Page 308 – GadgetByte Nepal

Beyond Reality: A Comparative Guide to AR, VR & MR

Virtual Reality

GadgetByte

-

June 29, 2023

Beyond Reality: A Comparative Guide to AR, VR & MR

Today’s technological advancements have led to the development of new ways to interact with the world around us, blurring the lines between the real and the virtual. As a result, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) have gained significant attention due to their potential to reshape industries and enhance user experiences. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are different from one another. So, in this article, we will explore the concepts of AR, VR, & MR, highlighting their unique features, applications, and potential impact on our lives to better understand what they offer to the table.

VR (Virtual Reality)

Virtual Reality (VR) takes users into digital environments, disconnecting them from the real world. In VR, individuals can explore computer-generated worlds that mimic reality or are completely unrealistic. It utilizes special headsets, motion-tracking technology, and handheld controllers to make users feel like they’re really there and can interact with the virtual components. The entertainment industry uses VR for gaming and storytelling, allowing players to become their characters and feel fully engaged. Moreover, VR has applications in education, training, healthcare, and more beyond entertainment.

There are some challenges that need to be addressed before VR can become truly mainstream. These challenges include:

Cost: VR stimulating components are expensive, limiting their affordability to a few users.
Content: Not all multimedia can be streamed through VR, limiting the engaging experiences that can be achieved with this technology.
Motion sickness: Some people experience motion sickness when using VR headsets. This is a problem that needs to be addressed before VR can be used for extended periods of time.

AR (Augmented Reality)

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that augments what we perceive in the real world with digital elements, making it more fascinating and participatory. AR seamlessly incorporates digital material into the actual environment, from basic applications like virtual filters on social media sites to more intricate usage in disciplines like architecture. It has the potential to revolutionize the shopping experience by allowing shoppers to try on virtual items or perceive things in their real environment. Furthermore, AR-based navigation systems can deliver real-time instructions and information, improving our ability to navigate cities and discover new areas.

Here are some things to keep in mind when dealing with the AR components:

Power consumption: AR can be power-intensive, which can limit the amount of time that AR can be used.
Accuracy: AR relies on the accuracy of the tracking system to coincide with digital content in the real world. If the tracking system is not accurate, the AR content will not provide appealing results.
Latency: AR requires real-time tracking and rendering of digital content. If there is a delay in showing the virtual content in AR right away, it can interrupt the smooth experience and make it feel strange to users.
Privacy concerns: AR components have to track users’ movements and activities, which raises privacy concerns.

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MR (Mixed Reality)

MR combines the best of AR and VR to create a hybrid experience that mixes the digital and real worlds flawlessly. Users can engage with virtual things that are merged into their real-world surroundings with this technology. Architects, for example, may use MR to see and modify 3D models of structures while being connected to the actual world. This technology has significant implications for remote work, enabling collaboration and innovation regardless of geographical barriers.

The challenges that the MR comes with:

Software development: MR software is still in its early stages of development. This can make it difficult to find high-quality MR applications, and it can also be difficult to develop new MR applications.
User experience: MR can be a very immersive experience, but it can also be disorienting. This can make it difficult for users to interact with MR applications in a natural way.
Performance: MR headsets can be computationally demanding. This means that they need to be powerful enough to render the virtual world and track the user’s movements in real time.

Differences between AR, MR, and VR

Feature	AR	VR	MR
Definition	Enhancing the real world with virtual elements.	Immersing users in computer-created environments	Blending the virtual and real worlds for interactive experiences.
Devices	Smartphones, Tablets, head-mounted displays	Head-mounted displays	Head-mounted displays
Applications	Gaming, Entertainment, Education	Gaming, Entertainment, Training	Training, Collaboration, Manufacturing

Examples

Pokémon Go, Snapchat Filters, AR Navigation, Google Translate

Meta Quest 2, Google Earth VR, Beat Saber

Microsoft HoloLens 2, Apple Vision Pro, IKEA Place

Meanwhile, check our video on Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy F54.

Redmi Buds 4 Active launched in Nepal with 12mm drivers and IPX4 rating

Redmi
TWS

Aarohan Niraula

-

June 29, 2023

3

Redmi Buds 4 Active launched in Nepal with 12mm drivers and IPX4 rating

Xiaomi has just launched the latest addition to its Redmi family of wireless earbuds with the new Redmi Buds 4 Active. So let’s talk about the design, specifications, and official price of the Redmi Buds 4 Active in Nepal.

Redmi Buds 4 Active Overview:

Design

Redmi Buds 4 Active is quite distinct from the regular Redmi Buds 4 as it sports a long-stem design with a cylindrical speaker unit. It comes with a bunch of tap gestures including double/triple taps and press and hold. These earbuds are much lighter than the Buds 4 though (3.65 gm < 4.5 gm), while the whole thing weighs 42 gm.

Besides that, Xiaomi has secured IPX4 splash resistance for these earbuds. Similarly, Redmi Buds 4 Active is available in a single black color option.

Audio

In terms of audio, Xiaomi has included 12mm dynamic drivers tuned by their Acoustic Lab. Xiaomi claims enhanced bass, heightened acoustics, and a pleasant listening experience with these earbuds. Unfortunately, these earbuds only support SBC audio codec meaning if you plan on pairing it with an iPhone, you might come across some issues in playback quality.

Unlike the standard Redmi Buds 4, the Active version doesn’t have active noise cancelation (ANC). That’s… quite ironic. But you do get environmental noise cancelation (ENC) for phone calls here.

Battery life

As for the battery, Redmi Buds 4 Active is equipped with a 34mAh cell in each unit, while the case holds a 440mAh battery. And according to Xiaomi, these earbuds are good for 5 hours of playback on a single charge; or up to 28 hours with the charging case. Similarly, a quick 10-minute worth refill gets you 110 minutes of listening time.

