Google launched the Pixel 7 smartphone series in October 2022. The smartphone series uses Samsung’s Exynos 5300 modem. In December 2022, the South Korea-based tech giant’s website offered a brief reference to the modem. Samsung claims that the modem comes with the latest 5G standards. According to a report by 9to5Google, replying to a filing in the Android 13 QPR issue tracker on Reddit, a Google employee claimed that the Exynos 5300 modem available in the Pixel 7 smartphones supports older 5G standards. However, the Googler also mentioned that the company may add the latest standards of 5G connectivity with its upcoming Android 14. Pixel 7 is expected to be updated with the latest 5G standards later in 2023. Apart from this, the report also states that the Pixel 8 is rumoured to use the same 5300 modems with the Tensor G3 chipset. So, probably the upcoming phone may get support for the latest 5G standards. Latest 5G standards: What are they 3GPP is an amalgamation of multiple standard organisations that develop protocols for mobile telecommunications. 5G is currently the primary focus for the regulator and the standards are termed “releases”. The first 5G standard, Release 15, was launched in June 2018. It was followed by Release 16 in July 2020. In 2021, Qualcomm added support for Release 16 with the Snapdragon X65. the chipmaker also added support for the latest standard for 2022’s X70 modem which Samsung uses in its latest flagship Galaxy S23 flagship models).
Meanwhile, Release 17 was announced in June of 2022 and 3GPP is targeting a 2024 launch for Release 18. Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon X75 with Release 17 and 18 support earlier this month. Earlier this month, the company unveiled the Snapdragon X75 which supports both Release 17 and 18. Importance of Release 16 Qualcomm explains that Release 16 brings a “plethora of enhancements to the foundational aspects of the 5G system, in terms of coverage, capacity, latency, power, mobility, reliability, ease of deployment, and more.” The company mentions that the power-saving features of the newer 5G standard are significant. To describe the latest standard, Qualcomm said, “For instance, a new wakeup signal (WUS) can let the device know if a transmission is pending or allowing it to stay in low-power mode, skipping the next low-power DRX (discontinuous reception) monitoring period. Others include optimized low-power settings, overhead reduction, and more efficient power control mechanisms.”
OnePlus, at its Cloud11 event launched flagship OnePlus 11 5G smartphone along with the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 TWS earbuds in India. The company also took wraps off the OnePlus Buds Pro 2R, a slightly affordable and India-exclusive version of Buds Pro 2 earbuds. A microsite on Amazon for OnePlus Buds Pro 2R has gone live revealing some information about the features and specifications of the true wireless earbuds. Interested customers can click on the “Notify Me” button and get notified about when the earbuds will go on sale. The newly launched OnePlus Buds Pro 2R will be up for purchase starting next month via Amazon ecommerce platform. https://www.amazon.in/l/66491192031?tag=kp-web-inline-21&SubscriptionId=AKIAJZ7ZVEW7WHEFIMWA&ascsubtag=130313502 OnePlus Buds Pro 2R: Price, availability OnePlus Buds Pro 2R comes at an affordable price tag of Rs 9,999 as compared to the Buds Pro 2, which is priced slightly higher at Rs 11,999. The TWS earbuds will be available for purchase from March. However, the company is yet to reveal the sale date of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2R.
OnePlus Buds Pro 2R: Features OnePlus Buds Pro 2R resembles the Buds Pro 2. The Buds Pro 2R is equipped with an 11mm dynamic driver and a 6nm planar diagram. It is a similar configuration which is also found inside the Buds Pro 2. The newly launched Buds Pro 2R comes with Dynaudio feature and also has Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with an option to personalise the noise cancellation further. The earbuds have Bluetooth 5.3 with binaural low-latency Bluetooth transmission, ensuring minimal audio and video delay. The ultra-low latency mode of 54ms provides an immersive gaming experience. The dual connections feature enables users to switch between different devices easily. The TWS earbuds also come with a cervical spine health feature, which monitors the posture by checking the pressure on cervical spine. However, this feature is exclusively available on OnePlus smartphones running OxygenOS 11. The earbuds from OnePlus have pressure-sensitive controls, which let users adjust the volume. The Buds Pro 2R are IPX4 certified, which makes them resistant to water and dust. The battery life of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2R is claimed to be 39 hours, the same as the Buds Pro 2. The earbuds support fast charging that can give 10 hours of listening time for 10 minutes of charge.
