In a strategic move to change the dynamics of ad creation. Google introduces AI tools to its Performance Max campaign, integrating advertisers with exceptional capabilities to create engaging advertisements. This transformative offering allows advertisers, whether from agencies or businesses, to iteratively craft dynamic and engaging content by leveraging text prompts. In this article, we will learn more about the latest AI features in Google’s Ads
Google Ads Performance Max: AI Features
What is Performance Max?
Firstly, let’s understand what Google Ads Performance Max is. Google Performance Max is like a one-stop shop for advertising. You pay Google to show your ads on all their platforms, not just one. It uses Google’s algorithms and AI to show your ads to the right people at the right time, helping you get the most from your advertising budget.
Integrated into Google’s Performance Max ad campaign product, the AI “ad creator” unfolds its prowess across various Google platforms like YouTube, Maps, Search, Discover, etc. From enhancing search results to optimizing shopping experiences, the tool promises a comprehensive and integrated advertising solution.
A highlight of this innovation is the upcoming ‘Image Editing Solution’ drawing inspiration from the renowned Pixel 8’s Magic Editor. This AI feature promises to elevate visual creativity to unprecedented levels, providing those using Google Ads with a myriad of options for captivating content.
A notable addition is the beta feature empowering advertisers with the swift creation and scaling of text and image assets. Additionally, it is positioned within Performance Max, this feature streamlines the typically complex process of building cross-channel campaigns, promising efficiency and agility.
Google AI: Tailored Creative Control for Retailers
For retailers utilizing Merchant Center Next, these AI generative tools usher in a new era of creative control. Offering a custom approach to content creation, this feature allows businesses to align their advertising strategy with their unique brand identity.
SynthID: Marking Authenticity in AI-Generated Content
SynthID, a watermark introduced by Google, plays a pivotal role in preserving the authenticity of AI-generated content. This feature ensures transparency, assuring both advertisers and consumers of the genuine nature of the creative assets.
Asset Variety
In the realm of Performance Max campaigns, asset variety is paramount. To add to that, Google’s AI simplifies and accelerates the creation of diverse assets, amplifying the potential for campaign success across a spectrum of platforms and advertising channels.
User-Friendly Google AI Interaction
This innovative suite ensures a user-friendly experience for advertisers. Additionally, users feed prompts to AI and review assets effortlessly before final publication, thus streamlining the creative process with efficiency and ease.
Google Ads and AI: Conclusion
Currently, in beta in the United States, users eagerly anticipate the global rollout of these revolutionary AI tools. Meanwhile, these tools are expected to redefine the ad creation landscape globally by the close of 2023. Moreover, the integration of these features signifies a significant leap forward in the realm of digital advertising, marking a new era of creativity and efficiency for advertisers worldwide.
Meanwhile, watch our review of Apple Watch Ultra 2 Vs Series 9:
The Xbox Series S is the smallest and sleekest Xbox Console. Despite being small, it packs the power of an Octa-core custom Zen 2 CPU from AMD’s power. Let’s check out all the specs, features, availability, and price in Nepal of the Xbox Series S.
Microsoft Xbox Series S Overview:
Design
The Xbox Series S boasts an all-white body with a circular black grill, kinda resembling a vintage speaker. One can also notice tiny openings covering the top of the Xbox. On the side, there is a Type-A USB Port alongside a circular port/opening. There is no optical drive on this console, so the Series S is an all-digital console. It is 60% smaller than the Xbox Series X.
Features
Xbox Series S features a custom 512GB NVMe SSD powered by Xbox Velocity Architecture. It is powered by a Custom Zen 2 CPU from AMD with 8X cores at 3.6GHz. On the GPU side, the Custom RDNA 2 GPU features 4 TFLOPS and 20 CUs at 1.565GHz.
One of the most riveting features of the Xbox Series X was Microsoft’s new “DirectStorage” API which utilized the operating speeds of the NVMe drive for massively reduced latency in loading up new games or resuming the old save states; therefore giving birth to feature like “Quick Resume”. And to see that come with a $299 console is exciting, to say the least.
Users can play over 100 different high-end games. Microsoft claims their smallest Xbox can achieve up to 120fps at 1440p. Other features include variable refresh rate, variable rate shading, 4K streaming media playback, and 4K upscaling.
The Xbox Series X is the most powerful console from Microsoft in the market. Powered by a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, this guy is ready for 120fps gaming. Without further ado, let’s get into the specs, features, and official price of the Xbox Series X in Nepal.
Xbox Series X Overview:
Most Powerful in the Line
The Xbox Series X is a beast console from Microsoft, thanks to the custom-designed processor. The processor in the console is based on the Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architecture. AMD’s architecture has made the console four times as powerful as the Xbox One. Developers can even leverage 12 TeraFlops of GPU performance which makes it twice as powerful as Xbox One X and eight times as powerful as the Xbox One.
Memory-wise, you get 16GB GDDR6 RAM accompanied by a 1TB SSD.
