Vivo V29e could be priced at 25000: Tipped to feature 64-megapixel OIS sensor

We are expecting to see the Vivo V29e to hit the markets soon. But ahead of its release, as is the case with every other upcoming device, rumours have started to do rounds. The phone is expected to be priced at around ₹25,000. Tech-giant Vivo recently officially announced that the Vivo V29e is coming to India. And with that, they have started to tease us about this new smartphone. But obviously, these teasers don’t help a lot. 

But if you’re really keen on finding more about this upcoming device, then there’s a dedicated microsite for the Vivo V29e. Here you will find all the updates about this phone. So far Vivo is yet to notify us with an official release date. But sources suggest that it’s going to happen soon. The company has shown us the phone’s design, colours and key specs.

Also read: Vivo V29 5G spotted on BIS certification website, as Vivo confirms V29e

The Vivo V29e will come in two different colour variants. A red one and a blue one. In addition to this, the phone offers a colour changing effect where the red colour variant looks black sometimes. The first look of the phone promises a premium look and feel. Additionally, the phone could come in two variants; 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB.

Speaking of the design, the Vivo V29e has a 3D curved display with a dual-tone rear design, as mentioned earlier. Further, we’ve spotted a shimmery back panel on the right side. Not just this, there will be a diamond pattern on the left that will also house the dual rear cameras.

Also read: Vivo V29 smartphone series launching soon in India: What you should know

On the camera front, it is confirmed that we are getting a dual camera setup with a 64-megapixel primary lens that offers OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation). This is well optimised for low-light photography, and night portraits. The phone will also sport a 50-megapixel selfie shooter with ‘Eye Auto Focus’.

Coming to the price segment, Vivo has hinted that this phone will fall under the ₹25,000 and ₹30,000 price bracket. Vivo has confirmed that the Vivo V29e will be available on Flipkart for grabs.

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Airtel announces Xstream AirFiber: Will implement in both rural and urban areas as well

Airtel has now launched its new Airtel Xstream AirFiber. This newly launched service will provide a wireless 5G Wi-Fi solution. Along with high-speed internet, you can connect up to 64 devices to each AirFiber node. Telecom giant Airtel has stated that this Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) system will bring internet to areas where fibre infrastructure has yet not penetrated. With this, Airtel is planning to mitigate the need for traditional wired connections and make internet connections easy. 

So this is a plug-and-play device and it features built-in Wi-Fi 6 technology. It provides good indoor coverage and allows users to connect up to 64 devices simultaneously.

Also read: Truecaller to partner with Airtel, Jio, Vi to reduce spam calls in India

Airtel boasts that this Airtel Xstream AirFiber is the first of its kind in India, the first wireless 5G Wi-Fi solution. It is a good option to provide internet connectivity to people in fibre-dark areas. As per Airtel, this device has been launched to take care of the last-mile connectivity issues both in rural as well as urban areas. 

Currently, the Airtel Xstream AirFiber service is being rolled out in Delhi and Mumbai and can be accessed by Airtel 5G users. The telecom giant has promised to maximise its reach soon.

Also read: No more fraud calls, thanks to TRAI’s AI-based spam call filter: How it will work

Director - Consumer Business Bharti Airtel, Shashwat Sharma said, “India has seen the rapid growth of home broadband but there still remain areas with no access to high-speed internet at home due to the physical challenges of laying fibre in a country the size of India. While fibre to the home will always define the best experience of Wi-Fi at home, AirFiber helps bridge the experience gap for everyone else. Today, we are delighted to launch Xstream AirFiber for consumers in Delhi and Mumbai with a pan-India rollout planned soon” on the occasion of AirFiber’s launch.

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III updates: The return of Makarov, Zombies mode and more

Activision recently announced the remastered version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. And now the Call of Duty team has revealed some more details about the upcoming game. The major details about the game are the return of Vladimir Makarov and an all-new Zombies Mode. These features were revealed by the Call of Duty team through their blogging post on Call of Duty’s website. Not just that, the blog contained a lot of new details. Check them out below.