Extras

Other than this, Redmi Buds 4 Active has Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and also supports the “Google Fast Pair” protocol to quickly connect to your Android phones. There’s also a dedicated low-latency mode for gaming, while you can customize these earbuds via the “Xiaomi Earbuds” app too.

Redmi Buds 4 Active Specifications:

Driver: 12mm dynamic driver
Codecs: SBC
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20 kHz
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
Music Playback: 5 hours (earbuds), 28 hours (with case)
Charging: USB-C wired charging
IP Rating: Yes (IPX4, earbuds only)
Colors: Black
Companion App: Xiaomi Earbuds (Android | iOS)

Redmi Buds 4 Active Price in Nepal and Availability

The Redmi Buds 4 Active is priced at NPR 2,999 in Nepal. You can buy it from Hukut and other authorized stores in Nepal.

TWS	Price in Nepal (Official)	Availability
Redmi Buds 4 Active	NPR 2,999	Hukut

Meanwhile, check our Nothing Ear (2) review

Microsoft is offering free AI courses with certification

AI
Microsoft

Aarohan Niraula

-

June 29, 2023

2

Microsoft is offering free AI courses with certification

Microsoft is pushing for the growth of AI talents with its different programs including global grants, free generative AI courses, and a training tool for teachers. Let’s learn more.

Free AI courses from Microsoft

For starters, it seems like Microsoft is taking the initiative to further solidify its position in the AI race. And it’s now investing in training workers on AI. Under its “Skill for the Jobs” initiative, Microsoft is pushing for global AI literacy. The company’s popular networking platform “LinkedIn” now offers free AI courses alongside certification. Though Generative AI is considered to be intuitive and easy to use, its courses are useful to show beginners the ropes in fundamental concepts and applications.

The courses themselves are in English but will be available in other languages like Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, and Chinese over time. They cover a wide range of topics and skill levels from “introduction to AI” to in-depth tutorials of AI tools. They are the first of their kind to provide a “Professional Certificate on Generative AI in the online learning market”.

Toolkit for educators

In addition to that, Microsoft is also launching a trainer toolkit for educators. This toolkit is said to contain “bite-sized” content for trainers for easy entry into AI. It includes a separate course for educators for them to better their understanding and instructional abilities on AI.

Open grant

And lastly, Microsoft alongside data.org and GitHub also announced their “Generative AI Skills Challenge” which aims to “explore, develop, and implement how nonprofit, social enterprise and research or academic institutions can train and empower the workforce to use generative AI”.

The grants contain more than just cash prizes since winners will also be able to access collective learning opportunities, data training + guidance, and access to Microsoft’s events and cloud-computing resources. Interested can apply by submitting their applications here before August 15, 2023.

It’s clear that Microsoft wants to lead the charge when it comes to nurturing a skilled workforce with AI. With the stage set, we expect other giants like Amazon and Google to follow suit. Moreover, certification and grants further incentivize individuals and organizations to give it a try. All in all, it’s a win-win situation for everyone and helps build a strong foundation for future technologies to rest on.

Meanwhile, check our comparison between Galaxy A54 and Galaxy F54

Nokia G42 5G goes official with user repairable design, Snapdragon 480+

Nokia

Mintu

-

June 29, 2023

2

Nokia G42 5G goes official with user repairable design, Snapdragon 480+

Nokia continues to expand its lineup of midrange smartphones with the new Nokia G42 5G. This new device comes features a Snapdragon 480+ 5G chip, a triple camera setup, and it’s also the first 5G phone from the company with a user-repairable design. Without further ado, let’s get into the specs, features, and expected price of the Nokia G42 5G in Nepal.

Nokia G42 5G Overview:

User-repairable design and display

Nokia G42 5G has a frame with 8.55mm thickness, but the back panel does have a curved finish for a comfortable grip. The phone follows Nokia’s eco-friendly measures and is made up of 65% recycled back cover. You get an IP52 rating here against dust and minor water splashes too.

One of the key USPs of the Nokia G42 5G is the user-repairable design. HMD has partnered with iFixit for providing repair guides and OEM parts for this phone. This allows the user to repair the display, battery, and charging port of the phone.

Getting to the display, the phone sports a 6.56-inch HD+ display with an HD+ resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels, a 90Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Camera

In the camera department, the Nokia G42 5G packs a triple-camera setup. It includes a 50MP primary, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies and video calls, there’s an 8MP front camera on the U-shaped notch.

Performance

Powering this phone is a Snapdragon 480+ processor. This 5G-ready chip is based on an 8nm node and features two Kryo 460 Gold (Cortex-A76) cores at 2.2 GHz and six Kryo 460 Silver (Cortex-A55) cores at 1.8 GHz. Handling the graphics here is the Adreno 619 GPU. As for the memory and storage, the CPU is paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

You can expand the storage up to 1TB via the microSD card slot as well. On the software side, the G42 5G boots on Android 13. Nokia also promises 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of monthly security updates for this phone.

Battery and Others

The smartphone gets its fuel from a 5,000mAh battery with 20W fast charging support. But there’s a catch since Nokia is selling the charger separately. In terms of connectivity features, you get 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. Furthermore, the phone has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor embedded in the power key.

Nokia G42 5G Specifications:

Display: 6.56-inches HD+ IPS LCD panel, 90Hz refresh rate, 560 nits (peak brightness), Gorilla Glass 3
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm mobile platform)
Memory: 6GB RAM, 128GB storage (expandable up to 1TB)
Software & UI: Android 13
- (with 2 years of OS, 3 years of security updates guaranteed)
Rear Camera: Triple (50MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth)
Front Camera: 8MP sensor (teardrop notch)
Audio: Single speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face unlock
Battery: 5000mAh with 20W charging (Not included in the box)

Nokia G42 5G Price in Nepal and Availability

In the UK, the price of the Nokia G42 5G is GBP 199 for the sole 6/128GB version. We expect the Nokia G42 5G price in Nepal to be NPR 31,999 if and when it launches here.