Hardware-accelerated DirectX Raytracing
Microsoft the Series X is the first console to come with hardware-accelerated DirectX Raytracing. It contributes to rich dynamics and true-to-life game environments.
More Playing and Less waiting
Series X is faster as Microsoft doesn’t want you to wait to play. It comes with Microsoft’s latest SSD technology. That’s not all – the Series X comes with optimized Quick Response, Dynamic Latency Input (DLI), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Variable Refresh Rate up to 120fps.
As for the design, the Xbox Series X sports a monolithic design alongside a parallel cooling architecture. To keep the thermals in check, you get a vapor chamber cooling with a vertical airflow system. Likewise, the I/O options include 1x HDMI 2.1 port, 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, dual-band WiFi 5, ethernet port, and dual-band Xbox Wireless radio.
Xbox Series X Price in Nepal and Availability
The Xbox Series X price in Nepal is set at NPR 74,000. You can purchase the console from Allure International.
Tecno is a brand that is popular for its affordable midrange phones, especially in Africa and South Asia. And the Chinese brand has launched the Pova 5 smartphone in Nepal with a gaming vibe design and Helio G99 chipset. So, let’s get into the specs, features, and official price of the Tecno Pova 5 in Nepal.
Tecno Pova 5 Overview:
Performance
Tecno Pova 5 is powered by MediaTek’s 6nm Helio G99 processor and 8GB of RAM. The most interesting feature is its large heat dissipation area, including a vapor chamber and graphene heat sink. Such features keep the phone cool during extended usage. Thus, it is sure to deliver impressive performance for multitasking and gaming at a pretty budget price.
Design and Display
The Pova 5 surprisingly comes with a futuristic design called Turbo Mecha, inspired by the giant robot mecha seen in sci-fi movies.
In terms of display, the Pova 5 has a 6.78-inch IPS LCD display with a high 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate. The device includes a Z-axis linear vibration motor, offering enhanced haptic feedback. Moreover, it also offers dual speakers with DTS Sound, providing an immersive audio experience.
Meanwhile, check all the prices and specs of Tecno smartphones here
Camera
In terms of camera, it has a 50MP primary camera along with a depth sensor on the back. On the front, there is an 8MP selfie camera for self-portraits.
Battery
One of the key highlights of Pova 5 is its 6,000mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging. The phone can reach 50% battery capacity in just 21 minutes and be fully charged within 60 minutes. Additionally, the Pova 5 can even be used to charge other devices through reverse charging via cable, providing up to 10W of power.
The official Tecno Pova 5 price in Nepal is NPR 20,990 for the 8/128GB version. You can purchase the smartphone from Hukut and other authorized stores in Nepal.
The text reading “Designed by Apple in California Assembled in China” on the back of an iPhone is pretty common knowledge at this point. But, did you know that India has been assembling iPhones as well since the iPhone SE? And, did you know that a Tata Group subsidiary will now be doing the iPhone assembly? Let’s discuss more!
Tata Electronics to make iPhones in India:
iPhone Assembly Shenanigans
In the recent decade, China has been a manufacturing hub of the world. They manufacture a wide range of products from the cheap stuff that you regret buying on the Internet. To the high-quality goodies such as the iPhone itself. So, why China? Well, because they have raw materials and labour in abundance at a very low cost. Thus, manufacturing goods in China has been the way to go for many companies. And Apple was no different. Therefore, Apple outsourced companies such as Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron for its manufacturing duties.
These companies were based in China, however, with the rise of India on the global scene, these companies established their plants in India as well. The “Made in India” campaign of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi helped further propel this growth. All this resulted in the beloved iPhones being assembled in India as well, albeit by foreign companies. As of now, Apple plans to shift 25% of its iPhone production to India by 2025. This is because they want to diversify their supply chain, especially, after the hindrances it faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As mentioned earlier, iPhones were assembled in India, but not through an Indian-born company. However, all that has changed now!
Tata Group has finally acquired the Indian division of Wistron’s iPhone assembly line for a whopping $125 million with a $550 million inter-corporate loan to parent company Wistron India.
Yes! That’s quite a hefty sum, but no big deal for Tata Group — India’s largest business conglomerate. To put things into perspective, Tata Group made USD 150 billion in revenue in the fiscal year 2022–23 alone! Moreover, they employ over a million individuals and have 29 publicly listed enterprises with USD 300 billion market capitalisation.
The assembly of iPhones will fall under the Tata Electronics wing of Tata Group. The $125 million deal includes a 44-acre Wistron facility with eight production lines in Kolar district near Bengaluru that handled assembly of iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 devices.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an APPLE analyst, also suggests that Tata Electronics, along with Foxconn and Pegatron will start the manufacturing process of the iPhone 17 (due a 2025 launch) as soon as in the second half of 2024.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this marks a historical moment for India altogether. It is an instance where an iPhone is fully assembled in India BY an Indian company. Furthermore, this could also turn out to be free marketing for the fifth-largest economy in the world. Since, the trendsetter Apple entrusts an Indian company with the assembly of its best-selling device, other big companies may also turn their heads to India.
