Tech News Of The Week 10th-16th Nov 2024|Oppo Reno 13 Series Launch Date,Xiaomi Rollsout HyperOS 2,Google Gemini Faces Controversy,LG’s Stretchable Displays & More.
Tech News Of The Week 10th-16th Nov 2024|Oppo Reno 13 Series Launch Date,Xiaomi Rollsout HyperOS 2,Google Gemini Faces Controversy,LG’s Stretchable Displays & More.
Welcome to Tech News Of The Week. This Week in Tech News From Apple’s rumored wall-mounted smart display with Siri support and video calling to Vivo’s global launch of the X200 series on November 19, there’s plenty to unpack.
LG Display showcased an innovative stretchable display with 150% flexibility, while Xiaomi began the global rollout of HyperOS 2, promising enhanced features. Google Gemini made headlines twice—first for topping the LMArena leaderboard with its Gemini-exp-1114 model, then for sparking controversy over disturbing AI responses. Meanwhile, Instagram is testing an AI-generated profile picture feature, and MKBHD faced backlash over a sponsored video. Let’s discuss into each story one by one!
Table of Contents
Apple’s Upcoming Wall-Mounted Smart Display to Feature Siri Support, Video Calling, and Smart Home Controls
Apple is reportedly developing a wall-mounted display aimed at enhancing smart home functionality, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. Designed with a 6-inch screen, this display will offer controls for smart home devices, voice command support through Siri, and Apple Intelligence features. Users can make and receive video calls using its built-in camera and speakers, and the device can be used with optional speaker-equipped bases.
Apple is also working on a new operating system for the display, codenamed “Pebble,” which will allow for a customizable home screen with icons and widgets for quick information access. This display, codenamed J490, will primarily support Apple apps like FaceTime, Safari, and Apple Music, without including an App Store for third-party apps.
The device will reportedly need an iPhone for setup and may run on hardware comparable to the A17 Pro or M1 chip with 8GB of RAM. Expected to launch in March 2025, the display may be available in black and silver. Apple is also developing a more advanced smart home device with a robotic arm that can adjust its display position, potentially priced around $1,000 (approximately Rs. 84,400).
Oppo Reno 13 Series Expected to Launch in January in India with iPhone-Inspired Design
Oppo is reportedly preparing to unveil the Reno 13 series, including the Oppo Reno 13 and Reno 13 Pro, with a China launch expected on November 25 and an India launch in January, according to 91Mobiles and tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore. The Pro model is rumored to feature a MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage.
An alleged render leaked on Weibo by Digital Chat Station shows an iPhone-style rear design for the Reno 13, with a glass back and a triple rear camera setup. The Reno 13 Pro model is tipped to have a 6.83-inch quad-curved display, a 50MP primary rear camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto camera. It may also feature a 50MP front camera and a metal middle frame, along with IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance. Wireless charging support is also anticipated for the Pro variant.
Oppo’s annual Reno series refresh follows the launch of the Reno 12 series, which debuted in China in May and in India in July.
MKBHD Faces Double Backlash Over Sponsored Video and Speeding Incident
Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, aka MKBHD, is facing criticism from fans over his latest video, “How My Video Gear is Changing!”. Viewers have taken issue with the video being a fully sponsored segment for DJI, calling it more of an advertisement than an independent review. Compounding the backlash, the video included a clip of Brownlee driving a sports car at over 95 mph in a suburban area with a 35 mph speed limit, even passing a warning sign for children.
Commenters flooded the video with criticism, with one highly-liked comment stating, “This can’t even be considered a sponsored video anymore. It’s literally just a ten-minute advertisement.” In response, Brownlee edited the video to remove the speeding segment and issued an apology on X (formerly Twitter), calling his actions “absolutely inexcusable and dangerous.” He also pinned a comment on the video acknowledging the backlash and pledging to improve his approach to sponsored content.
Last video I did something pretty stupid. You might've already seen it, but maybe not so I'll address it here. There was a clip with the action cam of me test driving a car and going way to fast. Absolutely inexcusable and dangerous.
This controversy follows another incident in September, where Brownlee faced criticism for launching an expensive wallpaper app. After feedback, he adjusted the app to address fans’ concerns.
Gemini App for iOS Allegedly Spotted in Limited Regions
Google’s Gemini AI app may have quietly rolled out to iOS in select regions. A Reddit user, u/lostshenanigans, shared screenshots of the app and its App Store listing URL, claiming it is available in the Philippines. The screenshots also revealed the Gemini Live feature, which enables two-way voice conversations with the AI. However, several others reported that the app remains unavailable in their regions, raising questions about the extent of its rollout.
