It will allow users to set different themes for conversations
This feature is currently available in Beta for Android users.
The beta update introduced 22 new chat themes and 20 colour options.
The feature is gradually rolling out with limited availability initially.
WABetaInfo shared how you can enable WhatsApp chat themes in Android beta. (Image credit – WABetaInfo)
WhatsApp has always been known for its strong privacy features like the end-to-end encryption of its chats. The instant messaging app is now working to make the app more personalised.
Here’s a new feature rolling out that you need to know about.
As per recent reports, WhatsApp is adding the long-awaited personalisation option finally to its platform. The custom chat theme feature will WhatsApp allows users to set different themes for their conversations.
However, the feature of custom chat themes will only be available in Beta as of now.
WhatsApp currently offers only three theme options that include System Default, Light and Dark.
The new beta update version 2.24.21.34 will introduce 22 new chat themes and 20 colour options providing users plenty of choices to personalise chat windows. The beta update is available through the Google Play Beta Program for Android users.
📝 WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.21.34: what’s new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to choose a chat theme among 20 different colors, and it’s available to some beta testers!
Some users can get this feature by installing certain previous updates.https://t.co/qmevup24o2 pic.twitter.com/2eOfD9mHXq
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) October 9, 2024
How to enable WhatsApp chat themes in Android beta: customize chats with 20 color options!
Some eligible users can access the new chat themes feature, introduced in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.21.34 update from the Google Play Store.https://t.co/VaXimisHjX pic.twitter.com/hMXhF2z1VU
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) October 10, 2024
According to reliable WhatsApp source WABetaInfo, this will allow users to personalise their chats like never before.
As per WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will automatically apply a complementary chat colour every time users change the theme. (Image credit – WABetaInfo)
WABetaInfo also shared some screenshots in its report that reveal the look of the new “Chat Theme” settings page.
It also allows WhatsApp users to adjust both the chat’s colour and background wallpaper.
Moreover, users can also apply a default theme that will be visible across all conversations apart from using the option to have custom-specific themes for individual chats.
The report suggests WhatsApp will automatically select a complementary chat colour for each theme.
However, users can always manually tweak the colours to suit their personal preferences.
An important thing to note about this new feature is that these customizations will be private—only the user applying the theme will see the changes.
The recipient of the chats will see no difference in chat appearance.
This ensures that users can feel free to personalise their chat experience without affecting the experience of others.
Currently, this feature is rolling out to a limited number of users. WABetaInfo reports that the availability may vary in future.
As per reports, many users including those with devices like the Pixel 8 and iPhone running the latest beta updates have not yet received the new theme options as of now.
The feature is expected to expand to more users soon as the beta progresses.
FAQs
Q1. What new personalisation feature is WhatsApp introducing?
Answer. WhatsApp is adding the long-awaited personalisation option finally to its platform. The custom chat theme feature allows users to set different themes for their conversations.
Q2. How many new chat themes and colour options will the beta update include?
Answer. The new beta update version 2.24.21.34 will introduce 22 new chat themes and 20 colour options providing users plenty of choices to personalise chat windows.
Q3. Will the chat theme customisations be visible to the recipient of the chats?
Answer. An important thing to note about this new feature is that these customizations will be private—only the user applying the theme will see the changes. The recipient of the chats will see no difference in chat appearance.
According to a Cybernews report, the Pixel 9 Pro sends a “data packet” to Google every 15 minutes.
This packet reportedly contains sensitive information like location, email address, phone number and network status.
The report claims to have gathered this data using a man-in-the-middle technique and captures information as it is sent from the device.
Google has now responded to these claims pointing out that the report “misinterprets technical details.” The search giant also highlights how the report does not properly explain the purpose of the data being collected.
The company clarified that this information is essential for delivering legitimate services on all mobile devices.
“User security and privacy are top priorities for Pixel. You can manage data sharing, app permissions and more during device setup and in your settings. This report lacks crucial context, misinterprets technical details and doesn’t fully explain that data transmissions are needed for legitimate services on all mobile devices regardless of the manufacturer, model or OS, such as software updates, on-demand features and personalized experiences,” Google writes in an official statement.
The report quickly sparked conversations online and rightfully sounded alarming to many tech enthusiasts. However, more recent developments suggest the report is missing some crucial details.
First of all, the data sharing described in the Cybernew report is not specific to Google’s Pixel devices.
It is now being reported that this kind of data transfer occurs on all Android smartphones. It is also common in other operating systems like iOS.
Developers from GrapheneOS a privacy-focused version of Android took to X (previously Twitter) to clarify some doubts. They pointed out that iPhones also send similar data to Apple.
Moreover, it is now also being claimed that there is a high chance that other Android device manufacturers might be transmitting more data as compared to Google’s Pixel phones.
iOS has direct equivalents to everything that’s covered.
If what people take from the article is that they should use a non-Pixel Android device with Google Play, they’ll have a dramatically less secure device with the same privacy issues and additional ones from OEM services.