PM @narendramodi Ji's visionary PLI scheme has already propelled India into becoming a trusted & major hub for smartphone manufacturing and exports.
Given the gravitas of the whole situation, Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar — India’s Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics & Technology — took some time to express his excitement on X.
Meanwhile, check out our full review of the iPhone 15
As Samsung gears up for the debut of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, rumors of a more wallet-friendly foldable phone are making waves. Potentially launching next year, this mid-range phone aims to redefine accessibility in the world of foldable technology. This article will discuss rumors surrounding Samsung’s upcoming cheap foldable including pricing, and availability.
Samsung’s Cheap Foldable: Rumors Roundup
In a world where premium features often come at a premium cost, rumors suggest that Samsung is gearing up for a significant change. The company is reportedly considering a more affordable version of its foldable phone, possibly under the Galaxy Z Fold/Flip line. However, some online reports have even Meanwhile, speculators consider this move strategic as it allows Samsung to tap into the mid-range market with a foldable smartphone.
Foldables are getting cheaper to make…
Historically, foldable phones have carried high production costs, as seen in the hefty price tags of current models like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5. However, a shift might be on the horizon, a recent interview with a Samsung executive suggests that the company is decreasing the cost of making foldable devices. Moreover, this could pave the way for a new era where foldable smartphones become more commonplace.
What to Expect in 2024
The details surrounding the mid-range foldable Galaxy phone remain a mystery. However, Samsung enthusiasts have more than one reason to be excited about 2024. Beyond the budget-friendly foldable, there are rumors of the return of the Exynos SoC for the Galaxy S series. In addition, a possible late 2024 release for the XR headset. Moreover, the integration of the new Samsung Gauss in the upcoming Galaxy S24 is also exciting. As these speculations gain momentum, 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Samsung. Only time will reveal the extent to which these rumors will shape the future of Samsung’s coming lineup.
Samsung’s Cheap Foldable: Availability and Pricing
According to industry analysts, this budget-friendly Samsung foldable could hit the market in 2024. While the exact specifications are yet to be unveiled, speculators suggest that the price tag could hover around $400 to $500. This pricing strategy aims to make this technology accessible to a broader audience. However, rumor has it that the budget phone in the works might just be the Samsung Galaxy Z FE. Keep an eye out for more leaks
Meanwhile, watch our review of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Vs Series 9:
The observable universe, spanning 93 billion light years, houses an estimated 40 quintillion black holes. These enigmatic entities have intrigued us for decades. And recently, astronomers at NASA have discovered the oldest and most distant black hole. In this article, let’s dive into the formation and history of black holes including the implications of new discoveries like this one.
The Oldest Black Hole: Overview
Using two of NASA’s Chandra-X and Webb Telescopes, astronomers were able to find the oldest Black Hole ever formed. With the help of these space eyes, researchers were able to find the spot of an emerging black hole that formed 450 million years after the Big Bang, roughly 13.4 Billion years ago. Before understanding the methods, let’s understand what a black hole means.
Enigma of a Black Hole
A Black Hole is any region in space, where the gravity is so strong, that nothing including light can escape. However, the black hole isn’t as empty spaces as the name might suggest, but rather a region packed up with a large amount of matter in a very small area. Imagine, a pickle jar that could take all the matter from a mountain-sized pickle and compact it down to fit into this small container. Thus, by creating a jar so dense and massive that it distorts space and time, just like a real black hole. But instead of pickles, they are these big stars that weigh 20 times more than the mass of the sun.
How do they form?
Very massive stars die and form black holes. When a massive star (tens of solar masses) reaches the end of its life, it becomes unstable, collapses, and sheds its outer layers. The matter falling from all sides compresses the star, reducing its volume to zero and increasing its density to infinity.
Structure of Black Hole
A black hole comprises a singularity at its core, where as mentioned above the density reaches infinity and volume becomes zero. Surrounding this, the event horizon marks a boundary beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape the black hole’s gravitational pull. The ergosphere, outside the event horizon, enforces the rotation of spacetime in tandem with the black hole’s spin.
Beyond the event horizon lies the photon sphere, where photons can theoretically orbit the black hole. Additionally, in many black hole systems, an accretion disk forms—a rotating disk of matter spiraling into the black hole, emitting various forms of radiation due to intense gravitational forces. This structural composition defines the intriguing and complex nature of black holes.
“Black Hole” in itself is a relatively new term coined by physicist John Wheeler in 1969. However, the original proposed theory dates back to Karl Schwartzchild.In 1916, Schwarzschild, using Einstein’s general theory of relativity, inferred that any object in the universe could become a black hole if compressed tightly enough. Later, in 1971, astronomers studying the constellations considered the theory scientific as they discovered the first-ever black hole.
