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Tuesday 31 October 2023

Apple’s new 3nm M3 Silicon SoCs for next-gen Macs brings some industry-first features

Apple has unveiled its latest generation of computing chips, introducing the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max, all designed to enhance Mac performance significantly. These cutting-edge chips represent a milestone as the first personal computer chips developed using state-of-the-art 3-nanometer process technology. Packed with more transistors in a smaller space, these chips promise to revolutionize speed and efficiency in Mac devices.

The new M3 chip family boasts a next-generation GPU that marks a substantial leap in graphics architecture for Apple’s silicon. Apple touts this GPU as faster and more efficient, featuring a groundbreaking technology called Dynamic Caching. This innovation, alongside hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, introduces new rendering capabilities to the Mac platform for the first time, promising rendering speeds up to 2.5 times faster than the previous M1 chip family.

Apple has achieved remarkable improvements in CPU performance, with the M3 chips outperforming their predecessors. The CPU performance cores and efficiency cores now offer 30 per cent and 50 per cent faster performance, respectively. Moreover, the Neural Engine has been enhanced to be 60 per cent faster compared to the M1 chip family. These enhancements, coupled with a new media engine supporting AV1 decode, lead to more efficient and higher-quality video experiences when streaming.

The power of M3 chips is driving the latest MacBook Pro and iMac models, ensuring users experience a new level of performance and efficiency. Johny Srouji, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies, emphasized how Apple silicon has transformed the Mac experience, with architecture tailored for both power and efficiency.

The Dynamic Caching feature within the M3 chips is an industry-first innovation that allocates local memory usage in real time, ensuring optimal memory utilization for each task. Apple asserts that this transparency to developers is the cornerstone of the new GPU architecture, delivering substantial performance boosts for demanding professional applications and games.

For the first time, Mac users will enjoy hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which models the behaviour of light, creating highly realistic and physically accurate images, especially in professional applications. Combined with the new graphics architecture, this brings up to 2.5 times the speed compared to the previous M1 chips.

The M3 family of chips introduces a unified memory architecture that offers high bandwidth, low latency, and unparalleled power efficiency. With up to 128GB of memory support, tasks that were previously impossible on a laptop, such as AI development involving vast transformer models with billions of parameters, are now within reach.

Enhancements in the Neural Engine accelerate the performance of machine learning models, enhancing AI image processing tools and boosting performance in popular applications like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro.

Moreover, the M3 family’s advanced media engine provides hardware acceleration for a range of video codecs, including H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW. A significant addition is AV1 decoding support, which enhances the playback efficiency of streaming services, extending device battery life.

Apple’s M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips promise to redefine Mac performance across the board, making these the most advanced chips ever designed for personal computers. As these chips power the latest MacBook Pro and iMac models, Apple enthusiasts can anticipate an unparalleled computing experience.



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From M3 SoCs to new MacBook Pros, these are the biggest announcements from Apple's Scary Fast event

In a much-anticipated event, Apple’s “Scary Fast” showcase has wrapped up, revealing an array of groundbreaking Macs powered by the latest iteration of Apple’s proprietary chips.

Enthusiasts and tech aficionados eager to learn more about the event’s highlights can find a comprehensive overview of the key announcements below.

Here are the biggest announcements from Apple’s Scary Fast Mac launch event.

A Potent Lineup of M3 Chips
As anticipated, Apple’s event prominently featured the unveiling of the all-new M3 chip series. The M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips are the focal points of this cutting-edge lineup, representing Apple’s claim to fame as the pioneers of “first personal computer chips” crafted via the highly efficient 3-nanometer process.

In addition to sporting a “swifter and more efficient CPU,” this trio of chips introduces an upgraded GPU capable of supporting ray tracing, mesh shading, and Dynamic Caching—a feature designed to optimize memory usage during various tasks. The M3 chips impress with up to 128GB of unified memory, with the flagship M3 Max chip boasting a remarkable 92 billion transistors, a formidable 40-core GPU, and a formidable 16-core CPU.

24-inch iMac Receives M3 Chip Upgrade
Apple’s signature 24-inch iMac undergoes a transformation with the infusion of the M3 chip, promising twice the performance speed compared to its M1-equipped predecessor. Alongside the new processor, the updated iMac features a 4.5K Retina display boasting over a billion colours, support for Wi-Fi 6E, and an enhanced 1080p webcam.

This refreshed iMac comes in a vibrant array of seven colours: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver, with colour-coordinated accessories. However, it’s worth noting that the accessories still employ Lightning connectors. The 24-inch iMac is available for pre-order starting today, with a release date slated for November 7th.

M3-Powered 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros
The iMac is not the sole beneficiary of the M3 chip upgrade. Apple also introduced a new pair of MacBook Pro models, available in 14 and 16-inch sizes, equipped with either the M3 Pro chip or the more advanced M3 Max. These laptops feature Mini LED displays, a high-quality 1080p camera, a six-speaker sound system, an impressive 22 hours of battery life, and memory configurations of up to 128GB. Customers have a choice of a sleek space black finish with a fingerprint-resistant coating or the classic silver option.

A More Affordable MacBook Pro, minus a few bells and whistles
In addition to the M3 Pro and M3 Max-powered MacBook Pro models, Apple introduces a budget-friendly 14-inch MacBook Pro equipped with the base M3 chip. This model succeeds the 13-inch MacBook Pro with an M2 chip released last year, offering performance gains of up to 60 per cent.

Notably, the Touch Bar has been phased out in this entry-level model, replacing it with traditional physical keys. However, there are some trade-offs: this model comes with a modest 8GB of RAM and is available in silver and space grey, with the black colour exclusive to higher-end MacBook Pros. Pre-orders for this device are now open, and it will officially launch on November 7th.



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Scary Fast: Apple launches new, superfast M3-Powered MacBook Pro series starting at Rs 1.69 Lakhs

Apple has unveiled its latest MacBook Pro lineup, featuring the all-new M3 family of chips – M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max. These powerful chips bring impressive performance improvements to the MacBook Pro, ensuring a remarkable user experience for various user groups.

The new 14-inch MacBook Pro, powered by the M3 chip, is designed for students, entrepreneurs, and creative individuals. It offers remarkable performance in both everyday tasks and professional applications. With a starting price of INR 169900, this laptop promises immense capabilities

Performance Upgrades for 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro Models
The 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models equipped with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips provide even greater performance and additional unified memory support, catering to users with demanding workflows, such as coders, creatives, and researchers. These models now come in a sleek space black finish, adding an element of sophistication to their design.

Exceptional Features Across the MacBook Pro Lineup
All MacBook Pro models feature a brilliant Liquid Retina XDR display with 20 per cent brighter SDR content, a built-in 1080p camera, an immersive six-speaker sound system, and a wide array of connectivity options. With up to 22 hours of battery life, these laptops offer ultimate portability and maintain consistent performance whether plugged in or running on battery power.

The M3 Family of Chips
The M3 family of chips is at the heart of these groundbreaking MacBook Pro models. Built with the industry-leading 3-nanometer technology, these chips introduce a faster and more efficient next-generation GPU. The GPU’s Dynamic Caching technology optimizes memory usage in real-time, resulting in significantly improved GPU utilization and performance for resource-intensive professional applications and games.

Furthermore, the GPU adds new rendering features to Apple silicon, including hardware-accelerated mesh shading for more efficient geometry processing and the introduction of hardware-accelerated ray tracing for lifelike gaming experiences.

14-inch MacBook Pro with M3: Ideal for Aspiring Creatives
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 offers an impressive performance boost, outperforming the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1. With advanced thermal capabilities, it provides sustained performance for tasks like rendering in Final Cut Pro, code compilation in Xcode, and spreadsheet work in Microsoft Excel.

14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro: For Demanding Workflows
The 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M3 Pro deliver even greater performance and unified memory support. They excel in applications like Adobe Photoshop, DNA sequencing in Oxford Nanopore MinKNOW, and text-based editing in Adobe Premiere Pro.

14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max: Powerhouses for Extreme Workloads
The MacBook Pro models with M3 Max cater to users with extreme workflows like machine learning programming, 3D rendering, and video editing. They offer up to 11 times the performance of Intel-based MacBook Pro models and support up to 128GB of unified memory. Tasks such as dynamical system simulations in MathWorks MATLAB, rendering in Maxon Redshift, and noise reduction in Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Studio are accomplished at blazing speeds.

A Game-Changing Experience for Upgraders
Upgrading from an Intel-based Mac to the new MacBook Pro is a game-changing experience, with the M3 Max model offering up to 11 times the performance of the fastest Intel-based MacBook Pro. These laptops maintain silent operation for most workloads and provide exceptional battery life, with an up to 11-hour increase compared to the fastest Intel-based MacBook Pro model.

Apple’s Commitment to Environmentally Friendly Technology
Apple is committed to environmentally sustainable technology. The new MacBook Pro models incorporate recycled materials and are free of harmful substances. The company’s long-term vision includes achieving carbon neutrality across the entire manufacturing supply chain and all product life cycles by 2030.

The Ultimate MacBook Pro Display and Sustainability
The Liquid Retina XDR display in these MacBook Pro models offers exceptional brightness and image quality. Additionally, Apple’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of recycled materials and the elimination of harmful substances in the MacBook Pro’s construction.

