DA Gadgets, Author at dagadgets.co.uk

Posted on December 23, 2024 by DA Gadgets

Lenovo Idea Tab Pro and Other Tablets to Be Unveiled at CES 2025: Report

Lenovo Idea Tab Pro and three other models could be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, according to a report. The Chinese company is said to be planning several announcements for the world’s biggest technology showcase which kicks off on January 7 in Las Vegas. Some of its offerings, such as the purported Lenovo Legion Tab 8.8 (Gen 3) and the Yoga Tab Plus are reported to be rebranded versions of the tablets already sold by the company in China.

Notably, this development comes amidst rumours that the Chinese company could unveil the world’s first laptop with a rollable screen at the technology showcase.

Lenovo at CES 2025

In a report, 91Mobiles shared renders of four purported tablets that could be launched by Lenovo at CES 2025. The publication details that Lenovo Idea Tab Pro will debut as a premium model and a successor to the Lenovo Tab P12. It may feature an anti-glare screen with a 3K resolution, stylus support, and Easy Jot capabilities. The purported device is speculated to be equipped with a JBL-branded quad speaker setup and deliver up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge. Further, the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro may also get support for artificial intelligence (AI) features such as Circle to Search and Gemini.

Another device that could be launched at CES 2025 is Lenovo Legion Tab 8.8, Gen 3. The report suggests it may debut as a gaming-centric tablet with features such as an 8.8-inch QHD+ display and a 165Hz refresh rate. It is speculated to be a rebranded version of the Lenovo Legion Y700, which was launched in China earlier this year.

The Yoga Tab Plus series will also reportedly be brought back to life at the technology showcase next year. Renders suggest that the purported device may come with a rear dual camera setup, thin bezels, stylus support, and a teal colourway. The Yoga Tab Plus could be a rebranded version of the Yoga Pad Pro, which is currently available in China.

Finally, the last model that is reported to make its debut at CES 2025 is said to be a budget model. While specifications remain unknown, the purported tablet may come with multiple case options, including a kid-friendly case with stylus support.

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Posted on December 23, 2024 by DA Gadgets

Google TV users are getting even more free channels in time for the holidays

The total number of free channels is now 171 Google TV Freeplay remains exclusive to the US There’s been a recent boom in free TV with ads We’ve already seen dozens of new free-to-view channels added to Google TV during 2024, and one more update has been rolled out in time for the holidays – bringing the number of channels available to US viewers to more than 170. This latest update was spotted by 9to5Google, and should be available now if you’re using a television set or streaming device with the latest Google TV software on it. You’ll find them under the Google TV Freeplay app. The new channels are Best of Dr Phil, Xumo Free Holiday Movie Channel, Xumo Free Holiday Classics, Xumo Christian Christmas, Continuum, Z Nation, The Design Network, Filmrise: Classic TV, UFC, Unbeaten, Big 12 Studios, Waypoint TV, and PursuitUP. There are also updates for Stingray Greatest Holiday Hits, Stingray Soul Storm Christmas, and Stingray Hot Country Christmas. These new channels follow on from Designated Survivor and Places & Spaces – The Great Christmas Light Fight added in November. Keep them coming A variety of new features have been added to Google TV this year (Image credit: Google) That brings the total number of channels available in Google TV Freeplay to 171 – though as 9to5Google notes, some of them are likely to be only available over the holidays (as a few of those title channels would suggest). One channel has been removed at the same time though: it seems Motortrend Fast TV is no longer available. No doubt this chopping and changing of content is going to continue as we go through 2025 as well. We’ve seen a steady rise in the number of free ad-supported television (FAST) channels available on streaming platforms in recent years: there are hundreds more available in apps such as Plex, Tubi, and PlutoTV. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. You may remember Google TV adding extra channels in August and September of this year, as well as at other points during 2024. The software has also been given plenty of new features over the last 12 months as well. You might also like

