Archives January 2024

In a world where smartphones are a big part of our lives, the Galaxy S24 stands out as a symbol of innovation. It’s not just a step forward; it’s a huge leap into the future. The Galaxy S24 doesn’t just meet expectations; it goes above and beyond, setting a new standard for what a smartphone can do. From its beautiful design to the powerful technology inside, the Galaxy S24 is an experience made for those who want the very best.

Galaxy S24: The Muscle Behind the Magic – Exynos 2400

When you look inside the Galaxy S24, you find the real hero: the Exynos 2400 chip. It’s what makes the phone so special. Samsung really focused on making sure this chip is all about what we need: a phone that’s reliable, fast, and doesn’t use up a lot of battery. Here’s the scoop on why the Exynos 2400 is a big deal:

Cool Under Pressure: The Exynos 2400 chip is cool – literally. It handles heat better than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which means your phone won’t get too warm and slow down when you’re using it a lot.

Long-Lasting Battery: The Exynos 2400 knows how to use the 4,000mAh battery wisely. So, you get to do more of what you love, like playing games or watching videos, without worrying about your phone going off to sleep.

Smart AI: Whether you’re communicating with friends overseas with real-time call translation, managing your work with smarter, quicker workflows, or just getting creative with your photos, the Galaxy AI is there to make it all easy and efficient. It’s like your phone is one step ahead, ready to lend a hand with whatever you need.

Fast Internet: With the Exynos 2400, your S24 can use 5G to get things done online super fast – we’re talking speeds up to 12.1 GBPS. Whether you’re gaming on the go, video calling your family, or just browsing the web, the 5G on the S24 keeps everything running so smoothly, that it’s like you’re there in person.

Awesome Gaming Graphics:: Playing games on the S24 is amazing. With the Exynos 2400 and its Xclipse GPU (that’s tech talk for ‘really good graphics part’), games look great and run without any hiccups. It also comes with Ray Tracing, which means your games will have really cool graphics like what you see on big gaming consoles.

Top-notch Performance: The Exynos 2400 isn’t just a little bit better than older chips; it’s a lot better. It has 1.7 times the CPU performance of Exynos 2200, which means it can handle lots of tasks all at once. Plus, it scores just as well as other powerful chipsets in the 3D Mark Wildlife Test, which means it’s really good for games.

Choosing the Galaxy S24 with the Exynos 2400 chip means picking a phone that’s ahead of the game. It’s not just about having the latest tech; it’s about having a phone that’s ready for the future.

What Makes the Galaxy S24 Stand Out

The Galaxy S24 really shines in a world full of smartphones. It’s got some awesome features that are both super cool and easy to use:

Fun NFC Cases: Sure, the Galaxy S24 is great for taking pictures and saving battery, but the real star is the NFC Synced Cases. These aren’t just ordinary phone cases. They change your phone’s wallpaper and theme to match the case, and they do it with a neat little animation. It’s like giving your phone a new look every time you change the case.

Big Features in a Compact Size: Some people don’t like big phones, and Samsung gets that. The Galaxy S24 comes in a handy 6.2-inch size. It’s easy to hold and use with one hand, but it still has all the powerful features you’d expect from a bigger phone. So, it’s a win-win situation.

One UI 6.1 – A Smoother Experience: One UI 6.1 is like the wizard behind the curtain that makes your Galaxy S24 work like a dream. Imagine a phone that’s not just smart but also super helpful. That’s what One UI 6.1 does for the Galaxy S24. It uses clever Galaxy AI to make everyday tasks easier with features like Circle to Search and Auto Summary. You’ll always stay connected and in control with the Find app, which now helps you find your phone and keep track. Plus, you can also unleash your creativity with the Gallery’s Generative photo edit, turning ordinary photos into works of art. One UI 6.1 is like having a friendly assistant in your pocket, making sure your phone works the way you want it to.

How is Samsung Galaxy S24 Better?