The game will have three modes like the previous one; Campaign, Multiplayer and Cooperative modes. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is all set to launch on November 10. Here's a breakdown of what's more in store:

Also read: Call Of Duty Modern Warfare III Is Coming Back With More Features: Report

As I mentioned above, Makarov, a well-known character, will return to Modern Warfare III as the villain. You can also carry forward your inventory and progression from Modern Warfare II. 

The game will add “Open Combat” missions to the campaign mode. This suggests that players can expect more freedom and diverse gameplay experiences within the campaign levels, offering a departure from the typical Call of Duty format.

Multiplayer mode will include new combat vest options, perk systems, innovative "tac-stance" movement mechanics, and after-market parts to use the Gunsmith customisation feature. Additionally, the Ricochet Anti-Cheat system is also promised an improvement.

Activision announced a new Zombie mode called ‘Zombie Galore’ and said that this will be the "largest Zombies offering to date.” Activision is taking steps to keep all Call of Duty content connected and easily accessible. The introduction of Call of Duty HQ will serve as a central hub that will navigate your Call of Duty gaming experience and select your preferred games and modes.

Also read: A New Call Of Duty Game Reveal Could Be Coming Sometime This August

While the major specifications are still unwrapped, these announcements give us an idea of what Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III has in store. However, we can’t hold our excitement to play this legendary game again with all the new features. We shall be waiting for November 10 with bated breath and we'll be constantly bringing you more updates, so stay tuned.

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OnePlus Ace 2 Pro with huge 24GB RAM and lightning fast charging of 150-watt launched in China

OnePlus has finally launched the much-awaited and rumoured smartphone, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro. The Ace series of the brand is exclusively for China only. However, it does rebrand and launch the Ace models in the rest of the world. The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro brings with it a few surprises in terms of specifications. One of them is that it boasts a huge 24GB RAM. Let’s have a look at all the remaining specifications. 

First and foremost, the display. OnePlus Ace 2 Pro comes with a 6.74-inch 1.5K AMOLED curved display which comes with a resolution of FHD+ and offers up to 120 Hz refresh rate. This display can give an output of 1600 nits at full brightness. Also, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro runs on ColorOS 13 based on Android 13. 

Also read: OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will launch on Aug 16 in China: Here are its 5 specs we know

Talking about the performance, this premium smartphone is equipped with Qualcomm’s latest chipset, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. And the processor is paired with up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, as mentioned above. Apart from that, there are two more memory options; 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB. The Ace 2 Pro is packed with a 5000 mAh battery and supports up to 150-Watt fast charging. OnePlus has claimed that you can charge this smartphone from 0-100 per cent in just 17 minutes. 

For photography, you will get a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 primary camera sensor with OIS, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro sensor in OnePlus Ace 2 Pro. On the front, it sports a 16-megapixel selfie shooter.

OnePlus Ace 2 Pro launched in China at a starting price of CNY 2999, which is approximately ₹34,000. The smartphone will be available for purchase on August 23. As of now, it is only available for pre-booking. 

Also read: OnePlus Ace 2 Pro to compete with Realme GT 5: Launch timeline confirmed

OnePlus has not confirmed the global launch of Ace 2 Pro yet but we are expecting this smartphone might make it to other countries as the OnePlus 11T or not at all.

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AP Says You Can Use AI in News But Not Without These Rules

In the ever-evolving world of news, the Associated Press (AP) has always been a trendsetter. With AI knocking on journalism's door, AP decided to set some ground rules. The debate is real. AI's capabilities in the newsroom are impressive, but AP's guidelines are clear: 

AI cannot be used to create publishable content and images for AP.

The material produced by AI must be vetted carefully.

AI-generated photos, videos, or audio segments should not be used unless the AI alteration is the main subject of the story.

