Realm Tech News: Game News
Showing posts with label Game News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Game News. Show all posts

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Tech Roundup May 2025: Innovations from Meta, Google, Apple, Samsung, and More

 This Facial Recognition Experiment With Meta’s Smart Glasses Is a ...


๐Ÿš€ Tech Roundup May 2025: Innovations from Meta, Google, Apple, Samsung, and More

In the ever-evolving world of technology, May 2025 has brought forth a plethora of exciting developments. From advancements in wearable tech to significant software updates, here's a detailed overview of the latest happenings in the tech sphere.


๐Ÿ‘“ Meta's Smart Glasses: Introducing Facial Recognition

Meta is reportedly working on integrating facial recognition technology into its upcoming smart glasses. This feature would allow the glasses to identify individuals in real-time, providing users with contextual information about people they encounter. While this innovation promises enhanced user experiences, it also raises concerns regarding privacy and data security.


๐Ÿ“ฑ Google Material 3 Expressive: A New Era of Customization

Google's Material 3 design language is set to revolutionize user interface customization. Leaked information suggests that users will have more control over color schemes, typography, and dynamic theming, allowing for a more personalized experience across Android devices.(Google Codelabs, Google Codelabs)


๐Ÿ›ฐ️ Starlink's Imminent Launch in India

Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet venture, is poised to commence operations in India. With the Department of Telecommunications granting a Letter of Intent, and potential collaborations with telecom giants like Jio and Airtel on the horizon, Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to remote regions across the country.(World News)


๐ŸŽง Spotify's Revamped User Interface

Spotify is rolling out a refreshed user interface aimed at enhancing user engagement. The new design focuses on improved navigation, personalized playlists, and a more intuitive layout, ensuring a seamless music streaming experience for users worldwide.


๐ŸŽ Apple's iPhone 17 Air: Slim Design Meets Battery Innovation

Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a sleeker design, prompting concerns about battery life. To address this, Apple may reintroduce battery cases, reminiscent of those released during the iPhone 11 era, to extend usage times without compromising the device's slim profile.


๐Ÿ“ฑ Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Launch Date Confirmed

Samsung has officially announced that the Galaxy S25 Edge will be unveiled on May 13, 2025. The device is expected to boast a slim design, cutting-edge features, and enhanced performance, solidifying Samsung's position in the competitive smartphone market.


๐Ÿ“ฑ Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: The Thinnest Foldable Yet

Leaks suggest that the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be the world's thinnest foldable smartphone. Despite its slim form factor, Samsung is reportedly maintaining battery capacity, ensuring that users don't have to compromise on performance or longevity.


๐Ÿ“ฑ Motorola Razr 60 Ultra: Launching Ahead of Competition

Motorola is set to launch the Razr 60 Ultra on May 13, 2025, ahead of Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge. The foldable device is anticipated to feature a sleek design, advanced specifications, and competitive pricing, aiming to capture a significant share of the foldable smartphone market.


๐ŸŒ Airtel's New International Roaming Plans

Airtel has introduced new international roaming plans for both prepaid and postpaid users. These plans offer unlimited data benefits, aiming to provide seamless connectivity for travelers without the need for local SIM cards in foreign countries.


๐Ÿ“ท Sony Xperia 1 VII: Launching on May 13

Sony has confirmed that the Xperia 1 VII will be launched on May 13, 2025, in Japan. The device is expected to feature advanced camera capabilities, catering to photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.(The Asian Affairs)


๐Ÿ”‹ Realme's Concept Phone: 10,000mAh Battery in a Sleek Form

Realme has unveiled a concept phone boasting a massive 10,000mAh battery housed within a sleek design. This innovation could redefine battery standards in smartphones, offering extended usage times without compromising on aesthetics.


๐ŸŽฎ GTA 6: Official Release Date Announced

Rockstar Games has officially announced that Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) will be released on May 26, 2026. The announcement has generated significant excitement among fans, eager to explore the next installment in the iconic gaming franchise.


๐Ÿ“บ YouTube Premium: Testing Two-Person Subscription Plans

YouTube is testing a new Premium subscription plan that allows two users to share a single account. This initiative aims to provide a more affordable option for users, similar to family plans offered by other streaming services.


๐Ÿ“ท DJI's Upcoming 360-Degree Camera

DJI is reportedly developing a new 360-degree camera, as suggested by recent leaks. The device is expected to offer high-resolution imaging in a compact form, catering to content creators and photography enthusiasts seeking immersive capture capabilities.


๐Ÿ“ด Farewell to Skype: Service Officially Discontinued

Microsoft has officially discontinued Skype, marking the end of an era for the pioneering video calling service. Users are encouraged to transition to Microsoft Teams for their communication needs moving forward.(Gulte)


These developments underscore the rapid pace of innovation in the tech industry. As companies continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, consumers can look forward to a future filled with advanced technologies and enhanced user experiences.


Weekly Tech Wrap: From Meta’s Smart Glasses to GTA 6 Reveal – Big Announcements You Missed!



Weekly Tech Wrap: From Meta’s Smart Glasses to GTA 6 Reveal – Big Announcements You Missed!

By: Snrlar| May 2025

This week’s tech space has been buzzing with excitement. From facial recognition in smart glasses to the world’s thinnest foldable phone and the official launch date for GTA 6, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into all the major updates that are shaking up the tech industry.



