Samsung is continuing to collaborate with iFixit to provide the repair kits, which are currently available for purchase although the prices are unknown at the time of this writing. At the very least, we can at least look at the prices for the older kits on the Self-Repair Program to get an idea of what users can expect. For example, replacing the charging port on a phone from either the S20 or S21 line costs $66.99. Speculation aside, the prices for the new additions will be available once the repair kit’s respective pages go live.
Step-by-step instruction guides will be available on iFixit’s website.
Repair kit content
The content of the kits differ between smartphones and laptops with the latter getting more spare parts. Galaxy Book Pro owners will be able to replace both the front and rear case, battery, display, touchpad, the power key including the fingerprint reader, and the rubber feet underneath the device. For the S22 phones, the repair kits are similar to those for the S20 and S21. They have a replacement for the display assembly, back glass, and charging ports, but not the battery, which is strange considering that you could on the older phones.
Besides the missing battery replacement, there are two other glaring omissions in the updated program: you cannot repair the 15.6-inch models of either the Galaxy Book Pro or the Pro 360; as of this writing, anyway. We reached out to Samsung concerning the bigger Galaxy Book models and asked several other questions, such as whether users can replace the battery on an S22 phone or if that be part of a future update.
And what about a return label? The older kits came with a free return label so you can ship back old parts to Samsung for proper disposal. This story will be updated if we hear back on the missing information.
It may also interest you to know that Apple recently updated its own self-repair program to now include Mac computers powered by the M1 chip and the Studio Display. Just be aware the prices may make your eyes water. Replacing only the screen on the Studio Display will run you close to $1000.
The upcoming Dead Space remake will ship with two graphics modes, letting you choose between high frame rates or the best-looking experience on current-gen consoles.
On both Xbox Series X and PS5, Dead Space will support either 30fps at 4K with ray tracing or 60fps in QHD (1440p) with the lighting and rendering technique disabled. Developer Motive Studios hasn’t detailed the extent of ray tracing available in the horror remake, but considering the high contrast between light and shadow in the original, I can’t wait to see it in action on my PS5.
It’s been 15 years since the release of the original Dead Space, so the hallways of the game’s derelict planet cracker spaceship, the USG Ishimura, are in need of an update. From the footage we’ve seen, the Dead Space remake looks as though it will feature ray-traced reflections along with ray-traced shadows, and ambient occlusion to bring the monster-filled space hulk up to modern standards.
It’s not new for PS5 games or Xbox Series X games to ask you to choose between 30fps fidelity and 60fps performance modes, we’ve been making these decisions since this generation of gaming hardware launched in November 2020. Developers offer the choice because ray tracing is incredibly taxing on the custom RDNA 2 architecture which power both the Xbox Series X and PS5.
And, sometimes, you may want the game to look its best; other times, you may want it to perform its best. For instance, when playing a multiplayer shooter like Overwatch 2, I want the highest fps I can get, but with an atmospheric single-player experience like Dead Space, I’m happy to take the framerate hit in return for a sumptuous view.
The Quality mode is a good fit for Dead Space, as it was never a game about speed. Your character, Isaac Clarke, walks around the spaceship in a slow, bulky engineering suit and employs a plasma cutter to keep enemies away. It doesn’t require the same twitch reflexes of Dead Space’s spiritual successor, The Callisto Protocol.
Good performance isn’t guaranteed, though. Recently, we’ve seen older games such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt struggle with ray tracing on the PS5 and Xbox Series X. The implementation of ray-traced ambient occlusion was nearly unplayable compared to the performance mode. There’s a glimmer of hope here, though. That’s because Motive has built the Dead Space remake in Dice’s Frostbite engine, which handled the ray tracing in Battlefield 2042 very well.
What else can I expect from the Dead Space remake?
The Dead Space remake looks to be a faithful reimagining of Isaac Clarke’s first outing, sticking close to the story and set pieces of the original. What Motive has aimed to do is create a more seamless experience, removing loading screens, updating clumsy mechanics and controls, and in every way it can make Dead Space what it would be if it was released for the first time in 2023.
One major point of difference is that Clarke is no longer a silent protagonist. Originally mute through the events of the original game, he will now be fully voiced by Gunner Wright, who portrayed the character in both of the sequels. Also returning is Tanya Clarke who played Nicole in Dead Space 2.
