Google has announced that it has started testing a new vertical live feed on the video sharing platform YouTube for mobile viewers. This new vertical live experience includes a scrollable live stream feed and easily accessible fan funding features.
On September 06, 2023, the tech giant announced on the ‘YouTube test features and experiments’ page, “We’re running an experiment with a new full screen viewing experience on vertical live streams for mobile viewers. This new vertical live experience includes a scrollable live stream feed and easily accessible fan funding features.”
Also read: YouTube Playables will let you play games, just like in Netflix app
During this new experiment, creators can stream vertically, either on mobile devices with the YouTube app or through desktop streaming software, and their vertical streams will be visible to eligible viewers browsing Shorts on the YouTube app.
Also read: YouTube will let you hum a tune to find a song, thanks to Google Assistant's hum-to-search
The tech giant further noted that it is currently experimenting with the new vertical live feed, and plans to test out more improvements to the vertical live streaming experience soon.
On September 5, 2023, Google had started testing a new experience on YouTube called ‘Playables’. Playables are games that can be played directly on YouTube on both desktop and mobile devices. Users who are part of this experiment will see a section on YouTube called ‘Playables’ that will appear alongside other content on the home feed. Also, they can view and control their Playables history and saved game progress in YouTube History.
Also, last month, the tech giant had started experimenting with the ability for users to search for a song on YouTube by humming or recording a song that’s currently being played. Users in the experiment can toggle from YouTube voice search to the new song search feature, and hum or record the song they are searching for for over 3 seconds in order for the song to be identified. Once the song is identified, they will see relevant official music content, user-generated videos, and/or Shorts featuring the searched song in the YouTube app.
Ask anyone what the name "OnePlus" represents and their answer will likely range from "VFM smartphone brand" and "too expensive" to "mid" and "a great comeback." And I kind of agree with that last assessment. With the brand new OnePlus 11, the brand gained back some of its lost repo. But what's even more interesting is OnePlus's foray into PC peripherals. Granted that OnePlus already makes TVs so launching a monitor is not something out of the ordinary. However, for it to launch a keyboard is a really surprising move.
What's even more surprising is that almost everyone forgot that a OnePlus keyboard exists, after its initial announcement in early 2023. But I can confirm that it is real and is currently sitting on my desk ready to boost my productivity. So the question is can it do so and is it worth the Rs 17,999 OnePlus is charging you? Here's my answer.
Also read: OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro now in India: Their first mechanical keyboard
OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro Review: Design, Features And Build Quality
The keyboard's bottom features a robust kickstand bar, and the back edge houses two switches and a USB-C port. One switch allows users to alternate between Windows and Mac layouts, while the other transitions between wired and wireless modes. It boasts a Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connection, but there's also a USB-C–to–USB-C cable included for wired use. Plus, a USB-C–to–USB-A adapter is provided.
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is notably hefty, weighing around 1.87kg. Its heavy weight ensures it doesn't easily slide on desks, which might not be ideal for those who travel with their keyboards. But the heavyweight becomes an advantage once you sit down.
Price-wise, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro ranges from Rs 17,999 to 19,999, depending on the design and switches you choose. In comparison, the wired version of the Keychron Q1 keyboard, which the OnePlus model is based on, isn't available in India but its wired model costs Rs 16,989. The Keychron Q1 Pro, the wireless model, costs a bit more but is still cheaper than the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro if you consider global pricing as it's not available in India.
While the OnePlus branding is subtle, the kickstand is arguably the most significant enhancement OnePlus introduced. This feature lets users adjust the typing angle, an option surprisingly absent in the standard Q1 Pro. The adjustable bar is also quite firm and doesn't move around even if you're typing furiously. Another distinction is the keycap design. The standard Q1 Pro features Keychron’s spherical-angle (KSA) keycaps. In contrast, the OnePlus model ships with cylindrical keycaps. The specific keycap style varies with the switch type. The Rs 17,999 tactile switch version (Winter Bonfire) predominantly features darker gray double-shot PBT keycaps. Meanwhile, the pricier Rs 19,999 linear switch model (Summer Breeze) comes with lighter gray double-shot keycaps crafted from a material OnePlus dubs "marble-mallow." These keycaps are flexible, returning to their original form when squeezed.
