I am introducing cryptography.
Cryptography is used to secure and protect data during communication. Encryption is a process which transforms the original information into an unrecognizable form. Decryption is a process of converting encoded/encrypted data in a form that is readable and understood by a human or a computer.
ChatGPT can be a godsend for some people, especially those who need to deal with a ton of texts. Not only is it pretty useful in writing and editing texts, but it is also a great place to summarise complex subjects and begin understanding them. So proficient is the AI bot that it cleared the US Medical license test better than most humans who had applied.
However, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has always had an Achilles heel — complex maths problems, especially those that involve complex numbers. For that very reason, it may have to go to Google and enlist its help.
ChatGPT, LLMs and their problem with Maths
It is not just ChatGPT that is failing at maths, most LLMs of Large Language Models perform terribly in Maths. Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, recently published a research paper which basically said that LLMs do pretty well with simple maths, one that would be taught in a high school. However, even then, there are times when LLMs like ChatGPT get confused and hallucinate.
What this means is that most LLMs haven’t been trained on the core basics of performing calculations. In case they had been trained on that, they wouldn’t have had issues in completing calculations with larger and more complex numbers. In all likelihood, most LLMs have simply read equations and calculations that are already on the internet.
This is just like children rote learning maths — it just doesn’t work in the long run. As our parents always told us while helping us with our maths homework, we need to have our basics clear and strong.
What’s worse is that ChatGPT and other LLM models have become worse at Maths, while developing their language skills. The situation is so bad with ChatGPT in particular, that it now often gets basic math questions wrong. This is because of a phenomenon called “AI Drift” and it happens when a part of a complex AI model, ends up negatively affecting a different part. No one knows why or how exactly this happens.
How Google can help
Google has come up with a solution to all this and is willing with the developers of AI studios who work with LLMs to work logically with algorithms and numbers. Basically, they are offering to help studios like OpenAI train their LLMs and AI Chatbots to carry out calculations.
A report by Analytics India Magazine has revealed that a team of researchers at Google have come up with a paper, called ‘Teaching language models to reason algorithmically’, in which they talk about in-context learning. They have also come up with an algorithm that makes LLM bots and AI bots better at number-based reasoning.
In-context learning basically means instructing a model by systematically guiding the learning process step by step, rather than inundating the learner with all instructions at the outset. This approach pertains to the capacity of a model to execute a task after being exposed to a small number of examples presented within the framework of the model’s existing knowledge and understanding.
Google is not the only one
Analytics India Magazine reports that Wolfram Research, another AI development studio, is working on giving AI LLMs some proficiency in maths. They have been working with OpenAI to improve their LLM, and GPT’s proficiency with numbers.
In an interview with AIM, the studio revealed that their plug-in for ChatGPT, which is known as Wolfram+ChatGPT has helped OpenAI improve their maths skills significantly. The way the plug-in works is that it turns queries from text into equations, and some visual representations as well. These include graphs, charts etc.
From there, Wolfram’s programming language takes over, which specialises in presenting data in a computational form.
However, as wonderful as Wolfram’s plugin is, that cannot be the solution to the problem that OpenAI’s and LLMs in general have with maths. In effect, such plug-ins do not usually train the LLM for a wider purpose and are a stop-gap solution at best. ChatGPT’s best bet, therefore, is Google’s algorithm for the problem and the study they have conducted.
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It seems that Apple has already finished the production of the first lot of its upcoming iPhone 15 Ultra devices. Prominent supply chain analyst Ming Chi Kuo, known for his reliable insights, has indicated that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max is set to initiate mass shipments this week, even in the face of concerns over supply chain issues.
This announcement from Kuo contrasts with recent reports that have suggested delays in production. Kuo’s outlook is also optimistic when it comes to unit shipments, bucking the trend of other analysts who have recently revised their forecasts downward.
Kuo emphasizes, “There has been market concern that supply chain challenges might lead to further reductions in iPhone 15 shipments (an estimate of 80 million units compared to conservative projections of 70–80 million units), particularly with regards to the iPhone 15 Pro Max and its potential delay.”
However, Kuo asserts that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will indeed commence mass shipments during the current week, and Apple is concurrently increasing shipments of previous iPhone models.
Just last week, a significant equity analyst note indicated a potential three to four-week delay for the iPhone 15 Pro Max in comparison to other models.