But as with any technology, evolution is inevitable. AP's journey with AI over the past decade, from auto-generating concise reports to assisting in research, has been transformative. Important to note here that the AI used by the Associated Press in the past was much simpler in overall capabilities than the ChatGPT. As a result, they're moving forward with caution, ensuring the core of journalism remains intact.

Also read: ChatGPT App for Android allows only 5 questions: You must give it a try

Features & Flaws: AI in Modern Journalism

AI's relationship to journalism is like a power armour to a Space Marine (Warhammer 40k reference), it can enhance your capabilities but isn't much use if you lack basic combat prowess or, more specifically, in this case, writing and reporting skills. AP's stance is balanced: AI can be a tool, an assistant, but it shouldn't be the sole decision-maker. It's like having a backup system; useful, but always overseen by a human.

AI, with its vast capabilities, is like a feature-rich platform. It can enhance, innovate, and streamline. However, it's not without its glitches. From potential biases to the risk of misinformation, AI-generated content demands rigorous oversight.

Witnessing the intertwining of AI and journalism has been nothing short of fascinating. AP's new guidelines reflect their dedication to upholding journalistic integrity. While AI holds a promising place, the essence of human-driven journalism remains paramount. AP's approach sets a gold standard, offering a balanced blend of tradition and innovation.

Also read: Apple GPT is iPhone maker's big push into generative AI space

I personally think that the integration of AI in newsrooms is a double-edged sword. While it promises efficiency and innovation, it also brings forth concerns about authenticity, job displacement, and intellectual property rights. The Associated Press, along with other news organisations, is taking a commendable step by setting guidelines to ensure the responsible use of AI. These standards not only protect the integrity of journalism but also educate the public about the capabilities and limitations of AI. As AI continues to evolve, it's crucial for the media industry to strike a balance between leveraging technology and preserving the core values of journalism.

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Valve adds Italy to CS2 Limited Test Beta Is a CS2 release coming soon

As we approach the twilight of the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, with the impending release of its successor, Counter-Strike 2, the developers at Valve have been more active than ever in adding updates to the CS2 Limited Test Beta. There have been rotations in the map pool, and game features are being put to the test as we approach the release of what is being called – “The CS:GO killer”.

CS 2 Updates - So far so good!

After the first few updates to the game, which included maps like Dust II (de_dust2) and Mirage (de_mirage), in July 18, we got our first look at a completely re-done map in the form of Overpass (de_overpass). Going forward, Valve has rotated maps in and out of game modes. So far, we have received Vertigo (de_vertigo), Anubis (de_anubis), and Ancient (de_ancient) being rotated in between game modes.

The latest update to the CS2 Limited Test Beta came with our first look at a hostage rescue map, an all-time favourite of the players, Italy (cs_italy). Italy replaced Anubis and Ancient in the map pool. This map is also a part of the ‘overhauled’ map pool and has received a lot of love from the community after its release. As a part of the August 15 update, Competitive and Private Matchmaking has been disabled in the Limited Test Beta. Other improvements include sticker sizes on the M4A4, audio mixing, multiple team introduction variants, and updated hostage models.

pic.twitter.com/DA8IWLCClc

— CS2 (@CounterStrike) August 15, 2023 de_cbble coming soon?

With every release of an update, there are some files that data miners also hunt down to get some “hidden” information about potential updates to the game in the coming days. So far, there have been leaked screenshots of the much-awaited map, Inferno (de_inferno), and more such items. In the most recent update, we got leaks about a potential remake of another fan-favourite map, Cobblestone (de_cbble). An acclaimed leaker in the CS community, ‎Gabe Follower, put out a Tweet from his latest data scraping exercise after the update. Here’s a look at what he posted –

So we might actually get snow themed Cobblestone remake @CounterStrike. There are two new blend materials for trims and windows. https://t.co/scqptsGlXl pic.twitter.com/uXZWVEnxSm

— ‎Gabe Follower (@gabefollower) August 16, 2023

Before Gabe Follower, another CS data miner, Aquarius, had also put out a Tweet pointing out the presence of game files hinting towards a remake of de_cbble. Not only this, the August 15 update has also brought to the surface a change to the maximum number of rounds that would be potentially played in future games of competitive Counter-Strike. If Aquarius’s findings are anything to go by, then as pointed out by them in their Tweet, matches in the Competitive game mode of Counter-Strike will be won by the team that is the first to reach 13 rounds, Short matches in the Competitive game mode could be on their way out, and several tweaks to Premier matchmaking, including overtime.