Google Chrome’s biggest rival Microsoft Edge supports an Efficiency Mode that not only helps users to save energy but also increases the memory efficacy of the device. The Edge browser has been offering this feature for a long time now. To take on the Edge browser, Google has also started rolling out Memory and Energy Saver modes for Chrome on Mac, Windows, Linux, as well as Chromebooks. According to a report by 9to5Google, Google Chrome’s Memory and Energy Saver modes are enabled by default. However, users can choose to enable/disable them by going to Chrome Settings available under the Performance option (in the sidebar). Google Chrome Memory Saver mode: What is it Just like Microsoft Edge’s Efficiency mode, Google Chrome’s latest Memory Saver mode also automatically “frees up memory from inactive tabs.” This action offers more resources to the other pages and apps that are active on the users’ system. The updated Google Chrome also offers an “Always keep these sites active” list. Users can add sites directly to this list if they run into issues or don’t like waiting for tabs to refresh after being inactive for a while. With the new Memory Saver feature, Chrome uses up to 30% less memory, claims Google. The report also mentioned that this feature can also be used to “keep your active video and gaming tabs running smoothly.”
Google Chrome Energy Saver mode: What is it On the other hand, Energy Saver limits background activity and visual effects to help Chrome to conserve battery power. These effects and activities include — animations, smooth scrolling and reduced video frame rates. Users may notice changes in gaming and video performance when this mode is enabled. The Energy saver mode is denoted on the screen with a leaf icon. The leaf icon is placed to the right of the Omnibox and users will be able to quickly disable it, said the report. Recently, Google also announced the rollout of two new features for Chrome on Android. The latest Partial Custom Tabs and Chrome Custom Tabs feature is claimed to improve the Chrome experience for both users and Android developers.
Microsoft has rolled out some new limits for its Chat-GPT-powered Bing AI. The restrictions come just days after the chatbot reportedly went off the rails for several users. The rival to Google search was seen insulting, threatening, mocking users and more. Here are all the new restrictions and why Not more than 50 chats per day, 5 chats at a time Microsoft said that starting today (February 17), the chats with Bing will be capped at 50 chat turns per day and 5 chat turns per session. As to what is a turn here, “A turn is a conversation exchange which contains both a user question and a reply from Bing,” said Microsoft Why restrictions on Big Microsoft says the 50 a day cap has been put as too long chats can confuse the underlying chat model powering Bing. “As we mentioned recently, very long chat sessions can confuse the underlying chat model in the new Bing.” The new changes have been brought to address these issues. ” …we have implemented some changes to help focus the chat sessions,” said Microsoft.
It further said that data has shown that most users find what they are looking for within 5 turns. “Our data has shown that the vast majority of you find the answers you’re looking for within 5 turns and that only ~1% of chat conversations have 50+ messages.” Tip not to confuse Bing The blog also has a suggestion to help Bing not to confuse. “After a chat session hits 5 turns, you will be prompted to start a new topic. At the end of each chat session, context needs to be cleared so the model won’t get confused. Just click on the broom icon to the left of the search box for a fresh start,” said the company The ‘5-limit’ is not permanent Microsoft in the post also made it clear that the ‘5-limit’ is not permanent. “As we continue to get your feedback, we will explore expanding the caps on chat sessions to further enhance search and discovery experiences,” he said.