Posted on December 22, 2024 by DA Gadgets

Samsung S95F OLED TV: what we want to see

Samsung’s S95 series OLED TVs have quickly become a standout in the premium TV market, combining the cutting-edge QD-OLED tech with features that appeal to cinephiles, gamers, and tech enthusiasts alike. Known for delivering exceptional picture quality with vibrant colours, deep blacks, and impressive brightness, the current Samsung S95D OLED has solidified its place as one of the best TVs out there and was our pick for TV of the year in the TechRadar Choice Awards 2024. However, as good as it is, there’s still room for growth. With advancements in AI-driven picture processing, smarter user interfaces, and hardware refinements, the next-generation S95 series OLED, set for release in 2025, has the potential to perfect Samsung’s vision for the ultimate flagship TV. Samsung hasn’t officially announced the new S95 series model, but according to a recent leak, it will be named the Samsung S95F and will be available in a 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, and a new 83-inch screen size. Samsung’s QD-OLED tech has been a major step forward, offering a unique combination of OLED’s perfect contrast and QLED-like brightness that pushes picture quality to new heights, allowing the S95 series to excel where traditional OLEDs sometimes fall short. The upcoming 2025 S95F series OLED is expected to take this foundation even further. As AI plays an increasingly central role in picture and sound processing, Samsung has the opportunity to refine its Neural Quantum Processor for smarter upscaling and real-time scene optimization. With competition in the OLED TV space intensifying, Samsung’s S95F series will need to push boundaries even further to stand out as the definitive flagship choice for cinephiles and tech enthusiasts alike. (Image credit: Future) Samsung S95F OLED TV: AI and smart enhancements At the heart of Samsung’s S95 series OLED is its Neural Quantum Processor, an AI engine that powers the TV’s exceptional picture performance. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. While the current S95D already enhances content with impressive upscaling, sharpening details, and refining colors, the next-generation 2025 S95 series has the opportunity to take this a step further. By leveraging the more advanced AI used in the Samsung QN900D 8K TV, a 2024 model, the processor could dynamically analyse and optimise every scene in real time, delivering even sharper motion clarity, improved texture detail, and more precise HDR tone mapping. One area where AI can make a meaningful impact is dynamic scene recognition. By recognising the specific content on-screen – whether it’s a brightly lit landscape, a moody nighttime shot, or fast-moving gameplay – AI could adjust brightness, contrast, and colour settings on a scene-by-scene basis. Samsung’s Tizen OS has long been a robust platform, offering users access to a wide array of streaming services, apps, and tools. However, there’s room for improvement in responsiveness and overall usability. The new S95F series could use to AI to make Tizen smarter and more intuitive, for example by adding a personalized recommendation system. Faster menu navigation and smoother app launching would also be welcome upgrades. Finally, AI could play a significant role in improving audio performance, another key aspect of the TV experience. While Samsung’s current OLEDs already offer Dolby Atmos support, AI-powered sound processing could enhance clarity, virtualise surround effects, and deliver precise spatial audio tailored to the room’s acoustics, as well as boosting hard-to-hear speech. The Samsung S95D (right) displays elevated black levels when compared to the LG G4 OLED TV (left) when viewed in bright lighting – something we hope will be improved in the new S95F (Image credit: Future) Samsung S95F OLED TV: Picture and hardware improvements As we’ve discussed, Samsung’s QD-OLED has already redefined what’s possible in terms of picture quality, offering the perfect blacks of OLED alongside higher brightness and vibrant colour reproduction. However, to truly set the S95F series OLED apart, Samsung could push for even higher peak brightness levels, surpassing the already impressive output of the current S95D, the brightest OLED TV TechRadar tested in 2024. With competitors like mini-LED TVs closing the gap, achieving over 2,000 nits of peak brightness would ensure better HDR performance, delivering punchier highlights without compromising OLED’s natural contrast. Another key area for improvement lies in reflection management. While the S95D already features a highly effective anti-reflective coating, black depth is diminished and shadow details tend to get lost when viewing content with darker scenes in bright environments. For the next-gen S95F, Samsung could refine its anti-reflective tech to minimise glare without diminishing image contrast. Finally, hardware refinements could focus on energy efficiency and durability. OLED displays are sometimes criticised for high power consumption, especially at brighter settings, and AI could assist in this area, dynamically adjusting power usage based on content and ambient lighting while preserving picture quality. Samsung could also address concerns around OLED burn-in by enhancing panel durability, ensuring long-term performance without compromise. (Image credit: Future) Samsung S95F OLED TV: Gaming and build quality Samsung’s S95D OLED made a strong impression among gamers thanks to its support for 4K at 144Hz, ultra-low input lag, and Samsung Gaming Hub. For the S95F, Samsung can further solidify its position by introducing AI game optimisation, including real-time analysis to automatically adjust settings like response time, brightness, and colour profiles based on the game genre. Enhanced support for higher refresh rates, such as 240Hz at 1080p, would also appeal to competitive gamers looking for the smoothest possible experience. Beyond performance, Samsung can elevate the Gaming Hub with expanded cloud gaming integrations. The current Game Hub already supports services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now, but tighter optimization and faster load times would make cloud gaming feel more seamless. By incorporating AI to streamline game discovery and recommend titles based on user habits, the S95 series OLED could become a true all-in-one hub for next-gen gaming. Samsung’s attention to build quality and sustainability will also be key to the S95F’s long-term appeal. With a growing focus on eco-conscious design, Samsung could incorporate more energy-efficient materials, smarter power management, and recyclable components into the TV’s construction. If Samsung can combine these refinements with the stunning picture quality, advanced gaming features, and smarter AI-driven enhancements we expect, the 2025 S95F OLED has the potential to not just match but surpass its predecessors. It could become a flagship TV that truly delivers on all fronts. You might also like…

Posted on December 21, 2024 by DA Gadgets

iPhone 14, iPhone SE Sales in EU to Be Discontinued Due to Upcoming Regulation: Report

iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are no longer listed for purchase in Switzerland, and the company is expected to discontinue sales of its smartphones across the European Union (EU), two years after they were launched, according to a report. The company will stop selling another smartphone that was also introduced in 2022 — the third generation iPhone SE. Unlike Apple’s newer smartphone models, these three handsets are equipped with a Lightning port, which has now been phased out in favour of the universal USB Type-C port.

