Xiaomi is set to launch the Redmi Note 13 series in India on January 4th. The company has been teasing the specifications of the phone, which has now been listed on the Sangeetha Mobiles website. The listing reveals the Redmi Note 13 5G in Arctic White colour, and it will come in three versions: 6GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB. The price for the 8GB + 256GB version is revealed as Rs 22,999.The listing also reveals the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G in Fusion White colour, which will come in 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB versions. The price for the 12GB + 512GB version is Rs 37,999.
Redmi Note 13 series launch in India: What to expect The Redmi Note 13 5G will feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2.25mm chin, 7.6mm sleek body, and will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC. It will have a 108MP camera along with a 2MP depth sensor, and a 16MP front camera. The phone has IP54 ratings and packs a 5000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging. The Redmi Note 13 Pro and Note 13 Pro+ smartphones will pack a 6.67-inch second-generation 1.5K TCL C7 120Hz OLED display with up to 1800 nits peak brightness. The Note 13 Pro will be powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, while the Note 13 Pro+ will pack a Dimensity 7200-Ultra processor. The Pro+ also has IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, a first for a Redmi phone. It has a 200MP rear camera with a 1/1.4″ Samsung HP3 sensor, OIS, 8MP ultra-wide angle camera, 2MP macro camera, and packs a 5000mAh battery with 120W fast charging.
It’s been a busy holiday period for Nothing Phone 2a leaks, with plenty more unconfirmed details about the expected mid-range handset appearing online – including potential specs, colors, and retail prices.
Seasoned tipster Roland Quandt (via Notebookcheck) has suggested that there will be two configurations of the phone available: one with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, and one with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
As you’ll see from our Nothing Phone 2 review, those two configurations match the current Nothing flagship – although that handset does have the additional option of 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage for those who want to pay a bit more.
The same source goes on to say that the phone will be available in white or black, and start at a price below €400 (about $440 / £345 / AU$650). The Nothing Phone 2 went on sale at a starting price of €679 / $599 / £579 / AU$1,049, for comparison – so we could be looking at a price cut of over 40% on the budget model.
Nothing Phone (2a)8/128GB 12/256GBWhite or BlackSub 400 Euro price for base model.December 28, 2023
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Images and earlier leaks
We’ve also seen some unofficial renders of the handset appear on Chinese social media site Weibo, courtesy of leaker Sunniton. The white and black colors are in evidence, as is the familiar monochrome version of Android that Nothing produces.
As per previous leaks, there are a reduced number of glyph lights on show around the back of the handset, and a horizontal dual-camera setup that’s reminiscent of older handsets we’ve seen such as the Samsung Galaxy S10.
Speaking of cameras, we’ve also heard that the Nothing Phone 2a is going to arrive with a 50MP main camera and a 50MP ultrawide camera working in tandem on the back. That matches the Nothing Phone 2, so not much might be changing in terms of cameras.
The Nothing Phone 2a is expected to come running a slower processor though, which is one of the ways that Nothing will be able to reach a lower price point. A release date of February 27, 2024, at Mobile World Congress, has also been mooted.
If you’re encountering microphone issues on Windows 11, it can be frustrating, but there are several solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Check microphone hardware Start by ensuring your microphone is properly connected to your computer. Check for any physical damage to the microphone or its cable. Try using a different USB port if applicable, and make sure the microphone is compatible with Windows 11. Update audio drivers Outdated or incompatible audio drivers can cause microphone problems.Navigate to the Device Manager, locate the audio devices, right-click, and select “Update driver.” If an update is available, allow Windows to install it. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers. Adjust microphone settings Verify that your microphone is set as the default recording device. Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray, select “Sound settings,” and navigate to the “Input” section. Choose your microphone from the list and set it as the default device. Adjust the microphone volume and ensure it is not muted. Run Troubleshooters Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common issues. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot, select “Additional troubleshooters,” and run the “Recording Audio” troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows attempt to diagnose and resolve the problem. Check privacy settings Ensure that apps have the necessary permissions to access your microphone. Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and make sure that the toggle switch is turned on. You can also individually review and enable microphone access for specific apps. If none of these solutions resolve the issue, there may be a more complex problem, such as conflicting software or system corruption. In such cases, consider performing a system restore to revert to a state where the microphone was functioning correctly. Remember to back up your important files before proceeding with a system restore. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix most microphone problems on Windows 11. If issues persist, seeking assistance from Microsoft support or your device manufacturer may be necessary for a more in-depth analysis and resolution.
