Amidst the plethora of announcements on the first day of Google I/O, the Pixel 8a has discreetly received its first software update. The new update weighs 190MB and brings along some upgrades that were expected from Google’s newest mid-range Pixel.

First and foremost, the update brings the latest May 2024 Android security patch, making sure the device is protected against the latest threats. However, the biggest highlight of the update is the introduction of Google’s AI-backed wallpaper generator to the Pixel 8a.

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How Does The New AI Wallpaper Generator Work?

The AI-powered wallpaper generator was originally announced at last year’s I/O and is exclusive to the Pixel 8 series. The new feature utilizes generative AI to create unique wallpapers based on user-specified themes and keywords.

While Google initially kept the AI wallpaper generator app exclusive to the flagship Pixel 8 series, it did offer a customized version to Samsung for its flagship Galaxy S24 series. Now, Pixel 8a users will be able to take advantage of the feature as well.

This update further brings the A-series and flagship Pixel models close to each other, especially with Google’s decision to extend its seven-year software support promise to the Pixel 8a, which was previously restricted to only flagship devices

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Pixel Phones To Allow Circle To Search In Split Screen

Google’s Pixel smartphones might soon be adding split-screen support for its popular feature - Circle to Search. It means that players will be able to use the feature while using two apps side by side on their screen. Android expert, Mishaal Rahman found something interesting while going through the Pixel Launcher app bundled with the Android 15 Beta 1.2 release. 

He found a flag that will enable Pixel users to use Circle to Search while running apps in split-screen mode. The feature was introduced on the Galaxy S24 series before it could make its way to Google’s flagship Pixel series. Circle to Search gained swift popularity, thanks to its fast and convenient way to search for information by just circling on the display.

Unlike Samsung smartphones that offer Circle to-Search support, Pixel phones cannot use the feature in split-screen mode. It seems odd for the company to intentionally restrict the feature on its own devices, hinting it might be a bug that went unnoticed during development.

Circle to Search comes coupled with the Google app, as the Android expert points out. This means switching the default digital assistant from the company to another service might make the feature stop working. Earlier, it seemed that this restriction could be related to Android's Assist API, but Rahamn later found out that it wasn’t the case.

Samsung has launched the industry’s first 24GB GDDR7 DRAM, which features the highest capacity and speed. This breakthrough memory solution is designed to cater to the demands of next-generation applications, such as data centers and AI workstations.

By employing advanced process nodes and PAM3 signaling, the GDDR7 achieves an impressive speed of 40GB per second, surpassing its precursor by 25%. Moreover, Samsung has incorporated power-saving technologies from mobile products to boost efficiency and reduce unnecessary power consumption by over 30%.

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Samsung’s New Chip To Power Next-Gen AI Systems

To make sure operations are stable at high speeds, the GDDR7 incorporates power gating design techniques to minimize current leakage. Samsung plans to start validating this groundbraeking memory solution in next-gen AI computing systems from major GPU customers later this year, with commercialization expected in early 2025.

Commenting on this, YongCheol Bae, Executive Vice President of Memory Product Planning at Samsung Electronics, said:

“After developing the industry’s first 16Gb GDDR7 last year, Samsung has reinforced its technological leadership in the graphics DRAM market with this latest achievement. We will continue to lead the graphics DRAM market by bringing next-generation products that align with the growing needs of the AI market. The 24Gb GDDR7 utilizes 5th-generation 10-nanometer (nm)-class DRAM, which enables cell density to increase by 50% while maintaining the same package size as the predecessor.”

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Samsung Could Start Charging For Certain Galaxy AI Features

The Galaxy Tab S10 series and S24 FE saw the daylight recently and the Galaxy AI suite was one of the dominating features on the marketing side. While all of the new AI features are currently available for free, Samsung once again hinted that it might not be the case for too long.

One of the footnotes in the official press release for the new Tab S10 series and S24 FE explicitly mentions that “Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025.”

Samsung previously confirmed that “Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices,” so it is safe to assume that Samsung’s AI suite, or certain parts of it, will, in fact, require a payment starting 2025.

The same day Apple launched its new iPhones, Samsung brought the latest version of its OneUI and new Galaxy AI features to customers across the globe. One UI 6.1.1 went live for the Galaxy S24 series on September 5, and just four days later, the update is making its way to Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra owners across the world.

