All posts by Thina Hareesh

Has been tinkering with computers since the age of 7, when I first discovered why we should not delete system32 on Windows 98. Today, I enjoy writing about tech as much I love tinkering with it.
Gaming, News

OnePlus surprises with gaming monitor announcement

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OnePlus continues its foray into the gaming space with the announcement of two new gaming monitors.

OnePlus X27
OnePlus forays into gaming tech with two new monitors; The X27 and E24. Image source: SoyaCincau

A worthy gaming monitor entry; OnePlus X27

The two OnePlus gaming monitors announced are the high end X27 and the more budget friendly E24. The X27 is the premium offering, with a 27-inch 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution IPS panel with 165Hz refresh rate. Claims have been made for 1ms response time and support for VESA’s DisplayHDR 400, standard offerings of current gaming monitors. Rounding out the specs are support for AMD Freesync, 10-bit colour and coverage for 95% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. The design of the X27 is more similar to modern productivity monitors with slim bezels. You won’t find any bold design decisions with the “gamer” aesthetic of funky back panel designs or color accents here.

There is, however, a good array of ports along the back panel. These include a high power 65W USB-C port that can charge your devices, even power your laptop. There is also an HDMI 2.1 port, a DisplayPort 1.4, two USB-A 3.0 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It comes with a stand that is height adjustable with pivot, tilt and swivel functions. It can be mounted with a VESA 75mm mount. While looking pedestrian, the OnePlus X27 packs some decent specifications for a gaming monitor.

Gaming on a budget with the OnePlus E24

OnePlus E24
The E24 is more budget friendly but expect more modest specifications. Image source: SoyaCincau

The budget variant of OnePlus gaming monitors, the E24, packs understandably lesser specs than the X27. The 24-inch IPS panel supports a 1920 x 1080 FHD resolution and lower refresh rate of 75Hz. It does not carry neither AMD Freesync support nor VESA’s DisplayHDR 400 or colour coverage of the X27. The stand is only tilt adjustable and there are lesser ports; a 18W Power Delivery (PD) USB-C port, a HDMI 1.4 port, a VGA port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. With these harware concessions, will the price point be able to justify it?

At the moment, the OnePlus X27 is only available in India, retailing at INR 28000 (approx. RM1500) while there is no price or availability details on the E24. With many concessions in hardware, we do expect a significantly reduced price. With OnePlus already announcing a mechanical keyboard in the making, can we expect more gaming tech from OnePlus? Only time will tell

Source: SoyaCincau, Android Central

iOS, Mobile, News

Apple’s Freeform helps you collaborate creatively

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Apple releases a brand-new app for creative brainstorming and collaboration called Freeform.

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Apple’s Freeform is a flexible canvas to share ideas in a creative way. Image source: Apple

Freeform is available now and comes included with iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2 and macOS Ventura 13.1. Apple describes the app as a “flexible canvas” with an emphasis for sharing and collaborating visually. Think of it as a digital whiteboard, where you can draw or write freely without being limited by things like layouts or page sizes.

Sketch and share with easy-to-use tools

To express your creativity on its blank canvas, Freeform comes with a variety of tools that are easy to pick up. Building on the canvas theme, the app comes with various brush styles and color options for freeform writing, enhanced with built-in gesture support. iPhone and iPad users can use their fingers for freeform sketching and support for Apple Pencil is a plus for iPad users in this regard.

The app supports a wide variety of files that can be used in your canvas. Apart from the expected photos, videos and audio, you cand add links to websites and map location, sticky notes, preset shapes and diagrams and even PDF files. Adding content is easy too with drag-and-drop support for Files app and Finder on macOS. You can even add photos or scanned documents directly with iPhone and iPad cameras.

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Collaborate easily with support for up to 100 people and built-in FaceTime and Messages features.
Image source: Apple

Work creatively and collaboratively

Apple’s vision is for Freeform to be a collaborative space and has added features to support this. The app supports up to 100 collaborators in a single board. Getting those other 99 people is made easier with the new collaboration features in Messages. You can invite others by dropping a board into a Messages thread to invite all the people in that thread. All changes made to the board will also be tracked in the same thread. If messaging is not enough, FaceTime is built-in with the app too. FaceTime calls to all collaborators can be started by tapping the collaboration button at the top right of the screen. You can also view edits by all collaborators in real-time via FaceTime call. Freeform also allows boards to be shared via email, exported as a PDF or even a screenshot.

Source: Apple

News

Mediatek Dimensity 8200 launch claims best power efficiency and smooth gaming

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Mediatek launches its latest platform, the Dimensity 8200, claiming best-in-class power efficiency for premium 5G smartphones and impressive gaming performance.

