CES 2023: All of Digits coverage in one place

CES, or the Consumer Electronics Show, is one of the world’s most exciting technology events that has been held every year in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January since 1998. While the origins of the event go as far back as 1967 in New York City, it was in 1998 that CES eventually settled into the yearly format that so many of us have come to know and love. 

The pandemic ruined the whole CES experience in 2021 and 2022 and even continued into 2023 for a lot of us Indian technology journos who weren’t able to get visas in time for CES 2023 thanks to ridiculously long wait times for visas. It’s the digital age though, so we’re attending virtually just as we did in 2021 and 2022, and filtering out the noise to bring you our picks of what’s good from CES 2023. 

We decided to put out this article as a way to bring all of the many feature stories, news stories, videos and more we will create around CES 2023 into one place. Below you will find links to all of our CES coverage, so bookmark this page to keep coming back and reading it. We’ll keep updating it well past the close of CES 2023 on 9th January (India time), because we will keep discovering hidden gems from amongst the myriad exhibitors vying for our eyeballs. 

CES 2023 Coverage Google announces its new Android Auto Redesign Most Exciting Gaming News And Announcements from CES Samsung unveils its new OLED display that has 2,000 nits brightness LG’s latest Signature OLED TV has wireless audio and video transmission (Press release) Lenovo unveiled a Windows laptop that has a rotating E-Ink display MSI Announces the All-New Award-Winning RTX 40 Series Laptop Lineup (Press release) Lenovo unveils its dual-screen Yoga Book 9i JBL unveils the JBL Spinner BT, the brand’s first Bluetooth turntable 2023 LG gram Lineup Offers More Stylish yet Powerful User Experience (Press release) Motorola ThinkPhone is the one for the business people HTC announces a new VR headset, the Vive XR Elite, for $1,099 Alienware unleashes world's fastest refresh rate of 500Hz on a Fast IPS gaming monitor and bolsters Aurora R15 Desktop at CES 2023 (Press release)  Project Leonardo Is A PS5 Accessibility Controller Introduced By PlayStation At CES 2023 HP at CES 2023: Leading in Hybrid and Gaming Experiences (Press Release)  Qualcomm brings Satellite messaging to Android at CES 2023 Google gives Android Auto a major redesign at CES 2023 Samsung unfolds Flex Hybrid OLED that slides and folds: CES 2023 Acer Boosts its Gaming Portfolio with New Predator Laptops and Monitors (Press release)​ Sony announced Afeela car in partnership with Honda Mobility Qi2 wireless charging standard to bring Magsafe-like magnetic charging to Android ASUS Unveils ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4070 Ti and TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti (Press release)​ Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 announced ahead of CES 2023 as a wide and 8K resolution monitor Intel Extends Performance Leadership with World's Fastest Mobile Processor - 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processors Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K Monitor announced ahead of CES 2023: What we know so far Best of CES 2023

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OnePlus 11 launched in China with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and 100W charging support

After tons of rumours, leaks, and speculations, the OnePlus 11 has entered the Chinese market. Interestingly, the flagship model of the series does not have the Pro branding this time, but it still has all the top features that one expects from the OnePlus 11. Let’s take a look at the features and specifications of the smartphone.

OnePlus 11 specifications

OnePlus 11 comes with a large 6.67-inch 120Hz 2K curved AMOLED display. This smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC with Android 13 software on top. The brand promises that the smartphone’s performance is enhanced by 35% when compared with the predecessor thanks to this chipset. It also has 16GB RAM. 

Under the hood, the OnePlus 11 has a 5,000 mAh battery aided by 100W fast charging. It comes with a triple camera setup with a 50MP Sony IMX980 main sensor, 48 MP Sony IMX581 ultra-wide snapper, and 32 MP Sony IMX709 portrait lenses. The front camera is a 16MP shooter. 

The OnePlus 11 is available in two colours: green and black. 

OnePlus 11 price

In its home market, the OnePlus 11 starts at 3999 Yuan (~₹48,098).  

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India proposes self-regulation for online gaming companies: What this means

Through a gazette notification posted last week, the government announced a change in the Allocation of Business rules, The government has designated the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) as the nodal ministry that will handle concerns related to online gaming. The Ministry posted the draft rules for the public to consult on.

Self-regulation draft published online

The MeitY stated that the draft has been created to make sure that online games are only offered in ways that conform with Indian laws. Additionally, it is essential for these companies to that the users can be safeguarded against potential harm. 