Immersive lighting and good use of contrast was a major factor in the original Dead Space’s claustrophobic environments back in 2008. Even 14 years after its initial release, Visceral Games’ survival horror masterpiece still holds up from a gameplay perspective, so having a faithful, from-the-ground-up recreation for a new generation is certainly welcome.
We’ve all experienced periods of bad sleep, whether it’s down to stress, life changes or getting into bad habits. But your favored position could potentially affect the quality of your sleep, as well as your health during waking hours.
Nearly two-thirds of adults (opens in new tab) sleep on their left or right side. Curling up in a ball and falling into a deep sleep feels like one of the safest ways to get the 7 to 9 hours of sleep most adults need. But is sleeping on your side good for you? And does it matter which side you prefer?
We reached out to Guy Meadows (PhD), a sleep physiologist and the co-founder of Sleep School (opens in new tab), to uncover the pros and cons of side sleeping – and also learn the best position for most people to fall into at night.
What are the benefits of lying on your side?
Meet the Expert
Dr. Guy Meadows is a sleep physiologist, with a doctorate (PhD) from Imperial College, London. He’s also co-founder of the Sleep School, which has helped over 25,000 individuals recover from insomnia via natural means. For over 20 years, Dr. Meadows has dedicated himself to helping chronic insomnia sufferers and regularly attends, presents, and runs workshops.
There are many health benefits of side sleeping – which are mainly connected to the mouth and breathing.
If you suffer from snoring or sleep apnoea, it’s the best position for undisturbed sleep for you and your sleeping partner. “[Side sleeping is] very much recommended for heavy snoring or sleep apnoea sufferers because it’s a kind of positional therapy; it helps to keep the tongue out of the throat, which means your airways are clear for you to breathe better,” says Dr. Meadows.
For anyone that occasionally suffers from acid reflux, Dr. Meadows says sleeping on the left side is best, as research shows (opens in new tab). If you sleep on your right side and suffer from acid reflux or heartburn it can spill stomach acid into the lining of your oesophagus, creating that uncomfortable burning feeling.
“It’s better for digestion as our stomach is found on the left side,” says Dr. Meadows, “Studies have shown that reflux is worse when sleeping on the left side. Although digestion slows down when we sleep, this process continues to work throughout the night.”
What happens when you lie on your side?
Although laying on your side for sleep is great for snoring and acid reflux it won’t be as great for your back or spine alignment.
Dr. Meadows explains that sleeping on your side “can put pressure on the lower back. As it pushes the spine out of neutral alignments, and so that increases the chance of aches and pains in the morning.” This is the case especially if you hug your knees into your body as your spine is no longer elongated, as it would be in the daytime.
What if you find this the most comfortable position, but you start to get a bad back? “Popping a pillow between the knees is often a great way of just reducing the pressure on the lower back,” says Dr. Meadows, as it’ll reduce any stress on your spine and hips.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re sleeping on one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, which features support for your spine plus cushioning along your hips and shoulders for pressure relief.
Should you sleep on your side if you’re pregnant?
It’s recommended you sleep on your side if you’re pregnant – you’re likely to find it more comfortable, especially as your baby bump starts to grow.
When you sleep on your side it allows more blood flow directly to the baby. Research from separate studies – including this one in Sydney from 2015 (opens in new tab) – concluded that it was safer for women, especially in the third trimester, to sleep on their side. Women who sleep on their backs, especially during the third trimester, have an increased chance of having a stillbirth according to the research.
The best position is your chosen side, with your legs bent, but does it matter which side?
According to Dr. Meadows: “Research around pregnancy shows that sleeping on your left side increases the blood flow from the mother to the baby, although, interestingly, a review (opens in new tab) came out in 2019 and they analysed all the data, and found no difference between both sides. So, it really is down to preference.”
Why do some of us lie in the foetal position?
Sleeping on your side, in the foetal position, as we did in the womb, is a popular position – especially among people with insomnia. Dr. Meadows says this has to do with safety:
“People like to be tucked up in a ball – probably because there’s that sense of sort of safety or security. Our ability to be aware of what is going on is fundamental to our survival.”
“We know that there are many reasons why insomnia keeps people awake – and one is that they’ve learned to associate the night with danger. So, there’s definitely that sort of connection to being in a foetal position in the womb.”
What’s the best position to sleep in?
Sleeping on your side can be bad for your lower back but it can help those with acid reflux or even more serious conditions such as sleep apnoea. However, if you don’t suffer from any of these problems sleeping on your back is the healthiest position for your overall health and spine.