๐Ÿ” Meta Smart Glasses May Soon Recognize Faces

Meta is reportedly working on integrating facial recognition in its next-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses. The new feature will allow the glasses to identify people in real time using onboard cameras. Imagine walking into a room and your glasses telling you who’s there and where you met them. While this could revolutionize interaction, privacy concerns loom large. Whether the tech will pass regulatory scrutiny remains to be seen.


๐Ÿ’ฌ WhatsApp to Summarize Long Messages

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that could soon provide summaries of long messages, making it easier to digest information. With texts getting longer, this update might help users catch up quickly on group chats or lengthy forwards.


๐ŸŽจ Android’s Material 3 Expressive Leaked

A major leak from Google revealed new design features in the upcoming Android update. The “Material 3 Expressive” UI promises enhanced color customization and styling options, giving users more control over how their phone looks and feels.


๐Ÿ“ถ Starlink Gets Green Signal for India

Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, has received a Letter of Intent and conditional nod from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India. In collaboration with Jio and Airtel, Starlink aims to provide seamless internet in India’s remotest regions. This could be a game changer for rural connectivity.


๐ŸŽต Spotify’s Refreshed UI & Smarter Playlists

Spotify has rolled out a cleaner, more user-friendly interface. Playlists are now easier to access and sort, and new features aim to make music discovery more intuitive. Users can expect better navigation and visual enhancements.


๐Ÿ“ฑ iPhone 17 Air May Need Battery Case

Apple’s ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air might ship with only one-day battery life. To address concerns, Apple is likely to reintroduce smart battery cases, last seen during the iPhone 11 era. Additionally, Apple may shift to a biannual launch strategy—budget phones in the first half, flagships in the second.

Next year’s iPhone 18 Pro lineup is rumored to ditch the Dynamic Island for under-display Face ID, offering a cleaner all-screen experience.


๐Ÿ“† Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge to Launch on May 13

Samsung has officially confirmed the launch of the Galaxy S25 Edge for May 13. It’s expected to be the brand’s slimmest Galaxy phone yet. Simultaneously, leaks about the Galaxy Z Fold 7 suggest it will be the world’s thinnest foldable phone—with no compromise on battery capacity.


๐Ÿ“† Motorola Razr 60 Ultra to Launch on May 13

Motorola has announced the Indian launch of the Razr 60 Ultra, its latest foldable smartphone. The competition with Samsung’s foldables is heating up—pricing and features will be crucial.


๐ŸŒ Airtel’s New Global Roaming Plans

Airtel has introduced updated international roaming plans for both prepaid and postpaid users. With unlimited data options, these plans could eliminate the need for purchasing separate SIMs while traveling abroad.


๐ŸŽง Sony Xperia 1 VII Set for May 13 Launch

Sony is returning with the Xperia 1 Mark VII, launching in Japan on May 13. Rumors also suggest the Xperia launch will include new flagship headphones (likely the WH-1000XM6). While not mainstream, Sony’s offerings cater to niche, premium markets.


๐Ÿ”‹ Realme’s 10,000mAh Battery in Slim Form

Realme has teased an innovative concept phone featuring a 10,000mAh battery in a surprisingly sleek body. Also, the Realme GT 7 is set to launch on May 27 in Paris, bringing advanced cooling and flagship specs.


๐ŸŽฎ GTA 6 Will Release on May 26, 2026

It’s official: Rockstar Games has confirmed the release date for GTA 6 as May 26, 2026. The game’s trailer has already broken records. While fans are disappointed about the long wait, the detailed visuals and immersive environment promise something extraordinary.


๐Ÿ“บ YouTube Testing 2-Person Premium Plan

YouTube is piloting a new plan that allows two users under one premium account. Similar to Netflix’s model, this could help families or friends share subscriptions more efficiently.


๐Ÿ“ธ DJI’s Osmo 360° Camera Leaked

DJI is entering the 360° camera market to rival Insta360. Images of the compact DJI Osmo 360 have leaked, hinting at an imminent launch. The camera is reportedly smaller yet powerful, appealing to vloggers and content creators.


❌ Skype is Dead

End of an era—Skype is officially being phased out by Microsoft in favor of Teams. Once a staple in video calling, Skype now makes way for modern tools in an evolving digital workplace.


๐ŸŽฏ Final Thoughts

From revolutionary AI and foldables to connectivity breakthroughs and tech retirements, this week showed us just how fast the world of technology evolves. Stay tuned for next week’s tech wrap-up—until then, Jai Hind, Vande Mataram!


Tuesday, May 6, 2025

This Week in Tech: From GTA VI Delays to Android 16’s Revolution

GTA 6 Logo 4K #3061n Wallpaper PC Desktop

This Week in Tech: From GTA VI Delays to Android 16’s Revolution

April–May 2025 Recap


1. GTA VI Launch Postponed to May 26, 2026

Fans eagerly awaiting Grand Theft Auto VI got disappointing news: Rockstar Games has officially delayed the release from 2025 to May 26, 2026. This marks the third announced launch window in as many years. While the extra development time promises a more polished open world, those holding off on older titles may need to find other ways to pass the time until Vice City’s return.


2. Apple Doubles Down on “Make in India”

Apple’s global supply chain continues to shift away from China:

  • Two new plants are coming online to boost local iPhone assembly.

  • Tata Electronics in Hyderabad will add production lines for legacy iPhone models.

  • Foxconn’s ₹2.6 billion Tamil Nadu mega-factory is gearing up to build the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup—and create 500 new jobs.

This expansion underscores India’s growing importance as an electronics hub—and sets the stage for even deeper manufacturing ties.