— GrapheneOS (@GrapheneOS) October 9, 2024
The main issue highlighted by the report is the lack of explicit consent from the Pixel phone users for such data transfer. The report also suggests that the volume of data being shared seems excessive. It doesn’t adhere to the best practices for anonymisation.
In conclusion, while the report raised a lot of series questions, it now appears that claims may have been exaggerated to some extent.
FAQs
Q1. What did the Cybernews report claim about the Google Pixel 9 Pro’s data sharing?
Answer. According to a Cybernews report, the Pixel 9 Pro sends a “data packet” to Google every 15 minutes. This packet reportedly contains sensitive information like location, email address, phone number and network status.
Q2. How did Google respond to the claims made in the Cybernews report?
Answer. Google has now responded to these claims pointing out that the report “misinterprets technical details.” The search giant also highlights how the report does not properly explain the purpose of the data being collected.
Q3. What is the main issue highlighted by the Cybernews report?
Answer. The main issue highlighted by the report is the lack of explicit consent from the Pixel phone users for such data transfer. The report also suggests that the volume of data being shared seems excessive.
Public testing for OriginOS 5 is scheduled to begin in November 2024.
Initially will be available for select devices like the Vivo X Fold3 and iQOO Neo9 series.
Vivo formally unveiled OriginOS 5 in China. It promises a 30% faster app switching time and a 26% reduction in CPU power consumption. (Image credit – Vivo)
Vivo recently introduced its latest operating system OriginOS 5 during a developer conference in China. Based on Android 15, this new system comes after Funtouch OS 15 for Vivo and iQOO devices were released in India.
The latest operating system comes with the slogan “Natural, smooth, super AI.” It promises a more intuitive and fluid experience for your smartphone.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest operating system.
OriginOS – Smarter Features with AI-Powered Assistance
A key highlight of OriginOS 5 is the enhanced Blue Heart Little V Assistant. This smart assistant now uses advanced AI to make your interactions easier and more personalised.
You can activate Little V with voice commands or a simple button press. It lets you quickly drag and drop images and files. The Jovi Voice feature further streamlines how you interact with your phone.
New Dynamic Island style UI in OriginOS 5 (Image credit – Vivo)
The new Atomic Island feature is designed to anticipate your needs and offer real-time suggestions. It also gives updates based on your activities. It allows you to pin important reminders like weather updates or travel alerts, directly to your home screen for easy access.
OriginOS – Tools for Creativity
OriginOS 5 also has some fun tools to let users explore their creativity.
It has a Time Silhouette feature that allows you to create videos with AI-generated music and lyrics.
Searching for video content is made easy by typing in simple phrases.
Circle to search feature in OriginOS 5 (Image credit – Vivo)
It also now has its own version of the “circle to search” feature. Little V can search results and show results based on what you circled.
Meanwhile, the Little V Memory tool lets you save articles, videos and links for quick access. It helps in organising snapshots based on your activities and photos.
OriginOS – Performance Boost
OriginOS 5 also has something called Atomic Animation 5.0 to boost performance. It makes visuals and transitions feel more natural.
Creative shared on Vivo page for the new OS. (Image credit – Vivo)
The Virtual Graphics Card 2.0 speeds up app launches by 15% and page-switching by 30%.
The Unfair Scheduling 3.0 feature is for making sure your phone focuses its resources on active apps and improves overall performance.
Mood Wallpaper 2.0 feature in the new OriginOS. (Image credit – Vivo)
The new operating system also has the new Mood Wallpaper 2.0. It brings some great display personalisation options for the home and lock screen of your device.
OriginOS – Focus on Accessibility and Connectivity
The OriginOS 5 has done a great job in adding accessibility features to the operating system.
OriginOS can assist in interpreting sign language and communicating using a virtual human avatar. (Image credit – Vivo)
The AI-powered “vivo see” feature helps visually impaired users by providing real-time image descriptions. There’s also a Sign Language Interpreter that translates spoken Chinese into sign language. All these features make the phone more inclusive for all users.
OriginOS 5 also has a host of connectivity features including the Multi-Device Interconnectivity feature.
New operating system OriginOS 5 for making home smarter. (Image credit – Vivo)
You can manage multiple smart devices including cars and home appliances through the new Connection Center 2.0. It also supports the Matter protocol that ensures seamless connections with smart home devices.
OriginOS – Security and Availability
Security is a top priority for Vivo with AI-powered privacy tools. These new features allow offline tracking and remote deletion of sensitive data.
Little V is available for Windows, Mac and as an online version as well.
The company has also managed to grab several certifications for its strong security measures.
OriginOS 5 will begin public testing in November 2024.
At first, it will be available for select devices like the Vivo X Fold3 and iQOO Neo9 series.
FAQs
Q1. What are the key features of the Blue Heart Little V Assistant in OriginOS 5?
