Monday, July 31, 2023

Apple Supplier Foxconn Said to Invest $500 Million to Build Component Factories in India

Apple's main supplier, Foxconn Technology Group, is planning to invest close to $500 million (roughly Rs. 4,115 crore) to build two component factories in India. At least one of the factories that the Taiwanese company plans to construct in Karnataka will produce Apple parts, including for iPhones, people familiar with the matter said.

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Elon Musk Takes Product and Engineering Chief Role at X, Yaccarino to Lead All Other Divisions

X owner Elon Musk and Chief Executive Linda Yaccarino will both oversee the trust and safety team at the company formerly known as Twitter, the social media concern said on Monday. X's product and engineering team will report to Musk, while Yaccarino will oversee all other divisions, including human resources, legal, finance, sales and operations, X said.

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What is a smart TV: Everything you need to know

If you’re relatively new to doing your own tech shopping, or you’ve just been content with a traditional TV until now, you probably have a number of questions about smart TVs. We’ll explain all of the essentials below, as well as answer some less obvious questions you might have.

What is a smart TV, and how does it work?

Info widgets on the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED

Credit: Amazon

Broadly defined, a smart TV adds software, Wi-Fi, and internet connectivity to the features of a traditional TV. We say typically because you could hypothetically have a smart TV that lacks Wi-Fi and/or internet — it just wouldn’t feel very “smart” in practice, since it wouldn’t do much extra.

The software on a smart TV consists of three main elements: 1) the operating system (OS), 2) the user interface (UI) that controls the OS, and 3) the apps that run on the OS. When people refer to a smart TV “platform,” they mean a specific OS/UI combo such as Roku, Google TV, Fire TV, or Apple’s tvOS.

A smart TV adds software, Wi-Fi, and internet connectivity to the features of a traditional TV.

Apps are the centerpiece of a smart TV, offering functions beyond tuning into antenna, cable, or satellite broadcasts. Some come pre-installed, while others have to be downloaded from an app store. Many of these are actually free to download, but only because they’re supported by advertising and/or paid subscriptions. The best-known example may be Netflix, which is accessible on every platform but useless until you pay for a plan. You may or may not be able to sign up for a subscription in-app, depending on both the service and the platform. If not, you’ll likely have to subscribe via a website.

Internet connectivity is essential not just for downloading apps but for using them. Unless they’re offline games, most apps are streaming on-demand media from remote servers. Some apps, like Plex, can access media you host on your computer or another local server device, but even these often have to touch base with the internet, if only to call up a portal interface and/or fetch media data and cover art.

Smart TV remotes are frequently enhanced, adding things like service shortcuts and button-triggered voice control. Indeed many TVs can be controlled by smart speakers and smart displays as long all devices support the right smart home platform(s). There’ll be more to say on that subject later — for now, we’ll add that it’s common for TVs to offer control via mobile apps as well, including remote-like functions and pushing media wirelessly using technologies like Apple AirPlay and Google Cast.

What other features does a smart TV have?

plug the other end of your hdmi cable into the hdmi port on your television

Credit: Curtis Joe / Android Authority

We’ve already addressed the features that make a TV smart, but beyond that, features are pretty similar. On the back of any given set you’ll find a variety of ports, primarily HDMI connections for hooking up consoles, media streamers, computers, and sometimes speakers and receivers. Both your ports and peripherals need to support ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) to use HDMI connections for speaker audio. HDMI 2.1 is the latest and greatest standard, supporting not just eARC but things like 8K resolution.

You may also see ports for features like DisplayPort video, USB data, optical audio, Ethernet networking, and coaxial antenna/cable signals. What you’re increasingly unlikely to see, however, are connections for older video formats like composite or component video. Those are technically inferior to HDMI and DisplayPort, only useful if you have an older DVD player, camcorder, console, or VCR. You can buy an HDMI adapter if it’s absolutely essential to connect that hardware.

Most TVs now offer 4K resolution with HDR (High Dynamic Range).