3. Asus Unveils Premium “Scar” Laptop Series

Asus refreshed its gaming-focused lineup with four high-end models:

  • ROG Strix Scar 16 & 18

  • Strix G16

  • Zephyrus G14 & G16

All start well above ₹100,000, packing the latest Intel Core HX CPUs, NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPUs, and 240 Hz+ displays—appealing to pro gamers and creators alike.


4. OnePlus Nord C5: Dimensity 8350 & 7,100 mAh Battery

The mid-range OnePlus Nord C5 has just cleared BIS certification, hinting at an imminent launch. Key specs:

  • MediaTek Dimensity 8350 (1.4–1.5 million AnTuTu)

  • 7,100 mAh battery + 80 W fast-charging

Expect a price around ₹20,000 and a focus on endurance and performance in its segment.


5. Android 16: A UI & Interaction Overhaul

Google’s next big OS drop, Android 16, is slated to reshape the look and feel of every phone it touches. Highlights include:

  • Physics-based animations (e.g. elastic “squeeze” effects when pressing the power button)

  • Redesigned Quick Settings tiles and animated volume slider

  • Interactive lock-screen clock and notification behaviors

These UX tweaks aim to make every swipe, tap, and scroll feel more dynamic and alive.


6. iQOO Neo 10 Global Variant on Geekbench

iQOO has quietly launched the Neo 10’s global edition on Geekbench, revealing:

  • Dimensity 8s (Zen 4) chipset

  • Single-core: 293 pts; Multi-core: 6,836 pts

  • 12 GB RAM

This mid-ranger promises flagship-adjacent performance at a competitive price point—watch for a summer launch.


7. Samsung’s “Modular Lens” Patent

Samsung has been granted a patent for a modular smartphone concept—allowing users to swap in different camera lenses (wide-angle, telephoto, macro) like interchangeable optics on a mirrorless camera. While still speculative, it shows Samsung exploring new ways to differentiate its Galaxy lineup.


8. Nothing F 3 Rolling Out in July

Nothing CEO Carl Pei confirmed the F 3 will hit U.S. shelves first, with an India launch slated for July. Expect an AMOLED panel, high refresh rate, and the signature “Essential Button” for quick controls—bringing the minimalist design ethos to a wider audience.


9. Deal Alert: Join “Track & Tech” on Telegram

Looking for the best bargains? Subscribe to our Track & Tech Telegram channel for 20–25 daily deals—from smartphones like POCO M7 Pro (₹11,999) to tablets and wearables. Check the video description for the join link.


10. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Ultra-Flagship Success

Despite a staggered release, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has out-sold both the S25 and S25 Plus combined, moving 5.08 million units versus 4.08 million for its siblings. Clearly, consumers in 2025 still have a hunger for top-tier hardware—and a willingness to pay for it.


Rapid Fire Updates

  • Apple Store Expansion: Four new outlets coming to Pune, Noida, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

  • Galaxy Z Flip 7 Rumors: Likely outfitted with Exynos in one variant, Snapdragon in another—price expectations around $1,100.

  • WhatsApp Web Calls: Soon you’ll be able to make audio & video calls directly from your desktop browser.


What’s Next?

Subscribe and stay tuned—our deep dive on Android 16’s new features drops next week, along with hands-on reviews of the OnePlus Nord C5 and iQOO Neo 10. Keep tracking, and keep safe!

Friday, May 2, 2025

India’s Tech Highlights This Week: Foldables, AI Apps, and a Digital Push


In the past week, India’s technology scene saw a flurry of notable developments – from cutting-edge gadget launches (including foldable smartphones and smartwatches) to major moves in artificial intelligence (AI) by tech giants. Even the government stepped up its digital and AI initiatives. Here’s a detailed journalistic roundup of India-specific tech news from the last seven days.


Gadget Launches in India This Week

Smartphones and Foldables Steal the Spotlight

Motorola’s Razr 60 Ultra foldable smartphone comes in multiple colors as part of the newly launched Razr 60 series in India. Motorola kicked off the week with the launch of its Razr 60 series foldable phones in India. Unveiled on April 24, the Moto Razr 60 Ultra and a standard Razr 60 model mark the first foldable phone releases of 2025 (Moto Razr 60, Moto Razr 60 Ultra launch today in India- Price, camera and more - Hindustan Times). The flagship Razr 60 Ultra sports a 7-inch pOLED internal display (165Hz) and a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset (Moto Razr 60, Moto Razr 60 Ultra launch today in India- Price, camera and more - Hindustan Times), packing high-end performance in a flip-style design. It carries a dual-camera setup (including a 50MP main sensor) and even a 50MP front camera for selfies (Moto Razr 60, Moto Razr 60 Ultra launch today in India- Price, camera and more - Hindustan Times). While an early retail listing in Europe hinted at a price of around €599 (₹58,000) (Moto Razr 60, Moto Razr 60 Ultra launch today in India- Price, camera and more - Hindustan Times), the official global pricing for the Razr 60 Ultra is much higher – starting at $1,399 (roughly ₹1.11 lakh) for the base model (Motorola Razr 60 Ultra With Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC Launched Alongside Razr 60: Price, Specifications | Technology News). Its smaller sibling, the Razr 60, comes with a 6.9-inch OLED display and is notably the first phone powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7400X chip (Motorola Razr 60 Ultra With Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC Launched Alongside Razr 60: Price, Specifications | Technology News), targeting a more mid-range segment (priced around $699 or ₹60,000 globally) (Motorola Razr 60 Ultra With Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC Launched Alongside Razr 60: Price, Specifications | Technology News). With these launches, Motorola is re-entering the foldable market in India, offering one premium and one affordable flip phone option to consumers.