While the keyboard offers individual-key RGB backlighting, the keycaps come with non-transparent lettering. In dim settings, the keyboard's silhouette is visible enough for hand repositioning, but discerning key labels can be challenging. The distinctiveness of the Marble-mallow keycaps is intriguing. OnePlus likens the material to that found in wristbands and charging cables, known for their soft yet resilient nature. Regardless of the production differences, these keys indeed feel softer than many counterparts.
OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro Review: Typing Experience, Performance And Features
Despite being new to the keyboard scene, OnePlus has delivered a product that promises a premium typing experience. The keyboard, weighing a notable 4.16 pounds (1.87kg) due to its aluminum construction, provides a stable base, ensuring it remains steadfast during rigorous typing. The collaboration with Keychron resulted in custom switches that, along with the Marble-mallow keycaps, offer a tactile response, even if the linear switches lack the traditional clicky sound. However, while the keycaps maintained their appearance during the review, OnePlus hasn't detailed the specifics of the switches, and some build compromises, like thin case foam, are also present.
The keyboard's design also features a functional knob, primarily for volume control, although its plastic make feels less premium. The robust and adjustable kickstand allows for varied typing angles, with silicone pads preventing any movement. Notably, this kickstand can also position the keyboard vertically, optimizing desk space when not in use. It boasts a heavy, durable build, and after a full day's use, the keys remain pleasing to the touch. That said, it's hard to overlook its uncanny resemblance to the well-received Keychron Q1 Pro.
I appreciate the cohesive OnePlus colour palette, the alert slider-style controls on the keyboard's top, the vibrant red USB cable, and the crystallized dialer, which replaces the plasticky one on the Keychron Q1 Pro. Although OnePlus does give you five additional keys with the keyboard none of them is an "Esc" key. Because by default the OnePlus logo is placed there. So An alternative escape key with a traditional "Esc" label would have been a nice touch.
At the keyboard's top, you'll find the Mac/Windows and wired/wireless selectors. The wired/wireless switch has been refined to exude a more "OnePlus" vibe. The keyboard supports hot-swapping, allowing users to effortlessly replace switches without soldering, and a keycap puller is also included. In terms of battery life, with RGB at its lowest, the battery easily lasts more than 100 hours, but turning it off extends the battery life to more than 200 hours. It's advisable to activate the lights only when using the keyboard in wired mode.
Also read: Logitech MX Keys S – Totally worth the experience…
OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro Review: Verdict
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, while inspired by the Keychron Q1 Pro, isn't just a rebranded version. It provides a quieter typing experience, a unique feel, and adjustable height. However, the question remains: does it justify its Rs 17,999 price tag? While some might lean towards the more affordable Keychron Q1 Pro, OnePlus loyalists, and Indian fans who can't buy Keychron Q1 Pro in the country, looking for a premium typing experience might find this keyboard is the only worthwhile option.
When the CEO of Google and Alphabet writes a 2,400 word blog piece, obviously everyone sat up and took notice -- so did I. If you're not interested in reading Sundar Pichai's blog on 25 years of Google, then I invite you to go through the following five quotes that reveal as much about the man himself as it does about Google's current and future aspirations, especially in the realm of AI across all its products.
1) Sundar Pichai on his personal experiences with technology
“How I communicated with my dad all those years ago compared with how my son communicates today shows just how much change can happen across generations. Technology that takes us years to adapt to is second nature for our kids.”
This quote reflects Pichai's personal connection with technology and how he has witnessed its evolution firsthand over the past three decades or more. It highlights the rapid pace of technological advancement and how different generations adapt differently to tech.
Also read: Satya Nadella retweets Microsoft President's blueprint for India to govern AI
2) Google's core mission and its impact on the world
“Larry and Sergey first wrote down our mission 25 years ago: to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. The idea that a student in rural Indonesia could access the same information as a professor at Stanford was revolutionary, and has changed lives and our world for the better.”
This passage in Pichai's blog highlights Google's commitment to making information universally accessible and underscores the transformative impact this mission has had globally in the past 25 years.
3) Google's willingness to innovate and take risks
“Of course, not every question we asked ended up as a success. In any 25-year journey, you take a few lumps, learn the lessons and work to do better. Remember Google Wave?”
Here, Pichai acknowledges some of Google's missteps, writing that not all of Google's endeavors have been successful. Beyond Google Wave, I can think of Google Plus, Knol, Allo, Google Glass, and so many more examples, but who's counting? Pichai writes that it showcases Google's resilience, willingness to learn from mistakes, and constant commitment to innovation.