Speaking about the same, the Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar said “The rules are simple – we would like the online gaming ecosystem to expand & grow and be an important catalyst to India’s One trillion dollar Digital economy goal by 2025-26. We also envision a bigger role for startups in the online gaming industry.”

Online gaming companies must now self-regulate

The self-regulation draft has includes the regulation of content shown in online games to make sure that there is no addictive, violent or sexual content.

Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar said “As of now, the age gating is 18 years and we would like to keep it that way and see if the present framework works to expand the innovation ecosystem around online gaming while keeping it safe & trusted for gamers. Around 40 to 45 percent of the gamers in India are women, and therefore it was all more important to keep the gaming ecosystem safe.The draft rules have strict provisions against betting and wagering. The online games that allow wagering on the outcome are effectively a no-go area.”

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BIS is standardising USB Type-C Charging Ports for devices like smartphones

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has defined standards for the USB Type-C charging port, now that the government is all set to introduce common charging ports for wearable electronic devices and mobiles. Department of Consumer Affairs is mandating common charging ports in order to make things more convenient for users and to reduce e-waste. As a result of this, one will see the same charging ports for tablets, smartphones, and electronic wearables. 

The government is mandating common chargers

Speaking about the new mandate, the Consumer Affairs Secretary, Rohit Kumar Singh, said to PTI "In the last meeting, a broad consensus had emerged among stakeholders on the adoption of USB Type – C as a charging port for, smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. The BIS has notified standards for Type C charger," 

He also confirmed that the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur is working on studying the feasibility of the single charging port, and will be supporting a report to the government. 

Why is the government mandating the common chargers?

Speaking about the need to mandate the common chargers, the Secretary said, "We have to align with the European Union (EU) timeline i.e. 2024 because the mobile and electronics makers have a global supply chain and they don't supply to India alone."

This is a significant step towards the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mission which calls for ‘mindful and deliberate utilization' by people worldwide instead of ‘mindful and wasteful consumption' and was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP-26. 

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Google Santa Tracker is live: Heres how to track Santa Claus on Google

It’s Christmas and Google has brought back its annual holiday-themed website called Santa Tracker that consists of fun, edutainment games, and activities. The home page has a map of virtual Santa’s live location as he goes delivering presents to children across the globe. 

Here’s what the Santa Tracker looks like:

You get to see the list of locations he is shown to have travelled to and check out the Google Maps view of some of those places.

Google Santa Tracker Games: How to play them

Either you can click on the hamburger menu in the top left corner or scroll down the page to try various games and activities. They are all themed around Christmas with vibrant colours and joyful music. 

They are targeted at the kids with the main purpose of educating them about the Christmas spirit in a fun way. Through games and activities, kids are taught the history and traditions of the holiday season and how various cultures celebrate Christmas.

That said, some games like Elf Jetpack, Snowball Storm, and Penguin Dash can be competitive and hence thrilling for older folks. Here’s how you play these Google Santa Tracker games:

Elf Jetpack: You are an elf flying up using a jetpack and have to collect as many presents as possible whilst avoiding crashing into obstacles on the way. Snowball Storm: A battle royale in which you an elf has to throw snowballs at other players and escape their throws at you. Penguin Dash: You play as a penguin dashing on the ice blocks and collecting presents while also avoiding obstacles and falling into the water.

Have fun playing them and wish you a merry Christmas!

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This Messi Instagram post is the most-liked picture on the platform

Even off the field, Messi is breaking records after the FIFA world cup 2022. His post-world-cup celebration photo on Instagram is the most liked post on the social media platform. Here, we will have a look at this most-liked Instagram picture. However, that’s not all the record Lionel Messi and the world cup match have broken off late. Let’s unpack all details one by one.

Messi's picture is the most-liked Instagram post of all time           View this post on Instagram                      

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

In his Instagram post, Messi thanked his family and fans and lauded the Argentinian spirit. A loose translation of his photo caption reads, “CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!!! So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still don't fall, I can't believe it...... Thank you so much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us. We prove once again that Argentinians when we fight together and united we are able to achieve what we aim. The merit is of this group, which is above individuals, is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the one of all Argentinians... We did it!!! LET'S GO ARGENTINA DAMN!!!!!  We're seeing each other very soon…”

This particular Instagram carousel that garnered the most number of likes consists of photos showing Messi lifting the world cup, Messi kissing the world cup trophy, some candid on-ground post-match celebration moments, and the whole Argentinian team celebrating on the FIFA podium.

