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WhatsApp Message Reminders Rolling Out to Beta Testers on Android

WhatsApp has started rolling out a new feature to beta testers that could make it easier to keep track of messages received on the app. The reminders feature that informs users about missed status updates has been updated with the ability to receive reminders for messages, on the latest beta version of the app for Android. The feature is designed in such a way that WhatsApp will only notify users about updates and messages from prioritised contacts, according to a feature tracker.

WhatsApp Message Reminders Rely on Internal Algorithm

After updating to WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.25.29 (via feature tracker WABetaInfo), the description for the feature seen under Settings > Notifications > Reminders has been updated to state that the app will provide occasional reminders for messages, in addition to status updates. Gadgets 360 was unable to access the feature even after installing the latest beta version, which suggests that it is slowly rolling out to testers.

whatsapp reminders wabetainfo Whatsapp

WhatsApp’s Reminders feature has been updated
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

Once the feature is turned on, users will see notifications about messages that they might not have seen on the app. WhatsApp has yet to provide any information related to how the feature works, or whether it will show reminders for unseen messages and status updates for all contacts.

According to the feature tracker, the Reminders feature will inform users about unseen messages from specific contacts, and these will be selected based on interactions in the app. The reminders will reportedly be based on an algorithm that runs on the user’s phone, so a fresh installation of WhatsApp will generate the list of contacts a user has been in touch with again.

It appears that the feature was designed to send out reminders for select conversations in order to prevent the app from inundating users with status updates and messages from all of their contacts. This feature is expected to roll out to more beta testers in the coming days, and could eventually be made available to all WhatsApp users at a later date.

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Smartphone Firms to Drop Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for Chipmaker’s Affordable Alternative in 2025, Tipster Claims

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Smartphone Firms to Drop Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for Chipmaker’s Affordable Alternative in 2025, Tipster Claims

Smartphone firms could move away from using flagship chipsets on their handsets and equip some models with a less powerful processor in 2025, according to a tipster. Instead of using the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Elite on their upcoming high-end smartphones, these companies are tipped to introduce certain models that are equipped with a less advanced chipset. The decision could help brands cut costs of the processor, which are expected to rise alongside chipmakers’ use of advanced fabrication technologies.

Why Smartphone Makers Might Switch Away From the Purported Snapdragon 8 Elite 2

It has only been a few weeks since Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite as the company’s most powerful mobile processor to date, but tipster Digital Chat Station (translated from Chinese) has already leaked details of next year’s flagship chipset. According to the leaker, who has a good track record when it comes to publishing details of unannounced smartphones, some high-end phones in 2025 may not feature the top-of-the-line processor.

snapdragon 8s elite digital chat station weibo snapdragon 8s elite

Photo Credit: Weibo/ Digital Chat Station

With the arrival of the more complicated Snapdragon 8 Elite, smartphone makers are able to offer more powerful handsets, but the cost of producing these models has also risen. Next year, the tipster claims that some handsets will be equipped with an SM8735 chipset, which is expected to debut as the Snapdragon 8s Elite.

It’s worth noting that the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 that was launched last year bears the model number SM8635, which suggests that the SM8735 model would have arrived as the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 before Qualcomm rebranded its flagship processor branding.

Over the past few years, Samsung has launched some Galaxy S handsets with an Exynos chipset, while the top-of-the-line Ultra model is always equipped with a flagship Snapdragon processor. The tipster suggests that makers could also use the Snapdragon 8s Elite in addition to the purported Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8850), on high-end phones in 2025.

As a result, handsets like OnePlus’ number series and Redmi’s K series, could adopt the Snapdragon 8s Elite on the less expensive model (such as the successor to the Redmi K80), while the “Pro” model could feature the high-end Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset.

It’s worth taking these claims with a grain of salt — Qualcomm recently unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip in October, which means we don’t expect the chipmaker to launch its successor until Q4 2025. However, we might hear more about the purported Snapdragon 8s Elite, in the coming months, going by the launch timeline of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which arrived in March 2024.

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TikTok Ban: US Appeals Court Upholds Law Forcing Its Sale Ahead of Deadline

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OpenAI Said to Aim to Attract More Investment by Removing ‘AGI’ Clause With Microsoft

OpenAI is in discussions to remove a clause that shuts Microsoft out of the start-up’s most advanced models when it achieves “artificial general intelligence”, as it seeks to unlock future investments, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

As per the current terms, when OpenAI creates AGI – defined as a “highly autonomous system that outperforms humans at most economically valuable work” – Microsoft’s access to such a technology would be void.

The ChatGPT-maker is exploring removing the condition from its corporate structure, enabling Microsoft to continue investing in and accessing all OpenAI technology after AGI is achieved, the FT reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Microsoft and OpenAI did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

The clause was included to protect the technology from being misused for commercial purposes, giving its ownership to OpenAI’s non-profit board.

“AGI is explicitly carved out of all commercial and IP licensing agreements,” according to OpenAI’s website.

The OpenAI board would determine when AGI is achieved, the website said.

OpenAI’s board is discussing the options and a final decision has not been made, the FT report said.