Recent reports from BleepingComputer, CloudSEK, and Hudson Rock has reported a new critical vulnerability affecting Google Chrome users. The new malware appears to be bypassing Chrome’s security and allowing access to Google account and also login tokens stored in the browser. What is this new malware? This security flaw involves the installation of malware on desktops, allowing attackers to extract and decrypt login tokens stored in Chrome’s local database.The compromised tokens are then utilised to trigger requests to a Google API, typically employed by Chrome for account synchronisation across Google services. This process results in the creation of persistent Google cookies, facilitating unauthorised access to user accounts. This new vulnerability is particularly different because it has the ability to bypass two-factor authentication as well. Also, it continues to gain access despite changing the password. This raises concerns about the efficacy of this additional security layer. The attack leverages a key infusion from restore files, enabling the reauthorisation of cookies even after a password change. The alarming aspect is that this “restoration” process can be repeated multiple times without the victim’s awareness of compromise. This vulnerability, in particular, isn’t new. It was initially surfaced in mid-November and the report has mentioned a total of six malware groups with access to and actively selling this vulnerability. Some sellers claim to have updated the exploit to counter the security measures implemented by Google, adding a layer of complexity to mitigation efforts. What’s the solution Right now, there’s no details available on how to stay protected against it. We expect a good malware software or keeping the entire device protected can help.
Just like every year, Google-owned YouTube rolled out 2023 Recap for its users, offering a glimpse into their listeninging habits. YouTube Music’s recap provides information on yearly roundups like favourite artists, total minutes of music played among others. However, some users can’t access their YouTube recap and if you are one of those, here’s all you need to know. How to access YouTube Music 2023 Recap To access recap in YouTube Music, go to the app on your mobile device. Make sure you’re signed in and select your profile photo and then ‘Your Recap’. YouTube Music shows users’ top five artists, songs, moods, genres, albums and playlists, longest listening streak as well as how many total minutes users have listened to in 2023. Users can also access their recap in the YouTube app. Reasons why you haven’t got recap 2023 For YouTube to personalise a Recap for you, there are certain eligibility requirements:
To view Recap, users need at least 4 hours of listening time each season for Seasonal recaps, and 10 hours of listening time for End-of-Year Recaps across YouTube platforms.
Recap isn’t available to users who have autodelete set up for activity older than 3 months. This is a privacy feature that Google introduced last year and you can turn it off to get a Recap.
If users listen to mostly made-for-kids music, Recap may be unavailable to them.
Recap may also be temporarily unavailable if a user has recently deleted or edited their YouTube watch history.
To get to the Recap page using a mobile device, users must have the latest YouTube app or YouTube Music app installed on their device. Update your app to get Recap.