Analysts like Jeff Pu and Mizuho, both of whome have tempered their iPhone 15 unit shipment forecasts. Pu’s estimates went from 83 million units to 77 million, while Mizuho scaled down its production projection from 84 million to 73 million units.
In contrast, Kuo remains steadfast in his expectation of 80 million iPhone 15 units being shipped, and he anticipates a grand total of 250 million iPhone shipments throughout 2024. Kuo even suggests that Apple could outpace Samsung in terms of units shipped by the end of 2023.
Kuo explains, “Samsung’s projected smartphone shipments for this year have been revised to 220 million units. Should Apple maintain the iPhone orders for the second half of 2024 as they are, the iPhone shipments are likely to reach 220–225 million units in 2023, surpassing Samsung to become the world’s largest smartphone brand.”
Kuo further envisions Apple maintaining its lead over Samsung in 2024.
Recent reports have also indicated that Apple is making adjustments to the colour options for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. The traditional gold option is being replaced with a “Titan Gray” colour, featuring the new titanium frame. Meanwhile, the unique Deep Purple colour will make way for a new dark blue alternative.
As anticipation mounts, Apple is anticipated to unveil its iPhone 15 lineup on September 12. The official confirmation of this date is expected sometime between August 29 and September 5.
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The buzz is back around the iPhone 15 Ultra, stealing the spotlight once more. Just like the past three iPhone lineups, Apple is gearing up to unveil four fresh models this year: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
However, conflicting reports have really caused a stir, with several reports hinting at the possibility of an iPhone 15 Ultra replacing the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Adding to the intrigue, leaks have suggested at a potential extra iPhone 15 Ultra, which could mark the fifth entry in this smartphone series.
Details of Camera
Before the official launch of the device, which is scheduled for September 12 or 13, a comprehensive rundown of the iPhone 15 Ultra specs has been leaked.
As per insights from the Apple enthusiast account, AppleLeaker on X, the iPhone 15 could come with a major upgrade to its camera system, especially in the zoom camera. Apparently, Apple has thrown in a 10X periscope camera in the mix. The primary 48MP camera might also come with eight lens elements.
Details on design
On the design front, the chassis may feature titanium for a sturdier and more premium feel. Similar design shifts are anticipated for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max variants.
A fresh tweak might be in store for the volume button layout on the sides, alongside the possible inclusion of an “action button” on the iPhone 15 Ultra. This new button could provide quick access to apps, including the camera app — a feature reminiscent of the Apple Watch Ultra introduced last year.
Details on the hardware
Under the hood, the iPhone 15 Ultra is rumoured to pack the latest A17 Bionic SoC using a 3nm process, potentially coupled with an 8GB RAM configuration. The leak also hints that the base model could kick off with a generous 256GB storage offering.
Interestingly, all the upcoming iPhone 15 models might make the shift to a USB-C charging port, doing away with the proprietary Lightning port. Should the iPhone 15 Ultra make its appearance, it would also adopt this new charging port.
The battery could support 35W charging, though it’s expected that the charger won’t come bundled in the box. A new braided USB-C charging cable with Thunderbolt 4 capabilities is rumoured to be on the horizon, boasting a charging output of 240W. Furthermore, an increase in battery capacity by around 10-15% is also hinted at.
Details on the display
While the display size might retain its 6.7 inches, a notable change could come in the form of thinner bezels this year. Apple might persist with its dynamic island notch, albeit with some refinements. Adding to the mix, a fresh 7nm U2 chip could enhance compatibility with Apple’s lineup, including the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset.
Considering the influx of new enhancements and hardware, a price hike for the iPhone 15 Ultra is probable. Leaks have indicated a potential increase of $200 (roughly Rs 16,500). To put things in perspective, the starting price for the iPhone 14 Pro Max in India is Rs 1,33,900. Keep those ears perked for more updates as the launch draws near.
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Toyota Motor has made a significant stride by unveiling India’s first car designed to operate completely on ethanol, an alternative fuel source, supplemented by a flex-fuel engine.
This innovation takes the form of a prototype based on the popular MPV model, Innova HyCross. The electrified flex-fuel variant of Innova HyCross is distinctive in its capability to run on ethanol, a renewable fuel derived from organic matter.