Aside from foldables, Motorola also expanded its conventional smartphone lineup. It introduced the Motorola Edge 60 and Edge 60 Pro in India, with the Edge 60 Pro particularly turning heads. The Edge 60 Pro comes packed with flagship-grade features: a 6.67-inch quad-curved 1.5K pOLED display, a powerhouse MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Extreme processor, and a triple-lens camera system headlined by dual 50MP cameras (Motorola launches edge 60 pro in India with true flagship grade AI experience, at just Rs. 29,999, Preorder starting 30th April, 12PM onwards - The Tribune). Uniquely, Motorola has integrated on-device AI enhancements – the phone includes a dedicated AI button/key and claims a “personalized and contextual AI experience” built-in (Motorola launches edge 60 pro in India with true flagship grade AI experience, at just Rs. 29,999, Preorder starting 30th April, 12PM onwards - The Tribune). Even with such high-end specs (like a huge 6000mAh battery supporting 90W fast charging and 15W wireless charging (Motorola launches edge 60 pro in India with true flagship grade AI experience, at just Rs. 29,999, Preorder starting 30th April, 12PM onwards - The Tribune)), the Edge 60 Pro is aggressively priced at just ₹29,999 in India (Motorola launches edge 60 pro in India with true flagship grade AI ...) (Motorola launches edge 60 pro in India with true flagship grade AI experience, at just Rs. 29,999, Preorder starting 30th April, 12PM onwards - The Tribune). This positioning – essentially offering flagship features at a mid-range price – indicates Motorola’s intent to compete strongly in the Indian market. The phone went on pre-order starting April 30 and is being touted as a “flagship killer” with an AI twist. Together, the Razr foldables and Edge 60 series made Motorola one of the week’s biggest newsmakers in Indian tech.

Meanwhile, Nothing (the Carl Pei-founded company) made news through its sub-brand CMF. On April 28, CMF launched the CMF Phone 2 Pro in India, following up on last year’s debut of the CMF Phone 1. The new Phone 2 Pro is positioned as an affordable device loaded with competitive specs. It features a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display for smooth visuals and runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset for solid mid-range performance ( Upcoming Smartphones To Launch in India This Week, April 2025: Check Out Names, Their Features, and More ). Notably, the handset packs a triple rear camera setup – with a 50MP main shooter, a 50MP telephoto lens (offering 2× optical zoom), and an 8MP ultra-wide camera (Mobile phones set to launch in India in April 2025: CMF Phone 2 Pro, Moto Razr 60 and more - Hindustan Times). A recent Geekbench leak even confirmed that the Phone 2 Pro runs the latest Android 15 OS out-of-the-box, along with 8GB of RAM (Mobile phones set to launch in India in April 2025: CMF Phone 2 Pro, Moto Razr 60 and more - Hindustan Times). While the official price was not announced at launch, Nothing hinted at keeping it budget-friendly (the older Phone 1 was ₹15,999) and tech outlets speculate the CMF Phone 2 Pro will be priced under ₹20,000 in India ( Upcoming Smartphones To Launch in India This Week, April 2025: Check Out Names, Their Features, and More ). The device will retail exclusively via Flipkart, continuing the online-first strategy for Nothing/CMF products (Mobile phones set to launch in India in April 2025: CMF Phone 2 Pro, Moto Razr 60 and more - Hindustan Times). Overall, the Phone 2 Pro aims to deliver premium features at an affordable price, adding to the competitive smartphone landscape this week.

Wearables and Accessories: Smartwatches Galore

Indian consumers weren’t just treated to phones – this week also saw new wearable tech hitting the market. Xiaomi expanded its lineup by introducing the Redmi Watch Move in India. This budget-friendly smartwatch comes with a 1.85-inch AMOLED touch display and boasts an impressive battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge (Wearables News | Smart Watch, Fitness Band, Glasses & More | Times Of India). Despite its affordable pricing, the Redmi Watch Move is feature-packed: it supports 140+ workout modes, offers health tracking (heart rate, SpO₂, stress monitoring), and even includes conveniences like Bluetooth calling. Unusually, Xiaomi has also added Hindi language support in the watch’s interface, catering to local users (Wearables News | Smart Watch, Fitness Band, Glasses & More | Times Of India). Priced at just ₹1,999, the Redmi Watch Move went on sale starting May 1 (Wearables News | Smart Watch, Fitness Band, Glasses & More | Times Of India), positioning itself as one of the most accessible smartwatches for Indian consumers looking to try wearable tech without breaking the bank.