Also read: Intel’s Sandra Rivera on future of AI, data centers and India’s tech moment
4) Google's commitment to responsible AI tech implementation
“As excited as we are about the potential of AI to benefit people and society, we understand that AI, like any early technology, poses complexities and risks. Our development and use of AI must address these risks, and help to develop the technology responsibly.”
Pichai underscores that Google's ensuring that their technological advancements, especially in AI, are developed with a sense of responsibility and ethics, acknowledging the complex nature of challenges that come with it.
5) Google's future aspirations and the transformative power of technology
“Still, there is so much more ahead. Over time, AI will be the biggest technological shift we see in our lifetimes. It’s a fundamental rewiring of technology and an incredible accelerant of human ingenuity. Making AI more helpful for everyone, and deploying it responsibly, is the most important way we’ll deliver on our mission for the next 10 years and beyond.”
This emphasises both Pichai's and Google's belief in the potential of AI and their commitment to harnessing it for the betterment of society while ensuring it aligns with their core mission.
At a time when Google's supremacy in search is getting challenged stronger than ever, I think each of these quotes provides insights into the values, beliefs, and vision of Sundar Pichai and Google as a company as they chart their journey into the future.
As the Apple event date comes close, we’re all excited for the new iPhones. But here’s a bummer, the iPhone 15 Pro Max variant is looking at a delay of a few weeks. The iPhone 15 series is expected to be announced on September 12, 2023 during Apple’s Wonderlust event. During this event, it is speculated that Apple will unveil all 4 smartphones in this series. These are: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max or Ultra. However, users will not be able to get the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Ultra soon.
As per tipster Revegnus, the iPhone 15 Pro Max release date could be delayed by up to approximately 4 weeks due to "severe'' issues with the production of image sensors for the top model.
Also read: iPhone 15 Pro models may get more expensive: Here are two reasons why
This has been supported by earlier reports too that revealed that Apple’s supplier, Sony was facing an "insufficient production capacity". This has happened due to an increased demand for the 48 megapixel sensors. If rumours are to be believed, Apple will equip all the iPhones with a 48 megapixel sensor which was earlier only seen on the iPhone 14 Pro models.
Various other sources have mentioned in their reports that the most premium phone on the iPhone 15 lineup could see a delay and come to the markets late due to the production issue. TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had also informed that the iPhone 15 Pro Max was the last iPhone from the series to go into the production phase.
Also read: Apple iPhone 15 leaks: Take first look at design and colour options
Well as we await the new iPhones, it’s worth noting that the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro max variants will be a lot heavier on the pockets as compared to the previous iPhone models in the same bracket. This is because of Apple’s possible switch to a titanium chassis . And the iPhone 15 Pro Max variant in particular will also feature a periscope camera that could offer improved optical zoom.
Xiaomi’s new Redmi Note series is expected to launch soon in the market, as one of the smartphones from the Note 13 lineup has started appearing on the certification websites. Last week, the Redmi Note 13 Pro was spotted on the TENAA certification website and on a fresh update, it was seen on 3C listing. The Redmi Note 13 series is expected to launch in October. The mid-range series could include three smartphones, which are Redmi Note 13, Redmi Note 13 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus.
Talking about the 3C certification, a Redmi smartphone with model number 2312DRA50C has been spotted on the certification website. It has been speculated that Redmi Note 13 Pro could be the smartphone, as it already appeared on TENAA earlier. The 3C listing also revealed the 5G connectivity and 67-watt fast charging support in the Redmi Note 13 Pro.
Also read: Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus with 200-MP camera, curved display coming very soon
Now spotting of Redmi Note 13 Pro on 3C certification website means the Redmi Note 13 series could roll out in China soon. In India, the Note 13 series could launch by the end of this year, as the Chinese brand typically introduces its Note series in other regions a couple of months after the China launch.
According to the rumoured specifications, the Redmi Note 13 Pro might boast a 6.67-inch OLED display with a resolution of up to 2712×1220 pixels. It is also tipped to be powered by a processor of a maximum clock speed of 2.4GHz, which processor ? We don’t know that yet. The smartphone could be offered in these four storage variants; 6GB 128GB, 8GB 256GB, 12GB 512GB, and 16GB 1TB.
Also read: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro and Pro Plus spotted with 6.67-inch OLED screen, other cool features
Speaking of camera, it is rumoured to match the same camera configurations with the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus. A 200-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro lens. On the front, there could be a 16-megapixel selfie camera.
