Marvel has all but confirmed that Galactus will be the primary villain of its forthcoming Fantastic Four movie.
Today (April 4), the comic book giant ostensibly revealed that the planet-devouring deity would be the big bad of The Fantastic 4, which is set to launch in theaters in July 2025. The apparent announcement was surprisingly shadow-dropped on Marvel’s social media channels, where the Disney subsidiary revealed a brand-new poster depicting Johnny Storm/The Human Torch to celebrate 4-4 Day, aka April 4.
#TheFantasticFour Celebrate 4-4 Day at: https://t.co/0L6vmfvKPN pic.twitter.com/byRvjcbsNfApril 4, 2024
The iPhone is Apple’s top-selling product, and it gets an update every year. In 2024, we’re expecting the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lineup, with an arguably more interesting feature set than we got with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.
Capture Button
All four iPhone 16 models are set to get a whole new button, which will be located on the right side of the device below the Power button. In the United States, this is where the mmWave 5G antenna is, so Apple will be shifting that over to the other side.
This addition, which Apple calls the “Capture Button,” will be for taking photos and videos when the iPhone is held in a landscape orientation. It seems aimed specifically at capturing 3D landscape video that will then be viewed on the Apple Vision Pro, but it will also be useful for taking regular video and photos as well.
Rumors suggest the button will be a standard mechanical button like the Power and Volume buttons, but it will support multiple levels of pressure. You’ll be able to press down lightly to focus, and then press down further to snap a picture or start recording. The feel will be similar to a multi-function camera shutter button.
As a bonus, the standard iPhone 16 models will also get the Action Button that was introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, so both the Action Button and Capture Button will be available across the entire lineup.
Display Sizes
Apple has been using 6.1 and 6.7-inch display sizes for all iPhone generations since the 2020 iPhone 12 models, but display sizes are finally set to increase slightly in 2024. The iPhone 16 Pro display is expected to be approximately 6.3 inches, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max display will be approximately 6.9 inches.
Screen sizes are bigger because the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will be about 3mm taller, and around 1mm wider. Thickness isn’t increasing, but weight will go up just a bit because of size jump.
Unfortunately, the size change will be limited to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max this year, and the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will still measure in at 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively.
Camera Upgrades
Apple has camera changes in store for all of the iPhone 16 models. For the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, there will be a new vertical lens arrangement that does away with the diagonal arrangement Apple has used for the last several years. The change is expected to let the iPhone 16 models capture spatial video, a feature limited to the 15 Pro and Pro Max right now.
The biggest update will be limited to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, though. Apple is upgrading the Ultra Wide camera to 48 megapixels, bringing improved images in lower lighting conditions. The lens is expected to work like the 48-megapixel Wide camera, which uses pixel binning to combine the data from four pixels into one “super pixel” for better image quality.
Since spatial video recording uses both the Wide and Ultra Wide cameras, spatial videos will get a boost with the new Pro models.
Apple is also going to bring the 5x Telephoto lens to the iPhone 16 Pro this year, and that’s presumably possible because of those aforementioned size increases. 5X optical zoom is available on the 15 Pro Max right now, but both Pro models will get it in 2024.
Faster 5G
With the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, Apple plans to adopt Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X75 modem chip. Modem chips aren’t often a major feature that we highlight, especially since the transition to 5G, but the X75 will be faster while also using less power.
It offers 10-carrier aggregation for mmWave and 5x carrier aggregation for sub-6GHz. Carrier aggregation improves data speeds, so a higher number equates to lower latency and more data throughput. The modem chip has a second-generation AI processor inside that Qualcomm says will improve speeds, coverage, link robustness, and location accuracy. You might see fewer connection issues in parking garages, elevators, and subways.
The X75 merges the sub-6GHz and mmWave transceivers, so there’s 25 percent less circuit board space used and less power draw. So far, rumors suggest that the X75 will be limited to the Pro models in 2024, with the standard models to continue to use the X70 in the current iPhone 15 lineup.
Along with better 5G, Apple could also bring Wi-Fi 7 to the iPhone 16 Pro models. Wi-Fi 7 supports speeds up to 40Gb/s, and could result in lower latency and more reliable connectivity. As for the iPhone 16, we’re expecting to see an upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E, allowing them to connect to 6GHz networks. The 15 Pro models support Wi-Fi 6E, but the standard iPhone 15 models are limited to Wi-Fi 6.