Answer. A key highlight of OriginOS 5 is the enhanced Blue Heart Little V Assistant. This smart assistant now uses advanced AI to make your interactions easier and more personalised. You can activate Little V with voice commands or a simple button press. It lets you quickly drag and drop images and files. The Jovi Voice feature further streamlines how you interact with your phone.
Q2. What performance improvements does OriginOS 5 offer?
Answer. OriginOS 5 also has something called Atomic Animation 5.0 to boost performance. It makes visuals and transitions feel more natural. The Virtual Graphics Card 2.0 speeds up app launches by 15% and page-switching by 30%. The Unfair Scheduling 3.0 feature is for making sure your phone focuses its resources on active apps and improves overall performance.
Q3. When will OriginOS 5 be available for public testing?
Answer. OriginOS 5 will begin public testing in November 2024. At first, it will be available for select devices like the Vivo X Fold3 and iQOO Neo9 series.
Telegram introduces phone number verification for businesses.
The new feature offers a cost-effective alternative to SMS at just $0.01 per verified user.
Users will receive verification codes in a special chat on the app.
Other new features introduced are digital gifts, a refreshed iOS video call interface and improved moderation tools.
Telegram now has a phone verification system in place for businesses. (Image credit – Telegram)
Telegram has recently introduced a host of new features in a detailed blog post titled “Gifts, Verification Platform and More.” Among every new feature introduced, the one that caught our attention was the one that would be particularly useful for businesses using the platform for different activities. Here’s what you need to know about the new feature.
As per the latest blog, Telegram will now allow companies to use Telegram for phone number verification. This feature will offer a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods like SMS.
The cloud-based cross-platform social media and instant messaging service platform revealed in its blog that Telegram is launching its own phone number verification solution.
The company highlighted how many businesses spend significant amounts on systems to verify user phone numbers. The new feature is particularly aimed at helping businesses reduce this cost.
“We know from our own experience how expensive it can be for businesses to verify phone numbers of their customers. Starting today, any business, app or website can send verification codes via Telegram and pay for them on Fragment. Telegram codes are faster, cheaper, more secure and convenient than SMS or other alternatives,” the company says.
Telegram users will now receive verification codes directly within a special chat on the app.
Users would be allowed to copy the code and complete the verification process in just a few clicks.
For businesses, this service will cost just $0.01 per verified user. For anyone who is wondering, this is about 50 times cheaper compared to the regularly used SMS-based verification platforms.
More details about the new verification system are available on Telegram’s support page.
Apart from the phone number verification feature, Telegram has also introduced a few more updates.
Users can now send digital gifts to others, enjoy a refreshed interface for video calls on iOS and benefit from improved moderation tools.
The new moderation tools are designed to offer better ways to report abuse on the platform.
“To further improve moderators’ ability to process reports at scale and our AI capabilities, the reporting menu has been expanded with even more detailed options for each category. The list of reporting reasons is now dynamically updated from the server, allowing us to suggest the most relevant reporting reasons in real-time, adapting to unfolding events and trends,” the company blog mentions.
FAQs
Q1. What is the new phone number verification feature in Telegram?
Answer. As per the latest blog, Telegram will now allow companies to use Telegram for phone number verification. This feature will offer a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods like SMS.
Q2. How much does Telegram charge businesses for phone number verification?
Answer. For businesses, this service will cost just $0.01 per verified user. This is about 50 times cheaper compared to the regularly used SMS-based verification platforms.
Q3. What additional features has Telegram introduced?
Answers. Apart from the phone number verification feature, Telegram has also introduced a few more updates. Users can now send digital gifts to others, enjoy a refreshed interface for video calls on iOS, and benefit from improved moderation tools.
Meta is testing a feature to cross-post Instagram Reels on Threads.
The aim of the feature is to simplify content sharing across its platforms.
This new feature includes an Instagram button in the Threads compose box for easy sharing.
Meta’s new feature feature will allow you to post Instagram Reels on Threads. (Image credit – Reuters)
Meta is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to cross-post Instagram Reels directly on its Threads platform. The new feature aims to make sharing content between all Meta apps easier and more seamless.
Here’s what we know about this feature so far.
Screenshot of the new feature. (Image Credits – Alex193a/Threads)
How Cross-Posting Reels from Instagram to Threads Will Work?
Meta’s micro-blogging app Threads may soon support direct posting of Instagram Reels.
According to noted developer Alessandro Paluzzi, Meta is testing a feature that lets users share Instagram posts and Reels on Threads easily in a few clicks.
#Threads is working on letting us share our #Instagram posts and #Reels directly from the post composer 👀 pic.twitter.com/wPNVeC5Nic
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) October 7, 2024
Paluzzi shared some screenshots that show that Threads’ compose box shows an Instagram button alongside the existing options like GIFs, Voice and Polls.
Users would be able to tap on the Instagram button to view a grid of their Instagram posts and Reels. This will allow them to select which content to share on Threads.
This new feature could help users increase engagement and visibility by reaching a broader audience across all Meta platforms.