Nokia G42 5G	Price in the UK	Price in Nepal (Expected)
6/128GB	GBP 199	NPR 31,999

Meanwhile, check our comparison between Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy F54

Full specs of OnePlus Fold has emerged ahead of the rumored August launch

Sonika Bhandari

-

June 29, 2023

3

Full specs of OnePlus Fold has emerged ahead of the rumored August launch

Yep, OnePlus is finally entering the foldable market. On the second day of MWC 2023, the company confirmed that it is working on a foldable phone and that it will be launched in the second half of 2023. It looks like we won’t have to wait for that long. Let’s discuss all the official details, rumors, and more of the upcoming OnePlus Fold.

OnePlus Fold: Everything we know so far

A big promise

Kinder Liu, president, and COO of OnePlus, stated in an interview at MWC 2023 that the foldable will have a book-like form factor, implying that the phone will be more like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold instead of Z Flip.

At the MWC panel discussion, Liu further stated, “Our first foldable phone will have the signature OnePlus fast and smooth experience. It must be a flagship phone that doesn’t settle because of its folding form in terms of industrial design, mechanical technology, and other aspects. We want to launch a device that aims to be at the pinnacle experience of today’s foldable market.”

Possible Monikers

But according to the leaks, the company has already trademarked the “OnePlus V Fold” and “OnePlus V Flip” names in the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). So we won’t be surprised if OnePlus ends up launching a flip phone as well. It will also be interesting to see if OnePlus actually releases a new foldable or rebrands its sister company Oppo’s foldable, the Find N2.

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OnePlus Fold Rumored Specifications:

OnePlus aims to change the way we interact with our devices with its strong entrance around the global market. Besides, the device is right on the road to making an impression in the flagship foldable segment with its competitive specifications, availability, and user-friendly experience.

The OnePlus Fold is rumored to have a 7.8-inch foldable QHD+ OLED display and a 6.3-inch cover OLED panel with FHD+ resolution. The screens (both) will off a smooth refresh rate of 120Hz, but only the main inner display will have LTPO technology. Furthermore, it will have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC with Adreno GPU for excellent performance.

OnePlus Fold will feature 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. Amazingly, the storage provides sufficient space for apps, files as well as multimedia. Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1 will be featured with an amazing user interface.

Equally important, the battery on the OnePlus Fold will be a 4,800mAh cell with 67W fast charging. It is also said to have a 48MP Sony IMX890 primary camera supporting optical image stabilization (OIS). Additionally, it will feature a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 64MP telephoto lens for capturing detailed and vibrant photos. There is an expectation of a high-resolution 32MP front-facing camera on the cover display and another 20MP shooter on the inside for a better selfie experience and video chats.

OnePlus Fold Rumors Specifications:

Specifications	Details
Display	Main: 7.8-inch QHD+ OLED, 120Hz LTPO Cover: 6.5-inch FHD+ OLED , 120Hz
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC (4nm)
GPU	Adreno
RAM	Up to 16 GB LPDDR5
Storage	Up to 512 GB UFS 4.0
OS	Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1
Rear Camera	50MP (Primary) + 48MP (Ultra-wide angle) + 32MP (Periscope)
Front Camera	Cover: 32MP Inner: 20MP
Security	Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner
Battery	4,800mAh with 67W fast charging

OnePlus Fold Launch and Availability

OnePlus confirmed during the “From Fast & Smooth to Beyond” panel discussion at MWC 2023 that its foldable phone will be available in the market in the second half of 2023. The device is expected to launch in August 2023. The launch event will take place in New York. The smartphones will be available in different global markets, including USA and India. If you are a tech enthusiast, we understand the long-awaited Fold for its launch to see how the new innovation.

Meanwhile, check our review of Oppo Find N2.

Redmi Note 12R launched as the first phone with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2

Redmi
Xiaomi

Mintu

-

June 29, 2023

4

Redmi Note 12R launched as the first phone with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2

Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi launched the Note 12 series in the global market some months ago. Under the same lineup, it also sneakily launched the Redmi Note 12R Pro smartphone in China a few weeks back. And now, Redmi Note 12R is here with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor. So, let’s delve into the specs, features, and expected price of the Redmi Note 12R in Nepal in this article.

Redmi Note 12R Overview:

Snapdragon 4 Gen 2

Running the show on the core is a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 on the Redmi Note 12R. This makes it the first phone to pack the latest midrange chip from Qualcomm. This new 5G silicon is based on Samsung’s 4nm node and offers a slight improvement over its predecessor, Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. You get two Arm Cortex-A78 performance cores clocked at 2.2 GHz with six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 1.95 GHz and an Adreno 619 GPU.

In terms of memory and storage, the chipset is paired with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage. And the Redmi Note 12R boots on MIUI 14 based on Android 13.

Design and Display

Design-wise, the Note 12R gets a similar tone as the Redmi 12. It retains the boxy form factor with 8.7mm flat frames. You get a punch-hole cutout for the front camera while the rear panel hosts the two sensors and an LED flash in a protruding lens. The screen here is a 6.79-inch FHD+ IPS LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. Redmi Note 12R is available in Midnight Black, Sky Fantasy, and Time Blue color options.

Camera

Getting to the optics, Redmi has opted for a dual camera setup here. It sports a 50MP main camera alongside a 2MP depth-sensing unit. On the front, you get a 5MP sensor for snapping selfies and taking video calls.

Battery and Others

Powering the phone is a 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support. The connectivity options on this phone include WiFi 5, Bluetooth, GPS, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C port.

