, he says that this year’s SoCs will offer a remarkable 40% improvement. Han even claims that this year’s flagship chipsets will create a two-generation leap in performance in one go.

He further suggested that the game between sub-flagship and flagship performance will be bigger this year, which is pretty rare. Since chipsets are central to a phone’s performance, Han says that the flagship phone launching in October 2024 might have the “biggest lead in history.”

Han also addressed the price bump of these chips, calling it the “largest in history” for an SoC. However, he suggests that this is justified as the performance improvement is also “the largest in history.”

Also Read: Computex 2024: Qualcomm’s Vision For Snapdragon X Elite And X Plus

Vivo Unveils T3 Ultra With Dimensity 9200+ SoC In India

Vivo has launched its first ultra smartphone in the Indian market. The new T3 Ultra smartphone comes as the company’s most powerful smartphone in the Series T lineup. The device features a 6.78-inch 1.5k AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Dimensity 9200+ chipset and packs a dual-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens.

The Vivo T3 Ultra comes in three variants: the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant for Rs 31,999, while the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant comes for Rs 33,999. The 12GB RAM + 256GB storage will be selling for Rs 35,999. HDFC and SBI cardholders can avail of a Rs 3,000 instant discount or exchange bonus, and no-cost EMI options of up to six months are available.

Google has started rolling out ads in AI Overviews, which means users will now see product suggestions in some of their search engine’s AI-generated summaries. 

For instance, if a user is searching for a recipe, the AI-generated response will provide some tips along with products beneath a “sponsored” header. Google spokesperson Craig Ewer told The Verge they’ll only show up if a question has a “commercial angle.”

Google has been testing ads in AI Overviews since May but says it’s moving ahead with a full rollout because it helps people “quickly connect with relevant businesses, products, and services to take the next step at the exact moment they need them.”

Also Read: Google One Lite With 30GB Storage Rolling Out In India

Is Google Going The Microsoft Way?

As of now, ads are only coming to AI Overviews in the US on mobile. Microsoft similarly includes ads in its Copilot chatbot and recently changed how they surface in responses. Google is also making some tweaks to the formatting of AI Overviews.

After a test in August, Google will now display cited webpages more prominently on the right side of the summary, as it found this “has driven an increase in traffic to supporting websites compared to the previous design.”

It’s rolling out AI-organized search pages as well -- a feature that shows a custom results page with relevant information rather than showing just a list of links. This is currently only available on mobile in the US for searches related to meal ideas.

Also Read: Google Play Store Now Lets You Download, Update Apps Simultaneously

Google’s Circle To Search Feature Coming To More Smartphones

Google’s visual lookup feature Circle to Search is being rolled out to more Android devices, according to a new leak. The AI feature that enables users to quickly run a web search on any visual element on the screen is currently only available on a few Samsung and Pixel smartphones. However, this could change as tipster claims that the Circle to Search feature is being added to the Tecno V Fold 2, launched recently.

The feature first made its debut with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January and was later expanded to older Galaxy smartphones and the Pixel smartphone series. Nine months later, the feature has not been released for any other brand of smartphones. However, tipster Mishaal Rahman claimed that Circle to Search is being added to the Tecno V Fold 2.

Sharing an image of the feature on the tecno foldable, Rahman claimed that the visual lookup feature will also be expanded to “more Android phones next month” finally ending the monopoly of Pixel and Samsung.

ChatGPT will soon be getting a new interface as OpenAI has brought Canvas, meant for writing and coding projects. As per ChatGPT, Canvas opens in a separate window, enabling users and ChatGPT to collaborate on a project.

In a blog post, OpenAI said that currently in beta form, Canvas brought a new way of collaboration not just through conversation, but instead of creating and refining ideas side by side. “Canvas is a new approach and the first major update to ChatGPT’s visual interface since we launched two years ago,” said OpenAI.

OpenAI said that Canvas was built with GPT-4o and can be manually picked and selected in the model picker while in beta. “Starting today we’re rolling out canvas to ChatGPT Plus and Team users globally. Enterprise and Edu users will get access next week,” said OpenAI. It also plans to make the feature available to all ChatGPT Free users when it’s out of beta.

