Apple iPhone over the years: Part 2

By: Rohit Yadav

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Updated on: 31-Aug-2022

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2017 marked 10 years of iPhone. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus were not something people were anticipating for the big milestone, instead they were just the refresh to the same three year old design. This was basically the S update for the iPhone 7 series. The iPhone 8 series came with improved hardware, camera system and return to the Glass back after it was removed since iPhone 5, the glass back was to include charging coil for wireless charging. The lackluster upgrades to the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus was fine because of what Apple introduced next.

Apple iPhone X: iPhone Reimagined

The iPhone X (that’s a 10 and not the letter X) was something Apple fans had never seen before. It was a major departure from all the previous iPhones. By removing the home button, using an OLED display stretched from edge to edge and introduction of FaceID, the iPhone X was a worthy product to mark 10 years of revolution. The iPhone X’s chassis was made up of stainless steel for a premium feel. The iPhone X was one of the first phones to start around a thousand dollars and unfortunately the massive success of the iPhone X inflated the price of all the high end smartphones. The iPhone X’s redesign was so much ahead of its time that even the current iPhone models follow a similar design.

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max: Bigger Than Plus

This was another S year for the iPhones, the iPhone XS looked exactly the same as its predecessor and brought minor improvements to the performance and camera system. Where Apple was initially hesitant to build a plus-sized smartphone, in 2018, they embraced the large sized design by introduce=ing the iPhone XS Max.

iPhone XR: The Value Option

The iPhone XR was to the iPhone XS what the iPhone 8 was to the iPhone X. It was the lower end model which packed almost the same specs as the premium option and opted for a simpler camera system and aluminium chassis to meet the lower price tag. The iPhone XR also featured a downgraded LCD display instead of OLED and lacked the support for 3D Touch. Still, the iPhone XR brought the newer design to the mainstream lower end iPhones with a reasonable price.

iPhone 11: Value Increased

The iPhone 11 was the main design for 2019 by Apple. The smartphone was largely similar to the iPhone XR and came with an extra ultrawide camera and the launch price was also reduced compared to the iPhone XR.

iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max: The Professional Phone

Along with the vanilla iPhone 11, Apple launched the first Pro iPhone devices, the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro Max. While being the successor to the iPhone XS and the XS Max, the 11 Pro series were quite different in design. It came up with a new ultrawide camera to complement the main and telephoto camera, supported fast charging, had a matte finish instead of glossy and introduced an all new gorgeous midnight green colour.

iPhone SE (2020): Lightning Does Hit Twice

Kept on a table, most will mistook the iPhone SE (2020) for the iPhone 8. Other than the improved internals and a better camera, Apple iPhone SE (2020) was largely the same as the iPhone 8. With the iPhone SE (2020), Apple used the same tactics they used with the first SE model and provided a cheap entry point for the Apple ecosystem.

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini: Happiness In Small Things

iPhone 12 series reintroduced the flat edged, glass-metal sandwich design last seen on the iPhone 4S. The nostalgia did not end with the older design, instead Apple also released a true compact smartphone as the iPhone 12 Mini. Both the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini introduced 5G capabilities to the iPhones and all new MagSafe features for charging and docking using the magnets. The introduction of the iPhone Mini made fans of small sized smartphones rejoice. It also put pressure on other companies to put out small sized smartphones with all the latest techs.

iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max: Photography Powerhouse

The Pro variants for the iPhone 12 series have several extra features over the vanilla variants. The similarly designed build was made up of much more premium stainless steel and featured a matte finish on the back instead of glossy. The camera system had a LiDAR sensor for 3D mapping applications and to assist with the portrait mode. The Pro models could also shoot ProRes RAW photos. The iPhone 12 Pro Max came with another size bump with a huge 6.7” screen.

iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini: Refining Little Things

The iPhone 13, which is similar to the 12 in every regard, could have easily been a "S" year device. The camera lenses were reorganised in a diagonal alignment rather than a vertical one, and the sensors used were basically taken from last year’s iPhone 12 Pro series though there are only two of them, the main and the ultrawide unit. In comparison to the 12, Apple did improve the battery life on both of the 13 models, and the company finally stopped offering its flagships with 64GB of storage by making 128GB the new entry size.

iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max: The Ultimate Powerhouse

If watched separately, the iPhone 13 Pro and the 13 Pro Max looks identical to the yesteryear’s iPhone 12 Pro duo. But next to each other you will start to notice the minor differences between them. The camera system has been increased in size and depth, the new camera system has had improvements throughout, the telephoto lens is now 3x compared to the older 2x or 2.5x, the low light performance also saw a huge improvement on the ultrawide and telephoto camera. The video capabilities also saw performance boost and inclusion of new features like the ProRes footage and Cinematic Mode. From the front, the notch size was reduced and Apple finally brought the ProMotion high refresh rate to the iPhone.

iPhone SE (2022): Stale Formula

The latest smartphone from Apple was the third generation of the iPhone SE which looked exactly the same as the previous iPhone SE (2020). It did receive improvements under the hood with the same A15 processor seen in the flagship iPhone 13 series. The third generation SE device was not as successful as the previous generation because of the increased price and Apple still releasing it with 64 GB base storage.

iPhone 14 Series

Apple has announced its “Far Out” event where it is expected to reveal the next generation iPhones on September 7. Rumours suggest that Apple will ditch the Mini version of the vanilla model and introduce a new vanilla Max model. To know more about the upcoming iPhone models check our story by clicking here, and to know more about the next iPhone event click here.