Pricing and Availability
The new MacBook Pro models are available for order starting today, with deliveries commencing on November 7. The baseline M3 MacBook Pro starts at Rs 1,69,900, and goes up to Rs 3,99,900, for the M3 Max MacBook Pro. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the prices. As always, Apple offers a pretty nifty discount for students.

The 14-inch MacBook Pros
The 14-inch M3 Apple MacBook Pro starts at Rs 1,69,900 for the 512GB + 8GB version whereas the 1TB+8GB version costs Rs 1,89,900. Both of these Macs are available with the M3 SoC only.

The 16-inch MacBook Pros
The 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro starts at Rs 2,49,900 for the M3 Pro SoC, 512GB + 18GB version, whereas the M3 Pro, 512GB+36GB version costs Rs 2,89,900.

The 16-inch M3 Max MacBooks start at Rs 3,49,900 for the 1TB + 36GB variant, whereas the top-of-the-line M3 Max 1TB + 48GB variant starts at a whopping Rs 3,99,900.

As always, users will have the option to add more RAM and storage, which will push the price even higher.



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Monday 30 October 2023

All you need to know about NISAR, the awe-inducing joint mission between NASA and ISRO

A collaborative effort between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has given rise to the ‘NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar’ (NISAR) Earth observation satellite, which is set to revolutionize the study of Earth’s forest and wetland ecosystems and their impact on the global carbon cycle, subsequently influencing climate change dynamics.

Scheduled for launch in early 2024, the NISAR radar satellite mission will offer profound insights into two critical ecosystem types, namely forests and wetlands, which hold a pivotal role in the natural regulation of greenhouse gases responsible for global climate change, as reported by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Upon entering orbit, NISAR’s advanced radar systems will conduct comprehensive scans of almost all of Earth’s land and ice surfaces every 12 days. The data it collects will empower researchers to comprehend two fundamental functions of these ecosystems: the absorption and release of carbon.

JPL emphasized that forests capture and store carbon within their tree wood, while wetlands preserve it in their organic soil layers. Any disruptions to these systems, whether gradual or sudden, can expedite the release of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.

The monitoring of these changes in land cover on a global scale will greatly assist researchers in investigating their impact on the carbon cycle, which governs the movement of carbon among the atmosphere, land, ocean, and living organisms.

“The radar technology on NISAR will provide us with a comprehensive view of the planet in terms of both space and time,” commented Paul Rosen, the NISAR project scientist at NASA’s JPL in Southern California. “It will offer a highly reliable perspective on the evolving state of Earth’s land and ice.”

NISAR is the result of an equal partnership between NASA and ISRO, marking the first instance of these two agencies collaborating in the development of hardware for an Earth-observing mission.

JPL, under NASA’s supervision through the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, leads the U.S. component of the project and contributes the mission’s L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). NASA is also responsible for delivering various components, including the radar reflector antenna, deployable boom, high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem.

ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru is heading the ISRO segment of the mission, responsible for the spacecraft bus, S-band SAR electronics, the launch vehicle, launch services, and satellite mission operations. The collaborative NISAR mission represents a significant milestone in Earth observation technology and climate science.



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Israel fuming at Elon Musk, Starlink for providing internet access to Gaza, cuts off ties

In a recent turn of events, tech mogul Elon Musk finds himself entangled in a contentious dispute with the Israeli government following his offer to provide satellite internet access to Gaza. This offer has raised concerns among Israeli ministers who fear that the Hamas organization may utilize the connectivity for “terrorist purposes.”

The dispute began when Musk took to the social media platform X on Saturday, announcing his intention to allow his SpaceX Starlink satellite network to support communications in Gaza, but solely for “internationally recognized aid organizations.”

This move came in the aftermath of a severe disruption of cellular and internet services in Gaza on Friday, which isolated a substantial portion of the population from the rest of the world. This blackout created an information void during a period marked by the most intense aerial bombardment of Gaza since the conflict erupted three weeks ago.

International humanitarian organizations voiced their frustration, as they were unable to communicate with their personnel on the ground in Gaza, and rescue operations were hindered due to the inability to access mobile networks. The World Health Organization stated that the blackout had made it impossible for ambulances to locate and assist the injured. Fortunately, most of the network was restored on the following Sunday.

The recent escalation in hostilities began after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, which, according to Israeli officials, resulted in the deaths of at least 1,400 people. In response, Gaza endured a series of air strikes. The Hamas-controlled health ministry reported on Sunday that the death toll in Gaza since October 7 had climbed to 8,005, with an additional 20,242 Palestinians injured.

Elon Musk’s involvement in this situation stemmed from a direct plea made by Dr. Anastasia Maria Loupis on social media. She implored Musk, stating, “Gaza is under bombardment, the internet and telecommunications have been cut off. They need Starlink immediately.”

Musk responded by indicating that no Starlink terminals from Gaza had attempted to communicate with SpaceX’s satellite network. He assured, “SpaceX will support communication links with internationally recognized aid organizations.”

However, this announcement prompted a strong reaction from Shlomo Karhi, Israel’s Minister of Communications. He declared that Israel would employ “all means at its disposal to fight this,” citing concerns that Hamas might exploit the satellite connectivity for “terrorist activities.” He further suggested that Musk might condition the offer on the release of abducted individuals.

Musk retorted, emphasizing, “We are not so naive. Per my post, no Starlink terminal has attempted to connect from Gaza. If one does, we will take extraordinary measures to confirm that it is used only for purely humanitarian reasons.” He also stated that they would conduct a security check involving both the U.S. and Israeli governments before activating even a single terminal.

Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, had previously earned acclaim for providing Ukraine with Starlink services to aid in its defence against Russia’s invasion. However, his role in this conflict was brought into question following revelations in his biography by Walter Isaacson. The biography recounted an incident in which Musk refused to grant Kyiv’s forces access to Starlink for a naval drone strike on Russian ships near Crimea, reportedly out of concerns that this action could trigger a nuclear response from Moscow.

Subsequently, Musk proposed peace initiatives on social media, suggesting that Russia retain control of Crimea while Ukraine adopts a neutral status. These proposals were criticized by Kyiv, which saw them as echoing President Vladimir Putin’s viewpoints.

In another social media post, Musk drew widespread ire by appearing to sympathize with Iran. The post featured a map of Iran surrounded by U.S. flags, accompanied by the caption, “Iran wants war. Look how close they put their country to our military bases.” This post was made shortly after U.S. fighter jets launched airstrikes on locations in eastern Syria connected to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, in response to a series of drone and missile attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in the region.



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Intel Core i5-14600K Review: The best mid-tier gaming CPU, made even better

Pros
– Strong and reliable performance
– As strong and efficient as the 13600K
– Pricing compared to competitors
– Hybrid architecture
– Compatible with previous-gen chipsets
– WiFi 7, Thunderbolt 5 support

Cons
– Only a slight jump in performance over the 13th Gen i5
– Power consumption
– Facers tough competition from Intel 13th Gen CPUs remaining in the market
– Does not have any of the AI features that Intel showcased for the 14th gen Core i9
– Possibly the last generation of CPUs using the LGA 1700 Socket

Rating: 4.5/5

Historically, Intel’s Core i5 CPUs have been the perfect choice for a mid-tier gaming rig. With the 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh Core i5-14600K, Intel is showing why they continue to be the perfect choice for gamers. The i5-14600K is not exactly a generational upgrade over last year’s i5-13600K — instead, it is a refresh of it.

Think of it this way: as good and bang for the buck as the Core i5-13600K was, the new 14th Gen i5 is what the 13th Gen i5 would have been if you were able to eke more performance out of the chip. In essence, the i5-14600K is the 13600K, only made better.

Intel 14th gen Core i5-14600K-10
Image Credit: Mehul Reuben Das | Firstpost

Make no mistake, the Core i5-13600K was the best mid-tier CPU from last year. With the Core i5-14600K, Intel has just turned things up a notch. And although personally, I don’t like to overclock my CPUs, it’s nice to have the choice to overclock even a mid-tier CPU like the 14600K. Intel really won over gamers when they decided to let mid-tier PC builders overclock their CPUs, starting with the Alder Lake lineup.

I think Intel’s intention was to perfect the LGA 1700 socket before sending it off. Unlike its elder siblings of the 14th Gen CPU family, the Core i5-14600K does not come with the array of AI features that sets the costlier siblings apart. Instead, you get a bunch of minor tweaks here and there and some pretty neat refinements.

Have these refinements worked though? We find out

Intel Core i5-14600K Review: Specifications and features
The 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh series is pretty much what it sounds like — a refresh of the awesome 13th Gen Raptor Lake series. What this means is that you get the same basic microarchitecture as the 13th Gen, albeit with a few tweaks here and there.

In case of the the i5-14600K, it has the same core count as the i5-13600K, 6 Performance cores with HyperThreading and 8 Efficieny cores. There’s also a 24MB L3 cache that both the P-cores and E-cores share, along with the 20MB combined L2 cache.

Intel 14th gen Core i5-14600K-06
Image Credit: Mehul Reuben Das | Firstpost

What sets the Core i5-14600K apart is that the newer CPU gets a little speed boost compared to its predecessor. The 14600K gets about 100-200Mhz more at the top end. The P-cores start at 3.50 GHz as the base frequency and can now reach up to 5.30 GHz at maximum boost, which is 200 MHz faster than the i5-13600K. Meanwhile, the E-cores now run at a base speed of 2.60 GHz and can turbo up to 4.00 GHz, which is an increase of 100Mhz.

