At CES 2023, Philips launched the Philips Hue Sync TV app for Samsung TVs. It linked Philips’ smart lights with Samsung TVs to allow those lights to change color based on the content the TV is displaying, offering a more cinematic experience. Back then, Philips had made the app available only in the US. Now, it is expanding the app’s availability to more regions. Along with it, Philips has updated the Hue Sync TV app with a very useful and interesting feature called Music Mode and introduced a monthly subscription plan for it.
Philips Hue TV Sync now available in five more countries
Samsung has announced that the Philips Hue Sync TV app is now available in Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Poland, and Slovakia. To download the app, click on the APPS card on the home screen, select the search icon from the top-right corner of the display, type the app’s name and select it from the search result, and click on Install.
You can now pay for the app on a monthly basis
Up until now, you had to pay a one-time fee of USD 129.99 to use Philips Hue Sync TV on your Samsung TV, which could be too big of an amount for some people to pay at once. Well, Philips seems to have understood the issue as the company now allows you to pay for the app monthly. The subscription plan costs USD 2.99. What’s interesting is that unlike the one-time payment option, which allows you to use the app only on one Samsung TV, the subscription plan allows you to use the app simultaneously on three Samsung TVs.
Smart lights can now change color based on audio
If you use the Philips Hue Sync TV app, you might know that it offers two dynamic lighting options: Video mode and Game mode. Well, according to an image in the press release, it now offers a third option: Music mode. From what we understand, if you select this mode, Philips smart light will change color based on the audio that the TV is playing rather than the video it is displaying. This mode will be very helpful in setting the mood when you are using audio streaming apps, such as Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music.
Samsung is expanding the availability of OneUI 6.1 to multiple devices across the Galaxy ecosystem. With the latest roll out, AI features that had been exclusive to the Galaxy S24 series will find a home on the best Samsung phones and tablets from 2023.
The update will encompass multiple tools to help people tackle a variety of tasks. Chief among these is Circle to Search. Made in collaboration with Google, this AI tool lets you learn about a subject on screen either by circling what you see. Doing so brings up Google Search results on that subject down at the bottom.
(Image credit: Google/Samsung)
Real-time translation
The OneUI 6.1 update also includes Live Translate. Live Translate “allows for two-way text and voice translation … in real time”. You can use the Live Translate feature with a phone call, and your Galaxy device will be able to play back only the translation, giving you the closing thing you’ll find to a Star Trek universal translator.
The third major feature is Chat Assist. Samsung’s Chat Assist is part of the Samsung Keyboard, and it can offer suggestions to improve your messages. It will mostly offer stylistic changes with help from generative AI to create new styles, like a more professional or a more emoji-filled message. It will also clean up your spelling and grammar while it’s making these changes.
(Image credit: Samsung)
Finally, we have Generative Edit for images. Generative Edit can change images significantly, adding or changing the background, or removing pieces entirely. You can move and resize parts of the image, and Generative Edit will create new pieces to fill in gaps as necessary. The feature is very similar to Google’s Magic Editor in Google Photos on the Pixel phones, but isn’t exactly the same.
It’s important to mention there are other features coming with One UI 6.1, although it’s unknown if the likes of Browsing Assist or Edit Suggestions will be present. The former can create “comprehensive summaries of news articles” while the latter offers advice on how to beautify photos. Once our phones are updated, we’ll know for sure.
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Availability
Keep an eye out for the update as it’ll be releasing soon. Roll out begins Thursday, March 28. There is a way to try out the new features before you download. First, head over to the official Try Galaxy page, then install the app. You’ll be given an on-device demo of the Galaxy S24 UI where you can see the AI features in action.
There is a chance OneUI 6.1 will come to the Galaxy S22 series. At a recent shareholder meeting, TM Roh, President and Head of MX Business at Samsung, teased the “AI features could be coming to older Galaxy phones”, however nothing is set in stone at the moment.
Be sure to check out TechRadar’s roundup of the best Samsung phones for 2024 if you’re looking to make the jump.