Microsoft-backed OpenAI was working on a plan to restructure its core business into a for-profit benefit corporation no longer governed by its non-profit board, Reuters reported first in September.

In October, OpenAI closed a $6.6 billion funding round which valued it at $157 billion.

© Thomson Reuters 2024

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Apple Said to Plan Three-Year Modem Rollout in Bid to Top Qualcomm

Apple Inc. is preparing to finally bring one of its most ambitious projects to market: a series of cellular modem chips that will replace components from longtime partner — and adversary — Qualcomm Inc.

More than half a decade in the making, Apple’s in-house modem system will debut next spring, according to people familiar with the matter. The technology is slated to be part of the iPhone SE, the company’s entry-level smartphone, which will be updated next year for the first time since 2022.

A modem is a critical piece of any mobile phone, letting the device connect to cell towers in order to make calls and link up with the internet. Apple’s first version of the component will be followed by further generations that become increasingly more advanced. The company aims to ultimately overtake Qualcomm’s technology by 2027, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the project is confidential.

Apple’s modem has been a long time coming. When the company set out to build the chip, it originally hoped to bring it to market as early as 2021. To jump-start the effort, the company invested billions of dollars to set up testing and engineering labs around the world. It also spent about $1 billion to acquire Intel Corp.’s modem group and millions more hiring engineers from other silicon companies.

Over the years, Apple encountered setback after setback. Early prototypes were too large, ran too hot and weren’t power-efficient enough. There also were concerns internally that Apple was simply developing a modem to get back at Qualcomm, following a legal battle over licensing payments that didn’t go the iPhone maker’s way.

But after adjusting development practices, reorganizing management and hiring scores of new engineers from Qualcomm itself, Apple is now confident that its modem plan will work, the people said. It would be a major win for the company’s hardware technologies team, which is run by Senior Vice President Johny Srouji.

Representatives for Apple and Qualcomm declined to comment.

Qualcomm has long been preparing for Apple to switch away from its modems, but the company still receives more than 20% of its revenue from the iPhone maker, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Its stock fell as much as 2% to a session low after Bloomberg News reported on Apple’s plans Friday. It closed at $159.51 in New York trading, down less than 1%.

Shares of Qorvo Inc., another component supplier at risk of being replaced by Apple’s modem efforts, declined as much as 6% before recovering. Apple shares were little changed.

When the iPhone SE debuts in a few months, it will have major new features, including Apple Intelligence and the edge-to-edge screen design already used in more upscale models. But its most impressive breakthrough won’t be visible to consumers: the in-house modem, code-named Sinope.

For now, the modem won’t be used in Apple’s higher-end products. It’s set to come to a new mid-tier iPhone later next year, code-named D23, that features a far-thinner design than current models. The chip will also start rolling out as early as 2025 in Apple’s lower-end iPads.

In preparation for the iPhone SE, Cupertino, California-based Apple has been secretly testing the new modem on hundreds of devices deployed to employees globally. And it has been doing quality assurance testing with its carrier partners around the world.

The company decided to start with lower-end products in part because a modem is a risky endeavor: If it doesn’t work properly, customers will suffer dropped calls and missed notifications. There’s little tolerance for that on Apple’s highest-end, $1,000-plus iPhones.

Moreover, Sinope isn’t as advanced as the latest modems from San Diego-based Qualcomm, meaning the first Apple modem is a downgrade from the component currently in the iPhone 16 Pro.

Unlike today’s high-end Qualcomm parts, the Sinope modem won’t support mmWave, a type of 5G technology used by Verizon Wireless and other carriers, primarily in major cities, that can theoretically handle download speeds of as much as 10 gigabits per second. Instead, the Apple component will rely on the Sub-6 standard, a more prevalent technology used by the current iPhone SE.

The first Apple modem will also only support four-carrier aggregation, a technology that combines bands from several wireless providers simultaneously to increase network capacity and speeds. Modems from Qualcomm can support six or more carriers at the same time.

In lab tests, the first Apple modem caps out at download speeds of about 4 gigabits per second, less than the top speeds offered by non-mmWave Qualcomm modems, the people said. Real world speeds for both types of modems are typically far less, meaning that customers might not notice a difference in day-to-day use.

In any case, the first Apple modem will have several other advantages that the company believes will give it an edge with consumers. For one, it will be tightly integrated with Apple-designed main processors to use less power, scan for cellular service more efficiently and better support on-device features for connecting to satellite networks.

The Apple modem will also be able to offer better performance relative to SAR limits because it will be managed intelligently via the main processor, the people said. SAR, or specific absorption rate, is a measure of the radio frequency absorbed by the body, and government agencies such as the US Federal Communications Commission regulate acceptable levels.

Apple is also planning to include support for DSDS, or dual SIM dual standby. That allows data connections on both SIM cards when a user is using two phone numbers for their device.

The new modem will be produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the manufacturer of the main processors inside the iPhone, iPad, Mac and other Apple devices.

To help build its modem, Apple rapidly expanded its office space in San Diego and other parts of Southern California, looking to poach talent from Qualcomm. Executives involved in the modem’s development believe that some of the resources and talent acquired from Intel in 2019 were inadequate, and that hiring from Qualcomm helped Apple overcome earlier setbacks.

