Category: Technology News

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iPhone 16 Pro to Feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 for Enhanced 5G

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are set to provide enhanced 5G capabilities, thanks to Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X75 modem, according to tech analyst Jeff Pu. This addition will enable faster and more energy-efficient 5G connectivity for these new iPhone models.

In a recent research note with investment firm Haitong International Securities, Pu disclosed that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will come equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem. However, Pu anticipates that the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will stick with the Snapdragon X70 modem, which was used for the entire iPhone 15 lineup. This represents a shift in Apple’s typical strategy, as they have historically used the same Qualcomm modem across all models in each iPhone generation. This exclusion of the standard iPhone 16 models from the upgrade would be a change in approach for the company.

The Snapdragon X75, introduced in February 2023, brings several improvements, including advanced carrier aggregation and other technology enhancements that contribute to faster 5G download and upload speeds compared to the previous X70 model. The modem’s combined mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G transceiver is more space-efficient, taking up 25% less circuit board space, and it is also more power-efficient, using up to 20% less power, according to reports.

An important feature of the Snapdragon X75 is its support for the latest “5G Advanced” standard, which signifies a significant step forward in the realm of 5G technology, often described as the precursor to 6G. 5G Advanced is expected to introduce artificial intelligence and machine learning enhancements that will result in improved 5G performance. Moreover, it will expand the reach of 5G technology to a wider range of devices and applications.

In the marketing sphere, it is anticipated that Apple will emphasize the “5G Advanced” capabilities of the iPhone 16 Pro models, similar to how the iPhone 6s was marketed with “LTE Advanced” support in 2015.

While Apple has reportedly been developing its own 5G modem for iPhones since 2018, the project has encountered several development challenges. The launch of such a modem, if it ever comes to fruition, is not expected before 2025 or later. In the meantime, Apple has extended its 5G modem agreement with Qualcomm through 2026. Apple is projected to unveil the iPhone 16 lineup in September 2024, so there is still ample time before these devices become available to the public.

October 14, 2023
Xiaomi Set to Unveil Xiaomi 14 Pro on October 27: What to Expect

Xiaomi is getting ready to reveal the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro on October 27, although the company has kept quiet about these phones so far. Fortunately, thanks to information from OnLeaks, we now have a glimpse of what the Xiaomi 14 Pro will look like.

Similar to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the 14 Pro will have a display with a centered punch-hole to house the selfie camera. However, it appears the punch-hole on the 14 Pro will be slightly smaller than the one on the 13 Pro – 6.6 inches compared to 6.73 inches.

Turning our attention to the back of the phone, we see a prominent square-shaped camera module that will accommodate “up to four cameras,” along with some sensors.

The Xiaomi 14 Pro will feature a flat, metal frame. On the right side of the frame, you’ll find the volume rocker and power button, while the left side is notably devoid of any slots or controls.

At the bottom of the device, there’s a USB-C port, flanked by a SIM card slot, a microphone, and a speaker. Up top, we can likely spot the second speaker.

The information source claims that the Xiaomi 14 Pro will be 8.7mm thick (or 13.1mm thick if you include the camera bump), but the weight of the phone remains undisclosed.

If the rumored launch date is accurate, we can expect more details about the Xiaomi 14 Pro very soon. Stay tuned for further updates!

October 14, 2023
Xiaomi Launches Smart Switch Pro: Affordable Smart Home Solutions

Xiaomi has introduced two new products, the Xiaomi Smart Switch Pro and Xiaomi Smart Wall Socket Pro, which are now available for purchase at prices starting from 129 yuan (approximately $17) and 149 yuan (about $20), respectively.

Xiaomi Smart Switch Pro – Features
The Xiaomi Smart Switch Pro has several noteworthy features. It is designed to work with single-zero fire compatibility and supports an AI self-test adaptive mode. The device boasts an AG glass panel and an external AF coating to ensure it is resistant to oil stains, fingerprints, and scratches. This smart switch has a load power capacity of 2200W, and it includes a safety feature that automatically cuts off power if the rated power or temperature limits are exceeded.