The Galaxy S24 sets a new standard in smartphone excellence. It boasts advanced AI features that enhance your daily tasks, an upgraded processor for lightning-fast performance, a prolonged battery life that keeps up with your busy day, a larger screen-to-body ratio for a more immersive display, and increased screen brightness for vibrant visuals even in bright conditions. Additionally, the Galaxy S24 supports stunning 8K video recording, ray tracing for an exceptional gaming experience, provides the convenience of reverse wireless charging, and delivers a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It’s not just a phone; it’s a powerhouse of features that take your mobile experience to the next level.

Join the Galaxy S24 Movement: Where Every Moment is Monumental

You can choose from three captivating colors: Amber Yellow, Cobalt Violet, and Onyx Black, and buy it at the Samsung online shop. Samsung Galaxy S24 is more than just a phone; it’s a lifestyle. When you opt for the Galaxy S24, you’re not just acquiring a device; you’re joining an ecosystem that offers innovation, personalisation, and amazing performance. So, don’t wait for the future; as it’s already here. Get your Galaxy S24 today and be one of the first to experience a device that’s greater than ever. Pre-book now and get benefits up to Rs. 22000* T&C apply 

Gone are the days when automobile manufacturers scratched their heads for ways to tackle the challenge of electrification. Innovation after innovation means that 14% of all new cars sold in 2022 were electric – thrice more than in 2020. However, manufacturers should not be too quick to celebrate as the next big challenge of softwarization – leveraging a software solution instead of traditional hardware to solve an issue – is coming their way. With the automotive industry moving towards smart devices on wheels, manufacturers must espouse tools that help them develop, deploy and maintain software. These challenges are why the arrival of Generative AI (GenAI) represents such an opportunity for manufacturers. In this article, we’ll take a look at how GenAI can help solve the challenges of softwarization, where it is being used already, and how others can adopt it.

Becoming software companies

Modern vehicles are gradually becoming computers on wheels – their computer platforms are made of high performance, high speed connected ‘vehicle servers’ containing over a hundred million lines of code. Therefore, it’s crucial to integrate and update these systems over the supply chain of existing and new partners to ensure safety, longevity, durability, sustainability, and performance.

The iPhone’s Stopwatch app could receive new improved functionality in the iOS 17.4 update that will make it easier for users to keep track of timers they’ve set.

According to MacRumors, the Stopwatch update, which has been spotted in the beta version of the next iOS update, will allow timers to be added to Apple‘s Live Activities.

Once the Stopwatch is activated via the Clock app it will cause the timer to appear on both the Dynamic Island and the lock screen, but they’ll look slightly different. The Dynamic Island version of the timer will only show a to-the-second count, while the lock screen, will display the full-timer.

This would be a very useful addition, as previously the Stopwatch could only be seen in the Clock app. By adding the Stopwatch to Live Activities users will be able to check timers at a glance on their lock screen, making them much more convenient to use, and helping to ensure they’re not missed or forgotten about.

Both versions use the same controls – tapping the timer will give the user the option to either pause or start a new lap, but users will need to be careful not to accidentally pause or cancel the timer by mistake.

Once the Stopwatch is paused, swiping on it from the lock screen or tapping the ‘x’ in the Dynamic Island will clear it.  

While it may not sound like a major update, the Stopwatch’s inclusion on the lock screen and the Dynamic Island, and its improved visibility, should be very handy for gym-goers or in the kitchen, among other things, and timing also continues even if the user’s iPhone goes to sleep or another app is opened.

It’s always good to see phone manufacturers continuing to bring useful enhancements to legacy apps to improve their usefulness, and hopefully, we’ll see a similar feature added to the Apple Watch in the future.  

Three former US government employees have been sentenced to jail time after aiming to copy, and later sell, some of their employer’s software to government agencies around the world. 

