The ROG Phone 9 series will launch on November 19.
It will feature the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
The phone is expected to continue with its gamer-centric look with LED lights.
The ROG Phone 9 series will include the standard model and the higher-end ROG Phone 9 Pro.
ROG Phone 9 series to launch on November 19. (Image credit – Asus Press Note)
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has officially confirmed that it will be launching its latest gaming-focused ROG Phone 9 Series on November 19.
This announcement comes around the same time as the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit, where the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile chipset has been officially introduced.
The ROG Phone 9 series will be one of the first devices to feature this new chipset, promising unmatched performance and efficiency.
ROG Phone 9 Series – Key Features (Expected)
ROG Phone 9 series officially released image 1. (Image credit – Asus)
The ROG Phone 9 series is expected to retain its signature gamer-centric look including the familiar LED lights on the back. Asus has also hinted that the phone will continue to leverage AI features for an enhanced gaming experience.
Featuring the New Snapdragon 8 Elite Chipset for Unmatched Performance.
Battery life has always been an important feature of the ROG Phone series. The previous generation ROG Phone 8 Pro was known for its exceptional battery endurance. As per the latest update, the upcoming ROG Phone 9 will now come with Qualcomm’s focus on energy efficiency in the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform.
It is expected to offer even longer gaming sessions without the need for constant charging.
ROG Phone 9 series officially released image 2. (Image credit – Asus)
The series is expected to include at least two models i.e. the standard ROG Phone 9 and the higher-end ROG Phone 9 Pro.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite platform featuring a second-generation Oryon CPU and an enhanced Adreno GPU is set to raise the bar for mobile gaming.
These upgrades are expected to provide gamers with a smoother and lag-free experience.
Continuing the Gamer-Centric Aesthetic with Eye-Catching LED Lights.
Early benchmark tests on Geekbench 6 have shown impressive results. The ROG Phone 9 was outperforming many competing devices in both single and multicore tests.
With the launch date approaching, excitement is building around the ROG Phone 9’s potential to push the boundaries of mobile gaming.
More details are expected to come out as we get closer to the official launch on November 19.
FAQs
Q1. When will the ROG Phone 9 series be launched?
Answer. The ROG Phone 9 series will be launched on November 19.
Q2. What chipset will the ROG Phone 9 series feature?
Answer. The ROG Phone 9 series will feature the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
Q3. What to expect from the ROG Phone 9 series?
Answer. The ROG Phone 9 series is expected to retain its gamer-centric look with LED lights, leverage AI features, and include at least two models: the standard ROG Phone 9 and the higher-end ROG Phone 9 Pro.
Qualcommhas officially unveiled its flagship mobile chipset Snapdragon 8 Elite at the recent Snapdragon Summit.
The company also announced that its flagship mobile platforms are now adopting the Elite name.
This move aligns with the ARM-based X Elite chips that are currently used in high-end laptops.
The next generation of mobile experiences is here. #Snapdragon 8 Elite features the fastest mobile CPU in the world thanks to the @Qualcomm Oryon CPU, paired with the most powerful on-device #AI ever for a smartphone. pic.twitter.com/OwLlB7oNM4
— Snapdragon (@Snapdragon) October 21, 2024
Claimed to be “the most powerful and world’sfastest mobile system-on-a-chip ever,” Snapdragon 8 Elite is built on the second generation custom-built Qualcomm Oryon CPU, Qualcomm Adreno GPU and enhanced Qualcomm Hexagon NPU.
The chipset is designed for next-generation smartphones that will have on-device multi-modal generative AI applications.
According to Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 8 Elite will also enhance advanced camera capabilities with AI-ISP, gaming performance and enable faster web browsing.
The American chip maker also informed that ASUS, Honor, iQOO, OnePlus, OPPO, RealMe, Samsung, Vivo, Xiaomiand more such smartphone manufacturers will be releasing Snapdragon 8 Elite devices in the coming months.
Some of the first smartphones to receive the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC include the upcoming OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15, Honor Magic 7 Pro and Realme GT 7 Pro.
The upcoming OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15, Honor Magic 7 Pro and Realme GT 7 Pro going to be the first smartphones with the Snapdragon 8 Elite. (Image credit – Qualcomm)
Chris Patrick, senior vice president and general manager of mobile handsets at Qualcomm Technologies Inc said, “We are so excited to bring the power of Qualcomm Oryon to our Snapdragon mobile platforms for the first time. Earlier this year we debuted it in PCs, delivering remarkable experiences and unparalleled battery life to PC users, energizing the industry and getting the attention of consumers. Today, our second generation of the Qualcomm Oryon CPU debuts in our flagship Mobile Platform – it’s a major leap forward and we expect consumers to be thrilled with the new experiences enabled by our CPU technology.”
“With leading CPU, GPU and NPU capabilities, the Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers dramatic performance enhancements and power efficiency 3. In addition, it revolutionises mobile experiences by offering personalised, multi-modal generative AI directly on the device enabling the understanding of speech, context, and images to enhance everything from productivity to creativity tasks while prioritising user privacy, ” Patrick added.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new chipset.
Snapdragon 8 Elite – All-Big Core Design and Memory
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite official
The Snapdragon 8 Elite is Qualcomm’s first smartphone chip to feature an all-big core setup.