Domestic brand boAt launched the Chrome Horizon smartwatch in India, highlighting its AMOLED display and multiple style options. Another notable wearable launch came from homegrown electronics brand boAt. On April 29, boAt unveiled its new Chrome Horizon smartwatch, a device that blends style with substance (Boat Chrome Horizon smartwatch with AMOLED display, up to 7 days battery life launched: Price, specs and more - The Times of India). The Chrome Horizon features a 1.51-inch AMOLED display (466×466 resolution) with 550 nits brightness, delivering vibrant clarity even outdoors (Boat Chrome Horizon smartwatch with AMOLED display, up to 7 days battery life launched: Price, specs and more - The Times of India). Aimed at fitness enthusiasts and multitaskers, it offers 100+ sports modes and a comprehensive health suite – including heart rate variability (HRV) tracking, VO₂ Max insights, sleep and stress monitoring, menstrual health tracking, and more (Boat Chrome Horizon smartwatch with AMOLED display, up to 7 days battery life launched: Price, specs and more - The Times of India). The watch supports Bluetooth calling thanks to a built-in speaker and mic, allowing users to make and take calls from their wrist (Boat Chrome Horizon smartwatch with AMOLED display, up to 7 days battery life launched: Price, specs and more - The Times of India). boAt has also provided personalization options: there are multiple strap choices (silicon, leather, metal) and watch faces (including animated and customizable photo watch faces) (Boat Chrome Horizon smartwatch with AMOLED display, up to 7 days battery life launched: Price, specs and more - The Times of India) (Boat Chrome Horizon smartwatch with AMOLED display, up to 7 days battery life launched: Price, specs and more - The Times of India). In terms of battery, the Chrome Horizon promises up to 7 days of use (or about 3 days with heavy Bluetooth call usage) on a full charge (Boat Chrome Horizon smartwatch with AMOLED display, up to 7 days battery life launched: Price, specs and more - The Times of India), and it supports fast charging (100% in under 45 minutes) (Boat Chrome Horizon smartwatch with AMOLED display, up to 7 days battery life launched: Price, specs and more - The Times of India). Despite this robust feature set, boAt has priced the device aggressively – starting at ₹2,799 for models with silicone straps (and ₹3,099 for premium strap options) (Boat Chrome Horizon smartwatch with AMOLED display, up to 7 days battery life launched: Price, specs and more - The Times of India). The watch is available via Amazon, Flipkart, and boAt’s own website (Boat Chrome Horizon smartwatch with AMOLED display, up to 7 days battery life launched: Price, specs and more - The Times of India). With the Chrome Horizon, boAt is doubling down on the booming wearables market in India, offering a stylish smartwatch that doubles as a fitness companion and personal assistant on your wrist.

AI-Powered Apps and Tech Innovations

Meta Launches a Voice-Based AI Assistant App

In the arena of software and platforms, this week saw a major development in the AI space: Meta (Facebook’s parent company) rolled out a new AI-powered application aimed at competing with ChatGPT. On April 29, Meta released the first version of its standalone Meta AI app, a personal assistant chatbot built on the company’s cutting-edge Llama 4 AI model (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT) (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT). This AI assistant app is designed to provide a more personalized, conversational experience – it can remember context from past interactions and tailor its responses to individual user preferences (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT) (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT). The app’s standout feature is its voice-first interface: users can have natural back-and-forth spoken conversations with the AI, thanks to a new full-duplex speech technology that generates lifelike voice responses on the fly (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT). Of course, traditional text chat is supported too, but Meta is pushing voice as “the most intuitive way to interact” with your digital assistant (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT).

(Introducing the Meta AI App: A New Way to Access Your AI Assistant) Screenshot of the Meta AI assistant app’s home screen, which encourages users to start a conversation by voice or text. Beyond chat, the Meta AI app integrates several advanced capabilities. It can perform image generation and editing via chat commands, essentially bringing some Midjourney/DALL-E style functionality into the app (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT). There’s also a social component: a built-in Discover feed where users can see and share AI prompts and outputs, fostering a community aspect around AI usage (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT) (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT). Meta has tied the app into its ecosystem – it serves as the new companion app for Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, allowing voice-controlled queries through the glasses and handing off the conversation to the phone app seamlessly (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT). The assistant is also connected to Meta’s other platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger), so it can potentially draw on information from those services to provide contextual answers and even let users continue a session across devices (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT) (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT). For now, the Meta AI app is in an early stage (“first version”) and is only available in a few countries – the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand initially (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT). Meta is gathering feedback from these markets before a broader rollout. The launch underscores how big tech companies are racing to offer AI assistants: Meta’s offering comes with an aim to be more personal and multimodal, differentiating itself from text-only chatbots. As Indian users await access, this development is a sign of things to come – more AI-driven apps competing to be our go-to digital assistant (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT) (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT).

Google’s Gemini AI Showcased in India

Not to be outdone, Google also made AI headlines in India this week – not with a new app, but with an event and research insights. On April 25, Google held its first-ever “Gemini Day” in India, a special event in New Delhi dedicated to showcasing the latest Google DeepMind Gemini AI model features (60% Indians unfamiliar with AI: Google-Kantar study as Gemini hits 350M users globally | Technology News - The Indian Express) (60% Indians unfamiliar with AI: Google-Kantar study as Gemini hits 350M users globally | Technology News - The Indian Express). At the event, Google demonstrated some cutting-edge capabilities of Gemini, including Veo 2 (a text-to-video generation tool) and Gemini’s new multimodal features for live video and image generation (60% Indians unfamiliar with AI: Google-Kantar study as Gemini hits 350M users globally | Technology News - The Indian Express). Attendees got a glimpse of Gemini Canvas (likely a creative image tool), a “Deep Research” feature, and even audio-related AI demos, indicating that Google is gearing up to integrate Gemini’s abilities across various media formats (60% Indians unfamiliar with AI: Google-Kantar study as Gemini hits 350M users globally | Technology News - The Indian Express). Manish Gupta of Google DeepMind hinted at what the team has been working on, suggesting these features will play a role in future Google products – potentially in search, YouTube, or Android – as AI becomes more embedded in user experiences (60% Indians unfamiliar with AI: Google-Kantar study as Gemini hits 350M users globally | Technology News - The Indian Express) (60% Indians unfamiliar with AI: Google-Kantar study as Gemini hits 350M users globally | Technology News - The Indian Express).