Earlier this month, Google released Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2. It brought many features, and among them were two new accessibility options meant for use with a physical keyboard, sticky keys, and bounce keys. It was reported that these two features will soon be joined by another option, slow keys. Well, that third option is finally here.
According to a new report from Android Authority, the newly-released Android 15 Developer Preview 2 offers three accessibility options that you can use with a physical keyboard: Sticky keys, Slow keys, and Bounce Keys. While sticky keys and bounce keys were already present in Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2, the slow keys option is new.
The slow keys option allows you to specify the duration a key should be pressed for the system to register the keystroke. This feature helps people with physical disabilities. With the three new options, Android 15 will make it more convenient for people to use a keyboard with their tablets or with their phones operating in desktop mode.
Now, here’s something that will make you feel good if you own a smartphone or tablet from Samsung. The Korean tech giant already offers these three options with One UI. This is one of the reasons why people prefer One UI over stock Android. One UI offers many useful features that stock Android still misses out on.
We’re getting closer to the launch of new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, while rumors about iOS 18 are continuing to ramp up with this week’s surprise revelation that Apple has been talking to Google and others about potentially helping power the generative AI features expected to be a major part of this year’s update.
Other news this week saw the release of iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 updates with bug fixes, but we’re still awaiting an update to address some of the problems introduced in macOS 14.4 earlier this month. We’ve also been continuing to keep our eye on the iPhone 16 lineup due in September and upcoming AirPods updates, so read on for details on all of these stories!
iOS 18: Apple in Talks With Google to Bring Gemini AI Features to iPhone
iOS 18 is widely rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri and a range of built-in Apple apps on the iPhone, including Messages, Apple Music, Health, Shortcuts, Pages, Keynote, Numbers, and others.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16 series in September.
macOS Sonoma 14.4: Reasons Not to Update
Since Apple unveiled macOS Sonoma 14.4 earlier this month, the transition to the latest software update has not been entirely smooth for everyone, and a number of issues have been reported by users that significantly impact their daily workflow.
If you anticipate that any of these problems could significantly impact your daily operations or productivity, it may be prudent to delay updating to the latest version of macOS Sonoma until Apple addresses these concerns with a subsequent fix.
The MacRumors Show: Apple’s Four Upcoming AirPods Models
On the latest episode of The MacRumors Show podcast, our hosts Hartley Charlton and Dan Barbera discussed circulating rumors on four upcoming models of AirPods, including two variants of fourth-generation AirPods, a very minor refresh of the AirPods Max, and next-generation AirPods Pro.
Last week’s episode saw Dan and Harley discussing whether the next-generation iPad Air models will be a big enough upgrade for customers. Apple is expected to release a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air, but no major design changes are expected for the mid-range tablet. Key new features expected include the M2 chip and a landscape front camera.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we’ve covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
When Samsung announced the One UI 6.1 update for its 2023 flagships, the company added a footnote saying that some Galaxy AI features from the Galaxy S24 “may not be available in previous generation models”, but it looks like that footnote doesn’t apply to the Galaxy S23, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5.
A screenshot shared by Twitter leakster Ice universe reveals that the Advanced intelligence menu on a Galaxy Z Fold 5 lists all the AI features that can be found in that same menu on a Galaxy S24. Samsung has also added a description for Circle to Search in there so users know the feature exists (the Galaxy S24 series has Circle to Search but Samsung doesn’t list it with the other features in the Advanced intelligence menu).
The Galaxy S23 FE may be the only device to not get all Galaxy S24 AI features. While it launched in 2023, it features the same Exynos and Snapdragon chips as the Galaxy S22 series instead of the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip that sits inside the non-FE Galaxy S23 models, the Fold 5 and Flip 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9.
The One UI 6.1 update will start rolling out sometime later this month, but the rollout of the update is expected to spill over into April for most markets.