Redmi Note 12R Specifications:

Display: 6.79-inch LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
Resolution: Full HD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels)
Chipset: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 5G (4nm)
Memory: 4/6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage (expandable)
Software & UI: Android 13 with MIUI 14 on top
Rear Camera: Dual (50MP main, 2MP depth)
Front Camera: 5MP (hole-punch cutout)
Battery: 5000mAh with 18W charging
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 2D face unlock
Connectivity: 5G, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack

Redmi Note 12R Price in Nepal and Availability

The official price of Redmi Note 12R starts at CNY 999 for the base 4/128GB version in China. We can expect the Redmi Note 12R price in Nepal to start from NPR 20,999 if and when it launches here.

Redmi Note 12R	Price in China	Price in Nepal (Expected)
4/128GB	CNY 999	NPR 20,999
6/128GB	CNY 1,099	NPR 22,999
8/128GB	CNY 1,499	NPR 31,499
8/256GB	CNY 1,799	NPR 37,999

Meanwhile, you can check our Redmi Note 12 5G review

This app by former Google engineer can calculate food calorie just from photos

Apps
Google

Sonika Bhandari

-

June 28, 2023

1

This app by former Google engineer can calculate food calorie just from photos

Have you ever shared your beautifully presented meals on social media? At least a snap on Snapchat? Well, a new smartphone application called SnapCalorie now has a genuine reason to take food pictures. Developed by former engineers from Google and defense contractor Raytheon, SnapCalorie claims to count calories in any meal simply by analyzing a photo. Surprised? The app is already available for free download on both App Store and Google Play, with an option for a premium subscription costing $29.00 per month.

SnapCalorie Overview:

The creators of the application say that SnapCalorie is actually better than professional nutritionists at estimating calorie content. They argue that human beings are not much good at visually estimating the portion sizes of food, and their app can provide more accurate calorie counts. They also expect dieters who are cautious about their calorie intake in each meal to accept and use this app.

How is the nutrition data calculated?

SnapCalorie’s impressive accuracy is credited to a unique dataset called Nutrition5k which was developed by the company itself. They collected nutritional data from 5,000 popular real-world meals and paired it with thousands of photos and videos of those meals, which were captured using a robotic rig. Further, They used the extensive dataset to train a computer vision algorithm. It accurately estimated the caloric content of various dishes, including challenging ingredients like oils and sauces.

SnapCalorie’s co-founder, Wade Norris, previously worked on Google’s Google Lens project. The project used computer vision to extract information about objects in the real world. With SnapCalorie, Norris aimed to use this technology to directly improve people’s lives by providing accurate calorie information.

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Accuracy and Error Rate

The team also claimed that the combined error rate for calories, food mass, and macronutrient mass on average is 16.5%. However, if we compare the average error rate of calorie count done by a professional nutritionist, it is 41%. Furthermore, ordinary individuals had an even higher rate of 53%.

The app enhances its accuracy not only by utilizing the unique capabilities of modern phone cameras, such as depth sensors, but also by employing a team of expert human reviewers who ensure an additional layer of quality in measuring portion sizes.

Competitors and Future Success

There are many other calorie-counting apps based on AI, like Lose It, Foodadviser, Bite.AI, and Calorie Mama. But, according to the app’s founder, the differentiating factor for SnapCalorie from its competitors is accuracy. There are previous studies results showing disappointing results for some existing apps, with Calorie Mama being correct only 63% of the time.

SnapCalorie has already received $2 million in investments from notable sources like Index Ventures, Y Combinator, and CrossFit CEO Eric Roza. Now, the company’s future success will depend on its ability to improve and maintain its accuracy in the market.

Subscription Fees

SnapCalorie’s premium subscription model is currently priced at $29.00 per month, with an annual option available at $149.00. Users expect continuous improvement in the app’s AI-generated calorie estimations over time.

In conclusion, SnapCalorie is really an innovative approach to calorie count with just a click. With the help of its well-researched dataset and advanced computer vision algorithms, the app aims to provide accurate calorie estimates. It does surpass the capabilities of professional nutritionists, but the challenges and competition in the market still question its effectiveness.

Meanwhile, check out our comparison between Galaxy F54 and Galaxy A54.

OnePlus Pad long-term review: Is this really an iPad killer?

Nikhil Shrestha

-

June 28, 2023

1

OnePlus Pad long-term review: Is this really an iPad killer?

This is my long-term review of the OnePlus Pad after using it for over a month. So as we all know, OnePlus has been in the smartphone business for a long time now. Almost a full decade, in fact. The company opened its account with the OnePlus One, which was such a revolutionary product that it gave birth to a whole new category of phones called “flagship killers”. Fast forward to 2023, OnePlus has finally entered the tablet market with the aptly named “OnePlus Pad”.

With a pretty design, powerful specs, and a price tag that seems reasonable enough for everything it offers, the OnePlus Pad heads into the tablet industry in this… sort of renaissance phase where there’s once again some excitement for Android tablets. But of course, when a hip company like OnePlus enters this space, people are going to draw comparisons to Apple’s iPads as well. It’s only natural. So does the OnePlus Pad really has what it takes to be an “iPad killer”?

More importantly, does it even need to be an iPad killer?