Generative AI
Apple is focusing on AI in a big way in 2024 as it aims to catch up with Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and other companies that have invested heavily in generative AI. AI is software based, of course, but it needs hardware to support it.
With iOS 18, Apple is rumored to be making some major AI-based improvements and introducing AI across the operating system, and some of the most advanced features might be limited to the iPhone 16 lineup because of the processing power required.
All four iPhone 16 models are expected to get an A18 chip (perhaps A18 Pro for the Pro lineup), and the A18 chips will be built on Apple’s 3-nanometer process for improved performance and efficiency. Right now, the iPhone 15 Pro models use the 3nm A17 Pro, but the iPhone 15 models are using prior-generation A16 chip technology.
Upgrading to a 3-nanometer chip across the iPhone 16 lineup will allow Apple to bring the latest AI features to even its most affordable flagship models, and the A18 is expected to include a faster Neural Engine with “significantly” more cores. Rumors suggest that Apple wants to do AI processing on-device to preserve privacy, and some serious performance is needed to make that possible.
Apple’s next-generation iPad Pro models are expected to be announced in a matter of weeks, so what can customers expect from the highly anticipated new machines?
The 2022 iPad Pro was a minor update that added the M2 chip, Apple Pencil hover, and specification upgrades like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The iPad Pro as a whole has generally only seen relatively small updates in recent years, but rumors indicate that the next-generation iPad Pro will be the first major update to the product since 2018, introducing “fundamental changes.” Below are some of the most important rumors about the new machines to be aware of as we approach their announcement.
Revamped, Thinner Design
The iPad Pro has retained the same design through four successive generations since 2018. Multiple reports suggest that the biggest design change coming to the new models will be a substantial reduction in thickness, reducing from 5.9 mm to 5.1mm and 6.4mm to 5.0 mm, respectively.
CAD renders indicate that there will be no other major design changes, but there have been vague reports about the device potentially featuring a landscape front-facing camera like the 10th-generation iPad, a much more natural placement for video calls when using a Magic Keyboard. Rumors dating back to 2021 have suggested that a relocated front-facing camera is headed to the iPad Pro. Such a change would likely also require changes to the location or charging system of the Apple Pencil, since the wireless charging components for the accessory are currently located where the camera would move to.
Earlier rumors suggested that a glass back could come to a future iPad Pro model, which would be a major design change for the device, but it is no longer clear if this is still a possibility.
M3 Chip for Improved Performance
The next-generation iPad Pro is widely expected to feature Apple’s M3 chip to deliver improved performance and efficiency.
The M3 is based on the A17 Pro chip, which is manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm fabrication process. In benchmark tests, the M3 outperforms the M2 by about 17% in single-core tasks and approximately 21% in multi-core tasks. A tentpole feature of the M3 is a completely redesigned GPU with hardware-accelerated ray-tracing, leading to dramatically improved graphics capabilities. In GPU performance, measured by Metal benchmarks, the M3 exhibits a notable improvement of around 15% over the M2.
4TB Storage Option
Apple will offer next year’s OLED iPad Pro models with a 4TB storage option, a rumor coming out of Asia claimed. Since 2021, the iPad Pro has been available with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage.
If Apple increases the maximum storage of its forthcoming OLED iPad Pro models to 4TB, it would likely also increase the base storage to 256GB to maintain five capacity categories, making all seventh-generation models capable of recording ProRes in 4K at 30fps.
It is also worth noting that iPad Pro RAM is variable based on storage capacity, so iPad Pro models with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage come with 8GB of RAM, while iPad Pro models with 1TB or 2TB of storage feature 16GB of RAM. Whether that means a 4TB iPad Pro would feature 24GB or 32GB of RAM is unknown, but not improbable.
OLED Display Technology
OLED display technology is perhaps the most anticipated upgrade coming to the next-generation iPad Pro models. The current 11-inch model features an LCD display, while the 12.9-inch model has a mini-LED display.
Apple already uses OLED displays on the Apple Watch and iPhone, but has yet to bring the technology to larger devices. OLED displays use less power, sport greater color accuracy, and provide much better and more consistent contrast than LCD displays. As a significant upgrade, the change will likely be very prominent in the Apple’s marketing materials for the next-generation iPad Pro.