Some of the development work for the modems has also taken place in Cupertino and offices in Munich.

The modem will work with another new Apple component: a radio frequency front-end system, or RFFE, called Carpo that helps devices connect to cellular networks.

That part will also take away business from Qualcomm, and could eventually affect Qorvo as well. Today, Apple uses Skyworks Solutions Inc. and Broadcom Inc. for so-called RF filters — relationships that will continue. Apple and Broadcom extended their supply agreement in 2023.

Shares of Broadcom gained 5.3%, while Skyworks climbed 1.7%.

In 2026, Apple looks to get closer to Qualcomm’s capabilities with its second-generation modem, which will start appearing in higher-end products. This chip, Ganymede, is expected to go into the iPhone 18 line that year, as well as upscale iPads by 2027

The big difference is that Ganymede will catch up to current Qualcomm modems by adding support for mmWave, download speeds of 6 gigabits per second, six-carrier aggregation when using Sub-6, and eight-carrier aggregation when using mmWave.

In 2027, Apple aims to roll out its third modem, code-named Prometheus. The company hopes to top Qualcomm with that component’s performance and artificial intelligence features by that point. It will also build in support for next-generation satellite networks.

Further out, Apple is discussing merging its modem and main processor into a single component.

© 2024 Bloomberg L.P.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro Review: Back in the Game?

Oppo’s Find X8 series, which consists of the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro, have been launched in India after a long break. The last Find X2 and Find X2 Pro were announced in 2020, and it’s been four long years since Samsung faced no real big-name challenger in the sub-Rs. 80,000 and Rs. 1,00,000 segments. This was until new products from the BBK umbrella and Google returned. Clamshell foldable, too, added some variety and colour to this segment, which is usually laser-focused on delivering the best all-rounders in the business.

Oppo’s arrival now adds to this growing selection of sub-Rs. 1,00,000 smartphones. The company’s latest smartphones are out to take on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ with the Oppo Find X8, undercutting the former by Rs. 10,000, while the Find X8 Pro retails at exactly the same price as the latter. Are Oppo’s latest flagships up to speed? Or do they fall short of their promises? Let me explain.

Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro Design: Busy buttons

  • Dimensions – 157.35×74.33×7.85mm (Find X8), 162.27×76.67×8.24mm (Find X8 Pro)
  • Weight – 193g (Find X8), 215g (Find X8 Pro)
  • Durability – IP68 & IP69 (dust and water)

The Find X8 has a no-nonsense flat design that looks and feels practical. The front and rear screens (Corning Gorilla Glass 7i) are flat, and the fit and finish are perfect, with no sharp edges, panel gaps, etc. Its design does feel very iPhone-like, but the edges of the flat sides are a bit sharper compared to what we have seen on the latest Apple iPhone 16 model.

oppo findx8 findx8pro review design flatvscurved gadgets 360 OppoFindX8 OppoFindX8Pro Oppo

Oppo’s Find X8 is a proper contrast to the Find X8 Pro in terms of design

The Find X8 Pro is a proper contrast to the Find X8’s design. It’s typically Oppo with a very stylish appearance thanks to its marble-like glass back. Its rounded corners and quad-curved Corning Gorilla Glass 7i screens give it a very premium feel. But its curved sides, along with its matte-finished rear panel, also make it very slippery.

I like the camera settings on both smartphones. It’s subtle, flatter, and colour-matched on the Find X8 but more prominent on the Find X8 Pro. The Pro’s camera module protrudes quite a bit because it has two periscope cameras included in its quad-rear-camera setup. The Find X8 Pro is certainly not as thick as the Find X7 Ultra, which was very camera-inspired with its faux leather and brushed metal design.

ExcessiveIP ratings aside, Oppo has also advertised a new Oppo Mag case, which lets you attach accessories like a cooler (fan) or a magnetic power bank (to the case), much like one would on a recent iPhone. However, the brand has been quiet about the pricing or availability of these accessories in India, and I did not get a chance to play with them at the global launch event either.

oppo findx8 findx8pro review design diff cameras big gadgets 360 OppoFindX8 OppoFindX8Pro Oppo

Oppo has given both smartphones a different design treatment for their respective cameras

The Oppo Find X8 Pro also incorporates another recent Apple idea: a capacitive camera button. As mentioned in my first impressions, the Quick Button is not exactly a button but a capacitive touch surface (the details of which Oppo refuses to explain). Unlike Apple’s Camera Control Button, made of glass, the curved patch on the frame seems to be made of metal.

You can double-press to start the camera in an instant and keep the button pressed when the camera app is open to capture pictures continuously (burst mode). You can also slide your finger over this Quick Button to zoom in and out. While this sounds like a delightful idea, it’s very tricky to seek and find the exact level of zoom (or focal length) you are looking to stop at.

oppo findx8 findx8pro review design quick button gadgets 360 OppoFindX8Pro Oppo

The Oppo Find X8 Pro’s Quick Button is very different from Apple’s Camera Control button in terms of function and usability

Nine out of ten times, I would stop at 1.3x or 2.9,x as the button is just not sensitive enough for accurate control, making it a gimmick. To make things worse, I also ended up ruining my composition a few times because I accidentally placed my fingers on the button (which adjusted the camera’s zoom) while capturing a photo. While reviewing the phone, I often forgot it was even there, as I found the on-screen controls more accurate and fuss-free while zooming.

Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro Display: As good as it gets

  • Display size – 6.59-inch FHD+ (Find X8), 6.77-inch FHD+
  • Display type – 120Hz, AMOLED,
  • Display Protection – Corning Gorilla Glass 7i

I preferred the flat, no-fuss display of the Find X8 over the Find X8 Pro’s quad-curved panel. The flat display of the Find X8 provides distraction-free viewing outdoors and also lends the phone a very modern appearance thanks to its super skinny bezel, which is even on all sides.

As for the quad-curved display on the Find X8 Pro, its sole purpose is aesthetics. Its curved edges add more reflections when viewing content outdoors, which can get distracting.

oppo findx8 findx8pro review display flatvsquadcurved gadgets 360 OppoFindX8 OppoFindX8Pro Oppo

Just like their designs, both the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro get very different displays

Both displays offer 800 nits typical and 4,500 nits peak brightness, which is more than sufficient when used outdoors. They showcase accurate colours when used with the default Natural screen colour mode and also support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision when streaming video content, which worked as expected.

Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro Software: Jack of all trades…

  • Software version – Android 15
  • Software – ColorOS 15
  • Software commitment (software + security) – 4+6 (Find X8) 5+6 (Find X8 Pro)

ColorOS 15 isn’t a brand-new mobile operating system but an overhauled version of the previous OS, along with some new additions and a fresh paint job. Personalisation now extends to the lock screen, letting you create new themes or pick from a vast selection of existing ones. However, these themes are only skin deep, as they only have a new wallpaper accompanied by a different preset clock style along with some vague captions on the lockscreen.

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Oppo’s ColourOS 15 is super smooth and offers plenty of customisation options

Surprisingly, there is no new font, but a slightly modified OPPO Sans that appears lighter and not as heavy (in default settings) as the previous one. Icon selection now includes a new Radiance pack, which looks a bit different by adding a mild glow to native app icons. The Shadow icon pack is very subjective and aims to ape Apple’s dark mode icons by adding a black border to all icons along with minimalist-looking system icons.

While I appreciate Oppo’s efforts to give its ColorOS 15 a refreshed appearance, it looks awful when put together. This is because the bouquet of customisation options somehow fails to complement one another. And then, there’s this obvious obsession with aping Apple’s iOS 18.

Unlike Google’s Gemini or Samsung’s Galaxy AI, which are deeply integrated into their respective operating systems, Oppo gives you a set of tools for those who need to use it. There are some that made it into the previous ColorOS 14, while some new ones have been added to ColorOS 15.

AI Eraser still does not work as well as it does on a Pixel (Left: Edited on Find X8 Pro, Centre: Original, Right: Edited on Pixel 9 Pro XL) (tap image to expand)

The AI Reflection removal tool does a decent job of removing reflections from photos. The AI Image Enhancer’s results are no different from the blurred images I fed it. All in all, Oppo’s AI efforts with image editing are good if you haven’t tried some of these out on a Pixel.

On the other hand, Oppo’s non-image editing AI tools performed as expected. AI Summary works well for quickly summarising any text visible on your display. AI Speak is also a useful replacement for the Google Pixel’s Read Aloud feature. However, you can get the same functionality by downloading the Reading mode app.

AI Reply also manages to generate decent replies based on what’s in your chats. The only catch is that it will only be able to capture information or context from the visible portion of your chat, so it may miss the context of the previous conversation and a few messages above.

oppo findx8 findx8pro review software ai features gadgets 360 OppoFindX8 OppoFindX8Pro Oppo

Oppo also goes with Google’s Gemini as its official virtual assistant for global markets but also packs in its own set of AI tools

Aside from native bloatware, FinShell Pay, FitBit, LinkedIn, Myntra, Netflix, Snapchat, and Spotify apps have been preinstalled. It is surprising to see so many third-party apps preinstalled on a high-end premium device like the Find X8 Pro, as most phones in this segment avoid going down that path. Out of these, you cannot uninstall the FinShell Pay app. Some may find these apps useful, but I usually prefer a clean slate like Google and Apple do on their devices. And if the third-party apps weren’t enough, there’s also a “Hot Apps” folder which you may or may not choose to indulge in.

Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro Performance: Up there with the best

  • Processor – MediaTek Dimensity 9400
  • RAM – 12/16GB (Find X8), 16GB (Find X8 Pro) LPDDR5X
  • Storage – 256/512GB (Find X8), 512GB (Find X8 Pro) UFS 4.0

You can fire up as many apps as you like, but ColorOS 15 does a fabulous job of keeping the software running smoothly. I faced no hiccups or even a hint of lag, and the 120Hz LTPO panels also made the transitions and animations appear fluid.