To do that, they took sensitive data from their workplaces, without knowledge or permission of their superiors.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced that it is expanding the company’s existing engagement with UK-based insurance provider Aviva. As part of this 15-year deal, the end-to-end policy administration and servicing will expand to cover over 5.5 million policies, to be managed by Diligenta, TCS’ FCA regulated subsidiary in the UK, on behalf of Aviva.
TCS will help transform Aviva’s UK life business and enhance customer experience by utilising the TCS BaNCS-based platform by administering other Aviva books of business, the companies said.
What Aviva Insurance, TCS have to say
Doug Brown, CEO Insurance, Wealth & Retirement, Aviva said that extending this strategic partnership will improve how the company serves its customers and it will “further simplify our operations and support our growth ambitions”.
“We are delighted as we embark on the next chapter of this journey, where ongoing investment in our TCS BaNCSTM based platform and proven track record will enable Aviva to drive a customer-centric business, even as we continue to improve end-to-end customer experience benchmarks in the UK Life and Pensions industry,” said R Vivekanand, president, BFSI Products and Platforms, TCS.
TCS business in the UK
TCS has been operating in the UK for more than 45 years and works with over 200 of the nation’s best-known and most-loved businesses, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Sainsbury’s, Nationwide, M&S, Asda and Boots.
India’s top IT company currently employs more than 23,000 people in the UK and Ireland, making it among the region’s biggest IT employers.
Recently, TCS became the world’s 2nd most valuable IT services brand with an 11% rise in its brand value, reaching $19.2 billion, as per a Brand Finance 2024 report. TCS is also planning to double its workforce in France over the next three years.

Rumors are gathering momentum regarding what would be the first major product launch for Nikon in 2024: the potential Nikon Z6 III, which is tipped to succeed the Nikon Z6 II, a highly capable and polished mirrorless all-rounder that sits pretty in a number of our buying guides, including the best mirrorless cameras. 

The list of likely headline specs is being fleshed out courtesy of Nikon Rumors, and majors on improved speed, which would be impressive given how capable the Z6 II already is.

BenQ has finally made its short-throw 4K gaming projector – the X300G – available to buy in the US and if the brand’s UK site is anything to go by, you’ll want to be quick to snap it up as it’s already out of stock. 

That could be down to the special offer that the Taiwanese company has available. If you’ve bought one of the three new 4K gaming projectors that BenQ unveiled in late September last year – the flagship X3100i, the more stripped back X500i or the aforementioned X300G – then you’re in for a treat because BenQ is giving away a free game with any purchase.

Microsoft-owned Activision Blizzard, which is the parent company of Blizzard Entertainment, has got a new chief. The former general manager of ‘Call of Duty’ Johanna Faries is now the president of the game publishing unit. Matt Cox will serve as the senior vice president and general manager of Call of Duty.
While Cox will take up the new role immediately, Faries’ appointment is effective February 5.She joined Activision Blizzard in 2018 after working for more than a decade at the National Football League (NFL).
Read her email to all Blizzard employees
Dear Blizzard,
Though my official first day with you all is February 5, I want to let you know immediately that it is an honor to join you next week in this new capacity. I do so humbly and in awe of all that Blizzard has stood for and delivered to the world for over thirty years. Today also brings some mixed emotions. The loss of talented teammates in recent days is hard to hold side-by-side with the immense excitement I feel about joining Blizzard – and building on the momentum you’ve created for Blizzard’s next chapter.
I want to thank Matt for the introduction, bring some further clarity to today’s announcement, and share more about how I see our future together at Blizzard. I understand this is a lot to take in. The news of my appointment may no doubt bring up a range of reactions, questions, even concerns.
Activision, Blizzard, and King are decidedly different companies with distinct games, cultures, and communities. It is important to note that Call of Duty’s way of waking up in the morning to deliver for players can often differ from the stunning games in Blizzard’s realm: each with different gameplay experiences, communities that surround them, and requisite models of success. I’ve discussed this with the Blizzard leadership team and I’m walking into this role with sensitivity to those dynamics, and deep respect for Blizzard, as we begin to explore taking our universes to even higher heights.
I am committed to doing everything I can to help Blizzard thrive, with care and consideration for you and for our games, each unique and special in their own right. I’m optimistic about our ability to serve our current and future player communities, and to further amplify the shared passion for greatness, polish, and creative mastery that is a hallmark of Blizzard’s approach to game-making.
Next week, I will be in Irvine and I am eager to connect with as many of you as possible. I will be scheduling informal (and totally optional) meet-and-greets, where I want to hear more from people across the organisation. Those of you who cannot make it to those gatherings or aren’t located in Irvine, please feel free to email me. We are also planning a town hall meeting to be held in the near future.
A few personal facts about me: my #1 job in life is raising two amazing boys. In addition to parenthood, a typical week for me includes finding time for daily yoga and prayer, and of course, playing video games (big Diablo IV fan over here!). Throughout, the joy I find in games – and working with those who make them – only deepens.
I remain inspired by Blizzard’s iconic legacy, and the transformative role gaming has played in my life and in the lives of others. I cannot wait to get going – to listen, to learn, to empower, and to collaborate with all of you on our bold and bright future together. Together, may we forge many legendary days ahead.
Johanna
Job cuts at Microsoft Gaming
The development comes a few days after Microsoft laid off 1,900 employees at Activision Blizzard and Xbox. Mike Ybarra and Allen Adham, who were president and chief design officer, respectively, at Blizzard, left the company.