Subtle, but significant Matchmaking changes in the latest Counter-Strike 2 update: - From now on Competitive is first to 13 rounds (including Premier) - Seems like the devs are getting rid of Short Competitive - Premier matches will have 20s freezetimes, 1 overtime (the game… pic.twitter.com/8iP6jb4tHO

— Aquarius (@aquaismissing) August 16, 2023 What lies ahead for CS2?

Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test Beta was announced on Mar 22, 2023. After a period of slow updates to the game, which brought along a sense of pessimism in the community, the developers have been way more active in pushing out updates to the game, with the gap between the two updates being around a week. And, with more and more game modes, models, maps, and other crucial gameplay elements seemingly taking their final form, the release looks to be on track. At the time of the announcement, Valve had committed to a deadline of Summer 2023. As of now, it seems that we will be getting the game's final version within the announced time frame. Or who knows, the infamous Vave Time comes into play, and the game might get delayed slightly… Here’s to hoping for the best!

If you have access to the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test Beta, please feel free to reach out to editor@skoar.in, and we would love to know how has your experience been like so far!

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Never sleep next to your charging iPhones, warns Apple

Convenient as it may be, putting your phone on charge and sleeping next to it overnight to juice it up may pose some serious threats to your well-being. So, if you’re someone who likes charging your phone overnight, you may want to give it some serious thought. Tech giant Apple has issued a rather grim warning to this effect. In a service announcement, Apple warned its users about the potential dangers of sleeping next to their charging phones. 

These threats could include a fire outbreak, electric shock, injuries, and even death, in some cases. The company has warned against operating a phone when it is connected to a power source. Apple advises users to maintain proper charging protocol, and only charge devices in a well-ventilated area to avoid any repercussions due to less than adequate airflow. 

For many of us, charging phones overnight is extremely convenient. You wake up to a fully juiced-up phone; ridding you of last-minute struggles to get your devices powered up. That’s even more true with Apple iPhones since the charging wattages are quite low compared to the competition, so they usually take much longer to charge completely. However, Apple strongly advises against this practice. 

The warning states, “Don’t sleep on a device, power adapter, or wireless charger, or place them under a blanket, pillow, or your body, when it’s connected to a power source. Keep your iPhone, the power adapter, and any wireless charger in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging.”  Apple warned that this could result in “fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to iPhone or other property”. 

Furthermore, they also stressed the risk of using third-party chargers to power their iPhones. Apple states that cheaper chargers may not come equipped with the same safety standards as Apple’s own charging cables and adapters. If you are to go with a third-party charger, Apple urges its customers to look for “Made for iPhone” cables that comply with certain international safety standards. 

Apple said, “You can also charge iPhone with 'Made for iPhone' or other third-party cables and power adapters that are compliant with USB 2.0 or later and with applicable country regulations and international and regional safety standards. Other adapters may not meet applicable safety standards, and charging with such adapters could pose a risk of death or injury."

The company also issued a warning against charging your device near any water or other liquid or charging with damaged cables as these could cause “fire, electric shock, injury, or damage to iPhone or other property” as well.

Keeping Apple’s PSA in mind, there are also other benefits to keeping your phone away from yourself when you’re sleeping, as the blue light emitted from smartphones can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm by inhibiting melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep). If you have to use your phone, we recommend putting on Night Mode (which is available on certain phones) that limits blue light and also turns on DND for certain notifications.

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