Theory of General Relativity and Einstein’s Contribution
Albert Einstein’s geometric theory of gravitation was published in 1915 namely the theory of general relativity. Within this framework, Einstein proposed that massive objects, like stars, possess the ability to warp the fabric of spacetime around them, creating a gravitational field. His equations not only predicted the gravitational collapse of massive stars but also foretold the formation of singularities—points of infinite density—within black holes. Additionally, Einstein’s theory predicted the existence of an event horizon, a boundary signifying the point of no return ensured by a black hole’s gravitational pull.
Gravitational Lensing
Einstein’s visionary insights didn’t stop at black holes; they extended to the concept of gravitational lensing. The gravitational field of massive objects acts as a cosmic lens, bending and distorting the light from objects situated behind them. In accordance, this theory was empirically confirmed during a solar eclipse in 1919. Gravitational lensing enables astronomers to study distant celestial objects. It also provides additional evidence of the gravitational warping of spacetime, which became an essential tool for studying black Hole
Hypothesis or a scientific theory?
In 2015, a century after the inception of general relativity, scientists validated Einstein’s predictions by detecting gravitational waves—ripples in spacetime—emanating from the collision of two black holes. This observation, performed by the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory), marked a groundbreaking confirmation of black holes as outlined by his equations.
So.. how did they spot the “Oldest Black Hole Ever”?
Gravitational Lensing played a key instrument as it boosted the amount of light that could be detected. Researchers used gravitational lensing to detect black holes by leveraging the magnifying effect of galactic clusters. These clusters, acting like natural magnifying glasses, warp and amplify the light from distant galaxies in the background. This gravitational lensing phenomenon enables scientists to observe and study otherwise invisible celestial features, including various types of black holes.
Where did they find it?
Astronomers, using the Webb telescope, identified a black hole in the galaxy UHZ1. Initially appearing in the same direction as the Abell 2744 galaxy cluster, located about 3.5 billion light-years away, further data revealed that UHZ1 is significantly more distant. Moreover, it was found to be situated beyond the cluster at a distance of 13.2 billion light-years from Earth.
The Oldest Black Hole: Conclusion
The discoveries of ancient black holes significantly contribute to our understanding of the universe’s evolution. Identifying and studying these primordial entities offers important insights into the early stages of the universe. Not only that, through the help of these telescopes, we could potentially unravel the mysteries of the universe. Such as the origin of the universe, causality, infinite regression, or be it the first cause problem. In addition, these question also fundamentally pertains to our philosophical and existential burdens.
Moreover, these discoveries highlight the active role of black holes in cosmic structure formation. In addition, it also gives clues about how evolution persists on a cosmic scale —a period marking the universe’s transition from an opaque state to a transparent yet chaotic one.
You can also watch our review of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Vs Series 9:
Hello everyone! In this review, we will be taking a closer look at the Vivo Y36, a smartphone that I feel is the dopple ganger of the Y35 (introduced a couple of months ago). The Vivo Y series is known for its budget and mid-range offerings, a fine balance between features and affordability. My goal here is to help you determine whether the Vivo Y36 justifies its price tag.
While it may not be the thinnest smartphone I have used, I appreciate its hands-on feel. Design-wise, I loved the back of the Y36. This Meteor Black variant has a Crystal Glass design with shimmers and a checkered pattern on the back. The squarish camera module is not too bulky either. To put it simply, the Vivo Y36 exudes a simple yet stylish vibe.
And if you’re looking for something more eye-catching, there is always the Vibrant Gold model. The camera island on that even has a reflective accent that gives off rainbow colors.
That being said what’s great about the Midnight Black is its resistance to smudges. Neither the back nor the frame attract fingerprints very easily.
Taking a look at the front, there is the Flourite AG glass with a punch hole up top for a selfie shooter.
Surprisingly, the phone is not as heavy as it looks, weighing in at 202 grams. Plus, the bezels are slim, except for the bottom one-of course. On the left side, it is nice and clean. But on the right side are the volume rockers and the power button (which also doubles as a fingerprint sensor). These buttons are well-made and don’t feel cheap. And, the handset comes with an IP5X and IPX4, which is always nice to have.
No complaints on the design side.
Display
6.64-inch FHD+ IPS panel
90Hz refresh rate, 650 nits peak brightness
No gorilla Glass for protection
The Vivo Y36 brings a 6.64-inch FHD+ IPS display, which is larger than its predecessor. The maximum screen brightness is decent, but it could be improved for better visibility in direct sunlight; i.e, it can be a bit challenging to use the Y36 outdoors.
Now, it does come with a 90Hz refresh rate, but I did not feel the “90Hz” worthy smoothness when navigating. This could be due to the phone’s processor being under-optimized or some other reason. You can choose between 60 Hz and 90 Hz and the auto-refresh rate seems to be working well.