The built-in speakers for smart TVs are increasingly impressive. While they still aren’t as good as a dedicated soundbar or multi-speaker sound system, they’re beginning to deliver respectable bass, and even support spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos. That’s plenty good for casual viewing. Some TVs include microphones for remote-free voice control.

As for display technology, most TVs now offer 4K resolution with HDR (High Dynamic Range). There are multiple HDR standards, dominated by HDR10/10 Plus and Dolby Vision. You can still find TVs with 1080p or even 720p resolution, but typically only at sizes of 40 inches or less. The most popular sizes are between 50 and 65 inches, and you can go higher if money allows.

8K TVs are slowly starting to proliferate, but they’re still too expensive for the average person, easily costing around $1,500 as a base and more likely upwards of $2,000 or $3,000. Some can top $10,000. They’re not even a wise investment at this point, since very little content is available to stream or buy in 8K — you’ll probably be watching upscaled 4K video.

Are all smart TVs the same?

roku smart tvs

Credit: Roku

No, naturally. They all offer different platforms and specifications, and manufacturers tend to upgrade their hardware every year. A Roku-based TV made in 2023 will offer far better performance and features than one made in 2015, for example. In that sense smart TVs are no different than cars, computers, or gaming consoles.

When shopping, it’s critical to weigh cost against quality and futureproofing. You might for instance save money by buying an older TV that doesn’t support HDMI 2.1 or offer the best brightness and contrast, but you’ll be kicking yourself if it means squinting during daytime viewing, or being unable to use the latest speaker systems.

Choose your platform carefully.

If you skip a third-party media streamer — which, as we explain in the link, you should strongly consider — a TV’s native OS becomes extremely important. Regardless of whether you connect your TV to a smart home platform like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, you’ll prefer one UI over others, and there are few things more irritating on a smart TV than an awkward control scheme.

When you do integrate a TV into a smart home platform, you can take advantage of automations. A custom “OK Google, it’s movie night” command in Google Assistant might dim the lights, close the blinds, and launch an app on your Google TV. Similar possibilities exist with platforms like Alexa and Apple HomeKit, but it’s vital to check that your TV and any smart home devices are compatible.

Can you turn a regular TV into a smart TV?

Apple TV Plus on a 2022 Apple TV 4K

Credit: Apple

Yes. That was the original purpose of add-on media streamers, in fact. Those connect to one of your TV’s HDMI ports, and supply a separate OS, processor, and storage. They also come with a dedicated remote.

You can buy add-on streamers from companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, Roku, NVIDIA, and TiVo. Be sure to research the platform each device uses though, and don’t skimp on specs. Some streamers don’t support every HDR or audio standard that your TV does, or even 4K resolution. When format support is equal, some streamers may still offer superior processing power — the latest Apple TV 4K uses the same processor found in the iPhone 13 lineup.

Does a smart TV need cable?

sling tv big screen tv

Credit: Sling TV

No, you don’t need a cable TV subscription, or a satellite subscription for that matter. You don’t even need an antenna. Many people are now buying TVs without any intention of using those options, instead preferring on-demand internet services.  There are a variety of internet-based live TV services, too, if you insist on having access to live news, events, and sports that can’t be found through something like YouTube or Twitch.


Frequently asked questions

Do you need a soundbar for a smart TV?

No, all modern TVs come with built-in speakers. A soundbar or other external speakers will noticeably improve sound quality, though.

Do you need a smart TV for Roku?

No, but if you don’t buy a TV with Roku built in, you’ll need to buy an add-on streaming device like the Roku Ultra.

Does a smart TV have a camera?

Some might, but most don’t. Privacy concerns aside, there isn’t much demand for it. There are often better ways to make video calls, and security is better handled by dedicated cameras from brands like Arlo, Ring, Wyze, and Google Nest.

Do smart TVs have Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a common feature now, mostly for pairing controllers and/or wireless headphones.

What brand of smart TV is best?

The answer to this is constantly in flux, but the premier brands are usually Sony, Samsung, and LG, not necessarily in that order. You can get excellent cheap TVs from brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio if you’re willing to sacrifice some frills.