Before Messi, the most-liked Instagram post record was held by an egg. So, it goes without saying his picture is definitely more deserving of that record.

More than a million fans flooded the streets of Buenos Aires after Argentina's World Cup win  pic.twitter.com/SjAvmoiSaO

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 19, 2022

Meanwhile, there have been reports of Messi being evacuated by helicopter as masses swarmed the winning team’s bus in Argentina. 

If offline this is the situation, then you may be amazed to know that Google Search marked its highest-ever traffic in 25 years, during the FIFA World Cup 2022 finale. Google and Alphabet CEO, Sundar Pichai tweeted:

One of the greatest games ever. Well played Argentina and France. Jogo Bonito. Nobody deserves it more than #messi, imho the greatest ever to play the game. What a swansong. #FIFAWorldCup

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) December 18, 2022

Search recorded its highest ever traffic in 25 years during the final of #FIFAWorldCup , it was like the entire world was searching about one thing!

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) December 19, 2022

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Twitter to ban accounts that only promote other social media websites, among other changes

Twitter has announced that the platform will get rid of accounts that have been created just for promoting other social media platforms, as well as those that have been created just for sharing links. This move will have significant impacts on content shared from social media platforms such as Instagram, Mastodon, Facebook, Tribal, Nostr, Post, and Truth Social. It will, however, allow cross-content posting. 

“We recognize that many of our users are active on other social media platforms. However, we will no longer allow free promotion of certain social media platforms on Twitter.” said Twitter Support. 

Twitter has also removed labels that promote smartphones

Twitter has also finally done away with labels that show the device the tweet was posted through. Responding to a user’s comment last month about new Twitter changes, Musk said "And we will finally stop adding what device a tweet was written on (waste of screen space & compute) below every tweet. Literally, no one even knows why we did that ..."

Musk asks users if he should step down

Interestingly, Elon Musk also recently put up a poll asking users whether he should step down from his role at Twitter. “Should I step down as head of Twitter? I will abide by the results of this poll.” he tweeted, basically putting his job on the line. At the time of writing this, a majority of users have tweeted yes, with a 43.3% saying no.

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5 AI Art Generators you should check out

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have been making headlines lately, showing people just how many feats these tools are capable of. The latest in a line of new tools comes in the form of AI art generators that create beautiful works of art once you input text describing exactly what you want. You may have heard of OpenAI’s DALL-E, but guess what, there are quite a few other tools in the market that are just as capable. 

So, if you're looking to make some cool artwork, check out these tools:

1. Dream Studio (Stable Diffusion)

Stable Diffusion happens to be one of the most popular text-to-art AI generators. This is basically an open-source model that creates images in just a few seconds. It has been trained on 4,000 Nvidia A100 GPUs over a period of a month. 

This free-to-use tool only requires a text prompt to create visually stunning images. Its character creation capacities are a little weak, but we can expect it to get better as the tool is still learning. 

2. Nightcate

NightCafe is an AI text-to-art generator that is available online. This generator is known for offering a lot of variety when it comes to art forms. It also offers a range of customisation features so that you can alter the output based on your needs. You can also tweak the algorithm used by the AI in order to control the output even further. 

3. Pixray

Pixray can be used in the form of a website as well as by installing it on your PC. The tool is also available as an API for developers who want to make AI art Discord bots. Pixray can take close to six minutes to create just one image and it runs on the Nvidia T4 GPU hardware.

4. StarryAI

StarryAI is an app that is available for Android as well as iOS and can generate artwork based on the text you input. It starts by offering you 5 free credits, however, once these are all used up, you’ll have to pay for each output. It can also understand a wide range of prompts, however, it does tend to make mistakes at times. 

5. Wonder AI

Wonder AI is a free-to-use app that lets you create as many artworks as you want. The only downside is that it makes users watch a 30-second ad before it generates the art, however considering that it doesn’t ask you to pay for each artwork, this isn’t a big deal. You can always choose to buy the membership plan if you want to get rid of the ads.  Want to create artwork of your face? Check out the Lensa AI app! 