Also Read: OpenAI Improves File Search Controls To Improve ChatGPT Responses

How Will the Canvas Interface look like

The company suggested that the current chat interface is limited when users want to work on projects that require editing and revisions. “With canvas, ChatGPT can better understand the context of what you’re trying to accomplish,” said OpenAI.

There’s a menu of shortcuts for users to ask ChatGPT to adjust writing length, debug code, and quickly perform other useful actions. Canvas opens automatically when ChatGPT detects a scenario in which it could come in handy. “You can also include “use canvas” in your prompt to open canvas and use it to work on an existing project,” said OpenAI.

Users will be able to include writing shortcuts like Suggest edits, which will lead ChatGPT to offer inline suggestions and feedback. Or they can alter the reading level, adjust the length of the document, or even add emojis.

Also Read: OpenAI Warns Users Of Getting Attached To ChatGPT Voice Mode

OpenAI Improves File Search Controls

OpenAI has announced new changes to its File Search system recently, giving developers more control when the AI chatbots pick responses. The improvement has been made to the ChatGPT’s application programming interface (API) and will allow developers not only to check the behavior of the chatbot; 's response retrieval method, but it also let them fine-tune its behavior.

This will help developers make sure that only the desirable responses are picked. Notably, an earlier report suggested that the company is planning to launch another AI model dubbed ‘Strawberry’ that can improve ChatGPT’s mathematics and logical reasoning.

The AI firm announced the changes to the API via X. The upgrade improves the controls for File Search in the Assistant API. It enables developers to check the results picked by the chatbot and make more adjustments as per their requirements.

For several years, summary cards in Gmail have offered a snippet of helpful information at the top of emails, especially for payment bills, orders/receipts, upcoming travel details, and much more. However, Google has now announced a revamp of Summary cards with a new design to manage the flood of information in Gmail inboxes.

As per the latest Google blog, the updated summary cards have a new look and action buttons. These include the ability to add an event to the calendar, invite other people to the vent, or set up a bill payment reminder.

Also Read: Google Has RCS Encryption Between Android And IOS In Works

How Will Gmai’s New ‘Summary Card’ Help Users?

This feature aims to summarise key information and present users with interactive buttons. Hence, it will save time by removing the need to open every email and navigate through long threads.

Google is also adding a new ‘Happening Soon’ section at the top of the Gmail inbox that will highlight upcoming events and time-sensitive information. As of now, it will be starting with purchase deliveries and will help users stay on top of important deadlines without having to read through each and every email.

Currently, the updated summary cards for purchases are rolling out to Gmail apps for Android and iOS. The event, bill, and travel summary cards, as well as the new ‘Happening Soon’ tab, will be available in the coming months. The company is also planning to bring summary cards to its search functionality.

Also Read: Google’s Circle To Search Feature Coming To More Smartphones

Google Pushes Pixel 9’s Gemini AI Features To All Android Phones

Google has finally expanded the availability of Gemini Live AI-powered feature to all Android smartphones with the Gemini app. The feature was previously exclusive to Pixel 9 series phones. The feature, which lets users engage in real-time voice conversations with an AI assistant, is rolling out in English and includes 10 different voices.

Gemini Live enables users to interact with the AI using natural language, making it feel like a human conversation. The assistant can respond to questions, help brainstorm ideas, discuss topics of interest, and upgrade user experience. This rollout brings the feature to a bigger audience, making it accessible to people using the Gemini app on Android for free.

As of October 1, Gemini Live is available for all Android users globally, without any cost. Users can simply update their Gemini app from the Google Play Store to access the new feature. Gemini Live supports 10 new AI voices, including Nova, Ursa, Vega, Pegasus, Orbit, Lyra, Orion, Dipper, Eclipse, and Capella. To switch between voices, users can navigate to the app’s settings and select the preferred voice. The assistant operates conversationally, much like fictional AI assistants seen in movies.  

The Oura Ring 4 has finally broken cover in select global markets. It comes with a sleek titanium design and offers improved health and activity tracking capabilities. The new smart ring is available in six different colors and offers twelve different sizes, catering to a broad range of users. It offers support for the Oura App and utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) connectivity.