The 14600K has the same base power as the 13th Gen at 125W and a maximum turbo power of 181W.

As for special features, we get to see the Thread Director, the recommendation engine operating behind the scenes to guide Windows in utilizing the most suitable core for specific tasks, has remained unchanged in the 14th Generation as compared to the previous generation.

One thing that I would have loved to see in the 14600K AI-guided overclocking. Introduced with the 14th Gen CPUs, only the Core i9-14900K currently has this feature. This is what made this year’s Core i9 stand out from the previous gen Core i9. Although Intel says that they will be adding AI-guided overclocking to other tiers of the 14th Gen, it would have been nice to have this feature across the lineup at the time of launch.

Intel Core i5-14600K Review: Compatibility
As with the rest of the 14th Gen lineup, you can still use your older motherboards if you’re already rocking a 12900K or 13900K. Intel has stuck with its trusty LGA 1700 socket for this series. Just update your BIOS and you’re good to go.

But if you truly want to get the most out of your 14th Gen CPU, Intel suggests you get a Z790 board. And while you can reuse your DDR4-3200 MTs RAM sticks, you should be getting the newer DDR5-5600 RAMs as they would perform faster and better.

Intel 14th gen Core i5-14600K-07
Image Credit: Mehul Reuben Das | Firstpost

Intel Core i5-14600K Review: Our test bench
In our testing, we paired the Core i9-14900K with the Asus ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi II motherboard, generously provided by ASUS. Although the chip isn’t as power hungry as the Core i9-14900K and has the same TDP as last year’s core i5-13600K, we are in a generation of CPUs that where a Core i5 processor draws upward of 100W, your motherboards isn’t really an area where you should cheap out, even if it is a budget build.

Intel 14th gen Core i5-14600K-11
Image Credit: Mehul Reuben Das | Firstpost

Plus, the Asus ROG Strix Z790-F Gaming WiFi II is a powerhouse, packed to the brim with features and also has a tone of lifestyle features. It boasts Ultrafast Intel WiFi 7 with ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna, support for PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 4 via USB 4, and even a front panel connector for a high-speed front-panel USB Type-C port with 30W Power Delivery fast charging.

We also like what Asus has done to optimise the fast memory that the 14th Gen CPUs provide, For instance, you get DIMM Flex, which adjusts how memory controllers operate based on the current memory temperature. You also get AEMP II, which enables automatic memory overclocking, even if your DDR5 memory doesn’t have EXPO or XMP support.

Intel 14th gen Core i5-14600K-09
Image Credit: Mehul Reuben Das | Firstpost

For cooling, we opted for the reliable Noctua NHD15 cooler. For memory, we chose a pair of 16GB HyperX Fury DDR5 6000 MTs, giving us 32GB. As for the GPU, we used our MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Ventus 3X 8G OC, and for power, we had the Cooler Master MWE Gold V2 1250W PSU.

Intel Core i5-14600K Review: Performance
As expected, Core i5-14600K outperforms the last generation Core i5-13600K to a certain degree. Because this is not a generational upgrade that focuses on performance, but rather a refresh that is supposed to focus on other features and finetuning, benchmarks look a lot similar to the 13600K. Having said that, performance-wise, it still presents some really great numbers.

Intel 14th gen Core i5-14600K-01
Image Credit: Mehul Reuben Das | Firstpost

When it comes to benchmarking scores are nearly at the top of the charts as you would expect. Even in gaming, the performance in games has been great.

Intel 14th gen Core i5-14600K-04
Image Credit: Mehul Reuben Das | Firstpost

The 14600K performs really well in synthetic benchmarks like Cinebench R23, and performs slightly better than the 13600K, thanks to the higher boost clocks. The performance is also made better because the L3 cache is surprisingly fast, and actually manages to outperform the L2 cache in raw bandwidth.

And unlike its elder siblings like the 14th Gen Core i7 and the Core i9 you don’t need an expensive AIO. It will be great if you fo get one, but a really good air cooler like the NHD15 will be more than sufficient. It should also be able to handle some minor overclocking if you dial in your settings correctly.

Intel 14th gen Core i5-14600K-03
Image Credit: Mehul Reuben Das | Firstpost

Intel has also incorporated a variety of boosting algorithms into the i5-14600K, each designed to optimize performance in different ways. These include Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB), Turbo Boost Max 3.0, and, notably, the chip’s unique hybrid architecture, consisting of P-Core and E-Core components. In essence, these algorithms work in tandem, adjusting the turbo speeds based on the thermal headroom available, thereby allowing the chip to boost its performance more frequently and efficiently.

Intel Core i5-14600K Review: Power Consumption & Thermals
We don’t see a lot of difference in thermals and power consumption of the i5-14600K compared to the previous year’s i5-13600K. What this means is that the Intel Core i5-14600K is an impressive CPU when it comes to managing its thermals

During peak loads, we saw the CPU power usage jump up to 178W which is pretty close to its advertised 181W TDP. Furthermore, right after we were done with our testing in games and benchmarks, the CPUs went down 15-20W at idle and stayed there. During light internet browsing using Chrome, our usage was at around 45-50W.

Intel 14th gen Core i5-14600K-02
Image Credit: Mehul Reuben Das | Firstpost

Temperatures stay roughly the same as the 13600K during gaming. Temperatures hovered around 87 degrees Celsius. If we were using an AIO like we did for our review of the 13600K, we’re pretty sure that we would have been around 85 degrees.

Whether you use a good air cooler or an AI, you can hit the 14600K with a pretty hard load and the CPU will manage to stay just fine.

Intel Core i5-14600K Review: Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a cracker of a CPU, and perhaps one of the best CPUs in the market if you want to build a mid-tier PC for gaming and some productivity tasks. Although it is very close to the Intel 13600K in terms of performance and efficiency, it is set to get some lifestyle features that will set it apart. Does that warrant an upgrade though?

Well, it depends. If you’re already rocking the 13th Gen CPU, especially the 13600K or anything above that, then no, this is not meant for you. If you’re using anything older than a 12th Gen Intel CPU, and are planning an upgrade immediately, then you should seriously consider the 14600K. Or if you are on a very tight budget, go for the 13600K.

Intel 14th gen Core i5-14600K-08
Image Credit: Mehul Reuben Das | Firstpost

We just wished to see some of the AI features that the higher-tiered 14th Gen i9 came with, in the i5. AI-assisted overclocking will be a massively popular feature among amateur gaming enthusiasts, even if it covers the warranty of their CPUs.

As I said in my review of the 14900K, we’ve been spoiled by Intel with a couple of great CPU generations back-to-back. With each generational upgrade, we have seen the needle of performance being pushed to areas never seen before. So I understand what Intel plans to achieve with the Core i5 14600K.

Even though this is a generation refresh and not exactly an upgrade, it still is a pretty solid CPU. Intel has taken one of the best gaming CPUs for a mid-tier build, and refined it as much as it can, The end result, is that the best just became better.



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Friday 27 October 2023

UK in no rush to regulate AI, will tackle ‘dangers and fears’ when the time comes says PM Rishi Sunak

In a significant move aimed at addressing the inherent perils of AI, the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, unveiled a groundbreaking plan to establish the world’s first AI safety institute. This announcement comes as the UK prepares to host the inaugural AI global safety summit, scheduled for next week.

Speaking in London on Thursday, Sunak emphasized the urgency of addressing the “dangers and fears” associated with AI technology. Among the foremost concerns are the potential ease of developing biological weapons and the risk of AI systems spiralling out of human control.

The AI safety institute will be tasked with a comprehensive examination of AI-related risks, spanning from societal issues like bias and misinformation to the most extreme threats. Importantly, the findings and insights derived from this initiative will be shared worldwide, promoting a collaborative global approach to AI safety.

Prime Minister Sunak has consistently underscored the significance of addressing AI’s impact on society and the imperative of mitigating its risks since assuming office last year.

In a related commitment, Sunak pledged an additional £100 million (€114 million) of investment in AI, particularly for research into diseases such as cancer and dementia.

With this ambitious endeavour, Britain aims to cement its position as a global leader in AI technology, rivalling established players like the United States, China, and the European Union.

Sunak remarked, “I believe nothing in our foreseeable future will be more transformative for our economy, our society, and all our lives than this technology. But in this moment, it is also one of the greatest tests of leadership we face.”

The United Kingdom is set to host the upcoming global AI safety summit, which will convene from November 1 to 2 in Bletchley Park, located in southern England and known for its historical significance as the secret base of Britain’s World War II codebreakers.

Approximately 100 participants, including political leaders such as US Vice President Kamala Harris, AI experts, and representatives from leading tech companies, are expected to participate in the summit. Discussions will revolve around the regulation of AI, its impact on cybersecurity, and potential threats like the development of bioweapons and its influence on elections.

Rishi Sunak concluded with a stark warning, “Get this wrong, and AI could make it easier to build chemical or biological weapons. And in the most unlikely but extreme cases, there is even the risk that humanity could lose control of AI completely.”



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Ups, Downs, Transformations: How has Twitter, now X, been in the year since Elon Musk took over

When Elon Musk acquired Twitter and took control of it about a year, people had some seriously polarising reactions. Fans of Elon said that Twitter, now X would be a completely different app within one year, whereas critics of the eccentric tech billionaire, said that the platform would go bankrupt and shut down.