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Mediatek makes bold claims for the Dimensity 8200 with power efficiency and gaming performance.
Image source: 9to5Google

4nm process brings power efficiency while retaining performance

Mediatek’s new chipset targets the bracket of smartphones just below the flagship range and succeeds the Dimensity 8100 and 8000 launched early this year. The Dimensity 8200 improves upon its predecessors with a 4nm process, instead of a 5nm process. Apart from that, the new chipset shares many hardware similarities with its predecessors, with some tuning to improve its performance. This brings improved performance at a reduced rate of power consumption. It is an octa-core CPU with four ARM Cortex A78 cores, with one at 3.1 GHz and three at 3.0 GHz clock speeds respectively. Following suit with connectivity, it supports dual 5G connectivity like its predecessor, WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 as seen previously.

Mediatek HyperEngine 6.0 features improves gaming performance

Gaming has also been a focus of the Dimensity 8200. It retains the ARM Mali G610 graphics platform as seen before, with some performance improvements expected over the Dimensity 8100. To further enhance the GPU, Mediatek is also featuring the HyperEngine 6.0 Gaming Technologies. The biggest upgrade that comes with this feature is support for ray tracing thanks to Vulkan SDK. Better framerates are also expected with the Frame Rate Smoother 2.0 and AI-enhanced Variable Rate Shading technology (AI-VRS). With MediaTek Intelligent Display Sync 2.0, the display refresh rates adjust according to gaming or conventional use, to help preserve battery during regular use.

Improved camera and video recording features

Camera improvements are also touted with the MediaTek Imagiq 785 Camera. The main shooter is now a 320MP camera, up from 200MP of its predecessors. There is now support for recording HDR video on up to three cameras simultaneously with its 14-bit HDR-ISP. It also supports cinematic video by double camera capture and up to 3 additional 32MP sensors.

Overall, the Mediatek Dimensity 8200 remains a strong contender for flagship-like performance at an affordable price, a worthy successor to its predecessors. We expect to see more devices bearing it soon, with the first one already announced in the iQOO Neo7 SE.

Sources: 9to5Google, GSMArena

News

Home Mesh Networks to be supercharged with Qualcomm’s WiFi 7 chips

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Qualcomm announces new WiFi 7 chipsets with the aim to revolutionize home networking with faster speeds and enhanced performance.

Qualcomm IHP features
Faster speeds and performance at home with Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi 7 platforms. Image source: Qualcomm

Qualcomm launches the chipsets as part of its “WiFi 7 Immersive Home Platform” and will be found in routers and mesh WiFi devices in the latter half of 2023. In its launch announcement, Qualcomm believes the new platform will deliver increased performance in a “…compact, power-efficient, cost-effective network chipset architecture”. There are two new chipsets announced, the Qualcomm 3210 platform that offers 20Gbps peak network capacity and the 236 platform with 10Gbps peak capacity.

The new chipsets also bring a host of new features, with the Qualcomm Multi-Link Mesh being a central one. This is Qualcomm’s own built-in mesh networking technology that offers to reduce real-time latency by 75%. It does this by automatically switching between the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz spectrums based on network conditions. It also leverages avoidance algorithms to reduce other interference from other networks.

Qualcomm IHP specs
Expect higher mesh network capacities and better performance in congested environments.
Image source: Qualcomm

Being a WiFi 7 chipset, the new platforms leverage the formats whole suite of features for your home mesh network. These include an enhanced 6 GHz spectrum performance with 320 MHz spectrum, offering 40% higher capacity than WiFi 6E. There is support for WiFi 7 Multi-Link and Adaptive Interference Puncturing to further improve performance in congested environments. And last but not least, better single device connectivity with peak speeds up to 5.8 Gbps.

For more information on Qualcomm’s new WiFi 7 chipsets, visit the “Immersive Home Platform” website.

Sources: The Verge, ZDNet

Android, Mobile, News

Sony’s Android 13 roll out for Xperia smartphones begins

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Android 13 will be available soon to Sony smartphones according to a leak from Reddit.

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Android 13 rollout begins for Sony Xperia devices. Image source: Sony

A post on r/SonyXperia has named at least five flagship Sony devices to be receiving Android 13 thought no dates have been specified. The devices are Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 1 III, Xperia 5 IV, Xperia 5 III and Xperia Pro-I. The availability of these updates for the devices are also confirmed on update tracker website Xpericheck.com. No specific dates on availability have been mentioned yet. As pointed out by 9to5Google, these updates are region-limited by Sony, so expect different varying arrival periods.