Meta Focusing on Platform Integration
#Threads is working on Loops 👀 pic.twitter.com/lXBqMr5Z8O
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) October 1, 2024
This feature whenever comes will not be the first attempt from Meta to connect all its different social media apps.
The company has been closely working on cross-posting features for some time now. It already allows posts from Threads to appear on Instagram and Facebook.
Meta aims to simplify content sharing even further with the addition of Instagram content being shared directly on Threads.
The tech company has confirmed to TechCrunch that the cross-posting of Instagram Reels is currently in testing. This will provide Meta app users with a more cohesive user experience across platforms.
How Threads is Doing Since its Launch?
scrapbooking rn (adding text and stickers on photo dumps 💬❇️) pic.twitter.com/wDftJqZiZg
— Instagram (@instagram) October 9, 2024
Threads was launched as a competitor to X (previously Twitter). While the platform has not really managed to give any competition to X as of now, its user base has shown growth over time.
On #Threads you can share a post to your Instagram Story and it’s clickable back to Threads.
A feature we’ve longed for with Twitter posts and it works seamlessly 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/gv7CDgWdKE
— Jack Horwood (@JackHorwood) July 6, 2023
Threads has gained over 200 million monthly active users. This is relatively small when compared to the 1 billion users of Instagram and the 3 billion active base of Facebook.
Meta’s current focus on integration could help Threads grow further or at least that’s what the company is hoping for.
FAQs
Q1. How will cross-posting Reels from Instagram to Threads work?
Answer. According to noted developer Alessandro Paluzzi, Meta is testing a feature that lets users share Instagram posts and Reels on Threads easily in a few clicks.
Q2. Has Meta confirmed the cross-posting of the Instagram Reels feature?
Answer. The tech company has confirmed to TechCrunch that the cross-posting of Instagram Reels is currently in testing. This will provide Meta app users with a more cohesive user experience across platforms.
Q3. How many monthly active users does Threads have since its launch?
Answer. Threads has gained over 200 million monthly active users. This is relatively small when compared to the 1 billion users of Instagram and the 3 billion active base of Facebook.
Built on TSMC’s 3nm process, this powerful new chipset is designed to elevate premium Android smartphones. It offers significant improvements in CPU, GPU, gaming and AI capabilities.
Here’s a roundup of the smartphones confirmed and rumoured upcoming smartphones set to feature the Dimensity 9400.
Vivo X200 Series
Vivo X200 Series to Debut the Dimensity 9400. (Image credit – Vivo)
Vivo X200 series will be the first lineup to showcase the Dimensity 9400.
The X200 lineup is set to launch on October 14, 2024. It will include the Vivo X200, X200 Pro and X200 Pro Mini.
There’s the X200 Pro Satellite Edition that recently made headlines for achieving an impressive AnTuTu benchmark score of over 3 million. It also became the first Android flagship phone to achieve this feat.
Oppo Find X8 Series
Oppo Find X8 Series to Follow with AI-Powered Features. (Image credit – Oppo)
Oppo has also confirmed that its flagship Find X8 series will be powered by the Dimensity 9400.
The series consists of the Find X8, Find X8 Pro and Find X8 Pro Satellite Communication Version. These smartphones are scheduled for a launch later this month on October 25, 2024.
The Dimensity 9400’s enhanced AI capabilities will ensure Oppo’s latest flagship devices offer even more AI-driven features.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Series
Caption – Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Series may feature dimensity chips for the first time. (Image credit – Android Headlines/Oneleaks)
Samsung Galaxy S series usually has a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip for the US and South Korea regions or in-house Exynos processors for other regions.
However, rumours suggest that the upcoming Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ models could be powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 chipset for the first time.
If true, this would mark a significant shift for Samsung’s flagship lineup.
iQOO Neo 10 Pro
iQOO Neo 10 Pro Expected to Use Dimensity 9400 (Image credit – iQOO)
According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, iQOO’s next-generation flagship smartphones will also feature the Dimensity 9400.
While the base iQOO Neo 10 is rumoured to come with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the higher-end iQOO Neo 10 Pro will reportedly house the Dimensity 9400 SoC.
This follows a similar pattern from the previous generation, where the Neo 9 Pro featured MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300.
This is still speculative and it would be consistent with last year’s Redmi K70 Ultra that came with the Dimensity 9300+.
FAQs
Q1. What chipset is expected to power the Vivo X200 series?
Answer. Vivo X200 series will be the first lineup to showcase the Dimensity 9400. The X200 lineup is set to launch on October 14, 2024. It will include the Vivo X200, X200 Pro, and X200 Pro Mini.
Q2. When will the Oppo Find X8 series launch, and what chipset will it feature?
Answer. Oppo has also confirmed that its flagship Find X8 series will be powered by the Dimensity 9400. The series consists of the Find X8, Find X8 Pro, and Find X8 Pro Satellite Communication Version. These smartphones are scheduled for a launch later this month on October 25, 2024.