Apple’s iPhone 14 and iPhone SE (2022) Expected to Be Discontinued in 27 EU Countries

The upcoming common charger regulations in the EU are set to come into effect on December 28, and Apple appears to be preparing to comply with the deadline, according to a MacRumors report. The publication discovered that Apple has discontinued the sale of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (2022) via its website in Switzerland, while in-store sales will continue until the deadline.

A screenshot of Apple’s Switzerland store, which lists all three models as “currently unavailable”
Photo Credit: Apple

Gadgets 360 was able to confirm that the listings for all three models on Apple’s website for Switzerland carried the message “Derzeit nicht verfügbar” which translates to currently not available. The handsets were still available via the company’s websites in various EU countries at the time of publishing this story.

It’s worth noting that Switzerland is not part of the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), but the country is part of the European single market (or European common market) along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. As a result, the company is expected to discontinue sales of its smartphones in these regions, as well as the 27 countries that make up the EU.

This means that when the December 28 deadline arrives, Apple won’t officially sell an iPhone SE model in the EU, while resellers can continue to sell remaining units. Customers might not have to wait long, though. Recent reports suggest that Apple is already working on a fourth generation iPhone SE model, which could arrive with an updated design, Face ID, and the company’s rumoured in-house modem chip.

On the other hand, EU customers will now have to purchase an iPhone 15 or an iPhone 16. These smartphones are equipped with a USB Type-C port, so the company can keep selling them after December 28. Apple has also updated its other accessories like the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and AirPods Max with a USB Type-C port, well ahead of the deadline.

Posted on December 21, 2024 by DA Gadgets

Moto G35 5G Review: Delivers More for Less

We’ve seen the launch of several smartphones in India in 2024, from entry-level handsets to flagship models and foldable phones. The budget segment sees a lot of competition from handset companies in the country, with each new model offering iterative upgrades over their predecessors. Motorola recently launched the Moto G35 5G as its most affordable 5G smartphone. This handset will compete with smartphones like the Redmi A4 5G, Tecno Spark 30C 5G, and Lava Blaze 2 5G.

You can pick up the Moto G35 5G for Rs. 9,999 in India, and it is sold in a single 4GB + 128GB RAM and storage configuration. Does it offer enough value for money like other smartphones priced under Rs. 10,000? Read on to know more about this handset in my Moto G35 5G review.

Moto G35 5G Design: Familiar Looking

Dimensions – 166.29×75.98×7.79mm
Weight – 185g
Colours – Guava Red, Leaf Green (In this review), Midnight Black

The new Moto G35 5G is available in matte and vegan leather finishes, and it looks very similar to its more expensive sibling in the G series — the Moto G45 5G (Review). In fact, if you placed these handsets next to each other with their rear panel facing up, you might not be able to tell them apart. Subjectively speaking, it’s one of the more polished-looking smartphones in this price segment.

The Moto G35 5G looks very similar to the more expensive Moto G45 5G model

The sides of the smartphone are made of plastic and have a smooth feel. The left edge features the SIM tray, while the right side has the volume rocker and power button — the latter also doubles as a fingerprint scanner. There’s a USB Type-C port at the bottom, along with a 3.5mm headphone port and a speaker grille.

The company sent us the Moto G35 5G in a green colourway with a vegan leather finish that makes it easy to grip. It also comes with a transparent TPU case in the box, as well as an 18W charger and a USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable.

Moto G35 5G Software: Clean UI, Ships With Bloatware

Software – My UX
Version – Android 14
Latest security patch – December 5, 2024

Motorola’s latest G series smartphone runs on Android 14, with the company’s My UX running on top. This is the same interface that is available on more expensive models like the Moto G45 5G, and it comes with software features that are exclusive to the company’s handsets, such as Motorola Secure (secure folder, network protection) and Family Space (family controls).

Moto G35 5G ships with Android 14, along with the company’s My UX skin (tap to expand)

After setting up the smartphone, I was prompted to “try” (install) three third-party applications by the Moto App Manager app that is also preinstalled on the company’s smartphones. The installer informs users that it will install three new apps monthly when a system update is installed. These apps can be uninstalled like any other app that a user chooses to download on their smartphone.

This handset is slated to receive only one Android OS update, meaning it should get Android 15 sometime next year. It would have been nice to see the company deliver at least two Android OS upgrades for this smartphone, considering the fact that it ships with Android 14, which was released a year ago. The Moto G35 is scheduled to receive security updates until August 2027, according to the company’s support website.

Moto G35 5G Performance: Decent for the Price

Processor – Unisoc T760
Memory – 4GB LPDDR4X
Storage – 128GB UFS 2.2

The Moto G35 5G is equipped with a 6nm Unisoc T760 chipset launched in July. It is an octa-core processor that comprises six Arm Cortex-A76 cores (2.2GHz) and four Cortex A55 cores (2GHz), along with a Mali G57 MC4 GPU. This puts it on par with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, which has slightly faster A76 cores (2.4GHz) but a slightly older Mali G57 MC2 GPU.

As you can probably tell, this isn’t an exceptionally fast processor. Still, it’s pretty good at handling day-to-day tasks like browsing the web, texting someone on WhatsApp, and using social media apps like Facebook or Instagram. I noticed a bit of lag in slightly more demanding apps like Snapchat and Google Maps.