Companies don’t need to make huge updates to their wireless earbuds across generations. Sometimes, making a great set more reliable and adding features that extend their lifespan are upgrades enough. That’s what Sennheiser has done for the Momentum True Wireless 4 ($300). The company’s fourth-generation earbuds retain the excellent sound quality I’ve come to expect from Sennheiser along with rebuilt Bluetooth tech, higher-resolution sound, support for Bluetooth LE Audio and a tool for battery longevity. But, not everyone will reap all of the benefits I encountered during my Momentum True Wireless 4 review.
Momentum True Wireless 4: Design
The Momentum True Wireless 4 is identical in appearance to the Momentum True Wireless 3, with the only difference being a new copper/black color option alongside the existing silver/black and silver/white versions. Also, you’ll now get a fourth, extra-small, set of ear tips and the company still includes three sizes of stabilizer arcs to help you get an ideal fit. Sennheiser’s Smart Control app has a fit test too, so you’ve got help there. The company has also upgraded the dust and moisture protection here with an IP54 rating, so they now withstand fine debris in addition to water spray.
Sennheiser
Sennheiser’s latest flagship earbuds retain the excellent sound quality the company is known for, and add some quality-of-life updates that are improvements over the previous model.
There are, however, some important changes inside the Momentum True Wireless 4. That includes an update to Qualcomm’s S5 Sound Gen 2 platform with Snapdragon Sound. Part of the Bluetooth overhaul I mentioned is a redesigned antenna, which makes this fourth-gen set of wireless earbuds more reliable. Users had reported issues with dropouts and the companion app failing to recognize the Momentum True Wireless 3, so Sennheiser is clearly addressing those issues here.
Software and features
Like with recent Sennheiser audio gear, the company’s Sound Control app is where you access all of the settings and customization options for the Momentum True Wireless 4. The main interface gives you quick access to battery percentages, Bluetooth connections, personalized sound, ANC settings, transparency level, reconfiguring touch controls, fit test and Sound Zones. That last feature allows you to automate changes to audio settings like ANC and transparency on your location. You can set up to 20 of these “zones” for places like home, work and the gym. Of course, you have to give the app permission to monitor your whereabouts to use this.
Sennheiser has taken steps to future-proof these flagship earbuds – ensuring they last for the next few years, at least. First, they support Bluetooth 5.4, which is ready for LE Audio and Auracast. Those items aren’t available on the Momentum True Wireless 4 just yet, but Sennheiser is planning an update this spring that will deliver features like broadcast audio, audio sharing and assisted listening.
If you have a recent premium Android phone, the inclusion of Snapdragon Sound will come in handy for increased audio quality. The Qualcomm processor in those devices can muster what Sennheiser calls “flawless” lossless audio when streaming from a compatible music service. There are two settings here: high resolution at 24-bit/96kHz via aptX Adaptive and lossless at 16-bit/44.1kHz with aptX Lossless.
The final quality-of-life update concerns the battery. In order to maintain better performance over time, Sennheiser added a battery protection mode that stops the buds from charging past 80 percent. This is important since earbud batteries are almost never replaceable and preventing them from overcharging will extend its lifespan. It’s nice to see the company making a product last longer, which will also have environmental impacts.
Momentum True Wireless 4: Sound quality
Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget
Sennheiser has a longstanding reputation for great sound quality and the Momentum True Wireless 4 continues that tradition. I couldn’t detect a huge difference between the Momentum True Wireless 4 and its predecessor, though, despite the company saying this year’s model has “evolved tuning” that includes things like “smoother treble response, extensive bass and effortless midrange.” And that’s just fine because the Momentum True Wireless 3 already sounded amazing.
There’s still great detail and clarity here, combined with a warm, inviting sound profile that’s enjoyable for hours on end. Even though the bass is boomy and punchy when a song like Incendiary’s “Lie of Liberty” demands it, the low-end tone never overpowers. And you can easily hear the texture of the distorted guitars, clanging hits on the ride cymbal and other subtleties on that bombastic hardcore track. Shift over to something more mellow like Charles Wesley Godwin’s Apple Music Sessions and the level of detail envelopes you even more. Those songs are also available in Dolby Atmos, so they really allow the Momentum True Wireless 4 to shine.
