META: Metaverse Still a Few Years Away!

By: Sparsh Dayal

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Updated on: 20-Feb-2022

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Facebook owner Meta Platforms told advertising agencies that the technology that blends the virtual and physical universes could begin to turn into a reality for customers in a couple of years, giving more details of its vision for the formation of the metaverse.

Mixed reality (MR) technology could allow an individual wearing an MR headset to use an actual world item to trigger a virtual world response, such as hitting a video game character with a cricket bat, for example.

It is one of the three sorts of extended reality technologies often connected with the metaverse. Extended reality exists, with mobile games like Pokemon Go, however, players can't influence the computerized world with an actual item in the game. Virtual reality headsets, similar to Meta's Oculus, submerge clients into a fully virtual world where they can act according to the environment.

Also Read: Massive Loss in Reliance Jio users, 14 Million 4G users Lost

The comments collected from Meta came on a Zoom call with agencies on Thursday, which was organized to better assist advertisers to understand the metaverse, says an agency executive who was invited on the call. It was Meta's first roundtable conversation with agencies about the metaverse.

The gauge of mixed reality being only a few years away carries extra detail to the course of events of building the metaverse, the futuristic thought of a network of virtual universes that can be accessed from various gadgets, which Meta has said could require around 10 years to assemble.

Some blended reality headsets are accessible, however, they are not yet intended for general customers. Microsoft's HoloLens 2, which was presented in 2019, retails for $3,500 (generally Rs. 2.61 lakh) and is designed for workplace use.

At its yearly Connect conference in October, Meta reported Project Cambria, a headset that will feature blended reality capabilities and involves face and eye-tracking. The headset is believed to be launched this year.

Also Read: Miko 3, the Educational Robot, Launched in India

Meanwhile, Meta kept on encouraging advertisers to experiment with blended reality ads, for example, photograph and video filters that overlay digital images onto this present reality, an executive from the ad agency said. The comments repeated Meta's pitch at advertisement industry conferences.

Meta said brands could join forces with content makers on AR advertisements or utilize the technology for virtual dress try-on.

The roundtable with agencies needed the lacked detail on what ad formats could be created for the metaverse, or what certain controls would be set up to keep brands from showing up close to unacceptable content or actions, the executive said.

Advertisers are additionally searching for detail on how the viability of ads in the metaverse will be estimated and will inquire "what did I get for my cash?" said the executive. A Meta representative declined to comment.

Nubia Z70 Ultra to Launch Globally on November 26 with Snapdragon 8 Elite Chipset and Advanced Camera Features

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 20-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• Nubia Z70 Ultra will launch globally on November 26, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
• The phone features a 35mm variable aperture lens and a 64MP telephoto sensor.
• Customers who attend the launch can win a free phone, earbuds, or discount coupons.
• The handset offers a 1.5K display, IP69 rating, and advanced camera features.

Nubia has announced that its much-awaited flagship smartphone, the Nubia Z70 Ultra, will be launched globally on November 26. This follows its initial launch in China just days earlier. The Z70 Ultra promises to deliver impressive performance, cutting-edge camera technology, and a premium design. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, this device is expected to deliver top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use.

One of the standout features of the Nubia Z70 Ultra is its camera system. The phone will feature a 35mm variable aperture lens, allowing users to adjust the aperture from f/1.59 to f/4.0 for enhanced control over their photos. This is especially useful in low-light conditions, offering users more flexibility in how they capture their surroundings. The camera system will also include a 64MP telephoto sensor with a wider f/2.48 aperture compared to its predecessor. Additionally, there will be an ultra-wide-angle camera offering a 122-degree field of view, perfect for landscape or group shots. The close focus distance of just 2.5 cm will also make it ideal for capturing intricate details up close.

To enhance the photography experience, the Nubia Z70 Ultra will come with several specialized camera modes, including Night Sky Mode for capturing stunning starry skies, AI Super Panorama for wide-angle shots, and Starburst Mode for those looking to create eye-catching light effects in their photos.

In terms of design, the Z70 Ultra will feature a 1.5K display that offers a crisp and clear viewing experience. The phone also comes with an IP69 rating, meaning it is highly resistant to dust and water, adding an extra layer of durability.

Ahead of the official launch, Nubia is offering exciting promotions for those who tune in to the event. Customers who join the global launch event on November 26 will receive special offers, including a $50 discount on the phone. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to win a free Nubia Z70 Ultra, Nubia earbuds, or a limited-edition phone case. The company has also kicked off a giveaway campaign, where 10 lucky winners will receive Nubia earbuds and a $20 discount voucher for the Z70 Ultra.