Moto G35 5G benchmark results (tap to expand)

You can play casual games on this handset without any issues — I tested out a couple of the third-party games that were downloaded after setting up the phone — and it can also handle some titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) if you use the lowest graphics settings. I also ran Asphalt Legends Unite on the default setting without any issues.

I also ran multiple benchmark tests on the Moto G35 5G to get a better understanding of how it fares against smartphones equipped with processors that offer comparable performance, such as the Redmi A4 5G, Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and the Infinix Note 40X. The handset’s performance appeared to be on par with some of these models that are sold at higher prices.

You can look at the table below to see how the Moto G35 5G fared on benchmark tests, in comparison with similar models from other smartphone makers.

Benchmark	Moto G35 5G	Redmi A4 5G	Samsung Galaxy A16 5G	Infinix Note 40X
Geekbench 6 Single Core	741	839	736	768
Geekbench 6 Multi Core	2290	1919	1938	2050
AnTuTu v10	470,387	387,157	411,056	393,680
PCMark Work 3.0	11,755	8,782	9,382	9,151
3DMark Wild Life	1351	647	1351	1373
3DMark Wild Life Unlimited	1335	Failed to run	1335	1356
3DMark Sling Shot	3603	2409	3603	3724
3DMark Sling Shot Extreme	2629	647	2629	2747
GFXBench Car Chase	16	15	56	13
GFXBench Manhattan 3.1	29	28	24	22
GFXBench T-Rex	55	55	14	52

Motorola has equipped this smartphone with a 6.72-inch Full-HD+ (1,080×2,400 pixels) LCD screen along with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The display’s refresh rate can be e set at 60Hz or 120Hz — while the latter offers a much smoother experience, you might want to leave it on the default mode for better battery life.

Visibility is not ideal when you are outdoors in bright sunlight, but it’s quite usable during other times of the day. After poking around the settings, I found a toggle under Settings > Display > Extra brightness that did improve the display’s brightness level, but also resulted in faster battery drain.

Moto G35 5G Cameras: Gets the Job Done

Primary camera – 50-megapixel (f/1.8), PDAF, up to 4K/ 30fps video
Ultrawide camera – 8-megapixel (f/2.2), 120-degree field-of-view
Selfie camera – 16-megapixel

The Moto G35 5G is a budget smartphone with a dual rear camera setup. It’s good to see that the company hasn’t bothered with adding a low-resolution macro or depth sensor, which are usually disappointing when included on phones in this price segment.

Moto G35 5G Camera Samples. Top to bottom — Primary, Ultrawide, Portrait (Tap images to expand)

When clicking photos with the primary 50-megapixel camera during the day, the phone delivers bright images with a decent amount of detail, for a budget smartphone. It also reproduces skin tones accurately, when capturing portrait images. Subjects that are closer to the camera will definitely have more detail, and the camera app is fast and snappy when taking photos.

The 8-megapixel ultrawide camera produces images that aren’t as detailed as the primary camera, and you will notice a distinct lack of detail when you zoom in on these images. For example, I clicked an image of a sign across the street using the primary and ultrawide camera, and only the image captured with the former included legible text.

In low light scenarios and at night, there’s only one camera worth using on the Moto G35 5G, and the 50-megapixel sensor is best used in combination with the Night Vision feature available inside the camera app. It takes a couple of seconds to capture an image, but the difference in detail is quite evident in our camera samples.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Camera Samples. Top to bottom — Day, Night (Tap images to expand)

Motorola has equipped the handset with a 16-megapixel selfie camera, which captures decent images during the day. In darker scenarios, it still manages to let in enough light for a recognisable image, but you also see a lot of smoothening and noise.

There’s no image stabilisation on the Moto G35 5G, and the smartphone lets you record video at up to 4K/ 30fps using the primary camera and up to 1080p/ 30fps using the ultrawide camera. Once again, the former is the one to use while recording with this handset.

Moto G35 5G Battery: Slow to Charge, Slower to Discharge

Battery Capacity – 5,000mAh
Wired Charging – 18W (USB Type-C)

The Unisoc T760 chip on the Moto G35 5G appears to be quite efficient, as the handset is capable of delivering well over a day and a half of battery life, before it needed another charge. In our HD video battery loop test, the phone lasted for approximately 18 hours and 50 minutes, but keep in mind that these are synthetic tests.

The Moto G35 5G offers over one day of use on a single charge

In day to day use, battery drain on the Moto G35 is not high during active use as well as in standby mode. I used the phone to make calls using WhatsApp, browsing the web and checking social media apps, and playing a few casual games — it delivered about 5.5 hours of screen on time, along with about 21 hours of standby life.

Charging the Moto G35 5G from 0 to 100 percent can take a while, especially if your battery is low when you plug in the handset. During the time I tested the handset, it took around two hours for a full charge, using the 18W adapter included in the box.

Moto G35 5G Review: Verdict

The Moto G35 5G offers good performance for the price, outperforming more expensive smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G (Review) and the Infinix Note 40X on some benchmark tests. It also offers 5G connectivity under Rs. 10,000, reliable battery life, and decent camera performance.