Moreover, this MPV is equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack and has the capacity to generate sufficient electric power, enabling the vehicle to function in an EV mode. Notably, this prototype adheres to the latest emission standards, Bharat Stage 6 (Stage 2).
Toyota’s endeavour aligns with India’s vision towards cleaner alternative fuels, which was evident in last year’s introduction of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol by the government.
In a previous milestone, Toyota Motor unveiled India’s premier all-hydrogen electric vehicle, the Mirai, as part of a collaborative venture with the International Center for Automotive Technology (ICAT). Operating on pure hydrogen-generated electricity, the Mirai stands out as a true zero-emission vehicle, emitting only water from its tailpipe.
Japanese automotive giants like Toyota Motor and Honda Cars have pioneered the integration of hybrid technology into their Indian lineup. Toyota’s journey began with the Urban Cruiser HyRyder compact SUV, which showcased a robust hybrid technology. This technology subsequently was then used in the new generation of Innova.
India’s heavy reliance on oil imports to fulfil its fuel requirements places a significant strain on the nation’s financial resources. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted that the current expenditure on petroleum imports amounts to approximately ₹16 lakh crore.
By transitioning towards biofuel alternatives like ethanol, derived from renewable sources like sugarcane, there exists a substantial opportunity to curtail these import bills, fostering better self-sufficiency in meeting the country’s fuel demands.
Minister Gadkari emphasized that achieving self-reliance, or “atmanirbhar,” necessitates the elimination of oil imports. The existing import cost, standing at ₹16 lakh crore, underscores the magnitude of the economic impact.
Furthermore, this shift is deemed essential in light of India’s pressing pollution concerns, signalling the urgency of adopting sustainable strategies.
The adoption of biofuels concurrently serves as a vital mechanism for curbing pollution. India’s strategy involves the incorporation of 20 per cent ethanol in petrol, which was introduced last year.
There are plans to double the ethanol quantity by 2025. This measure is projected to result in a 50 per cent reduction in carbon monoxide emissions from two-wheelers and approximately 30 per cent reduction in four-wheelers, in comparison to conventional petrol.
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ChatGPT has a new, professional cousin! OpenAI recently introduced ChatGPT Enterprise, a dedicated solution tailored for businesses and professionals who want to use its AI service.
In a recent blog post published on Monday, the company expressed its conviction in the potential of AI to enhance all facets of professional activities, fostering heightened creativity and productivity within teams.
Major step for OpenAI
The unveiling of ChatGPT Enterprise signifies a notable step towards an AI assistant uniquely attuned to workplace demands. This AI solution adeptly handles a spectrum of tasks, conforms to organizational specifications, and prioritizes the safeguarding of corporate data.
The current landscape is abuzz with discussions surrounding the transformative influence of AI across diverse industries. OpenAI evidently aspires to position itself as the vanguard of this transformative movement.
The latest iteration of the chatbot addresses previous concerns over data privacy and security, promising noteworthy improvements in these domains. Moreover, it boasts swifter response times and expanded options for tailoring content to specific requirements.
What is really noteworthy among its attributes is its proficiency in data analysis, a facet that has consistently stood out as one of the platform’s most marketable features.
Pricing remains a mystery
The exact pricing details for accessing the Enterprise version are currently not transparent. OpenAI’s website features a “Contact sales” button without explicit pricing information. It’s reasonable to assume that the platform’s pricing structure could vary based on the scale of businesses.
The introduction of the Enterprise version comes subsequent to the launch of two prior iterations of the chatbot: the original ChatGPT, accessible to all at no cost but deemed suboptimal for business utility, and ChatGPT Plus, which debuted in February as a subscription-based variant.
For $20 per month, ChatGPT Plus guarantees users an enhanced, premium experience along with early access to supplementary features. ChatGPT Enterprise appears to be a progression from the foundation laid by ChatGPT Plus, evidently addressing certain user experience gaps that OpenAI had previously faced criticism for.
In essence, OpenAI’s imperative lies in generating revenue. While the company has gained global recognition through the introduction of its remarkable platform, the ultimate value of the product hinges on OpenAI’s ability to monetize it effectively.
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The Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO is going to attempt a brave mission to create history, yet again. The Indian space organisation is planning to launch the Aditya-L1 observatory, on board the PSLV-C57 rocket on September 2, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR Sriharikota, India.