This eight-core processor is equipped with two prime cores clocked at an impressive 4.32 GHz, and six performance cores that go up to 3.53 GHz, making it ideal for power-intensive tasks.
Snapdragon 8 Elite promises a 45% boost in CPU performance and 44% better power efficiency. (Image credit – Qualcomm)
With a 24MB L2 cache and support for ultra-fast 5,300MHz LPDDR5X RAM, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is built to handle demanding applications efficiently.
It is made using TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process, which results in significant performance improvements.
Qualcomm claims a 45% boost in CPU performance and 44% better power efficiency compared to its predecessor.
Snapdragon 8 Elite – Design for Gamers With Upgraded Adreno GPU
The 2nd Gen Qualcomm Oryon CPU is 30% faster vs 1st gen at iso-power .
The Snapdragon 8 Elite comes with a revamped Adreno GPU offering a 40% increase in both performance and power efficiency.
Moreover, ray tracing performance is 35% faster, providing smoother graphics and more immersive gaming experiences.
Gamers can expect up to 2.5 extra hours of playtime.
It’s also the first Qualcomm chip to support Unreal Engine 5.3 and its advanced Nanite virtualized geometry system bringing console-level graphics to smartphones.
Snapdragon 8 Elite comes with an enhanced GPU for gamers, a new AI-powered ISP, a Snapdragon X80 5G modem and Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7900. (Image credit – Qualcomm)
Snapdragon 8 Elite – AI Enhancements with Hexagon NPU
Qualcomm has again maintained that AI continues to be a main feature of all Qualcomm’s chips. The Snapdragon 8 Elite comes with a new Hexagon neural processing unit (NPU) that offers a 45% boost in AI processing speed while maintaining energy efficiency.
Qualcomm’s AI Engine also supports Gen AI allowing the chip to handle both large and small AI models.
It will give developers more flexibility for incorporating AI-driven features.
Snapdragon 8 Elite – Smarter Mobile Photography
The new Snapdragon 8 Elite also introduces a new AI-powered Image Signal Processor (ISP) replacing the older Spectra ISP for photography.
The AI ISP works with the Hexagon NPU to analyze raw camera data, allowing real-time AI adjustments at 4K/60fps. It also supports advanced photo and video editing features like semantic segmentation and video object erasing.
The new ISP can process up to4.3 gigapixels per second, compared to the previous generation’s 3.2 gigapixels, enabling features like simultaneous recording from three 48MP cameras, real-time adjustments for skin and sky and real-time video re-lighting.
Moreover, it supports up to a single 108MP camera at 30fps or a 320MP snapshot.
Snapdragon 8 Elite – Next-Level Connectivity
It has 2 x Prime cores at up to 4.32 GHz and 6 x Performance cores at up to 3.53 GHz.
For connectivity, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is equipped with the Snapdragon X80 5G modem. It is the first to support 6x downlink carrier aggregation and AI-assisted mmWave range extension. We can expect peak download speeds of up to 10 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps.
The modem is paired with Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7900 Mobile Connectivity System, which combines Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the industry’s first Ultra Wideband (UWB) into a single 6nm chip.
It supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and UWB, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections across the board.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – A Quick Comparison
Compared to the predecessor, this uses Qualcomm’s 2nd gen custom Qualcomm Oryon CPU for mobile, with up to 4.32 GHz peak CPU speeds.
2 x Oryon Prime CPU at up to 4.32GHz, 6 x Oryon Performance CPUs at up to 3.53GHz 3nm Process Technology Built-in Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 5G modem-RF system
5G speeds of up to 10 Gbps down, mmWave: 8 carriers, 2×2 MIMO, Sub-6 GHz: 4×6 MIMO, Converged mmWave-sub-6 transceiver, Qualcomm 5G AI Suite Gen 3 includes: AI-enhanced performance improvements in power handling, coverage, latency, & QoS, AI-assisted mmWave beam management–mmWave (SA) range extension for CPE, AI-based GNSS Location Gen 3, Qualcomm 5G AI Processor Gen 2 with dedicated tensor hardware accelerator, Qualcomm 5G PowerSave Gen 5, Fully integrated NB-NTN support, Qualcomm Smart Transmit Gen 5 technology with Snapdragon Satellite support, Qualcomm Wideband Envelope Tracking, 5G New Calling support, Qualcomm Power RF Efficiency Suite, Qualcomm® 5G Ultra-Low Latency Suite, Qualcomm(R) RF Uplink Optimization, Global 5G multi-SIM, including Qualcomm DSDA Gen 2.