Bigger Screens and Slimmer Bezels?
The new iPad Pro models are also rumored to get display size increases from 11- to 11.1-inches and 12.9- to 13-inches, facilitated by slimmer borders around the screen.
This would allow the footprint of the devices to remain the same while increasing display size. The slight increases are unlikely to add any meaningful functionality to the device, but they would provide a more modern “all-screen” appearance. However, display analyst Ross Young has since cast doubt on this rumor as it may simply be a misinterpretation of screen size rounding.
Higher Prices
The more advanced OLED display technology in the next-generation models is expected to drive up the iPad Pro’s price, with current estimates starting at $1,500 and $1,800 for the 11-inch and 13-inch models, respectively. Pricing on the current 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099. Models with cellular connectivity are available for an additional $200 over the base price for each storage tier.
More recent reports suggest that the price hikes may have been overstated and they may not exceed a $160 increase, but it does look like higher prices are on the way.
Improved Cameras
The iPad Pro has had the same 12-megapixel main rear camera with a ƒ/1.8 aperture since 2017. The 12-megapixel ultra wide camera with an ƒ/2.4 aperture and brighter True Tone flash have also remained the same since its introduction on the 2021 iPad Pro. Camera upgrades are rumored for other future iPad models with related hardware such as the seventh-generation iPad mini, so it follows that similar improvements are on the way for the iPad Pro.
Since 2021, the iPad Pro has also featured a 12-megapixel front-facing camera with an ƒ/2.4 aperture. With 2022’s iPhone 14 models, Apple introduced an upgraded 12-megapixel front-facing camera with an ƒ/1.9 aperture and autofocus. It seems plausible that this hardware could be ready to trickle down to the iPad Pro in its next incarnation.
The current iPad Pros support Smart HDR 4, so an upgrade to Smart HDR 5 is likely. The Photonic Engine and other iPhone-only photography and videography features could also make their way to the next iPad Pro.
A subsequent report suggested that Apple may have ultimately scrapped the glass back design after testing due to concerns over breakability. Citing sources familiar with Apple’s design plans, the report claimed that Apple has developed iPad Pro prototypes with a larger Apple logo made of glass, which would still allow for wireless charging. One of the prototypes was said to feature MagSafe with stronger magnets than on the iPhone to prevent accidental damage, and it was also said to support faster wireless charging speeds compared to MagSafe on the iPhone.
There is no guarantee that the iPad Pro with a glass back or Apple logo will ever be released, but rumors do seem to agree that Apple has extensively explored some kind of wireless charging solution for the iPad Pro. In December, MacRumorsobtained information suggesting that the new iPad Pro models might include support for MagSafe charging, and this now appears to be Apple’s chosen wireless charging technology for the device
Apple is also rumored to be working on reverse wireless charging for the iPad Pro, which would allow users to charge their iPhones, AirPods, and other accessories by laying them on the back of the iPad. Apple has filed multiple patents related to this feature.
Redesigned Magic Keyboard for ‘Laptop’ Experience
According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning a complete revamp of its Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad Pro that makes the device more laptop-like.
The updated version of the Magic Keyboard for iPad will offer a larger trackpad, addressing criticisms of the current model, and “makes the iPad Pro look even more like a laptop than the current setup.” The area around the keyboard itself will apparently be made of aluminum, resembling the top case of MacBooks, to provide a sturdier structure.
The exterior shell of the keyboard will retain the silicone cover material used on the current model and a single USB-C port. Gurman mused that the redesign using more premium materials could lead Apple to raise the accessory’s $299 price point.
The Weibo leaker known as “Instant Digital” claims that the next-generation Magic Keyboard will also be 100% carbon neutral thanks to its redesign and use of different materials. Last year, Apple unveiled its first carbon neutral products: The aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE when paired with a new Sport Loop, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when paired with a new Trail Loop or Alpine Loop. The company plans for all of its products to be carbon neutral by 2030.
New Apple Pencil
A new Apple Pencil is now actively rumored to arrive alongside the next-generation iPad Pro models. The current, second-generation Apple Pencil is now well over five years old.
In March 2021, the leaker known as “Mr. White” shared an image purporting to depict a next-generation Apple Pencil prototype that featured a shorter design, glossy finish, and a larger, deeper tip. Apple was believed to have worked on a smaller Apple Pencil designed for the iPad mini, as well as a $49 model for the iPhone, but both products never emerged and are said to have been canceled entirely.