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Whatsapp iOS testers get search by date feature, Android Beta testing for tablets commences

Whatsapp's new update allows beta testers on Android that will allow the application to be run on tablets. Beta testers can log into the tablet version of the application by linking their existing account on their smartphones (the say way one would link an existing account with the Whatsapp Desktop application). Until this update, it was impossible to access Whatsapp on a secondary Android device, but with the brand working on companion mode, this is certainly one of the critical steps in that direction. On a similar note, beta testers on Whatsapp for iOS are now seeing a new feature that lets them find messages based on the dates they were received or set. 

According to WABetaInfo, testers who are a part of the app’s beta programme can see a banner announcing the new feature. The banner says “Have an Android tablet? WhatsApp for tablet is available for beta testers.' It is important to note that the banner is only visible to those who have the WhatsApp beta 2.22.25.8 update for Android. Without this, the app will not be compatible with tablets. 

WABetaInfo has also indicated that the tablet version of Whatsapp may not have all the features that the smartphone version of the app does. They said “Note that some features may still not be available when installing WhatsApp on your tablet, for example, the ability to share a new status update, live locations, and broadcast lists,”

New features for Whatsapp iOS Beta testers

Apart from announcing the tablet version of the app, WABetaInfo has revealed that beta testers on Whatsapp iOS are gaining access to a brand-new feature that allows them to search for text messages based on the sending or receiving date. To check whether you have access to this feature, all you need to do is click the search icon and then select the calendar icon that appears alongside. In case the calendar icon is not visible, it means that you do not have access to the feature. This new feature is available on WhatsApp version 22.24.0.77. 

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. 

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OnePlus 11 will come in matte black and glossy green

The OnePlus 11, powered by the brand new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC is all set to release soon. Though the brand has not confirmed the release dates, however, the colour options have already begun surfacing online. According to reports, the OnePlus 11 will be available in matte black and glossy green. This handset is said to be the successor to the OnePlus10 Pro, and will offer up to 256GB storage along with 12 GB RAM.

OnePlus 11 Features

While the brand has not confirmed its features, there have been certain rumours doing the rounds regarding the same. The OnePlus 11 is rumoured to run on Android 130-based OxygenOS 13. It will have a 6.7-inch 2K LTPO display that is equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone is believed to offer two variants with  8GB and 12GB RAM and 128GB and 256GB storage options. We may see an alert slider as well. 

It is also believed that the OnePlus 11 will be equipped with a Hasselblad-branded triple rear camera unit. It will have a 50MP IMX890 sensor, a 32 MP sensor, and a 48MP ultra-wide sensor. The smartphone is also rumoured to have a 5,000 mAh battery and support for 100W and 50W wireless charging. 

OnePlus 10 Colour Variants

The OnePlus 10 Pro comes in Emerald Forest and Volcanic Black. The OnePlus 10T is available in Jade Green and Moonstone Black shades. 

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. 

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Honda files trademark for new offering - the Motocompacto

Japanese car manufacturer, Honda, has filed a trademark for a tiny electric scooter known as Motorcompacto. The trademark filing has a fair amount of similarities with Honda’s Motocompo, an offering in the 1980s that was designed to fit inside the trunk of a car. As a result of this, the name of the trademark itself is quite similar to the original offering. 

How is the Honda Motocompactor different from the Motocompo?

The Honda Motocompactor is an electric offering that will bear resemblance to the Honda Motocompo. It will be a foldable bike that can be placed in the trunk of the car and used during travels. It can also be used as if by those looking for electric bike offerings. This is not the first time that speculations about an e-bike based on the Motocompo have arisen. Honda filed a similar trademark in 2020. It was described as an offering similar to the Motocompo. 

Now, another trademark for the Motocompacto has been filed at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. In fact, there are now two separate filings in the Canadian case. The second filing is spelled as Moto Compacto. The description in this filing is that the product is related to Goods Land vehicles, namely self-balancing electric scooters; electrically-powered motor scooters. The application in Canada also has a logo design for the trademark featuring a compact scooter.

It is also believed that the new Honda Motorcompactor will be smaller than the predecessor as it won’t have a gas tank. There are likely to be other innovations too, keeping up with current trends. 

Honda plans to launch 10 new electric scooter offerings by 2025. 

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. 

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The Samsung Galaxy S23 and Apple iPhone 14 could share this feature

A new report states that Samsung might just equip its newest flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S23, with a key feature from the Apple iPhone 14. This former debuted its satellite communication technology this year, and we may see the same technology employed in the Samsung Galaxy S23. According to the brand, they’ve been working on satellite communication technology for over 2 years, and have just managed to iron out issues. 