OnePlus Pad Long-Term Review: Specifications

Body: 258 x 189.4 x 6.5mm, 552gm, Glass front, Metal back/frames, No IP rating
Display: 11.61-inches IPS LCD panel, 144Hz refresh rate, ΔE<2
Other Properties: 500 nits peak brightness (typical), 1400:1 contrast ratio
Resolution: (2800 x 2000 pixels), 296 PPI, 7:5 aspect ratio
Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 9000 5G (4nm mobile platform)
CPU: Octa-core:
– 1x Cortex-X2 (3.05 GHz)

– 3x Cortex-A710 (2.85 GHz)
– 4x Cortex-A510 (1.80 GHz)
GPU: Arm Mali-G710 MC10
Memory: 8/12GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage (fixed)
Software & UI: Android 13 with OnePlus’ OxygenOS 13 on top
Rear Camera: Single (13MP, f/2.2 sensor)
Front Camera: 8MP, f/2.3 sensor (horizontally aligned)
Audio: Quad speaker, No 3.5mm headphone jack, Dolby Atmos audio
Security: No biometric option
Sensors: Acceleration, Color temperature, Geomagnetic, Gravity, Gyro, Hall, Light
Connectivity: WiFi 6 (Dual-band), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS / AGPS / Galileo / Glonass / BDS, USB-C
Battery: 9510mAh with 67W fast charging (67W adapter provided)
Color Options: Halo Green
What’s Inside The Box: OnePlus Pad, USB-A to USB-C cable, 67W power adapter, User manual and other documents
Price in Nepal: NPR 66,500 (8/128GB)
Buy OnePlus Pad here

OnePlus Pad Long-Term Review:

Design and Build

258 x 189.4 x 6.5mm, 552 grams
Glass front, Metal back/frames
No IP rating

Okay, let’s start this OnePlus Pad long-term review with the design; which is one of the best things about this tablet. While the veterans of the tablet business like Apple and Samsung shifted to flat edges with their latest devices, I’m glad OnePlus decided against it. I mean — sure — a smooth surface looks cool on official renders and stuff but that comes at a direct expense of comfort. And trust me, you don’t want that on something you’d be carrying with your hands most of the time.

So I’m definitely thankful for these lovely curved edges on the OnePlus Pad. Mix that with its soft, chamfered edges and a thin design, this thing has one of the most comfortable grips I’ve ever seen on a tablet. And the aluminum unibody construction further drives the point home in terms of the stellar build quality of the OnePlus Pad.

Then again, all that premium build material (plus a big battery inside) ultimately adds to the weight of the device as it scales to well over 550 grams. Making it one of the heaviest 11″ tablets out there. And since I’m not using it with a folio case or anything, having to hold the tablet in one hand would quickly turn into an endurance exercise.

All. the. time.

And you know what? Maybe OnePlus could’ve added a few more color options too. Green’s not really my thing so I wish the OnePlus Pad was also available in some lighter finishes.

Display

11.61-inches IPS panel
2800 x 2000p resolution, 7:5 aspect ratio
Up to 144Hz refresh rate

Alright. Like how OnePlus has pretty much nailed the hardware and design side of things — for the most part — this display is also quite great. Right off the bat, you should know that you’re not looking at an OLED screen here, but don’t dismiss it just yet! This 11.6″ LCD panel is actually pretty fantastic. The contents look sharp, it gets plenty bright, has a decent viewing angle, and its 144Hz refresh rate means everything feels fairly smooth to get around as well (more on that in just a minute).

Meanwhile, check out all the prices and specs of tablets from OnePlus here!

And to make sure you don’t miss the rich colors of an OLED display, OnePlus also ships it with the “Vivid” picture mode by default which is a bit too punchy and saturated for my eyes, to be fair. The white balance also looks a little off on this profile, but thankfully I can turn it all around by switching to the “Pro” mode and dialing down the color temperature.

OnePlus Pad’s kinda unique 7:5 aspect ratio deserves some special attention too. OnePlus has specially designed this tablet with readers in mind, and yeah, this squarish design does make reading PDFs, ebooks, or the latest One Piece chapter feel more natural.

Like you’re actually reading a book or something.

Okay, although that 7:5 display is great for reading and browsing the web and such, it also means you’re gonna be blasted with black bars at the top and the bottom of the screen whenever streaming videos from anywhere. You can always crop in the video to fit the display better but that’s never an elegant solution.

Slow response time

This honestly didn’t bother me that much, but its slow response time certainly did. I also passed it along to a bunch of my colleagues and most of them noted that the “ghosting” effect when scrolling or something like that was definitely noticeable and somewhat irritating.

And the way OnePlus Pad handles its 144Hz refresh rate is also a little annoying. Out of all the apps I’ve tried, only Chrome and AnTuTu actually hit 144Hz — whereas the rest of them run at either 60 / 90 / or 120Hz.

And there’s no way to switch on 144Hz or even 120Hz at all times as well. OnePlus could technically enable the option to let users set custom refresh rates for different apps with a software update, but since even their phones can’t do that, I’m not too hopeful. What they can do is get HDR certification from Netflix because even though OnePlus Pad is Dolby Vision-ready and has Widevine L1 verified for hi-res playback, it can’t stream HDR videos on Netflix yet.

Audio

Quad speaker setup
Dolby Atmos audio, No headphone jack

That reminds me, the speakers on this thing are pretty great. Much better than most tablets I’ve used in recent times. You get four speakers in total — two on each side — and they get plenty loud while maintaining decent clarity even at max volume. As expected there’s not much to look forward to on the bass department and I wish it handled high notes with a bit more finesse too, but OnePlus Pad is great for listening to music or watching movies and shows.

OnePlus Pad – Speakers

1 of 2

And besides its Dolby Atmos support, there’s also something called “Omnibreaing Sound Field” technology. What it does is basically adjust left and right audio channels based on how you’re holding the tablet for a more immersive audio experience. It certainly works as intended, but I don’t find the sound quality to be immersive when holding the tablet in portrait orientation. At all.

Performance

Octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 9000 5G SoC (4nm)
8/12GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage (fixed)
Android 13 with OnePlus’ OxygenOS 13 on top
3 years of OS, 4 years of security updates

As for performance, OnePlus has gone with Dimensity 9000 for its first tablet, which is a year-old flagship MediaTek chip that trades blows with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. MediaTek’s premium chipsets have been absolutely knocking it out of the park in the past few years and the Dimensity 9000 is one fine example. Yeah, yeah, a newer and faster processor would’ve been even better but I actually don’t mind this.