However, one year after Musk took control of Twitter, promising to turn it into an “everything app,” the social media platform’s grand makeover has yet to fully materialize. Third-party data indicates several challenges on the horizon, from dwindling user metrics to content moderation woes, leaving Musk to defend his vision, citing its “fast growth.”

So how exactly has X been under Musk and is it any closer to becoming the super app that Elon Musk had hoped it to be? Or, is it just barely able to stay afloat and is on the verge of a major collapse? We take a look.

User Metrics: Ups and Downs
Musk touted the platform’s success, claiming record-breaking “user-seconds” in recent months. X reported 245 million daily active users in September, slightly down from Musk’s November 2022 figure of 259.4 million. However, third-party analysis by Sensor Tower reveals a 16 per cent drop in daily active users via mobile apps compared to Musk’s takeover month.

Twitter’s brand value goes for a toss
Back in April, there was some buzz about Elon Musk wanting to give Twitter a quirky makeover by renaming it as the super quirky “X Corp.” Documents claimed that Twitter had basically transformed into this new X Corp and didn’t exist as Twitter anymore. But the actual visual rebranding to “X” didn’t happen until the summer. Moreover, the URL for the platform still reads Twitter.

X’s Resilience
While competitors like Meta Platforms have sought to rival X, the platform remains a staple for many users. Among all the ‘Twitter-Killers’ that were launched, Meta’s Threads got the most attention when it was launched in July. However, it fizzled out just as quickly as it made headlines. Months after Threads was launched, Twitter still boasts a more substantial user base.

Staff Cuts and Technical Woes
One of Musk’s first actions upon taking over X as to drastically reduce the headcount, raising concerns about overworked engineers and a growing number of glitches. Despite these issues, some users appreciate Musk’s stewardship. Technical problems were not exclusive to the Musk era, as they existed before his takeover, however, they did shoot up right after he started cutting X’s headcount. For the last couple of months though, blackouts on X have been few and far between.

Challenges in Reassuring Advertisers
X CEO Linda Yaccarino is now striving to paint a rosier picture of the platform’s state, emphasizing that 90 per cent of the top 100 advertisers from the previous year have returned. Advertising has traditionally been Twitter’s primary revenue source, but the platform is exploring additional income streams, such as subscriptions.

Investor Worries and Musk’s Ambitions
Musk’s vision for Twitter extends beyond social media, envisioning it as an “everything app.” However, concerns about declining value persist, with several asset managers marking down their investments. Cathie Wood of ARK Investment Management remains bullish on Twitter’s long-term prospects.

Subscriptions vs Advertising
Despite efforts to introduce subscription-based features, Twitter remains heavily reliant on advertising revenue. Data shows a consistent decline in monthly U.S. ad revenue year-over-year since Musk’s acquisition.

Hopes for Twitter’s Future
The appointment of CEO Linda Yaccarino was seen as a positive step for Twitter, aiming to create a distinct separation between Musk and the platform. Musk’s ambitious plans include expanding Twitter into various sectors, from audio and video to banking and more.

Moderation Challenges
Twitter continues to grapple with content moderation, with reports of hosting hateful posts. The Centre for Countering Digital Hate revealed that nearly 86 per cent of reported hateful posts remained on the platform a week after being reported. The battle between Twitter and advocacy groups over moderation policies rages on.

As challenges persist for Twitter, Musk’s ambition to transform it into an “everything app” remains undeterred. His pinned post on the platform reads: “Twitter as humanity’s collective consciousness.”



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Thursday 26 October 2023

ChatGPT, Generative AI have peaked, OpenAI’s GPT-5 won’t be much better says Bill Gates

Generative AI has dominated the headlines throughout the year, with numerous companies investing substantially in the area and a watershed moment in this trajectory occurred with the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022.

OpenAI’s GPT set the stage for significant advancements in AI across various sectors. However, despite the widespread enthusiasm for GPT and generative AI, Microsoft founder Bill Gates has voiced reservations, suggesting that this technology may have reached a plateau.

ChatGPT has plateaued, believes Gates
In an interview with the German business newspaper Handelsblatt, the 67-year-old tech luminary discussed his concerns about the trajectory of generative AI. He acknowledged that there are compelling reasons to believe that the current state of GPT technology has hit a plateau. Gates, however, admitted that he could be mistaken in his assessment.

His perspective diverges from OpenAI’s, as he sees limitations in the development of GPT-5, contrary to the optimism of OpenAI.

Gates characterized the leap from GPT-2 to GPT-4 as “incredible” in terms of progress. He also offered predictions about the near future, suggesting that in the next two to five years, AI software’s accuracy will substantially improve while costs decrease.

This, he believes, will pave the way for the creation of novel and dependable applications. Nevertheless, Gates anticipates an initial stagnation in development, particularly with GPT-4, where he sees a technological limit that GPT-5 may not surpass.

AI is set to get more reliable, not more feature-rich than it is today
However, Gates remains optimistic about the short-term potential of AI. He envisions that ongoing research will render AI more reliable and understandable. Additionally, he foresees that developing nations will significantly benefit from AI, offering the example of health advice delivered via smartphones.

Addressing the cost and reliability of AI, Gates acknowledged that some AI chips from Nvidia can be exorbitantly priced at around $30,000 per unit, boasting substantial computing power and energy consumption. He remarked on the expense of training large language models but noted that the actual usage costs have reduced over time.

Gates also expressed his belief in AI’s potential to revolutionize healthcare. He highlighted AI’s capacity to expedite drug and vaccine development, notwithstanding existing concerns about reliability.

No one knows how AGI will pan out
Furthermore, Gates delved into the concept of the AI “black box” and the importance of unravelling how AI encrypts information. He mentioned ongoing efforts by many individuals and organizations to demystify this aspect of AI.

On the topic of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Gates asserted that the arrival of AGI remains uncertain and could represent a profound development for humanity.

Finally, Gates shared his insights into how AI can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change. He emphasized that climate models are continually improving and touted the potential for new crop varieties that can thrive in high-temperature conditions.

Gates revealed his investments in nearly 100 companies dedicated to enhancing the power grid with AI technology, underlining his commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.



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Forget Foldables, Bendables Are In: Motorola unveils concept smartphone that can wrap around wrists

At the annual Lenovo Tech World 2023, Motorola, a subsidiary of Lenovo, unveiled an innovative concept phone with a display that can wrap around your wrist.

While foldable screens have been making their way into mainstream technology, this new development takes smartphone design to the next level.

The groundbreaking device features a full-HD+ pOLED display that is highly flexible and can be bent backwards, allowing it to be comfortably wrapped around the wrist, resembling a wristband or a smartwatch.

What sets this concept apart is its adaptive nature, offering multiple stand modes to cater to various user preferences.

In its standard flat position, the device offers a spacious 6.9-inch screen, providing a typical Android smartphone experience. However, it can also transform into a self-standing position with a 4.6-inch display, offering versatility for different tasks.

Users can even encircle their wrist with the device, creating a smart band or smartwatch-like experience, similar to the external display on the Motorola Razr Plus’s cover screen.

Motorola’s innovative concept represents a significant leap in smartphone design, but the company has not provided a specific release date for this unique device as of now.

Notably, Motorola had previously offered a glimpse of its rollable Rizr concept at the Mobile World Congress (MWC 2023).

The concept phone competition is heating up, with brands such as Vivo, Transsion Holdings, and TCL also preparing to unveil their own rollable display form factors in 2024. While Motorola is pioneering this wrist-wrapping concept, Samsung remains the leader in the foldable smartphone space.

In addition to its revolutionary display concept, Motorola demonstrated some impressive generative AI features that allow users to personalize their phones. Users can upload or capture images of their outfits, and AI generates images that match their style, adding a new dimension to personalization.

The brand also announced the development of MotoAI, a personal assistant for both PCs and smartphones. Furthermore, Motorola is exploring an AI concept model that enhances the Doc Scanner capability found in Motorola camera systems, an AI Text Summarization tool, and a Privacy Content Obfuscation concept that leverages AI to safeguard user privacy and data. These innovations represent a significant step forward in the ever-evolving world of smartphone technology.



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Elon Musk’s X officially rolling out audio, video calls, one step closer to becoming ‘the everything app’

In a groundbreaking move, X is introducing audio and video call capabilities for its user base. Numerous platform users, have reported receiving notifications upon opening the app, announcing the arrival of this new feature, stating, “Audio and video calls are here!”

Musk also took to X and reshared a post, announcing how to enable the new feature.

The introduction of this feature comes hand in hand with a new “Enable audio and video calling” toggle within the app’s settings. This toggle allows users to activate the feature and specify their preferred audience for making these calls.

Users can choose to allow audio and video calls from individuals in their address book, those they follow, verified users, or any combination of the three. Initiating a call is a straightforward process; users simply open a direct message with another user, select the phone icon located in the top right corner of the screen, and choose between an audio or video call.

While X has not made an official announcement regarding this feature, the company has been dropping hints, with a cryptic post that read, “ready for it…?” shortly before the feature’s appearance. X’s owner, Elon Musk, has long indicated his intention to incorporate audio and video calls into the platform, as part of his vision to transform it into the ultimate “everything app.”

Musk has explicitly mentioned that this feature will be available across iOS, Android, Mac, and PC, eliminating the requirement for a phone number.

The extent of the rollout of audio and video calls on X remains unclear, as does whether non-Premium users will be able to access this feature.