The Moto G35 offers good value for money at its current price of Rs. 9,999

It’s worth noting that the company has offered only one Android OS upgrade for the Moto G35, while the aforementioned Galaxy A16 5G costs more and is slated to receive up to six upgrades.

Other similarly priced smartphones that you can consider instead of the Moto G35 5G include the Redmi A4 5G (First impressions), Tecno Spark 30C 5G, and the slightly older Lava Blaze 2 5G.

Posted on December 21, 2024 by DA Gadgets

Qualcomm Secures Key Win in Chips Trial Against Arm

Qualcomm’s central processors are properly licensed under an agreement with Arm Holdings, a jury found in a trial in U.S. federal court that removed some, but not all, uncertainty around the mobile chipmaker’s expansion into the laptop market.

A week of courtroom arguments and deliberations ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to resolve one of three questions put before it in the trial between the two chip giants. Qualcomm said the result affirmed its right to innovate, but Arm vowed to seek a new trial.

Arm’s shares were down 1.8% in extended trading after the news, and Qualcomm’s shares were up 1.8%.

The outcome means the case could be tried again in the future — something Arm vowed to pursue in a statement following the verdict. Judge Maryellen Noreika, who presided over the case in U.S. federal court in Delaware, encouraged Arm and Qualcomm to mediate their dispute.

“I don’t think either side had a clear victory or would have had a clear victory if this case is tried again,” Noreika told the parties.

After more than nine hours of deliberations over two days, the eight-person jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on the question of whether startup Nuvia breached the terms of its license with Arm.

But the jury found that Qualcomm — which purchased Nuvia for $1.4 billion in 2021 — did not breach that license.

The jury also found that Qualcomm’s chips, created using Nuvia technology and central to Qualcomm’s push into the personal computer market, are properly licensed under its own agreement with Arm, clearing the way for Qualcomm to continue selling them.

“The jury has vindicated Qualcomm’s right to innovate and affirmed that all the Qualcomm products at issue in the case are protected by Qualcomm’s contract with Arm,” Qualcomm said in a statement.

An Arm spokesperson said the company was “disappointed” that the jury was unable to “reach consensus” about the company’s claims and said from the outset the goal has been to protect the company’s intellectual property.

For now, the outcome paves the way for Qualcomm to continue to push what it calls the “AI PC” in laptop chips that are aimed at handling tasks such as chatbots and image generators. That is a market where Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices and MediaTek are also planning to make Arm-based processors.

“My biggest worry was what happens to the future roadmap if they (Qualcomm) no longer have access to Nuvia (computing) cores,” Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon said. “At this point, that risk is a lot closer to being off the table.”

The dispute between Arm and Qualcomm centered on what royalty rate Qualcomm should pay for each chip. Nuvia was set to pay higher rates than Qualcomm before Qualcomm bought the startup firm and wove its technology into chips under its own license with Arm at lower royalty rates.

Ben Bajarin, chief executive of tech consulting firm Creative Strategies, said that Arm’s current growth projections have not depended on reaping higher rates from Qualcomm as Arm chips enter the PC market.

“They haven’t factored in, via their quarterly (earnings) calls, a win,” Bajarin said. “So none of this changes their economic upside. It’s really just a matter of contractual argument.”

However, the trial’s outcome leaves open the question of where Arm’s technology begins and ends. Arm licenses its computing architecture to firms but also sells designs for computing cores as off-the-shelf products.

Some of Arm’s more sophisticated customers, such as Apple, Qualcomm and Nuvia, license Arm’s architectures but develop their own custom cores. During the trial this week, Arm’s attorneys insisted its architecture license terms with Nuvia gave it rights to demand the destruction of Nuvia’s custom core designs.

“This does have ramifications for the entire industry,” Jim McGregor of Tirias Research said in an interview. “Whether you’re using a standard Arm core, or developing your own Arm core, it has been the rock of everything from electric toothbrushes to satellites.”

© Thomson Reuters 2024

Posted on December 21, 2024 by DA Gadgets

Hisense’s Saturn wireless Dolby Atmos speakers could be a huge hit, based on the last Hisense soundbar I reviewed

