Is OnePlus going to release an Android Tablet New teaser seems to suggest so

After being in the Android phone market for almost a decade, OnePlus is now venturing into the tablet market. A teaser on the company's website reveals a green tablet with a prominent rear-facing camera. OnePlus has an event scheduled for February 7th, where it is expected to unveil the new OnePlus 11 and OnePlus Buds Pro 2, but the "OnePlus Pad" may also make an appearance as per TechRadar. The teaser shows an aluminium-framed tablet with narrow bezels around the screen and a small front-facing camera above the screen, but no further details are available on the hardware or screen size.

What does the OnePlus Pad teaser indicate? 

The teaser for the upcoming "OnePlus Pad" suggests that the tablet will have a smooth, high-performance display. The tagline in the promotional image, "smooth without equal," could be referring to the refresh rate or internal specifications. As OnePlus is known for incorporating the latest technology, it's possible that the tablet will feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, similar to the expected hardware in the OnePlus 11 phone. This would make it a noteworthy competitor in the tablet market, as Samsung's high-end tablet lineup is not expected to be updated until later in the year.

Most OEMs have left the tablet market

For years, many Android OEMs have been slowly leaving the tablet market as Google neglected to focus on larger form factors. Currently, only Samsung and Amazon offer notable tablet options, with Samsung providing powerful, yet costly tablets and Amazon catering to the lower-end market. However, the market for tablets is in need of something in between, and the OnePlus Pad could be the solution. 

This is also a good time for OnePlus to take the leap into the tablet market as Google has begun to pay attention to larger-format Android again. With the recent updates to Android, such as Android 12 and 13, which added essential multitasking and UI features for tablets and foldable, OnePlus can create a tablet without having to develop its own interface from scratch. Although Android still has a way to go to catch up to iPadOS, it has certainly improved in the past year.

 

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Google Pixel 7a leak suggest a 90Hz refresh rate display and Android 13

A 49-second clip of a Pixel 7a hands-on video was posted online. The Google Pixel 7a is the brand’s mid-range Pixel offering and has not been formally announced by the tech giant yet. 

Google Pixel 7a leaks

A leaked video of Google Pixel 7a has been spotted on Slashleaks (via 9to5Google, which they spotted on. The design itself looks fairly similar to the Google Pixel 6a and other Pixel smartphones that came out in 2022. As far as the Android 13 settings go, the device has been labeled as the Pixel 7a, and it uses a design validation test software which is pre-release software. As per the video, the language of the smartphone was set to Vietnamese and it pays to note that Google A-series smartphones are manufactured in Vietnam. 

Google Pixel 7a specifications (expected)

It is believed that the Google Pixel 7a has a display that adjusts the refresh rate based on content, from 60Hz to 90Hz. This would be the first time that such a feature has been included in an A-series smartphone. Other leaks have indicated that the smartphone will be equipped with a Samsung display along with a primary camera from Sony. The video leaked online doesn’t refute or confirm these claims. 

Some also believe that the Google Pixel 7a will support wireless charging, making it the first of the A-series smartphones to offer this feature. 

Want to know if you should get your hands on the Google Pixel 6a? Read our official review here!

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WhatsApp Beta 2222315 for Android has been released: Check out whats new

WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging apps usually starts to roll out all of its new features to Beta testers before rolling out the update to the public. It seems like the company has again started to roll out a new update 2.22.23.15 for beta users on Android. So let’s check out all the new features that have been added with this update!  

WhatsApp Beta 2.22.23.15: What’s new?

If you’re part of the WhatsApp Beta, then you shall receive the update with version number 2.22.23.15. While not a lot of features have been added with this update, it does include a feature that introduces support for forwarding captions with media files. 

The media files include images, videos, GIFs, and documents. If the feature is enabled, then users will be able to see a new message box at the bottom to add text or remove the caption by tapping the dismiss icon. Not all Beta users have received this update just yet, but reports suggest that more Beta users will start to get the update soon.

WhatsApp Beta 2.22.23.15: How to enrol?

Follow the steps mentioned below If you’re willing to try out the new features for WhatsApp:

On your Android smartphone, go to the Google Play Store Next, search for WhatsApp On the WhatsApp page, scroll down to the bottom where you will spot the ‘Become a beta tester' panel Click on ‘I'm in' and then confirm with ‘Join'. Congrats! As you’ve now become a Beta tester for WhatsApp. In case the Beta program for WhatsApp is currently full, then the only option you’re left with is to wait for your chance!

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in.

