Say hello to Shweta, a tech fan who's hooked on keeping up with all things tech. When she's not exploring the latest gadgets, she's diving into a good book, clicking photos as an amateur photographer, or enjoying classic movies and music. With her love for both tech and creativity, Shweta adds her own touch to tech news in a way that's easy to understand and enjoy.
Captivating social media users with its video generation from text prompts.
Anticipated public release this year
OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman recently introduced Sora, a text-to-video tool that’s causing a stir in the tech community. With its groundbreaking features, Sora has quickly captured the attention of social media users by transforming text prompts into captivating videos. Here’s the scoop on OpenAI’s latest tool. Also Read | Google Gemini Advanced vs ChatGPT Plus: A Head-to-Head Comparison
From Announcement to Anticipation
Altman’s announcement of Sora came with a call for prompt submissions, leading to a surge of interest in the 60-second videos it produces. Sora’s impressive performance has positioned it as a leading contender in the world of video generation tools, potentially setting new standards in the field.
Awaiting Public Release
Despite all the hype, Sora is not yet available to everyone. However, OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, dropped a hint during an interview with The Wall Street Journal. Murati shed light on Sora’s capabilities, highlighting its ability to quickly create intuitive videos from simple text inputs.
Expanding Access
Currently, only select professionals like visual artists, designers, and filmmakers can access Sora. But that’s about to change. Murati confirmed that the tool will be released to the public “this year,” suggesting that eager users won’t have to wait much longer.
OpenAI has big plans to improve Sora even further by adding audio to the generated videos. This enhancement aims to provide users with a more realistic experience. Murati also shared the company’s broader vision for Sora, seeing it as a versatile tool for editing and content creation.
Ethical Usage and Privacy
When it comes to data, Murati clarified that Sora’s training primarily relies on publicly available or licensed content. Images are sourced from platforms like Shutterstock. Moreover, OpenAI is committed to privacy and ethical usage. Sora won’t generate videos featuring public figures, and all outputs will be watermarked as a precautionary measure.
Use of wearable tech has tripled, reflecting growing health interest
Demand for smart health gadgets rises with data sharing
In today’s world, technology has changed how we approach our health. From Fitbits to smartwatches, wearable gadgets are now part of our daily routines. More people are using these gadgets to monitor their health and vital signs, and this trend is only growing. Let’s explore how these gadgets are reshaping our health journey. Also Read | World Backup Day: Ways To Protect Your Digital Data
The Rise Of Wearable Technology
Wearable gadgets like Fitbits and smartwatches have become mainstream, with their use more than tripling in the last four years. People are eager to track their health data, driving the demand for smart health gadgets even higher. The willingness to share health data with providers and insurers is a significant factor in this growth.
Enhancing Health With Smart Gadgets
Whether you’re into fitness, better sleep, or overall wellness, there’s a gadget for you. Let’s look at five innovative health tech wearables designed to support your journey to a healthier life.
Evolv28: India’s First Mind-elevating Wearable
Evolv28 is a revolutionary non-invasive wearable device that enhances sleep, reduces stress, and promotes work-life balance. It seamlessly integrates into your daily life, empowering you to develop positive habits and sharpen your focus without relying on medication or supplements.
Happy Ear Earplugs are top-rated for promoting better sleep quality. Their unique design offers comfort and discretion, fitting snugly into your ear canal for a superior sleeping experience at home or while traveling.
Features:
Comfortable fit
Reusable option
Superior sleeping
Honor Band 5: Versatile Fitness Tracking
The Honor Band 5 is a versatile fitness tracker suitable for various activities, including swimming, running, cycling, and cross-training. With accurate step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking features, it provides valuable insights into your health and fitness journey.
Features:
Waterproof design
Accurate tracking
Long battery life
Conclusion
These smart health gadgets offer innovative ways to improve your well-being, whether you’re tracking fitness progress, enhancing sleep quality, or managing health conditions. As wearable technology continues to advance, we can expect even more exciting launches in the future, transforming how we approach health and fitness.
Indian government blocks 18 OTT platforms for obscene content
Decision made under Information Technology Act, 2000
Ban follows consultation with various ministries and domain experts
The Indian government has taken a strong stance against the proliferation of obscene, vulgar, and even pornographic content on various digital platforms. In a move coordinated by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) with the help of intermediaries, a total of 18 OTT platforms, 19 websites, 10 apps, and 57 social media handles have been blocked. Also Read | Gone But Not Forgotten: Five Defunct Social Media Platforms In India
Legal Basis
This action is in accordance with the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The decision came after thorough consultation with other ministries and domain experts specializing in media and entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights.