Xiaomi Wall Socket Pro – Features
The Xiaomi Wall Socket Pro offers users three different control methods: remote control, scheduled control, and voice control via XiaoAI. It also supports dual-proto

col 20W fast charging and provides USB-A/C dual interfaces. Users can further customize its functions by pairing it with a Bluetooth Mesh gateway or a device that supports Bluetooth Mesh gateway functionality. This product is designed to replace traditional switches and sockets and can be integrated into automation scenes via the MIJIA app for intelligent control. Users can also monitor the daily and monthly power consumption of devices connected to the socket through the MIJIA app.

Prices
The Xiaomi Smart Switch Pro is priced at 129 yuan, while the Xiaomi Wall Socket Pro costs 149 yuan. Xiaomi has unveiled two new smart products, the Xiaomi Smart Switch Pro and Xiaomi Smart Wall Socket Pro, both of which offer various features to enhance user experience and home automation. These products are now available for purchase, with prices starting at 129 yuan and 149 yuan, making them accessible and affordable for a wide range of consumers.

October 13, 2023
Samsung and Google Team Up to Push Apple on RCS Adoption

Samsung has joined Google in their #GetTheMessage campaign to urge Apple to adopt the RCS (Rich Communication Services) standard for messaging. They uploaded a short video highlighting the divide between green and blue bubbles, symbolizing text messages between Android and iPhone users. The video aims to emphasize the need for unity in messaging, questioning why users should be kept apart based on their choice of smartphone.

This move comes after Google criticized the iPhone as “outdated” for sticking with SMS/MMS instead of adopting RCS. The video serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate regarding Apple’s reluctance to embrace RCS messaging. Apple CEO Tim Cook has been firm in his stance, suggesting that Android users should switch to iPhones if they want to avoid the color disparity in messaging.

Google has been running the #GetTheMessage campaign for over a year, advocating for the adoption of RCS on iPhones. They’ve highlighted the advantages of RCS, such as improved group chats, better multimedia sharing, end-to-end encryption for text security, typing indicators, read receipts, and the ability to send messages over Wi-Fi.

While this campaign has been ongoing, there has been little movement from Apple in adopting RCS. However, the European Union (EU) has recently taken a step to encourage competition among tech companies by designating six major firms as “gatekeepers” under the Digital Markets Act. While Apple’s iMessage was not initially included, there’s a possibility that an investigation could lead to Apple adopting RCS by August 2024.

The push for Apple to adopt RCS is driven by the desire to provide a more consistent and advanced messaging experience for all users, regardless of their choice of smartphone. Samsung’s support for Google’s campaign indicates that the issue remains a significant concern for the tech industry and consumers alike.

October 13, 2023
Parker Solar Probe: Journey to the Sun’s Heart Sets New Speed Record

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, the winner of PopSci’s Best of What’s New in 2018, continues to achieve remarkable feats. The spacecraft has been progressively moving closer to the sun than any previous spacecraft, setting new speed records along the way. In a recent update from NASA, it was revealed that the Parker Solar Probe has once again broken its own record by becoming the fastest human-made object, reaching an incredible speed of 394,736 miles per hour.

This milestone was accomplished thanks to a gravity-assist flyby from Venus. The record-breaking event occurred during the probe’s 17th “solar encounter,” which took place from September 27 to October 3. To put this extraordinary speed into perspective, the Parker Solar Probe could hypothetically complete about 15 circumnavigations of Earth in a single hour or traverse the distance between New York City and Los Angeles in just 20 seconds. However, such a journey would be unsurvivable for human passengers, but it remains an impressive achievement.

During this recent encounter, the probe also set a new record for proximity to the sun, coming within a mere 4.51 million miles from the sun’s scorching plasma “surface.” To withstand temperatures reaching nearly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, the Parker Solar Probe is equipped with a 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite shield to safeguard its sensitive instruments.

These instruments play a crucial role in measuring and imaging the sun’s surface, advancing our understanding of the origins and evolution of solar winds. Additionally, they aid in predicting changes in space environments that could impact life on Earth. In a significant event last month, the probe passed through one of the most intense coronal mass ejections (CMEs) ever observed, confirming a two-decade-old theory that CMEs interact with interplanetary dust. This discovery will enhance experts’ capabilities in forecasting space weather.

Despite the grueling conditions it encounters, NASA reports that the Parker Solar Probe remains in excellent health, with all systems operating normally. The mission is far from over, with seven more solar encounters planned through 2024. By that time, within the orbit of Mercury, the Parker Solar Probe will meet its poetic end, vaporizing into the sun’s intense solar winds, as one mission researcher described it back in 2021.

