Say hello to Shweta, a tech fan who's hooked on keeping up with all things tech. When she's not exploring the latest gadgets, she's diving into a good book, clicking photos as an amateur photographer, or enjoying classic movies and music. With her love for both tech and creativity, Shweta adds her own touch to tech news in a way that's easy to understand and enjoy.
CMF Phone 1 explosion in Maharashtra leads to one death
Overheating and battery issues are possible causes
Users should watch for overheating and swollen batteries
A tragic incident occurred in Maharashtra, India. One person lost their life and another was seriously injured after a CMF Phone 1 reportedly exploded. This incident highlights the importance of smartphone safety and the potential risks associated with overheating and battery issues. Here’s what we know about the incident so far.
The explosion took place when two people were traveling from Kolhapur to Sangli.
The phone involved in the explosion was a CMF Phone 1 which was purchased just over a month ago.
The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, but reports suggest that the battery may have burst, leading to the incident.
The explosion allegedly caused the rider to lose control, resulting in the tragic death of the owner. The other person sustained serious injuries.
What Led To The Incident?
Although it hasn’t been verified, overheating might have contributed to the explosion. When a phone is being charged or used extensively, overheating frequently happens.
Another potential cause could be a swollen battery which can cause the phone to overheat and eventually explode.
Previous Explosions And Safety Concerns
Although smartphone explosions are not unusual, this is the first incidence with the CMF Phone 1 that has been reported. Similar situations have already implicated brands such as Apple and OnePlus. Faulty batteries have been connected to similar explosions, and smartphones that overheat while being charged or used are frequently at risk.
Turn off your smartphone and let it cool in a secure location if it feels hot, especially when charging or when using it extensively.
A bulging back panel is a sign of a swollen battery which can be dangerous. Stop using the phone immediately if you notice this and contact customer support.
Always use the manufacturer’s recommended charger to avoid charging issues that could lead to overheating.
Ensure your phone’s software is always up to date that often include important fixes for battery management.
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Spotify Wrapped 2024 is here with personalized music stats
Includes new AI podcast and enhanced playlists
Access on the app or web and share your highlights
It’s that time of year again! Spotify Wrapped 2024 is here. It provides a customized recap of your preferred songs, musicians, and podcasts. With innovative new features like AI-powered podcasts and updated tools for an interactive experience, this year’s wrapped is more than just a summary, it’s a celebration. Here’s all you need to know.
AI Podcast with Google’s NotebookLM: In an interesting discussion format, listen to an AI podcast that analyzes your musical preferences and highlights your favorite genres, artists, and songs.
Improved AI DJ and Playlists: Wrapped-specific changes give Spotify’s AI DJ feature a new twist and provide an unprecedentedly curated experience.
How To Access Spotify Wrapped 2024
Step 1: Open the Spotify app, tap the Wrapped bubble, and dive into a 14-part story of your musical year.
Step 2: Visit spotify.com/wrapped to view your recap on your browser.
Key Highlights Of Wrapped Story
Total minutes streamed, favorite tracks, and top genres are all featured.
Add the Your Top Songs 2024 playlist to your library and relive your top hits anytime.
Discover your most-listened-to podcasts and total time spent with them.
Enjoy a mini podcast from AI hosts discussing your year in music.
Share The Fun
Spotify provides shareable slides and a personalized card summarizing your stats. Share them easily on social media or save for later.
Old Wrapped stories are only available temporarily, but you can find saved playlists by searching “Wrapped” or “Your Top Songs” in the Spotify app or website.
This year’s Spotify Wrapped isn’t just about looking back, it’s about celebrating your unique musical tastes in a creative and interactive way. Explore it now and enjoy the nostalgia.
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Truecaller is the most downloaded caller ID app on Android
Has over 500 million downloads on Google Play Store
Can filter out telemarketing and spam calls
Truecaller is one of the popular Caller ID and spam prevention apps that has over 500 million downloads worldwide. The messaging app filters out telemarketers, spam, and other unwanted calls to manage all of your calls and messages promptly. It maintains a community-based spam list that is updated by almost all users across the world.