Coinciding with Gemini Day, Google and Kantar released a study offering a reality check on AI adoption in India. Despite the growing hype, the survey found that over 60% of Indians are not familiar with AI, and only about 31% have tried any generative AI tool so far (60% Indians unfamiliar with AI: Google-Kantar study as Gemini hits 350M users globally | Technology News - The Indian Express). This indicates that a large segment of the population is still untouched by tools like ChatGPT, Bard, or Midjourney. The findings, based on a sample of 8,000 people across Indian cities, underline a significant awareness and accessibility gap in the Indian market when it comes to AI (60% Indians unfamiliar with AI: Google-Kantar study as Gemini hits 350M users globally | Technology News - The Indian Express). Google appears keen to bridge this gap – the very purpose of Gemini Day was to evangelize AI capabilities to a broader audience and stakeholders in India. By demonstrating real use cases (like AI that can create videos or assist with visual/design tasks), Google is both marketing its tech and educating the public. The company’s messaging is clear: it sees huge potential for AI growth in India, a market of over a billion people where digital adoption is high but AI usage is still nascent. With Gemini hitting 350 million users globally (as mentioned at the event) and plans to integrate it deeply into search and other services (April 2025 Tech & Engineering Recap - ai - DEV Community) (60% Indians unfamiliar with AI: Google-Kantar study as Gemini hits 350M users globally | Technology News - The Indian Express), Google is preparing the ground for India to be a major beneficiary and contributor to its AI ecosystem. We can likely expect more India-centric AI initiatives from Google in the coming months, especially as competition in AI tools heats up.

Government’s Tech Initiatives and Digital Policy Moves

The Indian government also made strides in tech and AI this week, underscoring its commitment to the Digital India vision and the advancement of homegrown AI capabilities.

( MeitY Set to Support Four Startups Under ₹10,000 Crore IndiaAI Mission - Elets eGov) The IndiaAI program – a MeitY initiative – is investing heavily to develop indigenous AI talent, startups, and large language models. On April 27, reports emerged that the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) is set to back a group of Indian AI startups as part of its ambitious ₹10,000 crore (₹100 billion) “IndiaAI” Mission ( MeitY Set to Support Four Startups Under ₹10,000 Crore IndiaAI Mission - Elets eGov). According to a report by The Economic Times, MeitY will initially support four domestic startups – namely Sarvam AI, Soket AI Labs, Gnani.ai, and Gan.ai – to spearhead India’s effort in building foundational AI models ( MeitY Set to Support Four Startups Under ₹10,000 Crore IndiaAI Mission - Elets eGov). An official announcement is expected soon, with Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw likely to formally unveil the plan ( MeitY Set to Support Four Startups Under ₹10,000 Crore IndiaAI Mission - Elets eGov). This initiative forms a core part of India’s strategy to develop indigenous large language models (LLMs) and multimodal AI systems that cater to India’s unique linguistic and cultural diversity ( MeitY Set to Support Four Startups Under ₹10,000 Crore IndiaAI Mission - Elets eGov). The selected startups will lead the first wave of creating these made-in-India AI models and infrastructure. For instance, Sarvam AI (one of the chosen companies) has reportedly already begun work on a 70-billion-parameter multimodal AI model designed to understand both Indian languages and English ( MeitY Set to Support Four Startups Under ₹10,000 Crore IndiaAI Mission - Elets eGov). Interestingly, instead of simply doling out cash grants, the government may provide these startups with free access to India’s upcoming AI supercomputing facilities and domestic cloud infrastructure (MeitY to back four startups under Rs 10000 Cr IndiaAI Mission: Report) ( MeitY Set to Support Four Startups Under ₹10,000 Crore IndiaAI Mission - Elets eGov) – enabling them to train large models at scale. The IndiaAI mission’s broader goal is clear: ensure India doesn’t just remain a consumer of foreign AI models, but becomes a creator of AI technology, with tools that understand local languages (like Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, etc.) and contexts. This massive funding (roughly $1.2 billion) and support framework could accelerate India’s AI R&D and help it keep pace with global leaders in AI. It’s a significant digital sovereignty push at a time when AI is becoming strategically important.

On a related note, the government’s digital and startup-friendly policies are trickling down to the state level as well. Chandigarh, a Union Territory and city, finally saw the launch of its own startup policy after years of delays. The Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 was formally rolled out this week, nearly seven years after it was first proposed ( Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 Finally Takes Off After 7 Years of Waiting - Elets eGov). The launch event, held at the Punjab Raj Bhawan with the city’s administrators and Punjab’s Governor in attendance, signaled the administration’s intent to transform Chandigarh into a vibrant tech startup hub ( Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 Finally Takes Off After 7 Years of Waiting - Elets eGov). The policy had been in the works since 2018 and is now active, aiming to emulate the startup ecosystems of cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Ahmedabad ( Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 Finally Takes Off After 7 Years of Waiting - Elets eGov). Under the new policy, Chandigarh has set a target to support over 200 startups in the next five years, with an annual allocation of ₹10 crore dedicated to various programs and incentives for entrepreneurs ( Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 Finally Takes Off After 7 Years of Waiting - Elets eGov) ( Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 Finally Takes Off After 7 Years of Waiting - Elets eGov). This funding will go into seed funding, incubation centers, and perhaps funding events or training to nurture local talent. The policy framework also includes initiatives like a centralized “Start-in-Chandigarh” digital portal to streamline startup-related services ( Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 Finally Takes Off After 7 Years of Waiting - Elets eGov). By finally implementing this long-pending initiative, the Chandigarh administration hopes to boost innovation, create jobs, and attract young entrepreneurs, aligning with the broader national focus on startups and digital innovation. It’s a reminder that India’s tech progress isn’t confined to Bangalore or Mumbai – smaller cities and regions are actively trying to cultivate their own tech ecosystems, supported by government policies.