Sleeping on your back, which some do find uncomfortable, will keep your spine in alignment and give you the most restful sleep. Sleeping on your front is reported to be the least healthy position as over time, it’ll create a natural curve in your back. For most of us, the most amount of weight is found in our stomachs.
However, Dr. Meadows says that comfort is always key. “Unless there’s some overriding medical condition, I would opt for sleeping in the position which you find most comfortable.”
It’s crucial to sleep on the best mattress for your preferred sleep style, as that’ll ensure you’ll get the support and pressure relief you need in the right places. Alternatively, you can pick up a mattress topper to make your current bed as comfortable as you need it.
Finding the best pillow for your dominant sleep position is also key to a good night’s sleep. You can perform this simple test to find out if you’re sleeping on the wrong pillow.
New research from BT has uncovered that many workers prefer to use a smartphone over a business laptop in an effort to make work more flexible, with many seeing better connectivity as a route into self-employment.
The results found that 59% of those running a business in the UK choose their smartphone as the “top tech tool”, proving more popular than traditional computing devices including laptops.
According to BT, 41% of entrepreneurs in the UK now run their businesses entirely online, requiring no in-person presence thus offering up a large degree of flexibility. Almost three-quarters (73%) of the survey’s respondents said that they couldn’t do without reliable broadband and mobile connectivity to get work done as high-speed 5G and gigabit connections roll out up and down Britain and other countries.
Run your business from your phone
The study also looked at the significant proportion of workers who have considered setting up their own company online as the cost of living crisis piles on the pressure and wages struggle to catch up.
BT found that workers were keen to break away from the traditional 9-5 routine, allowing them to adapt their routines to other aspects of their life like spending more quality time with the family. Being able to work anywhere was another popular sentiment, hence the choice of a pocket-sized business smartphone for the ultimate portability.
According to Chris Sims, Managing Director for Small and Medium Enterprise at BT, the company is keen on “investing in upskilling more small businesses to help them unlock their digital earning potential”, with a fifth feeling “behind the times” and many lacking the technical know-how to unlock the power of social media and other advertising platforms.
The report claims there has been a 16% year-on-year growth in mobile data usage among BT business customers in the last three years, with the highest ever level of data processed on the network taking place recently (Boxing Day, 2022).
Looking ahead, it’s clear that mobile, home, and business data companies all have an important role to play in many of our future companies.
Microsoft has announced the general availability of its Azure OpenAI Service, which incorporates AI writer tools like GPT-3.5, Codex, and DALL-E 2, in a move that it hopes will democratize artificial intelligence technologies and make them more readily available to more customers.
The tech giant debuted Azure OpenAI Service back in November 2021, offering up a combination of some of the most powerful AI tools we have come to know with the characteristics typical of Azure, which it says are security, reliability, compliance, and data privacy.
In the space of just a couple of months, the Azure platform claims to have freed up workers’ time by generating things like support ticket summaries and generating more relevant content for online shoppers.
Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service
Microsoft invested $1 billion in OpenAI – the company behind the popular GPT model – and is reported to have invested a further $2 billion since then according to The New York Times (opens in new tab).
Fast forward to 2023 and the company is said to be preparing a large $10 billion investment in the company and integrating its AI into more Microsoft services, including its Bing search engine.
“We have taken an iterative approach to large models, working closely with our partner OpenAI and our customers to carefully assess use cases, learn, and address potential risks,” Microsoft AI Platform corporate VP, Eric Boyd, explained in a blog post (opens in new tab).
Some measures to protect users include the requirement for developers to apply for access and further content filters.
While keen users can apply for Azure OpenAI Service now, The Register (opens in new tab) has highlighted its distinct lack of general availability, rendering it only available in four US-based Azure regions and the West Europe region, which it says is down to the large amount of effort required to make low-latency AI available globally.