Truecaller also records when a user was ‘last seen.’ With this feature, other users will be able to see when a certain user last used the application. It was WhatsApp that first introduced this feature when it was acquired by Facebook. It has been criticized by many and also has been favored by many. If enabled, the ‘Last Seen’ feature displays the most recent activity of the users on the app.
Now, Truecaller which allows users to look up individuals who have registered with their mobile phones also has the “Last Seen” feature in the app. In this article, we will help you learn how to hide last seen on your Android phone in Truecaller.
Step 5: At the front of the ‘Availability’ option, tap on the toggle button. When the toggle button is ON, it shows other Truecaller users whether a user is busy during phone caller or their phone is on Silent mode.
Step 6: Turn it off and other users will not be able to see your Last call activity of yours.
Anyone using Truecaller who has the “Last Seen” feature enabled can see when you were last active. Since the app is always running in the background, last seen in this case refers to the most recent time you were actively using your phone. The only circumstances in which the other party cannot view your most recent details are when they are not using Truecaller or have turned off the feature.
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ChatGPT Pro launched at $200/month with advanced features
New o1 model delivers faster, accurate results
OpenAI explores ads and AI search engine
With the release of ChatGPT Pro, OpenAI is making a significant progress. The goal of this premium subscription model is to provide cutting-edge AI capabilities. It costs $200 (about Rs. 17,000) a month and offers limitless access to advanced features. Along with cutting-edge features like voice mode and GPT-4o, this also includes the brand-new o1 Pro mode.
Exclusive o1 Pro Mode: A more powerful version of the o1 model designed for solving complex problems with enhanced reasoning and computing power.
Unlimited Access: Users gain unlimited usage of OpenAI’s top-tier models and tools. This makes it ideal for professionals tackling challenging tasks.
Advanced Voice Mode: Enables seamless interactions, elevating the conversational experience.
ChatGPT Plus: An Affordable Option
OpenAI will continue its $20 (around Rs. 1,700) per month Plus tier. This offers:
Early access to updates and new features.
Full access to all models except the more advanced o1 Pro mode.
A budget-friendly solution for regular users.
The Full o1 Model Rolls Out
The full o1 model replaces the o1-preview and is now live for Plus and Team subscribers. Next week, access will be available to Enterprise and Edu users.
The stable version delivers faster, more accurate results, especially in coding, math, and image analysis tasks.
Improved training ensures quicker response times and better user experience.
Why ChatGPT Pro Matters
The o1 model is built to tackle intricate, multistep tasks with remarkable skill, according to OpenAI. To maintain the model at the forefront of AI innovation, regular updates are planned.
OpenAI is reportedly exploring advertisements as a potential revenue stream, hiring specialists from Meta and Google to aid in this shift.
The company is working on an AI-driven search engine to compete with Google, signaling its move toward a for-profit business model.
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Finding the perfect laptop that strikes a good balance between work, games, and portability often feel like searching for a unicorn. But when the Asus Vivobook S15 OLED ultrabook landed on my desk, I couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to its promise. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been putting this sleek 15.6-inch laptop through its paces, from tackling demanding work tasks to binge-watching my favorite web-series. Designed to cater to mixed-use users, it comes with a vibrant OLED display, a powerful processor, and surprisingly good audio. Let’s dive in this review and see if it’s the all-rounder it claims to be.
The Asus Vivobook S15 OLED is an elegant looking laptop. It is sleek, modern, and seriously attractive. At just 14.7mm thin and 1.42 Kg, it’s easy to carry around. I have been carrying it daily from Delhi to Gurgaon in my backpack, and guess what? No complaints. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was.
The Vivobook S15 feels high-end because to its satin metallic silver color. It has a polished appearance due to its rounded corners. The Asus logo is subtly positioned beneath the screen and is simple and elegantly placed onto the back lid. The display’s overall appearance is improved by the thin bezels surrounding it. It’s not trying to be fancy with a 2-in-1 design or touchscreen, just a solid, no-nonsense laptop.