Hisense announces a Dolby Atmos wireless speaker system 4.1.2 channels with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support Similar concept to the Sony Bravia Quad Hisense has officially revealed the HT Saturn, a new speaker system to join its range of soundbars. Set for release in 2025, there is currently no specific release date or pricing info for the HT Saturn. It’s been confirmed for US release and while there’s no official confirmation for other regions, Hisense says it expects to have more news soon. Initially shown at IFA 2024, the Hisense HT Saturn consists of four satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer, comprising 4.1.2 channels in total, with two upfiring speakers providing Atmos height channels. During its initial announcement back in September, Hisense claimed the Saturn would have 720W of power, but didn’t reference this in its specs during my more recent briefing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It has HDMI eARC for connection to the TV via a transmission box, which then sends the sound out to the speakers. For audio streaming, it supports Bluetooth 5.3, but there is no built-in Wi-Fi. Hisense, which makes one of the best soundbars available in the form of the excellent-value Hisense AX5215H, seem to have taken inspiration from Sony’s Bravia Theater Quad system, which similarly comprises four satellite speakers. However, the Quad is a 4.0.4-channel system, coming with two extra upfiring speakers, but lacking the dedicated subwoofer. When we tested the Sony Theater Quad here at TechRadar, we were impressed. The Hisense HT Saturn also supports a room calibration feature, which Hisense says will allow users to place the HT Saturn speakers wherever they want and sound will adjust to fit the space and positioning, so it will still sound like an accurate surround sound system. Hisense also announced its Hi-Concerto feature, which enables a compatible Hisense TV’s speakers to be used in conjunction with not only the HT Saturn but also compatible Hisense soundbars, (though no specific models of TV or soundbar have been confirmed as of yet). This very reminiscent of Samsung’s Q-Symphony feature, LG’s WOW Orchestra feature, and Sony’s Center Sync, all of which are featured on some of the best TVs available. A potential Dolby Atmos hit (Image credit: Hisense) Hisense may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of home audio, but when I tested Hisense’s 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos soundbar, the Hisense AX5125H, I was amazed at just how good it was, establishing itself as one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars for such a budget price. The Hisense HT Saturn is going up against the Sony Bravia Quad and already there are some key differences. The Saturn offers a subwoofer in-box whereas the Bravia Quad does not, with the Sony SA-SW5 and SA-SW3 wireless subwoofers supported as an optional extra. However, on the audio front, the Saturn is limited to Bluetooth whereas the Bravia Quad supports Wi-Fi for better-quality music streaming. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Where the Saturn will surely win the battle is price. At $2,499 / £1,999 / AU$3,699, the Bravia Quad is a pricey system that’s more costly than the likes of the Samsung HW-Q990D, our choice for the best premium Dolby Atmos soundbar. If Hisense can offer the Saturn for significantly cheaper than the Bravia Quad (which I strongly suspect it will) then Hisense could be onto a winner. Because I have little doubt about the sound side of things, thanks to what I’ve experienced with the Hisense AX5125H. You might also like

Posted on December 20, 2024 by DA Gadgets

Ancient Bronze Statues Unearthed from Etruscan Healing Spring in Italy

Bronze statues, including depictions of snakes and a child priest, have been uncovered from a hot spring at San Casciano dei Bagni in Italy, according to the Italian Ministry of Culture, as per reports. The site, located around 120 kilometres northwest of Rome, has been excavated since 2019 and is believed to have been used for sacred rituals dating back to the third century B.C. The spring, originally used by the Etruscans and later adopted by the Romans, was a place where votive offerings were made in hopes of divine protection or healing, as per reports.

Discovery of Snake Statues and Other Artefacts

Bronze snake statues, some measuring up to 90 centimetres in length, were among the latest findings during the 2024 excavation, as reported by the excavation team. These statues were discovered in the deeper layers of the spring and are thought to have symbolised protection for the sacred waters. Other artefacts include a nude male figure inscribed with the name “Gaius Roscius” and a child priest holding a ball, which may have been used in divination rituals.

Preserved Organic Remains Found

The excavation also revealed well-preserved organic remains, such as eggs with visible yolks, pine cones, and plant matter. According to the Italian Ministry of Culture, in a statement, these items may have been used in rituals symbolising rebirth and regeneration. The preservation of these items is attributed to their rapid burial in sediment.

Expert Perspective

Alexandra Carpino, an art history professor at Northern Arizona University, commented in an email to Live Science that these findings are among the most significant discoveries of the 21st century. The range of artefacts provides insights into the role of healing sanctuaries in ancient societies.

Ongoing Research at the Site

Research continues at San Casciano dei Bagni, with scholars examining the inscriptions and artefacts to uncover more about the Etruscan and Roman use of the spring.

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Posted on December 20, 2024 by DA Gadgets

New Study Challenges Presence of Intermediate-Mass Black Hole in Omega Centauri

Research published in Astronomy & Astrophysics has cast doubt on the supposed discovery of an intermediate-mass black hole in the star cluster Omega Centauri. Initial findings suggested a black hole with a mass equivalent to 8,200 times that of the Sun resided at the cluster’s core. However, a reanalysis indicates the high-velocity stars in this dense region could instead be influenced by a cluster of stellar-mass black holes. According to Justin Read, a physicist at the University of Surrey, in a statement, the likelihood of an intermediate black hole now appears slim, with its mass potentially less than 6,000 solar masses.

Intermediate-mass black holes, sitting between stellar-mass and supermassive black holes, are theorised to bridge the evolutionary gap between these extremes. Despite being crucial to understanding black hole growth, their existence remains elusive. Scientists initially believed the gravitational effects of an intermediate-mass black hole in Omega Centauri were responsible for accelerating stars to high speeds. As explained by Andrés Bañares Hernández from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, to publications, investigating this cluster has refined the methods used to detect such objects.