Google Meet app is getting the 360-degree virtual background feature on Android and iPhones, Google has announced. It allows users to add a 360-degree custom background instead of the regular wallpaper background to offer an immersive meeting experience. This is essentially an extension to the already available static backgrounds on Google Meet. As per the company, the 360-degree background combines videos and the device’s gyroscope to create a dynamic background that moves with the user in the frame. This feature background will come in handy when users have to attend a meeting on-the-go. Google Meet 360-degree virtual background availability The Google Meet 360-degree virtual background feature is available on Android and iOS devices for all Google Workspace users and users with personal Google Accounts globally. It is to be noted that Admins can turn backgrounds on or off for their users. Google Meet currently offers several backgrounds, including standard wallpapers, blur effects, video/moving backgrounds, styles (B&W, sepia, etc.) and face filters. Google Meet users can even upload customised backgrounds.
Editable widgets for Chat app cards Alongside 360-degree virtual background feature for Meet, Google also rolled out editable widgets for Chat app cards. The company said that developers can now include interactive widgets like checkboxes, radio buttons, and dropdowns in Chat app cards that are posted in the Chat message stream. The feature will allow users to quickly modify information sent from Chat apps, such as: – Changing the assignee on a task card or changing the due date on a task card – Selecting or deselecting options on a card Editable widgets for Chat app cards availability The Editable widgets for Chat app cards feature is available now to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Plus, Education Standard, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, Frontline, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers.
The holiday weekend has arrived, which means Presidents’ Day TV sales are live with some fantastic deals on a range of gorgeous displays. We’ve been hunting for weeks to find all the best Presidents’ Day TV sales, and we’ve rounded up the top 15 offers available right now.
The Presidents’ Day sales event is an excellent opportunity to grab a cheap TV, and our list includes everything from a high-end QLED display to a big-screen budget set, with prices starting at just $89.99 from retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Samsung, and Amazon.
See more of the best Presidents’ Day TV sales below, most of which include record-low prices, so we don’t expect you’ll find a better deal on Presidents’ Day proper. Most offers end tomorrow at Midnight, so you should take advantage of today’s discounts while you can.
Facebook parent Meta Platforms has announced a subscription service, called Meta Verified. The paid subscription service will allow users to verify their accounts using a government ID and get a blue badge. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the service. “This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services,” Zuckerberg wrote in a statement posted to his Facebook account. This is Facebook’s first ever subscription service What all Meta Verified offers The Meta Verified subscription service will offer the verified blue badge to users for their Instagram as well as Facebook account. This means that users will be able to get both their Facebook and Instagram accounts verified under this service. Meta Verified will offer users extra protection against impersonation. Users will also get direct access to customer support. Other perks include increased visibility in search, Verified subscribers with 100 free stars, a digital currency they can use to tip creators on Facebook. The subscription also comes with access to exclusive stickers for use in Stories and Reels. How can users get Meta Verified Meta Verified will allow users to verify their accounts using a government ID and get a blue badge. Meta will also require that potential subscribers share a government-issued ID that matches the profile name and photo on their Facebook or Instagram account. Once a user is verified, he/she can’t change their profile name, username, date of birth or photo without going through the verification process again. What is the price of Meta Verified The Meta Verified is priced at $11.99 per month on the web or $14.99 monthly on Apple‘s iOS system. Where all Meta Verified is rolling out Meta Verified will be rolled out in Australia and New Zealand soon. The service is not yet available to businesses. Facebook said that users who are over the age of 18 will be allowed to subscribe. What happens to accounts that are already verified Accounts that were verified before today’s announcement (February 19) due to their notability will remain verified.
Presidents’ Day mattress savings are here, but are they worth shopping? In short, yes – Presidents’ Day mattress sales tend to rival the prices we see during Black Friday deals. But as I’ve learned in my years of covering these major shopping events, there are ways to maximize your savings.
Before browsing this year’s Presidents’ Day mattress sales, follow these four shopping tips to get the best value for your money. I’ve kept a keen eye on the ever-fluctuating prices of the best mattresses, especially in light of inflation, so I’m able to impart the knowledge I’ve accrued as a deal-hunter and conscientious consumer.
With the extra cash you pocket as a result of following this buying advice, you can put your money towards other Presidents’ Day deals you have on your wish list. Just keep these mattress shopping hacks in mind…
Is Presidents’ Day a good time to buy a mattress?