December proved a busy month for security updates, with major tech players like Google, Microsoft, and Apple addressing critical vulnerabilities across their platforms. While Google took the lead by fixing 100 flaws, Microsoft came second with 30 and Apple with 12. Google fixes Android bugs According to a report by Wired, Google patched nearly 100 security issues, including two critical flaws in the framework.The most severe of them could have allowed remote attackers to escalate their privileges without needing any additional permissions. This vulnerability potentially allows an attacker to gain complete control over an affected device. Google urges users to update their devices as soon as possible. Microsoft addresses RCE flaws Microsoft also released a significant patch bundle for December, addressing over 30 vulnerabilities, including several remote code execution (RCE) flaws. One such high-impact vulnerability could have allowed attackers to trick users into accessing malicious links, software, or files, potentially compromising their systems. Apple iOS 17.2 update for iPhones Meanwhile, Apple released iOS 17.2, a major update addressing 12 vulnerabilities. One such vulnerability could potentially be exploited through the WebKit browser engine to execute malicious code. Apple also identified a separate flaw in the iPhone’s Kernel that could allow apps to bypass their sandboxes and gain increased privileges. Users are encouraged to update to iOS 17.2 to address these risks. December’s patch updates underscore the importance of keeping software up-to-date. This essentially means that users must be prompt in installing available updates as they minimise the risk of attackers exploiting vulnerabilities for malicious purposes. This is especially crucial for widely used platforms like Android, Windows, and iOS, where vulnerabilities can have a significant impact on a large number of users.
OnePlus Ace 3, which is expected to be the successor to the OnePlus Ace 2, will debut in China on January 4. The company has confirmed that the phone will be offered in three colour options. The phone is scheduled to launch globally, as well as in India, as the OnePlus 12R on January 23. In several teasers on a microblogging site, OnePlus has revealed some key specifications of the upcoming handset, including bezel size, screen and privacy protection, OS details, etc.
In a Weibo post, OnePlus announced that the OnePlus Ace 3 will get three years of Android updates and four years of security updates. The company added that the the phone’s display will come with a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. It is also confirmed to support Wi-Fi 7, IR blaster and NFC connectivity.
Another post on the platform shows that the OnePlus Ace 3 will sport extremely thin bezels. The side bezels measure 1.36mm, while the relatively thicker chin will be 1.94mm. The panel is also set to offer a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The phone will also extend Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support.
OnePlus Ace 3 official teaser Photo Credit: Weibo/ OnePlus
Previously, OnePlus confirmed that the OnePlus Ace 3 will feature a 6.78-inch BOE Oriental display with a resolution of 1.5K (2,780 x 1,264 pixels), peak brightness level of up to 4,500 nits and manual brightness of 800 nits. The panel is said to offer 1,600 nits brightness in auto mode. It claims to have received an A+ rating from DisplayMate.
The company has also revealed that the OnePlus Ace 3 will be offered in black, blue, and gold colour options. It will come with a metallic middle frame and a frosted glass panel on the back. For security, it will be equipped with an in-screen fingerprint scanner. The phone is confirmed to launch alongside the OnePlus Buds 3 TWS earbuds which are set to come in Clear Sea Blue and Space Grey colourways.
The OnePlus Ace 3 has been tipped to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. For optics, the dual rear camera of the phone is expected to include a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS) support and an 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens, while the front camera is likely to carry a 16-megapixel sensor. It is said to be backed by a 5,500mAh battery with 100W wired fast charging support.
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Wherever you stand on the influence AI has had, and is having, on photography – Leica took an anti-AI step by introducing content credentials in the Leica M11-P, and Sony is set to follow in 2024 – it’s here to stay, and it’s transforming how our cameras work. Life behind a camera will become ever easier, with new models featuring improved autofocus algorithms, better noise reduction, and smarter lens corrections.
On the hardware side, 2023 blessed us with cracking five-star cameras like the Nikon Z8, Fujifilm GFX100 II and Panasonic S5 II, although there was arguably nothing groundbreaking, besides Sony sneaking in at the end of the year with the Sony A9 III – the first camera of its kind to use a global shutter.
DJI had a spectacular 2023, too, launching the best consumer drones ever. We recognized the improvement in DJI’s camera hardware by awarding the triple-camera DJI Mavic 3 Pro the top prize as Best Camera Device at our 2023 Choice Awards – the first time a drone has received this award.