New Data from Pulsar Observations

The revised analysis incorporated pulsar data, enhancing the accuracy of gravitational field measurements within Omega Centauri. Pulsars, the rapidly spinning remnants of collapsed stars, emit beams of radiation detectable as periodic pulses. Variations in their timing provided deeper insights into the gravitational dynamics of the cluster. This data led researchers to conclude that stellar-mass black holes, rather than an intermediate-mass black hole, are the likely cause of observed stellar velocities.

Future Prospects in Black Hole Research

While the study has not confirmed the existence of an intermediate-mass black hole in Omega Centauri, the researchers remain optimistic. According to Read, in his statment, ongoing advancements in pulsar timing techniques are expected to enhance the precision of black hole searches. These findings also offer a platform for understanding pulsar formation within dense star clusters.

Sony to Become Top Shareholder of FromSoftware Parent Kadokawa

Amazon Prime Video to Limit Streaming to 5 Devices Per Account Starting January 2025

Posted on December 20, 2024 by DA Gadgets

Predictive Dialer vs Progressive Dialer (+ 3 Alternatives)

Before choosing between a predictive dialer and a progressive one for your outbound call strategy, you should decide your business’s priorities. Are you looking to increase productivity? Do you want to drive up customer satisfaction scores? This tradeoff is implicit in the design of each system.

The key difference between predictive and progressive dialers is how they start a call.

A predictive dialer dials several numbers simultaneously, assigning each rep a number as soon as they end the previous call.
A progressive dialer only dials one number at a time, which gives the rep time to research the potential client who will pick up the phone.

In this post, we’ll cover the vital advantages and tradeoffs that come with using both dialers. Plus, we’ll look at alternative types of call center dialers, if neither a predictive or progressive dialer sounds like the right fit for your business.

Both types of dialers are available with the leading business phone services and call center software. Typically, auto dialing capabilities are available as an add-on feature. You may also find standalone auto dialer software that integrates directly with your CRM software.

1 CloudTalk

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24/7 Customer Support, Call Management/Monitoring, Contact Center, and more

Predictive dialers reach more people (with a catch)

A predictive dialer is highly efficient because it can reach more people and reduce the amount of time agents spend waiting. It uses algorithms and predictive analytics to anticipate when agents will be available for the next call.

The system automatically dials multiple numbers simultaneously and filters out unproductive connections, such as busy signals and voicemails, ensuring that agents are only connected to live calls. The system adjusts its dialing pace based on real-time call center metrics like agent availability and call success rates, which help to minimize downtime and increase agent productivity.

By anticipating when agents will finish their current calls, the predictive dialer moves quickly to assign the next call, keeping agents busy without requiring manual input. This means that agents spend more time talking to customers and less time waiting for the next call, which can significantly increase call volume compared to manual or progressive dialing systems.

Predictive dialers can lead to significant improvements in call volume, with some vendors claiming up to a 300% increase in productivity over manual dialing.

However, the actual impact depends on factors like the quality of the contact list and agent readiness. In general, predictive dialers help ensure that agents are always connected to live calls, leading to more efficient use of their time.

Hidden costs of predictive dialers

Despite the benefits, predictive dialers come with hidden costs, including:

Higher call abandonment rates: Due to faster dialing, there’s a greater risk of calls being dropped before an agent can answer, which may negatively impact customer satisfaction.
Potential harm to customer satisfaction: A higher call abandonment rate may be particularly detrimental to existing customers, as they may feel neglected in favor of reaching new prospects.
Compliance risks: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates that call abandonment rates must not exceed 3% over 30 days. Exceeding this threshold can lead to legal consequences, requiring businesses to carefully balance dialing speed and compliance.

While predictive dialers offer the potential for greater efficiency, businesses must weigh these productivity gains against the potential downsides, ensuring they maintain a positive customer experience and stay within legal requirements.

Progressive dialers have lower call abandonment (at a cost)

Unlike predictive dialers, which dial multiple numbers at once, a progressive dialer calls one number at a time. It waits until the current call is completed before dialing the next one, giving agents more control over the calling process.

One of the main advantages of a progressive dialer is its lower call abandonment rate. By dialing only one number at a time, it minimizes wait times for customers, making it more likely they will stay on the line. When customers hear a live agent right away, they are less likely to hang up.

In contrast, if they are met with a recorded message or a long pause, the chances of abandonment increase.

This improved customer satisfaction is another major benefit. With progressive dialers, customers are connected to agents more quickly, leading to a smoother experience and higher satisfaction rates. For businesses that prioritize customer relationships or work in complex sales environments, progressive dialers allow reps to handle calls more thoughtfully and attentively.

In addition to customer benefits, progressive dialers offer compliance advantages. Because they only connect agents to live callers, they lower the risk of violating telemarketing regulations. Progressive dialers are inherently more compliant with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which governs automated calling systems. These dialers ensure agents are always speaking to a real person, helping businesses stay within legal limits for things like prior consent and abandoned call rates.

For businesses that value personalization, deal with more intricate sales processes, or are looking to enhance contact center CX, a progressive dialer is a solid choice. Its lower call abandonment rate and higher level of control for agents make it ideal for creating a more tailored and compliant customer experience.