New features for Xperia with Android 13

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A new Quick Panel feature improves management of apps and functions. Image source: Sony

Sony themselves have announced the release of Android 13, highlighting some of the new features it brings. The update features a new Quick Settings panel is to manage running apps, helping to improve efficiency and battery life. There is also a dedicated button on the panel to access the QR code scanner. Customization is also diversified with color theming now available to change your icon colors to match your wallpaper.

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Use your Xperia as a viewfinder and now stream with it on the External Monitor app. Image source: Sony

A new livestreaming feature is now available to the External monitor app too, allowing you to share live video from your compatible Sony camera. With the Bluetooth LE Audio feature, you can share audio wirelessly to multiple compatible headphones and receive audio from another Bluetooth LE enabled device. Language settings have also been simplified with a unified language settings option that applies immediately to all Xperia apps. No more changing the language individually for each app. While not as feature packed as expected, the new Android 13 update brings good quality of life improvements for Xperia devices.

Sources: 9to5Google, Android Central

News

Crypto and NFTs outlawed on GTA Online servers

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Cryptocurrencies and NFTs have been banned from the unlikeliest of trading grounds – the role-playing servers of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) Online.

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Crypto and NFTs now a crime on everyone’s favorite crime simulator. Image source: Rockstar via Kotaku.

New regulations bar trading of crypto, virtual currency and loot boxes

An update on developer Rockstar support page outlined new regulations on their role-playing servers, aligning with publisher Take-Two’s legal enforcement policy. Rockstar specifically mentions enforcement actions against “commercial exploitation”, which include sale of loot boxes or virtual currencies, generation of revenue via corporate sponsorships and use of cryptocurrency and crypto assets e.g. NFTs. This regulation, in line with existing rules for single player mods, will apply to all facets of Grand Theft Auto across all platforms. It will also extend to Rockstar’s other albeit less popular online game, Red Dead online.

gta money deal
All dealings in hard-earned virtual cash only. Image source: Rockstar

So, what does this new set of rules mean for the game? Rockstar has assured that the existing experience of role-play servers will not be affected, including third party servers. Unlike the typical story-driven missions of a GTA game, the role-playing servers focus more on community-driven experiences. These are living and breathing worlds with all members having their own careers and personal lives. As you would expect in any online world, there is a thriving trading community. Unfortunately, some members have taken to selling some “less than savory” things to the developer’s distaste. These include licensed music and sponsorship deals, in-game currency to the much-maligned loot boxes.

Only recently, an online server started by rapper Lil Durk called “The Trenches” was shutdown by Rockstar for just this reason. As reported by Ars Technica, the role-playing server actively integrated real word gaming brands and a “Trenches Pass” NFT drop to access specific on-server content. Less than 3 months since its launch, the server was instructed to be shutdown by both Rockstar and TakeTwo. This event appeared to be the precursor of the new crackdown on crypto.

Safety of the community and the experience first

steam gta security
Safety of the community and their bank accounts first. Image source: Steam Workshop

The new regulations also mention enforcement actions against misuse of Rockstar Games trademarks or game intellectual property (IP), importation of these IP or trademarks and interference with online multiplayer and online servers of both GTA and Red Dead. It appears Rockstar and Take-Two intend to safeguard their assets from misuse and the community experience in role-playing servers. The barring of loot boxes and the barely predictable cryptocurrencies and crypto assets safeguard finances too.

However, a final regulation also specifies enforcement actions on “making new games, stories, missions, or maps”. Although not elaborated on, both developer and publisher assure the existence of third-party role-playing servers are not affected. Will there be an impact on server content or community creativity? That remains to be seen.

Sources: Kotaku, ArsTechnica

News

WhatsApp Calls Improved with New Features

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WhatsApp endeavors to improve its users call experience with an update bringing a host of new features.

new call join
WhatsApp video calls now support up to 32 people, with notifications for new joinees. Image source: Meta

While it made its mark in the world of secure messaging, WhatsApp intends to attract more users to its voice and video call functions too. To kick things off, group video calls have gotten bigger with support for 32 persons in a single call. That is four times more than previously supported number of callers. If the calls get too chaotic, a new feature allows both direct messaging and muting of call participants. By long pressing on a participant, an enlarged interface appears to perform these functions without interrupting the call. Gathering users for a WhatsApp call is now easier with a new call link feature that can be shared to participants.

mute and message
Colourful waveforms with private message and mute features help manage large calls. Image source: Meta

Voice calls have received new features too. It is now easier to know who is talking in a large group call with colorful waveforms overlayed on the speaker. If someone pops into the group call, a notification now pops up to mark their arrival. iOS users will receive an exclusive, minimized in-call video screen feature. Users can now multitask on their devices without interrupting an ongoing video call. This feature is still currently under beta testing and will roll out in the new year.