On the downside, Vivo Y36 lacks HDR10+ certification, and for streaming services like Netflix, you’re limited to Widevine L1. While the color quality of the display is good, I feel contrast is something to work on.
Performance
Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G SoC (6nm)
8 RAM, 128/256GB storage (expandable)
Android 13 with Vivo’s Funtouch OS 13 on top
2 years of OS, 3 years of security updates
In terms of overall performance, it’s not exactly mind-blowing, especially considering its price point. Most apps work okay, but the lags can be a real mood killer. For your everyday tasks, this device should handle things decently. Whether it’s video calls, social media browsing, photo editing, document writing, watching your content on YouTube or Netflix, or even just listening to music, it handles them all reasonably well.
When it comes to gaming, it is considerable enough. I put it to the test with games like PUBG MOBILE, Asphalt 9, and Genshin Impact. It delivered a respectable performance, but I wouldn’t say I was blown away. Most games like PUBGM, Genshin Impact, and Asphalt 9 are limited to 30 fps. So, if you’re hoping for higher frame rates, Vivo’s Y36 might not deliver in that front.
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Genshin Impact
PUBG MOBILE
Asphalt 9
In terms of actual performance, I noticed an average of around 29.69 fps on PUBG and 28.887 on Asphalt 9: Legends. Genshin Impact, on the other hand, wasn’t as smooth, with an underwhelming 19.631fps.
The Vivo Y36 comes with Android 13-based Funtouch OS 13 which is definitely NOT the cleanest Android skin I’ve ever seen. There are adverts here and there and the handset comes pre-installed with (mostly useless) apps. In terms of software support, Vivo promises to deliver two major OS updates, and you’ll also get security updates for a solid three years.
Camera
Dual camera setup
50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Although Vivo is renowned for its camera capabilities, I must admit I’m not entirely satisfied this time.
Daylight images
In daylight conditions, the Vivo Y36 performs pretty inconsistently. While it occasionally produces overprocessed images with blurred details and white balance issues, there are moments when it delivers good-quality pictures. In direct sunlight, glare can be noticeable though, impacting the overall quality of your shot.
Daylight Shots
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Vivo Y36 Daylight 1
Vivo Y36 Daylight 2
Vivo Y36 Daylight 3
Vivo Y36 Daylight 4
Vivo Y36 Daylight 5
Vivo Y36 Daylight 6
On a positive note, the camera does allow for 2x shots, even without a dedicated telephoto lens. Upon testing this feature, surprisingly the captured images maintain clarity and have enough detail to be considered usable. For close-up shots, I recommend making use of this 2x feature.
1x Vs 2x Shots
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1x
2x
1x
2x
1x
2x
Lowlight Images
With ‘Night’ mode turned off, low-light photos are often subpar in terms of quality. Nevertheless, the images don’t look half bad with the mode enabled.
Night Time
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Night Mode Off
Night Mode On
Night Mode Off
Night Mode On
Night Mode Off
Night Mode On
Portraits
Portraits
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The reproduction of human skin tone in portrait photos is generally quite accurate, with natural-looking results. However, the edge detection can be inconsistent, it’s a hit or a miss. The overall quality is decent enough.
Selfies
The Vivo Y36’s 16-megapixel front camera takes good selfies during the day. Regular selfies turn out quite well, with a decent level of sharpness but the skin tone may appear slightly pinkish or reddish.
When it comes to selfie portraits, there’s a noticeable issue with overexposure, where the brightness levels are excessive.
Selfies
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Normal
Portrait
Normal
Portrait
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
Videos
The Vivo Y36 offers video recording options at 1080p 30fps or 720p at 30fps or 60fps, providing flexibility for different scenarios. The video quality is decent, and the stabilization works well. However, there is room for improvement in dynamic range, contrast, and sharpness.
When it comes to slow-motion video, it’s not the phone’s strong point. Capturing slow-motion footage may result in reduced details and lower video quality.
Battery
5000 mAh battery, 44W FlashCharge
The Vivo Y36 comes equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which is pretty much the standard for smartphones these days, and it is paired with Vivo’s 44W FlashCharge technology.
Charging this phone is pretty efficient. I plugged it in when it was at 50%, and it took me about 42 minutes to get it from half-full to fully charged. If you’re starting from 0%, it’ll take around an hour and 10 minutes to reach a full charge.
In terms of daily use, this phone does a decent job. It can easily last a full day and a half on a single charge (normal usage), which makes it quite handy for those of us who are always on the move.
Vivo Y36 Review: Conclusion
Well, this guy isn’t exactly winning in its price range. It can handle everyday tasks just fine, but when asked to take on heavier stuff, it lags behind. Gaming performance? Not its strong suit either. Besides, there is some tough competition in this price level from other handsets like the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G, Redmi Note 12 5G, Realme 10, and more.
But if you’re a fan of the design and want decent cameras under 30,000 rupees, I can totally see this being someone’s pick. That shimmery back is quite the looker and daylight shots and portraits are good enough for a budget-midrange phone. Moreover, the battery holds its own, and the overall user experience isn’t terrible either.