According to reports, Xiaomi 13T series was expected to launch on September 1 in the global market. But that plan somehow didn't work out, however, Xiaomi has now finally announced the launch date of the Xiaomi 13T series. The Xiaomi 13T series could include the 13T and 13T Pro. Lei Jun, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi has shared the details of the launch on X (formerly Twitter). In addition to that, these smartphones will be launching in Berlin and the company will also run a live streaming.
The launch poster shared by Lie Jun confirms the launch on September 26 at 14:00 GMT+2 (5:30 PM IST). The poster also confirmed the collaboration of Leica engineering. Along with confirming the Leica engineering and launch date of Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro, it has not confirmed any details of smartphones. But recently a known tipster, Paras Guglani, has suggested the specifications and design of the high-end model Xiaomi 13T Pro. Check them out.
#Xiaomi13TSeries, co-engineered with Leica, is coming September 26th! So excited to bring the authentic Leica imagery to even more fans around the world. pic.twitter.com/34Et2UUcEv
— Lei Jun (@leijun) September 5, 2023
The Xiaomi 13T Pro could be offered in three colour options; Black, Green and Blue. Now the Blue variant might feature a leather back, whereas the rest of the two colours might come with a glass back panel. An IP68 rating against water and dust might also be featured
Speaking of the display, the Xiaomi 13T Pro might be equipped with a 1.5K OLED display that is tipped to come with 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support and peak brightness of 2600 nits. The MIUI 14 skin based on Android 13 OS might operate the Xiaomi 13T Pro.
Also read: The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the best portrait camera phone on the market now, here’s why
Performance-wise, it could be powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 9200 chipset along with up to 16GB RAM. Xiaomi could add one more RAM option that is 12GB. However, both of these RAM variants will reportedly be paired with three storage configurations; 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Furthermore, Xiaomi 13T Pro might be packed with a 5000mAh battery with up to 120-watt fast charging support.
For photography, it is tipped to include a 50-megapixel Sony IMX707 OIS primary camera along with a 13-megapixel Omnivision OV138 ultra-wide lens and a 50-megapixel Omnivision OVSOD telephoto sensor. a 50-megapixel Omnivision OVSOD telephoto sensor. At the front, the Xiaomi 13T Pro might sport a 20-megapixel Sony IMX596 sensor.
Also read: Xiaomi 13T Pro new launch date, processor, display details revealed: Everything you need to know
Now the million dollar question, will the Xiaomi 13T series come to India? On this, we have no official information yet, but it is expected that this series might make it to India.
The Android brand has undergone several updates over the past ten years to modernise its appearance and keep up with the needs of Google's community. For instance, Google updated the Android logo in 2019 to make it easier to read and more approachable. Also, to make upcoming releases of Android clearer and easier to understand globally, the company had changed the naming standard from fancy (e.g., Android Lollipop) to simple (e.g., Android 14). Now, Google has announced that it is changing Android’s logo by capitalising the “A” to improve its appearance when placed next to Google’s logo. The company also announced that the Android robot is getting a new 3D look.
On September 5, 2023, Google said in a blogpost, “You’ll notice some subtle changes that help connect Android to Google. In addition to moving away from our longstanding lowercase stylization of ‘android,’ we’re elevating the Android logo by capitalizing the ‘A,’ adding more weight to its appearance when placed next to Google’s logo.”
While the tech giant has added more curves and personality unique to Android, the new Android stylization more closely mirrors Google’s logo and creates a balance between the two.
Also read: Android users will be able to transfer eSIM cards by simply scanning QR Code: Report
The company hopes that these updates to the Android typeface will better communicate the relationship between Android devices and the Google apps and services.
Also read: How to transfer data from android to android: 4 Best ways
Google further mentioned that as part of its last update, the Android robot became a prominent fixture of the company’s logo, “reflecting the playfulness people have come to expect from Android.” Now, the tech giant is giving this recognisable non-human member of the Android community a new 3D look.
“The bugdroid — the face and most identifiable element of the Android robot — now appears with more dimension, and a lot more character,” Google said.
With the new 3D look, the tech giant aims to make the bugdroid appear as dynamic as Android itself. Google has also updated the robot’s full-body appearance to make sure that it can easily transition between digital and real-life environments, making it a versatile and reliable companion across channels, platforms and contexts.
Users will start seeing the new aspects of the brand identity, like the updated logo and 3D bugdroid, appear on Android devices and in more places starting this year.