Notably, last month, Chris Messina, the inventor of hashtags and a vocal advocate for open-source technology, discovered code in X’s software that hinted at the necessity of subscribing to X’s Premium service to use this new feature.

Furthermore, Musk has alluded to plans of charging all users an annual fee for platform access and has already initiated this practice for users in New Zealand and the Philippines, who are now required to pay $1 per year to continue using the platform.



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Wednesday 25 October 2023

Meta sued by 33 US states for damaging children's mental health, causing depression, anxiety, insomnia

Meta Platforms, the parent company of social media giants Instagram and Facebook, has found itself embroiled in a rather tricky legal battle. On Tuesday, California, along with a coalition of over 30 states, filed a lawsuit accusing the tech giant of exploiting young users for profit and exposing them to harmful content. The lawsuit was formally submitted in a federal court situated in California.

The lawsuit contends that Meta has harnessed unprecedented technologies to lure, engage, and effectively ensnare young individuals, particularly youth and teenagers.

Charges against Meta
The states argue that the underlying motive behind these actions is driven by profit, and in pursuit of maximizing financial gains, Meta has consistently misled the public about the substantial dangers associated with its social media platforms.

Meta Platforms, has asserted its commitment to ensuring the online safety of young users and their families. To this end, the company has introduced more than 30 tools aimed at supporting these objectives.

In response to the lawsuit, Meta Platforms issued a statement expressing its disappointment in the approach taken by the attorneys general. The company expressed its preference for collaborative efforts within the industry to establish clear, age-appropriate standards for the multitude of apps utilized by teenagers.

Whistleblower’s testimony, the backbone of the lawsuit
This lawsuit stems from a series of concerns that have surfaced over the past year, largely triggered by former Meta employee Frances Haugen, who emerged as a whistleblower in 2021. Haugen’s allegations pointed to Meta knowingly targeting vulnerable young users to enhance its profits.

Notably, Haugen revealed an internal study conducted on Instagram, which indicated that many adolescent girls using the platform were grappling with depression and anxiety, particularly concerning body-image issues.

In this recent lawsuit, Haugen’s testimony to Congress has been included as pertinent evidence. Furthermore, the legal action underscores the existence of child-oriented accounts on both Facebook and Instagram, featuring content related to toys like Hot Wheels and Lego, as well as television programs such as PAW Patrol and Bluey.

Collecting data from children
While users under the age of 13 are mandated to secure parental consent to create an account on Facebook and Instagram, the lawsuit alleges that Meta Platforms has been collecting personal information about underage users who have not received the required parental authorization.

It’s noteworthy that Meta Platforms Inc. is not the only tech company facing legal action concerning the impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents and young adults.

Competitors such as Snap, TikTok, and Google are similarly contending with numerous lawsuits, with claimants arguing that these platforms are responsible for issues like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and sleep disturbances among young users ensnared by the allure of social media.



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Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, to come with Generative AI, WiFi 7, support 240FPS gaming

In a momentous reveal at the Snapdragon Summit held, Qualcomm announced its latest flagship mobile platform, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. As the successor to the highly acclaimed Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, the new chipset promises an array of groundbreaking enhancements and stands as the first mobile platform dedicated to generative AI.

The SoC’s remarkable AI engine is at the heart of this innovation, designed to support multi-modal generative AI models, including the ever-popular large language models (LLMs). The Qualcomm Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is set to deliver a staggering 98 per cent increase in speed and 40 per cent more efficiency, revolutionizing AI-driven capabilities in mobile devices.

Gaming enthusiasts are in for a treat, as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers an astounding 240 frames per second (fps) gaming experience in certain games on supported displays. The SoC also takes global illumination and hardware-accelerated ray tracing to a new level. The Qualcomm Adreno GPU, a staple in Qualcomm’s mobile platforms, is asserted to be 25 per cent faster and more efficient than its predecessor.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Devices and availability
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is poised to make its debut in flagship Android devices in the coming weeks.

To start with, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will be seen in Xiaomi 14 series, iQOO 12 series, Realme GT 5 Pro, OnePlus 12, vivo X100+, OPPO Find X7 series, Samsung Galaxy S24 series

Leading global OEMs and smartphone brands, like ASUS, Honor, iQOO, MEIZU, NIO, Nubia, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Redmi, RedMagic, Sony, Vivo, Xiaomi, and ZTE, are set to launch their upcoming flagships with the new SoC.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Key Features
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 features the Qualcomm AI engine, boasting a reimagined hexagon process that impressively accelerates AI performance by 98 per cent and enhances efficiency by 40 per cent. It pioneers generative AI capabilities, ushering in the world’s swiftest and most stable image generation.

Built on the advanced 4nm processing technology, the Qualcomm Kryo CPU reigns supreme, delivering clock speeds of up to 3.3 GHz at 30 per cent faster rates and 20 per cent improved efficiency. This dynamic CPU comprises five Performance cores operating at speeds of up to 3.2 GHz and two Efficiency cores reaching up to 2.3 GHz.

Gaming aficionados can anticipate an unparalleled gaming experience, featuring the marvel of hardware-accelerated ray tracing with global illumination. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 supports awe-inspiring 240 fps gaming on compatible displays, with the Qualcomm Adreno GPU proudly touting a 25 per cent boost in speed and efficiency.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC also introduces a range of AI-powered camera enhancements. Among them, the inclusion of the Video Object Eraser by Arcsoft, which adeptly removes unwanted elements and individuals from video footage, and new zoom capabilities, courtesy of Samsung’s 200-megapixel image sensor optimized for Snapdragon. These capabilities enable multiple video capture, object tracking, and 2X and 4X zoom. The platform supports Dolby HDR and features Photo Expansion, which leverages AI to enhance and fill photos.

In terms of connectivity, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 comes with the Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 System, delivering robust support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a spectrum of previous Wi-Fi standards. It showcases the Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System, which is the world’s first 5G modem with an integrated AI tensor hardware accelerator.



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Apple's One More Thing: Shares invite for 'Scary Fast' event, likely to launch new iMacs, MacBooks

After weeks of speculation of a major event in October, Apple has officially sent out invitations for its upcoming event, humorously dubbed the “Scary Fast” event.

Scheduled to unfold at the end of this month, the event is widely speculated to be the launch of Apple’s latest iMac and MacBook models. The launch event is set to take place on October 30 and will start at 5:00 PM Pacific Time, or 5:30 AM IST.

Notably, the event will be live-streamed for a global audience, accessible through Apple’s official website at apple.com. This revelation has ignited a wave of excitement among Apple enthusiasts and consumers, who eagerly anticipate insights into the company’s latest innovations.

While Apple remains tight-lipped regarding specific details about the event, industry experts widely speculate that this occasion will herald the introduction of new Mac products. The precise lineup of offerings, however, remains undisclosed at this time.

The expectation for the event is the potential unveiling of a successor to the 2021 24-inch iMac. Previous reports, including insights from the reputable Bloomberg newsletter authored by Mark Gurman, indicate that Apple intends to introduce a refreshed version of the 24-inch iMac at this much-anticipated event. Furthermore, Gurman’s newsletter hints at the likelihood of a larger Pro variant of the iMac entering the market, though this prospect is anticipated for late 2024 or 2025.

In contrast, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s perspectives diverge, with expectations pointing towards the launch of the new 24-inch iMac in the upcoming year.

The current 24-inch iMac stands out because of the M1 chip and its array of seven colour options. Featuring a 4.5K retina display with a peak brightness of 500 nits, the existing model continues to garner attention for its aesthetic appeal and robust performance.

Gurman’s reports allude to the potential introduction of the Apple M3 chip in the new Mac products, signifying a shift towards enhanced processing capabilities.

On a separate note, Mark Gurman’s analysis also asserts that Apple has no intentions of launching new iPad models within the remainder of the year. Enthusiasts will likely need to wait until March 2024 to witness the unveiling of fresh iPad iterations from the tech giant.



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Loving Pre-loved Devices: More people are buying refurbished smartphones this festive season

Turn the clock back by a few years and you will see that people would normally refrain from buying refurbished smartphones, for a variety of reasons. More importantly, though, most people, even those who love technology, kept their smartphones for longer and did not upgrade every year.

Now though, it seems that people are not only opening up to the idea of buying refurbished devices, they are actually loving it. The refurbished smartphone market is set to grow exponentially this festive season, if industry experts are to be believed.

A massive uptick in sales of refurbished devices
During the upcoming festive season, experts in the industry and market analysts anticipate a massive uptick in revenue, year-on-year, in the refurbished market. This robust growth is expected to outperform the new phone segment, where the growth rate is projected to remain at approximately 7 per cent.

Companies like ReFit Global and Cashify, who specialize in selling refurbished phones and electronic devices, are also optimistic about a significant uptick in their revenues during the ongoing festive season

Refit, for example, is confident that they will sell about 3.5 lakh smartphones during the Dusshera-Diwali festive season. They also expect that they, along with the rest of the refurbished smartphone market will see revenues grow by 18 per cent, year-on-year. Saket Saurav, a co-founder of ReFit Global, stated, “We have high expectations of tripling our revenue, with a goal to achieve Rs 200 crore in the final three months of this year. This would surpass our revenue record for the fiscal year 2022 by December.” ReFit Global has established partnerships with major e-commerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon, and sell their devices through the e-commerce giants, on their own platform, as well as channel of distributors.

