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China’s “Sky Eye” telescope makes a major breakthrough in terms of gravitational waves

Researchers in China have just made a breakthrough in nanohertz gravitational waves, which might be a gateway to understanding supermassive black holes in the universe. Let’s take a look at this interesting discovery.

What are nanohertz gravitational waves?

Gravitational waves are ripples in space-time created when massive objects like planets and stars move at very high speeds. And these waves travel at the speed of light, 1.86 miles per second There’s a wide spectrum of gravitational waves and those with extremely low frequencies are nanohertz gravitational waves. These are created by extremely large but slow-moving objects like black holes.

And the only way to study gravitational waves is either using radio telescopes or a technique called “Pulsar timing array“. Breakthrough in nanohertz gravitational wave research might unlock secrets to the formation, evolution, and merger of galaxies, and the early structure of the universe.

CPTA Nanohertz Gravitational Waves - Visualization

Recently, researchers from the Chinese Pulsar Timing Array (CPTA) used the “Sky Eye” FAST telescope (located in Guizhou, China) and found key evidence of nanohertz gravitational waves.

CPTA Findings

Researchers at CPTA used Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) to analyze data from 57 millisecond pulsars, spanning 41 months. The analysis of the collected data hinted at “very encouraging” evidence of nanohertz gravitational waves. This will possibly allow scientists to systematically study supermassive black holes orbiting each other at the core of galaxies. 

“Our statistical confidence level is 4.6 sigma, which means the chances for the signal to be caused by some noise rather than gravitational waves are lower than two in a million,” said Kejia Lee, team leader of the operation.

He also added that they were currently unable to identify the astronomical sources of current signals due to the short observation span but will be able to do so as the time spans increase.

International efforts

CPTA achieved its breakthroughs at the same time as other international agencies like NANOGrav from the US. And PPTA from Australia, EPTA from Europe, and InPTA from India. Findings from all these institutions will be shared under the International Pulsar Timing Array (IPTA). But as of today, CPTA has not signed the data-sharing agreement yet. 

So right now, China is at the forefront of nanohertz gravitational wave research but the findings are still not concrete. CPTA’s accuracy of 4.6 sigma — while impressive  — falls just short of the 5 sigma gold standard required to claim the detection of these waves. So, for the time being, looks like we’re still far from unlocking the secrets to the mysteries of black holes.

Asus Zenfone 10 launched with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and a compact design

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Asus is a world-renowned brand for its laptops and PC accessories. But you might also be aware of its “Zenfone” lineup of smartphones. The company entered this market in 2014 and has been offering one or two phones each year. Now, the Asus Zenfone 10 smartphone is here with an incredibly compact form factor with a 5.9-inch display and flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Let’s get into the specs, features, and expected price of the Asus Zenfone 10 in Nepal in this article.

Asus Zenfone 10 Overview:

Design and Display

Asus Zenfone 10’s has a tagline “All on Hand”, indicating a pretty handy form factor. In fact, the phone weighs just 172 grams and measures 146.5 mm diagonally. Its back panel uses a bio-based polycarbonate material, aiding in a 50% reduction in the use of petrochemical. Asus flaunts this lil guy in five colors: Aurora Green, Eclipse Red, Comet White, Starry Blue, and Midnight Black.

Asus Zenfone 10 Design and Display

Up front, this smartphone sports a 5.9-inch display for those hassle-less one-hand usages. It is a Full HD+ AMOLED panel with up to 144Hz refresh rate, 445 PPI pixel density, and 1100 nits of peak brightness. Other features of the screen include Gorilla Glass Victus protection, HDR10+ certification, and ΔE<1 color accuracy.

Performance

As with every other flagship phone in 2023, the Zenfone 10 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip under the hood. Manufactured under TSMC’s 4nm fabrication process, it features a high-performance Cortex-X3 (@3.2 GHz), four performance (@2.8 GHz), and three efficiency cores (@2.0 GHz).

Memory options include 8/16GB LPDDR5X RAM with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. And on the software side, there is Asus “Zen UI 10” based on Android 13. Asus is also committing to 2 years of OS and 4 years of security updates for this phone.

Camera

Like the last-gen Zenfone 9, this year’s model also features a dual-camera setup. The main camera is a 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor (with OIS), accompanied by a 13MP ultra-wide-angle sensor with a 120° field of view. You also get 6-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer 2.0 with Adaptive EIS for stable video recording. Whereas on the front, the Zenfone 10 houses a 32MP RGBW sensor for selfies and video calls.

Asus Zenfone 10 Camera

Rest of the specs

As for the battery, Asus has gone with a 4300mAh cell here to maintain the phone’s compact form factor. You get a 30W fast charger bundled in the box, while Zenfone 10 also supports 15W wireless charging. Besides that, its connectivity options include 5G, Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, USB Type-C, NFC, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Furthermore, the phone houses a side-mounted fingerprint reader and dual stereo speakers with Dirac HD Sound.