The mission is to place the Aditya L1 observatory at Lagrange Point 1 or L1, a special point between the sun and the Earth, from where it will be able to study the star with an uninterrupted view.
For this mission, ISRO is going to spend over Rs 400 crores. If that number seems high, rest assured, that’s not the case — after all, ISRO has a knack of completing its space missions at an abnormally low cost. But why is ISRO placing an observatory at L1 or Lagrange Point 1 in the first place?
What is a Lagrange Point
There are several points in our solar system, where the gravity of the sun, is equal to the gravity of a planet. These are called Lagrange Points. In total, there are 5 such points.
Lagrange Points are specific locations in space where the combined gravitational pull of celestial bodies, in Aditya’s case the Sun and the Earth, leads to intensified areas of both attraction and repulsion. As a result, smaller bodies, such as orbiters or satellites can remain suspended in that position, while moving around in an orbit, around an unspecific point.
These strategic points can be used by spacecraft to minimize the amount of fuel required to maintain their position.
In the context of the Earth-Sun system, Lagrange Point 1 (L1) is situated at a position nestled between the Earth and the Sun, approximately 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth, directly facing the Sun. This specific point aligns with the imaginary line that connects these two celestial bodies and is positioned along Earth’s orbital path around the Sun.
What Makes Lagrange Point 1 or L1 so fascinating
L1 holds a distinct allure due to its inherent stability in between the Earth-Sun system. This stability emerges from the intricate interplay of gravitational forces at this juncture, making it an ideal position for a variety of scientific investigations and space endeavours.
One prominent example involves the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), strategically situated near L1 for an uninterrupted viewpoint of the Sun and outer space, unaffected by Earth’s atmospheric interference or the light-dark cycle. This means the Aditya-L1 will have a constant view of the sun, and won’t have to deal with eclipses or any other phenomena.
Using the unique vantage point offered by L1, the Aditya-L1 will have four scientific payloads with a direct line of sight to the Sun, while three other payloads will engage in on-site analysis of particles and fields at L1.
What will Aditya-L1 study from Lagrange Point 1
Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven distinct payloads designed to closely examine different layers of the Sun, including the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layer known as the corona. These payloads employ electromagnetic particle and magnetic field detectors for their observations.
Four of these payloads have a direct line of sight to the Sun, while the remaining three focus on conducting on-site investigations of particles and fields within the Lagrange Point L1. As a result, this mission plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of various solar phenomena and their effects on the interplanetary environment, as well as on Earth.
ISRO also elaborated, stating, “The instrumentation carried by the Aditya L1 payloads is anticipated to yield pivotal insights into key areas such as coronal heating, coronal mass ejections, pre-flare and flare activities, along with their distinct characteristics. Additionally, it will contribute to our comprehension of space weather dynamics and the propagation of particles and fields.”
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Jio Platforms is taking a proactive role in advancing India-specific AI models and solutions spanning various sectors. This move aims to extend the benefits of cutting-edge AI technology to Indian citizens, businesses, and the government, as highlighted by Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of RIL, on Monday.
Ambani’s commitment to bring “AI to everyone, everywhere” underscores Jio’s ambition to drive AI’s growth, positioning it as the forefront of their strategy, much like the broadband connectivity promise made seven years ago.
Speaking at the 46th Annual General Meeting of Reliance Industries, Ambani emphasized the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative frontier for Jio’s expansion. The company is setting forth ambitious initiatives in this sphere, with a vision to establish up to 2,000 megawatts of AI-ready computing capacity. This capacity will be distributed across both cloud and edge locations, aligning with sustainable practices for a greener future.
“Withing the RIL Group, we are rapidly augmenting a talent pool and capabilities to swiftly assimilate the latest global innovations in AI especially the recent advances in generative artificial intelligence,” Mukesh Ambani said.
“Jio platforms want to lead the efforts towards the India-specific artificial intelligence models and AI-powered solutions across domains, thereby delivering the benefits of artificial intelligence to Indian citizens, businesses, and government alike,” the RIL chairman added.
In a world increasingly influenced by the global AI revolution, Ambani asserted that intelligent applications are on the cusp of redefining industries, economies, and daily life. He further stressed that India must harness the potential of AI to foster innovation, growth, and national prosperity in order to maintain its competitive edge on the global stage.