October 13, 2023
From Moscow to Vladivostok: The Epic Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest railway network, connecting Moscow with places like China, Mongolia, and North Korea. It’s an incredibly long journey that takes about seven to eight days without any interruptions. This vast railway system was built to meet the growing need for transportation and trade.

The railway became vital for maintaining Moscow’s connection with Siberia and for facilitating the movement of goods. It was also a way to ensure that Moscow could communicate with the Russian port of Vladivostok. But constructing the railway near Lake Baikal presented many challenges.

The construction of this railway network involved the efforts of refugees, retired soldiers, farmers, and day laborers. It expanded to connect hundreds of cities, even reaching Beijing. In 2011, a train traveled to North Korea for the first time.

Passenger travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway began as an experiment in 1904 and was officially launched in 1916. The entire railway system has been electrified, allowing trains to run at speeds of over 100 kilometers per hour. While the primary purpose of the railway is to transport cargo, it has become increasingly popular with tourists. Passenger trains have been introduced to cater to the desires of travel enthusiasts.

You can embark on this incredible journey for a minimum cost of £114. The train offers amenities like a library, gym, and fine dining, making your travel experience enjoyable. You can explore this vast network at any time of the year, and the train’s climate control ensures comfort during the winter months. Traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway is a remarkable adventure that allows you to experience various landscapes and cultures along the way.

October 11, 2023
Space Elevators and the Future of Space Exploration

A well-known scientist named Arthas, who hails from Britain, once discussed the concept of a space elevator that could transport people into outer space. He provided scientific explanations for this idea, which piqued the interest of many other scientists. While it might sound like a product of imagination, history has shown that many seemingly impossible concepts have become reality through scientific innovation.

In a remarkable development, a Japanese company has decided to construct a space elevator for reaching space. Their ambitious goal is to commence construction by the year 2025. Owaisi Corporation, the Japanese company leading this initiative, envisions a future where people can access space safely and conveniently using these space elevators.

The proposed space elevator is designed to stretch from the surface of Earth all the way into space. It will be capable of transporting electromagnetic materials, people, and heavy cargo from Earth to the depths of space. The company has set a target to complete this monumental construction project by the year 2050.

Building a space elevator holds the promise of making space travel significantly easier and more cost-effective. Currently, space travel by rocket is prohibitively expensive, with a single rocket launch costing approximately $22,000 to send cargo into space. In contrast, a space elevator could accomplish the same task for just a fraction of the cost, reducing expenses by up to 90%.

Additionally, the space elevator could serve as a vital port or hub for extended space missions. It will be constructed using an incredibly long carbon cable measuring 36,000 kilometers. Part of this cable will be anchored to the Earth’s surface, while the other part will extend into orbit. The space elevator’s opposite end will be securely connected to a space station, ensuring balance and stability.

To transport people and cargo, electric-powered robotic cars will be employed as elevators within the structure. While the initial construction of the space elevator is expected to incur substantial costs, the long-term benefits and opportunities it offers are immense. This pioneering project has the potential to revolutionize space travel, making it more accessible and affordable for all.

October 11, 2023
Secretive Bunkers and Venomous Snakes: Google Maps’ Enigmatic Spots

Google Maps is a powerful tool that allows us to explore almost every corner of the Earth, from the west to the east and from the south to the north. However, there are some places on our planet that Google Maps has marked as truly terrifying and shocking. In this article, we will discuss a few of these eerie locations.

1. Raven Rock Mountain Complex
Located in Pennsylvania, USA, the Raven Rock Mountain Complex is a massive underground bunker designed for protection during a nuclear war. It serves as an essential hub for various urgent military activities, often likened to an underground Pentagon. Access to this facility is strictly restricted, and the public is prohibited from inquiring about its operations.

2. Ilha Queimada Grande
Nestled off the coast of Brazil in the Atlantic Ocean, Ilha Queimada Grande is a small island that harbors thousands of venomous snakes, including the deadly golden pit viper. Interestingly, venomous snakes are rare in Latin America, but this island is an exception. The snake population is dwindling due to predation by hawks, with approximately one pit viper snake per square kilometer.

3. Bohemian Grove
Situated in the United States, Bohemian Grove spans an expansive 2,700 hectares. Each July, an exclusive and secretive gathering takes place here, attended by individuals from various professions, including musicians and celebrities. The meetings, which last for one to two weeks, are shrouded in mystery, with the content of discussions and actions taken remaining unknown to the public. Notably, women are not permitted to participate in these gatherings.

4. Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Located near Norway in the North Sea, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is an extensive facility that stores approximately 25 million tons of food grains. This vast seed vault is designed to safeguard food supplies in the event of a severe global food crisis. It is a project initiated and maintained by Norway, with the goal of ensuring food security for the world’s population.

October 10, 2023
Meta Quest 3: The First Mixed-Reality Headset for Everyday Users

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, recently held its annual ‘Connect Developers Conference,’ where Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a host of new software and hardware developments. The conference took place virtually on September and while many expected Zuckerberg to wrap up the discussion on the metaverse, the focus remained on making the metaverse more accessible and user-friendly.

Rather than being purely virtual, Meta plans to create a mixed reality AR platform. As part of this vision, Meta introduced two new hardware devices in collaboration with Ray-Ban: the ‘Meta Quest 3’ and ‘Meta Smart Glasses.

In addition to the hardware announcements, Meta introduced its new chatbot system powered by Llama2 technology. According to Zuckerberg, these virtual 3D avatar-based chatbots, entirely created through AI, will serve as future customer support representatives, receptionists, and spokespersons on company websites.

Ray-Ban’s focus with the Meta Smart Glasses is to provide a heads-up display experience rather than a fully immersive virtual world. These glasses can be worn just like regular eyeglasses and come equipped with a built-in camera for taking pictures and livestreaming. The glasses also feature speakers and microphones for listening to music and using the Meta virtual assistant. Prices for the Meta Smart Glasses start at $299, and pre-orders are currently available.

The Meta Quest 3 is being promoted as the company’s first mixed-reality headset. While Apple’s Vision Pro is not yet on the market, Microsoft’s HoloLens remains primarily within corporate settings, and Google’s Glass project was abandoned long ago without a wide consumer release.

The Meta Quest 3 faces the significant challenge of demonstrating the usefulness and necessity of an AR headset for everyday users. Its popularity will depend on the development of future AR platforms.

The headset is equipped with two cameras that capture the user’s surroundings and overlay virtual content using the new Snapdragon XR 2 Gen 1 processor. This powerful processor can render graphics at a resolution exceeding 4K, a significant improvement over the Quest 2’s limit of 1080p Full HD. The Meta Quest 3 is available for pre-order starting at $499.

October 10, 2023
Unique Story of Migingo Island: Disputed Territory in Lake Victoria

Migingo Island, situated in Africa, holds a unique and intriguing status. It is located on the eastern side of Lake Victoria and is known for its astonishingly small size, even smaller than a football field. Surprisingly, despite its diminutive dimensions, the island is home to a significant population.

The island finds itself at the center of a dispute between Uganda and Kenya, both nations asserting their claims over it. This tiny piece of land, surrounded by water, has become a focal point of contention.

Migingo Island can be described as one of the most densely populated islands globally, with over 100 people residing in just two thousand square meters of space. Approximately 500 people call this island their home, and their primary occupation is fishing.

The majority of the island’s fishermen do not own their own boats, and their income from fishing is meager. As a result, many of them lead challenging lives, residing in makeshift slums that they constructed on the island back in 2004.

Remarkably, there is only a single mobile phone charging shop on the island, where some salon services are also offered. Basic healthcare services have been established to address minor ailments, including malaria. Additionally, there are casino locations on the island.

The reason behind the dispute over ownership of Migingo Island lies in the fact that it takes around two hours to reach the island from Kenya. Kenyan residents of the island have petitioned their government to seek ownership through the International Court of Justice. Despite the sizable population, the island has only three toilets to serve hundreds of people.

Interestingly, there are brothels on the island, providing entertainment for the fishermen. Unfortunately, Migingo Island is marred by heaps of garbage and waste encircling its entirety. The prevalence of harmful insects is also a significant issue, contributing to health problems, including the spread of diseases like AIDS and malaria.

For those who hold Kenyan nationality on the island, they are permitted to return home once a week. Starting in 2004, Uganda began deploying armed forces to the island and collecting taxes under the guise of protecting the fishermen.

In response, Kenya dispatched naval personnel to the island. The lack of effective law and order enforcement between the islands has led to numerous complaints from fishermen about the actions of law enforcement officers from both countries.

October 10, 2023