Qualcomm Adreno next-gen GPU, Real-time Hardware-Accelerated Ray Tracing with Global Illumination, Support for Unreal Engine 5.3 running Nanite on smartphones, Support for Unreal Engine Chaos Physics Engine, Snapdragon Adaptive Game Configuration, Snapdragon Game Super Resolution, Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2.1, Snapdragon Game Post Processing Accelerator, HDR gaming (10-bit color depth, Rec. 2020 color gamut), Snapdragon Shadow Denoiser, API support: OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 3.0 FP, Vulkan 1.3
Hardware-accelerated H.265, VP9, AV1 decoder, HDR Playback Codec support for HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision Up to 48MP triple camera, Up to 108 MP single camera with ZSL, Up to 320MP single camera, Qualcomm Spectra Image Sensor Processor (AI ISP, 18-bit triple-ISP)
Limitless real-time Semantic Segmentation photo and video processing, Engine for Visual Analytics 4.0, including hardware acceleration for iToF depth sensors up to 4K 60 FPS, Support for the latest HDR, DCG+VS, DCG, Staggered, QDOL, Less Blanking, and Multiframe HDR image sensors
Rec. 2020 color gamut photo and video capture, Up to 10-bit color depth photo and video capture 10-bit HEIF: HEIC photo capture, HEVC video capture, Google Ultra HDR photo capture
Capture Formats: HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, 8K HDR video playback @ 60 FPS, 4K video capture @ 120 FPS, Slow-mo video capture at 1080p @ 480 FPS, Hardware Bokeh Engine 2 for video capture, Pro Sight video capture, Ultra-low light video capture with AI Noise Reduction in 4K60 FPS, Computational HDR video capture: Up to 4 exposures (with QDOL image sensors), Video super resolution, Massive Multi-Frame Noise Reduction with AI, Locally Motion Compensated Temporal Filtering – Enhanced AI video segmentation @ 4K60 FPS, Realtime AI skin and sky tone adjustments in 4K60 FPS, Truepic photo capture with C2PA-compliant certificate authority.
On-Device Display Support: 4K at 60 Hz / QHD+ at 240 Hz, Maximum External Display Support: up to 8K @ 30 Hz, Up to 1080 @ 240 Hz, Variable Refresh Rate support for 240 Hz to 1 Hz, 10-bit color depth, Rec. 2020 color gamut, HDR10, HDR10+, HDR vivid, and Dolby Vision
Qualcomm Hexagon Processor, Fused AI accelerator architecture, Hexagon scalar, vector, and tensor accelerators, Hexagon Direct Link, Micro Tile Inferencing, Large shared memory concurrency support, Upgraded power delivery system, Support for mix precision (INT8+INT16), Support for all precisions (INT4, INT8, INT16, FP16).
Support for LP-DDR5x memory up to 5300 MHz, Memory Density: Up to 24 GB Wi-Fi 7 Peak speed: 5.8 Gbps, Wi-Fi 7 802.11be, 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Multi-gigabit, Integrated 802.11ac 2×2 (2-stream) MU-MIMO, Bluetooth 6.0, LE Audio, Integrated Ultra Wideband (UWB)
Concurrent GPS, Glonass, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, NavIC, Triple frequency GNSS (L1/L2C/L5), AI-based GNSS Location Gen 3
USB Version 3.1 Gen 2, USB Type-C Support, UFS 4.0 Qualcomm Quick Charge 5 technology
FAQs
Q1. What is the new name for Qualcomm’s flagship mobile platforms?
Answer. Qualcomm’s flagship mobile platforms are now adopting the Elite name, aligning with the ARM-based X Elite chips used in high-end laptops.
Q2. What is the key processor in the Snapdragon 8 Elite?
Answer. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is built on the second generation custom-built Qualcomm Oryon CPU.
Q3. Which smartphone manufacturers will release Snapdragon 8 Elite devices?
Answer. ASUS, Honor, iQOO, OnePlus, OPPO, RealMe, Samsung, Vivo, Xiaomi, and more will be releasing Snapdragon 8 Elite devices.
Q4. What are the expected performance improvements in the Snapdragon 8 Elite?
Answer. Qualcomm claims a 45% boost in CPU performance and 44% better power efficiency compared to its predecessor.
Q5. What connectivity features does the Snapdragon 8 Elite offer?
Answer. The Snapdragon 8 Elite includes the Snapdragon X80 5G modem, supporting peak download speeds of up to 10 Gbps and pairing with Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7900, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and UWB.
OnePlus 13 will be launched on October 31 in China.
The flagship smartphone will be powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
It will feature up to 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
As per official images, the phone will be available in black, white and blue colour variants.
OnePlus 13 official images. (Image credit – OnePlus)
There have been rumours circling around the release of the OnePlus 13 for quite some now.
But now we have finally a confirmation from official sources.
OnePlushas officially announced that it will release the highly anticipated OnePlus 13 on October 31 in the Chinese market.
While the company has teased the design and display details of the phone already, it has been surprisingly silent about other details or key features of the phone as of now.
Qualcomm recently revealed the Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform and now OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 13 will be powered by this new powerful chip.
OnePlus China President, Louis Lee, revealed that a special event will be held on October 23 at 10 a.m. local time in China.
This event will focus on the OnePlus 13’s performance, highlighting its capabilities with the newly launched Snapdragon 8 Elite.
OnePlus China President Louis Lee’s latest post on Weibo.
According to Lee, the Snapdragon 8 Elite offers significant improvements in both performance and energy efficiency.
The OnePlus 13, developed closely with Qualcomm, is expected to be among the most powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite flagship devices.
Lee also mentioned that the phone will feature exclusive proprietary technologies designed to enhance gaming performance like never before.