ET News recently reported that Samsung has been working with Iridium to develop its satellite communication technology. Iridium is a low-earth orbit constellation that leverages its 66 satellites to deliver voice and data functions. By partnering with the communications brand, Samsung hopes to offer the ability to send text messages and low-res images via satellite connections. 

Is this different from the Apple iPhone 14’s satellite technology?

As of now, the Apple iPhone 14 allows users to send rescue requests to their emergency contacts when stuck in areas that have low signal. The tech giant partnered with Globalstar to bring this functionality to users. While this function is free to use in a few countries, Apple may elect to charge for it later. 

While this is a great feature to add, others have been striving to make improvements to it. For instance, Huawei allows users to send limited text messages by leveraging the Beidou satellites. 

Challenges to be overcome

Regular satellite devices typically have large antennae that stick up, enabling the user to make calls. The biggest challenge when bringing this technology to smartphones is ensuring that the antenna is small enough to fit inside the smartphone’s body, while still maintaining its efficacy. 

As Samsung has already announced the technology, it is fair to assume that they have overcome this specific challenge. The brand does not think this technology has a place in South Korea, as the country has excellent 5G coverage. However, it does expect to have a viable market in North and South America, Asia, Europe, and Russia.

Do the satellite technology in Huawei and Apple iPhone 14 work well? Read our reviews on the same! 

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. 

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Lava Blaze NXT launched in India at under 10,000 heres everything you need to know

The Lava Blaze NXT was teased by the company a few days ago and now, it has officially been launched in the Indian market. The phone shares design cues with the Lava Blaze including the glass back and flat edges. The Blaze NXT comes with a different SoC and more RAM compared to the original Blaze that launched back in July. However, the rest of the specifications remain pretty much the same as the Lava Blaze. The phone will likely compete with other devices under ₹10K in the market including ones from brands such as Motorola, Infinix, and Tecno. Let’s take a look at the price and specifications of the upcoming Lava Blaze NXT.

Introducing Blaze NXT ✅ MediaTek Helio G37 Processor ✅ 4GB RAM + 3GB Virtual RAM ✅ 16.55cm (6.5)" HD+ IPS Display ✅ 13MP AI Triple Camera ✅ 5000mAh Battery Price: Rs. 9,299/- Get Notified: https://ift.tt/x1g4Y7w #TheNXTLevel #LavaMobiles #ProudlyIndian pic.twitter.com/PuzkiXTdsj

— Lava Mobiles (@LavaMobile) November 25, 2022 Lava Blaze NXT: Price and Availability

The Lava Blaze NXT is made available in a single 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage configuration. It is priced competitively at ₹9,299 in the Indian market and will be available for purchase starting December 2, 2022. The device will be sold on Amazon India exclusively. Additionally, Lava has also promised doorstep service for its Blaze NXT customers in India. The Lava Blaze NXT is available in three colour variants – Red, Blue, and Green.

Lava Blaze NXT: Specifications and Features

The Lava Blaze NXT has almost identical specifications to the Lava Blaze apart from the SoC and RAM. The Lava Blaze NXT features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution and a teardrop notch. There’s no fast refresh rate support though. The phone has a glass back design with flat edges similar to the original Lava Blaze; a design language that’s rare at this price.

Powering the device is the MediaTek Helio G37 SoC which comes with an octa-core CPU and is manufactured on the 7 nm process. This same chipset was used in devices such as the Infinix Hot 12 and the Moto G22 – it is a pretty capable entry-level processor. The phone comes with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage, and users will also get 3 GB virtual RAM. There’s no news on whether it comes with expandable memory though, but we’re presuming the device should have that feature.

The phone is pre-loaded with Android 12 and comes with a large 5,000 mAh battery with USB Type-C charging. As for the cameras, the phone features a triple rear camera setup headlined by a 13 MP primary sensor. For selfies, the phone uses an 8 MP lens. 

The Lava Blaze NXT also comes equipped with a 3.5 mm audio hack and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. It also has Face Unlock as one of its key features. As for connectivity options, you’ve got 4G, dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v5, GPS, and OTG.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. 

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Garena Free Fire redeem codes for November 22: Heres how you can use them

Garena Free Fire’s redeem codes for November 22 are here. 111 Dots Studio, the developer of Garena Free Fire Max has released its daily list of 14-digit alphanumeric codes that will allow gamers and fans to win free prizes through the game. As we all know by now, these redemption codes are extremely rare and expensive to obtain. But, if you get them, you can use, the codes to acquire rewards that are challenging to get in this game. Do remember that only the first 500 players will be able to redeem these codes. So, do hurry. 