Asus Zenfone 10 Specifications:

  • Body: Eco-friendly polycarbonate back, aluminum frame, 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4mm, 172 gm
  • IP Rating: IP68 dust and water resistant
  • Display: 5.9-inch Samsung AMOLED panel, Gorilla Glass Victus, 144Hz refresh rate, Up to 1,100 nits, ΔE< 1, HDR10+, 112% DCI-P3 color gamut
  • Resolution: FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels), 20:9 aspect ratio
  • Rear Camera: Dual (with LED flash)
    • 50MP f/1.9 Sony IMX766 primary, 1/1.56″ sensor, Dual-PDAF, 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 2.0
    • 13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide, 120° field of view
  • Front Camera: 32MP f/2.5 RGBW (hole-punch)
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 5G (4nm)
  • Memory: 8/16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 128/256/512GB UFS 4.0 storage
  • Audio: Dual stereo speakers with Dirac HD Sound, LDAC, AAC, Qualcomm aptX
  • Connectivity: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS
  • Biometric: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
  • OS: Android 13 with Asus Zen UI 10 on top
  • Battery: 4300mAh with 30W fast charging (QC 3.0, USD-PD 3.0), 15W wireless charging
  • Colors: Midnight Black, Comet White, Eclipse Red, Starry Blue, Aurora Green

Asus Zenfone 10 Price in Nepal and Availability

The official price of the Asus Zenfone 10 begins at EUR 799 for the base 8/128GB trim. Although it’s unlikely that this phone officially arrives in Nepal, we expect the Asus Zenfone 10 price in Nepal to start at NPR 125,499 if it does.

Asus Zenfone 10 Price in Europe Price in Nepal (Expected)
8/128GB EUR 799 NPR 125,499
8/256GB EUR 849 NPR 133,499
16/512GB EUR 929 NPR 145,999

Your iPhone is secretly tracking you — and here’s how you can disable it

Did you know that our devices and services track our every move? In today’s digital age, it’s no longer a secret that they actually do. Our privacy is not a thing now. From our online activities to our physical locations, everything is tracked. One major example of this is our smartphones, particularly iPhones. These devices have a feature called “Significant Locations,” which keeps a record of everywhere we’ve been.

Significant Locations in iPhones:

How to access the feature?

If you’re curious about finding out the location tracking feature, you can do it in a few easy steps:

  1. First, open your iPhone’s settings and go through the “Privacy & Security” section.
  2. From there, select “Location Services” and scroll down to find “System Services.”
  3. Tap on “Significant Locations” and give your face id or passcode to view a list of the places you’ve visited.

You might notice that some locations aren’t accurate, and it is because of a flaw in tracking.

If you want to see the details of your tracking, tap on the specific location in the list, and a map will show where the phone thought you were. However, your internet should be active in order to track your location.

Can you turn Significant Locations off?

Yes, of course. If you find this tracking uncomfortable, you have the option to clear your Significant Locations history. Simply go back to the “Significant Locations” menu and tap on “Clear History.” This action will remove all your Significant Locations data from any devices linked to the same Apple ID.

If you wish to disable Significant Locations altogether, go to the same menu and slide the toggle next to it to the left. This will turn off the feature and prevent your iPhone from tracking your whereabouts.

Why does Apple track your location data?

Our privacy concern for potential misuse remains questionable, but according to companies, features like Significant Features exist to provide personalized services and improve user experiences. When I say “companies,” I mean Apple, Google, and Meta. However, such companies assure users that the transmitted data is encrypted. These data are only accessible if someone has both their phone and password.

In today’s world, it is rare to have digital privacy. But we do have a little control over the tracking features on our devices. By following the simple steps outlined above, we can access and manage the location tracking on our iPhones. The feature is similar in Google Maps as well. Thus, it is quite essential to stay informed and take necessary steps to protect our privacy in this interconnected world.

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.

Virtual-Reality-VR

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.

Augmented-Reality-AR

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.

You might want to read these:

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.

Mixed-Reality-MR

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

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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.

Redmi Buds 4 Active

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.

Redmi Buds 4 Active designn

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.

Redmi Buds 4 Active battery

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

    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

    Microsoft Generative AI 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.

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

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    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.

    Nokia G42 5G Design and Display

    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.

    Nokia G42 5G Camera

    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.

    Nokia G42 5G

    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

    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.”

    OnePlus Fold Rumors Leaks

    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.

    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.

    OnePlus V Fold Leaked Render

    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

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    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.

    Snapdragon 4 Gen 2

    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.

    Redmi Note 12R Design and Display

    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

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

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    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.

    Calculating Food Calorie using SnapCalorie

    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.

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