Change in consumer behaviour
One of the biggest reasons why more and more people are buying refurbished devices is the increased availability of these devices. Earlier people would hold on to their smartphones for longer, and would not upgrade that often.

Now, thanks to the previous-gen devices becoming available at greater discounts, and an increased supply in premium devices, mean people are updating their phones more often.

An in-depth trends analysis by ReFit has revealed that most people are buying iPhones, or devices from OnePlus. Devices like the iPhone 12, iPhone 11, are highly demanded, and are just as easily available. As for Android-based devices, premium Samsung flagships like the Galaxy S21, and some of OnePlus’ flagships are in demand.

One of the reasons why Apple is particularly popular is its longer lifecycle compared to most Android flagships. Then, there is also the fact that Apple has an aspirational value like no other brand. Similarly, OnePlus, which built its reputation as the ‘Flagship Killer’ is almost as popular as Apple.

Why are more people buying second-hand smartphones?
Affordability is not the only reason why people are going more for refurbished smartphones, over brand new devices. Over the last few years, smartphones haven’t really changed that much, and perform more or less the same. The areas where smartphone makers are innovating are not necessarily the areas where customers see value.

Moreover, people have started to trust refurbished brands more now. Because platforms like Amazon and Flipkart are selling refurbished and renewed devices, and backing most of these sales with their own return policies, people started buying refurbished products from these platforms and trusting second-hand devices from reputable refurbishers and platforms.

What does the data suggest?
Refit’s sales over the last four years also suggest that more and more people are buying refurbished smartphones. In FY 2019-20, they sold 80,000 units, in FY 2020-21, about 110,000 units, and in FY 2021-22, they sold 247,000 units. In their last fiscal year, for the period 2022-23 they sold 453,000 units.

Saurav explained that there is a robust demand for aspirational brands like Apple and OnePlus in major metropolitan areas, surpassing the available supply. Consequently, this increased demand has driven up the availability of used phones.



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Tuesday 24 October 2023

India sees massive surge in semiconductor jobs, likely to have over 1 lakh semicon engineers in 5 years

The landscape of India’s semiconductor industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, promising an exponential surge in job opportunities within the sector. With a slew of semiconductor fabrication units and research and development centres proposed for India, along with those already allocated, the nation is projected to witness a remarkable influx of at least one lakh semiconductor design engineers in the next five years.

Micron, for example, has already begun its recruitment initiatives within the vicinity of local educational institutions in Sansnd, where it plans to establish a semiconductor fabrication facility. Analytics India Magazine reports that over thirty students have already received offers from Micron. Experts believe that about 150 engineering graduates from Gujarat alone will be hired by the year’s end.

Micron’s venture in Sanand represents a monumental milestone, supported by an estimated investment of INR 22,500 crore. The company is set to erect one of India’s most extensive Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facilities at Sanand GIDC, offering direct employment opportunities for 5,000 individuals and an additional 15,000 professionals indirectly.

Graduates specializing in electronics and communications have been presented with competitive annual packages, ranging from INR 15 lakh to INR 20 lakh. This development is particularly uplifting, considering the soaring demand for proficient personnel in the semiconductor industry.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Tower Semiconductor is contemplating the establishment of a semiconductor fabrication plant within the country, further amplifying the demand for fresh talent in the semiconductor industry, as per a report by Analytics India Magazine.

The Tata Group is also gearing up to invest INR 200 crore in establishing a semiconductor testing and packaging unit in Narasapura, Kolar district, located approximately 65 km from Bengaluru. Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Private Limited is expected to generate 155 employment opportunities.

As India asserts its ambitions to cement its status as a semiconductor manufacturing powerhouse, industry leaders like Jaya Jagadish, the country head of AMD India and chairperson of the Semicon Talent Building Committee (TBC), are shedding light on the burgeoning demand for skilled professionals in various sectors.

With the evolution of manufacturing processes and the increasing prominence of design functions, the semiconductor industry in India is set to generate a demand for a staggering 12 lakh jobs.

Key roles in this industry include engineers, operators, and technicians, and the requirement for professionals in these positions is nothing short of critical. The growth and demand within India’s semiconductor industry will lead to approximately 1.2 million skilled workers across various sectors.

Underlining this commitment to meeting the demand for qualified personnel, AMD recently unveiled its plans to establish a new design centre campus in Bengaluru by year-end, with the ambitious goal of creating 3,000 engineering positions over the next five years.

In addition to AMD’s proactive steps, Lam Research is stepping up to the plate by initiating the training of 60,000 Indian engineers through the Semiverse Solution for Semiconductor Education.

These initiatives align seamlessly with the unwavering commitment of Indian Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who is determined to cultivate a minimum of 85,000 global semiconductor talents within the next two years. Chandrasekhar underscored the pivotal and profound roles that entities, enterprises, and engineers play in shaping the future of semiconductor design and manufacturing, with the government firmly dedicated to supporting their success.

(With inputs from agencies)



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Five Eyes' chief warns of China stealing 'intellectual property, trade secrets, and personal data'

The intelligence leaders of the “Five Eyes” alliance, consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have come together to accuse China of posing a substantial global threat. In a joint statement made during the news program ’60 Minutes’ on CBS News, these officials alleged that China is systematically engaged in stealing intellectual property, trade secrets, and personal data on a global scale.

US FBI Director Christopher Wray characterized this collective call as an unprecedented response to an equally unprecedented threat, highlighting the menace posed by China to global innovation. The accusations encompass a broad spectrum of sectors, ranging from quantum technology, robotics, biotechnology, to artificial intelligence.

“China has long targeted businesses with a web of techniques all at once: cyber intrusions, human intelligence operations, seemingly innocuous corporate investments and transactions,” Wray stated, emphasizing that every facet of this approach had grown increasingly audacious and hazardous.

In response, Chinese government spokesperson Liu Pengyu affirmed China’s commitment to intellectual property protection, rejecting what they deemed “groundless allegations and smears.”

The issue of intellectual property theft has long strained US-China relations, but this is the first time that the Five Eyes alliance has collectively voiced its concerns about China’s actions.

Mike Burgess, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s director-general, accused the Chinese government of conducting “the most sustained, scaled, and sophisticated theft of intellectual property and expertise in human history.” He highlighted a recent incident in which a Chinese plot to infiltrate an Australian research institution was uncovered, involving the placement of an academic to steal secrets.

The recent statement by the Five Eyes group follows their earlier warning in May regarding a widespread Chinese spy operation targeting critical infrastructure and various other sectors, which China dismissed as a “collective disinformation campaign.”

Wray emphasized that China’s hacking program, when combined with physical espionage and the theft of trade secrets, gave China an unprecedented level of power. He called for private industry and academia to collaborate in countering these threats, with a particular focus on the risks associated with artificial intelligence tools.

“We worry about AI as an amplifier for all sorts of misconduct,” Wray said, asserting that China outpaced all other nations in terms of stealing personal and corporate data by orders of magnitude.

“The challenge lies in the combination of all these tools being deployed simultaneously at an unprecedented scale,” he added, emphasizing the potential for AI to further amplify the effectiveness of China’s extensive hacking program.

(With input from agencies)



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Samsung announces new budget-friendly Galaxy Tab A9 Series in India, prices start at Rs 12,999

South Korean technology giant Samsung has introduced two cost-effective tablets in the Indian market, catering to the needs of users seeking budget-friendly options for entertainment and everyday use. The Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9 Plus are set to revolutionize the tablet landscape, bringing cutting-edge features and affordability to the forefront.

Diving into the specifications, the Galaxy Tab A9 boasts an 8.7-inch TFT LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, while the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus takes it up a notch with an 11-inch LCD screen, offering a smoother 90Hz refresh rate. Both tablets come equipped with the latest One UI 5.1, built on the Android 13 operating system, ensuring a seamless user experience. Samsung Knox ensures the security of these devices, and users can expand their storage up to a whopping 1TB through a microSD card slot.

The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus offers two variants, one with 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage, and the other with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab A9 keeps it consistent with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. Users can expect swift charging with 15W support. Notably, the Galaxy Tab A9 features 4G connectivity, whereas its more premium counterpart, the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus, boasts 5G support.

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab A9 runs on MediaTek’s Helio G99 chipset, while the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus takes it up a notch with the Snapdragon 695 chipset. The smaller variant is powered by a 5,100mAh battery, while the 11-inch model packs a larger 7,040mAh battery.

Both tablets are equipped with an 8MP rear camera with autofocus capabilities. However, the Galaxy Tab A9 sports a 2MP selfie camera, while the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus features a superior 5MP selfie sensor capable of recording FullHD videos at 30fps.

For those eager to get their hands on these budget-friendly tablets, they are available for purchase through the official website and Amazon. The Galaxy Tab A9 starts at an attractive price of Rs 12,999, while the larger and more advanced Galaxy Tab A9 Plus begins at Rs 18,999. These offerings from Samsung promise to provide excellent value for users looking for an affordable and feature-packed tablet experience.



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Elon Musk says he will give $1 billion to Wikipedia if they change its name to THIS

Elon Musk has expressed his desire to give out a billion dollars to Wikipedia. Although, he will be donating the money only on a very specific condition. If Wikipedia changes its name to “D**kpedia.” The tech billionaire said, “I will give them a billion dollars if they change their name to D**kpedia.” He further said that Wikipedia could change its name to the original one yet again once they have raised the money. However, he asserted that they must keep his suggested name for a minimum of one year.