If the stock tuning doesn’t suit you, you can adjust a 5-band EQ and save any custom presets. The app also offers Sound Personalization, which tunes the audio to your listening preference via a quick test. The Momentum True Wireless 4 sounded great out of the box and I left the tuning untouched except for a bit of due diligence.
Android users can take advantage of the increased audio quality I mentioned earlier. There is a noticeable difference in the sound, especially in the finer details, but whether it’s “better” depends on your preferences. Of course, that higher-resolution playback will impact battery life and you’ll need a specific streaming plan (like Tidal’s Hi-Fi or Hi-Fi Plus options) or locally stored files to use what Snapdragon Sound offers in the first place.
iPhone owners shouldn’t feel left out as Apple’s AAC streaming also sounds great on the Momentum True Wireless 4. It’s aided by the fact that Apple Music’s audio quality is superior to other services, especially if the tunes are available in Dolby Atmos.
ANC performance
Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget
Like its predecessor, the Momentum True Wireless 4 has an adaptive ANC setup that automatically adjusts to changes in your environment for a more “immersive listening experience.” Sennheiser didn’t point out any differences in its noise-canceling setup on this new model and I didn’t notice any discernible improvement or decline. The ANC works just fine in most settings, but like most earbuds and headphones, it struggles with sounds like human voices. I also found that it’s not as robust as the best buds from Bose and Sony with some sources of constant noise, like white noise machines and noisy fans.
Call quality
Sennheiser uses six microphones to handle calls on the Momentum True Wireless 4. Overall quality is good, but not pristine, as long as you’re in a quiet spot. Constant noise like a raucous fan comes across as a nondescript hum, but it’s still noticeable. Transparency mode helps a bit during calls, if only to let you be aware of your surroundings. It has a natural sound compared to other earbuds, but doesn’t pipe in your voice, so the end result isn’t as good as Apple’s AirPods Pro.
Momentum True Wireless 4: Battery life
The Momentum True Wireless 4’s battery is rated to last seven hours with ANC on, but you can extend that 30 minutes by disabling it. During my tests, which consisted of mostly ANC listening at around 70-percent volume with a few calls using transparency mode, I easily hit the seven-hour mark. Factor in the case, which supports wireless charging, and you can expect up to 30 hours of playback on the go. There’s also a wireless quick-charge feature with the battery protection mode that gives you an hour of use in just eight minutes.
The competition
The leader of the pack is still Sony’s WF-1000XM5. While the Momentum True Wireless 4 has the edge in terms of sound quality, Sony’s earbuds offer better noise-canceling and a host of handy features. Tools like Speak-to-Chat automatic pausing and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling cannot be overlooked. Sony also provides the ability to automatically change sound settings based on your location like Sennheiser does, so you don’t have to sacrifice that feature. The WF-1000XM5 debuted last July, which means you can find them on sale often. They’re currently going for $278, $22 less than the Momentum True Wireless 4.
Wrap-up
No new design? No problem. Sennheiser has made enough upgrades to the Momentum True Wireless 4 to make it a compelling entry in a growing line of stellar-sounding earbuds. Sound quality is great as always, and that’s the biggest selling point for me. Combine that with the higher-resolution audio on Android, forward-facing features and solid battery life, and this model checks a lot of boxes for a flagship set of buds. Sure, ANC could be better and some folks will yearn for spatial audio, but just because the Momentum True Wireless 4 is superb in some areas doesn’t mean it’s perfect.
1 / 9
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
White/silver Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds sitting in their case with the lid open, photo taken from the front right corner.
Apple has held discussions with Baidu about using the Chinese company’s generative AI model to power some of the iPhone’s rumored generative AI features, according to The Wall Street Journal. As previously reported, Apple is also said to have held similar discussions with Google and OpenAI, the company behind the popular ChatGPT chatbot.
If these partnerships move forward, it is likely that Baidu would power some of Apple’s generative AI features in China, while other companies like Google or OpenAI would serve as partners in the U.S. and other countries. China requires generative AI models to receive local regulatory approval, and Baidu’s Ernie chatbot is on the approved list, but Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbots are not available in the country.