Recognizing India’s vast pool of talent and data, Ambani acknowledged that a strong digital infrastructure is essential to handle the computational demands of AI. He outlined plans to transition a significant portion of Jio’s energy consumption towards green energy sources over the next five years, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability and cost-efficiency.
Within the Reliance Industries Group, efforts are underway to bolster capabilities and expertise to rapidly assimilate global AI innovations, particularly recent strides in generative AI. Ambani’s forward-looking vision positions Jio Platforms at the forefront of India’s AI revolution, driving the development of tailored AI solutions to benefit various sectors of the country.
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Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries, unveiled the Jio True5G developer program during the company’s 46th Annual General Meeting on August 28th. This initiative brings together the power of their 5G network, edge computing, and a wide array of applications and services.
Ambani also introduced the Jio True5G lab, aiming to accelerate industry transformation by leveraging the capabilities of the Jio True5G suite.
Under the True 5G platform, companies will have the ability to control and customize their network slices as needed, deploy their applications on Jio’s multi-access edge computing locations, and access a diverse ecosystem of partner applications all within a single suite, Ambani explained.
During his address, Ambani emphasized, “We’re constructing a revolutionary platform that will revolutionize how Indian enterprises, small businesses, and tech startups engage with the digital realm.”
The Chairman went on to highlight that enterprises will gain access to advanced network slicing options, allowing them to establish and optimize network slices regularly. This, in turn, will enhance their network resource management.
Ambani elaborated, “This accelerates innovation, shortens time-to-market, and reduces costs.” He also added, “Through the Jio True5G marketplace, our partners can seamlessly integrate their offerings and create customized solutions tailored to specific requirements.”
DISCLAIMER: Network18, the company that operates Firstpost are controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary
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Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), announced during the 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) that Jio, a telecommunications company, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 450 million subscribers.
This growth has led to a year-on-year revenue increase of more than 20%. Jio has achieved its highest-ever revenue of Rs 1,19,791 crore and an EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of Rs 50,286 crore.
During the meeting, Ambani also shared insights on Jio’s digital services business. He mentioned that the data consumption per user on Jio’s network has experienced a substantial rise. On average, each user now consumes more than 25 gigabytes of data every month. This translates to a monthly data traffic of 1,100 crore gigabytes, marking a growth of 45% compared to the previous year.
Reflecting on Jio’s journey, Ambani stated that the company was launched seven years ago with a grand vision of transforming India into a premier digital society. The goal was to leverage technology to create positive changes across various aspects of life and every sector of the economy. He emphasized the pride Jio takes in contributing to this digital revolution and building a Digital Public Infrastructure that has gained global admiration. Ambani asserted that Jio has played a pivotal role in driving India’s remarkable digital transformation.
During the AGM, Mukesh Ambani highlighted Jio’s distinctive position as the sole provider of a comprehensive 5G ecosystem to its customers.
He stated that Jio offers its 5G customers a complete package including connectivity, devices, support services, and value-added offerings. Through Reliance Retail, Jio has established an extensive sales and support network for 5G devices and services across India.
This network is open to various leading 5G Smartphone Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), ensuring widespread availability and adoption of diverse 5G devices. This integrated approach solidifies Jio’s role as the driving force and clear leader in India’s 5G evolution.
Ambani pointed out that while launching 4G services in 2016, Jio relied on global partners for equipment. However, the company’s 5G rollout is now powered entirely by Jio’s own 100% in-house developed 5G stack. This aligns with the Indian Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) vision.
The 5G stack incorporates advanced technologies like Standalone 5G architecture, Carrier Aggregation, and Network Slicing. It also features advanced Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning capabilities that optimize the network for exceptional quality, reliability, and user experience.
This in-house development is designed to smoothly integrate with both 4G and 5G equipment from global vendors. Jio’s 5G radio portfolio spans from small cells to large tower-based radios, catering to various outdoor and indoor usage scenarios.
Furthermore, Jio’s focus on continuous innovation has positioned it as one of the early adopters of 6G capabilities. The company has also significantly contributed to global patent filings from India for digital technologies, signifying its evolution from a telecom operator to a technology company.
Ambani expressed his vision for Jio to leverage its Made-in-India technology stack to generate value and drive revenue growth not only within India but also on the international stage in the years to come.