Today’s superhero news brings us two very different stories from two distinct cinematic universes. The new DC Universe has found its Supergirl, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe has lost another key cast member from a currently undisclosed role in its upcoming Thunderbolts movie.

Let’s start with the bad news first. Ayo Edebiri (pictured above), one of the brightest stars in the Emmy Award winning The Bear, will no longer be appearing in the forthcoming Thunderbolts in an undisclosed role alongside The Winter Soldier, Ghost, Taskmaster and other MCU anti-heroes. 

Samsung Galaxy S24 series and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 could get a car crash detection feature soon, as per a report. A new sensor was found by a developer in the Galaxy Z Fold 5 called ‘Car Crash Detect Wakeup’, which led to the speculation that the South Korean tech giant might be bringing this feature to its flagship phones. Notably, both Apple and Google have been shipping this feature on their smartphones; the former since the iPhone 14 and the latter since the Pixel 4 in the US (the feature was expanded to India and other markets in November 2023).

The hidden sensor was first detected by Android Police’s Mishaal Rahman. As per the report, the sensor showed up on the Tasker app, which allows users to automate tasks based on context to perform actions that the phone isn’t natively programmed to do. Rahman found a sensor named Car Crash Detect Wakeup in the list of all sensors the handset carries, with a ‘special trigger’ mode. This particular one is a composite virtual sensor, meaning it borrows data from multiple physical sensors and processes it to read if a car crash has occurred.

A similar sensor was also found by the developer in the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. Reportedly, in both cases, batching sensor events have been disallowed in the design, likely to eliminate any delays in reporting a car crash. As such, it can immediately flash the notification to the user and notify the emergency services, if needed.

Interestingly, the report also highlighted a hidden app in Samsung’s One UI 6.1 build called MoccaMobile, which contains codes to start and stop the car crash sensor. However, MoccaMobile was also present in older versions of the OS skin including One UI 5.1.1 build for Galaxy Z Fold 5 as well as One UI 6.0 build for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. This is strange considering the latter is not even equipped with the car crash detection sensor.

All of this points out to two possible scenarios. The first is that Samsung is indeed working on bringing the feature to the abovementioned smartphones, and while the code was ready for a while, the sensors were finally put in place with the Galaxy Z Fold 5. If this is true, delays could be attributed to final tweaks and testing, and it can be said that the Car Crash Detection feature could soon make a debut.

On the flip side, smartphone makers are known for shipping software with codes from unfinished or dropped features that never see the light of day. The MoccaMobile app could be one of those. At the moment, Samsung has shared no plans to bring a car crash detection feature to its phones.

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