Prior to this, the business tycoon had shared another post where he rehashed Wikipedia’s phrases “Wikipedia is not for sale” and “a personal appeal from Jimmy Wales (co-founder of Wikipedia).” He further showed concern regarding the Wikimedia Foundation’s motives for wanting such a huge amount of money.”Have you ever wondered why the Wikimedia Foundation wants so much money? It certainly isn’t needed to operate Wikipedia. You can literally fit a copy of the entire text on your phone! So, what’s the money for? Inquiring minds want to know …”

Refreshing your memory, back in May of this year, the founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales slammed Elon Musk for censoring critics of the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The move came just before the country’s presidential election. Jimmy Wales accused the Twitter head of compromising free speech by complying with Turkey’s demands to restrict content. He also claimed that Wikipedia faced the same situation, however, they did not put any such restrictions.

Reacting to this, Elon Musk questioned the choices available. He suggested that it was a choice between either throttling Twitter entirely or limiting access to certain tweets.

It must be noted here that Turkey has blocked Turkey for the last two years because of the country’s norms allowing the ban of sites that are seen as a threat to national security.

Tags – Elon Musk, Twitter post, X, Wikipedia, Dickipedia

 



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Monday 23 October 2023

New US AI chip restrictions on China creates massive issues for Baidu, Alibaba’s AI development

Recent measures taken by the United States to tighten export controls on AI chips are poised to present significant challenges for Chinese tech companies, such as Alibaba and Baidu, in their pursuit of artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. These new export restrictions have implications for the development and manufacturing of their latest AI processors.

Alibaba and Baidu have been at the forefront of China’s efforts to create homegrown alternatives to advanced AI products by US-based manufacturer NVIDIA. Currently, these companies manufacture their chips at facilities operated by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung.

However, the newly introduced export controls by the United States have affected the processing speeds of their cutting-edge AI chips, causing complications for the tech giants.

These tightened restrictions will also impact Silicon Valley-based NVIDIA, which will be required to halt shipments to China of two processors specially tailored to meet earlier export controls, according to an announcement by NVIDIA.

In light of these collective restrictions, Chinese tech companies may need to resort to AI chipsets similar to NVIDIA V100, which was released in 2017 and has since been discontinued. This implies that they would have to use outdated technology to train and run generative AI models, as modern chips have evolved significantly, enabling innovations like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

One Beijing-based chip consultant characterized the US measures as posing “an existential challenge” to China’s efforts to catch up with AI development as seen in American companies like OpenAI.

The US controls extend to foundries in Taiwan and South Korea, which are contracted to manufacture chips for Chinese groups. This is made possible due to the extensive presence of American hardware and software in the semiconductor supply chain. In contrast, China’s domestic alternatives, including the partially state-owned SMIC, lag behind in chip manufacturing technology by several generations.

These updated rules arrive amidst deteriorating US-China relations and an expanding effort to obstruct Beijing’s technological progress. Some experts, like Gregory Allen from the CSIS think-tank, suggest that these controls aim to limit China’s access to the future of AI.

The updated controls increase the number of advanced AI chips requiring a license, likely leading to denials and effective bans on their export. They also establish a reporting regime that encompasses a wide range of data centre chips, imposing restrictions on selling to subsidiaries of Chinese companies located outside China.

According to Boris Van, a senior analyst at Bernstein, relying on chips similar to NVIDIA’s V100 could at least double data processing costs for Chinese AI firms once their existing chip supplies are depleted.

In August, it was reported that leading Chinese tech companies, including Alibaba, Baidu, ByteDance, and Tencent, had placed orders worth over $5 billion for NVIDIA chips. However, most of these orders have yet to be fulfilled, resulting in significant supply challenges.

While there may be expectations that some banned chips could still find their way into the country through black market channels, experts do not anticipate that such supply would be sufficient to meet the high demand from tech groups focused on training generative AI models. Consequently, the Chinese AI sector may find itself relying on low-end NVIDIA chips, leading to a growing infrastructure gap between China and the rest of the world.



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How Chinese loan apps are scamming, laundering crores by exploiting UPI, fake payment gateways

Chinese scammers have found a new way to exploit Indians, and people in other developing countries. What’s worrying though, in India’s case, these Chinese scammers are exploiting India’s digital payments ecosystem, mainly UPI, to not only scam Indian citizens, but also to get them to launder their loot to China.

But how exactly are these Chinese scammers exploiting people? By posing as instant loan apps, real-money gaming apps, and fraudulent investment apps.

By now we have heard of stories and seen countless news articles on how certain loan apps have duped people into taking a loan from then and then wrecked their lives.

Instead of going through the trouble of actually paying loan seekers and then unleashing their collection agents after them, Chinese scammers have now found a new way.

Trapping people using loan offers, games
An investigative report from CloudSEK has revealed that scammers are now using illegal instant loan apps to lure thousands of victims with false promises of substantial loans and easy repayments. To process the loans, these apps just ask for a few basic details, and about 5-10 per cent of the loan amount as a processing fee. And because these loan apps promise instant loans od up to 5-10 lakhs, the processing fee can be a substantial amount.

In some cases, these scammers pose as a real-money gaming app, which first lures in victims using a small reward, and then gets them to invest real money into the game.

Once they collect the processing fee, they then vanish. These scammers are evading actions by law enforcement agencies by using Chinese payment gateways. In certain cases, it was found that the money was sent to an Indian bank account, which was then routed through several mule accounts before it was finally laundered out of India to China.

Rs 37 Lakhs laundered in two months using just one app
During their investigation, CloudSEK also found that there are at least 55 such harmful Android apps have been distributed through various channels. Furthermore, several scammers get their victims to sideload apps that are not found on the Google PlayStore. CloudSEK was able to identify about 15 Chinese gateways that these apps directed to.

Furthermore, the investigation also revealed that between July 22, 2023 – September 18, 2023, a total of Rs 37 Lakhs was looted and laundered to China, from just one one these apps. CloudSEK also emphasises that this figure was from just one app, and this was an amount they could verify. CloudSEK believes the actual amount laundered must be substantially high.

“A notable trend we’ve observed is scammers exploiting Chinese payment gateways due to their relative ease of use and limited regulatory scrutiny. These gateways offer a convenient bridge to funnel funds outside India, leveraging sophisticated techniques that blur jurisdictional lines, making it challenging to track and intercept the money trail. This enables scammers to sidestep the legal and financial roadblocks, making it imperative for authorities to enhance cooperation and adopt advanced measures to counter this sophisticated threat.” said Sparsh Kulshrestha, Senior Security Analyst at CloudSEK

The curious case of Indian money mules
CloudSEK’s investigation also exposed some of the loopholes that we have in our banking systems. Scammers based in China, open up several fraudulent payment gateways, which are primarily hosted in China. These gateways exploit UPI’s QR code, by generating fake QR codes that redirect victims to legitimate UPI apps like PhonePe and GPay, linked to bank accounts of money mules.

The scammers recruit individuals via Telegram, offering them a commission to provide their bank accounts as a place to direct the money to, and to park it there. Instead of getting people to open up new accounts, these scammers look for people who already have bank accounts in small, cooperative banks as these banks, don’t usually have the infrastructure to flag suspicious activities.

These recruits are then instructed to change the associated mobile numbers with banks, granting the scammers full remote control over the accounts. These compromised bank accounts are then used to receive payments from victims through the fraudulent payment gateways, which is then distributed through a bunch of similar accounts and finally laundered to China through hawala systems.



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Saturday 21 October 2023

Lenovo Yoga 7 14IRL8 Review: Two-in-one thin and light laptop done right

Pros:
– Phenomenal OLED display with touch capabilities
– Solid performance considering the footprint
– Top-notch built quality
– Subtle and understated styling that looks and feels great
– Keyboard is a joy to use
– Foldable hinge feels strong and sturdy

Cons:
– Battery life could have been slightly better
– Could have used another USB-A port

Price: Rs 1,62,690
Rating: 4.25/5

When it comes to thin and light laptops, the primary objective is to provide users with a remarkably portable device that not only exudes an attractive appearance but also delivers an exceptionally satisfying user experience. Add to that the 2-in-1 form factor and what you have in your hands is a cracker of a formula.

Unfortunately, the trade-off associated with most slim and lightweight laptops often involves sacrificing performance and, at times, even compromising on battery life to an extent that would deter any professional or prosumer user from considering such a device as a viable option.

Lenovo Yoga 7 Review
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

Enter the Lenovo Yoga 7 14IRL8, which represents a welcome departure from this common narrative. This particular thin and light notebook offers a robust performance, making it a versatile machine suitable for everyday tasks and, impressively, well-equipped to handle more demanding operations like video and photo editing. Moreover, it boasts all the characteristic features one expects from a traditional thin and light device: an exquisite and aesthetically pleasing design, an almost weightless build, and a robust construction.

Lenovo’s Yoga series of 2-in-1 laptops has long enjoyed a well-established reputation as one of the top choices for individuals in search of versatile, Windows-based laptops that cater to creative endeavours. These laptops are renowned for their signature convertible design, characterized by 360-degree hinges, touchscreens, and even the inclusion of a stylus in the package.

In our comprehensive testing of the Lenovo Yoga 7 14IRL8, we will delve into every facet of this convertible laptop from Lenovo and assess whether it merits your time, and your hard earned money.