Even with new features for WhatsApp calls, the commitment to privacy and security still remains. As always, the end-to-end encryption on all communication through the app by default remains in place. For more details on the new features, visit Improved Calling Features on WhatsApp | Meta (fb.com).

Android, Mobile, News

Mali GPU security gaps puts your device at risk

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A known security vulnerability in Mali GPU could affect millions of Android devices as it remains unpatched as reported by Google.

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A known Mali GPU security vulnerability remains unpatched and puts your Android device at risk.
Image source: Forbes

As reported first by 9to5Google, Google Project Zero has highlighted a security vulnerability known as CVE-2022-33917 affecting only Mali GPUs. The platform is found on non-Snapdragon Android devices most notably Samsung Exynos chipsets, and Google’s Tensor chipsets. Mediatek Dimensity devices from OPPO, Xiaomi. According to developer ARM, this vulnerability allows attackers to gain access to freed memory. Google added that “…by forcing the kernel to reuse these pages as page tables, an attacker with native code execution in an app context could gain full access to the system…”.

ARM has already been informed of the vulnerability by Project Zero as early as July this year. On their official site, ARM has stated that they have already fixed the vulnerability on their end. However, security measures are yet to been taken by smartphone developers like Samsung, Google and the rest. A statement on 27th November by both Android and Pixel teams stated a fix is currently under testing. It was stated that the fix will be available to all “in the coming weeks”. Two weeks on since then, no further updates have been provided.

Source: 9to5Google, PhoneArena, SamMobile

Android, Mobile, News

ZTE announces the Voyage 40 Pro+ to succeed Axon 40 SE

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ZTE announces the new Voyage 40 Pro+ in China, a device that improves upon the Axon 40 SE released in October.

voyage pro
The Voyage 40 Pro+ improves upon the Axon 40 SE. Image source: GSMArena

ZTE has retained the key design elements and hardware of the mid-range Axon 40 SE and made some select improvements. Both phones share a similar appearance with the twin circular camera housing on the back and dimensions. They share the same 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution and 770 nit peak brightness. But that’s where the similarities end.

Chipset, battery and cameras upgrades from the Axon 40 SE

The Voyage 40 Pro+ has hardware improvements all around, starting with the mobile platform it runs on. Powering the device is a Mediatek Dimensity 810 that offers improved core speeds and 5G connectivity. This a step up from the Unisoc T618 chipset seen in its predecessor. The memory configurations have been doubled from the Axon 40 SE, with 8GB of RAM and 256 GB storage. It still retains a microSD slot and has the option for further virtual RAM up to 6 GB. The battery also has a capacity increase to 4510mAh with significantly faster 66W charging, up from 4500mAh and 22.5W charging. The main shooter in the three camera setup has also improved, with 64MP sensor up from 50MP. The 5MP macro cam and 2MP depth sensor from its predecessor still remains. The front camera too is upgraded to a 16MP shooter from 8MP.

Voyage 40 Pro+ special edition and availability

voyage pro starry
Available in two colors and a special Starry Night edition. Image source: GSMArena

The Voyage 40 Pro+ is now retailing in China, exclusively for the moment, retailing at an estimated RM1393 (2200 yuan). It is available in two colors; Sky Blue and Twilight Gray. Also available is the Starry Night edition, inspired by the van Gogh painting, retailing for the same price. For more details and availability in Malaysia, visit the official ZTE Malaysia website and follow ZTE Malaysia Facebook page.

Source: GSMArena

Consumer Electronics, Lifestyle, News

WIKO Buds 10 now available on Shopee

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Wiko Malaysia has announced the release of their affordable earbuds, the Buds 10 in Malaysia.

Visual WIKO Buds 10 2
Lightweight and affordable, the Wiko Buds 10.

The French manufacturer’s latest entry into the budget true-wireless earbuds market features 12-mm bio-diaphragm dynamic drivers with copper-coated aluminium armature. This design results in lightweight earbuds, weighing at 4.2g, without compromising on audio quality. Wiko claims that the earbuds will fit snugly and users will barely feel them when in use. With Bluetooth 5.2, the buds offer stable connectivity and low latency, useful for gaming.

Visual WIKO Buds 10 1
Long battery life of up to 30 hours.

The lightweight design coupled with IPX4 rating makes these buds suitable for use outdoors and for exercise. Wiko claims a single playback charge will last up to 6 hours and 30 hours total with the charging case. There is also dual mic noise-cancelation for clearer calls, handy in noisy environments. The buds can also be controlled through touch via embedded smart sensors.

Currently, the Wiko Buds 10 is for sale in Malaysia exclusively through the official Wiko Shopee Store for RM129. For more information of the device and its features, visit the official Buds 10 product page and official Facebook page.