Archives January 2024

The growing influence of artificial intelligence and its potential to bring disruptive changes to Hollywood has forced Netflix to raise a warning against the new technology. In its annual report filed with the SEC, the US streaming giant has added generative AI to its list of risk factors.

Read what Netflix has to about AI

In a recently filed report (seen by Variety), Netflix added a new part to its section about risk factors in the section about video competition.US companies are required to outline these risk factors under SEC rules.
The company said: “New technological developments, including the development and use of generative artificial intelligence, are rapidly evolving. If our competitors gain an advantage by using such technologies, our ability to compete effectively and our results of operations could be adversely impacted.
In addition, the use or adoption of new and emerging technologies may increase our exposure to intellectual property claims, and the availability of copyright and other intellectual property protection for AI-generated material is uncertain.”

What Netflix removed from its risk factor section

Apart from the AI warning, the remaining risk factors of Netflix in 2023 remained the same. However, the company removed a part from the report which was mentioned in the 2022 report. The part about the risks posed by the Covid pandemic (also present in the report of 2020 and 2021) was removed from the latest report.

This part said: “The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted our business, increased our costs, led to delays in content releases and may again impact our business and results of operations.”

How AI disrupted Hollywood in 2023

In 2023, two Hollywood unions, WGA and SAG-AFTRA, went on strike as studios started using AI for their productions. The members of the union were concerned about the technology hurting their livelihoods.
During the writers’ strike, Netflix’s job listing for a product manager in the company’s machine-learning group with a salary range of between $300,000 and $900,000 was also criticised by the writers. Striking union members protested against Netflix’s posting, even though this job centred on AI developments for content personalisation and optimising payment-processing systems, not for generative AI-based projects.
The Times of India Gadgets Now awards: Cast your vote now and pick the best phones, laptops and other gadgets of 2023

Bandai Namco recently announced a new Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot DLC named ‘Goku’s Next Journey,’ which will be available for players to check out very soon. 

The news came via the Dragon Ball Battle Hour 2024, which happened over the weekend. During this competitive showcase, players found out that Goku’s Next Journey will be available to play sometime in February 2024. “This wish of 10 years ago has now been granted. Bandai Namco says in the trailer’s description. “Goku meets Uub in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot’s new DLC – Goku’s Next Journey.” 

Finding a smartphone that strikes the right balance between affordability and functionality is often a primary objective in the ever-evolving smartphone market. Exploring options for a reliable smartphone priced around Rs 15,000 reveals a plethora of choices from various brands, each vying to offer the best value for the price. Within this budget range, there exists a smartphone tailored to your preferences, whether you prioritise overall performance, battery longevity, display excellence, or camera proficiency.
When considering smartphones within this price bracket, the performance aspect emerges as a crucial factor to consider.Budget-friendly smartphones have significantly improved in performance due to the incorporation of swift CPUs, ample RAM, and optimised software by manufacturers.
Apart from functionality, a smartphone’s photography features and immersive display are also key selling points. To assist you in making a satisfying purchase decision, here’s a compilation of popular 5G mobile phones priced under Rs 15,000.
Redmi 12 5G: This phone boasts a 6.79-inch FHD+ LCD display. It sports a dual camera setup on the back, comprising a 50 MP primary camera with LED flash and a 2MP depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. Moreover, it is equipped with a 5000mAh battery supporting 18W fast charging.
Redmi 13C 5G: This is Xiaomi’s budget 5G smartphone that comes with a 6.74-inch Dot Drop display and runs on a Dimensity 6100+ 5G-enabled chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM. It boasts a dual-rear camera system and is equipped with a 5000mAh battery supporting 18W fast charging.
POCO M6 5G: The phone is equipped with a MediaTek chipset and features a 6.47-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Poco M6 5G boasts a 50MP AI dual rear camera setup and a 5MP front camera. It is powered by a sturdy 5000mAh battery, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the day.
Oppo Reno 8T 5G: The Oppo Reno 8T features a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080×2412 pixels. This 5G smartphone runs on an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset coupled with 8GB of RAM. Its camera setup includes a triple rear camera system, consisting of a 108MP main shooter with an aperture of f/1.7, accompanied by LED flash, a 2MP depth sensor with an aperture of f/2.4, and a 2MP 40x microscope camera with an aperture of f/3.3. On the front, it houses a 32 MP selfie camera.
Moto G34 5G: The Moto G34 5G runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 6nm 5G SoC, coupled with the Adreno 619 GPU. It boasts a 50 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/1.8, accompanied by a 2MP macro camera, and a 16MP front camera for selfies. Moreover, it is equipped with a 5000mAh battery that supports 20W turbocharging.
Realme 11X 5G: This 5G smartphone is equipped with MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G Chipset and houses a 5000mAh battery. The mobile features a 6.72-inch Dynamic Ultra Smooth display and sports a dual camera setup on the rear.
iQOO Z7s 5G: iQoo Z7s 5G sports a 6.38-inch FHD+ display with 1080×2400 pixels resolution. The mid-range iQoo mobile is equipped with an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM. The 5G-enables mobile sports a dual rear camera with 64 MP main sensor with f/1.79 aperture and 2MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture. Front is home to a 16MP selfie camera.