Apple has repeatedly teased that it has generative AI announcements to share later this year, and this likely refers to iOS 18. The software update is rumored to include new generative AI features for a range of iPhone features and apps, including Siri, Spotlight, Apple Music, Health, Messages, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, Shortcuts, and more.
iPhone 16 models are rumored to feature an upgraded Neural Engine with “significantly” more cores, which could result in some of iOS 18’s generative AI features being exclusive to those models. iPhone 15 models have a 16-core Neural Engine.
iOS 18 will be previewed at Apple’s developers conference WWDC in June, so we’re just a few months away from learning about these generative AI plans.
Apple’s iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple’s 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip…
The next-generation iPad Air is now reportedly shipping to the United States and other countries in preparation for launch. The rumor comes from the leaker known as “Instant Digital,” who claims that manufacturers in China are now shipping the 2024 iPad Air in two sizes to overseas locations. “Everything is ready” for launch, the Weibo user says. The sixth-generation iPad Air is rumored…
Apple’s new iPad Pro models with OLED displays will likely begin shipping to customers in April, according to information shared today by Ross Young, CEO of display industry research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also said the new iPad Pro models might not ship until “deeper” into April in his Power On newsletter on Sunday:I’ve repeatedly said that new…
iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 should be released within the next few days, with a build number of 21E235, according to a source with a proven track record. MacRumors previously reported that Apple was internally testing iOS 17.4.1. As a minor update for the iPhone, it will likely address software bugs and/or security vulnerabilities. It is unclear if the update will include any other changes. …
Apple is widely expected to release new iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models in the next few weeks. According to new rumors coming out of Asia, the company will announce its new iPads on Tuesday, March 26. Chinese leaker Instant Digital on Weibo this morning 日发布%23″>claimed that the date will see some sort of announcement from Apple related to new iPads, but stopped short of calling it an…
Since Apple unveiled macOS Sonoma 14.4 on March 7, the transition to the latest software update has not been entirely smooth for everyone, and a number of issues have been reported by users that significantly impact their daily workflow. This article lists the most prominent challenges users have faced since updating to macOS Sonoma 14.4, and offers potential solutions where available. USB…
Apple today released iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1, minor updates to the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 operating systems. The new software comes a couple of weeks after Apple released iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 with app changes in the European Union, new emoji, and more. iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software…
Apple plans to maximize the display size on the upcoming iPhone 16 series by using a new ultra-thin bezel technology, claims a new report out of Korea. According to Sisa Journal, Apple will use Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology to minimize the bezel at the bottom of the display. BRS achieves this by rolling up the internal copper wiring into a more compact package. Apple…
Apple’s next-generation iPad Pro models will be offered with a matte display option for the first time, according to the Weibo leaker known as “Instant Digital.” The Weibo user explained that the iPad Pro’s new matte display option will be offered in addition to the standard, glossy glass finish. It apparently features -4° to +29° of haze and may tout some kind of blue-light blocking…
Apple’s Safari web browser packs loads of privacy features that will keep your online activity hidden from ad networks, user tracking and data farms. But are you sure you have everything turned on? Some of Apple’s most important privacy-protecting features don’t come enabled by default.
Turn on all Safari privacy features on iPhone, iPad and Mac
Toggle on Safari privacy settings
Safari offers a bunch of features to help protect your privacy even when you’re not in Private Browsing mode. Make sure you have them all turned on.
On iPhone and iPad
Make sure your settings match. Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Safari (scroll down a bit to find it). Then scroll down a bit on this page to the Privacy & Security section. I have all the features enabled: Prevent Cross-Site Tracking, Hide IP Address From Trackers, Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing and Fraudulent Website Warning.
Then, scroll down to the bottom and tap Advanced. Set “Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection” to All Browsing and then disable “Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement.” You can leave “Block All Cookies” disabled and “Check for Apple Pay” enabled, as changing those settings will break website functionality.