Can a smart TV be used as a computer monitor?

Yes, and we’ve tested it out. Pay close attention to specs though — you’ll need a set with 4K resolution, as well as a 120Hz refresh rate (or higher) if you plan to do any gaming. If you want to use one at your desk, it can be tough to find a 4K model that’s small enough. Anything over 42 inches is probably too unwieldy.



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Lenovo allegedly prepping an 8-inch Windows-based Steam Deck competitor

Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 logo with hinge
Credit: Eric Zeman / Android Authority
  • According to a new rumor, there could be a so-called Lenovo Legion Go device in the works.
  • This would be a Windows-powered gaming handheld similar to an ASUS ROG Ally or Steam Deck.
  • Allegedly, the Legion Go could have an 8-inch display and a brand new AMD Ryzen chip.

Although there had been plenty of handheld gaming PCs on the market beforehand, Valve’s Steam Deck really changed the market. Now, it seems everyone is trying to grab a piece of the pie, most notably ASUS with its well-received ROG Ally.

Now, it appears Lenovo could step into the fold. According to a rumor stemming from Windows Central, there could be a so-called “Lenovo Legion Go” in the works. Legion is the sub-brand Lenovo uses for its gaming products. If you’ll remember, this is where the company put its gaming phones, but Lenovo fully exited that market earlier this year.



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The best Boost Mobile deals of August 2023

Boost Mobile switch button

If you want to switch to a contract-free prepaid carrier in the US, Boost Mobile is one of the best options around. It has a wide range of premium and affordable smartphones available and provides many deals on devices and plans. The Sprint and T-Mobile merger resulted in one major change for the best Boost Mobile deals — the MVNO is now part of Dish Network.

In other words, Boost is going to be around for a while. We still highly recommend the carrier and feel that now is a great time to sign up, as there are plenty of solid deals to be had this month. 



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The iPhone 15 series could gain an overdue ergonomic change

Apple iPhone 14 Pro rear view showing camera.

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
  • The iPhone 15 series could have edges that are less sharp than before.
  • This would make for a more ergonomic and overdue change.
  • It’s also believed Apple is sticking with physical buttons due to “engineering problems.”

Apple’s iPhones have stainless steel edges, but one common complaint is that they can be a little too sharp for many people. Now, a trusted source has claimed that Apple could address this for the iPhone 15 series.



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Sunday, July 30, 2023

Walmart Buys Out Tiger Global’s Stake in Flipkart for $1.4 Billion: Report

Walmart has paid $1.4 billion to buy out hedge fund Tiger Global's investment in e-commerce firm Flipkart, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing a letter by the hedge-fund to its investors.

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Is ChatGPT safe? Risks, data safety, and chatbot privacy explained

ChatGPT stock photo 2
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Whether it’s drafting an essay or researching a problem at work, ChatGPT has become the go-to tool for just about any language task. Indeed, the chatbot’s ability to take in large amounts of data and process it within seconds makes it extremely valuable. But does that convenience come at a cost and can you trust ChatGPT to keep your secrets? It’s a question worth asking since many of us drop our guard around chatbots and computers in general. So in this article, let’s ask and answer a simple question: is ChatGPT safe?

Is ChatGPT safe to use?

Yes, ChatGPT is safe in that it cannot cause any direct harm to you or your computer. Since both web browsers and smartphone operating systems like iOS use a security technique known as sandboxing, ChatGPT cannot access the rest of your device. So in other words, you don’t have to worry about your system getting hacked or infected with viruses while using the official ChatGPT app or website.



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Can ChatGPT solve math problems? Best practices, plugins, and alternatives

chatgpt who are you stock photo
Credit: Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority

From writing essays to coding programs, there’s seemingly nothing modern AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Bing Chat cannot accomplish. But even though they seem limitless on the surface, they’re certainly not perfect. For one, these chatbots tend to make factual errors when talking about an obscure or lesser-known subject. Likewise, you may have heard that ChatGPT isn’t very adept at solving math problems.