Garena Free Fire Max November 22 Redeem Codes

You just have to enter the codes that we’ve shared below on the Garena Rewards website. The reward points you score can be utilised to win exciting goodies like skins, weapons, etc. So, if you are interested in winning these freebies, we suggest you take a look at the codes that we have shared below.  

FFDBGQWPNHJX

WD2ATK3ZEA55

FFIC33NTEUKA

4TPQRDQJHVP4

HHNAT6VKQ9R7

2FG94YCW9VMV

VNY3MQWNKEGU

U8S47JGJH5MG

ZZATXB24QES8

E2F86ZREMK49

TDK4JWN6RD6

How To Redeem November 22 Garena Free Fire Max Codes:

Step 1: Go to the Garena Free Fire official website at https://reward.ff.garena.com/en. 

Step 2: Log in using the social media platforms provided, such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, or Apple IDs, among others. 

Stage 3: Paste the codes into the text box and tap the affirm button to continue. 

Stage 4: Now, tap OK to affirm the solicitation by looking at the crate.

Stage 5: Redeem the codes for remunerations in the in-game mail segment.

These redeem codes will allow users to buy new weapons, skins and much, much more. 

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. 

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Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard app returns to the Apple App Store one month after being delisted

Although Microsoft discontinued its SwiftKey keyboard last month, it has returned to the Apple App Store. As mentioned in a report published by The Verge on November 19, 2022, the SwiftKey keyboard is available for iOS users once again after it was removed in October. In a statement to the publication, Microsoft's Caitlin Roulston said that "based on customer feedback, SwiftKey iOS has been relisted on the Apple App Store."

SwiftKey is back on the App Store, but why?

Although the keyboard app is back on the Apple App Store, SwiftKey's latest update is from August 11, 2021. This indicates that the company has simply reinstated the app on the App Store without making any changes. It looks like Microsoft has planned some changes. 

Microsoft's VP and GM of OneNote and Office products, Vishnu Nath, has recently tweeted about the keyboard app, saying, "stay tuned to what the team has in store for it!" Hence, users might want to stick around for a bit, hoping that SwiftKey improves over time and becomes popular among iOS users. 

The SwiftKey keyboard originally became popular on Android and launched on iOS in 2014, as it was iOS 8 that brought support for third-party keyboards. Two years later, Microsoft acquired the SwiftKey keyboard app. 

The Windows maker was impressed with the keyboard's word prediction technique that used a neural network instead of standard algorithms used by other keyboards at the time. While the app was delisted from the Apple App Store in October 2022, it has remained available on Google Play Store. 

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. 

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Apple Watch is capable of detecting cardiac dysfunctions, suggest medical researchers

Technology enthusiasts must have read reports about Apple Watch saving users' life by informing them about the symptoms of diseases just in time. Since the smartwatch has advanced sensors that can detect ECG, blood oxygen levels and sudden movements that might indicate a fall or a crash, it has proved helpful in emergencies. Now, a study claims that the Apple Watch can also detect fatal heart conditions and other cardiac dysfunctions. 

Apple Watch can detect early signs of cardiac dysfunction

Due to a lack of symptoms, cardiac dysfunction is often undiagnosed. However, medical researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered that the Apple Watch's ECG functionality can detect left ventricular dysfunction passively and inform users in time. The study included more than 2,400 patients from the United States and other countries. 

Over 1,25,000 ECGs were recorded and sent by these patients using their Apple Watch for six months, from August 2021 to February 2022. Then, these results were processed through an AI algorithm developed by researchers at the Mayo Clinic. 

The researchers concluded that ECGs collected via consumer watches such as the Apple Watch in non-clinical environments can identify patients with cardiac dysfunctions. The study mentions that the "potential of smartwatches to assist with conducting remote digital health studies is just in the beginning." 

Given that the researchers concluded on a positive note and the technology can be a major breakthrough in detecting cardiac disorders at early stages, it is currently being reviewed by the FDA. 

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. 

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Want to set up an Apple ecosystem Here are the most affordable Apple devices that you can purchase in India

Have you been thinking about getting a new iPhone, or a new Apple Watch? Or do any of your friends have a birthday in the coming days? Well, whatever the reason be, we have compiled a list of the most affordable Apple products you can purchase to form an entire ecosystem. Here are the devices that you can purchase or add to your wish list. 

iPhone 11 or iPhone 12: Which one should you choose?