As for synthetic benchmarks, both smartphones with their MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoCs performed really well as premium devices. However, neither could defeat the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC that we recently tested in the Realme GT 7 Pro, which also outperformed the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (Review).

Benchmark Oppo Find X8 Samsung Galaxy S24 Google Pixel 9 Pro
Chipset Dimensity 9400 (3nm) Exynos 2400 (4nm) Tensor G4 (4nm)
AnTuTu v10 23,50,546 14,80,582 12,25,583
PCMark Work 3.0 12,768 16,910 13,800
Geekbench Single 2,818 1,845 1,872
Geekbench Multi 8,494 5,771 4,227
GFXB T-rex 60 119 120
GFXB Manhattan 3.1 60 119 107
GFXB Car Chase 60 109 62
3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL Maxed Out Maxed Out Maxed Out
3DM Slingshot Maxed Out Maxed Out Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life Maxed Out Maxed Out Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life Unlimited 23,380 13,576 2,615
Benchmark Oppo Find X8 Pro Galaxy S24+ Pixel 9 Pro XL Realme GT 7 Pro
Chipset Dimensity 9400 (3nm) Exynos 2400 (4nm) Tensor G4 (4nm) Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
AnTuTu v10 23,38,411 14,57,608 10,67,971 27,15,106
PCMark Work 3.0 12,868 16,157 12,922 25,876
Geekbench Single 2,787 1,987 1,944 2,953
Geekbench Multi 8,391 6,137 4,667 9,094
GFXB T-rex 60 118 120 60
GFXB Manhattan 3.1 60 120 105 60
GFXB Car Chase 60 108 54 60
3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL Maxed Out Maxed Out FTR Maxed Out
3DM Slingshot Maxed Out Maxed Out FTR Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life Maxed Out Maxed Out 8,902 Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life Unlimited 23,225 NA 9,294 24,042

I faced no heat-related issues when playing games like Asphalt Legends Unite, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Genshin Impact on either smartphone. I could max out graphics in all games, and the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor handled them well.

Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro Cameras: A stop short of greatness

Find X8

  • Primary camera – 50-megapixel, f/1.8, OIS
  • Telephoto camera – 50-megapixel, f/2.6, OIS, 3X optical (shared)
  • Ultrawide camera – 50-megapixel, f/2.0, AF (shared)
  • Selfie camera – 32-megapixel, f/2.4 (shared)

Find X8 Pro

  • Primary camera – 50-megapixel, f/1.6, OIS
  • Telephoto camera – 50-megapixel, f/2.6, OIS, 3X optical (shared)
  • Telephoto camera – 50-megapixel, f/4.3, OIS, 6X optical
  • Ultrawide camera – 50-megapixel, f/2.0, AF (shared)
  • Selfie camera – 32-megapixel, f/2.4 (shared)

oppo findx8 findx8pro review cameras gadgets 360 OppoFindX8Pro Oppo

Oppo’s Find X8 Pro’s camera setup is equipped with two pericope telephoto cameras

As explained in my first impressions, both smartphones share camera parts, as indicated in the specifications above. To give you a better idea about how well the Find X8 Pro’s camera performs, I have also inserted images taken from a Pixel 9 Pro XL for comparison.

Oppo Find X8 Pro ultrawide camera sample (tap image to expand)

The ultrawide camera left me unimpressed from the get-go. It captures images that are a bit soft in daylight and lack dynamic range, leaving out a lot of detail in the shadows. In low light, the image quality is not up to the mark, with objects lacking any texture in street-lit scenes. Lens-barrel distortion is also quite prominent. Overall, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL performs a lot better.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL (bottom) manages better detail and overall image quality compared to the Find X8 Pro (top) (tap images to expand)

Oppo Find X8 primary camera sample (tap image to expand)

Oppo Find X8 Pro primary camera sample (tap image to expand)

With the primary camera, the Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro tend to go with a contrasted appearance, reducing details in the shadows especially when shooting contrasted scenes on a sunny afternoon. The Find X8 and the Find X8 Pro offer a brighter camera with a wider aperture, resulting in slightly better low-light photos. Meanwhile, Google’s Pixel outdoes both of them as it produces better textures and resolved detail, whether shooting daylight or low light. Google’s Pixel also seems to have mastered HDR imaging, which is something the Oppo Find X8 series seems to struggle with, producing unnecessary details that aren’t visible in the scene when shooting.

The Find X8 Pro’s primary camera (top) struggles with resolved detail compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL (bottom) (tap images to expand)

I’ll go out on a limb and say that the Find X8 and X8 Pro’s telephoto cameras perform a lot better than their respective primary cameras in daylight. The 3X and 6X zoom cameras manage excellent detail and sharpness in daylight. The Pixel 9 Pro XL keeps using software magic and manages slightly less sharpness despite using its primary camera when capturing 3X shots. The 3X camera also performs well in low light, but the 6X camera, because of its narrow aperture, produces slightly soft and blurry shots. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL manages a lot better at 5X zoom, but the same cannot be said about 3X zoom.