JBL has announced its latest Bar series soundbars for the Indian market. This soundbar lineup includes four new models — JBL Bar2.1 Deep Bass, Bar500, Bar800 and Bar1000. These soundbar models are already available for purchase and are priced between the range of Rs 34,999 to Rs 1,29,999. The JBL Bar500 and the JBL Bar800 are equipped with Airplay2, Alexa, MRM and built-in Chromecast. These two soundbars along with the JBL Bar1000 also work with the JBL One app, which allows customisation, and can help users to tweak and tune sound performance by adjusting audio equalisation. Here we have shared more details about the four new soundbars: JBL Bar2.1 Deep Bass: Key details The new JBL Bar2.1 Deep Bass has a compact design and promises to deliver 300 Watts of JBL signature sound. The Bar can be connected to a TV with an HDMI cable. Moreover, users can also stream music on the soundbar from a phone or tablet with built-in Bluetooth. JBL Bar2.1 also supports Dolby Digital and JBL Surround Sound. The soundbar is designed to improve the sound experience for TV without any extra wires or speakers. The sound bar comes with a wireless down-firing subwoofer, along with eARC HDMI. JBL Bar500: Key details The JBL Bar500 offers a max power output of 590W and improves the TV viewing experience with the MultiBeam technology. This patented tech from JBL along with Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound will allow users to have a cinematic experience at their home. It is also equipped with PureVoice technology that optimises voice clarity. The wireless 10-inch subwoofer claims to bring precise bass.
JBL Bar800: Key details This soundbar supports a total output power of 720W and supports Dolby Atmos. The JBL Bar800 includes two up-firing drivers and has wireless detachable battery-powered rear surround speakers. This setup claims to create an immersive 3D cinema experience without having to draw extra cables. JBL Bar1000: Key details In this case, the JBL Bar1000 offers an 880W of total output power and also has a 10-inch wireless down-firing subwoofer. This soundbar even supports the MultiBeam technlogy. The JBL Bar1000 has four up-firing drivers among which two of them are placed in the bar while the other two are in the detachable battery-powered surround speakers. This driver setup offers a Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound effect along with a wide and spacious soundstage. Also Watch:
Poco launched its entry-level smartphone – Poco C50 – in India. The company is reportedly working on another C-series smartphone–C55– which is expected to launch in India soon. According to a report by GizmoChina, the smartphone has now been approved by Singapore IMDA authority. However, the IMDA listing does not reveal anything significant about the specifications of the phone. All it tells us is the device supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. As per previous reports, the smartphone is said to debut as a rebranded version of Redmi 12C, which launched in China in December 2022. The report also cites that the device will also make its way to other global markets.
Poco C55: Expected specifications Poco C55 is expected to sport a 6.71-inch HD+ display. The smartphone is rumoured to be powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. For images, the device is said to feature a 50MP main sensor and a 5MP selfie camera. For storage expansion, the smartphone may come with a dedicated microSD card slot. The upcoming Poco C55 could run Xiaomi’s MIUI 13 and may pack a 5000mAh battery with 10W charging support. The tipster also reveals that the Redmi 12C will be making its international debut as well. It will be sold with and without NFC. Meanwhile, the Poco C55 won’t come equipped with NFC. Poco C50: Key features Poco C50 has a 6.52-inch panel that supports HD+ resolution (720X1600 pixels). The display offers 120Hz touch sampling rate which the company claims to deliver an “efficient, smooth, and vivid content streaming experience.” Poco C50 flaunts a ‘premium leather-like’ finish at the back panel that gives it a classy look and perfect in-hand feel with zero smudges. The smartphone comes with a splashproof and dust-resistant coating.