First, let's talk about the iPhone. The most affordable iPhone that one can buy in India is the iPhone 11. Although Apple does not sell the model through its official website, the 64GB variant is available on Flipkart for Rs. 39,999. Released in 2019, the iPhone 11 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, runs on Apple's A13 Bionic chipset and has a dual-rear camera setup. 

In comparison with Android devices in the segment, the iPhone 11 not only provides faster performance but a superior camera setup as well. In addition, the model should receive iOS updates for another two to three years, making it a wise investment. However, as a downside, the smartphone does not support 5G networks. For those who can spare more bucks, the 5G-compatible iPhone 12, at Rs. 48,999, could also be a wise option. 

The iPad (9th Gen) happens to be an excellent tablet

As far as the iPad is concerned, users can go with the iPad (9th gen), which is currently available for Rs. 29,900 on Croma for the 64GB Wi-Fi-only model. The iPad supports iPadOS 16.1 and runs on Apple's A13 Bionic chipset. With the iPad, users can also get the Apple Pencil if they want to take notes, edit images or design graphics. 

One can also go for the iPad Air (5th Gen) if they want a powerful tablet and the features that come along with the second generation of Apple Pencil. The model is available on Croma at Rs. 52,490 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model. In general, iPads are known for their durability and functionality as multimedia devices.

Get an Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) to accompany your iPhone

At the September 2022 launch event, Apple released the Watch SE (2nd Gen), and it happens to be an excellent smartwatch to accompany an iPhone. While the device provides all the fitness-tracking features like the expensive Apple Watch models, it also has the latest features, including Fall Detection, Emergency SOS and Crash Detection. 

Currently, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), with GPS, is available on Amazon for Rs. 29,899. Additionally, one can purchase the smartwatch using HDFC Bank's credit card to get a flat Rs. 2,000 discount, bringing down the effective price of the Apple Watch to Rs. 27,899. Further, the Apple Watch Series 7 at Rs. 34,000 at Reliance Digital is an excellent option for those who want blood oxygen tracking. 

Want to buy AirPods? Here are the most affordable options

Next, one would need a nice pair of AirPods to connect with their iPhone and the Apple Watch. The AirPods (2nd generation) can be a great device for those looking for an inexpensive option. They offer seamless connectivity with iPhone, produce decent sound and can last up to five hours of listening time on a single charge. The AirPods (2nd Gen) are available on Amazon for Rs. 10,999. 

However, the primitive AirPods lack active noise cancellation, a feature introduced with AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro also offer Spatial Audio and Transparency Mode for listening to ambient sounds. Although the device is a couple of years old, one can get it for Rs. 19,999 on Flipkart, or even less if there is a bank offer. 

The MacBook Air is available at an attractive price

Last but not least, the Apple MacBook Air 2020, with an M1 chipset and 256GB of internal storage, can be purchased on Croma for Rs. 87,090. The notebook runs on macOS Big Sur and is good enough for someone who wants to invest in an entry-level Apple MacBook. On the other hand, the latest MacBook Air is available on Apple's official website for Rs. 1,19,900. It comes with the latest M2 chip and the iconic notch on the top of the display. 

That was it for the most affordable Apple products out there. By purchasing them together, one can create an advanced ecosystem of devices that can connect and interact with each other. 

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. 

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India could soon adopt Type-C port for smartphones and other electronic gadgets

The Indian Government has decided to make Type-C ports compulsory on electronic devices. As mentioned in the official press release published by the Government of India, the "industry should overcome inertia in adopting a uniform charging port in the interest of consumer welfare and prevention of avoidable e-waste." 

Indian government forms sub-group for uniformity of charging port

This was stated by the Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Rohit Kumar Singh, at a meeting of the Central Inter-Ministerial Task Force to examine the uniformity issue in charging ports of electronic devices such as wearables and smartphones, among others.

The meeting in concern was attended by representatives from educational institutes like IIT Kanpur, IIT (BHU), the Manufacturers' Association of Information Technology (MAIT), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). Varanasi and Central Government Ministries, including Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change. 

The release adds that the board presiding over the meeting agreed to adopt USB Type-C as a charging port for devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches and more. However, the board wants to deliberate a different charging port for feature phones, which would most likely be the Micro USB port. 