DISCLAIMER: Network18, the company that operates Firstpost are controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary
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In a groundbreaking move, Toyota Motor is set to achieve a major milestone by introducing India’s very first car powered entirely by ethanol.
The exciting announcement comes as Union Minister Nitin Gadkari prepares to unveil this innovative vehicle, which is based on Toyota’s highly popular MPV model, the Innova. This momentous launch is scheduled for tomorrow, August 29th.
Toyota’s prowess in biofuel
What sets the Innova apart is not just its ethanol fuel prowess. This vehicle is also about to make history as the first-ever model worldwide to sport a Bharat Stage VI (Stage II) certification for its flex-fuel capabilities. It’s a significant step forward in the automotive industry.
This development comes on the heels of Toyota’s previous milestone—the introduction of the Mirai, a hydrogen fuel-cell car that caught the world’s attention a year ago.
The news of the upcoming Innova model’s debut was shared by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari during a recent summit. This launch aligns perfectly with the government’s push toward vehicles that can function on alternative fuels like biofuel, hydrogen, and the flexible mix of ethanol.
This strategic move aims to not only reduce India’s reliance on expensive fuel imports but also make a substantial impact on reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.
Addressing the audience at the Mint Sustainability Summit, Gadkari emphasized, “Mark your calendars for August 29th because that’s when I’ll be introducing the well-loved Toyota Innova, now running entirely on 100 per cent ethanol. To achieve self-reliance, we need to eliminate our oil imports, which currently stand at a staggering ₹16 lakh crore. This is a significant economic loss that we’re determined to overcome.”
Toyota’s other initiatives in alternative fuels
Recalling the past, in March of the previous year, Toyota had unveiled India’s maiden all-hydrogen electric vehicle— the Mirai, through a collaborative pilot project with the International Center for Automotive Technology (ICAT). The Toyota Mirai FCEV stands as one of the pioneering hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles globally, powered by electricity produced from pure hydrogen. It’s a true emissary of environmental responsibility, emitting nothing but water vapor from its tailpipe.
Under the hood, the Toyota Mirai FCEV sedan boasts a high-pressure hydrogen fuel tank coupled with an electric motor. This sophisticated powertrain ingeniously transforms hydrogen into water and oxygen, generating energy along the way. A distinct departure from the conventional internal combustion engines, the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain ensures that the only emission from its tailpipe is water—an environmentally friendly feat that deserves applause.
The first true flex-fuel car in the world
While the upcoming Innova may be the first mass-production car to be able to completely run on ethanol, it won’t be the first car ever to do so.
Back in 2007, Swedish supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg launched a variant of the CCX, that made it the first car in the world that could run on biofuel, specifically, ethanol. The car could run on both, premium petrol, as well as ethanol.
Apart from environmental benefits, the supercar showed that ethanol has a positive influence on performance as well. A Koenigsegg CCX running on petrol would produce a whopping 806 bhp. The same car, when fed with ethanol or a similar biofuel would produce over 1018 bhp.
Because the CCX was produced in a very limited number, it was never considered mass-produced. However, the car was monumental in establishing the fact that ethanol-fueled cars were not only viable, but could be great fun.
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Pros:
– Flex Window screen is a lot bigger and more practical to use
– Redesigned hinge, solid built quality
– Awesome main display
– No gap when folded
– IPX8 water resistant
– Widgets on the screen work well
– Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
– Compact form factor
Cons:
– Pricey for its specifications
– Cameras could have a lot better for its price
– Battery life could have been better
– Apps transition weirdly from the main display to the smaller display
– Flex screen could have supported more apps natively
– Need to download and set up Good Lock for more functionality of the cover display
– Lacks rating for dust protection
Rating: 4.75/5 Pricing: Starts at Rs 99,999 for the 256GB+8GB variant
Just about a month ago, the Motorola Moto Razr 40 Ultra set the bar for what a flip-styled foldable smartphone should be in 2023. Then Samsung came along with its Galaxy Z Fold 5, and took back the crown.