Notice how the colours change when switching from the primary (top) to the 3X telephoto (centre) and the 6X telephoto (bottom) cameras (tap images to expand)

The Oppo Find X8 Pro’s 6X telephoto camera (top) snaps softer images in low light compared to the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 5X camera (bottom) (tap images to expand)

About a year late to the AI imaging game, Oppo went all out and even added some AI capabilities to its zoom cameras. The 50-megapixel telephoto camera is good for quality images up to 10X in daylight. But just in case you do want to zoom into things on your next vacation, the camera will enhance resolution between 10X to 60X zoom using image diffusion models. Photos captured at 60X zoom and higher can take advantage of AI Zoom, which actually takes a second to reconstruct an image. While the feature does improve the quality of the already textureless photos, using AI Zoom can be risky as it adds texture and, at times, random objects or shapes to images that aren’t even there. All said the Find X8 does have an edge over the Pixel 9 Pro in terms of zoom reach thanks to its 6X optical telephoto camera that delivers usable shots to about 20X. The 9 Pro XL manages good photos to 10X.

In the above images, the texture of the stucco wall has been enhanced by AI, but the chipped paint on the right side has been “reimagined” in some sort of random shape. Meanwhile, the green cycle in the first image gets a “magical” cleanup.

As for selfies, the Find X8 and X8 Pro manage sharp selfies in daylight and low light. Edges detection is excellent as well. However, faces come out a bit reddish in general. Google’s Pixel falters with edge detection but is accurate with skin tones.

Selfies from the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro show good detail and edge detection but tend to have a reddish tone

Across cameras, I also found Oppo colour tuning to be inconsistent, which was not the case with the Find X7 Ultra I tested earlier this year. The same applies to mature image processing (sharpness, contrast, detail), which is not found in the Find X8 series but is available on iPhones, Pixels, and the Galaxies in this segment.

Photos aside, I was mighty impressed by the phone’s video capabilities. The Find X8 Pro edges out the Find X8 in terms of overall quality, but the differences are very minor. 4K video captured at 30 or 60fps appears sharp has good stabilisation, and excellent dynamic range. I also tried shooting in Dolby Vision, and the results showed good contrast without going overboard. However, the frame rate takes a bit of a hit with random drops when panning. Low-light video capture is equally impressive in quality and noise control, but the frame rate isn’t perfectly stable, as it is on an iPhone. I also loved how I could zoom through cameras from 0.6X to 6X when recording video, which isn’t available on most smartphones.

Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro Battery: Impressive

  • Battery capacity – 5,630mAh (Find X8), 5,910mAh (Find X8 Pro)
  • Wired charging – 80W SUPERVOOC
  • Wireless charging – 50W AIRVOOC

The new carbon-silicon batteries allow Oppo to pack in a higher capacity inside the same space. So, even if the battery capacity has increased, the phone’s don’t appear any thicker or feel too heavy.

oppo findx8 findx8pro review battery life gadgets 360 OppoFindX8Pro Oppo

The Find X8 Pro can easily last a day and a half on a single charge

With heavy use, which also includes gaming, video streaming and camera usage, the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro easily lasted over a day. With casual use, the Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro can last up to two days, which is impressive for smartphones that are this thin and light. In our video loop battery tests, the Oppo Find X8 lasted 22 hours and 15 minutes, while the Find X8 Pro lasted 25 hours and 9 minutes, both of which are good figures for premium devices.

Wired charging speeds are impressive, given the higher-than-usual battery capacities. The Find X8 charges from zero to fully charged in 1 hour and 8 minutes, while the Find X8 Pro manages the same 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro Verdict

Given that the Find X series was missing in action for years, Oppo has priced its flagships well. Still, I wished Oppo would have taken its time and introduced an Ultra model instead of the Pro in India.

The Find X8 at Rs. 69,999 (12GB + 256GB) is an easy recommendation over Samsung’s Galaxy S24 (Review) and is a welcome addition to the rather limited selection of compact flagships we have here in India. It checks all the boxes for a compact flagship and has no competition when it comes to charging and battery life.

Things are a bit shaky for the Find X8 Pro, which is priced at Rs. 99,999 (16GB + 512GB). Firstly, its design feels premium, but it’s not as unique as the Find X7 Ultra (Review). Secondly, its camera performance isn’t consistent either, so those looking for a top-end Android flagship at around Rs. 1,00,000 are better off with a Galaxy S24+ (Review), a Pixel 9 Pro (Review), a Pixel 9 Pro XL (Review) or the Galaxy S24 Ultra (Review), unless all you are looking for is better battery life and fast charging.

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The Future in Your Pocket: 6 Ways the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Changes Everything

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 isn’t just a phone, it’s a device that changes how you use your smartphone in daily life. With its sleek foldable design and Galaxy AI prowess, most of whose features work seamlessly on-device, it doesn’t just meet your needs, it enhances your life. Whether you’re a content creator, a student, a professional, a traveller, or just a tech enthusiast, the Galaxy Z Fold6 has the brains to do it all. Here are 7 ways it’s changing the game:

1. Fold It, Flex It, Forget Your Tripod

The FlexCam on the Galaxy Z Flip6 is a content creator’s dream. Want the perfect selfie, hands-free? Fold the phone, prop it on a table, and let Auto Zoom keep the focus on you. Whether you’re shooting a group photo or a quick vlog, FlexCam ensures every shot looks polished, no extra gear required.