So in this article, let’s dissect ChatGPT’s mathematical abilities and see how you can improve the chatbot in this area.



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Now that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is out, you should buy the Z Fold 4

Opinion post by
Hadlee Simons

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is officially here and the final product seems very much in line with what we expected from those rumors and leaks. Although Samsung is bringing a few improvements to the table, it’s clear that the Z Fold 5 is merely a minor upgrade from the Z Fold 4. That’s why, with bigger deals and discounts, we think the best Galaxy Fold to buy right now is the older Galaxy Z Fold 4.

Few upgrades on paper

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 google discover



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Samsung is the Apple of the foldable market

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 back panel
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Opinion post by
Robert Triggs

“Success breeds complacency” — an old adage that’s very apt when discussing Samsung’s latest foldable line-up. If you’d been hoping for Samsung to rip up the playbook in favor of more daring fifth-generation foldables, disappointment was inevitable. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 may remain the pinnacle of the form factor, but it’s hard not to have come away from the recent announcements a little deflated, perhaps even bored by the industry’s supposedly most innovative area of development.

Aside from the bigger cover screen on the Flip, flatter hinge, and marginally upgraded internals, you’d struggle to tell these products apart from their predecessors. It’s all very incremental and has been for years. You could go back two, perhaps even three generations, and still struggle to pick out a compelling reason to upgrade to the new model. The sluggish pace of innovation is all very iPhone-esque — a pretty sorry state of affairs for the industry’s fledgling form factor.



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All I want Google, Samsung, and Apple to do is copy this Garmin watch feature

A Garmin Instinct 2X shines its flashlight and peak brightness onto a dark desk.
Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Opinion post by
Kaitlyn Cimino

I’m not shy about my appreciation of Garmin devices, especially when it comes to trekking up mountains and getting lost in the woods. However, my latest Garmin obsession has nothing to do with stats or GPS accuracy. Instead, it’s an add-on feature I’m jonesing to see other wearable brands adopt. The Garmin LED flashlight ceremoniously making its way to many of the company’s top multisport devices is surprisingly useful, and not just for adventuring. I’d drop extra cash to see leaders like Samsung, Apple, and Google elevate their smartwatches with this highly-useful tool.

I desperately want to see Samsung, Apple, and Google adopt Garmin's built-in LED flashlight on their own devices.

Before you get your hands on an equipped Garmin watch, an LED flashlight on your fitness tracker may sound like a gimmick. Even listing top use cases makes the addition sound logical, but not wholly necessary. Once you’ve strapped one to your wrist though, I assure you, you’ll be sold. Just like the flashlight on your smartphone, Garmin’s built-in flashlight comes in handy on a daily basis for everyday tasks.



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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Price in India, Specifications Compared

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 was launched at the company's Galaxy Unpacked held in July. The smartphone, successor to last year's Galaxy Z Flip 4, is powered by a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. The South Korean tech giant hosted another Galaxy Unpacked event in February this year, where it announced the launch of the Galaxy S23 series. The top-of-the-line Galaxy S23 Ultra ...

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Saturday, July 29, 2023

ITR Filing: How to Check IT Return Status Online

The deadline to file ITR (Income Tax Return) without any late fee is approaching closer. The last date to file ITR for assessment year 2023-24 is July 31. So far, the Income Tax Department has not announced any extension in the last date for filing ITR. One can easily file ITR online using a few simple steps. Once the ITR is filed, all taxpayers await the tax returns...

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The Weekly Authority: 📦 Galaxy Unpacked, unpacked plus Google’s foldable tablet

⚡ Welcome to The Weekly Authority, the Android Authority newsletter that breaks down the top Android and tech news from the week. The 255th edition here with everything from Galaxy Unpacked, the possibility of a foldable Google tablet, a Sony Xperia 5 V video leak, pizza-scented Xbox controllers, and more…

👻 This week I’ve been hunting for something new to get my teeth into now Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is finished (it was GOOD!) and I’m eyeing Gylt. I have a feeling nothing is going to live up to the spookiness of Oxenfree for now, though, so I’m also going to replay the first game. Can you believe it’s been seven years since it was released?