The government has expressed concern over the nature of content hosted on these platforms. A significant portion was found to be demeaning towards women, with depictions of nudity, sexual acts, and inappropriate relationships such as those between teachers and students or within families.
Popular yet Problematic
Despite the ban, some of these platforms had gained significant popularity. One app alone had over 1 crore downloads, while two others surpassed 50 lakh downloads on the Google Play Store. These platforms often used social media to attract audiences by sharing trailers, scenes, and external links. Collectively, their social media accounts had over 32 lakh followers.
Conclusion
The government’s decisive action reflects its commitment to combatting the spread of objectionable content online. By targeting both the platforms and their associated social media channels, authorities aim to create a safer digital environment for all users, particularly vulnerable groups like women and children.
This section helps you fix software issues related to data, network, and device support
Answer a few questions to identify the problem and find a solution
You can rate your experience and provide feedback
If your issue remains unresolved, you can submit your contact details for further assistance.
Empowering Users
Oppo aims to empower users by providing them with the tools to solve problems on their own
Savio D’Souza, Director of Product Communications at Oppo India, believes this tool enhances the user experience.
Conclusion
Oppo’s Digital Self-Help Assistant is a convenient way to troubleshoot your smartphone. Whether you need guidance on features or help with software issues, this tool has you covered. By putting the power in the hands of users, Oppo is making smartphone usage easier and more convenient for everyone.
MSI launched new AI-powered laptops and gaming handheld ‘Claw’
Powered by Intel Core Ultra processors
Range of laptops available in the market, starting at Rs. 68,990
MSI has just launched its latest lineup of cutting-edge AI-powered laptops, marking a significant leap in technological innovation. Alongside these laptops, MSI introduces its groundbreaking gaming handheld device, Claw, revolutionizing portable gaming experiences. Here’s all you need to know. Also Read | Best Laptops For Online Learning In India
AI-Powered Laptops
These new laptops come equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, featuring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for optimized AI performance. With minimal power consumption and enhanced battery life, these processors ensure efficiency in handling AI workloads. Furthermore, the integration of ARC graphics offers great graphical performance, catering to various tasks from office work to gaming.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs
The laptops also feature NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs designed for the AI era, delivering lifelike virtual worlds through advanced technologies like DLSS 3 and ray tracing. The GPUs’ AI Tensor Cores unlock unparalleled performance, enabling users to harness the full potential of AI on their Windows PCs.
Exclusive AI-Driven Software
MSI introduces the MSI AI Engine, an exclusive AI-driven software that optimizes laptop settings based on the user’s application, enhancing overall user experience. Additionally, AI Artist boosts productivity for content creators with features like text-to-image conversion and AI-powered noise cancellation ensures studio-quality voice for professional recording.
New 18-inch Gaming Laptops Family: Titan, Raider, and Stealth
MSI has unveiled a new family of 18-inch gaming laptops, including Titan, Raider, and Stealth models. These laptops boast top-tier Intel processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics, delivering unparalleled gaming performance. With features like 4K 120Hz displays and redesigned keyboards, these laptops offer an immersive gaming experience.
MSI’s Vector, Crosshair, and Pulse series offer uncompromised gaming performance, featuring powerful GPUs and innovative thermal designs. With customizable RGB lighting and futuristic designs, these laptops stand out in the gaming market.
MSI expands its range of gaming laptops aimed at the mainstream market, offering sleek designs and high performance. With options like translucent chassis and portable designs, these laptops cater to various gaming preferences.
World’s First Meteor Lake-Powered Gaming Handheld: Claw
Model
CPU + GPU
Price
Claw A1M
Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155H
Rs. 99,990/Rs. 96,990
Claw A1M
Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 135H
Rs. 88,990
MSI introduces Claw, the world’s first gaming handheld powered by Intel Core Ultra processors. With features like Cooler Boost Hyperflow thermal technology and a large battery, Claw ensures optimal gaming performance and extended play sessions. Its user-friendly UI design and ergonomic build provide an intuitive gaming experience for all users.
MSI’s Prestige series offers great performance and portability for content creators, featuring the latest Intel processors and NVIDIA GPUs. With features like long-lasting batteries and OLED displays, these laptops excel in creative applications.
Content Creation Series
Model
CPU + GPU
Price
Creator 16 AI Studio A1VIG
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H + RTX 4090, GDDR6 16GB
Rs. 4,36,990
Creator 16 AI Studio A1VHG
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H + RTX 4080, GDDR6 12GB
Rs. 3,79,990
Creator 14 AI Studio A1VHG
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H + RTX 4070, GDDR6 8GB
Rs. 2,57,990
Creator 14 AI Studio A1VHG
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H + RTX 4060, GDDR6 8GB
Rs. 2,12,990
MSI revamps its content creation lineup with laptops like Creator Z17 HX Studio and Creator 16 AI Studio, offering powerful performance and enhanced visual precision. With options like vapor chamber cooling and OLED displays, these laptops meet the diverse needs of creative professionals.