Itel Zeno 10 to Launch in India This January 2025

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 30-Dec-2024

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Itel is gearing up to expand its budget smartphone lineup with the launch of the Itel Zeno 10 in India this January 2025. Aimed at Gen-Z customers, the phone promises to deliver modern features at an affordable price, starting under ₹6,000. With an emphasis on style and functionality, the Zeno 10 is expected to be a game-changer in the entry-level smartphone market.

Launch and Pricing

The Itel Zeno 10 may be introduced in the Indian market in January 2025, with sales exclusively through Amazon. The teaser poster on the Amazon microsite hints at the starting price, showcasing the tagline "₹5XXX," which confirms the handset will cost less than ₹6,000. While this price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers, higher RAM and storage variants may come at slightly higher costs.

Design and Display

The Zeno 10 features a youthful and stylish design with a square rear camera module housing dual sensors and an LED flash. It comes in black with eye-catching red and white patterns. The phone has a centered waterdrop notch for the front camera, slim bezels, and a thicker chin, giving it a modern look. Volume and power buttons are conveniently placed on the right for easy access.

Performance and Software

The Itel Zeno 10 will run on Android 14, offering a smooth and updated user experience. It includes unique features like a Dynamic Island-like collapsible bar for multitasking. Powered by a 5,000mAh battery, the phone ensures long-lasting usage, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and everyday tasks.

Key Specification

Conclusion

With its dual rear cameras, modern design, robust battery, and the latest Android 14, the Itel Zeno 10 offers an excellent value proposition for budget smartphone buyers. The affordable pricing under ₹6,000 ensures accessibility to a wide range of customers, particularly Gen-Z users looking for a stylish and feature-rich handset.

As Itel continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian smartphone market, the Zeno 10’s launch could further establish the brand as a go-to choice for budget-conscious buyers. Stay tuned for the official launch details and a closer look at what this promising handset has to offer.

Lava Yuva 2 5G Launched for ₹9,499 with 50MP Camera and Notification Light

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 27-Dec-2024

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Key Highlights

• Lava Yuva 2 5G launched in India for ₹9,499.
• Features a 50MP main camera, a 5000mAh battery, and a notification light.
• Comes in Marble Black and Marble White color options.

Lava has launched the Lava Yuva 2 5G, their newest low-cost 5G smartphone, in India. This phone, which costs ₹9,499, is unique because it has a notification light built into the back camera module. This light is distinct in its category since it blinks in response to incoming calls and app notifications.

The phone can be bought at physical retail outlets and comes in Marble Black and Marble White color options. For extra convenience, Lava also provides free at-home service and a one-year warranty.

Specifications and Features

Pricing and Availability

The Lava Yuva 2 5G is priced at ₹9,499 and is currently available at retail stores across India. The company has not yet confirmed its online availability. The introductory price makes it an excellent choice for users looking for an affordable 5G phone with standout features.

With its budget-friendly price, unique notification light, and solid performance, the Lava Yuva 2 5G is a promising option for buyers seeking value-for-money smartphones.

Google Partners with Anthropic to Improve Gemini AI, Using Claude

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 27-Dec-2024

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Key Highlights

• Google is using Anthropic’s Claude AI to compare and refine responses from its own Gemini AI.
• Contractors hired by Google analyze the outputs for quality, focusing on factors like truthfulness and clarity.
• Claude has stricter safety measures, while Gemini offers detailed but less rigid responses to unsafe prompts.

Google’s Collaboration with Anthropic’s Claude

Google is enhancing the functionality of its own AI system, Gemini, by collaborating with Anthropic's Claude AI model. Google has engaged contractors to assess the responses produced by Gemini and Claude. These contractors evaluate both models' responses to the same prompts and offer comments based on important criteria like:

• Truthfulness
• Clarity
• Verbosity

This feedback helps Google identify areas where Gemini needs improvement, ensuring it becomes more accurate and user-friendly.

How the Evaluation Process Works

Contractors follow a structured approach to assess the AI models:

1. They are given responses from Gemini and Claude for the same prompt.
2. Each response is carefully evaluated based on predefined criteria.
3. Contractors have up to 30 minutes to rate each answer.

This process enables Google to refine Gemini’s output quality and identify where it may fall short compared to Claude.

Claude vs Gemini: Key Differences

Unusual Patterns and Speculations

During the evaluations, the contractors observed some odd trends. Gemini's answers occasionally contained analogies such as "I am Claude, created by Anthropic," which raised questions regarding the connection between the two systems. Given that Google finances Anthropic, this initiated discussion about the possible proximity of Gemini and Claude.