Multiple rumors suggested that the third-generation will include range of interchangeable magnetic tips to emulate different drawing styles. There have also been report about color-sampling capabilities, but little else is known about what the new accessory could offer later this month.
No Apple Event, But Announcement Any Day Now
Reports from a wide range of sources are consistent that the new iPad Pro models will be announced in March. While it was initially speculated that Apple would host an event to introduce the new models, the company is no longer expected to hold a traditional event for the announcements. Instead, Apple is reportedly planning to announce new products on its website with a “series of online videos and marketing campaigns.”
Last week, Apple announced the new MacBook Air models featuring the M3 chip, so this rumor now seems to be true. As a result, Apple is highly likely to reveal the new iPad Pros via a press release on its website during a morning in the next few weeks, likely on a Monday or Tuesday, followed by launch on a following Friday. The new iPad Pro models may launch toward the end of the month or in April, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, but they could appear as soon as tomorrow.
Former US president Donald Trump and current US President Joe Biden will face off in November to win a second term.Credit: Morry Gash, Jim Watson/AFP via Getty
Voters in 15 US states and one territory weighed in at the polls on 5 March, or ‘Super Tuesday’, and the results lock in a rematch between Republican Donald Trump and the incumbent, Democrat Joe Biden, in November’s election for the next US president. The outcome could have massive implications for the environment, public health and international collaborations between scientists — as well as, some fear, US democracy itself.
Trump soundly beat his lone remaining challenger for the Republican nomination, Nikki Haley, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, who dropped out of the race on 6 March. The former president prevailed despite facing 91 criminal charges alleging interference with the 2020 presidential election, economic fraud and mishandling of classified materials. The result of this year’s election could hinge on the outcome of those cases, as well as on potential long-shot presidential challenges from candidates labelling themselves as independents. But for now, Trump has consolidated his control over the Republican Party and will once again run against Biden, whom Democrats have rallied behind.
The two candidates have opposing views on a host of scientific issues. As president, Biden has promoted climate and clean-energy innovation, and bolstered scientific-integrity policies throughout the federal government that are meant to protect evidence-based decision-making. During his presidency from 2017 to 2020, Trump repealed climate policies and promoted fossil fuels, while sidelining public-health officials and other government scientists. Each is expected to lean further into these stances if he wins a second term.
Here, Nature talks to policy analysts and researchers about what’s on the line in November.
Climate action or disruption?
“It’s a trope to say that every election is critical, but this election is particularly stark in the two paths that it presents for the United States,” says Alexander Barron, an environmental scientist at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, who has worked under both Biden and former US president Barack Obama.
As president, Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris climate accord. He would probably do so again if elected while seeking to roll back climate regulations put in place by the Biden administration to curb greenhouse-gas emissions, including from vehicles and power plants. But there might be limits to what Trump would be able to achieve.
Trump at a campaign rally in Richmond, Virginia, on 2 March.Credit: Win McNamee/Getty
For instance, Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, which by some estimates helped to lock in around US$1 trillion in funding for clean-energy programmes over a decade. If Trump wanted to repeal that legislation, it would require an act of Congress, which would be possible only if Republicans maintain control of the US House of Representatives and gain a majority in the Senate, which Democrats now control by a slim margin. And even then, observers say, the politics could be tricky given that large investments are already starting to flow into communities represented by lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle.
Nonetheless, Trump could still disrupt the climate agenda laid out in the IRA, says Greg Dotson, a legal scholar at the University of Oregon in Eugene, who was involved in crafting the legislation as a Democratic staff member in the Senate.
“The first Trump administration was very hostile to climate policies, and they didn’t feel necessarily restrained by the law,” Dotson says, noting that Trump could still block funding and rewrite climate-programme rules if he returned to office. By contrast, climate-policy specialists say that another four years under Biden could lock in nearly a decade of significant progress. This is what will be needed if the country is to have any hope of achieving Biden’s pledge to halve US emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by mid-century.
“Getting to those targets is going to be a tremendous group effort,” Barron says. “We really need all levels of government and all sectors to continue moving in the right direction.”