OnePus 13 teaser ahead of China launch. (Image credit – OnePlus)
The Snapdragon 8 Elite, based on TSMC’s 3nm process, boasts a second-generation Oryon CPU with two super cores clocked at 4.32 GHz and six performance cores. This new architecture delivers a 45% boost in energy efficiency compared to the previous generation, making it a perfect fit for the OnePlus 13.
OnePus 13 teaser ahead of China launch. (Image credit – OnePlus)
The OnePlus 13 will also offer up to 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, likely making it the first Android flagship to have such high memory capacity. To fully tap into the chip’s power,
OnePlushas integrated a new chip-level solution called Tidal Engine, developed by the ColorOS 15 team.
In terms of design, the OnePlus 13 will come in three colours: black, white and blue.
The phone features a revamped rear panel and a sleek micro-quad-curved BOE X2 OLED display on the front.
As the launch date approaches, more details about the OnePlus 13 are expected to be revealed.
FAQs
Q1. When will the OnePlus 13 be launched in the Chinese market?
Answer. The OnePlus 13 will be launched on October 31 in the Chinese market.
Q2. What is the key chipset powering the OnePlus 13?
Answer. The OnePlus 13 will be powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, offering significant improvements in both performance and energy efficiency.
Q3. What are the memory and storage capacities of the OnePlus 13?
Answer. The OnePlus 13 will offer up to 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Apple plans to introduce a new iPhone 17 Slim in 2025.
It will most likely come with an A19 chip, a 6.6-inch display, 8GB RAM and a 48MP rear camera.
All iPhone 17 models will have a 24MP front camera.
Analyst Jeff Pu confirms some iPhone 17 Slim key specs in investor note seen by 9to5Mac. (Image credit – 9to5Mac)
We have been hearing about the iPhone 17 Slim for a while now. Rumours and leaks have revealed quite a few details about the next iPhone series phone even though no confirmation has been received from official sources yet.
Now, confirming something that was reported earlier, we have new reports from another non-official industry source.
According to analyst Jeff Pu, Apple is planning a big update to its iPhone lineup in 2025 with the launch of a new iPhone 17 Slim model.
This upcoming iPhone model will most likely focus on a sleek design and simplified features unlike the high-end specifications seen in other models.
According to analyst Jeff Pu and confirmed in a recent 9to5Mac report, the key features of the iPhone 17 Slim include –
Chip: A19
Display: 6.6-inch
RAM: 8GB
Front-camera: 24MP
Rear camera: Single 48MP camera
Biometrics: Face ID
Casing: Aluminum
The iPhone 17 Slim will have an all-new form factor relacing the current Plus model.
However, it is not yet revealed if we can expect any significant change in price, size or other factors of the upcoming device. Some reports have hinted it could even be priced higher than the iPhone Pro Max model.
iPhone 17 Lineup – What To Expect?
Along with the iPhone 17 Slim, the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup will include some significant upgrades:
iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Slim: Both will feature 8GB of RAM and the A19 chip.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: These models will come with 12GB of RAM and an upgraded A19 Pro chip.
Pro Max Model: The iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a smaller Dynamic Island due to new “metalens” technology, which could reduce the size of the Face ID sensor.
Earlier this year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that all upcoming iPhone 17 models will include a 24MP front camera.
This is a significant boost from the 12MP sensors that can be found in current iPhone models.
However, the 9to5Mac report hints that all reports and rumours are still in development. There is always a chance that these plans will change in future before actual production.
It is clear Apple is aiming for a major shift in design and performance with the iPhone 17 series. Apple fans will have to wait until September 2025 for the official announcement.
FAQs
Q1. What is the expected release date for the iPhone 17 Slim?
Answer. The iPhone 17 Slim is expected to be released in 2025.
Q2. What are the key features of the iPhone 17 Slim according to Jeff Pu?
Answer. Key features of the iPhone 17 Slim include an A19 chip, a 6.6-inch display, 8GB RAM, a 24MP front camera, a single 48MP rear camera, Face ID and an aluminium casing.
Q3. What camera upgrades are expected for the iPhone 17 series?
Answer. All upcoming iPhone 17 models will include a 24MP front camera, a significant boost from the 12MP sensors in current iPhone models.
Delhi Police is investigating a Telegram channel named Justice League India for its role in the CRPF school blast.
The channel shared a post and CCTV footage related to a bomb blast at a CRPF school in Rohini.
The post contained a pro-Khalistan message.
National Security Guard inspect the blast site in Rohini, New Delhi (Image credit – PTI
A Telegram Channel is now under scanner a day after a bomb blast damaged a wall at the CRPF school in Prashant Vihar, Rohini.
Delhi Police has now reached out to Telegram Messenger for information regarding a channel named “Justice League India.”
According to police sources, the channel had shared a post about the blast, along with CCTV footage of the incident.
“The police are seeking information from other social media platforms as well. Telegram has yet to respond to the Delhi Police. The investigation is ongoing, and no specific organization has been linked to the blast yet. All angles are being investigated,” police sources told ANI.
On October 21, a video of the Delhi blast appeared on the Justice League India Telegram channel. The video had a “Khalistan Zindabad” watermark and was accompanied by a message stating that Khalistani groups were “ready to strike anytime.”