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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s Worldcoin Crypto Under European Regulators Scrutiny

Less than a week after its launch, the Worldcoin crypto project of OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman is already under scrutiny by European regulators over its reliance on an eye scan to verify a user's identity, France's data protection agency said Friday.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Live Image Leaked; Tipped to Get Slower Wireless Charging Capacity

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is confirmed to launch soon. The phone has previously been listed on Geekbench with two SoC variants. Recently, a live image of the phone was leaked online and it was also spotted on a wireless charging database, suggesting that it will come with a slower charging capacity than the other Galaxy S23 models.

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Friday, July 28, 2023

Vedanta Chairman Says Their $5 Billion Made-in-India Chip Will Be Ready in 2.5 Years

Vedanta group chairman Anil Agarwal on Friday said that the first phase of its semiconductor project will involve a $5 billion (roughly Rs. 41,300 crore) investment of the overall $20-billion (roughly Rs. 1,64,500 crore) outlay, and the venture will be ready with made-in-India chip in two and a half years.

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US President Said to to Sign New Order to Limit US Tech Investments in China by Mid-August

US President Joe Biden is planning to sign an executive order to limit critical US technology investments in China by mid-August. The order focuses on semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. It won't affect any existing investments and will only prohibit certain transactions.

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What is Google’s Enhanced Safe Browsing?

If you’ve been using Google’s web services lately — and the odds are good, since you’re at Android Authority — you’ve probably been pestered about activating something called Enhanced Safe Browsing. But what does it do exactly, and are there downsides you need to consider before turning it on?

QUICK ANSWER



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Thursday, July 27, 2023

iPhone 15 Pro Models May Cost Up to $200 More Than iPhone 14 Pro Variants: Report

iPhone 15 Pro models will reportedly come with a higher price tag than the ongoing models. The iPhone 15 Pro will reportedly cost up to $100 (roughly Rs. 8,000) more than the iPhone 14 Pro whereas the iPhone 15 Pro Max could see a price hike of $100 to $200 (roughly Rs. 26,000) more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Pricing would remain similar for the standard iPhone 15 an...

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 battery and charging speeds: How long does it last?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 crease and bezels
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

For years, Samsung managed to maintain a comfortable lead in the foldable smartphone market. But in 2023, rival smartphone brands like Google and OPPO have finally started to challenge this dominance. Against this backdrop, Samsung has launched its latest Galaxy Z Fold 5 with a revamped hinge, slimmer design, and faster internals. But to most people, the day-to-day usability of a smartphone matters much more than the exterior. So in this article, let’s analyze the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s charging speeds and find out how long its 4,400mAh battery will last you.

QUICK ANSWER

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 retains the same 4,400mAh battery as the previous generation. It supports 25W charging via the USB Power Delivery PPS protocol. With the correct charger, we expect the phone to fully charge up within 85 minutes.



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Meta’s Reels Revenue Gets AI Boost to Close in on TikTok, Set to Jump to $10 Billion This Year

On Wednesday, Meta revealed numbers that show Reels videos are growing rapidly among both users and advertisers and are quickly catching up to the ByteDance-owned TikTok app that is beloved by young users and has reshaped the social media landscape.

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Galaxy S23 could get a taste of Android 14 as soon as next week

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 in hand
Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
  • A Samsung customer support representative said that the One UI 6.0 beta program will start on August 2 for the Galaxy S23.
  • The Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A54 may be the next devices that get the beta.
  • The Galaxy S23 beta program was initially expected to launch in July.

Today, Google released Android 14 beta 4.1, which at this point, is in its stable phase. While the beta is currently only available for the Pixel, Galaxy S23 series users could get Samsung’s take on the OS soon.

According to SamMobile, a German Samsung customer support representative appears to have let it slip that the One UI 6.0 beta program will launch on August 2 for the Galaxy S23 series. If you’re unfamiliar with One UI, it is Samsung’s version of Google’s Android platform. In addition to this news, it was also revealed that this beta program would come to the Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A54 next on August 9.