The outbound Galaxy Z Fold 4 was a pretty solid foldable phone, albeit with some issues. The new Galaxy Z Fold 5, takes all of those issues and tosses them away. The biggest highlight is the all-new cover display, which, at 3.4 inches. However, there’s a lot more to the Z Flip 5.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
With increasing competition from the likes of Motorola and Oppo, Samsung has to proceed cautiously. They can’t go in all guns blazing at once, nor can they update each iteration in an extremely staggered manner. They will need to pace themselves. And that’s what Samsung has done with the Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review: Design
On the surface, it looks like the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s new, bigger outer display is the biggest change. However, one upgrade that is even more consequential than the outer display, is that Samsung is using an all-new hinge mechanism. Because of this, the phone closes with no gap in between the two halves.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
And you can even tell from the way the foldable opens up and closes that the hinge is a new and better design. It feels a lot more smoother, and yet a lot sturdier. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes with an IPX8 rating, which means that it can survive some splashes of water, without any worries. Just keep it away from dust and you’re good to go.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
When it comes to the overall look and foldable design, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 isn’t drastically different from its predecessor. It has the same placement of the buttons and the fingerprint scanner, as the Fold 4. And aside from the two main cameras poking out on the cover screen, there’s an additional in-screen camera on the main display. The earpiece doubles up as a speaker, giving you that sweet stereo speaker setup.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
The device, obviously, looks very premium in the hand, but more importantly, it also feels very premium, like it has been built really well. Yes, you cannot open up the device using just one hand, but it snaps close pretty easily and smoothly.
The Galaxy Fold 5 comes in a bunch of cool colours, like Graphite, Cream, Lavender, and a really pleasant Mint. I had the mint-coloured one as my variant, and it looks awesome, although not as awesome as the Lavender. You can also get a special edition Grey, Blue and Green, only from Samsung’s website.
Then, there is the outer display, the main highlight of the Galaxy Flip 5. It isn’t perfectly squared–in fact, it has a weird shape to accommodate those two main cameras. However, the screen has been given a massive upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review: Displays
Let’s take a look at the cover display first. The new Flex Window is a big step up from last year’s Cover Display. It’s a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED screen that’s super smooth with a 60Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 720X748, and comes with Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Do note, that the shape isn’t a proper rectangle and is shaped like a folder icon. The display is tack-sharp and looks very crisp. But the real game-changer here is the size.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
With a bigger screen, you get to see more stuff all at once, and all the buttons become way easier to hit.
When you swipe left, you’ll find a bunch of standard widgets. Dragging down from the home page gets you to quick settings, and swiping right shows your notifications. You can also see all of your widgets with a new pinch move that lets you zoom out.
Although you can’t run every app on the Flex Window, Samsung did make a bunch of them work great on this smaller screen. You’ve to tweak some settings to enable it, but once you do, you can open up Google Maps, YouTube, Netflix, Messages, and WhatsApp on the outside display. However, the functionality is a bit limited. You cannot run most of the apps directly.
What Samsung has done, is allow users to install an app called Good Lock from Samsung’s Galaxy Store. Using that, you can use practically any app on the cover screen. This is a functionality that shouldn’t need a separate app and should be enabled natively.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Barring this, the Flip 5’s software for the cover display is actually very refined and allows users to use it properly. Even though the screen is half of what we have become used to, you can actually chat away on any of your messaging app.
Now, let’s talk about the main display. We get a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, with a refresh rate of 120Hz, support for HDR10+. With a resolution of 2640X1080, the display has a peak brightness of 1750 nits.
It’s pretty much the same display that we saw last year, and it still continues to be pretty impressive. The colours really stand out and catch your eye. It’s super contrasty and punchy – a real joy to use the display, no matter what you’re doing.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
What’s cool is how the phone’s design lets you bend it into an L-shape for taking pictures and use it as its own stand. And if you prop it up at a 45-degree angle, it’s perfect for watching videos.
You also get a ton of new options in the flex mode, or when you pop the device up between roughly 20 and 160 degrees, which allows certain apps to work really well. Take YouTube, for instance; it still keeps the video up top while you can smoothly scroll through the comments below.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
This year though, they have added a few features. After a bit of toggling through a few hidden settings, you have the option to show a button at the lower left corner of every app. When you tap it, the Flex dashboard pops up. This dashboard gives you shortcuts to cool stuff like taking a screenshot, swiping down the notifications panel, and more.