We think next year could be even better, with some fantastic new cameras on the cards, such as the long-rumored Fujifilm X100V successor. It’s also not completely unrealistic that DJI could enter the mirrorless camera space, trickling its Ronin 4D tech into an all-new handheld interchangeable lens camera. Expect some new pro sports camera tech like the Canon EOS R1, too, what with the Paris Olympics beginning in July. And with smartphones still the most popular cameras, we’re keeping a keen eye out for Apple and Samsung‘s latest offerings.
Here, in reverse order, are the 12 most exciting cameras we’re expecting to see in 2024.
The 12 most exciting cameras of 2024
12. Nikon Z6 III
The Nikon Z6 II (Image credit: Nikon)
Likelihood rating: 4/5
Excitement rating: 3/5
There have been recent murmurings of a Nikon Z6 II successor, most likely called the Z6 III. We haven’t seen credible rumors just yet that paint a detailed picture of what to expect, but it’s been three years since the second-gen model, which is one of the best mirrorless cameras for the money, so it’s about due a replacement.
Prolific Nikon gear YouTuber Matt Irwin speculated that the Z6 III will have a new 24MP full-frame sensor with improved high-ISO performance, quicker readout, and improved autofocus performance – potentially trickled down from the Nikon Z8. Video quality will be improved, too, with 6K resolution compared to the Z6 II’s 4K output; it could also be ‘open gate’ video, meaning the Z6 III will take information from the full width and the full height of the 3:2 aspect sensor, much like the Panasonic S5 II. That would be a first for Nikon.
There could also be a vari-angle touchscreen instead of the tilt-type, while the ergonomics will likely remain the same. If all the rumored changes materialize, then the Z6 III could be a decent upgrade from the Z6 II. As for how much it might cost, it will need reasonable separation from the Z8, but it’ll probably start higher than the Z6 II, at somewhere around $2,500 / £2,500 / AU$4,200.
11. DJI Mini 4
Likelihood rating: 3/5
Excitement rating: 3/5
The DJI Mini 3 in flight (Image credit: Future)
DJI was particularly active in 2023, launching the best drones ever for consumers and updating most of its product lines, including the new Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, Mavic 3 Pro and Inspire 3. Yet there was one popular series of its drones that didn’t get a next-gen model in 2023 – the Mini series.
We rate the Mini 3 as the best beginner drone for most people, and although it’s less than two years old, it’ll get a successor in 2024 if DJI’s past record is anything to go by. There are few rumors at this stage, but we’d expect to see the first rumblings next year.
The most obvious areas for improvement include the addition of collision avoidance – lacking in the Mini 3, while the Mini 4 Pro boasts omni-directional obstacle avoidance – and subject-tracking modes, again lacking in the Mini 3. There’s a limit to how much DJI can improve on the sub-250g Mini 3 without encroaching on the Mini 4 Pro’s market share, so a future Mini model with likely be a minor update. Pricing will probably start from around $500 / £450 / AU$750 for the drone only.
10. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Likelihood rating: 5/5
Excitement rating: 3/5
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
We know that the Galaxy S24 Ultra is coming in January or possibly February, and it has a tough act to follow, with the Galaxy S23 Ultra already rated as the best camera phone available. We’ve made some predictions as to what cameras the S24 Ultras will likely have, and the rumors suggest a minor update, hence our moderate excitement levels.
Most of the S23 Ultra’s cameras will likely remain: a 200MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP 3x optical zoom, plus a 12MP selfie camera. It’s the telephoto periscope camera that’s rumored to change, from a 10MP 10x optical zoom to a 50MP 5x optical zoom. The latter sounds like a more sensible option – those extra pixels will provide greater cropping potential to effectively gain the telephoto skills of the longer zoom.
Just because the cameras are largely the same, that doesn’t mean the S24 Ultra will stick with the same sensors; perhaps a bigger sensor for improved low-light performance is on the cards. More likely, the S24 Ultra will showcase some of the latest AI camera tricks. Whether or not these will rival the Google Pixel 8 Pro‘s – for good and for bad – we’ll soon find out. We’re hoping to be proved wrong, but the best camera phone’s successor will likely make small steps. It won’t be cheap either, with prices likely starting at $1,199.99 / £1,249 / AU$1,949 for a 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM version.