OnePlus Pad – Benchmarks

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And as expected from a flagship processor, there’s essentially zero performance hiccup here. Apps load quickly, there’s no aggressive memory management in the background, and multitasking also feels quite fluid. There is some occasional stutter when loading the recent apps menu but other than that, it’s pretty smooth sailing… with a big asterisk at the end because like most other Android tablets, the OnePlus Pad is also a victim of the lack of app optimization.

The weirdest and the most frustrating example I’ve found has to do with the keyboard. It ships with Google’s “Gboard” by default — which doesn’t have the split keyboard for some reason — although this feature rolled out to tablets and foldables a while ago.

What’s even weirder is that the “thumb” mode on the Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard is also greyed out on the OnePlus Pad, while it works perfectly fine on my phone, my foldable phone, and my other tablet. So the typing experience on this OnePlus tablet has been truly bizarre — especially in landscape mode — where the keys are too far out.

The age-old problem

Except for Google apps, a bunch of high-profile apps like Facebook and Instagram aren’t optimized for landscape mode either. OnePlus has built an option to force-enable fullscreen for such apps but it simply doesn’t work.

Likewise, this tablet version of OxygenOS 13 also needs a lot more tablet-focused polishing. The notification shade, for instance, would have been a lot easier to access if it wasn’t separated into a control center and notification panel. And I don’t understand why, but the system animation across the OnePlus Pad is also inconsistent and unoptimized.

At least the company does promise 3 years of OS and 4 years of security updates — and the upcoming Android 14 supposedly makes app scaling in portrait and landscape mode a lot simpler — so I’m really excited about that.

And of course, OnePlus has baked in a bunch of multitasking features so that you can make the most out of this large display. The split-screen option lets you run two apps side-by-side with a simple gesture or via the recents menu. I also like how I can save my app combos for quick launch, whereas this smart sidebar that holds a bunch of apps and a few shortcuts comes in quite handy. And besides split-screen, OnePlus Pad lets you open an additional app in a floating window as well.

How’s the stylus?

For the extra burst of productivity, OnePlus sells a stylus and a keyboard accessory for its tablet too. I couldn’t get my hands on the keyboard but this stylus called “OnePlus Stylo” is pretty great. And pretty similar to the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil with a flat edge on one side and shortcuts like double-tap to switch between the current tool and an eraser or previously used tool. Its touch input delay is still somewhat noticeable but it wasn’t a big deal for an amateur artist like me.

It has a comfortable grip, it is tilt and pressure-sensitive, and the palm rejection on this thing is also quite nice. So I had absolutely no problem taking notes or drawing something on OnePlus Pad’s laminated display. But unlike on iPad or Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs, it doesn’t let me write on a text input field and convert my handwriting to text. And I might be nitpicking here but I also would’ve liked to see a couple of buttons for quick extra shortcuts.

There are actually a few more features that I was eager to explore on the OnePlus Pad, but my OnePlus 11 (review) hasn’t received the OxygenOS 13.1 update to work with it yet. This includes cellular data sharing via a OnePlus phone, which is different and supposedly faster than a personal hotspot. Whereas multi-screen connect was the one I was really pumped to check out as it promises screen mirroring and content sync—just like “Handoff” on an iPad and other Apple devices.

Gaming experience

Anyway, OnePlus Pad is a great gaming machine too. And even after back-to-back gaming sessions, I never felt the area where my hands would naturally rest on the tablet get warm or anything. The Dimensity 9000 can’t deliver a steady 60 fps on demanding games like Genshin Impact at the highest settings — as expected — but it gets pretty close. And I’m pretty surprised to see that OnePlus has enabled 90 fps mode on PUBG Mobile here. Still, high-fps-ready titles like Injustice 2 and Mech Arena are locked at just 30 and 60 fps on the OnePlus Pad, so I’d like to get that fixed pretty soon.

Camera

13MP (f/2.2) sensor at the back
8MP (f/2.3) sensor at the front

Camera-wise, the OnePlus Pad brings a 13MP sensor at the back and a horizontally laid 8MP sensor up front. Nice! As you can imagine, their image quality is perfectly fine for quick snaps when you don’t have your phone with you. But don’t expect anything more.

Camera

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I do love its “Limelight” feature though, which follows you around to keep you in the center of the frame whenever you’re on video calls. Like “Center Stage” on iPads. It currently works on dedicated video conferencing apps like Zoom and Google Meet only, but maybe OnePlus could enable it on other apps like Messenger as well.

Oh, and one more thing. There’s no biometric security option on the OnePlus Pad although its front camera does support basic face recognition. But as we all know, it’s just not that secure so you’re gonna have to resort to good ol’ pin, pattern, or password verification methods.

Battery

9510mAh battery with 67W fast charging

Powered by a big 9,510mAh battery, this tablet’s battery backup is quite impressive. I was consistently getting 7 – 7.5 hours of screen time under a usage pattern consisting of a little bit of everything. Including playing games, streaming YouTube videos, browsing the web, listening to music, and occasional video calls. The overnight battery drain is also pretty minimal here, while the included 67W charger takes the OnePlus Pad from 0 to 100% in like an hour and 20 minutes.

OnePlus Pad Long-Term Review: Conclusion

So that was all for my long-term review of the OnePlus Pad. All things considered, it’s a great device with an excellent design, a good display, solid speakers, powerful performance, and terrific battery life. And OnePlus is off to a fantastic start in the tablet industry. So if you’re in the OnePlus ecosystem and all of what I just said checks off your list, then this could be definitely worth it to you.

Having said that, the OnePlus Pad is nowhere near to being an iPad killer. I don’t think any Android tablet could be an iPad killer at this point, to be honest.

Not just from a performance standpoint but all the “Apple” benefits you get from an iPad are simply unmatched. The sad fact is that it’s not just up to Google or tablet makers to fix this mess either. And developers have to come on board to optimize their apps for large-screen Android devices as well.