Ethical and Competitive Concerns

To make these comparisons easier, Google provides an internal platform that lets contractors compare various AI models side by side. However, utilizing Claude to develop or train other AI systems is forbidden by Anthropic's terms of service. Given that Google is an investor in Anthropic, it is unclear if this restriction applies to Google.

In response, Shira McNamara, a spokesperson for Google DeepMind, clarified that comparing AI models is a standard practice in the industry. She firmly denied any claims that Google used Claude to train Gemini, calling these allegations inaccurate.

Competition in the AI Industry

This partnership shows the intense competition the AI market is becoming. Big companies like Google are improving their AI models by utilizing both external collaborations and internal innovation. However, it also calls into question how businesses strike a balance between cooperation and rivalry while navigating moral boundaries.

As the AI sector develops, collaborations such as these show how businesses are continuously pushing the boundaries of technology while coming under scrutiny for their moral behavior. Google and Anthropic's partnership serves as a reminder of the prospects and difficulties in the competition to create the most cutting-edge AI systems.

iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition Set to Launch in January 2025

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 27-Dec-2024

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Key Highlights

• iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition launches in January 2025 in China.
• Features a 6,400mAh ultra-thin blue ocean battery with advanced tech.
• Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC for top-tier performance.
• Available in blue, black, and white color options.

iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance

In January 2025, the iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition, a long battery-life version of the Z9 Turbo, is expected to make its formal debut in China. Although the precise release date is still unknown, tech fans are buzzing about the phone because iQOO has been teasing its interesting features on social media.

The original iQOO Z9 Turbo, which debuted in April 2024 with a 6,000mAh battery, was a hit, and this new version expands on that. By adding a 6,400mAh battery, the Endurance Edition goes one step further and promises better performance and longer usage.

Innovative Battery Technology

The notable characteristic of the iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition is its ultra-thin blue ocean battery technology. Reports indicate that it might employ silicon-carbon anode technology, which is comparable to OnePlus' Glacier battery technology, though specifics are few. Benefits of this cutting-edge battery technology include:

• Longer battery life for extended usage.
• Stable voltage supply for consistent performance.
• Faster charging speeds to minimize downtime.

With these enhancements, the 6,400mAh battery positions the Endurance Edition as a powerhouse for users needing dependable, long-lasting performance.

High-Performance Hardware

The phone is equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, a 4nm processor featuring:

• A Cortex X4 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz.
• Four Cortex A720 performance cores running at 2.8 GHz.
• Three Cortex A520 efficiency cores tuned at 2.0 GHz.

This combination ensures smooth multitasking, high-speed gaming, and efficient power usage.

Shared Features with iQOO Z9 Turbo

The Endurance Edition is expected to retain many features from the standard iQOO Z9 Turbo, including:

• A 6.78-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 4,500 nits peak brightness.
• A 50MP + 8MP dual rear camera setup for versatile photography.
• Connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4.
• Support for 80W fast wired charging, ensuring quick power-ups despite the large battery size.

Availability and Colors

In China, the phone will be pre-ordered via shop.vivo.com. It will be available in three attractive colors—white, black, and blue—to suit all kinds of style preferences. It is yet unknown, though, if the iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition will be released in markets other than China, such as India.

Anticipation for January Launch

The iQOO Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition is positioned to be an important release because of its large battery capacity, cutting-edge technology, and high-end specifications. More information is anticipated to become available as the January launch draws near, heightening interest in this potentially powerful smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Expected to Launch on January 22: New Blue-Grey Colour Revealed

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 27-Dec-2024

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Key Highlights

• Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event is rumored for January 22, 2024.
• Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to feature a new blue-grey color.
• Four smartphones are expected: Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, and S25 Slim.
• High-end specs include up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage for the Ultra.

Samsung’s Upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung is preparing for its yearly Galaxy Unpacked, which may be scheduled for January 22. According to leaks, four new smartphones—the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the brand-new Galaxy S25 Slim—are going to be unveiled at this event. In addition to these, Samsung is anticipated to release the Galaxy Ring, a wearable of the future.

New Blue-Grey Color Variant Leaked

A new blue-grey color variation of the Galaxy S25 Ultra has been leaked ahead of its official launch. The phone's color is described as a delicate blend of grey and blue, which might appeal to consumers looking for a high-end, modern design. Space grey, deep blue, and light blue are among the other colors that have been talked about in earlier leaks.

Specs for Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to offer top-tier specifications:

• 16GB RAM will be exclusive to the 512GB and 1TB storage models.
• The base model with 256GB storage will come with 12GB RAM.

This sets the Ultra apart as the flagship model in the S25 lineup, focusing on performance for demanding users.

Pre-Order and Sales Timeline

In South Korea, pre-orders are anticipated to start on January 24 and may end on February 3, 2025. Similar timelines are anticipated for other markets, including the US, where devices will be available for sale by February 7, 2025.

Samsung's launch approach has been constant, as shown with the January 2024 release of the Galaxy S24 series.

Galaxy Unpacked Event

Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked events have always been a highlight for tech enthusiasts. With the unveiling of smartphones and the innovative Galaxy Ring, the January 22 launch promises to set the tone for 2025’s tech landscape.