New online portal launched for CAA 2019 citizenship applications
Eligible minority communities can apply from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh
Fill form, pay fee, attend verification
After putting rules in place for the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs launched a new online portal. This portal is designed for individuals eligible to apply for Indian citizenship under the same act. Now, instead of going to government offices in person, people can apply for CAA 2019 from anywhere using their smartphone and the internet.
This new portal supports the government’s Digital India program and makes the application process easier for people. The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 allows minority communities persecuted in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh to apply for Indian citizenship. These communities comprise Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Jains, and Christians.
According to the act, people from these minority communities who came to India before December 31, 2014, are eligible to apply for Indian citizenship.
How To Apply For Indian Citizenship via CAA Website
Step 5: You will receive an OTP on both email and mobile number. Enter both in the pop-up box. Also, enter the Captcha and click on Verify OTP.
Step 6: You’ll be asked to answer some questions. Following that, you’ll receive a form to fill out, where you’ll need to input your details and attach photographs. Make sure you have all required documents ready in advance.
Step 7: Finally, pay the online application fee of Rs. 50 and print out the form.
After completing the online process, you’ll receive an appointment for verification with an assigned officer. Carry the printed form to the district magistrate or collector. For those residing outside India, submit a copy to the Consular General. Your documents will be forwarded to the state government within 60 days, then to the central government. Application status updates will be sent to you via phone and email.
For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.
Portal handles suspicious calls, messages, and WhatsApp scams
Complaints registered with details and screenshots on Sanchar Saathi site
The Indian government has launched a new system for people to report suspected fraud communications. It’s called the Chakshu portal, part of the Sanchar Sathi initiative by the Department of Telecommunications. This portal aims to stop fraudulent calls and messages.
The Chakshu portal is a new tool from the Department of Telecommunications. Its main job is to stop suspected fraud communications, like cyber scams. You can find this feature on the Sanchar Saathi website. Now, people all over India can report different types of cyber frauds. These could be fake customer service numbers, fake bank accounts, scams with payment wallets, fake gas connections, or pretending to be government workers. With the Chakshu portal, you can report these frauds through calls, messages, or even WhatsApp.
The Department of Telecommunications also made a Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). This platform helps share information with police, banks, and other money-related groups to fight these frauds. So, the Chakshu portal and DIP should help find and stop cyber scams all across India.
Step 5: Choose the fraud type and attach a screenshot of the call or message.
Step 6: Give details like the suspect’s phone number, when it happened, and what was said.
Step 7: Enter your name, birthdate, phone number, and the one-time password (OTP) sent to your phone.
By following these steps, you can help fight against fraud in India.
For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.
Likely to debut at Google I/O, like its predecessor
Leaks hint at powerful specs: Tensor G3 chipset, 8GB RAM, and fast charging
The Google Pixel 8a, a highly anticipated smartphone, is gearing up for launch in the near future. While the tech giant from Mountain View, California, has not made an official announcement, the name recently appeared on one of its support pages, hinting at an imminent release. Here we have the details surrounding the upcoming launch and what users can expect from the Pixel 8a. Also Read | Samsung Launches Galaxy A55, Galaxy A35 In India: Check Features
Likely Launch At Google I/O Event
Similar to its predecessor, the Pixel 7a, which debuted during the Google I/O conference in May 2023, the Pixel 8a is expected to make its appearance at Google’s upcoming I/O event. Previously, important features and pricing details of the alleged phone had been hinted at.
Details On IssueTracker Site
The moniker “Google Pixel 8a” was discovered on the company’s IssueTracker site. A Google employee’s response to a query about a missing battery information list indicated that this feature is exclusive to Pixel 8a models and above. This discovery strongly suggests that the Pixel 8a launch is imminent.
Features and Pricing (Expected)
Reports suggest that the Pixel 8a will be available in two variants: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. Pricing is estimated to be around EUR 570 (approximately Rs. 51,000) and EUR 630 (approximately Rs. 56,000) for the respective models. The phone is expected to come in Bay, Mint, Obsidian, and Porcelain color options.
According to leaks, the Pixel 8a may be powered by a Tensor G3 chipset with an Arm Mali-G715 GPU and 8GB of RAM, running Android 14 out-of-the-box. It could feature a 5,000mAh typical battery with 27W wired charging support. The phone’s dimensions are expected to be 152.1mm x 72.6mm x 8.9mm, with a dual-camera setup.