9. Canon EOS R5 II
Likelihood rating: 4/5
Excitement rating: 4/5
A Canon EOS R5 II mockup (Image credit: Canon Rumors)
Contrary to rumors, an EOS R5 II did not materialize in 2023, but it’s now tipped for a 2024 launch, close to the EOS R1 (see below). That would be a formidable pair of cameras that in one fell swoop could make 2024 a more exciting year for Canon fans than all of 2023, especially pros.
We’ve shared what we’d like to see in the EOS R5 II, and that includes Canon’s highest-resolution 61MP full-frame sensor, with burst shooting at around 30fps. Our sister site Digital Camera World also shared how the photography-first hybrid could also offer better video frame rates, with 8K up to 60fps and 4K up to 240fps – the latter would be particularly incredible.
We already rate the EOS R5 as Canon’s best ever camera for photography, and its successor looks set to be a formidable professional camera, and a 2024 award contender. However, with compelling rivals like the Nikon Z8 already in the field, Canon is going to need to be uncharacteristically aggressive when it comes to the EOS R5 II’s pricing – the first-gen model originally cost $3,899 / £4,299 / AU$6,899 and was already undercut by the Z8 and Sony A7R V.
8. Sony RX1R III
Likelihood rating: 2/5
Excitement rating: 4/5
The Sony RX1R II (Image credit: Sony)
We didn’t expect to see a Sony RX1 II successor after 2016’s full-frame compact camera with fixed 35mm f/2 lens was discontinued in 2023, but then rumors via New Camera appeared, and rekindled hope for pro reportage photographers in particular.
Rumored specifications of the would-be third installment in Sony’s niche RX1 series of camera are thin on the ground, but could include a 35mm lens with wider f/1.4 aperture, and Sony’s 61MP full-frame sensor, as used in the Sony A7C R. That would be a huge leap from the RX1R II’s 24MP resolution, and would make the RX1R III a superb premium compact camera and Leica Q3 alternative, for less money. It still won’t be cheap – we’d estimate around $4,000 / £4,000 / AU$6,500.
Sony could also equip its street shooter with its latest autofocus system, which includes improved AI-powered subject detection, although as a photography-first camera it’ll unlikely feature Sony’s best video spec. If Sony is able to keep the size down, especially with a new lens, that would be a super-impressive feat – and we’d be taking notice.
7. GoPro Max 2
Likelihood rating: 4/5
Excitement rating: 4/5
The GoPro Max (Image credit: GoPro)
The 360-degree GoPro Max 2 was on our 2023 version of this list, too, and although it didn’t materialize, fuel was poured on the rumor fire during the Hero 12 Black launch event back in September when GoPro CEO Nick Woodman revealed that a successor to the Max is “in the works and it will be worth the wait”. We’re certainly more excited about the GoPro Max 2, since the Hero 12 Black was a bit of a damp squib – the Max 2 could bring real improvements, and challenge the Insta360 X3 to become one of the best 360 cameras around.
There’s little to go on regarding new specs. The Max 2 should get better sensors than the original five-year-old Max – maybe two of the 1/1.7-inch type as found in the Hero 12 Black – plus 5K/60p video and, almost certainly, GoPro’s latest GP2 processor (or maybe even a GP3).
But the hardware is really the easy bit – when it comes to 360 cameras, it’s the software that really makes the experience, because being able to ‘point’ your camera in any direction after you’ve shot the video (the main benefit of 360 cameras) can also quickly become an overwhelming experience. If GoPro manages to nail that part of the equation this time, the Max 2 could finally be the action cam and Insta360 alternative we’ve been waiting several years for, though it won’t be cheap if it’s roughly the same launch price as the Max, which was around US$500 / £480 / AU$800.