2. Smart Replies All Time

If thinking smart responses is not your cup of tea, then Galaxy Z Flip6 has your back. The Galaxy AI-powered ‘Suggested Replies’ feature analyses messages and offers smart responses as per the conversation. No more wasting time thinking of the perfect reply.

3. Travelling outside India? No Problem!

The Galaxy Z Flip6 breaks language barriers with Call Assist and Interpreter’s Conversation Mode. Use Call Assist for real-time translations during phone calls, whether you’re booking a table for dinner in Italy or chatting with someone in South Korea. For face-to-face interactions, Interpreter’s Conversation Mode splits the screen in two, one for your language and one for theirs, making conversations seamless and stress-free. Travel, work, or socialise, in another language without skipping a beat!

4. AI-Enhanced Photos and Videos

With the Photo Assist feature in Galaxy Z Flip6, your photos get upgraded. The Galaxy AI steps in to tweak your shots, whether it’s relocating objects, filling in backgrounds or enhancing details, it can do everything. There’s also Portrait Studio which helps you create beautiful profile photos using advanced AI effects. And with the Sketch to Image, you can transform your simple drawings into realistic AI images. If you are a video lover, the Instant Slow-Mo feature is perfect for you, as this AI tool can easily turn your regular videos into slow-motion clips. With these many AI-backed tools, you always create something unique.

5. Stay Organised with Note Assist

Life’s chaos, but your phone doesn’t have to be. The Galaxy Z Flip6’s Note Assist feature transcribes your voice recordings, summarise lengthy texts or documents. Whether you’re managing work projects or personal tasks, this Galaxy AI-powered feature keeps everything in order.

6. Browse Smarter, Not Harder

Reading in another language? Trying to understand an image-heavy page? With Browsing Assist, Galaxy AI overlays translations on web pages or images in real-time. It’s a brilliant way to decode information without breaking your flow.

Why the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Stands Out

What makes the Galaxy Z Flip6 so special is the way it fits into your life. Here are some standout reasons why this phone is worth the buzz:

  • Compact Power: It flips to fit in your pocket yet unfolds to reveal a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED screen.
  • Next-Gen Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it’s lightning-fast and can handle everything from gaming to video editing.
  • Durability You Can Trust: The Galaxy Z Flip6’s IP48 water and dust resistance means you can worry less.

Flip into the Future

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 isn’t just a phone, it’s a companion designed to adapt, innovate, and elevate. Whether you’re capturing memories, managing your day, or simply enjoying some free time, it makes every moment feel special. It’s time to rethink what your phone can do.

Also, there’s no better time to buy this phone than right now. Why? Because of Samsung’s ongoing Holiday campaign offer. You can now own the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 at no cost, 36-months EMI of Rs. 2500/month* (incl. Rs. 20000 instant cashback).

Own now: Buy Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 with AI | Price & Offers | Samsung India

*T&C apply.

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Redmi Note 14 5G to Be Available on Amazon; Colour Options, Key Features Revealed Ahead of India Launch

Redmi Note 14 5G will launch in India alongside the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ and Redmi Note 14 Pro on December 9. The lineup was unveiled in China in September with up to IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Indian variants of the smartphones are expected to be similar to their Chinese counterparts. Ahead of the India launch, the Amazon availability of the base Redmi Note 14 5G has been confirmed alongside key features and colour options.

Redmi Note 14 5G Amazon Availability in India

An Amazon India microsite for the Redmi Note 14 5G suggests that the phone will be eventually available for purchase in India via the e-commerce site. The listing reveals that the phone will have a similar design as the Chinese version and will be available in at least two colourways — black and white, both with marbled patterns. In China, the handset is offered in a third blue shade.

Redmi Note 14 5G India Variant Features

The Amazon listing, as well as the Xiaomi India microsite for the Redmi Note 14 5G reveals that the Indian variant of the phone will carry a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 primary rear camera sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS) support. The Chinese variant has a 2-megapixel secondary depth sensor and a 16-megapixel selfie shooter in the camera department. The Indian version could get similar camera features.

In India, the Redmi Note 14 5G is teased to have a bright display and come with advanced privacy features alongside an AI assistant called AiMi. The Chinese model sports a 6.67-inch full-HD+ AMOLED screen with up to 120Hz refresh rate, 2,100 nits of peak brightness level, and Corning Gorilla Glass protection. 

Similar to its Chinese counterpart, the Redmi Note 14 5G India variant could be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra SoC. It will likely come with an IP64-rated build for dust and resistance. The phone may pack a 5,110mAh battery with 45W wired fast charging support and is expected to run on Android 15-based HyperOS 2.0.

An earlier leak claimed that the Redmi Note 14 5G could launch in India priced at Rs. 21,999 for the 6GB + 128GB option, while the 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB variants are said to be priced at Rs. 22,999 and Rs. 24,999, respectively.