The health of the nation
The two candidates also differ notably in their approach to investing in public health. For example, in each of Trump’s four years in office, his administration sought, unsuccessfully, to cut the budget of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), the country’s premier biomedical-research agency. Biden, on the other hand, kick-started the US$2.5-billion Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, aimed at tackling high-risk, high-reward biomedical research — which he’d probably continue to support if re-elected.
The Trump administration also attempted to cut funding for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — an agency tasked with protecting public health — and undermined its scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic by, for example, countering their claims about the seriousness of the health emergency. By contrast, Biden has proposed budget increases for the CDC and has publicly defended the agency and its scientists. “Trump did a lot to discredit public health and scientific agencies in the United States, and it has been difficult to rebuild the trust,” says Larry Levitt, an executive vice-president at the health-policy research organization KFF, based in San Francisco, California.
Biden has pledged to resecure the nationwide right to an abortion, once protected by a Supreme Court ruling in the case Roe v. Wade.Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty
That stance will probably continue. At a campaign rally last week, Trump hinted that he would endorse elements of the anti-vaccine movement if re-elected, suggesting that he would deny federal funds to schools with a vaccine mandate.
The United States’ role in global health is also at stake. During his presidency, Trump pulled the United States out of the World Health Organization (WHO) and generally pursued isolationist policies, Levitt says. “Biden has done a lot to undo that, but we will likely see a slip back if Trump were elected again,” he says. Officials in the Biden administration have expressed their commitment to a global pandemic treaty — an agreement being negotiated among countries to help prevent the next global-health emergency. Meanwhile, Republicans have been critical of it, suggesting that it could be a threat to US intellectual-property rights, forcing companies to share vaccine and treatment know-how.
Ever since the 2022 US Supreme Court decision that ended nationwide abortion rights, the issue has become crucial for voters. The two candidates have adopted opposing positions: Trump, who vowed to overturn abortion rights when he took office, now supports a national ban on abortions after 16 weeks of pregnancy, whereas Biden has vowed to once again secure abortion rights, by passing a law to protect them. Both pledges would require congressional action to be fulfilled, so it isn’t clear whether either would be successful. “We’re at one of the most consequential moments for abortion access in modern American history,” says Nourbese Flint, president of All Above All Action Fund, an abortion-justice advocacy group in Washington DC.
Cross-border science
Another area where Biden and Trump differ vastly is in their approach to immigration, as well as the visas that thousands of foreign students and scientists depend on to study and work in the United States. Weeks after Trump’s presidential inauguration, he introduced broad travel bans that stopped citizens from seven majority-Muslim countries, including Iran and Syria, from entering the United States. The move left international students stranded at airports and shocked the scientific community.
When Biden took office in 2021, he quickly overturned the ban. And he has taken other steps to reform immigration for professionals such as scientists: in January 2022, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services clarified guidance for workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) who are seeking visas to come to the United States. This has increased the number of STEM visas being issued, according to the agency.
Should either candidate win the election in November, these stances will probably influence their agendas, experts say. But one area where their policies have more closely aligned — and is unlikely to change — is relations with China.
In 2018, under Trump, the US Department of Justice launched the China Initiative, a programme meant to safeguard US laboratories and businesses against espionage. The initiative led to a number of arrests of scientists with Chinese heritage, but when Biden took office, his administration reviewed the initiative and ended it, arguing that the programme had been perceived as using racial profiling to achieve its aims. Biden nonetheless continued with reforms introduced by Trump that required US universities and research organizations that were awarded more than $50 million per year in federal research funding to prove that they have instituted a research-security programme, including tougher scrutiny of foreign travel.
At the end of last year, Republican lawmakers in the US House of Representatives wrote that it had been “unwise” of the Biden administration to end the China Initiative, sparking fear among civil-liberties advocates that they would try to reinstate the programme. They hope that a renewed Biden administration would stave off such efforts, but aren’t sure what would happen under a second Trump term.
“Relations with China won’t improve in the foreseeable future, but they could get worse,” says Jenny Lee, a higher-education researcher and vice-president for international affairs at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
The elections in November will undoubtedly affect government policies on many scientific issues. But for Barron, similar to many others, science is just one of many concerns that he has about a potential second term for Trump, who has questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election, promoted misinformation on a number of fronts, and signalled that he will institute new rules that critics argue will make it easier to fire career government employees who oppose his politics. “I would put myself in the camp that is most worried about democracy,” Barron says.