On Mac
On a Mac, open Safari. In the menu bar, go to Safari > Settings… (⌘,) and click on the Privacy tab.
First, enable Prevent cross-site tracking and Hide IP address from trackers. Neither of these will have a significant impact on website functionality; they’ll simply make your browsing safer.
Then, click Advanced Settings for a few more options. In the Privacy section, set “Use advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection” to in all browsing. Leave “Allow privacy-preserving measurement of ad effectiveness” unchecked.
Personally, I have “Allow websites to check for Apple Pay and Apple Card” checked and “Block all cookies” unchecked; changing these options will break website features.
How to enable iCloud Private Relay on iPhone, iPad and Mac
It only protects your activity within Safari, not all network activity across all apps, but it’s a great feature nonetheless. Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
If you have an iCloud+ subscription, you’ll also want to turn on iCloud Private Relay for maximum protection. This feature works kind of like a VPN for your web browsing — your personal internet activity is funneled through an Apple server, so the websites you visit can’t track you as easily.
This premium Safari privacy feature is available to anyone with an iCloud+ subscription. With it, you also get cloud storage to back up your phone (which everyone should do) and other features like Hide My Email. If you’re paying for iCloud+ subscription, you should take advantage of Private Relay on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
To do so on iPhone and iPad, go back to Settings, tap on your name at the very top, then tap iCloud > Private Relay. Turn it on.
To turn on Private Relay on a Mac, go to the menu, then System Settings > iCloud > iCloud+ > Private Relay. Toggle it to on.
On iPhone, iPad and Mac, you can set your IP Address Location to choose how accurate or private you want it to be. Apple gives you two options: “Maintain general location” or “Use country and time zone.” The latter setting will offer more privacy in Safari at the expense of location-based features on the web being less fine-tuned for you.
How to turn on Private Browsing on iPhone, iPad and Mac
Swipe up on the address bar or tap the Tabs button. Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Using a Safari privacy feature called Private Browsing mode offers yet another layer of online anonymity. “With Private Browsing, Safari won’t remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information,” Apple says. “Private Browsing also blocks known trackers, removes tracking used to identify individual users from URLs, and adds protections against advanced fingerprinting techniques.”
To turn on Private Browsing on an iPhone or iPad, first open Safari. Then swipe up on the address bar or tap the Tabs button in the bottom-right. On the bottom, you’ll see a row of tab groups. Tap Private on the left to switch to Private Browsing. You may need to authenticate with Face ID before showing your private tabs.
How to turn off Private Browsing on iPhone or iPad
Turning off Private Browsing works the same way on iPhone and iPad. Swipe up on the address bar or tap the Tabs button in the bottom-right. Select any of your other tab groups to the right to exit Private Browsing.
From the Home Screen, you can also tap and hold on the Safari icon and select New Tab to quickly exit Private Browsing without opening it.
How to turn on Private Browsing on Mac
On a Mac, you can create a new Private Browsing window by hitting File > New Private Window in the menu bar, or with the keyboard shortcut ⇧⌘N.
An avalanche of information has recently leaked for Motorola’s upcoming flagship smartphone, the Edge 50 Pro revealing nearly everything from specs to features.
The company posted a few teasers on its Indian X account (the platform formerly known as Twitter) of what the device will be capable of. But much of the details actually come from a listing page found on Flipkart, an Indian e-commerce platform. There, it’s revealed the Edge 50 Pro sports an 6.7-inch, curved pOLED display outputting 1.5K resolution (2,712 x 1,220 pixels) and has a refresh rate of 144Hz. Motorola is seemingly putting a lot of work into making the viewing experience as immersive as possible. Not only does it support the entire DCI-P3 color gamut, the company claims the screen is the “world’s first Pantone validated display”.
Pantone, if you’re not familiar, is a company best known for creating the Pantone Matching System, a color standard used in a variety of industries. With this standard in place on the Edge 50 Pro, Motorola states the screen will be able to accurately show off colors and skin tones.