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Tata Play Binge OTT platform is now available without DTH connection

 The Tata Play Binge app will now give access to more than 16  TT platforms like Disney+ Hostar, Voot, ZEE5, and more in one place. Earlier, the Tata Play app was strictly available to people with a DTH connection. Users can easily download the app on the Google Play Store and the App Store. The app also offers a Live TV option and supports over 12 regional languages besides English. 

Tata Play Binge plans will offer multiple options, including the ZEE5 Starter plan, the Voot Select Starter plan, and the MX Starter plan. The three plans start at Rs. 59 a month. All the plans have Eros Now, Hungama, Shemaroo, and Namma Flix apps and are available for both mobile and web.

Tata Play Binge users will get access to 16+ apps

The Rs. 99/month Mini 2 plan will include Voot Select, MX Player, Eros Now, Hungama, Shemaroo, Mama Flix, Epic On, and DocuBay apps. The Rs. 175/month Super plan provides access to Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, Voot Select, MX Player, Eros Now, HoiChoi, Hungama, and more. Tata Play Binge also has the Rs. 299 Megaplan, allowing access to more than 17 apps like Disney+ Hotstar, Sony Liv, and more. The Rs 175 and Rs 299 plans are available for mobile, the web, and TV. In addition, an Elite yearly plan of Rs. 999 will include 11 apps. 

However, the Netflix and Amazon Prime Video apps will only be accessible when the user has a DTH connection for the Tata Play Binge. In addition, additional charges exist to get Amazon Prime Video with the plans mentioned above.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in.

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New Meta VR headset set to launch in Oct: CEO

San Francisco, Aug 26 (IANS) Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has confirmed that the tech giant's upcoming virtual reality (VR) headset will arrive this year in October.

According to Zuckerberg's statements on Joe Rogan's podcast, the headset would probably launch around the company's annual Connect event, reports The Verge.

"For the next device that's coming out in October, there are a few big features," Zuckerberg was quoted as saying.

He proceeded to describe new social options that would be enabled by eye and facial tracking, the report said.

"The ability to now have kind of eye contact in virtual reality," Zuckerberg said as part of the feature list.

"Have your face be tracked so that way your avatar -- it is not just this still thing, but if you smile or if you frown or if you pout, or whatever your expression is, have that translate in real-time to your avatar," he added.

The headset, most likely codenamed "Project Cambria", is supposed to be "significantly" more expensive than the existing Quest, which recently got a price hike to $399.

As per the report, the tech giant had previously stated that the device will be released sometime this year.

(Except for the headline, the rest of this IANS article is un-edited)

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in

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Everyone is building AR headsets and Google doesnt plan on being left behind

In the past, we’ve talked about AR/VR headsets from Apple, Microsoft and Meta. Google was the one major player missing from that conversation but that’s about to change. After months of sitting on the bench, Google is apparently ready to throw its hat in the Virtual Reality race. 

According to a recent report, Google has established a brand new lab for the development of its upcoming AR/VR headset called Project Iris. The report also suggests that the first prototype AR/VR glasses are almost ready. 

Google AR/VR Headset Details Revealed

The upcoming AR/VR headset leaked details reveal that it will probably be a wireless unit. Meaning the user won’t have to deal with pesky wires while wearing the upcoming Google VR headset. In terms of look at the design, the Google AR/VR headset will look similar to a pair of Ski-Goggles. 

Google is also developing a custom OS based on Android to use on its AR headset. The tech giant is also working on a custom chip, similar to the tensor chip found in the latest Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, to power its upcoming AR headset. None of us will get to see the finished product until 2024. The report also seemingly confirms this aspect as the Pixel team is suggested to be working on Project Iris. 

However, it is hard to get excited for any brand new Google IP. We already know the status of Stadia and hearing about a Google AR/VR headset and not immediately turning skeptical thinking about a poorly supported product lifecycle with inconsistent updates and support is kind of difficult for me.

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Facebook working on VR Haptic Gloves bringing us one step closer to the Matrix

The data-hungry mind of Mark Zuckerberg is about to bring us one step closer to the Matrix, albeit a depressing one, through a pair of brand new VR Haptic Gloves. According to the information, these gloves will allow the user to interact with digital objects giving a brand new dimension to Virtual Reality as we know it. 

In an interview with WIRED, Michael Brash and Sean Keller from Meta Reality Labs revealed how they plan to change the world of VR by bringing the element of touch. Currently, the only way to interact with virtual objects is using physical controllers that come with Virtual Reality headsets. But they don’t offer a tactile feel of grabbing an object with your bare hands. Here’s how Facebook’s Meta Lab trying to change that. 

Facebook VR Haptic Gloves To Disrupt The Industry

In its purest form, VR is an illusion. The various controllers with which any VR headset ships help to maintain the said illusion. However, the deception of the virtual world falls flat on its pixelated face when you try to grab a digital object. For many, such an experience also feels disorienting. 