Nubia Z70 Ultra: Key Features at a Glance

The Nubia Z70 Ultra is shaping up to be a powerful and feature-packed smartphone, perfect for users looking for a premium device with impressive camera capabilities and durability.

Microsoft Unveils Windows 365 Link: A Cloud-Based PC to Compete with Apple's Mac Mini

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 20-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• Microsoft has launched a new cloud-based PC, Windows 365 Link, priced at $349.
• It’s similar in size to Apple’s M4 Mac Mini but is a cloud-only device with lower hardware power.
• The device requires a Windows 365 subscription and is aimed at businesses.
• It includes ports like USB-C, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 6E, and features video processing for apps like Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft has introduced a brand new desktop device called the Windows 365 Link, designed to provide businesses with an affordable, cloud-based computing solution. This ultra-compact device is about the same size as Apple’s recently released M4 Mac Mini, but it operates quite differently. Unlike the Mac Mini, which is a fully functional computer, the Windows 365 Link relies entirely on cloud computing and requires an internet connection to function.

The Windows 365 Link is priced at $349, which makes it more budget-friendly compared to the Mac Mini. However, while the Mac Mini comes with powerful hardware capable of running programs locally, the Windows 365 Link is a much lighter device, primarily designed to act as a terminal to access Windows 365 Cloud PCs. This means it does not have the traditional internal hardware power like other computers but instead streams the computing power from a remote server in the cloud.

Key Features and Design

The Windows 365 Link is a small black box that connects to the cloud for computing. Despite its compact size, it includes several important ports, including USB-C, two USB-A ports, DisplayPort, HDMI, and an Ethernet connection. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connections, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity.

The internal specifications of the device are still not fully disclosed, but it is expected to have 8GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and possibly an Intel processor. The device runs on a very minimal operating system that quickly connects users to the Windows 365 Cloud PC, making it simple to use without the need for heavy local processing power.

Targeted at Corporate Users

Microsoft envisions the Windows 365 Link as an ideal solution for businesses, especially those looking for cost-effective ways to manage remote or cloud-based workstations. Instead of investing in high-performance, physical PCs for every employee, companies can use the Windows 365 Link to give employees access to powerful virtual machines hosted in the cloud. This makes the device perfect for cloud-based computing tasks such as accessing documents, using Microsoft Office apps, or running enterprise software over the internet.

Security and Performance

Security is a key focus for Microsoft, and the Windows 365 Link comes with built-in protections, thanks to Microsoft’s long-standing experience in securing devices like Windows PCs and Xbox consoles. The device only supports cloud-based applications and doesn’t allow local apps to run, which reduces the risk of security breaches and keeps things simple for users.

The Windows 365 Link also features dedicated chips for video processing, ensuring smooth video calls on platforms like Microsoft Teams or Cisco Webex. This makes it a great tool for remote work, where video conferencing has become a crucial part of daily communication.

Pricing and Availability

The Windows 365 Link will be available starting next year for $349, and it will require a Windows 365 subscription, which starts at $28 per month. For comparison, Apple’s M4 Mac Mini starts at $599 and comes with more powerful hardware, making it a more suitable choice for users who need a traditional PC that can handle a wide range of tasks.

Microsoft’s Windows 365 Link is designed to be a lightweight, efficient device that is ideal for businesses needing cloud-powered PCs. The device quickly boots up, resumes instantly from sleep, and is designed for seamless cloud computing. As part of its plan to grow the Cloud PC market, Microsoft also intends to collaborate with other manufacturers to produce more Windows 365 Link devices in the future.

Vivo S20 Series Teased with New Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, Pre-Orders Begin in China

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 19-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• Vivo S20 series pre-reservations are now available in China.
• The standard model was spotted with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 on Geekbench.
• The Pro model is expected to feature a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset and a 50MP selfie camera.
• Early reservations come with benefits like a 44W charger and a one-year extended warranty.

Vivo has officially opened pre-reservations for its upcoming S20 series, though the exact launch date remains under wraps. The lineup will likely consist of the Vivo S20 and the Vivo S20 Pro, successors to the previous S19 and S19 Pro models. Vivo is offering a variety of benefits to early reservers in China, such as discounts and exclusive items like Vivo TWS 4 earbuds, Vivo Pad 3, or credit points. The first teaser for the S20 series has also been shared, revealing the sleek rear design featuring a vertically aligned camera layout, accompanied by a ring flash.

The standard Vivo S20 model has recently been spotted on the Geekbench benchmarking website under the model number V2429A. The listing reveals that the phone will run on Android 15 and be powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, with impressive multi-core performance of 3,422 points and single-core performance of 1,223 points. The device appears to feature 14.9GB of RAM, likely debuting with 16GB of memory, which will provide smooth multitasking and gaming performance.