The message read, “If Indian coward agency and their master think they can hire filthy goons to target our members to silence our voice, then they live in fools’ world. They can’t imagine how close we are to them and how capable we are to strike anytime. #KhalistanZindabad #JLI.”
The message is now being viewed in the context of growing tensions between India and Canada over anti-India activities by Khalistani extremists.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government as it oversees Delhi’s law enforcement. In a post on X, Atishi accused the Centre of failing to maintain law and order in the national capital. “The responsibility to maintain law and order in Delhi is with BJP’s central government. But BJP ignores this and uses its time to disrupt the work of Delhi’s elected government,” she wrote.
The message posted in Telegram-channels indicates that Khalistani operatives were behind the blast in Delhi
As a response to the comments, BJP leader Shazia Ilmi said, “The puppet CM is known for this. If you make her speak on any topic, it is always about the Centre. Something very serious has happened. The situation is totally in control. Instead of expressing anxiety about the situation and [thinking] what should be done, a political blame game has begun.”
This isn’t the first time Telegram has been used to share such messages.
In the last few years, Telegramhas been notoriously associated with various criminal activities. According to a recent report published in the New York Times, Telegram has become a platform for illegal dealings, with some channels advertising weapons, drugs like cocaine and heroin and more across multiple countries.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) have since joined the probe.
Moreover, a case has been registered under the Explosives Act. The area remains under tight security as of now.
Amit Goel, deputy commissioner of police (Rohini), said, “When local police reached the spot, the school’s boundary wall was damaged, and a foul smell was coming from the area. The glass panes and windows of nearby shops and parked cars were also damaged.”
A senior forensic science laboratory officer stated, “Initial inspection of the samples shows the accused used a homemade explosive containing ammonia and phosphate. It looks like a crude bomb.”
“We have earmarked areas that record high footfall or are sensitive. These include Lutyens Delhi, government office buildings, markets, malls, among other places. The deployment has been increased. We have asked district officers to send teams for patrolling and ensure no anti-social elements break laws,” a senior police officer at the police headquarters said on the condition of anonymity.
“The sound was so loud that we initially thought it was an accident. It wasn’t until we saw the damage that we realized it was something more serious,” said a local shopkeeper whose store windows were shattered by the blast.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the Telegram channel under investigation by the Delhi Police?
Answer. Delhi Police is investigating the Justice League India Telegram channel after it shared a post and CCTV footage related to a bomb blast at a CRPF school in Rohini, along with a pro-Khalistan message.
Q2. What security agencies are involved in the investigation of the CRPF school bomb blast?
Answer. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) have joined the probe, and a case has been registered under the Explosives Act.
Google Play Protect’s latest update enhances Android’s malware detection and prevention.
Introduces real-time scanning at the code level for newly downloaded apps.
Currently available in India and select countries.
Google advises caution with app installations.
Latest Google Play Protect update to enhance the Android’s ability to detect and prevent malware. (Image credit – Mika Baumeister on Unsplash)
Malware threats are ever evolving and every tech company is constantly working to stay ahead of the curve.
Google has recently announced some major upgrades to the built-in antivirus software of Android to provide better protection from malicious apps.
Google revealed in its latest blog post that the latest Google Play Protect update aims to enhance the Android’s ability to detect and prevent malware.
The update will also ensure it offers real-time scanning to identify threats more effectively.
Google Play Protect comes pre-installed on all Android devices and it works by scanning apps for malware. It scans all apps including those already installed and any new ones downloaded.
According to a recent Google blog, Play Protect scans over 125 billion apps daily.
However, cybercriminals often find ways to bypass such security using tactics like polymorphic malware.
Malware constantly evolve to evade detection and use various techniques to trick users into downloading harmful apps.
Real-time scanning feature in Google Play Protect. (Image credit – Google)
Google is now introducing real-time scanning at the code level.
Once this feature is updated on Android phones, Play Protect will automatically scan in real-time any newly downloaded app that has not been scanned before. This will help Google in evaluating the app’s code in detail.
It will then provide users with a report if the app is safe to install.
The real-time scanning feature is currently available in India and other select countries. Google plans for a global rollout in the near future.
Permission prompt received by Android user when an app requests a dangerous permission. | Image credit-Google
Meanwhile, Google also advised users in the blog post to be cautious when installing any apps.
Google recommends avoiding sideloading apps from unofficial sources, as they don’t undergo the same security checks as those on the Google Play Store or other trusted platforms like the Amazon Appstore or Samsung Galaxy Store.
Moreover, users are also advised to be wary of suspicious links or attachments from unknown contacts.
Apart from Google Play Protect, Android users can also enhance the security of their devices by installing third-party antivirus apps such as Bitdefender Mobile Security or Norton Mobile Security.
These apps offer extra protection against potential malware threats.
More details about Google’s real-time scanning feature will most likely emerge soon.
FAQs
Q1. What is the latest update in Google Play Protect to enhance malware detection?
Answer. Google Play Protect’s latest update introduces real-time scanning at the code level, automatically scanning newly downloaded apps to provide detailed safety reports.
Q2. Where is the real-time scanning feature of Google Play Protect available?
Answer. Google Play Protect’s real-time scanning feature is currently available in India and select countries, with plans for a global rollout in the near future.