With the help of VR haptic gloves, Mark Zukerberg wants you to feel the sensation of touch in a virtual world. These gloves will help you feel and lift digital objects taking the VR experience to a whole new level. The Facebook VR Haptic Gloves use a combination of soft actuators and an airflow system controller by the World’s first high-speed microfluidic processor. 

These gloves are still nowhere near to replacing the “real” sensation of touch but Keller insists that users don’t require such a high level of sensitivity for an elevated VR experience.

With a combination of sight, sound and touch, we will soon be getting close to a low-pixelated version of the Matrix in the near future. And in case you don’t bother about living in a simulated world, just make sure to drink enough water with your red pill.

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Cryptos to be allowed as assets in India, could be banned as currencies for transactions: Report

In what will come as welcome news for crypto enthusiasts in India, the latest reports suggest the Modi government is set to take a progressive stance on the future of cryptocurrencies in the country. As per a report by The Economic Times, India will likely bar the use of cryptocurrencies for transactions or making payments, however, it will allow them to be held as assets like gold. 

As per the report, the government hopes that this approach would serve as a middle ground, that will help it avoid implementing a complete ban of cryptocurrencies in India. The report also adds that this would not mean that the government will actively promote the trading of cryptos as it does not want crypto exchanges to actively attract new investors. This is despite the government wanting to take “progressive and forward-looking” steps towards cryptocurrencies and underlying technologies. 

Could crypto make its way to India legally?

If this indeed ends up being the case, there will be a lot of cheer within the crypto community in the country as key players have already made several attempts to classify cryptos as assets rather than currencies to avoid a ban. 

This information comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday to discuss the future of cryptocurrencies in India. Reports suggest during the meeting, several issues including the fear of how unregulated markets could be used as fronts for "money laundering and terror financing" were discussed. 

The meeting between the government and key stakeholders from the industry also involved conversations around non-transparent and misleading ads that over-promise. According to reports, the government has signalled its intent to stop such ads and introduce strong regulatory steps to govern them.

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Samsung has rolled out One UI 4 on the Galaxy S21

Samsung confirmed yesterday that it has begun rolling out its new UI - the One UI 4. This UI is based on the latest version of Android, which is Android 12. The brand claims that the new UI will offer an elevated customer experience, with more customisation capabilities and enhanced privacy options. The UI is available on Samsung Galaxy S21 devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra.

What are the features of the Samsung One UI 4?

The Samsung One UI 4 boasts a range of new features. These include more customisation options that bring a new set of Colour Palettes. The customisation options will allow users to change the look and feel of the menu, buttons, home screen icons,, and background. The smartphone will now sport new widgets and offer a broader variety of emojis, GIFs, and stickers that can be accessed via the keyboard.

The Samsung One UI 4 offers new privacy features such as a new privacy dashboard for settings, alerts when an app attempts to access the camera or microphone, as well as controls for easy monitoring. The update should also extend better support to third-party apps and services so that the user experience is not compromised.

When will other devices receive the Samsung One UI 4 rollout?

While the update is available on the Samsung Galaxy S21 devices, it is expected to roll out to other Samsung phones by the end of the year.

“We are committed to giving everyone access to the best mobile experiences possible, as soon as possible,” said Janghyun Yoon, Executive Vice President and Head of Software Platform Team at Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE official images leak revealing key specifications

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Meta is retiring the Oculus brand in favour of Project Cambria

Earlier today, Facebook announced that it is now rebranding itself as Meta, making it the second time this week the tech giant has reinforced its intention to build a Metaverse. The Meta branding will leak into multiple products, starting with the Oculus brand. Meta announced that Oculus Quest will now be rebranded as Meta Quest, and the Oculus App will now be called the Meta Quest App.

What is Project Cambria?

"We all have a strong attachment to the Oculus brand, and this was a very difficult decision to make," Bosworth said. "While we’re retiring the name, I can assure you that the original Oculus vision remains deeply embedded in how Meta will continue to drive mass adoption for VR today." 

Meta Announces Project Cambria

In line with this announcement, Meta has also revealed that its VR headset will now be referred to as Project Cambria,until its official name is revealed. The high-end VR headset is going to help make the Metaverse a reality, by allowing your virtual avatar to mimic your expressions in real time and maintain eye contact. It will also offer mixed-reality experiences by using algorithms that will let it represent objects in the physical world with an accurate sense of depth and perspective. Cambria’s new optics will help it maintain visual fidelity, which is extremely important when talking about a convincing mixed reality experience.

Also Read: What do Civil Unrest in Myanmar, Ethiopia, India and the US have in Common? Facebook

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