Just like various other tech giants, Samsung has also joined the AI race introducing its self-built model called Gauss. This latest addition, introduced during the Samsung AI forum has become a talking point for many AI enthusiasts. In this article, we will talk about Samsung’s newest AI venture in detail.
Samsung Gauss: Overview
With the introduction of Gauss, Samsung has actively joined the race of AI. This strategic move will also position Samsung among the big players like META (Facebook), Microsoft, and Alphabet (Google). They seek to harness AI’s potential to create smarter and more intuitive products and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the technology.
“[Gauss] reflects Samsung’s ultimate vision for the models, which is to draw from all the phenomena and knowledge in the world to harness the power of AI to improve the lives of consumers everywhere.”
ChatGPT like AI model
Samsung Gauss is a generative AI model, developed by the Samsung research team. It will consist of three primary features: text, code, and image generation. The model is named after Carl Friedrich Gauss, the mathematician who developed the Normal Distribution.
Gauss is also responsible for the development of the Gaussian function, which serves as a foundation of Artificial Intelligence. The Gaussian function’s applications extend beyond AI to various other fields as well including Image Processing, Signal Processing, and many more.
Features of Samsung Gauss
With features spanning text, code, and image generation, this Samsung Gauss can summarize texts, generate creative ideas, translate languages, and much more. Moreover, Gauss also enables image enhancements, effortlessly scaling low-res images to high-res quality and adding innovative elements with ease. Furthermore, its AI coding assistant streamlines the software development process, rapidly generating unit test cases and code snippets in natural language.
In a proactive approach, Samsung has instituted an AI Red Team to rigorously scrutinize the model, ensuring it remains ethically responsible and avoids generating rogue content. This commitment to responsible AI reflects Samsung’s dedication to staying ahead in the ongoing AI revolution.
Samsung Gauss is expected to debut in the upcoming Galaxy S24 series. The AI model could complement the upcoming Exynos 2400. And from what we know, it’s likely not going to be free, instead requiring a subscription of some sort.
Meanwhile, watch our review of DJI Action 4 vs GoPro Hero 12:
LDAC has gained popularity as a listener-grade Bluetooth codec due to its promise of Hi-Res playing and much greater bit-rate compared to other codecs. Because LDAC is a software codec, it is compatible with a broad range of devices. Before looking directly at the LDAC’s capabilities, it is important to understand what codecs are.
Codecs Overview
The term “codec” originates from the words “coder” and “decoder,” which accurately reflects its function. It refers to the process of encoding and decoding compressed audio or video files to reduce their size. Various codecs exist for encoding and decoding audio and video, each offering different levels of quality and loss.
To understand codecs fully, various terms come into play. For that, first, let’s look at three primary approaches to digitally storing audio: uncompressed, lossless compression, and lossy compression.
Methods to store audio digitally
Uncompressed:
An uncompressed file retains audio data exactly as it’s recorded. However, the drawback lies in their size – uncompressed files are huge, making them less suitable for portability, and they consume a significant amount of storage space. Furthermore, transmitting uncompressed files demands a large amount of bandwidth. This is precisely why audio is often compressed.
Lossless compression:
Lossless compression is a technique that reduces file size without sacrificing much data during the compression process. While lossless compression takes up less storage space than uncompressed files, the resulting file sizes can still be quite large.
In recent times, Lossless has gained viability as a practical storage choice, thanks to larger and more affordable hard drives. The huge file sizes of lossless formats made streaming them unfeasible due to the high bandwidth requirements. But things are shifting as high-bandwidth internet connections become more accessible.
Lossy compression:
The third common audio storage method is lossy compression, seen in formats like MP3 and AAC. These formats, like MP3, use psychoacoustic models to decide which audio parts can be removed without losing quality. Usually, this means removing inaudible elements. MP3 (320 kbps) and AAC (256 kbps) are nearly indistinguishable from uncompressed lossless formats in top quality.
In summary:
File Type
Pros
Cons
Format
Uncompressed
Highest Quality
No data loss
Large file size
Takes up more space.
Need for large bandwidth.
WAV for audio
BMP for images
Compressed Lossless
Reduced file size without loss of information
Compression may not be as efficient as the lossy method
FLAC for audio
PNG for images
ZIP for general files
Compressed Lossy
Smallest file size
Good for multimedia
Quality Reduction
Irreversible data loss
MP3 for audio
JPEG for images
MP4 for videos
Audio quality and technology
There exist different audio formats to offer varying levels of audio quality and file size, serving different needs and preferences.
CD-Like , MP3, and High-Resolution Audio
CD audio is the audio format found on Compact Discs (CDs). This format has been widely used for audio recordings and playback, providing clear and high-quality sound that has been a benchmark for audio quality for a long time.
MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III) reduces the file size of audio recordings by removing some of the less noticeable audio data, resulting in smaller files that are easier to store and share. These files are commonly used for digital music distribution, streaming, and portable audio devices due to their compact size.
High-resolution (Hi-Res) Audio refers to audio content that is recorded and reproduced with a level of detail that is a more accurate representation of the original recording, allowing listeners to hear subtle details and dynamics that might be lost in standard audio formats. Comparing bitrates, High-Resolution Audio impressively boasts 9,216 kbps, almost seven times that of CDs (1,411 kbps) and nearly 29 times more than MP3s (320 kbps). A higher bitrate signifies a more accurate signal measurement.
MP3 compression loses much information, causing softer bass, weakened drums, and blurred guitar attacks. CDs outperform MP3s, yet their bulkiness and navigation hassle are downsides. High-resolution audio, in contrast, retains every detail. It compresses without losing data, preserving quality in less space. Also, it offers both top-tier quality and convenient accessibility.
Why codecs?
Listening through wired earphones, the difference between uncompressed files and lossy/lossless compressed audio is hard to distinguish. Shifting to Bluetooth audio, it has limited bandwidth for audio transmission. Bluetooth connections vary due to factors like interference, distance, and devices. Thus, audio must be compressed for Bluetooth transmission, following specific codecs.
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Let’s view some common terms that will make you understand Codecs and audio as a whole better.
Bitrates
Bitrate refers to the number of bits (binary digits) of data transmitted or processed per unit of time. It’s commonly used to describe the amount of data in audio or video streams. Higher bitrates usually mean better quality, but they also require more bandwidth or storage space. Bitrate is commonly measured in bits per second (bit/s). Higher bitrates generally mean better audio quality. For downloads or physical formats, higher bitrates are feasible. However, for streaming, lower bitrates are preferred to ensure smooth playback.
Sample rates
Sample rate, in the context of audio, is the number of samples taken per second to convert the continuous sound wave into a digital format. It determines how accurately the audio is recreated. The units for sample rate are samples per second (sps) or Hertz (Hz). In music production, a higher sample rate can capture subtle instrument sounds more accurately.
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Latency
Latency measures the time it takes for a packet of data to travel from being sent to being received. In Bluetooth, this time is measured in milliseconds. The delay can change due to factors like how strong the signal is, the power of the devices, how Bluetooth is set up, and the kind of technology used to code and decode the data. In real-time applications like gaming or live performances, low latency is crucial to ensure that audio syncs well with visuals and actions.
Bit-depth
Bit depth is like the “color depth” of audio. Just as more colors in an image make it richer, higher bit depth in audio means more detail in sound. It helps capture soft sounds and loud sounds accurately, making the audio quality better. Bit depth is measured in bits. In practical terms, higher bit depths can prevent distortion in quieter parts of a recording and keep details in loud parts.
Bluetooth Audio Codecs
Here is a list of certain codecs that are commonly used:
SBC
SBC (Subband Coding), the fundamental Bluetooth codec, is found everywhere and works on all devices. It demands minimal processing power. However, it’s a lossy codec with varying bitrates. Theoretically, it can manage 328 kbps at 16-bit depth and 48 kHz sample rate, which sounds impressive.
But its variable nature often prevents reaching these numbers. SBC performs decently in high-quality environments, yet inconsistency and different standards among manufacturers make it hit or miss. While available in all Bluetooth devices, SBC should only be used when no other option is available.
Licensing for SBC
It does not require separate licensing fees for SBC encoding, it’s worth noting that manufacturers who want to include decoding functionality in their products may need to obtain a license from the Bluetooth SIG and potentially pay a fee for the decoding part. This fee is generally lower than for other codecs, making SBC an accessible option for manufacturers.
AAC, familiar to Apple devices, is lossy and utilizes psychoacoustic modeling to reduce file sizes. Bluetooth for AAC supports up to 320 kbps, usually, it won’t exceed 256 kbps. It supports 16-bit depth (seems to be capable of 24-bit) and up to 96 kHz sample rates, with a latency of up to 150 ms. While AAC is iOS’ favored Bluetooth codec, it may not perform well on various Android devices, making SBC potentially better due to this performance gap.
Licensing for AAC
Manufacturers intending to incorporate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) in their products must secure licenses from MPEG LA, covering both encoding and decoding aspects. Fees vary based on factors like usage and implementation. These licenses enable the lawful integration of AAC technology into devices.
aptX
aptX, a Qualcomm Bluetooth audio codec, stands apart from AAC by avoiding psychoacoustic modeling. It maintains a consistent bitrate: 352 kbps at 44.1 kHz or 384 kbps at 48 kHz, with a 16-bit depth. Latency is 150ms or more. Its fixed-rate ensures top-quality playback, making it favored over SBC. It’s Android’s go-to but unavailable on iOS.