Q3. What precautions does Google advise users to take when installing apps?
Answer. Google recommends avoiding sideloading apps from unofficial sources and being wary of suspicious links or attachments from unknown contacts.
Spiritual and devotional expect more growth during Diwali.
Apps like Vama.app, AppsForBharat, Astrotalk and DevDham among the most popular.
AppsForBharat noted success with 850,000 darshans and 12,000 online pujas during Shravan
Expansions planned for Diwali to boost user acquisition by 20%.
Spiritual Apps like Vama.app, AppsForBharat, Astrotalk and DevDham increasing gaining popularity. (Image credit – AppsforBharat)
Spiritual and devotional apps are increasingly gaining popularily among Indian users. As per a recent Economic Times report, a sharp rise in user engagement was registered in such apps during Navratri and now a busy Diwali season is expected.
According to industry executives quoted in media, Apps like Vama.app, AppsForBharat, Astrotalk and DevDham saw significant growth in their services particularly in areas such as online pujas and virtual offerings.
Manu Jain, founder of Vama.app noted a substantial increase in both users and revenue during Navratri.
“Because of Navratri, we launched new products and services,” he told ET. “As a result, we are seeing an uptick of 20-25% (month-on-month) in new users overall. Our revenue for the last week of September so far is showing a week-on-week growth of over 20%,” Jain added.
Vama.app offers services like virtual pujas, temple darshans and astrology consultations.
Jain added that the company expects even more significant growth as Diwali approaches. “There are more organic searches on the platform. However, I expect a significant increase to come closer to Diwali, as the real festive period is around that time. Therefore, we are planning everything for the last week of October,” he said.
Prashant Sachan, founder of AppsForBharat, shared similar success during Navratri, especially after the company expanded services for the festive period.
The platform saw around 850,000 darshans and 12,000 online pujas during the Shravan sacred period.
For Diwali, the company is further expanding its services to temples in Madurai and Tirunelveli, which is expected to boost user acquisition by 20%.
“This season, we are witnessing an upsurge in user participation, and we anticipate continued growth in engagement as our app is now available in five regional languages, with three more being added to deepen our reach across India,” Sachan explained. AppsForBharat also experienced strong overseas interest, with 35% of its Navratri revenue coming from international users.
The rising popularity of spiritual and devotional apps has attracted venture capital interest, with investments flowing into platforms offering services such as online astrology and digital pujas.
For instance, Noida-based Astrotalk, which recently raised $9.4 million in equity funding, is planning to expand beyond astrology into the devotional segment.
DevDham, another major player in the space, also saw significant growth during religious periods like Shravan and Pitru Paksha, when Hindus honour their ancestors.
“We saw an uptick of 30-35% in new transactions during the Shravan and Pitru Paksha period, with 60% from existing users and 40% from new users,” cofounder Pranav Kapoor said. The platform has introduced various offerings for Navratri, such as items for goddess worship, and expects strong demand for puja services during Dhanteras and Diwali.
Kapoor added, “We have also launched other products related to various rituals. We are observing significant interest from customers, including many repeat buyers and we expect this to scale.”
With the upcoming Diwali season, these apps are poised to see further growth as more users turn to digital platforms for their spiritual needs.
FAQs
Q1. How much growth did the Vama.app experience during Navratri?
Answer. Manu Jain the founder of Vama.app revealed, “We are seeing an uptick of 20-25% (month-on-month) in new users overall. Our revenue for the last week of September so far is showing a week-on-week growth of over 20%.”
Q2. What services did AppsForBharat expand?
Answer. AppsForBharat saw around 850,000 darshans and 12,000 online pujas during the Shravan sacred period. For Diwali, they are expanding services to temples in Madurai and Tirunelveli.
Q3. How did DevDham perform during the Shravan and Pitru Paksha period?
Answer. Cofounder Pranav Kapoor recently said, “We saw an uptick of 30-35% in new transactions during the Shravan and Pitru Paksha period, with 60% from existing users and 40% from new users.”
The OnePlus 13 will be unveiled in China on October 31.
Official images reveal a circular camera module, a flat metal frame and three colour variants.
Real-life images also surfaced from a recent event confirming the official look.
Expected specs include a 6.82-inch 2K OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 50MP triple camera setup, 6000mAh battery with 100W fast charging and up to 24GB RAM.
OnePlus 13 official look revealed. (Image credit – OnePlus)
We have been hearing multiple rumours and leaks about the next OnePlus flagship. However, it appears we finally have the confirmed look and Chinese market launch date from official sources.
As per media reports, OnePlus has finally confirmed the launch date for the upcoming OnePlus 13.
It will be unveiled in China on October 31 at 4 PM local time.
The upcoming OnePlus 13 will be unveiled in China on October 31. (Image credit – OnePlus)
Moreover, the Chinese manufacturer also shared the first official image of the upcoming device.
The images revealed a circular camera module with a flash in the matrix arrangement and Hasselblad branding.
OnePlus China also released a video teaser ahead of the China launch.
Weibo post releasing the Chinese teaser video.
According to the official images and video teaser, the OnePlus 13 will feature a flat metal frame and the signature alert slider as well.