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Study Finds Venus Likely Never Had Oceans, Challenging Past Theories

A recent study published in Nature Astronomy has concluded that Venus likely never had oceans or conditions conducive to life. The research, led by Tereza Constantinou, a doctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy, analysed the planet’s atmospheric composition to infer its interior water content. The findings suggest that Venus’s interior is substantially dry, supporting the idea that the planet remained parched throughout its history. These conclusions challenge earlier theories suggesting Venus may have once held liquid water.

Key Indicators of a Dry Interior

As per reports, Venus’s atmospheric chemistry was a focal point of the study. Volcanism on Earth releases gases that are more than 60 percent water vapour, reflecting a water-rich mantle. In contrast, volcanic eruptions on Venus emit gases with no more than 6 percent water vapour. This stark difference indicates a dry interior, suggesting that Venus’s surface conditions were never capable of sustaining liquid water.

In a statement to Reuters, Constantinou explained that the atmospheric chemistry suggests that volcanic eruptions on Venus release very little water, implying that the planet’s interior—the source of volcanism—is equally dry.

Diverging Evolution of Sister Planets

Venus and Earth share many physical similarities, including size and composition. However, their evolutionary trajectories have diverged significantly. As per sources, Venus experiences extreme surface temperatures of approximately 465 degrees Celsius, atmospheric pressure 90 times greater than Earth’s, and sulphuric acid clouds in its toxic atmosphere. Constantinou highlighted these contrasts, stating that such conditions underscore the challenges in studying Venus’s history of habitability.

Future Exploration Plans

Upcoming missions aim to enhance understanding of Venus. NASA’s DAVINCI mission, scheduled for the 2030s, will deploy a descent probe to analyse the planet’s atmosphere and surface, as per reports. The European Space Agency’s EnVision mission will use radar mapping to explore Venus’s surface and atmospheric composition.

These findings provide insight into Venus’s inhospitable history, distinguishing it sharply from Mars, which has evidence of ancient oceans and potential subsurface water reservoirs, according to recent studies.

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SpaceX Falcon 9 Successfully Deploys 24 Starlink Satellites

A Falcon 9 rocket by SpaceX accomplished its 24th mission on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, according to reports. The rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 5:13 a.m. EST, carrying 24 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO). This achievement surpassed the previous 23 flights held by three Falcon 9 boosters. The milestone highlights the reliability and reusability of SpaceX’s Falcon rocket programme, as per sources.

Historic Reuse Milestone Reached

As per a report by Space.com, the Falcon 9’s first stage completed its 24th successful landing approximately eight minutes after liftoff. It touched down on the drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas,” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. The upper stage, meanwhile, deployed the Starlink satellites as planned, approximately 65 minutes post-liftoff. The Starlink constellation, noted as the largest satellite system globally, currently comprises over 6,750 operational satellites, a number that continues to expand steadily, according to SpaceX’s updates.

Significant Achievements for the Falcon Programme

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 has achieved over 400 launches and 378 booster landings, as per the company. This mission further underscores the progress of the Falcon family, which includes the workhorse Falcon 9 and the heavier Falcon Heavy variant. These advancements are significant in making space access more economical and sustainable. The booster used in this mission, now on its 24th flight, highlights the durability of SpaceX’s engineering, as per reports. This achievement is a benchmark in the space industry’s move toward frequent and reliable orbital missions.

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Nothing Rolls Out Community Widgets App, Brings Nokia’s Classic Snake Game to Its Smartphones

Nothing has introduced a new app called Nothing Community Widgets. As the name suggests, it features widgets such as games and tools for Nothing smartphones co-developed by its passionate user base. One of the first arrivals on the app is a snake game which pays homage to the classic snake experience on Nokia phones. It is exclusively available for Nothing smartphones such as the Nothing Phone 2a Plus and the Nothing Phone 2.

As per the British smartphone manufacturer, the idea for the Snake widget was proposed by Nothing community member Rahul Janardhanan in January. Instead of developing it in-house, the brand reached out to community developer Thomas Legendre who previously worked on Ear (web) and the Simone Glyph Game.

The Snake game can be placed on the home screen like any other widget. Similar to the retro Nokia game, the goal is to eat the red dots to make the snake grow longer in size while avoiding collision with itself. Each dot adds a point and its speed increases. The game ends if the snake collides with its body. However, the controls are vastly different. Instead of using the directional keypad buttons like it was required on Nokia phones, users can control the snake with swipe gestures.

Nothing says it aims to bring quality widgets created by the community and bundle them with its Community Widgets app which is hosted on the Google Play Store. Nothing community members can share concepts with the company and its software team will determine if it can be turned into a widget.

This move is part of the company’s ambitions to work with its community. Notably, the brand recently unveiled the Nothing Phone 2a Plus Community Edition, bringing a culmination of the Community Edition Project which began in March this year. It has been co-developed with the Nothing community at all stages — from hardware design, and wallpaper design to packaging design, and marketing campaign. The smartphone features a glow-in-the-dark design with a green phosphorescent material coating at the back.

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