So until that happens, the OnePlus Pad remains a great tablet for media consumption, web browsing, and video calls and stuff. But not a productivity machine or a laptop replacement of any sort. And if you can compromise a bit on build quality, processing power, and a few other things, then the new Xiaomi Pad 6 could be a better value instead. It nails all the fundamentals like the OnePlus Pad, but Xiaomi’s aggressive pricing makes it a much more attractive deal.

Our video review of the OnePlus Pad is coming up pretty soon as well

OnePlus Pad Long-Term Review: Pros and Cons

Pros:

Sturdy, premium build quality
Nice 7:5 display
Powerful quad speakers
Reliable performance overall
Usable cameras
Decent battery endurance

Cons:

The age-old problem of app optimization
A bit heavy
Noticeably slow response time
No cellular option

YouTube will soon let creators dub videos to other languages using AI

Aarohan Niraula

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June 28, 2023

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YouTube will soon let creators dub videos to other languages using AI

YouTube is testing a new feature called “Aloud” that will automatically dub your videos to other languages using AI to increase reach and overcome language barriers. Interesting right? Let’s learn more about YouTube’s “Aloud” feature in this article.

YouTube Aloud Overview:

Aloud is actually a product of Google’s in-house Area 120 incubator, and it will enable creators to “quickly and easily dub their videos into multiple languages”. This means that all of YouTube will be more accessible and creators will also experience a boost in foreign viewership. But how fast has it come? How does it work? And when can we expect this feature to be available publicly?

Let’s tackle the “how” first.

How does it work?

YouTube Aloud will first start by transcribing your video. After that, it will then send that transcription to the creator. Here, the creator can edit the script to add or remove elements alongside proofreading the draft. Once the creator gives the green light, Aloud will translate that transcription into other languages. Finally, it will use AI text-to-speech to create an audio track that can be added to the video.

YouTube has already begun experimenting “Aloud” with hundreds of creators around the world. The company’s VP of Creator Products, Amjad Hanif, told The Verge that Aloud only supports a few languages right now and more would be added in the future. On launch, it’ll support English, Spanish, and Portuguese languages with Hindi and Bahasa-Indonesia following suit.

But one of the major weaknesses of Aloud is that the dubbed audio will NOT be in sync with the video. This will have a major impact on the watching experience if the words don’t match actions on screen. But Mr. Hanif assures that they are working on something similar to lip-sync which will launch soon after.

Another big problem is the voice itself. As of today, the dubbed audio tracks have a monotonous voice and sound nothing like the creator. But YouTube says they are working on this too.

YouTube Aloud: Final Thoughts

Since YouTube launched its “Audio tracks” feature that lets creators add multiple audio dubs to their videos, creators like Mr. Beast have already begun dubbing their videos into different languages. And if you’ve ever switched to dub in a Mr. Beast video, you can tell that it’s highly produced and feels as entertaining as the English version itself. Now, YouTube’s “Aloud” will be nowhere near that good or that well-produced, but it’ll be a lot cheaper to pull off and will require a lot less effort too.

And like any experimental feature, it’s not perfect and will take time to get better. But from what we’ve heard, it sounds pretty good. Check the video above from “Amoeba Sisters” which has been dubbed into Spanish using YouTube Aloud. To change the audio, click on the gear icon, select audio track, and choose Spanish. What do you think? Do you think it’ll be good enough to watch an entire tutorial without feeling frustrated or confused?

Meanwhile, check our Huawei Band 8 review

Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) Review: Premium 2-in-1 Experience

GadgetByte

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June 27, 2023

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Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) Review: Premium 2-in-1 Experience

So this is the new Lenovo Yoga 9i powered by the latest 13th Gen Intel processor. The Yoga 9 lineup has been among the most popular premium convertible laptops in recent years. However, I was not able to review them because of their restricted availability. So when I had finally available to review the new Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023), I could not help but say yes. I mean, look at what this has to offer.

Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) Review: Specifications

Design & Build: All-aluminum CNC-milled, 12.52 x 9.06 x 0.60-0.65-inches (W x D x H), 1.4 kg
Durability: MIL-STD 810H Certification
Color Options: Storm Grey, Oatmeal
Display: 14″ OLED 360° touchscreen, 90Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3, 400 nits brightness
Resolution: WQHD+ (2880 x 1880), 16:10 aspect ratio
Display Certifications: VESA Certified DisplayHDR True Black 500, Dolby Vision
Stylus: Lenovo Precision Pen 2
Keyboard: Full-size keyboard, Backlit
Trackpad: Microsoft Precision drivers
Security: Windows Hello-certified IR webcam, Fingerprint Reader
Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P (Raptor Lake), 4P+8E/16T, 5.0 GHz Max Turbo Frequency, 18MB Intel Smart Cache, 28W base power
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe (Integrated)
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5-5200 RAM (non-upgradable)
Storage: 1TB SSD (PCIe 4.0)
Audio: 2x 2W Tweeter + 2x 3W Woofer, Bowers & Wilkins speakers, Dolby Atmos
Battery: 75 Watt-hours battery
Power Supply: 100W AC adapter (USB Type-C)
Webcam: 2MP FHD + IR Hybrid camera
Connectivity: WiFi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth 5.2
I/O Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 with USB Type-C (DisplayPort, Power Delivery), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x Audio combo jack
What’s Inside The Box: Sleeve, Precision Pen 2, USB-C Adapter (Optional)
Price in Nepal: Rs. 230,000

Lenovo Yoga 9i Review:

Design and Build

Starting with the design, this has to be the most beautiful laptop I have used in a while, by a margin. This whole thing is made up of a big chunk of aluminum, and it’s a robust one. Still, Lenovo has still managed to keep it a bit low profile, with the side being the flashy component here.