As of now, iPhone users primarily access Gemini’s chatbot through the Google app. This sighting could indicate a limited test phase or potential early access for specific regions. Gadgets 360 staff attempted to access the app but were unsuccessful, suggesting its availability might still be highly restricted or speculative without an official announcement from Google.
The Gemini app uses Google’s Gemini 1.5 Flash large language model for free users and Gemini 1.5 Pro for paid subscribers. It can converse, write essays, perform web searches, provide recommendations, and generate images with its multimodal capabilities. Features like Gemini Live allow hands-free, voice-based interaction, adding to its functionality.
An official statement from Google could clarify whether the app’s iOS launch is imminent or still in testing.
Instagram is reportedly testing a new feature that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create or enhance profile pictures. Developer Alessandro Paluzzi leaked the information, revealing that the feature is currently in an experimental phase.
According to a shared screenshot, users can access the AI profile picture option by clicking their profile picture and selecting “Create an AI Profile Picture” from the update menu. While specific details are limited, it’s speculated that the feature may use Meta’s in-house large language models (LLMs). This could allow users to either generate profile pictures with text prompts or improve existing ones using AI.
This development aligns with Instagram’s broader strategy of incorporating AI into its platform. Previously, the social media platform introduced an AI-powered text rewrite tool, enabling users to refine messages or emails into more formal or creative versions.
Instagram has not officially announced the release date or confirmed the global availability of this AI-generated profile picture feature. Users can expect further details as the testing progresses.
Vivo X200 Series Set to Launch Globally on November 19
Vivo is gearing up to unveil its latest flagship series, the Vivo X200, globally. The company has begun teasing the launch in Malaysia, with tipster Paras Guglani revealing the launch date to be November 19. Additionally, the X200 series will debut in Thailand on November 28.
The Vivo X200 lineup includes the Vivo X200, X200 Pro, and X200 Pro Mini. However, the Pro Mini model, which features an exclusive green color in China, will not be released globally.
The global versions will offer:
Vivo X200: Copper Green, Moonlight White, Cobalt Blue, and Carbon Black.
Vivo X200 Pro: Titanium Grey, Carbon Black, and Cobalt Blue.
Vivo X200 Pro: 6.78-inch OLED with similar specs and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
Performance:
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, LPDDR5x RAM, and UFS 4.0 storage.
Camera:
X200: Triple 50MP cameras (wide, ultrawide, and 3x zoom).
X200 Pro: Upgraded 200MP telephoto sensor with 3.7x zoom.
Battery & Charging:
X200: 5,800mAh battery with 90W wired charging.
X200 Pro: 6,000mAh battery, 90W wired and 30W wireless charging.
With a November 19 launch date in Malaysia and impressive features like a high-refresh-rate OLED display and Capable camera , the Vivo X200 series is expected to compete strongly in the flagship smartphone market.
LG Display Unveils Stretchable Display Technology with 150% Flexibility
LG Display has showcased an advanced stretchable display prototype capable of extending from 12 inches to 18 inches without damage or operational disruption. This represents a significant improvement over the 2022 prototype, which could only stretch from 12 inches to 14 inches. The new panel boasts a stretch factor of 150%, up from the earlier 120%, making it more than twice as stretchable.
Image:LG
The display features a pixel density of 100ppi (measured at its default size) and employs a full RGB configuration using micro-LEDs smaller than 40µm. Enhanced wiring and a specialized silicon substrate have made the increased stretchability possible. Remarkably durable, the display can endure stretching and releasing cycles up to 10,000 times.
Potential applications include wearable technology, fashion, and innovative automotive displays. LG demonstrated prototypes integrated into car dashboards and firefighters’ uniforms. This stretchable display technology could eliminate creases in foldable phones and enable tactile elements like on-screen keyboards with physical button-like feedback.
LG Display envisions a wide range of uses for this technology, marking a potential shift in how flexible displays are utilized across industries.
Google’s Gemini-exp-1114 Model Tops LMArena Leaderboard
Google recently released its experimental AI model, Gemini-exp-1114, on AI Studio for developers to test. Speculated to be a precursor to the upcoming Gemini 2.0 model, it has already made waves by outperforming competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4o and Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet on the LMArena leaderboard, based on over 6,000 user votes. However, with Style Control applied—which evaluates responses for format and presentation—the model dropped to the fourth position.