6. Ricoh GR IV
Likelihood rating: 4/5
Excitement rating: 4/5
The Ricoh GR IIIx (Image credit: Future)
If you want a discreet everyday camera that slips easily into a pocket, you can’t really go wrong with the Ricoh GR III series. And fans of the street photography snapper were given a big boost when Ricoh GR designer Inaba San dropped a hint during an interview – shared on Ricoh’s YouTube in December – that a fourth installment is in the pipeline.
We wouldn’t expect a lot of changes in the latest model, and it’ll likely feature the same 24MP APS-C sensor and sharp 28mm f/2.8 lens as the GR III. However, if a potential GR IV were to pack a built-in flash, better build quality, improved autofocus and a tilt-touchscreen, it’ll be an excellent X100V alternative that’s smaller and truly pocketable, and with an estimated 50% lower asking price at around $1,100 / £1,000 / AU$1,800. There will be big appeal in this niche camera.
5. Canon EOS R1
Likelihood rating: 4/5
Excitement rating: 4/5
A mockup of the Canon EOS R1 (Image credit: Canon)
This must be the most drawn-out camera rumor of all time – it’s been some three years since talk of the Canon EOS R1 first started doing the rounds. Yet just as we were beginning to lose hope of ever seeing the mirrorless flagship surface, a fresh round of rumors hinted that the R1 will indeed hit shelves – and we might not have to wait too much longer for it, what with the 2024 Paris Olympic Games around the corner.
If it’s going to compete with the new Sony A9 III, the EOS R1 will need Canon’s most powerful camera tech ever, though it’s still unclear if the rumored pro sports camera will be the first Canon model of its kind to use a global shutter. Expect quickest-ever burst shooting, middling resolution around 30MP, next-gen processors, the toughest build quality yet; oh, and the much hyped ‘quad-pixel’ autofocus sensor, which looks set to deliver Canon’s best-ever autofocus performance. All yours for an expected $7,000 / £6,500 / AU$10,500, body-only.
4. Pentax compact film camera
Likelihood rating: 2/5
Excitement rating: 4/5
The classic Pentax K1000 film camera (Image credit: Zigmar Stein / Shutterstock)
Ricoh announced its Film Camera Project in 2022, and later in 2023 it confirmed that the first model in what could be a series of analog cameras will be a Pentax compact film camera.
Film has enjoyed an extended time in the sun recently, and Pentax is a perfect candidate for bringing new cameras to market, given its rich film camera heritage with legendary cameras like the K1000. It makes sense for Pentax to focus on film instead of the dormant DSLR camera market that it’s persisted in – and it’s feasible that Pentax could lead a film resurgence.
What could we expect of a new Pentax film camera? We’ve already been told it’ll be an old school SLR-style compact, with a hand-wound lever-action mechanism featuring a ratchet wheel with audible feedback, and little more. We’re excited nonetheless, and the upcoming analog beauty will be a wonderful addition to our digital-first world. As for how much it’ll cost, there’s no word yet.
3. iPhone 16 Pro Max
Likelihood rating: 5/5
Excitement rating: 4/5
The iPhone 15 Pro Max cameras (Image credit: Apple)
If the rumors are anything to go by, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will receive more significant camera improvements than the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. In fact, the tables might even be turned, with the S24 Ultra making do with a modest 5x optical zoom periscope camera in place of the S23 Ultra’s 10x zoom, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max could gain a ‘super-telephoto’ camera with a reach up to 300mm.
Apple isn’t stopping with that new 300mm camera, it seems. The ultra-wide lens could be a 48MP camera – that’s 4x the resolution of its the 15 Pro Max, and indeed its Galaxy rival, while the main camera sensor could be a ‘stacked’ sensor type as used in the Sony Xperia 1 V, which would improve low-light image quality.
The latest flagship will probably cost around $1,199 / £1,399 / AU$2,099, so it’s not for everyone, but it could be Apple’s best camera phone yet. We’ll likely find out whether or not the rumored improvements are enough to elevate the iPhone 16 Pro Max to number one spot in our best camera phones guid come September, which is historically the month of the year in which the latest round of iPhones are launched. Bring. It. On.