Additionally, rumors suggest that the Vivo S20 Pro will be equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset and a 6.67-inch display with a 1.5K resolution (1,260 x 2,800 pixels). The Pro version is expected to house a powerful triple-camera setup, including a 50MP Sony IMX921 main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front camera is also tipped to feature a 50MP sensor for high-quality selfies. With a large 5,500mAh battery and 90W fast charging, the Vivo S20 Pro is expected to be a powerful contender in the smartphone market.

As for the design, the rear of the phone boasts a stylish, vertically aligned camera setup, which complements the modern and premium look of the device. While Vivo has yet to announce a release date, the pre-reservation offer, limited to 2,500 customers, is already attracting interest.

The Vivo S20 series, with its strong performance specs and premium features, is shaping up to be a major contender in the smartphone space, and early reservations are already generating excitement among tech enthusiasts.

RBI to Launch Local Cloud Services in 2025, Challenging Global Giants

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to launch a cloud data storage service in 2025 for financial firms in India.
• This initiative aims to compete with global giants like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure by using local IT companies.
• The cloud platform will help smaller financial firms access affordable data storage options and support the growth of India’s cloud services market.

In an ambitious move to strengthen India's digital economy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to roll out a pilot cloud service in 2025 aimed at providing local cloud data storage solutions for the country's financial sector. This initiative, which will use local IT companies, seeks to provide an affordable alternative to global cloud giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

A Growing Market for Cloud Services in India

The cloud services market in India is rapidly expanding. In 2023, it was valued at $8.3 billion, and experts predict it could grow to $24.2 billion by 2028. Despite this growth, most of the market is dominated by foreign companies. The RBI's move to introduce local cloud solutions is seen as a strategic step to create competition and promote data localization, an important part of India's digital policy.

Details of the RBI's Cloud Project

The cloud service pilot will be targeted at smaller financial institutions that find it difficult to afford services from big international providers. The RBI has emphasized that this initiative will be affordable, aiming to help financial firms with their data storage needs without the high costs often associated with foreign cloud platforms.

The cloud platform will be built in phases, starting small and expanding gradually. Initial work will be handled by the Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS), which is part of the RBI's research wing. The RBI has also brought in EY as an advisor for the project. The platform will be designed and developed in collaboration with one or more private tech firms that specialize in cloud services.

Supporting India's Digital Sovereignty

The project aligns with the RBI's push for data localization, which aims to keep financial data within India’s borders. In line with this vision, the RBI is only inviting Indian companies with prior experience in cloud services to bid for the project. These companies will need to set up data centers in key locations like Mumbai and Hyderabad to ensure smooth operations across the country.

The pilot project will be funded by the RBI’s asset development fund, which is valued at ₹2.72 billion. Over time, the RBI plans to invite financial firms to take equity stakes in the cloud platform.

Casio Launches Ring Watch for 50th Anniversary: Compact, Stylish, and Functional

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• Casio's new ring watch, the CRW-001-1JR, celebrates the brand's 50th anniversary and is priced at $128.
• The six-segment LCD shows time, with features like flashing lights, stopwatch, and time zone adjustments.
• Made with advanced metal technology, it’s waterproof and offers a 2-year battery life, but lacks health-tracking features.

Casio is marking its 50th anniversary with the launch of the CRW-001-1JR Ring Watch, priced at $128 and available from December 2024. This compact, high-tech ring is a unique accessory designed for those who want a minimalist, futuristic timepiece. '

Design and Features

The ring watch features a six-segment LCD that shows the hours, minutes, and seconds. It also includes a flashing light function that illuminates at a set time. Despite its small size, the watch includes three buttons for controlling additional features like the stopwatch and time zone settings.

Made using metal injection molding and powdered metal, the ring is durable and features airtight glass bonding, making it waterproof for everyday use.

Battery Life and Durability

Powered by a replaceable battery, the CRW-001-1JR lasts up to 2 years on a single charge. With waterproofing and a sleek design, it’s built for daily wear. However, it doesn’t have the health-tracking features that are common in many smartwatches today, such as heart rate monitoring or sleep tracking.

A Unique Timepiece with Limited Features

While the Casio CRW-001-1JR Ring Watch may not offer the advanced health-tracking capabilities seen in many smartwatches today, its innovative design and durability make it an intriguing option for tech enthusiasts or those looking for a unique, compact timepiece. Whether you're seeking a stylish accessory or simply a different way to tell time, this ring watch provides an affordable and functional choice.