AI-powered features
Accurate color portrayal is slated to play a major role on the Edge 50 Pro’s rear camera array as the lenses are also “Pantone validated.” While we’re on the topic, the device’s camera system is said to have AI technology powering at least five other features. Keep in mind, none of these have official descriptions explaining what they do, although their respective names offer enough insight to paint a picture.
(Image credit: Motorola/Flipkart)
Adaptive Stabilization will probably ensure subjects in a photo or video remain centered at all times. Auto Focus Tracking will likely do just that – automatically focus on moving people. Photo Enhancement Engine, as the name suggests, will probably improve the quality of a picture. Style Sync sounds like an on-device generative AI tool that might create, say, unique wallpapers on the fly similar to the Pixel 8.
Tilt Mode is the last AI-powered feature mentioned. It was tough figuring out what this could be, however we believe it’ll function similarly to the OnePlus 12’s Tilt-Shift Mode. What it does is allow users to manipulate how a camera lens focuses on a subject resulting in an interesting visual effect. A cross-section of a photograph is crystal clear while the top and bottom are blurry, which can have a miniaturizing effect on the image.
Flipkart’s page hints that’s how the Edge 50 Pro’s Tilt Mode will work. There’s an image of a woman with a clear view of her face surrounded by a hazy background. But without official confirmation, it’s hard to say for sure.
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Specs
The only other tidbit we learn is the camera system will be led by a 50MP sensor. However, notable industry insider Abhishek Yadav shared more details about the smartphone on X.
He claims the model will house a 13MP ultra-wide lens as well as a 4,500mAh battery. And it’ll all run on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. Yadav concludes his post by stating the Edge 50 Pro will launch in India on April 3. It’ll be available in three different colors: black, lavender, and white with marble-like texture.
(Image credit: Motorola/Flipkart)
Now the question is whether this smartphone will launch elsewhere. Most likely, yes. Notebook Check in their coverage points out there’s a high chance the mobile device will be rebranded as the 2024 version of the Motorola Edge Plus in the United States. We are missing a new model and the company’s latest phone appears to be the likely contender. No word when we’ll see a global release although we did ask.
Apple is in discussions with Google to integrate its Gemini AI engine into the iPhone as part of iOS 18, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
In a report citing people familiar with the situation, Gurman claims the two companies are in “active negotiations” to let Apple license Google’s generative large-language models in order to power some new features coming in iOS 18.
“The two parties haven’t decided the terms or branding of an AI agreement or finalized how it would be implemented,” according to the report’s sources.
With the release of iOS 18 later this year, Apple is rumored to be bringing major new AI capabilities to its iPhone operating system. According to Gurman, however, Apple is focusing on features that operate on-device and do not require an internet connection.
To power additional cloud-based generative AI features, such as the ability to create images and write essays based on single prompts, Apple is seeking a partner that has the necessary large-scale hardware infrastructure and compute capabilities already in place.
Apple has been internally testing an “Apple GPT” rival that could compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Apple is said to be spending millions of dollars a day on conversational AI research as training language models requires a lot of hardware.
According to previous reporting by Gurman, work on AI is a priority for Apple, and the company has been designing an “Ajax” framework for large language models. However, the technology is still not as advanced as tools from Google and other rivals, making a partnership look like the better option, according to the latest report.
If the negotiations come to nothing, Apple could seek another generative AI provider such as OpenAI or turn to multiple partners. But if the talks bring about a deal, it could be a lucrative addition to the two companies’ existing search partnership.
Google has paid Apple billions of dollars for several years to keep its search engine the default option in Safari browser on Apple devices. However, the existing deal is facing regulatory scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice and the European Commission over concerns that it helps Google maintain a search monopoly.
Both The Information and analyst Jeff Pu claim that Apple will have some kind of generative AI feature available on the iPhone and iPad around late 2024, which is when iOS 18 will be coming out. However, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in August that there is “no sign” of generative AI technology coming in 2024, and he claimed that Apple’s work on generative AI is “significantly behind its competitors.”