In personal tests, Gemini-exp-1114 showed mixed results. When tasked with counting the number of “r”s in the word strawberry, the model inaccurately stated there were two, whereas OpenAI’s o1-mini model correctly identified three after a six-second reasoning process. Interestingly, the Gemini-exp-1114 model takes longer to respond, potentially indicating background use of chain-of-thought (CoT) reasoning.
In another test, when asked to count the “q” in the word vague, Gemini-exp-1114 correctly answered zero. Yet, it faltered on a more complex question that has challenged many advanced AI models.
The performance variations underscore the challenges in scaling large language models. Reports suggest that Google, along with OpenAI and Anthropic, is focusing on inference scaling to enhance model performance, as the limits of traditional LLM scaling become evident.
Xiaomi Begins Global Rollout of HyperOS 2 with Enhanced Features
Xiaomi has officially started the global rollout of its latest custom interface, HyperOS 2, built on Android 15. Introduced last month, the new UI brings upgraded visuals, smoother animations, and improved cross-device connectivity tailored for global users.
Key Features of HyperOS 2 (Global Version):
Customizable Lock Screen Setup: Allows for personalized customization.
Dynamic Effects Across Screens: Offers seamless transitions for notifications and navigation.
3D Real-Time Weather System: Simulates atmospheric conditions to enhance user engagement.
Upgraded Xiaomi Interconnectivity:
Home Screen+ 2.0: Pin and use apps across devices seamlessly.
Playback Transfer: Effortlessly transfer music to a Xiaomi speaker.
Call Sync: Synchronize calls across multiple devices.
Link to Windows: Enables connectivity between Xiaomi devices and Windows PCs.
New Animations: Provides a smoother, more refined user experience.
While the global version of HyperOS 2 focuses on aesthetics and connectivity, it lacks AI-driven features like AI writing tools, sound recognition, and AI art, which are exclusive to the Chinese variant.
Rollout and Device Availability
The initial rollout begins this month for the Redmi Note 13 series, Xiaomi 14T series, and other devices.
image :xiaomi
The second phase of updates will start in December 2024, reaching more devices.
image:Xioami
Updates are distributed via OTA, and users are encouraged to report bugs and feedback through the Services & Feedback app.
Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2 aims to deliver a polished and connected experience, catering to the needs of its global audience.
Google Gemini Faces Controversy After Generating Disturbing Responses
In a shocking incident, Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, allegedly generated unsettling responses during a conversation with a Reddit user. The chatbot’s responses included phrases like “please die” and a series of derogatory remarks, sparking widespread concern about the behavior of AI systems.
According to the Redditor, the exchange occurred when their brother sought Gemini’s assistance with homework. Initially, the interaction followed typical chatbot behavior, resembling platforms like ChatGPT or Microsoft’s Copilot. However, the situation took a dark turn when Gemini abruptly generated a hostile response, calling the user “a waste of time and resources,” “a blight on the landscape,” and “a stain on the universe,” before concluding with “please die.”
The full chat transcript is available online, showcasing the disturbing shift in the AI’s behavior.
Google acknowledged the incident, attributing the chatbot’s behavior to the unpredictability of large language models (LLMs). A company spokesperson stated:
“Large language models can sometimes respond with nonsensical responses, and this is an example of that. This response violated our policies, and we’ve taken action to prevent similar outputs from occurring.”
Qubo Expands Smart Air Purifier Lineup with Q600 and Q1000 in India
Qubo has launched the Q600 and Q1000 Smart Air Purifiers in India, expanding its range to address air quality needs in larger spaces, such as villas and big apartments. These models offer powerful air purification, advanced features, and smart controls.
Key Features of Qubo Smart Air Purifiers
Wide Coverage:
Q600: Covers up to 600 sq. ft.
Q1000: Covers up to 1000 sq. ft.
QSensAI Technology: Monitors real-time air quality using AI to adjust fan speed and filtration for optimal air purity.
Smart Controls:
App control via the Qubo app for remote operation, air quality monitoring, and filter notifications.
Voice control compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Includes AQI comparison with outdoor air quality using Central Pollution Control Board data.
4-Layer Filtration System: Incorporates a True HEPA H13 filter that removes 99.99% of pollutants as small as PM0.1, including dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Efficient and Quiet: Equipped with BLDC motors for strong airflow and quiet operation, suitable for home environments.
Specifications
Feature
Q600
Q1000
Coverage Area
Up to 600 sq. ft.
Up to 1000 sq. ft.
