HOPE for a 5G BlackBerry Officially DEAD with Onward Mobility

By: Sparsh Dayal

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Updated on: 12-Feb-2022

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In the latest turn of events, the fantasy of a 5G BlackBerry phone is formally dead. As per CrackBerry.com Founder Kevin Michaluk, Onward Mobility is now officially dead. The founder of the company posted his thoughts on CrackBerry stating-

"Dead as of yesterday. Time to move on CrackBerry fam. Confirmed from multiple sources. Reminder that I NEVER signed an NDA with them though I was offered one.

We'll see if they actually post a formal update to their blog or not, but my guess would be that John Chen/BlackBerry prefers they just go quietly away (he's clearly done with phones) and at this point its probably best for all of us to forgot about this train wreck. Well, train-wreck is too complimentary as it would imply they built a train that they then wrecked. They never got that far.

The majority of new businesses fail, so don't think it's that shocking of a surprise. I'm sure the people involved set out with good intentions and put in some real effort to make things happen (don't think you would go through the effort and put your names on the line with a plan to fail), but obviously were not able to execute. Just sucks that so many people excited about this were dragged along for so long only to have it end like this.

Again, I never signed an NDA but also can't burn my sources so gotta keep it a little vague at the moment. Am sure with time we'll get some more post-mortem details here... they usually come out once people start talking.”

As per Michaluk, he never signed an NDA with the company, the plan for Onward Mobility to license the BlackBerry name has failed to work out. Although this news is not much surprising, given the circumstance compared to a later report of BlackBerry selling $600 million worth of its patents related to mobile device hardware, messaging, and networking. The report mentioned clearly that the organization purchasing the stuff, Catapult, was explicitly created to hold the BlackBerry licenses.

The story with both the firms, Onward Mobility and BlackBerry, started back in August of 2020. At the time, it was declared that another 5G BlackBerry would be released in 2021 after TCL departed its venture with BlackBerry equipment. After that, just a month before, simply last month, Onward Mobility said it would be all set to convey news and converse with the press and was looking forward to it. astonished to see how things changed in a matter of weeks.

Now it is clear for those who were assuming a launch of a new blackberry, as Michaluk said they should move on.

Assuming you were among those sitting tight for another BlackBerry, Michaluk says it's time to move ahead.

Samsung Galaxy A36 Set to Feature Enhanced Front Camera Ahead of March Launch

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 14-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• The Samsung Galaxy A36 is rumored to have a 12-megapixel front camera upgrade.
• It will maintain a 50-megapixel rear camera setup similar to the Galaxy A35.
• The expected launch date is March 2025, featuring Snapdragon chipsets and Android 15.

Samsung is reportedly gearing up to launch its next mid-range device, the Galaxy A36, which will serve as the successor to the Galaxy A35. While the exact launch date remains unconfirmed, early leaks suggest that this smartphone will bring some exciting updates, particularly in its camera technology.

Enhanced Front Camera for Better Selfies

According to a report from Galaxy Club, the Galaxy A36 is set to feature a 12-megapixel front camera, offering an improvement over its predecessor. This front camera will differ from the rumored sensor in the Galaxy A56, highlighting Samsung's strategy to differentiate the camera capabilities between the two models.

Rear Camera Setup Retained

On the rear, the Galaxy A36 is expected to stick with the 50-megapixel main camera found in the Galaxy A35. Additionally, it may include a 5-megapixel macro lens and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle camera, providing users with a versatile photography experience. Powerful Performance with Snapdragon Chipsets

The upcoming Galaxy A36 is likely to be powered by either the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 SoC or the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, supported by a configuration that includes 6GB of RAM. Running on Android 15, this device promises to deliver smooth performance and efficient multitasking.

Design and Features

Early renders of the Galaxy A36 suggest a modern hole-punch display design and a revamped camera island featuring three vertically aligned sensors within a pill-shaped module. The smartphone is expected to come equipped with an in-display fingerprint sensor and sport a sleek body, measuring 162.6 x 77.9 x 7.4mm.

Conclusion

With its upgraded front camera, powerful processing capabilities, and stylish design, the Samsung Galaxy A36 is poised to be an exciting addition to the Galaxy A series when it launches in March 2025. As anticipation builds, consumers can look forward to further details as the release date approaches.

Decline in AI Readiness: Only 18% of Companies Fully Prepared, According to Cisco Report

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 14-Nov-2024

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As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries globally, a new report from Cisco highlights a concerning trend regarding AI readiness among Indian companies. According to the 2024 AI Readiness Index, only 18% of companies in India are fully equipped to deploy and utilize AI-powered technologies. This marks a decline from 20% the previous year, signaling a troubling trend in the corporate landscape.

The findings are based on a comprehensive survey conducted by Cisco, which involved 3,660 senior business leaders from companies with over 500 employees across 14 markets in the Asia-Pacific, Japan, and China (APJC) region. These leaders, responsible for AI integration within their organizations, provided insights into the challenges and gaps in readiness for AI adoption.