National holidays are usually accompanied by sales, but Presidents’ Day tends to yield the best mattress deals of the year outside of Black Friday. It’s the first major shopping event of the year, so a lot of brands want to make an impact with low prices. Plus, it’s an opportunity for manufacturers to clear old stock as they prepare to release new mattresses in spring.
4 ways to save during Presidents’ Day mattress sales
1. Prioritize price over discount
A screaming percent-off discount doesn’t always guarantee a good deal. Mattress companies adjust their suggested retail prices (MSRPs) all the time, while inflation continues to gradually bump up costs. That leads to many mattress bargains seeming better than they actually are, so it’s better to focus on the price you’re paying.
The best way to know if you’re scoring a legitimate mattress deal is to check the price history. Our shopping experts continuously monitor mattress prices and include all of that information on our dedicated sales pages. That way, you’ll be able to readily discern whether or not you’re getting a bonafide bargain on the bed you want.
Check out our dedicated sales pages for top mattress brands below, and bookmark your favorite ones for quick access to the latest discounts:
Meanwhile, head to CamelCamelCamel to check the price history for mattresses sold at Amazon and its third-party sellers. For all other merchants, Google Shopping (opens in new tab) provides a 30-day snapshot of mattress sale prices.
2. Look for free gifts with purchase
Brands are keen to sweeten their mattress deals by offering free sleep accessories with purchase. These items typically include pillows, sheets, a mattress protector – or all of the above. This is a convenient option if you’re swapping to a different mattress size, adding a new bed to your home, or looking to refresh your current bedding.
Free gifts can be tempting, but it’s important to be discerning here, too. Some mattress brands embellish the value of their freebies to give the impression that you’re saving more money than you really are. If your sheets and pillows are perfectly fine, don’t risk paying extra for things you don’t need – look for the best savings you can find on a mattress alone.
That said, if you’re hoping to upgrade your sleep setup in one fell swoop, take a look at this editor’s choice Presidents’ Day mattress bundle:
3. Know exactly what you want
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Don’t base your purchase solely on discounts and brand reputation. Knowing what you need from a mattress can help you avoid a costly mistake. Falling into a cycle of buying-and-trying mattresses can add up over time.
Sleeping on the wrong mattress can also take a toll on your health – either causing back pain or negatively affecting your well-being due to low-quality sleep. Head that potential issue off at the pass by assessing your needs according to your build and weight, dominant sleep position, and whether you deal with any sleep-related issues.
Of course, firmness and comfort are subjective. That’s why it’s crucial to purchase a mattress with an at-home trial period so you can get a feel for it yourself. (More on that below.) Also, read the reviews for an idea of how well a mattress performs in the areas that are most essential to you.
By arming yourself with the knowledge you need to make an informed buying decision, you’ll be less likely to wind up with a mattress that’s totally wrong for you.
4. Shop around (but try to buy direct)
The best mattress deals tend to come straight from the brands themselves, but it’s still worth shopping around. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Mattress Firm host their own Presidents’ Day mattress sales. These stores generally match whatever discounts mattress brands are offering, but you may stumble upon a much lower price elsewhere.
Shopping around is also helpful if the mattress you want is out of stock directly from the manufacturer. Alternatively, you could avail of perks such as free 2-day shipping via Amazon Prime, or curbside pickup from a store with a physical location nearby if you need your new mattress right away.
However, if prices are the same everywhere, we strongly recommend purchasing straight from the source. The best mattress brands offer generous at-home sleep trials and warranty periods, perks third-party retailers may not honor or match. Plus, buying directly from a mattress manufacturer will ensure more straightforward aftercare should you need anything repaired or replaced down the line.
If you insist on purchasing from an authorized reseller, go over their terms and conditions with a fine-tooth comb to see what you qualify for when it comes to trials, returns, and aftercare.