Overall, the past week in Indian tech showcased a dynamic mix of product innovation and policy action. Consumers in India have exciting new gadgets – from flashy foldable phones to feature-rich smartwatches – to choose from. On the software side, global companies are bringing the latest AI experiences to (or at least teasing them for) Indian users, whether it’s Meta’s conversational AI app or Google’s AI demos and studies highlighting the road ahead. And importantly, India’s government is not sitting on the sidelines; it’s heavily investing in AI and digital startups to ensure the country remains a key player in the tech revolution. If this week is any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for technology in India, with innovation booming on all fronts – hardware, software, and governance. Expect the momentum to continue in the weeks ahead as competition intensifies and new initiatives roll out, all in the spirit of driving India’s tech prowess forward.


Sources: The information in this article is drawn from credible news outlets and official announcements over the past week, including reports from Hindustan Times, Techlusive, NDTV Gadgets360, Analytics India Magazine, Indian Express, Times of India, and government releases (Moto Razr 60, Moto Razr 60 Ultra launch today in India- Price, camera and more - Hindustan Times) (Motorola Razr 60 Ultra With Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC Launched Alongside Razr 60: Price, Specifications | Technology News) (Motorola launches edge 60 pro in India with true flagship grade AI experience, at just Rs. 29,999, Preorder starting 30th April, 12PM onwards - The Tribune) ( Upcoming Smartphones To Launch in India This Week, April 2025: Check Out Names, Their Features, and More ) (Mobile phones set to launch in India in April 2025: CMF Phone 2 Pro, Moto Razr 60 and more - Hindustan Times) (Wearables News | Smart Watch, Fitness Band, Glasses & More | Times Of India) (Boat Chrome Horizon smartwatch with AMOLED display, up to 7 days battery life launched: Price, specs and more - The Times of India) (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT) (Meta Challenges OpenAI’s Social Media Plans, Launches AI App to Rival ChatGPT) (60% Indians unfamiliar with AI: Google-Kantar study as Gemini hits 350M users globally | Technology News - The Indian Express) ( MeitY Set to Support Four Startups Under ₹10,000 Crore IndiaAI Mission - Elets eGov) ( Chandigarh Startup Policy 2025 Finally Takes Off After 7 Years of Waiting - Elets eGov), among others. These sources provide detailed coverage of the events and have been cited throughout the text for verification.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

The ESRB has given Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered for PS5 and PC a rating.

 Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: A New Era for the Iconic Action-Adventure Game?

The acclaimed action-adventure game Horizon Zero Dawn may soon be making a comeback in remastered form, according to recent reports. While Sony has yet to officially confirm the news, a recent rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) suggests that the remaster is closer to reality than ever. This follows years of speculation about the game's revamp, which is said to bring improved visuals and enhanced performance.

The ESRB has given Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered for PS5 and PC a rating.

Horizon Zero Dawn was first released in 2017 for the PlayStation 4 and quickly became a standout title, praised for its expansive open world and rich storytelling. In 2020, a PC port titled Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition was launched, broadening the game's audience. Now, with the appearance of a new ESRB rating, it appears that a remastered version is on the way for both PlayStation 5 and PC.

What We Know So Far

Though Sony and developer Guerrilla Games have remained tight-lipped, the ESRB listing strongly suggests that Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is in the works. The remastered version is rumored to feature significant improvements, including enhanced lighting, reworked textures, and smoother animations, all designed to take full advantage of the PS5’s capabilities. In addition, the PS5 version may include accessibility enhancements and a range of graphical modes that allow players to prioritize performance or graphical quality based on their preference.

These enhancements would elevate an already visually stunning game, offering a fresh experience even for those who played the original. While Horizon Zero Dawn already received a patch that enabled 60 frames-per-second gameplay on the PS5 via backward compatibility, the remaster would likely push the technical envelope even further.

Sony’s Strategy of Reviving Fan Favorites

This isn’t the first time Sony has revisited a beloved title. The company has made a habit of reimagining its first-party hits for new hardware, with The Last of Us receiving both a remaster and a full remake. Earlier this year, The Last of Us Part II also saw a remastered release on PS5, demonstrating Sony’s commitment to breathing new life into its most popular franchises.

The Horizon Franchise Expands

In addition to the remaster, the Horizon franchise continues to grow in new directions. In 2022, the sequel Horizon Forbidden West was released on both PS4 and PS5, continuing the story of Aloy in a post-apocalyptic world filled with robotic creatures. A PC version of Forbidden West was released earlier this year, further expanding the franchise’s reach. 

Looking ahead, Sony is preparing to launch Lego Horizon Adventures, a lighthearted, Lego-themed retelling of Horizon Zero Dawn’s narrative. This spin-off will be available later this year on PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch, offering a fresh take on the game’s world for younger audiences and franchise fans alike.

As the Horizon universe continues to evolve, the possibility of a Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered release adds to the excitement, giving both new players and longtime fans another chance to explore Aloy’s journey in a more immersive and visually striking way. All signs point to an exciting future for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises.