There’s some bad news if you were looking forward to playing Bloodborne Kart on its projected January 31 release date.

The fan game’s creator, Lilith Walker, has confirmed that the unofficial Bloodborne racer is being pushed back. In a Twitter post, Walker says that she has been contacted by Sony, and will need to “scrub the branding off” the game before release. However, she stresses that the game formerly known as Bloodborne Kart will still come out: “It’ll just look slightly different.”

Honor X9b, which is available in select global markets, will launch in India soon. The Indian variant of the handset is expected to mostly feature similar specifications as its global version with a few variations. Recently, the phone was spotted listed on an e-commerce site in the country, which leaked several key details for the upcoming model, including colour, RAM, and storage options. The price and launch details of the handset had also been tipped previously. Now, HonorTech has confirmed the India launch date of the smartphone.

In a post on X, HonorTech (@ExploreHonor) revealed that the Honor X9b will launch in India on February 15. The company claimed that the phone will feature “India’s first ultra bounce display” with ‘Airbag’ technology. The global listing of the handset says that the Honor X9b offers SGS-certified “360-degree whole-device protection.” The Honor ultra-bounce anti-drop display comes with a three-level protection system with separate layers of safety for the screen, frame, and internal components.

The Honor X9b was briefly spotted on Amazon India, suggesting its Amazon availability. The listing suggested that the phone will be available in 12GB + 256GB option in a Sunrise Orange shade. It is also claimed to be available in a bundle with Honor Choice Earbuds X5e alongside 12 months of screen and back cover protection and a 24-month battery health warranty.

Previously, the Honor X9b was tipped to be offered at under Rs. 35,000 with the Honor Choice X5 True Wireless Earbuds bundle. Independently, the handset will likely be priced between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000. With bank offers the phone may be available at Rs. 23,999, an earlier leak suggested.

The Honor X9b could launch in India with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM and Android 13-based MagicOS 7.2. In global markets, the phone is available with a 6.78-inch 1.5K (1,200 x 2,652 pixels) AMOLED screen and a 108-megapixel triple rear camera unit that also includes a 5-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. The front camera of the handset sports a 16-megapixel sensor. Honor has packed a 5,800mAh battery in the Honor X9b with support for 35W wired fast charging.

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In the last few years — with the exception of 2023 — Apple has generally refreshed the iPad lineup sometime in March. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is gearing up for a March launch of the iPad and MacBook Air models.

New iPad Pro, iPad Air models

The iPad Pro lineup is rumoured to receive a major makeover, including new display panels and size. Gurman hints at a switch to OLED displays for the first time.Apple has already incorporated OLED displays in the iPhone and Watch and the iPad seems next in line. Apple is also expected to slightly increase the display size of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro to 13-inch.
The iPad Air is also expected get two display size options: 10.9-inch and a larger 12.9-inch model. The M2 chip, the current powerhouse in the MacBook Air and iPad Pro, is also likely to find its way into the new iPad Air, boosting performance and efficiency.

M3-powered MacBook Air

The MacBook Air is rumoured to get the M3 processor. Apple introduced M3-powered MacBook Pros in October 23 and the same chipset is set to make way to the MacBook Air.No major design changes are expected, but the M3’s power could further solidify the MacBook Air’s position as a top choice for portable productivity.
While Gurman is quite accurate with his Apple leaks, it’s important to remember that these are still just rumours. Apple is known for its secrecy, and the final specs and features of the new devices could differ. However, considering Gurman’s track record of accurate predictions, there’s a good chance that Apple fans have a lot to look forward to in March.
It is not clear whether Apple will hold a launch event or announce the new products via a press release.

HTech is all set to expand its Honor series smartphones in India. The company has confirmed that it will launch the Honor X9b smartphone in India next month. The company has scheduled the launch event for February 15, where it will launch the Honor X9b 5G smartphone.
“Why only settle for a curved display when you can go the eXtra mile! Set to go beyond the ordinary, HONOR X9b is ready to launch with not only a stunning curved display but also extra durability with India’s first ultra bounce display with cushioning “Airbag” technology.Built to last, this powerhouse is designed to withstand accidental drops and everyday challenges. Join us for the launch on 15th February where endurance meets style!,” reads the invite.
Honor 9Xb 5G smartphone likely specifications
Multiple online leaks suggest that the upcoming Honor X9b 5G smartphone mat sport a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display. The smartphone is tipped to be powered by octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset.
The yet-to-launch Honor X9b 5G smartphone may pack up to 12GB of RAM and run Android 13 operating system topped with company’s own layer of MagicOS 7.2. The smartphone is rumoured to house a 5,800 mAh battery with fast charging support.
Honor X9b likely price
The upcoming Honor X9b 5G is said to be priced under Rs 30,000.
Along with the Honor X9b 5G smartphone the company is also said to launch its Honor branded true wireless earbuds in the country. The company said to launch Honor Choice earbuds X5 true wireless earbuds in the country.

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