Ports-wise, you are pretty much sorted. On the left, there’s an HDMI 2.1 port, two Thunderbolt USB-C ports, a microSD card slot (a nice bonus), and a headphone jack. While the microSD slot is rare these days, a full-sized card reader would’ve been a more practical choice. On the right side, there are two Type-A USB 3.2 ports and LED indicators for power and battery. Overall, the port selection covers most needs, with no glaring omissions.
For meetings or quick video calls, the FHD webcam and built-in mic are surprisingly good. The Vivobook S15 OLED is proof that simplicity and style can go hand-in-hand, and it nails the basics in the best way possible.
Keyboard & Trackpad
Let’s now talk about the keyboard and trackpad because they deserve some serious attention too. The keyboard is not only great to type on but also super quiet. I think it’s perfect for those late-night work sessions. Using the MyAsus app, you can adjust the RGB lighting to fit your mood and add a little flair. Plus, the ambient light sensor makes sure that the backlighting adjusts automatically. The dedicated number pad is a nice addition. However, I find the arrow keys a bit smaller. Overall, the layout is clear and easy to navigate. And the trackpad? Smooth as butter. To be honest, it’s among the largest I’ve seen lately. It feels great to use, is quite responsive, and supports motions.
Display
The display on the Asus Vivobook S15 OLED is amazing. It is one of those screens that uplifts even your desktop background to the status of a work of art. This screen is decently eye-catching, with a 15.6-inch OLED panel with a pixel density of 211.82 PPI and a resolution of 2880 x 1620. The colors are vivid, striking, and utterly dreamlike. You can expect a smooth, lifelike viewing experience when you combine Asus’s color-calibrated profile, adaptive sync, and a refresh rate of 120hz.
Whether you’re scrolling through social media images or binge-watching action-packed films, the rich colors and deep blacks make everything stand out. I tested it with some good action movies, and the visuals were breathtaking. Additionally, the color accuracy of the display is perfect for content creators, whether you’re editing YouTube videos or smartening up up your social media game.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows (literally). The screen is super reflective and working outdoors can be tricky, especially on a sunny day when those reflections become a bit of a buzzkill. On the bright side, the viewing angles are good. That means sharing your screen with friends or family won’t be a problem. All in all, the Vivobook S15 OLED’s display is one of its strongest highlights. It is perfect for work, play, and everything in between.
Under the hood, the Asus Vivobook S15 OLED runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor. This 12-core chip, clocked at 3.4GHz with a hefty 42MB cache, offers performance that can easily compete with AMD and Intel-powered laptops. During my testing, day-to-day tasks were handled like a breeze, and even photo editing and creating video thumbnails felt seamless.
Gaming? I gave it a shot with a couple of titles, and the experience was decent. Sure, the laptop got a little warm, but it didn’t affect performance. However, some games had limitations, which is something to keep in mind if gaming is a top priority for you.
Now, let’s talk audio. Asus has teamed up with Dolby Atmos and Harman/Kardon to deliver great sound quality. The speakers are clear and even offer a decent number of bass, which I guess is a rarity in laptops. While headphones or external speakers might still be the go-to for audiophiles, the built-in audio on this laptop is surprisingly good.
Whether you’re working, gaming, or streaming your favorite tunes, the Vivobook S15 OLED delivers a performance that doesn’t disappoint! This brings up to the Vivobook S15 OLED’s benchmark performance. We ran Cinebench and Novabench benchmark tests where this notebook performed exceptionally. Starting with the Cinebench, the Vivobook S15 OLED has logged CPU (Multi-core) 5259 pts and CPU (Single Core) 326 pts. Also, it scored 1452 in novabench. This includes 597 CPU score, 157 GPU score, 300 Memory score, and 398 Storage score. We are attaching the performance scores below:
Copilot+
The Asus Vivobook S15 OLED is marketed as a Copilot+ device. It brings a suite of advanced AI-powered features to the table. While we couldn’t test everything fully, some features await a Microsoft update, the lineup already looks promising.