The Oura Ring 4 comes at a price of $349 and comes in sizes ranging from 4 to 15. the smart ring can be bought in a choice of Black, Brushed Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, and Stealth finishes. As of now, the smart wearable is up for pre-order in the US, UK, and select European countries, with shipping set to start on October 15.

Also Read: Samsung Smartwatches Could Soon Get Powerful Health Features 

Oura Ring 4 Under The Hood

Created using lightweight, hypoallergenic titanium, the Oura Ring 4 is built to withstand water exposure, with a water resistance rating of up to 100m. The ring incorporates Oura’s Smart Sensing technology, which is powered by a sophisticated algorithm.

The device packs several sensors, including red and infrared LEDs to monitor blood oxygen levels while the user sleeps, as well as green and infrared LEDs that alternate to measure heart rate variability and respiration rate. An accelerometer tracks daily movement and activity, while a digital sensor records fluctuations in body temperature.

The updated Oura App now provides more precise insights into stress, activity, and reproductive health, upgrading the overall user experience. Oura Labs, a platform for testing experimental features, is also available on both iOS and Android devices.

The latest offering claims to deliver up to eight days of battery life on a single charge, which takes between 20 to 80 minutes depending on the power level. A size-specific charger and USB Type-C cable are included with the ring, offering ease of use.

Also Read: Amazfit GTR 4 New Smartwatch Launched In India For Rs 16,999

Rollme R3 Smart Ring Launched With 10-Day Battery Life

Rollme has announced the launch of its Rollme R3 smart ring globally. The smart ring brings health and fitness-centric features such as a PPG sensor for heart rate and blood-oxygen monitoring, and tracking.

The smart ring also enhances the features offered by its precursor, the Rollme R2 which came out in March 2023. The launch of Rollme R3 comes at a time when there are major players in the market, from technology giants such as Samsung to dedicated health technology companies like Ultrahuman and Oura.

The Rollme R3 smart ring has a titanium alloy shell made using the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technique. Its inner structure comprises a hypoallergenic epoxy resin, which claims to provide “irritation-free” wear. The smart ring is claimed to be up to 5ATM but is said to be water-resistant for up to 300 meters, as per the company.

While Xiaomi is currently readying to unveil the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro smartphones, the lineup’s top-tier model is 15 Ultra, which will see the light of day early next year. Now, a leak might have provided the first look at the phone’s design. The leak coming from China showcases the design schematics of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra with its beefy camera setup.

As per the leaked design schemes, the camera island on the rear panel of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra looks quite similar to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. But there’s a slight difference in terms of lens arrangement. The former has one lens at the top, while the other three are placed at the bottom, unlike the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which has two lenses on either side.

Also Read: Xiaomi Unveils Redmi Watch 5 Active, Pocket Power Bank Pro

What To Expect From The Xiaomi 15 Ultra

At the top is likely a 200MP periscope telephoto module which is said to be the same Samsung ISOCELL HP9 sensor as the Vivo X100 Ultra. If this turns out to be true, this will be an upgrade from the 50MP Sony IMX858 camera in the 14 Ultra.

Just below it, a rumored 1-inch main camera can be seen, the same as seen on the 14 Ultra. It is believed to be a 50MP Sony LYT-900 sensor, with optical image stabilization (OIS). The ultrawide and telephoto cameras, however, probably won’t see any change.

Xiaomi is said to use the same 50MP Sony IMX858 lens for both, with the ultrawide providing a 122-degree field of view and the telephoto lens featuring a 75mm focal length. And, there will be Leica tuning across the board. Upfront, the smartphone seems to have flat edges and a punch-hole cutout in the display.

Also Read: Xiaomi Smartphone Cameras To Detect Hidden Cameras

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Under The Hood

Speaking of the performance, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is said to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC or Snapdragon 8 Elite. It will be paired with up to 24GB of RAM. The smartphone is also expected to come with a huge 6200mAh battery for long-lasting power and run on the latest HyperOS 2.0, based on Android 15.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is rumored to come with a 2K display with micro-curvature on all four sides. The phone is also rumored to feature an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for added security.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is also said to come in three material finishes: plain leather, fiberglass, or ceramic, providing a variety of options to suit different preferences and styles.