Key Insights from the Cisco Report

Cisco's Dave West, president of APJC, emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to AI implementation. He noted, “As companies accelerate their AI journeys, they must adopt a comprehensive approach to implementation and connect the dots to link AI ambition with readiness.” The report underscores that while many organizations are eager to adopt AI, they face significant hurdles in effectively leveraging its capabilities.

The Declining Readiness Gap

The decline in AI readiness is particularly alarming given the rapid evolution of the market and the increasing influence of AI on business operations. Companies are finding it challenging to navigate the complexities of AI deployment, which encompasses various elements such as strategy, infrastructure, data management, governance, talent acquisition, and corporate culture.

Cisco's AI Readiness Index is measured across six key pillars:

• Strategy: The alignment of AI initiatives with business objectives.
• Infrastructure: The technological foundation required for AI operations.
• Data: The quality and management of data used for AI.
• Governance: Policies and frameworks that guide AI usage.
• Talent: The availability of skilled professionals to manage AI systems.
• Culture: The organizational mindset towards embracing AI technologies.

Infrastructure Challenges

The report highlights infrastructure as a major pain point for companies aiming to implement AI. Only 21% of organizations have the necessary graphics processing units (GPUs) to meet the demands of current and future AI workloads. This shortfall indicates a significant gap in the technological capabilities needed to support advanced AI applications.

Additionally, only 36% of companies can ensure data protection within AI models. This involves critical components such as end-to-end encryption, regular security audits, continuous monitoring, and swift threat response mechanisms. The lack of robust data security measures raises concerns about the integrity and safety of AI implementations.

Investment Trends in AI

Despite the challenges, many companies are actively investing in AI technologies. The report indicates that 47% of organizations are focused on the full or advanced deployment of AI, while 44% are prioritizing data analysis and 43% are investing in data management. The goal of these investments is to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and ultimately drive profitability.

The pressure to adopt AI is also intensifying from the top management levels. The report reveals that 48% of companies are seeing their CEO and leadership teams spearheading AI deployment initiatives, while 39% are influenced by their boards of directors. This heightened focus on AI is further reflected in future budget allocations, with 39% of companies planning to dedicate over 40% of their IT budgets to AI investments within the next four to five years.

Conclusion

The findings of the Cisco 2024 AI Readiness Index paint a mixed picture of AI adoption in India. While there is a clear recognition of the potential benefits of AI, the decline in readiness suggests that many organizations are struggling to keep pace with the necessary preparations for effective implementation. As companies strive to harness the full power of AI, addressing the gaps in infrastructure, governance, and talent will be essential to ensure successful integration and long-term success in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

iPhone 17 Air's Slim Profile May Not Meet Expectations: Report

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 14-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights

• The iPhone 17 Air, set to launch in late 2025, may not reach the desired slimness due to technical issues with new battery technology.
• Despite the setbacks, it will still be smaller than the iPhone 6, which is Apple's thinnest smartphone to date.
• The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 120Hz display and be powered by the new A19 chip, along with other innovative features.

Apple's highly anticipated iPhone 17 Air may fall short of its initial design goals, particularly regarding its slim profile, according to a report from Naver Blog. While Apple aimed to set a new standard for sleekness in smartphones, technical hurdles related to battery technology could hinder these aspirations. Currently, the iPad Pro M4 is Apple's thinnest product at 5.1mm, but the iPhone 17 Air is still expected to be slimmer than the iPhone 6, which was released in 2014.

The iPhone 17 Air was originally intended to incorporate a new battery technology with a thinner substrate that could reduce the device's thickness. However, due to technical challenges and cost considerations, Apple may revert to its existing battery technology. As a result, while the iPhone 17 Air won’t achieve the targeted slimness, it is projected to measure around 6mm, making it an appealing option for those seeking a sleek device.

In addition to its intended slim design, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to include significant upgrades, such as being the first non-Pro iPhone to feature a 120Hz display. It is also expected to be powered by the next-generation A19 chip, which would enhance performance and efficiency. Other anticipated features include an Action Button, Camera Control, and various improvements through Apple Intelligence.

As Apple addresses these challenges, Samsung is reportedly developing its alternative to the iPhone 17 Air, known as the Galaxy S25 Slim, which is expected to launch in Q2 2025. This device aims to be the thinnest flagship smartphone from Samsung, highlighting the competitive nature of the market as companies strive to deliver the sleekest designs.

Overall, while the iPhone 17 Air may not fully meet expectations regarding its slim profile, it remains a highly anticipated device with innovative features that promise to enhance the user experience.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Launch Date Leaked; Could Arrive Earlier in 2025

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 13-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• The Samsung Galaxy S25 series could launch in early January 2025, earlier than usual.
• It is expected to feature Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets across the lineup.
• Galaxy S25 models could arrive in multiple colors, with a potential Slim variant joining the series later.