Now that you know how to maximize your savings during this year’s Presidents’ Day mattress sales, have a look at some of the best deals we’re finding today:
If you’ve got a PS5 and haven’t upgraded your TV recently, then you’re probably considering getting one of the best 120Hz TVs. These sets are able show double the number of frames per second compared to older or cheaper 60Hz models, which means games can look much smoother and feel more responsive – it’s a key feature we’re looking for in our guide to the best gaming TVs.
But 120Hz TVs are more expensive – until the last year or so, it’s been limited to higher-end options only, though it’s now arriving in some more mid-range options, at least. But it’s still something you’ll have to pay more for, even if it’s not as much as it used to be – and not everyone’s budget will stretch to the price of even a cheaper 120Hz TV. However, there are a few more affordable TVs around that are technically 60Hz, but can offer 120Hz support, with a bit of a twist.
Two examples coming this year are the TCL Q6 range in the US, the TCL C645 in the UK and other regions, and the Philips The One 8508 in the UK. The Philips TCL C635 that’s currently available in Europe and other regions also supports the feature below.
These TVs support a technology called Dual Line Gate (DLG), which basically enables the 60 frames-per-second panel to appear to show 120 frames per second, but the deal is that you have to sacrifice half of the vertical resolution when you’re in this mode with the Philips TV, while the TCL C635 drops the resolution to 2K (otherwise known as Full HD).
Here’s the Philips 8508 that supports HSR, with a depiction of the difference, down to the math. (Image credit: Future)
I saw a demo of this in action on a Philips TV, compared directly to the same screen in its standard 60Hz mode as well as to a natively 120Hz TV. I can tell you that there’s a great improvement in the smoothness of motion when using the Dual Line Gate tech compared to 60Hz, though it wasn’t quite as slick as the natively 120Hz screen.
And in the case of the Philips, the halving of the vertical resolution wasn’t much of a problem, at least in my limited demo. That’s partly down to a more advanced version of the tech being used, called ‘Hardware Super Resolution’, which adds a lot of sharpness back into the image – but I also think halving the resolution is not much of a problem if your whole deal is that you’re going to view fast-moving action where you may not be taking in fine detail anyway.
I didn’t get to test the input lag for the TV running in DLG mode, but it should stay low – that’s the whole point, after all. So for those who want extra responsiveness when playing Rocket League or Warzone at 120fps but need to save the pennies when getting a new TV, a DLG-ready TV could be a great option.
I’d still recommend pushing to a truly 120Hz set if you can, because the smoothness will be even stronger, you’ll get that extra resolution and detail back, and they usually have better image quality overall anyway because the panels are more advanced – but I’m glad there are more options available.
I don’t think we’ll see DLG widely advertised, so keep your eyes open if you like the idea in case other sets turn out to support it.
Cybersecurity giant Avast has published its Q4 2022 Threat Report, taking a close look at the type of scams targeting vulnerable users.
Some of the most notable scam types included social engineering which exposes human error, like refund and invoice fraud tactics, as well as supposed tech support scams. Lottery-themed adware campaigns remained just as prevalent, as they have done in previous quarters.
Besides scams, the company noted a pair of zero-day exploits in Chrome and Windows, which have since been patched, highlighting the importance for users to keep software up-to-date.
Popular email scams
Avast Malware Research Director Jakub Kroustek explained that cybercriminals accredit a large proportion of their success to human nature, which sees us reacting with urgency, fear, and trying to regain control of issues.
Kroustek’s advice is: “When people face surprising pop-up messages or emails, we recommend they stay calm and take a moment to think before they act.”
An alarming increase in refund and invoice fraud was noted during the final months of 2022 leading up to Christmas, which saw fooled users given malicious actors control to their screen and online banking. Instead of calling the number on the scam email, unsure users may want to head directly to the platform’s website and use a number that they’re sure of.
Data theft also occurred in several lottery-type popups, as well as the Arkei information stealer which saw a staggering 437% increase. Arkei is known for stealing information from browsers’ autofill forms, among other sources.
Finally, a pair of zero-day exploits were found in Google Chrome and Windows. Avast says that both companies were notified and reacted promptly, helping to minimize risk to users.