Apple has announced the launch of the new iPad mini for the Indian market. Apple’s smallest iPad comes powered by the A17 Pro chip, which means it is capable of running Apple intelligence features.

The company’s latest offering comes in blue, purple, starlight, and space grey color options. It starts at a price of Rs 49,900 for the Wi-Fi mode, and Rs 64,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The new iPad mini starts with 128GB storage, which is double the storage of the previous generation.

The new iPad mini is also available in 256GB and 512GB configurations. Consumers can pre-order the new iPad mini today, with availability starting October 23.

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Apple iPad Mini Under The Hood

The iPad mini features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. Apple notes that the A17 pro processor delivers a huge performance boost for even the most demanding tasks, with a faster CPU and GPU, a 2x faster Neural Engine than the previous-generation iPad mini, and support for Apple Intelligence.

Apple iPad mini also supports the Apple Pencil Pro. Besides, users will get a 12MP wide back camera with support for Smart HDR 4. Leveraging the powerful 16-core Neural Engine, the new iPad mini uses AI to automatically identify documents right in the Camera app and can use the new True Tone flash to remove shadows from the document. There’s also a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera.

The new iPad mini features all-day battery life, according to the company. The new iPad mini supports Wi-Fi 6E, which delivers up to twice the performance of the previous generation, so users can download files, play online games, and stream movies faster than before.

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Apple Could Launch Cheaper Version Of Vision Pro In 2025

Apple seems to prepping to launch a more affordable version of its Vision Pro headset as early as next year. At least that’s what Bloopberg’s Mark Gurman suggested in his Power On newsletter.

As per a report from 9To5Mac, the upcoming headset is said to be priced around $2,000, significantly lower than the premium Apple Vision Pro, which launched earlier this year at $3,499.

Reportedly, Apple’s move to fast-track the development of a cheaper headset stems from the hefty price of the first-generation headset, which has limited its appeal and accessibility to a much wider audience. Previous reports suggested that the company had paused Vision Pro development to focus on this lower-cost variant, which remains Apple’s priority.

As per the report, the affordable version of the headset could pack downgraded components, including a less powerful processor and cheaper materials. 

Dell has unveiled its late XPS 13 laptop in the Indian market. The new XPS is powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra processor Series 2. Apart from that, it comes with a dedicated NPU with up to 48 TOPs that aim to enable AI-powered features offered by the Windows 11 OS such as text and image creation.

Moreover, Dell has also included MyDell software that optimizes audio, video, battery life, and overall system performance to make it an ideal case for professional and working professionals.

Dell has launched the XPS 13 at a starting price of Rs 1,81,990. The laptop will be available for purchase starting October 16 via Dell Exclusive stores and selected large-format retail and multi-brand outlets. Besides, the laptop will also become available on Dell.com starting October 18 onwards.

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Dell XPS 13 Laptop Under The Hood

Dell XPS 13 is powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors and it comes with Intel AI Boost NPU, making it compatible with AI-powered features like Microsoft Studio Effects during video calls, and Copilot+ PC experience.

The laptop comes with Intel Arc GPU for added graphics performance and more versatility to the system. The laptop packs Wi-Fi 7 features with 4.8x faster throughput for better connectivity while sharing files, video calls, and online collaboration. It weighs 1.2 kg and the company claims it is the slimmest XPS laptop ever produced.

The new Dell XPS 13 comes with a 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display with tandem OLED technology for higher brightness and reduced power consumption. It offers true blacks and vivid color contrast, enhanced by Dolby Vision and Eysafe technology. The 120Hz variable refresh rate ensures smooth performance and better battery backup.

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Dell XPS 13 9350 Laptop With Intel Lunar Lake Chipset Launched

Dell XPS 13 9350 has been announced by the company as one of the first laptops to come packed with the newly launched Intel Core Ultra 200V ‘Lune Lake’ chipsets. The new laptop will go on sale alongside the XPS 13 (9345) and XPS (9340) models that come equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Intel's older Meteor Lake chipsets.

The new XPS model from the company runs Windows 11 Home and is backed by up to 32GB of RAM along with up to 2TB of storage. As for the pricing, the Dell XPS 13 (9350) price is set at $1,400 for the base 16GB+512GB RAM and storage model with an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor. 