Q3. Which Samsung Galaxy series models will have the Dimensity 9400 chipset?
Answer. Samsung Galaxy S series usually has a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip for the US and South Korea regions or in-house Exynos processors for other regions. However, rumours suggest that the upcoming Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ models could be powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 chipset for the first time.
Q4. What are the expected configurations for the iQOO Neo 10 series?
Answer. According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, iQOO’s next-generation flagship smartphones will also feature the Dimensity 9400. While the base iQOO Neo 10 is rumoured to come with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the higher-end iQOO Neo 10 Pro will reportedly house the Dimensity 9400 SoC.
Q5. Which Redmi series model is speculated to feature the Dimensity 9400 chipset?
Answer. While the standard Redmi K80 models are likely to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the top-tier Redmi K80 Ultra may feature the Dimensity 9400.
Could be due to significant price hikes for the 13-inch model.
Apple’s global Mac shipments have dropped by 17.5% year-over-year.
Leaks suggest exciting updates for the M4 MacBook Pro and Mac Mini.
Unreleased M4 MacBook Pro spotted on Russian site for sale.
Report indicates global Mac shipments fell by 17.5% year-on-year in the previous quarter. (Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash)
Apple’s M4 iPad Pro launched earlier this year with notable feature upgrades is seeing a sharp decline in demand. According to a recent report, the significant price hike for the new models appears to be a key factor behind demand drop.
13-Inch iPad Pro Faces Greater Demand Drop Than 11-Inch Model
Ross Young a supply chain analyst from DSCC highlighted the the slowing demand for Apple M4 iPad Pro in a newly published report.
The demand for the iPad Pro models seemed promising initially. However, a closer look at display panel shipments tells a different story with the numbers showing a major reduction indicating lower-than-expected sales.
Young had initially forecasted up to 10 million panel shipments for 2024. However, with slowing demand in Q3 and expected slowdowns in Q4, it now appears that the actual shipments may end up closer to 7 million.
The 13-inch iPad Pro starting at $1,299 is considered to be the reason for this decline compared to the 11-inch model. It also doesn’t offer as significant an upgrade as the 11-inch that now features an OLED display.
Global Mac Shipments Drop Ahead of M4 Mac Launch
Meanwhile, a market intelligence report shows that Apple’s global Mac shipments have also seen a drop.
It has fallen by 17.5% year-over-year in the last quarter.
As per Canalys, total Q3 shipments of 66.4M units is up 1.3% year-on-year.
“Notebook shipments (including mobile workstations) reached 53.5 million units, up 2.8%, while desktop shipments (including desktop workstations) contracted 4.6% to 12.9 million units […] Although growth in Q3 was modest, the PC market recovery is now well underway with a number of positive signals indicating stronger performance in the coming quarters,” the report mentons.
Apple’s Mac shipments fell from 6.2 million in Q3 2023 to 5.1 million this year, reducing its market share from 9.5% to 7.7%.
As per reports, the decline is most likely due to consumers delaying purchases as they wait for the upcoming M4 Macs. The upcoming M4 Macsare expected to be announced by Apple soon.
The report writes, “Apple is expected to begin unveiling their M4 Mac lineup as soon as this month, with updates to the iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini to start off the new M4 transition. Although the event will probably be held this month, the new Macs aren’t expected to ship until November 1st.”
M4 MacBook Pro and Mac Mini Leaks Hint at Exciting Updates
The M4 MacBook Pro and Mac Mini have been the subject of numerous leaks. The new MacBook Pro base model is expected to feature a 10-core CPU (up from 8 cores), 16GB of memory and three Thunderbolt 4 ports.
There’s also speculation that the Mac Mini will undergo a major size reduction, potentially shrinking to a form factor similar to the Apple TV box.
Unreleased M4 MacBook Pro offered for sale on Russian site.
In a more unusual development, several units of the M4 MacBook Pro reportedly appeared on a Russian classified ads site before being taken down.
Photos and an unboxing video of what seemed to be the 14-inch base model were shared showing 16GB unified memory, a 512GB SSD, and the previously reported three Thunderbolt 4 ports. The ad listed the machine at 720,000 rubles, or about $7,400, well above its expected retail price.
The ad on Avito was asking 720,000 rubles, which is around $7,400.
“Moreover, apparently, there was not one laptop on sale, but several. The price in rubles was stated as 720,000, but with a note that it changes every day and it is better to check. At the moment, the ad has already been removed, since according to the rules of the site it is forbidden to sell “non-existent” goods.”
These leaks further fuel speculation that Apple will unveil the M4 MacBook Pro at the end of the month, with sales possibly starting by November 1.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the demand for the M4 iPad Pro declining?
Answer. The significant price hike for the new models appears to be a key factor behind demand drop.
Q2. How much has Apple’s global Mac shipments dropped year-over-year?
Answer. Apple’s global Mac shipments have fallen by 17.5% year-over-year in the last quarter.
Q3. What exciting updates are expected for the M4 MacBook Pro and Mac Mini?