It shouldn’t be too much longer until we see the sixth-generation iPad Air, and another detail about the tablet has leaked: it’s rumored to be getting a landscape front-facing camera, in line with the 10th-gen entry-level iPad launched in 2022.
In other words, the selfie cam is on the top of the tablet when you’re using it in landscape mode, not down the side. This comes from seasoned tipster Instant Digital (via MacRumors), and will apparently apply to both sizes of the new iPad Air.
Samsung has recently unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+, which mark significant advancements in the Galaxy series. These devices, tailored for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike, offer a blend of sophisticated design, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced features including a new range of AI features, you can see the key specifications on the two devices below.
Galaxy S24: Compact Powerhouse
Display: The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. The Super Smooth 120Hz refresh rate ensures a fluid visual experience. The screen, measured diagonally, is 6.2 inches in full rectangle but slightly less when accounting for rounded corners.
Dimensions & Weight: It’s a lightweight and compact device, weighing between 167-168g depending on the model, with dimensions of 70.6 x 147 x 7.6mm.
Camera: The camera setup includes a 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera, a 50MP Wide Camera with OIS, and a 10MP Telephoto Camera with 3x Optical Zoom, complemented by a 12MP front camera.
Memory & Storage: Options range from 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage to a higher 512GB storage model.
Battery: A 4,000 mAh battery powers the device, optimized for extended use.
Charging: The device supports up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes with a 25W Adapter, along with Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 and Wireless PowerShare.
Galaxy S24+: A Larger, More Advanced Sibling
Display: The Galaxy S24+ boasts a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display. Like its sibling, it features a 120Hz refresh rate and Vision booster technology.
Dimensions & Weight: It’s slightly larger and heavier, weighing 196-197g with dimensions of 75.9 x 158.5 x 7.7mm.
Camera: The camera setup is similar to the S24, offering a versatile photography experience.
Memory & Storage: The S24+ offers more RAM, starting from 12GB, and storage options up to 512GB.
Battery: A larger 4,900 mAh battery ensures longer usage times.
Charging: Enhanced charging capabilities allow up to 65% charge in about 30 minutes using a 45W Adapter.
Shared Features
Processor: Both handsets use the Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 3
OS: Both models run on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, providing a smooth and intuitive user interface.
Network and Connectivity: They support 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth® v 5.3, ensuring high-speed connectivity and seamless device interaction.
Water Resistance: Both devices are IP68-rated, offering durability and resistance to water and dust.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ are designed to cater to varying user needs, from the compact and efficient S24 to the more robust and feature-rich S24+. These smartphones are set to be a hit in the market, appealing to users looking for a blend of performance, style, and cutting-edge technology. The choice between the two models will largely depend on personal preferences regarding size, battery life, and memory requirements.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from the renowned Galaxy series, exemplifying the pinnacle of mobile technology advancements. This article delves into the various aspects of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, highlighting its sophisticated features and specifications that set it apart in the competitive smartphone market. Here are the key specifications for Samsung’s new flagship.
Display and Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display, offering QHD+ resolution. This expansive screen, measured diagonally, is designed for an immersive viewing experience, with the actual viewable area being slightly less due to the rounded corners and camera hole. The display features a Super Smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which dynamically adjusts from 1 to 120Hz, ensuring fluid motion and responsiveness in varied applications. The Vision Booster technology further enhances the display, optimizing visibility under different lighting conditions.
Dimensions and Weight
The device measures 79 x 162.3 x 8.6mm and weights 233g for the mmWave model, and 232g for the Sub6 variant. The slight variation in weight is indicative of the different network technologies they support, and may also vary slightly by market.
Camera System
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera setup is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to photography excellence. It includes:
A 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera with an F2.2 aperture and a 120˚ field of view.
A groundbreaking 200MP Wide Camera featuring OIS, F1.7 aperture, and an 85˚ field of view.
A 50MP Telephoto Camera providing 5x Optical Zoom, OIS, F3.4 aperture, and a 22˚ field of view.
Another 10MP Telephoto Camera offering 3x Optical Zoom, OIS, F2.4 aperture, and a 36˚ field of view.
A 12MP Front Camera with F2.2 aperture and 80˚ field of view.