The new entry-level Poco smartphone in the C-series features an 8MP AI dual camera setup along with a 5MP front snapper. The camera promises to capture crisp and vibrant photographs in all lighting conditions. The smartphone also offers shooting videos in 1080p resolution at 30fps. Poco C50 is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio A22 chipset, coupled with LPDDR4X RAM that delivers sustained high performance. The company has launched the device with Android 12 Go Edition onboard. Poco C50 comes with a 5000mAh battery and supports 10W charging. The company claims that the smartphone can deliver a long-lasting battery backup. Also watch:
Amazon Republic Day sale is here: 5G smartphones under Rs 30,000 to consider
Tecno has launched its latest high-end smartphone – the Phantom X2 Pro – in India. The smartphone is the top-tier model of the Phantom X2 series, which includes the Phantom X2 that launched earlier this month in India. The Phantom X2 Pro is the first smartphone to come with a retractable portrait lens. The smartphone comes with a 120Hz AMOLED, Dimensity 9000 chipset, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about the Phantom X2 Pro. Tecno Phantom X2 Pro: Price and availability in India Tecno Phantom X2 Pro is priced at Rs 49,999 in India and is available for pre-booking on Amazon.in and retail stores across the country starting today. The Phantom X2 Pro will go on sale on January 24. Tecno Phantom X2 Pro: Specifications, price, and more Tecno Phantom X2 Pro features a 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz and 360Hz touch sampling rate. There is Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on top. Further, the smartphone has an in-display fingerprint sensor. The smartphone comes in three colours – Moonlight Silver, Stardust Grey, and Mars Orange. The latter of the three colours – Mars Orange – is made of renewable fibre, a world’s first. The back panel of the Mars Orange colourway is 100% recyclable and is made of 48% eco-friendly material, having a 38% lower carbon emission. The company says that the 3.5D Moon Crafer has inspired the design of the Phantom X2 Pro. The smartphone comes with AF nano-coating, and the middle frame is made of CNC metal with a 71-degree curve, which it says to be an ergonomic golden grip angle. Tecno Phantom X2 Pro comes with Mediatek’s Dimensity 9000 chipset. Under the hood, the chipset comes paired with 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage. The Phantom X2 Pro runs Android 12-based HiOS 12. The smartphone boasts a 5160mAH battery with 45W fast charging. On the back, there is a triple camera setup consisting of a 50MP 1/1.3-inch Samsung GNV sensor, a 50MP ISOCELL JN1 sensor, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and an f/1.5 65mm telephoto retractable camera with 2.5x optical zoom. Meanwhile, on the front, the Phantom X2 Pro has a 32MP camera housed inside the punch-hole cutout.
Bluetooth-based tracking devices aren’t really new. Apple makes them as do Tile and Samsung. However, it looks like soon Google could be in the fray as well. According to a report by 9to5Google, which cites Android researcher Kuba Wojciechowski, Google is working on a rival to the Apple AirTag. As per the researcher, Google has been working on the tracker and has internally codenamed it as “Grogu”. The researcher also notes that Google’s Nest team is working on the development of the tracking. There are other codenames also given to the device, which include GR10 and Groguaudio. The second name does hint at the possibility of the tracking device featuring a speaker. Google has been working to improve the Find My Device app as it already has millions of Android devices across the world. These can be used to locate lost or stolen phones with the help of the tracking device. Google also put the ultra-wide band connectivity in the Pixel 7 Pro, which also hints at using the tech to find lost/stolen phones. But it can be used to work in tandem with a tracking device. The challenges of having a tracking device As good — and effective — the AirTag are they often court controversy every now and then. There have been incidents when people have complained about — not just AirTag — tracking devices being used by stalkers. Google was also reportedly working on a feature called Unfamiliar Device Alerts which would let users know if there are any trackers nearby. All this does indicate that a tracking device from Google could very well be in the works. It’s not clear when Google could launch this device. But it has been steadily growing its Pixel ecosystem of devices and a tracking device could very well be the next addition to it.
Projectors can give you a big screen experience sitting in the comforts of your home. However, buying one can be a daunting task as there are many things to keep in mind. When buying a projector, there are several key factors to consider to ensure that you get the best device for your needs. Here we list some of the key things to check before buying a projector for your home: Brightness levels Brightness is measured in lumens, and the higher the lumens, the brighter the projector will be. If you plan to use the projector in a well-lit room, you’ll want to look for a device with at least 2,000 lumens. If you plan to use the projector in a darker room, you can opt for a device with a lower lumen count. The resolution it offers Resolution refers to the number of pixels in the image projected by the device. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the image will be. Look for a projector with a resolution of at least 1080p (1920 x 1080) for high-definition images. Check for the contrast ratio The contrast ratio compares the brightest white to the darkest black that a projector can produce. A high contrast ratio will result in more vivid and lifelike images. Look for lens quality The lens quality of the projector is critical to the overall image quality. Look for a projector with a high-quality lens for sharp, clear images. What is the Throw distance Throw distance refers to the distance between the projector and the screen or wall. Some projectors have a short throw distance, meaning they can be placed closer to the screen, while others have a longer throw distance. Consider the space you have available when choosing a projector. Look for the connectivity ports Consider what devices you will be connecting to your projector. Look for a projector with a variety of inputs, such as HDMI, USB, and VGA, to ensure that it can connect to all of your devices. Size and weight of the projector If you plan to move your projector around frequently, look for a lightweight and portable device. If you plan to keep the projector in one place, size may not be as much of a concern. Price: The key deciding factor Projectors come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that the cheapest projector may not always be the best option, as it may lack important features or have poor image quality