Lenovo Yoga 7 14IRL8 Review: Design and build quality
When I first got my hands on the Lenovo Yoga 7, my initial impression was how sturdy it felt. To be honest, I had some reservations before testing it out. I thought Lenovo might have cut corners on the build quality, perhaps focusing more on the hinge and the screen. But boy, was I mistaken.

The Yoga 7 is made using aluminium for both its top and bottom, giving it a substantial feel in terms of weight. When you press on various parts of the laptop, you can tell it’s been engineered with precision, showing minimal flex and instilling confidence in its everyday use.

Lenovo Yoga 7 Review
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

Our review unit sports the eye-catching Tidal Teal colour, although the Yoga 7 is also available in the more understated Storm Grey.

The laptop tips the scales at 1.5 kilograms and boasts a robust build, giving it the feel of a sturdy tank. It features sleek, rounded edges and a bead-blasted finish on the lid, keyboard deck, and the underside of the chassis. These rounded edges ensure that there are no uncomfortable hard edges when you rest your palms on the laptop, making it equally comfortable to hold when using it in tablet mode.

We really like the laptop’s clean and minimalist design. However, it’s important to note that the Tidal Teal finish on our unit has a tendency to attract fingerprints and is quite sensitive to oils. So, if this is a concern for you, the grey option might be the way to go.

One interesting design choice with the Yoga 7 is the rounded edges all around the laptop. Unlike most laptops that have chamfered, squared-off edges, the decision to go with rounded edges actually enhances the comfort of holding the laptop on the sides.

And, of course, we can’t overlook one of the Yoga 7’s standout features: its hinge.

In our real-world usage, the 360-degree hinge consistently felt robust and reliable. I never encountered any issues with it feeling too loose or too stiff when transitioning between its different modes. Thanks to this hinge, you can effortlessly switch the Yoga 7 between laptop mode, stand mode, and tablet mode.

You also get a ton of connectivity options. For ports, you get a full-sized USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1 port, two Thunderbolt ports with USB-C Power Delivery (PD), one HDMI, a 3.5mm combo jack for audio, and a microSD card reader. For wireless connectivity, you get WiFi 6E, and BlueTooth 5.1

Lenovo Yoga 7 Review
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

The only design aspect that left me a bit frustrated was the time it took to figure out how to properly stow the included Precision Pen with the laptop using the provided holder.

Lenovo Yoga 7 14IRL8 Review: Display
The laptop Lenovo provided for review boasts a 14-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2880×1800, with a 90Hz refresh rate, which gives an extra smoothness to the visual experience.

The display is undeniably breathtaking. As one would expect from an OLED panel, it delivers incredibly deep, true blacks, and the colours are exceptionally vivid. The added advantage of the 90Hz refresh rate elevates the overall smoothness of the visuals, although it does have a slightly higher impact on battery life. Also, the display is Dolby Vision certified, so you know you have a solid panel in your hands

In terms of colour accuracy, this display stands out, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 colour space, which makes content consumption a joy on this thing. While the brightness falls just short of Lenovo’s promised 400 nits, it remains an excellent screen overall.

Whether you’re using the laptop in tablet mode, navigating the screen through taps and swipes, or making handwritten notes, the 14-inch display offers a remarkable combination of expansive colour representation, decent brightness, and the characteristic true black excellence of OLED screens. To add to its appeal, it also supports Dolby Vision HDR, further enhancing the visual experience.

In fact, the display is so solid that I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for color-grading my photos or videos. It consistently shines, providing a superior visual experience, regardless of your activity on the laptop.

Lenovo Yoga 7 14IRL8 Review: Keyboard and trackpad
The Lenovo Yoga 7 continues to impress with its keyboard and touchpad. Let’s start with the keyboard – it features a well-organized standard layout that’s quite user-friendly.

The chiclet-styled keys on this keyboard offer a good amount of travel, and they strike a nice balance, avoiding the common pitfalls of being either too sticky or too soft. This makes typing a consistently comfortable experience for your day-to-day tasks. You also get LED backlighting for the keyboard, which comes with two brightness levels.

Lenovo Yoga 7 Review
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

Below the keyboard, there’s a generously sized touchpad without any physical buttons, and it strikes the right balance in terms of size, avoiding the awkwardness of being overly large. The glass surface of the touchpad feels excellent, offering ample space for smooth navigation. Each press on the touchpad results in a satisfying click, and it handles multitouch gestures with ease. The touchpad’s accuracy and tracking capabilities are top-notch, to the point where it seamlessly blends into your user experience, making it effortless and enjoyable to use.

In my testing, I had no issues using both the left and right clicks, and I never encountered any missed presses.

Lenovo Yoga 7 14IRL8 Review: Webcam and speakers
The Lenovo Yoga 7 is equipped with an FHD webcam positioned at the top, and we found it to be more than just serviceable. It’s a standard 2.1MP 16:9 camera, allowing you to capture 1080p videos, which is useful for remote work situations. The footages shout using the built-in webcam isn’t anything amazing, but they do get the job done pretty well.

It also comes with IR and a privacy shutter, which is a noteworthy feature, particularly in today’s world of concerns about hacking and potential surveillance.

Lenovo Yoga 7 Review
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

Coming to the audio department, the laptop boasts a stereo speaker setup that delivers a pretty solid experience, and for good reason. After all, it is tuned as per Dolby Atmos’ specifications.

The audio was surprisingly rich and offered high-quality sound even at reasonably loud volumes. It’s a significant advantage that the Yoga 7’s speakers are smartly placed on either side of the keyboard, directed towards the user for an immersive sound experience.

Lenovo Yoga 7 14IRL8 Review: Performance
The laptop I received from Lenovo packs some impressive hardware under the hood. It boasts a Core i7 1360P processor, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM at 5200MTs, and a 512GB PCIe 4 SSD. The Core i7 1360P is unique, featuring 4 high-performance cores and 8 efficiency cores.

Lenovo provides users with the Lenovo Vantage app, offering three distinct profiles for performance settings: Battery Saver, Intelligent Cooling, and High Performance. In our benchmark tests and measurements, we opted for the High-Performance mode to put this machine through its paces.

Lenovo Yoga 7 Review
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

While the Intel Core i7-1360P might not appear exceptionally powerful on paper, it impresses by delivering excellent performance. The Core i7 1360P is unique, featuring 4 Performance cores and 8 Efficiency cores. This processor performs remarkably well in various synthetic benchmarks, consistently achieving high scores. The performance cores can reach an impressive 5GHz, while the efficiency cores boost up to 3.70GHz. Consequently, the Core i7-1360P excels in both light, single-threaded tasks and more demanding multi-threaded tasks, which is a pleasant surprise.

Under heavier workloads, the laptop does experience some heating, but it remains within manageable levels. Lenovo’s cooling design for the Yoga 7 effectively prevents thermal throttling even during peak thermal conditions.

Lenovo had pledged a significant 15 per cent boost in productivity performance for laptops equipped with 28W CPUs in the P-series, and it’s quite remarkable to see this promise fulfilled, especially for a laptop of this size. With such a significant increase in productivity, you can confidently expect the laptop to handle demanding tasks and multitasking with ease. Intel’s improvements in the 13th-gen processors in this laptop are indeed noteworthy.

The laptop’s graphics performance is also praiseworthy, particularly when you consider its slim and lightweight build. It excels in general tasks, such as streaming media and managing light photo and video editing assignments. Thanks to Intel’s Iris Xe integrated graphics, it might not be the top choice for gaming or intensive 3D rendering. However, for all other tasks, you can expect it to perform seamlessly and handle them without any issues.

Lenovo Yoga 7 Review
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

We also decided to test its gaming capabilities, even though this isn’t a gaming laptop. As for gaming, although it isn’t exactly a gaming laptop. We played Valorant and Apex Legends and to our surprise, it managed the games quite admirably at low settings. There was only a slight instance of screen tearing and virtually no noticeable lag from the laptop.

Lenovo Yoga 7 14IRL8 Review: Battery
The Yoga 7 comes with a 71Wh LiPo 4-cell battery. The battery life on the Yoga 9i is pretty respectable. On average, I found that the laptop fell just short of 8 hours of battery life during my regular usage which involved a lot of internet browsing, writing documents, and editing photos, with the screen set at 70-80 per cent brightness. You can expect the laptop to go for 9 hours or so on a single charge if you remove it from high-performance mode and dim the screen a little.

The good thing though, is that with just 15-20 minutes of charging you get enough juice to go for another 2 hours or so.

While this battery life may appear decent on paper, it’s worth noting that some other laptops in this price range offer far worse battery performance.

Lenovo Yoga 7 14IRL8 Review: Verdict
The Lenovo Yoga 7 certainly shines, and while it does have some minor drawbacks, they are relatively insignificant. One of these is the absence of built-in pen storage, which means you’ll need to rely on the included case for that.

Lenovo Yoga 7 Review
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

That being said, the Lenovo Yoga 7 presents an impressively sleek and feature-rich design. While it would be nice to see longer battery life and greater flexibility with the added function keys, there’s very little to fault with this device. Its outstanding design, stunning OLED display, and overall performance more than meet expectations.

All things considered, the Lenovo Yoga 7 14IRL8 is a highly reliable choice for individuals seeking a 2-in-1 laptop that offers an exceptional screen, impressive performance, and solid battery life. This device also features a touchscreen and includes a stylus, making it a well-rounded option for a variety of tasks.



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