Answer. The new MacBook Pro base model is expected to feature a 10-core CPU, 16GB of memory, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports. The Mac Mini may undergo a major size reduction.
In an exclusive report published by tech news publisher Gizmochina, the successor to the Dimensity 8300 was spotted within Xiaomi HyperOS software.
The upcoming MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Processor was recently spotted in Xiaomi HyperOS. (Screenshot credit – Gizmochina)
This latest reveal now suggests that Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device powered by the Dimensity 8400 could be launching soon.
Xiaomi or other brands usually test these processes as part of their initial testing to ensure that users get a reliable experience.
Dimensity 8400 Spotted in Xiaomi HyperOS
The appearance of the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 in Xiaomi’s HyperOS was unexpected to say the least.
The exact specifications of the Dimensity 8400 remain unknown as of now. It’s likely to offer improvements in both performance and power efficiency over its predecessor the Dimensity 8300.
As per the screenshot published in the Gizmochina report, the Dimensity 8400 carries the model number “MT6899.” This follows the naming pattern of other previous MediaTek processors.
For reference, the following are the model numbers of previous MediaTek processors –
Dimensity 8200 – MT6896
Dimensity 8300 – MT6897
Dimensity 8400 – MT6899
Dimensity 9300 – MT6989
Dimensity 9400 – MT6991
Most of these Dimensity processors are known for their speed and energy efficiency, which makes them popular choices for high-performance smartphones.
The appearance of the Dimensity 8400 hints that more powerful smartphones are on the horizon.
Gizmochina also reports that MediaTek Dimensity 8400 has been listed on the MediaTek website by mistake. (Screenshot – Gizmochina)
Moreover, MediaTek may have also listed the Dimensity 8400 with model number MT6899 on its official website.
The launch date for the Dimensity 8400 remains uncertain. However, the recent reveal now confirmed that testing of this upcoming processor is currently underway.
We can expect more details soon as the launch approaches.
FAQs
Q1. Where was the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor recently spotted?
Answer. The upcoming MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor was recently leaked online. In an exclusive report published by tech news publisher Gizmochina, the successor to the Dimensity 8300 was spotted within Xiaomi HyperOS software.
Q2. What is the model number of the Dimensity 8400?
Answer. As per the screenshot published in the Gizmochina report, the Dimensity 8400 carries the model number “MT6899.”
Q3. What improvements can be expected in the Dimensity 8400 over its predecessor?
Answer. It’s likely to offer improvements in both performance and power efficiency over its predecessor the Dimensity 8300.
Kuo reports that Apple asked suppliers to continue producing two Pro models even during China’s National Day holiday, which indicates good demand. (Image credit – Apple)
iPhone 16 Series made its debut a few weeks back and since then we have been hearing regular updates from the supply chain analysing how sales are going. Sale reports so far have been mixed with early figures not giving a very enthusiastic picture. However, Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently shared some positive news regarding iPhone 16 sales.
According to Kuo’s latest post on X (previously Twitter), the sales figures for the iPhone 16 are meeting expectations. He also clarified that there are no signs of supply chain cutbacks.
iPhone 16 shipment updates
1. Assembly orders almost remain unchanged. Suppliers had been asked to continue producing two Pro models during China’s National Day holiday, indicating that demand for the Pro models has generally met expectations so far.
2. Some component orders…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) October 9, 2024
We usually get indicators of a reduction in production numbers after every major product launch when sales figures are lower than expected. This hasn’t happened with Apple as of now.
While Apple never discloses specific sales numbers, we can always get insights from the supply chain reports about how the new products are moving.
It seems the iPhone 16 is performing according to Apple’s sales forecasts.
Kuo mentions that the basic iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models have seen lower demand compared to last year. However, the Pro models are doing particularly well as have been recorded in previous line-ups also.
iPhone 16 Demand Dips Among Teens, But Interest in Apple Intelligence Could Still Lead to Upgrades
Kuo’s X post highlights that suppliers were asked to keep producing the two Pro models even during China’s National Day holiday. This suggests that the demand for these models has generally met expectations so far.
However, there is still time before we get a clear picture of how the iPhone 16 is performing sales-wise. We can expect more insights to come at the end of October with Apple’s quarterly earnings report.
Moreover, the coming holiday season can also push sales further.
Teen Survey in the US Reveals Apple Intelligence To Push Future iPhone 16 Upgrades
A new survey of teens reveals that iPhone ownership remains extremely high amongst teens in the US. (Image Credit – Apple)
Meanwhile, a recently released Teen Survey paints a good picture for Apple in the coming times.
Piper Sandler shared the results of its 48th semi-annual Gen Z survey involving 13,515 teens across 47 U.S. states.
The most eye-opening data to come out of the survey was that 87% of teens surveyed in the US own an iPhone.
The survey also revealed that as of now the number of teens upgrading to the iPhone 16 is steady but Apple Intelligence can really push new purchases in the coming months when all features are out with complete iOS 18 updates.