2. A new DJI mirrorless camera
Likelihood rating: 2/5
Excitement rating: 5/5
The DJI Ronin 4D-8K camera (Image credit: DJI)
DJI had a spectacular 2023, launching the best-ever drones for consumers, notably the triple-camera DJI Mavic 3 Pro, our new favorite vlogging camera, the Osmo Pocket 3, and a superb GoPro alternative, the Osmo Action 4. DJI is a long-time player in the drone and action cam spaces, but think it could do something even more exciting in 2024: disrupt the mirrorless camera market.
DJI already has the core components to create a unique offering, as seen in the DJI Ronin 4D-8K camera, would is poised to become one of our best video cameras, and could trickle that Ronin 4D cinema camera rig tech (see the image above) into an all-new handheld full-frame sensor mirrorless camera that shoots 8K video, and boasts best-in-class image stabilization, generous internal storage, and an interchangeable lens mount. The likes of Sony and Canon would be hit hard by such a shockwave – we hope this bold prediction is born out, and that DJI shakes up the mirrorless market.
1. Fujifilm X100R
Likelihood rating: 4/5
Excitement rating: 5/5
The sold-out Fujifilm X100V (Image credit: Future)
Given that 2020’s X100V is still out of stock at most retailers after it became a TikTok trend, your best chance of getting the latest and greatest Fujifilm tech in the coveted X100 series may be to bag what could become the best compact camera around, the rumored X100R.
What could the X100R bring to the table? We’ve compiled the most reliable X100R rumors, but highlights include the same 40MP APS-C sensor as in the X-T5 and X-H2, the latest X-processor 5, improved battery life, plus in-body image stabilization; we’d be surprised if there’s any change to the trusty 23mm f/2 fixed lens.
According to the rumors, we shouldn’t have to wait long to find out – the potential release date is the first quarter of 2024, while the list price could be around $1,599 / £1,499 / AU$2,649. Four years since the X100V, we’re hoping the latest version is worth the wait – and, selfishly, that it doesn’t trend, so we can get our hands on one!
Google welcomed 2024 with an interactive Doodle that symbolized celebration and new beginnings. The Doodle showcased a disco ball and encouraged reflection and goal-setting for the new year. In 2023, Google made advancements in AI with chatbot Bard and integrated it into their services. They also released the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. However, the year was challenging with job cuts and legal battles over Google Play policies, Android apps, and Search business.
Last year, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that one of his biggest ‘mistakes’ was the company exiting the smartphone business, adding that the company might have been able to do better. The company has now again set its sights at the mobile business but in a different way. Here are three ways Microsoft can challenge Apple and Google – two of the leaders in the smartphone market. Microsoft’s $69 billion Activision deal Microsoft went to great lengths to get its deal with Activision Blizzard King finalised in multiple regions and markets. With the deal, Microsoft has two of the most loved games in the mobile ecosystem – Candy Crush Saga and Call of Duty. The former is one of the company’s most valuable assets, and a big contributor to its $3.5 billion of 2022 mobile revenue. It brought $721 million in revenue and Call of Duty, which also provides an expansion opportunity in its Xbox division, brought $243 million in 2022. Partnering for mobile game store Microsoft’s deal with Activision has also provided the company enough engaging content to offer users. While the company is already preparing for cloud gaming, which currently is in a nascent stage – and also looking to give a tough competition to Apple and Google when it comes to app stores. The company has already talked about an alternative app store to Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store where users can find games and other content. This may also help in forcing Google and Apple to work on their alleged monopoly that they enjoy in the mobile ecosystem. AI investments Artificial intelligence gave Microsoft a head start in the industry to quickly capture the market which slowly and steadily launches its own AI-powered products. Recently, Microsoft rebranded Bing Chat – one its successful AI products – to Copilot and launched apps for both Android and iPhones. Google’s Bard still does not have a dedicated app yet.