Extending the aptX is the aptX HD, offering enhanced quality than its predecessor. It has a fixed 576 kbps rate, 24-bit depth, and 48 kHz sample rate. Latency usually exceeds 250ms, unlike SBC.
aptX Adaptive is aptX’s latest iteration, aiming for stable, low-latency, and high-quality audio. It adapts between 279-420 kbps, supporting 16 and 24-bit depths, and 44.1 and 48 kHz sample rates.
Licensing for aptX lineup
Licensing for the aptX codec lineup, developed by Qualcomm, typically involves negotiating with Qualcomm for both encoding and decoding licenses. The licensing terms and fees can differ based on the specific aptX variant, usage, and the manufacturer’s product distribution.
LDAC
LDAC has gained popularity as a listener-grade Bluetooth codec due to its promise of Hi-Res playing and much greater bit-rate compared to competing codecs. Because LDAC is a software codec, it is compatible with a broad range of devices and also is a certificated codec of “Hi-Res Audio Wireless”.
LDAC distinguishes itself by using advanced compression techniques and offering higher data transmission rates, with the aim of delivering quality sound in comparison to other Bluetooth audio codecs wirelessly. This technology is relatively newer when compared to codecs like AAC and SBC.
It can transmit audio at up to 990kbps with high quality (24-bit depth and 96kHz sample rate), which is a big step up. However, there are some drawbacks. LDAC offers three connection profiles (330, 660, and 990 kbps) based on connection strength. Only the top two profiles are superior to aptX and aptX HD, but devices might not always use these better profiles. So, if the device ends up using the 330 kbps option, aptX might have been a better choice. Also, it is claimed that LDAC is capable of transmitting audio in 16-bit/44.1kHz CD quality without any compression or alteration.
LDAC encoder is Open source
Sony developed LDAC and continues to integrate it into their products like wireless earbuds and headphones. Yet, the LDAC encoder is open-source, meaning other companies can also use it in their own products. LDAC has become part of the Android Open Source Project since the release of Android 8.0 “Oreo” in 2017. Brands like Anker Life have also adopted the technology in their audio accessories. However, Apple users are not provided with LDAC support.
It’s important to understand that while LDAC’s encoding technology is open and doesn’t incur licensing fees, there are associated costs for the decoding side. Companies that manufacture earbuds and headphones need to pay licensing fees to include LDAC decoding functionality in their products.
Is LDAC important to have?
The importance of LDAC depends on individual audio preferences and requirements. LDAC offers enhanced audio streaming quality over Bluetooth connections, which can be advantageous for those who prioritize audio fidelity and have compatible devices.
There are different factors to consider and determine if it is that important. To fully benefit from LDAC, both the transmitting and receiving devices (such as your smartphone and headphones/speakers) need to support LDAC. Without compatible devices, the advantages of LDAC might not be accessible. Also, in a noisy environment, the differences between LDAC and other codecs might be less noticeable.
Likewise, in scenarios with limited data plans or slower internet speeds, LDAC’s higher bitrates could lead to increased data consumption, potentially making it less suitable for such situations. However, LDAC’s higher bitrates and potential for Hi-Res audio playback can enhance sound quality compared to other Bluetooth codecs, making it valuable for audio enthusiasts seeking top-notch audio experiences.
Bitrates in Music Streaming Services and LDAC’s capabilities
Initially, when sound is recorded, computers capture it in a digital format, aiming to preserve its full quality. But when it’s put on platforms like YouTube or Spotify, it’s squeezed a lot – sometimes down to a tenth of the original. Sadly, this process removes much of the original data, making it hard to get the true original back. The table below illustrates the highest possible bitrate that different streaming services support.
Music streaming services
Maximum bitrate
Apple Music
9216 kbps
Spotify
320 kbps
Amazon Music
9216 kbps
Deezer
1411 kbps
YouTube Music
256 kbps
Tidal
9216 kbps
While music streaming services like Spotify and YouTube use lower bitrates, which means they compress the music quite a bit, LDAC headphones still have the potential to offer better audio quality than regular Bluetooth headphones with these services. However, LDAC’s full capabilities might not be fully utilized in these cases due to the limitations of the bitrates used by these services. On the other hand, for streaming platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Deezer that support higher bitrates, LDAC’s advanced capabilities are likely to be better utilized.
Final words
LDAC is not a must; however, having an LDAC-enabled device can clearly enhance audio experiences. Its capacity for Hi-Res audio and high bit rates offers a potential for outstanding sound quality. Nevertheless, LDAC’s impact depends on device compatibility, individual audio preferences, and internet speeds while streaming. Users with devices compatible with LDAC and platforms supporting higher bitrates, like Apple Music and Deezer, can truly appreciate its advanced capabilities.
Meanwhile, check out our video on “Why buy Budget Earbuds?”.
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Comparing bitrates, High-Resolution Audio impressively boasts 9,216 kbps, almost seven times that of CDs (1,411 kbps) and nearly 29 times more than MP3s (320 kbps). A higher bitrate signifies a more accurate signal measurement.