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The best new streaming shows this week on Netflix, Paramount, Hulu, and more

oneplus pad netflix menu
Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

It’s hard to keep track of which streaming service is premiering which new show or movie from week to week. Netflix used to be king, but the streaming field is full of alternatives, and they’re all regularly pumping out new content. So, what are the best new streaming shows and where can you watch them?

Every week, we answer that question for you, offering some exciting new and returning titles, including streaming originals, from services like Max, Hulu, Prime Video, Paramount Plus, and, yes, Netflix. We’ll be updating this list every week, so stay tuned for more new streaming shows on every major service.



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Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5 Price in India Revealed: All Details

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 were launched on Wednesday during the Galaxy Unpacked event in Seoul. The foldable smartphones were unveiled alongside the Galaxy Watch 6 series and the Galaxy Tab S9 series. The company has now confirmed the prices of the foldable phones in India.

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Dish and Amazon partner up to bring phone service to Amazon Prime users

Boost Mobile switch button

It turns out Amazon really is bringing phone service to Amazon Prime users, just not in the way anyone assumed. Today Dish Network announced its partnership with Amazon to bring the postpaid carrier Boost Infinite to Prime users.

Boost Infinite Unlimited will be available to Amazon Prime subscribers for just $25 a month, the same price as anyone else would pay if they signed up directly. So why would you sign up for it through Prime instead? Boost hopes the incentives will be enough to draw you in, as you’ll get $5 off the $25 SIM kit, and you’ll also get $25 off your first bill. That’s a total savings of $30.



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How to turn off the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Did you get yourself a brand new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5? It is a great device, with some welcomed improvements and one of the most fun form factors in the industry. One thing is for sure, though, turning it off isn’t as simple as it was with previous-generation handsets. Today we’ll show you how to turn off the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. There are actually multiple methods, so let’s get right to it.

QUICK ANSWER



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All signs hint at OPPO and OnePlus leaving France (Update: OPPO exits France)

OPPO LOGO MWC 2023 01
Credit: Ryan McLeod / Android Authority
  • OPPO has reportedly ceased its commercial animator operations.
  • A company contracted by OPPO has furloughed all external employees working for OPPO.
  • OPPO provided a statement that mentions nothing about commitments in the future.
  • OPPO has discontinued operations in France.

Update, July 26, 2023 (4:49 PM ET): According to a report from Frandroid, OPPO has discontinued its operations in France, despite OPPO providing statements claiming that it would stay in the country. OPPO’s phones will no longer be available for purchase in the region. Reports suggested that OPPO’s exit from France, and potentially the EU, could be linked to a patent dispute with Nokia in Germany. But as the report reveals, OPPO recently won its court battle.


Original, May 8, 2023 (2:29 PM ET): Rumors of leaving Europe have been swirling around OPPO and OnePlus (an OPPO subsidiary) for a while now. While OPPO claims it has no plans of exiting the market, its actions may suggest otherwise.



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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Golf Edition shows up in Korea

galaxy watch 6 golf
Credit: Samsung
  • Samsung Korea has a listing for the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Golf Edition.
  • The Golf Edition model is based on the Classic but features a few tweaks, including a dial with a green accident and a few speciality watch faces.
  • It also includes Smart Caddy app and a free subscription to the service.

Today was a big day for Samsung, as it launched the new Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Fold 5, Galaxy Watch 6, and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. It turns out that there was one other announcement, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Golf Edition. The catch is it’s only available in Korea at the moment.

First spotted by 9to5 Google, this variant has a green-lined rotating bezel and green accent colors under the power button, though the chassis is actually only available in silver. Two different band choices are available: green silicone or black with green stitching. Beyond the aesthetic changes, the watch also has Samsung’s Smart Caddy app with a free subscription. There are also dedicated watch faces that continue the golfing theme.