Unlike most mainstream laptops, the Lenovo Yoga 9i sports curved frames that, other than making it stand out, also make it more comfortable to hold. This also allows Lenovo to fit more ports than is usually possible in a wedge design. On the left, there are two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a USB-A port. To the right, you can find the 3.5mm headphone jack, a standard Type-C port, and a power button.

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I have to be honest — the latter has not seen usage ever since the very first boot, as the flip-to-wake feature works flawlessly. Just open the lid, which you can do with just one hand, and you will be taken to the sign-in screen. Since this laptop has an IR sensor, the Windows Hello Facial Recognition has been my go-to sign-in method. But you can also go with Fingerprint recognition or even a standard PIN to get in.

Display

And this is where the laptop blows you away for the second time. It has this gorgeous OLED screen with all the bells and whistles you can expect on a laptop. I got the 2.8K version for myself, as it comes with a 90Hz refresh rate. However, there is also a sharper 4K option if you can do away with the smoother refresh rate. The colors are pretty accurate at 100% DCI-P3.

The brightness did come a bit short (395 nits) of the advertised 400 nits. Still, it’s more than enough to use in an indoor setting, even the well-lit one. It also has HDR in case you want that immersive viewing experience. But make sure you configure the HDR brightness accordingly, as the default setting can be a bit off.

Lenovo Yoga 9i Review - Display Properties

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Since it’s an OLED panel, you can dim the entire screen or certain parts of it. For instance, when you have multiple windows on, the laptop can automatically dim the inactive ones so you can fully focus on the one you are working on. Or you can dim the taskbar as you don’t require it all time, and it can even be distracting at times.

But if you are constantly scrolling through pages, it can create an unusual stream of pixels, so it’s better to have it turned off. Thankfully, there is an option to schedule it for the period of time when it’s actually useful. It’s a 14-inch screen but looks much bigger in real life with the 16:10 aspect ratio. This makes the laptop fit not just for multimedia but also for everyday tasks like word processing and simple web browsing.

Lenovo Precision Pen 2

You can even flip the laptop 180° and use it as a tablet. Lenovo Pen 2 also comes included in the box. It is modeled after a typical pencil, so the shape feels familiar. It has two buttons on the side that you can configure from the settings. The pen is great for taking quick notes and adding annotations. Palm rejection has also been great so far. But the latency is on the higher side to be considered for artists. The only major criticism that I have with the pen is that there is no way to store it within the laptop. An internal compartment with magnetic charging could have been great.

Audio

Moving on to the 360-degree hinge also has a second purpose. As you can see, it has two tweeters speakers built into it, which is something I have seen only Lenovo do. There are two more woofers, one on either side and together, they form a great pair. It sounds amazing whether you listen to alternative rock, EDM, or simply mainstream pop. The fullness and loudness of the audio even put my MacBook Air (M2) to shame. Also, it is loud enough to fill a moderate-sized room. There are different audio profiles for music, conference calls, games, and so on. You can switch between them right from the dedicated keyboard button.

Keyboard and TouchPad

Talking about the keyboard, the keys are big and well-spaced, and the key travel is just good enough for a good typing experience. There is even a white backlight that gets enabled automatically when you are in a dark environment. The touchpad is big as well as a good one. Although I did not have any issue with its responsiveness, I have to say that it still has some catching up to do when compared to MacBook. Apple’s touchpads are simply better in this regard. There are three more shortcut keys in the row. One is for performance modes then there is one to toggle between light and dark modes.

Webcam

If you are working from home and or take more video calls in general, if you love that, you can blur/deblur your background directly from the keyboard. You can find more customization features from the Lenovo Vantage. From there, you can enable the Center Stage-like Auto Frame feature as well as tweak brightness, exposure, and more of those settings. Interestingly, this feature is not yet available in the MacBook Air. That said, the camera output from the MacBook is actually better.

Performance

Moving on to the Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) brings comes with the Intel Core i7-1360P. This mobile CPU has been in a number of ultrabooks and 2-in1 laptops this year. And rightfully so, since it allows for more power than traditional U-series processors without the battery drain of the H-series. It is powerful enough to fuel your basic productivity tasks.

Lenovo Yoga 9i Benchmark Results

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I used the laptop primarily for writing blog posts and scripts, and I used to have multiple instances of Chrome tabs open at a time. I also had Spotify playing in the background most of the time, with a few edits using Photoshops here and there. And the laptop held pretty well. The experience was pretty smooth, with no noticeable lag or intense fan noise.

I only heard the fans when I tried to push the machine with gaming, and even so, the sound was not noticeable in a standard office setting. I know the Yoga 9i is not really meant for gaming, but I can handle occasional sessions of games like CS: GO, Asphalt 9, and GTA V by adjusting the graphics settings.

Battery and Charging

The battery life is great too. I was able to get up to 4.5-6 hours of average usage on a single charge. Lenovo ships the Yoga 9i with a 75W AC adapter. While there is not much to complain about the charging speed, I do think Lenovo slim down the adapter. I mean, this chunky brick doesn’t really complement the portability of the laptop.

Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) Review: Conclusion

All in all, I had a great time reviewing the Lenovo Yoga 9i. It’s among the most sought-after premium convertible laptops out there, and rightfully so. The design and display of this laptop is second to none. Performance and battery life are also decent enough. Most importantly, Lenovo has packed this with innovative features to boost productivity. It’s priced at NPR 230,000 in Nepal, some INR 162,355 in India, and USD 1,499 elsewhere. While this is not an affordable price by any means, it’s hard to think of a better alternative at that price point, so there’s that.

So this was all about my review of the Lenovo Yoga 9i. We will be coming with more of this review in the future, so don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to get updated.

Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) Review: Pros and Cons

Pros:

Stunning Metal Chassis
Gorgeous OLED touchscreen
Audio sounds great
Comes with an active Pen and Carrying case

Cons:

No internal compartment for a pen
The webcam could have been better
Lenovo could have shipped a compact adapter