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Rendition's Story: A Trailblazer in 3D Graphics

 Today's PC gamers are in a fortunate position when it comes to selecting a graphics card, at least compared to the past. Although there are only three major manufacturers producing GPUs, every model they release is capable of running any modern game, albeit with varying levels of performance. This situation stands in stark contrast to the early days of PC gaming, more than thirty years ago, when the graphics card landscape was far more fragmented. Back then, there were over ten companies, each offering its own unique approach to rendering graphics. Some companies found success, while others struggled to make a mark.

One of the most interesting players in this field was Rendition, a pioneering company in the 3D gaming industry. Rendition made a splash with its first product, but followed it with two less impressive models, ultimately fading into obscurity in just five years. However brief their journey, the story of Rendition is a fascinating one, and it’s a tale worth exploring.

A Rocky Start to the Decade

In the early 1990s, PC gaming was a mix of excitement and frustration. Setting up hardware often involved hours of tinkering with BIOS settings and drivers, only to end up with games that were notoriously finicky. But as PCs became more popular, millions of people started buying machines from brands like Compaq, Dell, Gateway, and Packard Bell.

For a budget graphics card from 1991, 8-bit color was standard.

However, these computers weren't exactly designed with gaming in mind. Spending around $3,000 would get you a top-tier system with an Intel 486DX2 processor running at 66 MHz, 4MB of RAM, and a 240MB hard drive. But the graphics card was often an afterthought. If you were fortunate, you might have an ATI Graphics Ultra Pro 2D accelerator with 1MB of VRAM and a Mach 32 graphics chip. If luck wasn't on your side, you'd end up with a cheaper option from SiS or Trident.

At the time, even the best PC graphics paled in comparison to the visuals offered by consoles like the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis or the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). PC games, such as popular point-and-click adventures like *Myst*, didn't require high-powered graphics cards. These titles were perfectly happy with 8- or 16-bit color support, leaving PC hardware underutilized in terms of graphical performance.

The Shift Toward 3D Graphics

Despite the limitations, change was on the horizon. Arcade machines had already embraced 3D graphics, using specialized hardware to achieve impressive visuals. On PCs, games like *Doom* were starting to use the CPU for rendering 3D graphics, with the system's graphics card simply handling display tasks. However, to truly replicate the graphics seen in arcade games like *Ridge Racer*, home PCs would need dedicated hardware for 3D rendering.

Photo courtesy of vgamuseum

This need created an opportunity for new companies to enter the market, as established graphics companies like ATI and S3 were slow to adapt. Among the new entrants was Rendition, founded in 1993 by Jay Eisenlohr and Mike Boich. Their goal was ambitious: they aimed to create a chipset that could handle both 2D and 3D graphics acceleration and market it to both the gaming and professional industries.

ISA VLB slots were in use prior to the widespread usage of PCI.

Rendition’s First Success

In 1995, Rendition unveiled its first product, the Vรฉritรฉ V1000-E. Unlike today’s relatively uniform GPU architectures, the early 3D accelerators were highly varied. Rendition took a unique approach by designing the central chip as a RISC CPU that acted as a front-end to the pixel pipeline. Running at 25 MHz, it could perform a single INT32 multiplication in one clock cycle. However, standard rendering tasks like texture filtering and depth testing required multiple cycles, reducing its performance in practical scenarios.

Despite some limitations, the Vรฉritรฉ V1000 had several key advantages. It handled triangle setup routines in hardware, which took a significant load off the CPU, freeing it up for other tasks. The card also used the relatively new PCI bus, which allowed for features like bus mastering and direct memory access (DMA), giving it a performance edge.

Perhaps most impressively, the Vรฉritรฉ V1000 was the first consumer-grade GPU that was fully programmable. This flexibility allowed the development of hardware abstraction layers (HALs) that supported a variety of APIs, making it one of the most widely supported graphics cards by software at the time.

A Key Partnership with *Quake*

Rendition's Vรฉritรฉ V1000 gained further prominence through a collaboration with id Software, the developers of *Doom* and *Quake*. Released in 1996, *Quake* was the first fully 3D game from id Software, and they soon developed an optimized version called *VQuake* to take advantage of the Vรฉritรฉ's 3D capabilities. While the standard version of *Quake* ran at about 30 frames per second (fps) on an Intel Pentium 166, *VQuake* pushed that number to over 40 fps, with improved texture filtering and anti-aliasing, giving gamers a smoother, more immersive experience.

The Fall of Rendition

Despite the initial success of the V1000, Rendition’s follow-up products failed to live up to expectations. Competitors like 3Dfx, with its Voodoo Graphics chipset, outperformed Rendition's offerings. The Voodoo Graphics card was faster, more reliable, and offered superior support for industry-standard APIs like OpenGL, which became crucial for game developers.

VGA Legacy MKIII image

Rendition released the Vรฉritรฉ V2100 and V2200 in 1997, but these models struggled to keep pace with the rapidly advancing competition. Performance improvements were modest, and the cards still lacked some features that were becoming standard in rival products. Ultimately, in 1998, Rendition was acquired by Micron Technology, and despite attempts to launch new products, the company was unable to regain its former glory.

A Canopus graphics card with the V1000L-P processor, which is faster. Picture: vgamuseum

Conclusion

Rendition's brief but impactful journey in the 3D gaming industry serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of technology. While today’s GPU market is dominated by giants like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, the early days of 3D graphics were shaped by innovative companies like Rendition, whose bold approaches helped pave the way for modern gaming. Although Rendition ultimately faded from the spotlight, its legacy endures as a significant chapter in the history of graphics technology.

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