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New Xbox update makes dashboard more functional and look way better

xbox new dashboard
Credit: Microsoft
  • Xbox has rolled out a new update for its Home screen.
  • The update adds a quick access menu that makes it faster to go to the Library, Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass, Search, or Settings.
  • Users now have more space for their personalized background and can pick an option to change the background to match the highlighted game.

The Home experience on the Xbox is getting some big changes based on player feedback. The changes should improve functionality and beautify the dashboard.

Today, Microsoft announced it’s updating the Home screen for the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. The update had been in alpha testing since May, but is now being rolled more widely.



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The best Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 cases

We’ll be blunt here — you simply aren’t going to find as many cases for Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 as you are for an iPad. But quality S9 cases do exist, and if you’re going to buy one, you should probably have it ready to use on Day One with your new tablet. Here are our top picks so far.

The best Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 cases

Most S9 cases are going to be devoted solely to protection, and with those, we’ve favored tough designs that can withstand some punishment. Many people should, however, consider Samsung’s keyboard case if they want their S9 to be a true laptop replacement, or simply get real work done.



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Tuesday, July 25, 2023

ChatGPT Android App Now Available in India: How to Download OpenAI's AI Chatbot on Android

ChatGPT is now available for download on Android devices in India, the US, Bangladesh, and Brazil. The app was earlier available only to Apple's iOS since May this year. The ChatGPT app for Android is available for free, but OpenAI is offering an optional subscription to access a better large language model (GPT-4) and additional features.

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Google announces a new Play Store for foldables and tablets

New Google Play Store Large Screen Devices

Credit: Google
  • Google has announced four major changes for the Play Store on large-screen devices.
  • The company will now give preference to apps that scale well, aren’t letterboxed, and support both portrait and landscape orientations.
  • There’s also a new split-screen view in Play Store search to make comparing apps easier on large-screen devices.

Google is revamping the Play Store for large-screen devices like foldable phones, Android tablets, and Chromebooks. The company first discussed these changes at Google I/O last year. It is now introducing four major updates to help users find good large-screen apps and improve the overall experience of the Play Store on big devices.



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Microsoft Ramps Up Spending to Meet AI Demand as Quarterly Revenue Rises to $56.2 Billion

Microsoft on Tuesday laid out an aggressive spending plan to meet demand for its new artificial intelligence services after surpassing Wall Street estimates for fiscal fourth-quarter revenue and profit. Costs rose sharply as Microsoft built new data centers to support AI, and Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood said on a conference call with analysts the company's capita...

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How to watch Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: Galaxy Z Fold 5, Flip 5 reveal livestream

 

  • Samsung is holding its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 26 at 6:00 AM ET.
  • The event will be livestreamed, and you can watch it right here.
  • Samsung will debut the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and other devices.

After all the rumors and leaks, Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event is finally here. If you’re wondering where to catch all of the announcements, you can watch the livestream right here in the video above from the comfort of your home, office, or wherever you may be.



from Android Authority https://ift.tt/rWvVwJ8

Monday, July 24, 2023

Apple Faces $1 Billion Class Action Lawsuit by UK App Developers over App Store Fees

Apple on Tuesday found itself the target of a $1 billion (roughly Rs. 8,200 crore) class action lawsuit brought by more than 1,500 apps developers in the UK over its App Store fees.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/rTu2yDt

Android KitKat reaches its end as Google Play services discontinues support

Android 4 KitKat Easter Egg sideways
  • Google has announced that Google Play services will discontinue support for Android KitKat.
  • The active device count for Android 4.4 has reportedly fallen to under 1%.
  • Devices on KitKat will stop being supported by August 2023.

It’s hard to believe, but it has been 10 years since Google rolled out Android 4.4, better known as Android KitKat. A decade is an eternity in tech, and it looks like Google is ready to retire the old operating system to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Just last month, a report revealed the percentage of devices running on a particular version of Android. The report was rather surprising as it revealed that Android 11 (codename Red Velvet Cake) happens to be the most widely available release of Android as of May 2023. What was even more shocking was that there were supposedly still 15 million devices still using Android 4.4.



from Android Authority https://ift.tt/vOX3azg