Here are some more interesting findings of the Teen survey –
22% plan to upgrade to an iPhone 16 soon
this is slightly down from the 23% for iPhone 15 last year
which was down from 24% for iPhone 14 in 2022
30% said they will upgrade in the next 6 months because of Apple Intelligence
FAQs
Q1 . How are iPhone 16 sales performing according to Ming-Chi Kuo?
Answer. According to Kuo’s latest post on X, the sales figures for the iPhone 16 are aligning well with expectations, and there are no signs of supply chain cutbacks.
Q2. What is the demand difference between the basic iPhone 16 models and the Pro models?
Answer. Kuo mentions that the basic iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models have seen somewhat lower demand compared to last year. However, as usual, the Pro models are doing particularly well.
Boult W10 earbuds were introduced in India at the offer price of ₹799.
It is exclusively available on Flipkart and the official Boult website.
W10 comes in Coral White and Jet Black.
Indian brand Boult recently introduced TWS earbuds W10 at an affordable price. It comes with features such as Bluetooth 5.4, fast charging, 45ms low latency modes and more, all for just ₹799.
Here’s our in-depth review of these earbuds to give you a clear picture of how they perform.
“With the launch of the K10 and W10, we are continuing with our commitment of exploring new heights of audio technology by merging top-tier performance with style and practicality. Our goal at BOULT has always been to deliver products that offer not just quality but also innovation at every level. Both the K10 and W10 represent our commitment to excellence, providing unmatched sound, long-lasting battery life, and advanced features like ZEN™ Quad Mic ENC and Combat™ Gaming Mode, ensuring that our customers have the best possible audio experience, whether gaming or on the go,” said Varun Gupta, Co-Founder, BOULT on the launch
Boult W10 Earbuds – Key Features
Boult W10 Earbuds – Key Features
Zen Quad Mic ENC
13mm Drivers BoomX Technology
Spatial Audio
45ms Lowest Latency
Bluetooth v5.4
Dual Device Connectivity
55 Hours of Battery life
Lightning Boult Fast Charging – 10 min=150mins Playtime
IPX Water Resistant – Splash & Sweat Proof
AI Voice Assistant
Boult W10 Earbuds Unboxing Video
Boult W10 Earbuds – Pros & Cons
Boult W10 Earbuds – Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
● Stylish Design
● Strong Bass
● Long Battery Life
● Dual Device Connectivity
● 45ms latency
● Quad Mic ENC
● IPX Rating
● Affordable
● Plastic Build
● Limited Color Options
● No App support
● No customisation option
Boult W10 Earbuds – Design, Build and Fit
Boult W10 Earbuds – Design, Build and Fit
Design-wise, the Boult W10 earbuds are compact and sleek-looking. They come in a leather finish case that adds a nice touch of style to its overall design.
It is available in two colour variants, we had the Jet Black variant for this review.
It is a classic black. The internals of the case have dual black and a shade of blue. Indicator lights, pairing button and USB-C charging portcomplete the overall case design.
It feels sturdy and durable in hand even though the plastic body is very fragile.
The overall build quality is decent. It has a strong hinge on the case that feels reliable. Boult has managed an IPX rating, so you can be worry-free using them in less-than-ideal weather or during workouts.
The compact and pocket-sized case makes it easy to carry around. You can easily slip it into a small bag or even in your pocket.
The earbuds are lightweight. They definitely felt comfortable even for long hours of use. Whether you’re on a commute or working out, they stay snug without causing any discomfort.
Boult W10 Earbuds – Sound and Call Quality
The sound quality of the Boult W10 earbuds is impressive for earbuds of this price range.
We have to thank the 13mm drivers and BoomX Technology for that.
We got rich and immersive audio. The strong emphasis on bass helps in making any kind of music feel surrounded and powerful.
Boult W10 earbuds were introduced in India at the offer price of ₹799.
It also has spatial audio features. We aren’t particularly sure what function that performs but Boult claims it enhances the listening experience.
The earbuds add decent depth and clarity to tracks.
As for calls, Boult W10 comes with Zen Quad Mic ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation).
This ensures your voice comes through clearly even in noisy environments. We especially found these earbuds good for work calls or quick chats.
It comes with AAC and SBC codec support and the audio remains good across different devices.
Overall, you can expect a decent, seamless experience with these earbuds whether listening to music or making calls.
For the under 1000 category, these really managed to impress us.
Boult W10 Earbuds – Features
Boult W10 Earbuds – Features
The Boult W10 earbuds are packed with practical features that enhance everyday use.
Firstly, it comes with Bluetooth v5.4. So, you get a stable and fast connection. We were able to quickly pair with different devices hassle-free. There were no connectivity issues as such.
The dual device connectivity is a good addition. It allows you to connect to two devices, which helps in making a quick switch between two devices such as your mobile and laptop seamlessly.
It is always helpful to have this feature when you are constantly on your laptop and mobile. It makes multitasking easier.