The hidden cost behind progressive dialers

Owing to the step-by-step approach to making calls, progressive dialers tend to exhibit lower total call volumes and productivity when contrasted with predictive dialers. The result is slower lead conversion rates and decreased operational efficiency for businesses that heavily depend on high call volumes.

So, predictive dialers may be a more efficient choice if you work in telemarketing or lead generation companies or any business that requires many outbound calls to be made in a short span.

Comparing predictive dialers vs. progressive dialers

Let’s compare these two systems side-by-side.

Predictive dialers work best for:

High call volume needs: It is ideal for businesses with many outbound calls that should be made within a narrow timeframe.
Automated call handling: It efficiently connects agents with live callers and maximizes how many calls can be made each day.
Data-driven decisions: It uses clever algorithms to predict call availability and optimize agent workloads.
Telemarketing and lead generation: It is particularly suitable for industries where high call volumes are essential.

Progressive dialers work best for:

Personalized interactions: It is specially designed to deliver hand-hewn and attentive customer experiences. It’s almost a premium option.
Complex sales processes: It is better suited for businesses with well-scripted sales procedures that require agent control.
Telemarketing regulations: It reduces the risk of compliance issues by only connecting agents with opted-in callers.
Lower call volumes: It is also better suited for businesses with lower call volume needs or those valuing quality over quantity.

Both systems aim to improve efficiency by automatizing the dialing process. But they rely on different mechanisms to achieve this goal. While progressive dialers emphasize maintaining high-quality interactions and providing agents with some control, predictive dialers focus on increasing the volume of calls handled per agent.

Three alternatives to predictive and progressive dialers

Here are three other types of dialers that offer a different set of benefits and tradeoffs than the two types we have looked at so far.

Preview dialers

Preview dialers give agents detailed customer information before each call, allowing them to prepare for personalized conversations. When integrated with a CRM, preview dialers can display a customer’s interaction history across multiple channels, helping agents deliver tailored service.

Unlike predictive or progressive dialers, preview dialers allow agents to decide whether or not to place a call, adding an extra layer of control.

Preview dialers are ideal for businesses focused on high-quality, personalized outbound interactions — especially when calling existing customers or handling complex cases where preparation is crucial. They’re a strong choice for teams prioritizing customer satisfaction over sheer call volume, offering a more thoughtful and deliberate alternative to other automated dialers.

Pros	Cons
Enhanced customer satisfaction due to tailored interactions. Lower call abandonment rates as customers are more likely to stay engaged. Better adherence to regulations, with fewer accidental calls to unapproved numbers.	Lower call volume compared to other dialers because agents must review profiles. Requires skilled agents to analyze and adapt calls based on customer data.

Power dialers

Power dialers select numbers from a predefined call list and dial them one at a time. When a call is answered, the system immediately connects the agent to the caller, ensuring no time is wasted. If the call goes unanswered, the power dialer automatically moves to the next number on the list, keeping the process efficient.

You could think of power dialers as a simplified version of a predictive dialer, lacking sophisticated algorithms that anticipate agent availability and call abandonment rates. It’s an easy way to automate one of the most time consuming elements of a call center workflow.

Still, this streamlined workflow eliminates manual dialing and minimizes downtime for agents. By maintaining a 1:1 dialing ratio, power dialers ensure agents are always prepared to engage with the customer, making them a reliable tool for teams focused on steady, high-quality interactions.

Power dialers are suitable for businesses that prioritize high call volume, are concerned about compliance, but prefer a simplified dialing system. They are a useful option for companies that don’t want to deal with the compliance exposure of predictive dialers, but still need agents to make a high number of calls per hour.

Pros	Cons
Higher call volume than manual dialing, but not high as predictive dialers can achieve. Guaranteed 1:1 dialing ratio means that customers will always be greeted by an agent. Allows agents to leave voicemail, which not all types of dialers support.	Less efficient than predictive as agents may spend time waiting for calls. Compliance requirements for automated dialing necessitate training and oversight.

Blended dialers

Blended dialers allow businesses to handle both inbound and outbound calls with the same system, maximizing efficiency and improving customer service. By automatically assigning outbound calls when agents are available and prioritizing inbound calls as they come in, these systems ensure that no time is wasted and customers receive timely responses.

The system works by monitoring call queues in real time. When an agent is free, the dialer connects them to an outbound call from the list. If an inbound call comes in while agents are busy with outbound calls, the system either places the call on hold or redirects it, depending on your setup. This allows your outbound team to jump in and help decrease call queue times during a spike in traffic..

This flexibility makes blended dialers a great fit for smaller teams or businesses looking to get the most out of their available agents.

Blended dialers are best suited for businesses that handle significant volumes of both inbound and outbound calls but need to optimize a smaller, unified team.

For larger call centers with specialized teams, separating inbound and outbound operations may be more effective. Smaller businesses often benefit most from blending calls, as it allows them to maximize efficiency without adding staff.

Pros	Cons
Maximized agent productivity allows a smaller team to handle inbound/outbound. Minimal front-end complexity for agents who can use a single system for all calls. Improved satisfaction with prompt responses and consistent outreach.	Complex to manage compared to other dialers, and requires ongoing adjustment. Risk of agent fatigue from handling diverse responsibilities can increase burnout.