The laptop supports familiar Copilot functions like Studio Effects. Features like Automatic Super Resolution for gaming, live subtitling, and Cocreator that transforms sketches into complete images are aimed to improve productivity and creativity.
Well, Asus didn’t stop there. They’ve added their own AI-powered functionalities, such as StoryCube for organizing media files and an advanced facial detection feature that dims the screen when you look away.
The Copilot+ integration might not yet be fully unleashed, but the foundation it sets is exciting, and it hints at a future where laptops are more intelligent and user-centric than ever.
Connectivity
The Asus Vivobook S15 OLED offers a solid array of connectivity options to keep users satisfied. Both of its USB-C ports support the 4.0 standard and has compatibility with modern accessories. However, I did find myself wishing for an additional USB-C port on the right side, which would have been handy for charging the laptop from either side.
On the plus side, you’ll also get two regular USB-A ports, so there’s no constant need for adapters during everyday use, a big win for convenience. For external displays, the Vivobook has some impressive capabilities. You can connect up to three external monitors with 4K resolution at 60Hz or even two displays at a decent 5K resolution.
While it covers most needs well, a few tweaks like the extra USB-C port could have made the connectivity experience nearly perfect. Still, for everyday work and entertainment, it gets the job done with ease.
Battery
Asus claims its 70WHrs battery can last up to 18+ hours for everyday tasks, but in my experience, it went above and beyond. During my testing, it comfortably hit the 19-hour mark, which is more than enough to get through a few days of office work or back-to-back presentations without hunting for a charger.
Of course, when I switched to binge-watching YouTube or hopping on video calls, the battery life dipped a bit, but that’s totally expected. Even then, it never left me worried about running out of juice at the wrong time.
And here’s the cherry on top: it comes with a fast-charging 90W USB-C adapter that powers it up in no time. So, even if you do need to recharge, you’re back in action quickly.
Giznext’s Final Verdict: Is The Asus Vivobook S15 Right For You?
The Asus Vivobook S15 OLED is a well-rounded ultrabook with a decent OLED display, solid everyday performance, and decent speakers. While it excels in design and usability, its reflective screen can struggle outdoors. It further handles everyday tasks smoothly, and for the curious minds, the CoPilot button might just add a bit of extra utility.
The real question is: Are you ready to invest over Rs. 1 lakh for a stylish, capable ultrabook for daily use? If you are after a sleek design, top-notch display, and reliable performance, the Vivobook S15 OLED is definitely worth considering.
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Excessive smartphone use causes conflicts between parents and children
Both want more family time and less screen use
Kids are more aware of the impact of phone use
Concerns regarding smartphones’ effects on family connections are intensifying as they become more integrated into our daily lives. Vivo and CyberMedia Research (CMR) have conducted a study that clarifies the ways in which excessive smartphone use is impacting parent-child relationships. The Switch Off study’s sixth edition’s results highlight the pressing need for healthier smartphone practices and offer startling new information. Here are some of the study’s main conclusions.
Parental Controls: 8 out of 10 children call for ‘parental controls’ for parents’ smartphone usage, showing a need for mutual responsibility.
Creating Phone-Free Zones: 56 percent of parents support designated phone-free areas like dining tables and living rooms.
Switch Off Day: By designating December 20 as Switch Off Day, Vivo is promoting responsible gadget use and encouraging families to unplug and spend time together.
The Switch Off campaign encourages parents and kids to use smartphones responsibly in order to build stronger, more meaningful bonds.
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Finally, Apple Music Replay 2024 is here. This will provide music enthusiasts with a fun and detailed summary of their listening preferences for the past year. This year’s Replay offers exciting new features that make it more entertaining than ever for Apple Music users worldwide, ranging from your favorite artists and tracks to unexpected new trends.
Pop music ruled the charts this year with Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar as fan favorites. Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’ and Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ were among the most-streamed songs globally. Even older hits, like Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer,’ found their way into the top five, proving their timeless appeal.