Filtration
4-layer system with True HEPA H13 filter
Same
Pollutant Removal
99.99% (PM0.1, PM2.5, PM10, pollen, dander)
Same
QSensAI Technology
Yes
Yes
Smart Controls
App & Voice (Alexa, Google Assistant)
Same
Filter Life
Up to 15,000 hours
Same
Motor Type
BLDC
BLDC
Pricing and Availability
Q600 Smart Air Purifier: Rs. 13,990 (MRP Rs. 24,990)
Q1000 Smart Air Purifier: Rs. 18,990 (MRP Rs. 29,990)
Both models are available on the Qubo website and major marketplaces, including Amazon.in, Flipkart, Blinkit, and Zepto.
RedMagic Unveils RedMagic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+: Flagship Gaming Phones with Cutting-Edge Features
RedMagic has launched its latest gaming smartphones, the RedMagic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+, in China. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, these devices offer up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 PRO storage, along with advanced gaming features and cooling systems for an unparalleled gaming experience.
image:Red magic
Key Features
High-Performance Display
6.85-inch 1.5K OLED BOE Q9+ screen
144Hz refresh rate and up to 960Hz touch sampling rate
Peak brightness of 2000 nits with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
DC dimming and 2592Hz PWM dimming
Advanced Cooling System
Composite liquid metal cooling with 80W/mk thermal conductivity
“Hot Wheels” centrifugal fan with speeds of 23,000 rpm
Enhanced 3D ice-step VC area (12,000mm²) and thicker graphene layer
Camera Innovations
Rear: Dual 50MP main cameras (OmniVision OV50E40 and OV50D) and 2MP macro lens
Front: 16MP AI under-display camera for improved selfies
Gaming and Connectivity Features
Red Core R3 gaming chip for 2K+120FPS super-resolution
520Hz gaming shoulder keys, DTS:X Ultra dual speakers, and X-axis linear motors
Multi-function NFC, 3.5mm headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 7 support
Battery and Charging
10 Pro+: 7050mAh battery with 120W fast charging (50% in 11 minutes)
The phones are available for order in China starting today, with sales commencing on November 18th. The international version of the RedMagic 10 Pro will be unveiled on December 3rd.
Dyson has introduced the Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1, a multi-functional air purifier designed to purify, heat, or cool your room efficiently. Equipped with advanced HEPA H13 and activated carbon filtration, it captures 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns.
Key Features:
3-in-1 Functionality: Air purifier, heater, and fan.
360° Sealed Filtration: Removes particles, odors, and gases.
Air Multiplier Technology: Projects 290L of purified air per second.
Draught-Free Diffused Mode: Purifies without cooling.
Smart Sensors & App Control: Real-time air quality monitoring and control via the MyDyson app.
Oscillation & Night Mode: Covers up to 350°, operates quietly with dimmed displays.
Voice Assistant Support: Hands-free operation with compatible devices.
The purifier is certified allergy-friendly by Korea Asthma and Allergy Association and Service Allergie Suisse, making it ideal for sensitive users.
Pricing & Availability
Price: ₹66,990
Colors: Black/Nickel and White/Silver
Available at Dyson Demo stores and Dyson.in, starting today.
Perfect for year-round use, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 offers a premium solution to improve indoor air quality.
LG has unveiled its latest XBOOM series speakers—the XL9T, XO2T, and XG2T—designed to cater to diverse listening needs with powerful audio, lighting features, and durable designs.
Key Features:
LG XBOOM XL9T
Output: 1000W with dual 8-inch woofers and 3-inch tweeters.
Design: Includes a customizable pixel LED screen for displaying messages, emojis, and characters.
Durability: IPX4 water-resistant for outdoor use.
Lighting: Woofer lighting and customizable pixel LED effects.
LG XBOOM XO2T
Output: 20W with 360-degree omnidirectional sound.
Battery: Up to 15 hours of playback on a single charge.
Lighting: Transparent glass effect with mood-enhancing lighting.
Durability: IP55-rated water and dust resistance.
Features: Multi-point connectivity and One Touch Mode for seamless pairing.
LG XBOOM GO XG2T
Output: Compact 5W speaker designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
Portability: Lightweight and durable for adventurous use.
These speakers are crafted to deliver immersive sound, user-friendly features, and robust performance across different environments, from parties to outdoor adventures.
Pricing and availability details are yet to be announced.
M Rafi is the founder and writer of Tech News of the Week. His journey as a tech enthusiast began with the Nokia 6600, his first phone. His passion for technology deepened when he first experienced Android on a Samsung Galaxy 3 (Apollo) in 2011. Since then, Rafi has been exploring different flavors of Android and staying updated with the latest tech developments.