W10 comes in Coral White and Jet Black.
Boultis promising a 45ms low latency mode. We tried to test this with some of the popular games and while it is difficult to test it exactly, our gaming experience was good. The earbuds provide smooth and lag-free audio.
We didn’t experience audio delays or breaks. It keeps you fully immersed in your gameplay.
You also get a built-in AI voice assistant with Boult W10. It makes hands-free control easy, whether you’re checking the weather, playing music or making calls.
All these features together offer a smooth and convenient earbuds experience.
Boult W10 Earbuds – Battery Life
Boult W10 Earbuds – Battery Life
Total Playback: 40 hours
Lightning Boult™ Fast Charging: 10min Charge = 150min
Playtime Charging Port: C-type
Charging Indicator: Yes
The Boult W10 earbuds deliver decent battery life.
We managed to get almost full-day performance on a single charge with decent use.
The Lightning Boult fast charging feature also works well.
It gives easy 150 minutes of playtime in just 10 minutes of charge.
Verdict – Should You Buy Boult W10 Earbuds?
Verdict – Should You Buy Boult W10 Earbuds?
The Boult W10 is a good choice you can consider if you’re looking for a pair of earbuds with good sound quality, good battery life and practical features within a budget.
It is decent for both casual and active users including working professionals, students and gamers.
The earbuds are available at an offer price of ₹799, which makes it a great value-for-money product.
Overall, Boult W10 is ideal for budget users who want to experience 360-degree spatial audio without spending too much.
However, if sound quality is a priority, you may want to consider alternatives in the same price bracket.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Buy
Affordable
Good Sound
Classic Design
Good Features
Good Battery Life
Reasons Not to Buy
Reasons Not to Buy
Plastic Build
Limited Colour Options
No Customisation
Alternatives
truke Buds F1
truke Buds F1
Key features –
Spatial Audio Experience
60H Playtime Ear Buds
Quad Mics Crystal-Clear Calls
Fast Charging
Bluetooth 5.3
Noise Cancellation
Gaming Mode
Price – ₹699
boAt Airdopes Atom 81 Pro
boAt Airdopes Atom 81 Pro
Key features –
W/100Hrs of Playtime
4 Mics with Enx
Beast Mode with 50Ms Low Latency
13Mm Drivers
Iwp Tech
ASAP Charge
Price – ₹799
Noise Buds N1
Noise Buds N1
Key features –
40H of Playtime
Quad Mic with ENC
Ultra Low Latency(up to 40 ms)
Instacharge(10 min=120 min)
Bluetooth v5.3
Price – ₹999
FAQs
Q1.How is the sound quality of Boult W10 earbuds?
Answer. The earbuds offer rich, bass-heavy sound with 13mm drivers and spatial audio for immersive listening.
Q2. What is the battery life of Boult W10 earbuds?
Answer. You get up to 40 hours of playback, with a fast-charging feature that provides 150 minutes of playtime after just 10 minutes of charging.
Q3. Can the Boult W10 connect to two devices at once?
Answer. Yes, the dual-device connectivity feature allows you to switch between two devices seamlessly.
Q4. Is there a low latency mode for gaming in Boult W10?
Answer. Yes, the 45ms low latency mode is perfect for smooth, lag-free audio during gaming.
Q5. Are the Boult W10 earbuds water-resistant?
Answer. Yes, they come with an IPX rating, making them resistant to sweat and light rain.
Q6.What are the top features of Boult W10 Earbuds ?
Answer .The W10 takes it up a notch with an impressive 55 hours (about 5 days) of battery life and a leatherette finish that adds a touch of luxury and comfort for a premium feel.
With dual-device connectivity, you can seamlessly switch between devices without missing a beat, making it perfect for multitasking across your phone, tablet, or laptop.
The spatial audio feature ensures an immersive sound experience, allowing you to dive deep into your favorite tracks, movies, or games with enhanced depth and clarity.
Whether earbuds you’re working, relaxing, or on the go, the W10 is designed to elevate your audio experience. With BoomX technology and 13 mm drivers, providing a bass-rich experience, the W10 will be available in Coral White and Jet-Black variants in the market.
Q7.Is Boult W10 Earbuds designed for performance & convenience?
Answer. W10 earbuds are designed for performance and convenience, offering a range of features that cater to various needs.
With Bluetooth 5.4, users can enjoy seamless and stable connectivity, whether they’re listening to music, taking calls, or gaming.
The Lightning Boult™ Fast Charging ensures 150 minutes (about 5 hours) of playtime with just a 10-minute charge, making them perfect for those on the go.
Both the devices feature ZEN™ Quad Mic ENC guarantying crystal-clear calls, even in noisy environments, making it a great option for remote meetings or casual conversations.
For gamers, the Combat™ Gaming Mode provides ultra-low latency at 45ms, allowing for lag-free gameplay during intense sessions.
These are built for everyday use, whether you’re commuting, working, or gaming.