Memory and Storage
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers versatile memory and storage configurations, including 12GB RAM with 1TB, 512GB, or 256GB storage options. However, availability may vary by carrier, country, or region, and actual storage can differ based on pre-installed software.
Battery and Charging
Equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, the device ensures long-lasting performance. The battery’s capacity is tested under third-party laboratory conditions, ensuring reliability and endurance. For charging, the S24 Ultra supports:
Wired charging with up to 65% charge in around 30 minutes using a 45W Adapter and 5A USB-C cable.
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0.
Wireless PowerShare, compatible with various Samsung devices and wearables.
Operating System and User Interface
The smartphone runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s custom One UI 6.1, providing a user-friendly and highly customizable interface.
Network and Connectivity
The S24 Ultra supports 5G, LTE, and the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, offering blazing-fast internet speeds and connectivity. However, the availability of these features can vary based on the market, carrier, and network conditions.
Water Resistance
With an IP68 rating, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is resistant to water and dust, and able to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. However, it’s not recommended for beach or pool use, and the water and dust resistance may diminish over time.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a compelling choice for users seeking advanced technology, exceptional camera capabilities, and robust performance. Its cutting-edge features and Samsung’s reputation for quality and innovation make it a standout device in the high-end smartphone segment. Pricing for the handset starts at $1,299 in the USA and you can find out more details over at Samsung at the link below.
In a move towards a more personalized and intelligent computing future, Microsoft has announced the introduction of the AI-driven Copilot key to Windows 11 PCs. This significant shift represents a new era where artificial intelligence (AI) is seamlessly integrated into the system, silicon, and hardware of these machines. Microsoft’s intention with this development is to simplify and enhance the computing experience, making 2024 a landmark year for AI-driven personal computing.
Microsoft’s innovation in AI is changing the way technology is used in both work and life. The company is committed to helping people and organizations adapt to this new AI age, with the Copilot key serving as a central component of this transformation. Over the past year, Microsoft has been innovating and improving product experiences with Copilot, an AI companion, at the core. This has led to the integration of Copilot into Bing, Microsoft 365, and Windows, with user feedback leading to a refined experience that assists people on a daily basis.
Integration of AI into Microsoft Windows
The integration of AI into the Windows system, silicon, and hardware has been made possible through collaboration with silicon partners AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm. These partners have introduced their latest silicon innovations that unlock new AI experiences on Windows PCs, further enhancing the capabilities of these machines.
The introduction of the Copilot key is the first significant change to the Windows PC keyboard in nearly 30 years. This key will become a core part of the PC keyboard, and when pressed, it will invoke the Copilot in Windows experience. This development is expected to make it easier for people to participate in the AI transformation, making AI an everyday companion for work and life.
Windows AI key
Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of Microsoft Copilot artificial intelligence :
New Windows AI key will be available on keyboards from feathery 2024 onwards
The Copilot key will start appearing on new Windows 11 PCs from late February 2024 through Spring, including on upcoming Surface devices. This marks a significant step forward in Microsoft’s commitment to empower people and organizations in the AI age. Microsoft is optimistic about the future of AI in personal computing and plans to continue building Windows to be the destination for the best AI experiences. This requires an operating system that blurs the lines between local and cloud processing, providing users with seamless access to their data and applications.
The introduction of the AI-driven Copilot key to Windows 11 PCs by Microsoft represents a significant shift in the way we use technology. This development, along with Microsoft’s commitment to empower people and organizations in the AI age, promises to revolutionize our work and life experiences. As AI becomes an everyday companion, we can expect to see further innovations and improvements in our digital experiences.
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As previously announced earlier this month Google made available it’s new Gemini Pro artificial intelligence developers, businesses and individuals to use. If you are interested in creating AI powered applications, automations and services you’ll be pleased to know that the Gemini Pro API is now available, providing access to the latest generative models from Google.
The Gemini Pro API is designed to handle both text and image inputs, making it a versatile asset for a wide range of applications and a competitor to the likes of ChatGPT-4 with its multimodal vision, text and image creation models. Whether you’re looking to create interactive chatbots, enhance customer support, or streamline content creation, the Gemini Pro API is engineered to integrate seamlessly into your projects, providing you with the benefits of the latest in AI technology Google has created.