In addition, the government also suggests that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) may conduct a study to determine the impact of uniform charging ports in electronic devices concerning electronic waste. The release adds that the "uniformity in charging port is a step towards LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mission launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at COP-26 which calls for 'mindful and deliberate utilization."

How can this impact the Indian smartphone industry?

As mentioned earlier, this decision comes after the European Union made it compulsory for all electronics brands to equip their devices with a USB-C port by 2024. Reports suggest that the Indian government might adopt a similar timeline for making Type-C ports compulsory on electronic devices. 

Now, let's talk about how this may affect the electronics industry in the country. Lately, popular brands that sell wearables and other electronic devices have started incorporating the USB Type-C, even on affordable devices. Even entry-level smartphones are coming with USB-C ports these days. However, some brands use proprietary charging solutions on their laptops or smartphones, Cupertino-based Apple being one of them. 

For years, Apple has manufactured iPhones with a Lightning Port, whereas it ships iPads and MacBooks that are compatible with Type-C ports. Hence, even after purchasing products from the same brand, users must carry two different types of charging cables to power their iPhone and their iPad or MacBook. However, once the Government of India mandates the use of Type-C ports, Apple will have no option but to comply. 

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. 

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Samsung Galaxy S23 will reportedly have an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC

Samsung was suspiciously missing from the partner list shared by Qualcomm at the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 launch event. However, as most observers must have suspected, it is being reported that Galaxy S23 will in fact come with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. But, it won’t be the regular variant but an “high-frequency version”. The news comes from tipster Ice Universe. Here’s what he says:

Breaking！ The best moment for European users has arrived. The European version of the Samsung Galaxy S23 series is confirmed to use the Snapdragon 8 Gen2, and it is a high-frequency version exclusive to Samsung. Please enjoy it. pic.twitter.com/w6DqCdH30b

— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) November 16, 2022

So, the exclusive over-powered Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 will be allotted to the Samung Galaxy S23 that will be sold in the European market. We can also see a screenshot of the Samsung Galaxy S23’s Geekbench performance. 

The device has scored 1504 points in the single-core test and 4580 score in multi-cores test.

The image shared by Ice Universe also reveals a few other key details of the Galaxy S23 in testing.

For one, the Galaxy S23 is shown to be running on Android 13 and has a RAM memory of 6.94 GB.

The underlying chip has got a prime core running at 3.36GHz. It is accompanied by 4 performance cores clocked at 2.80GHz, and 3 efficiency cores capped at 2.02GHz frequency. 

Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 core structure announced by Qualcomm includes a prime core (Cortex X3) @3.2GHz, four performance cores @2.8GHz, and three efficiency cores @2.0GHz. 

So, the prime core is running at a slightly boosted frequency but it isn’t faster by a big margin. So, we don’t how much of a real-world gain it would offer to the Samsung Galaxy S23 buyers in Europe or whichever market this particular variant will be sold in.

Also, needless to say, we are still some time away from the Galaxy S23 launch and the model in question could very well be a prototype.  

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. 

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USB-C accepted as the uniform charging port in India by all stakeholders: What this means for consumers

In a central inter-ministerial task force meeting held yesterday, all the stakeholders including smartphone manufacturers have agreed to adopt USB-C as the uniform charging port. However, there’s a catch. It will be done in a phased manner. In any case, eventually, the market will have a standard charging port and it will be beneficial to the consumers. Let’s see how.

USB-C as the uniform charging port in India: What the stakeholders have to say?

USB-C will be used as the charging port for electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. The list of devices excludes wearables. A dedicated sub-group will be created to see if a uniform charging port makes sense for devices like smartwatches, fitness bands, etc. 

Even within the phones category, feature or basic phones may be assigned a different charging port. 

So, the new decision doesn’t cover all electronic devices. But, for what it’s worth, this is a move in the right direction. 

"Stakeholders agreed that a phased roll-out of the common charging port may be conducted so that the same can be applied by the industry and adopted by consumers harmoniously," remarks an official statement.

"Industry should overcome inertia in adopting a uniform charging port in the interest of consumer welfare and prevention of avoidable e-waste," Consumer Affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh.

Now it’s about a time when we get to see USB-C on new smartphones, laptops, and tablets. We won’t have to bother with buying or carrying around different charger types. From an ecological standpoint, this could reduce e-waste and result in 'mindful and wasteful consumption instead. 

For more such insightful technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features, and updates, keep reading Digit.in or follow us on Google News.

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