These images teased by OnePlusalso reveal that the phone will be available in three colour options that include Black, Blue and White.
OnePlus 13 Real-Life Images Surfaced in China
The OnePlus 13 sports flat sides and a circular camera module.
You will not have to wait for the launch of the OnePlus 13 to see real-life images. The phone has been recently spotted during a Chinese event ahead of its official launch.
Participants using the unreleased OnePlus 13 during the Peacekeeper Elite 2024 event in China. (Image – Weibo)
Many tech enthusiasts on Chinese social media Weibo shared images from a recent Peacekeeper Elite 2024 event that shows the phone in the hands of participants. The phone can be seen in three colour variants: black, a dual-tone blue with a white camera island, and a white variant with a silver frame.
The real-life image reveals what official images also confirmed. The phone can be seen with flat sides, a prominent Hasselblad logo and the OnePlus logo centred on the back.
OnePlus 13 Key Specs (Expected)
OnePlus 13 teaser ahead of China launch. (Image credit – OnePlus)
According to OnePlus China head Louis Jie, the OnePlus 13 is going to be the company’s most powerful and versatile flagship smartphone ever.
He also hinted that the phone will bring several “industry firsts” including the second-generation BOE X2 display and a new Hasselblad imaging system.
As for other key specs rumours, the OnePlus 13 will most likely boast a 6.82-inch 2K 10-bit LTPO BOE X2 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It will also have a new local refresh rate feature.
Under the hood, the phone will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.
It is expected to be powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is also known as Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. The processor will be paired with up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.
The camera setup of the OnePlus 13 will likely include a 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
It will be available in three finishes—White Dawn, Blue Moment, and Obsidian & a green variant may be exclusive to the global market.
Moreover, the device is rumoured to have a 6000mAh battery supporting 100W wired fast charging.
Certain reports also suggest that the phone might have an ultrasonic fingerprint reader.
OnePlus is expected to reveal more details about the phone on October 23 ahead of the official launch.
FAQs
Q1. When will the OnePlus 13 be launched in China and what are its confirmed colour options?
Answer. The OnePlus 13 will be unveiled in China on October 31 at 4 PM local time, with confirmed colour options being Black, Blue and White.
Q2. What are the expected key specifications of the OnePlus 13?
Answer. Expected specs include a 6.82-inch 2K 10-bit LTPO BOE X2 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, up to 24GB RAM, 1TB internal storage and a 50MP triple camera setup.
Q3. What special features are hinted at for the OnePlus 13?
Answer. The OnePlus 13 may feature a new second-generation BOE X2 display and a new Hasselblad imaging system and could include an ultrasonic fingerprint reader.
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be released next spring.
The design will most likely be similar to the iPhone 14.
Dummy unit images reveal compatibility with iPhone 14 cases.
Other suggested features include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a smaller notch and dimensions matching the iPhone 14.
Apple iPhone SE 4 dummy units’ images revealed. (Image credit – Japanese blog Macotakara)
We have been regularly reporting on rumours and leaks on the upcoming iPhone SE. It will be the next iPhone to officially release before we get to see the iPhone 17.
As of now, we are expecting the next iPhone SE to be released sometime next spring, which means we still have at least 6 months of wait. However, this doesn’t mean the buzz around the phone will be fading.
In fact, a recent report showing new images of iPhone SE 4 dummy units gives us our first glimpse of what the new device is going to look like.
The famous Japanese blog Macotakara known for revealing dummy unit images of upcoming iPhones has recently released a set of new images of iPhone SE 4 dummy units. The images give us a closer look at what to expect from Apple’s upcoming budget iPhone.
iPhone SE 4 – Dummy Unit Images Revealed
3D mock-up of iPhone SE 4 (Image credit – Japanese blog Macotakara)
As previous rumour suggested, the design resembles that of the iPhone 14.
The dummy units also reveal that we can expect compatibility with iPhone 14 cases. Moreover, Macotakara’s report also hinted at a larger size option for the phone that’s unlikely to happen.
The dummy units released by the Macotakara blog indicate many key features of the upcoming iPhone SE 4.
Apple iPhone SE 4 dummy units’ side view image revealed. (Image credit – Japanese blog Macotakara)
The device will most likely feature a single rear camera, a mute switch instead of the new action button seen in recent models and a smaller notch with Face ID at the top.
3D mock-up of iPhone SE 4 (Image credit – Japanese blog Macotakara)
Its dimensions are likely to be 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.8mm. And just to make it clear, these mentioned dimensions are identical to the iPhone 14.
Another important aspect revealed by the blog report is how iPhone 14 cases fit the SE 4 dummy just fine. Although, the camera cutout is larger due to the iPhone 14’s dual camera setup.
3D mock-up of iPhone SE 4 (Image credit – Japanese blog Macotakara)
Macotakara report also mentions that the mute switch is slightly smaller on the SE 4. Meanwhile, the volume and side buttons remain the same as was last seen in the iPhone 14.
iPhone SE 4 Key Details – Features, AI and Key Specs (Expected)
iPhone SE 4 Display dummy (Image credit – 91Mobiles)
As per most recent reports, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display similar to the iPhone 14.
This display will come with a flat-edged design, Face ID and a smaller notch.