The laptop is also available in other variants with Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, Core Ultra 7 258V, Core Ultra 7 268V, or Core Ultra 9 288V processors. Users can configure these models with up to 32GB RAM and 2TB storage.

Instagram has rolled out a new feature for creators that will make it easier for them to share their profiles with others. They will now be able to create a two-sided digital card on the Meta-owned social media platform which matches their style, thanks to multiple customizable options.

This feature comes after Meta brought a song-on-profile feature that enables users to further customize their profile by allowing them to add a song that matches their current mood or personality on their profile.

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How Do The New Profile Cards Work On Instagram

According to Instagram, the new Profile Card provides users with an option to create a more personalized and animated digital card that can be shared with others. Apart from the QR code linked to the profile, the feature also comes with an option to add bio information, links to pages, music that describes the personality, and other elements. Users can also change the background color, and add a selfie or an emoji as the page background.

While one side of the card is shareable, the other side has a QR side, which can be scanned by others to visit the profile. The company claims that it can be a fast way for creators to share their profiles with brands during collaboration. While the ability to share profile cards has been available on the platform for a few years, it was only limited to QR codes.

To share the profile cards, users are required to navigate to the profile section of Instagram and tap on the Share Profile option. They can further change the card by choosing the edit icon and adding the desired information. In addition to sharing stories, Instagram’s profile cards can also be shared on other platforms.

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Meta Launches AI-Powered Ads On Instagram And Facebook

Meta seems to trying out something new with AI-driven video editing features, allowing advertisers to animate static images and extend the borders of video content. This new tool is aimed at providing brands with more creative control and flexibility when creating ads for Instagram and Facebook, providing better ways to engage users with dynamic visuals.

Moreover, Meta has launched new AI-powered tools that enable advertisers to transform static images into dynamic videos. The AI can also expand existing videos by generating additional pixels, enlarging the content without compromising on the quality.

These features are being pushed to users in a gradual manner, with plans for wider availability in 2025. The tools aim to enhance creative options for advertisers on Facebook and Instagram.

Amazon has announced the launch of its refreshed Kindle lineup of e-book readers. What’s more interesting is that the lineup includes the Colorsoft Signature Edition, which comes with a colored e-ink display. It claims to offer a week-long battery and costs $279.99.

The Kindle series now packs four models: the first-ever colored Kindle, a reimagined Kindle Scribe, the fastest Kindle Paperwhite yet, and a new entry-level Kindle. The entry-level Kindle comes in a new Matcha color with a price tag of $109.99, and it comes with a non-reflective e-ink display with 300 ppi and 16GB of storage.

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What To Expect From Amazon’s Latest Kindle

The Kindle Paperwhite—the fastest according to the company—comes in two variants: the base model with 16 GB of storage at $159.99, and the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition with 32 GB storage for $199.99. Both devices offer water-resistant capabilities with new color options –– Raspberry Metallic, Jade Green Metallic, and Charcoal Metallic.

Besides, there’s also a special Kindle Kids and Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition with unique cover designs dubbed Space Whale, Ocean Explorer, and Unicorn Valley. The Kindle Scribe also serves as a digital notepad and will set users back by $399.99. It comes packed with a stylus, making it easy to jot down things. It can also be used as a regular Kindle to read books since it has an e-ink display.

All four Kindles are now available for pre-order in select markets like the US. The Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition will go on sale on October 30, while the Kindle Scribe will start shipping on December 4. Currently, there is no information on when these new models with hit the Indian market.

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Amazon, Microsoft Join Forces To Bring Xbox Cloud Gaming To Fire TV

Amazon has joined forces with Microsoft to integrate the Xbox cloud gaming service with Fire TV devices. From July onwards, users of Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) and Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) will be able to access popular games like Starfield, Fallout 4, and Forza Horizon 5 through an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which is priced at Rs 549 per month in India.

Amazon, in a press release, said that this collaboration will bring the Game Pass Ultimate library to TVs through compatible Fire TV Stick devices and a Bluetooth gaming controller.

The company also highlighted that the cloud gaming service will deliver a console-quality gaming experience. Moreover, it is noteworthy that apart from Xbox controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation controllers such as the DualSense and DualShock 4 are also compatible with this service.