Samsung is gearing up for an earlier-than-usual launch of its much-awaited Galaxy S25 series in 2025. Historically, the company unveils its flagship Galaxy S series phones in January or February. However, a newly leaked survey hints that the launch date could be pushed forward to January 5, 2025. This would be a significant change from Samsung’s typical launch timelines. The company unveiled the Galaxy S24 series in January 2024 and the Galaxy S23 series in February 2023.

Leaked Information Points to an Early January Release

A leaked promotional survey by IMEI Pham on X (formerly Twitter) suggests that participants could get a 10% discount on the upcoming Galaxy S25 series. The survey hints at a January 5, 2025 release, indicating an earlier launch than usual. For context, the Galaxy S24 series debuted on January 17, 2024, while the Galaxy S23 series was revealed on February 1, 2023.

If this new launch date holds, Samsung will beat its usual late January/early February timeline. This could be a strategic move by Samsung to capture early interest in the year and to avoid competition with other flagship releases.

What’s New in the Galaxy S25 Series?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series will likely include three major models: Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. Leaks indicate that these phones will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, promising top-tier performance and improved power efficiency. Additionally, the Galaxy S25 series will likely feature Galaxy AI, a new artificial intelligence technology to enhance the user experience.

A fourth model, rumored to be the Galaxy S25 Slim, may also be released later. This variant is expected to offer a sleeker design and possibly more affordable features, appealing to a different segment of customers.

Specifications and Features

The Galaxy S25 lineup is expected to come in multiple colors, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra available in seven color options and the Galaxy S25+ in eight colors. The S25 and S25 Ultra could even offer exclusive online-only color variants. Samsung is aiming to give users a variety of aesthetic choices, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Leaked Galaxy S25 Series Models Overview

What’s Next for Samsung’s Galaxy S Series?

With the Galaxy S25 series expected to launch earlier than usual, Samsung seems to be preparing for a bold start to the year. The upcoming phones will bring cutting-edge features, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, AI-powered functionalities, and an expanded color palette.

While we don’t yet know the exact launch event details or how the Galaxy S25 Slim will compare to its larger counterparts, it’s clear that Samsung is ready to push the envelope with the Galaxy S25 series. Whether you’re looking for a flagship phone with premium specs or a more affordable slim model, Samsung is covering all the bases for the next generation of smartphones.

As we get closer to January 2025, more details about the pricing, features, and availability will surface, and it’s likely that Samsung will continue to build anticipation with teasers and promotions.

Apple is set to unveil its AI-powered wall tablet as early as March

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 13-Nov-2024

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Apple is gearing up to launch a revolutionary new product—a wall-mounted AI tablet—as soon as in March, according to a report from Bloomberg. The product, codenamed J490, will leverage Apple's cutting-edge AI platform, Apple Intelligence, to offer a smart, interactive home experience. Designed to resemble a larger version of the iPad, the device will not only manage smart appliances but also facilitate video conferencing and app navigation.

AI-Powered Smart Home Hub

This AI wall tablet will be a standalone device that functions as a central hub for controlling smart home appliances. Powered by Apple's new AI platform, users will be able to interact with the device through voice commands and gestures, allowing seamless management of their smart home ecosystem. Whether it's adjusting your thermostat, managing lights, or controlling security cameras, this device will centralize your home’s smart technology.

Additionally, the device will support video calls, making it an ideal solution for staying connected with family, friends, or colleagues while also doubling as a smart home dashboard. The built-in AI is expected to offer intelligent app navigation, helping users find and interact with their apps based on preferences and usage patterns, further enhancing the device's convenience.

Pricing and Features

The wall tablet will feature a roughly 6-inch display, about the size of two iPhones placed side by side. It will be available in two colors: silver and black, catering to different design preferences. According to reports, the device could be priced as high as $1,000 for the premium model, which will include advanced components, while the display-only version will be more affordable.

Although it will function independently, the device will require an iPhone for certain tasks, such as syncing or setup, reinforcing Apple's ecosystem integration. This is consistent with the company’s usual approach of making its products work seamlessly within its broader product family.

Competition in the Smart Home Market

The launch of Apple’s AI-powered wall tablet is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the smart home market, an area increasingly dominated by competitors like Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon's Echo Show, and Echo Hub. Apple’s entry into this space could spark a new wave of innovation and drive adoption among users who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem.

What to Expect

The product’s unveiling is highly anticipated, with March as a likely timeframe for its official announcement. As Apple continues to expand its reach into smart home and AI-powered devices, this launch could be a major milestone in the company's efforts to bring new and innovative tech products to market.

Conclusion:

Apple’s upcoming AI-powered wall tablet promises to bring a whole new level of intelligence to smart home technology, combining AI-driven appliance control, video conferencing, and app navigation into one sleek device. Set for release in March, it will likely rival similar products from Google and Amazon, offering an exciting new option for Apple users looking to enhance their connected homes.