However, it will stick to a single rear camera unlike what we have seen in iPhone 14.
Display analyst Ross Young previously suggested the SE 4 will share the same 6.1-inch OLED panel supplied by both BOE and LG Display.
Same display as iPhone 14. BOE and LGD are the suppliers. Panel shipments from October…
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) October 6, 2024
Moreover, Apple is also expected to move to USB-C for the iPhone SE 4 instead of the Lightning connector. This is more because of the EU regulations that require a unified charging port for devices.
As for the camera upgrades in the upcoming iPhone SE 4, the device is likely to feature the same 48MP rear sensor as the iPhone 15.
This will be a massive upgrade from the 12MP camera we got in the iPhone SE 3.
The front camera will also be upgraded to 12MP from the 7MP selfie camera on the current SE model.
Apple now aims to include Apple Intelligence in all its upcoming devices including iPhone SE 4. (Image credit – Apple)
One exciting feature expected in the iPhone SE 4 is Apple Intelligence.
The phone will most likely powered by the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM, which will make it eligible for Apple Intelligence features.
Apple seems to be now aiming to include this AI-powered feature in as many devices as possible including on its most affordable models.
Moreover, the SE 4 will also mark the debut of Apple’s first in-house modem codenamed “Centauri.”
This modem was developed after Apple acquired Intel’s modem business in 2019 to reduce reliance on Qualcomm. It will handle 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.
Last but not least, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a higher price point starting at $499 making it a reasonable price for an iPhone under $500.
FAQ
Q1. When is the iPhone SE 4 expected to be released?
Answer. The next iPhone SE is expected to be released sometime next spring, which means we still have at least 6 months of wait.
Q2. What design features are revealed by the iPhone SE 4 dummy units?
Answer. The dummy units indicate that the iPhone SE 4 will have a single rear camera, a mute switch instead of the new action button, and a smaller notch with Face ID.
Q3. What are the expected camera specifications for the iPhone SE 4?
Answer. The device is likely to feature a 48MP rear sensor and a 12MP front camera, which is an upgrade from the 12MP and 7MP cameras on the iPhone SE 3.
Apple employees reportedly believe they are two years behind in AI development.
Apple Intelligence requires an A17 or M1 chipset and 8GB of memory.
AI to be available on all Apple devices with screens by 2026.
The new iPad release is now delayed until late 2025.
Apple Intelligence preview released at WWDC24. (Image Credit – Apple)
According to the latest edition of Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, some Apple employees believe the company is about two years behind in developing artificial intelligence.
However, Apple has a strategy to catch up and some internal studies suggest the company is approaching the challenge.
Apple introduced its first AI suite of features called Apple Intelligence at WWDC24 in June.
This included an introduction to tools like AI notification summaries, a revamped Siri with personal context, Image Playground, Genmoji and more.
However, there was an interesting information that was missed out. It was only later revealed that Apple isn’t handling everything in-house.
Apple Intelligence runs primarily on-device to ensure better privacy. However, it also limits the complexity of the models due to hardware constraints.
The hardware requirements for Apple Intelligence include an A17 or M1 chipset or newer and at least 8GB of memory.
Apple also announced a partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into the system because of the hardware limitations.
Gurman recently shared some of Apple’s internal studies that indicate that ChatGPT is about 25% more accuratethan Siri and can answer 30% more questions.
This also shows that there is a significant gap between the AI performance of Apple’s own tools and the performance of OpenAI.
Skipping iPad 11 is a sign of apple focus on AI
As Gurman specified in his newsletter, some Apple employees believe the company’s AI technology is still over two years behind other market-leading AI players.
Furthermore, Gurman has predicted that Apple Intelligence will be available on every Apple device with a screen by 2026.
This means we can expect upgrades across the Apple product lineup.
The iPhone SE is to come with the A18 chip in March and an update to the entry-level iPad can be expected in 2025.
iPad Release Expected in Late 2025
The iPad mini with Apple Intelligence.Source: Apple
Speaking of iPad, Gurman has now confirmed that we won’t be getting a new iPad until late 2025. As per the recent 9to5Mac report, this delay in refreshing the iPad indicates that Apple “will be selling a 3-year-old product with a 5-year-old chipset when it finally gets updated.”
It was previously suggested by display specialist Ross Young that panel shipments were underway this month, which indicated in favour of a spring release. However, Gurman speculative timeless shows a different picture.
“The iPhone SE will gain the features in March, and the entry-level iPad will probably get updated later in the year,” Gurman wrote.
The current base model of the iPad is more than 2 years old. It comes with an A14 chip at the moment. The A14 chip was close to 2 years old at the time it was launched. Apple traditionally places a 2-year-old chipset in the base iPad with every new update.
FAQs
Q1. What new features were introduced in Apple Intelligence at WWDC24?
Answer. Apple Intelligence introduced tools like AI notification summaries, a revamped Siri with personal context, Image Playground and Genmoji.
Q2. What are the hardware requirements for Apple Intelligence?
Answer. The hardware requirements include an A17 or M1 chipset or newer and at least 8GB of memory.
Q3. When is the new iPad expected to be released?
Answer. According to Gurman, the new iPad release is delayed until late 2025.