Rising Stars In The Spotlight
Newcomers like Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, and Shaboozey gained immense popularity. Their breakout performances across genres highlight a fresh wave of talent captivating audiences worldwide.
New Features
In-App Replay Access: iPhone users with iOS 18.1 or later can now view their Replay directly in the Apple Music app, while others can use the website.
Replay for Artists: Musicians now get insights into their fans, including top listener cities, Shazam data, and song discovery stats.
Top Listeners Rankings: For their favorite bands or genres, users can see where they stand in the top 500 or 1,000 listeners.
Streaks: Find out how many days in a row you have listened to Apple Music the most.
Date Of First Play
A brand-new feature, ‘Date of First Play,’ lets users track the exact date they first discovered a song, album, or artist. It’s a nostalgic way to relive the magic of your musical discoveries.
Trends In Music
This year saw the growing influence of female artists on global charts and a strong presence of rising talent. Replay 2024 captures these shifts, offering a glimpse into the evolving music landscape.
To see your customized report, you have to simply launch the Apple Music app (iOS 18.1 or later) or go to the Replay website. Remember to listen to your playlists and share it with your friends to know what you think are the best.
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The Global Handset Model Sales Tracker for Q3 2024 by Counterpoint Research is here. It states that Apple continues to dominate the premium smartphone market. The iPhone 15 emerged as the best-selling smartphone of the quarter, followed closely by the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro. Here are the key Insights from the report.
Apple’s strong performance highlights a shift toward premium smartphones, while Samsung and Xiaomi continue to shine with competitive pricing and feature-packed devices.
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iQOO has unveiled its latest flagship, the iQOO 13. The smartphone is hailed as India’s fastest smartphone. It is packed with cutting-edge features like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a Q10 2K display. The device promises unmatched performance, gaming capabilities, and advanced camera tech, all in a sleek, durable design. Here are some of its key features.
Runs on Funtouch OS 15, based on Android 15, with 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security updates.
Includes features like Live Call Translate and Live Transcribe for improved accessibility.
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TRAI’s traceability rule, effective December 11, 2024
Messages with undefined routes will be rejected
The rule aims to reduce spam and cybercrime
A new traceability rule has been issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in an attempt to address the growing issue of online fraud and cybercrimes. The rule is set to come into effect on December 11, 2024. From the sender to the recipient, it aims to trace the path of commercial telemarketing messages, particularly OTPs. This will make it easier to spot and put an end to fraudulent activity.
Telecom providers will be able to follow the path of every commercial message from sender to recipient. This contains communications that are frequently used in cybercrimes, such as OTPs. Authorities are able to detect fraudulent senders by following the flow of the message.
Extended Deadline
The traceability rule was initially scheduled to go into effect on November 1, 2024. However, telecom companies including Vodafone-Idea, Jio, and Airtel asked for an extension. After that, the deadline was rescheduled for November 30 and has since been extended until December 11, 2024.
Rejection Of Unidentified Messages
Any commercial messages, including OTPs, that do not follow the pre-approved route or have an unclear sender’s chain will be refused as of December 11, 2024. This implies that the recipient will not receive any telemarketing or OTP messages delivered through unapproved channels.
Tracking Fake OTP Messages
One of the biggest benefits of this rule is the ability to trace fake OTP messages. If you ever fall victim to a fraudulent OTP, telecom companies will be able to identify where the message came from. This feature will help stop cybercriminals from exploiting this method for illegal activities.
Stopping Spam, Fraud
This traceability rule will also help in reducing spam messages and unwanted calls. By tracking where the messages come from and ensuring they follow a legitimate path, the rule will make it much harder for spammers and fraudsters to reach users.
By tracking the path of messages, telecom companies will be able to easily identify suspicious or fraudulent activity, leading to increased security for mobile users.
With the growing number of spam calls and fake messages, the new traceability rule comes as a huge relief to millions of users. It will make sure that they are protected from unwanted messages, especially those that might try to steal sensitive information.
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