Comparison With Pixel 7a
In comparison, the Pixel 7a features a Tensor G2 SoC with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It boasts a 6.1-inch 90Hz full-HD+ OLED display and a dual rear camera system with a 64MP primary sensor. The Pixel 7a is available in India via Flipkart in various color options.
Conclusion
As anticipation builds for the Google Pixel 8a, enthusiasts eagerly await its official launch. With promising features and upgrades, the Pixel 8a aims to deliver an enhanced user experience, continuing Google‘s legacy of innovation in the smartphone market.
After much anticipation, Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G’s India launch date has been confirmed. The phone is scheduled to debut in India on March 19 at 12:00 noon IST. Realme has teased that the phone will boast a primary rear camera equipped with a Sony IMX890 sensor featuring optical image stabilization (OIS).
A landing page for the smartphone has been introduced by the company, hosting a lucky draw for interested participants. The lucky draw’s end date accords with the phone’s launch date, adding to the excitement surrounding its release.
Design and Camera Details
The smartphone’s design was unveiled earlier, showcasing a glossy dual-tone back panel crafted with glass
The triple rear camera system is housed within a raised circular island placed centrally near the top of the phone
The primary rear camera, confirmed to be a Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS, is anticipated to deliver 50MP shots.
Realme has introduced the Air Gesture feature, allowing users to navigate through the phone using unique gestures without physically touching the display
A short video demonstration of this feature has been shared by the company.
Price Segment and Speculations
The Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G is expected to be positioned in the sub-Rs. 30,000 segment, although the exact price remains undisclosed
While specific details about the smartphone are currently scarce, rumors suggest it might be a rebranded version of the Realme 12+ 5G
It is expected to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, enhancing its performance and efficiency.
Conclusion
The Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G, featuring the Sony IMX890 sensor and Air Gesture navigation, is set to make waves in India’s smartphone market with its confirmed launch date. Stay tuned for further updates as the launch date approaches, promising a device that combines style, innovation, and performance.
Currently, the company has not disclosed any information about the pricing or availability of the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 in India. These details are expected to be revealed during the unveiling event scheduled for March 14.
Galaxy A55 5G: Key Specs
Display
6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Display
Up to 120Hz refresh rate
Vision Booster
Dimensions
161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2mm, 213g
Weight
Device weight may vary by market
Camera
12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
50MP Main Camera
5MP Macro Camera
32MP Front Camera
Memory & Storage
8GB + 128GB
8GB + 256GB
12GB + 256GB
Battery
5,000mAh
OS
Android 14, One UI 6.1
Security
Samsung Knox
Galaxy A35 5G: Key Specs
Display
6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Display
Up to 120Hz refresh rate
Vision Booster
Dimensions & Weight
161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2mm, 209g
Camera
8MP Ultra-Wide Camera
50MP Main Camera
5MP Macro Camera
13MP Front Camera
Memory & Storage
6GB + 128GB
8GB + 128GB
8GB + 256GB
Battery
5,000mAh
OS
Android 14, One UI 6.1
Security
Samsung Knox
Display & Camera
The Super AMOLED displays offer stunning clarity in Full High Definition, with Vision Booster adjusting brightness for different lighting conditions.
The Galaxy A55 5G boasts improved photography capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions, thanks to Nightography and AI Image Signal Processing. This means clearer and more vibrant photos even at night. The phones also feature optical image stabilization (OIS) and video digital image stabilization (VDIS) for crisp photos and videos on the go.
Samsung introduces Samsung Knox Vault to the Galaxy A series for the first time with the Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G. Knox Vault provides robust protection against hardware and software attacks, safeguarding sensitive data such as lock screen credentials and encryption keys. Samsung Knox, the multi-layer security platform, further enhances device security with real-time threat detection and secure hardware.
Additional Security Measures
The Galaxy A series offers Auto Blocker, which blocks app installations from unauthorized sources and scans for potential malware. Users also benefit from the Security and Privacy Dashboard, allowing them to monitor and control their data permissions. Private Sharing ensures secure sharing of private files with control over access permissions and expiration dates.
Longevity and Compatibility
Samsung commits to providing up to four generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, along with five years of security updates for the Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G. The phones seamlessly integrate with the broader Galaxy ecosystem, allowing users to connect with devices like Galaxy Fit3, Galaxy Watch6, and Galaxy Buds FE for a cohesive experience.
Verdict
The Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G demonstrate Samsung’s dedication to delivering advanced features and security to a wider audience. With enhanced photography capabilities, robust security features, and seamless integration with the Galaxy ecosystem, these smartphones offer a comprehensive mobile experience for users.