Now, let’s address the two elephants in the room. First, the display’s 9:22 quirky aspect ratio takes a bit of getting used to, but over time, you really do adjust to it.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
The second issue is that crease which may seem pesky at first, especially if you haven’t used a foldable before, but after a while, you kind of stop noticing it. Of course, you can feel it when you swipe your finger across, and it definitely catches the light in certain angles, but it surprisingly doesn’t really get in the way of your everyday use.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review: Camera
Samsung has stuck to the same dual 12MP camera setup for the Galaxy Z Flip 5 as it did with the Z Flip 4. It’s a standard 12MP f/1.8 main sensor, paired with a 12Mp 2.2 ultrawide sensor. True to Samsung’s style, it’s packed with a ton of features.
The images from the Z Flip 5 are pretty much the same that we got to see in last year’s Flip 4 However, that’s not a bad thing necessarily – the photos these cameras produce are still pretty awesome. Snapshots taken from the main two cameras on the cover display bring out vivid blue skies and reds that truly stand out.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
And, using the external 12-megapixel cameras has become a much better experience, all thanks to the Flex Window.
While the camera performance is pretty good, there are a few trade-offs you’ll have to consider. If you’re used to having a telephoto lens in your photographic arsenal, you’ll definitely notice its absence.
Having said that, the camera is not what you’re paying for. You’re buying a specific kind of lifestyle device. However, in a phone as expensive as this, the camera has to be top-notch.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
You can check out a few unedited samples from the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s cameras here.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review: Performance, software experience and UI
Inside the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, you’ll find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 designed specifically for Galaxy. It’s a slightly faster version of the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. This is the very same processor powering the Galaxy S23 series and, of course, the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Flip 5 comes with 8GB of RAM and has UFS 4.0 storage in both its 256GB and 512GB variants.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, the Flip 5 performs just as well as top-tier phones like the Galaxy S23+. Out of the box, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 operates on Android 13 with OneUI 5.1. The UI is sleek and user-friendly. Samsung usually keeps bloatware to a minimum on their high-end top of line and devices and their flagship phones.
No matter what I threw at Flip 5, it didn’t slow down at all. It did pretty well in benchmarks and handled even the most demanding games pretty well, There were no stutters or frames to drop of any sort in games like BGMI and COD Mobile, even at maxed-out graphics, and it did not get uncomfortably hot during long gaming sessions.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
I don’t really think the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a device meant for heavy-duty gaming or for demanding tasks. It’s just not built with that in mind. But even if you do decide to use it for those purposes, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 won’t let you down.
With the Galaxy Z Flip 5, we also get Samsung’s long-term commitment to the software where they’re pledging four years of major OS updates along with five years of security patches.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review: Battery
Samsung has stuck with the same 3,700mAh battery that was used in the Flip 4. It’s pretty decent to keep you going through a regular day of use, but don’t expect it to last much longer than that, especially if you’re a power user.
We got about 5 hours of screen-on time during our testing period. This means, if you live your life on your phone, you’ll certainly need to top up the phone at least once every day. The power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip makes up for the larger Flex Window. However, if you’re going to use the smaller display most of the time, the battery will last you much longer.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Unfortunately, we don’t get to see a charging brick included in the box, so you’ll need to get a 25W adapter. It takes about 90 minutes to fully charge the phone. The good news is that you get USB 3.2 instead of last year’s USB 2.0
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review: Verdict
Before we give you a verdict on the Galaxy Z Flip 5, we need to make one thing absolutely. Foldable smartphones are not meant for everyone, especially if you’re the sort of person who uses their devices very roughly or keeps their devices for a long time.
The hinge, no matter what device you’re using, does cause issues. Moreover, there are problems with dust and durability.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
As for the Galaxy Z Flip 5, it is a pretty solid phone, even when you consider regular phones. Samsung’s decision to enlarge the cover screen is a clear invitation to make better use of the Galaxy Flip 5 even when it’s folded. This is particularly useful for folks aiming to cut down on their screen time. You can conveniently check notifications, respond to messages, take quick peeks at social media, and then get back to the real world. However, Samsung needs to work on app support for the smaller display.
It is expensive for its specifications, especially when you consider its price and specifications. The camera, although it puts out great photos and videos, is an old one. The battery could have been a lot better.
Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das
Having said all that, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is one of the most practical flip-styled foldable devices in the market – it certainly is the best one. So it becomes a lot easier to recommend the device if you’re searching for something unique, stylish, and practical – a device with a distinct folding design, dual screens, and solid performance.
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