The multimodal capabilities of the Gemini API are what set it apart from any other AI models. Enabling it to analyze and process information in a way that understands the context of the data, whether it’s text or images. For instance, when it comes to content generation, the API can take a snippet of text and expand on it, creating new content that is not only coherent but also contextually relevant. This ensures that the output aligns perfectly with the intended message and resonates with the target audience.
Making Gemini Pro API connections
If you haven’t yet obtained a Google Gemini Pro API key you can do so here. When you use API keys in your Google Cloud Platform (GCP) applications, take care to keep them secure. Never embed API keys into your code, You can find out more about using API keys and best practices over on the Google support website.
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Gemini Pro API Image requirements for prompts
It’s also worth mentioning that prompts with a single image tend to yield better results so is Google. Prompts that use image data are subject to the following limitations and requirements:
Images must be in one of the following image data MIME types:
PNG – image/png
JPEG – image/jpeg
WEBP – image/webp
HEIC – image/heic
HEIF – image/heif
Maximum of 16 individual images
Maximum of 4MB for the entire prompt, including images and text
No specific limits to the number of pixels in an image; however, larger images are scaled down to fit a maximum resolution of 3072 x 3072 while preserving their original aspect ratio.
Depending on the needs of your project, you can choose from different variations of the Gemini model. The gemini-pro model is tailored for text-based tasks, such as completing text or summarizing information, enhancing these processes with the efficiency of AI. If your project involves both text and visual data, the gemini-pro-vision model is the ideal choice, as it excels at interpreting and combining textual and visual elements.
For projects focused solely on text, configuring the Gemini Pro API is straightforward. Using the gemini-pro model, you can perform tasks like text completion, where the API continues sentences or paragraphs in the same tone and style as the original text. It can also create concise summaries from longer texts, ensuring the essence of the content is preserved.
The Gemini API is not limited to content generation; it shines in creating interactive applications as well. Chatbots, educational tutors, and customer support assistants can all benefit from the API’s streamed response feature, which enables real-time interactions that are both engaging and natural.
Another standout feature of the Gemini API is its embedding service, which is particularly useful for specialized natural language processing (NLP) tasks. This service can enhance semantic search by understanding the deeper meanings of words and improve text classification by accurately categorizing text. Incorporating the embedding service can greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of your NLP projects.
To start using the Gemini Pro API, you’ll need to follow a few steps. First, you must register for API access on Google’s developer platform. Then, select the model that best fits your project—gemini-pro for text-centric tasks or gemini-pro-vision for projects that involve both text and images. Next, integrate the API into your application by following the provided documentation and using the available SDKs. Customize the API settings to meet the specific requirements of your project, such as the response type and input format. Finally, test the API with sample inputs to ensure it performs as expected and delivers the desired results.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to harness the full potential of the Gemini Pro API. Its sophisticated processing of inputs and nuanced generation of outputs make it an invaluable tool for enhancing the way you interact with and analyze data. With the Gemini Pro API, you’re not just keeping up with the technological curve—you’re positioning yourself at the forefront of AI innovation.
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At the Aspen Cyber Summit in New York City, Google has this week announced the release of its new Titan Security Key specifically designed to help bolstering online security, especially for high-risk users worldwide. The Titan Security Key is a cutting-edge tool designed to enhance your digital security. Essentially, it’s a physical key that provides an additional layer of protection against phishing attacks, one of the most prevalent threats in the online world.
USB-A/NFC security keyFor use with your computer. You can also connect to most Android and iOS devices that support USB or NFC.
USB-C/NFC security keyFor use with newer computers with USB-C ports. You can also connect to most Android and iOS devices that support USB or NFC.
Titan Security Keys work with Google phones, Chromebooks, tablets, Google’s Advanced Protection Program and virtually anything running Google Chrome.
The Google Titan Security Key uses advanced FIDO2 credentials and cryptography. You might be wondering how this makes your online experience safer. Well, it’s quite straightforward. The key acts as a physical authentication device. When you log into your account, instead of just entering a password, you’ll also need this key. This two-step verification process adds an extra barrier against unauthorized access.
Titan Security Key features
Passkey Storage: One of the standout features of the new Titan Security Key is its ability to store over 250 unique passkeys. This means you can use it across various services, making it a versatile tool for your digital security arsenal.
NFC Capabilities: Both new models of the key include Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities. This feature allows for seamless and swift connections with mobile devices, enhancing user convenience.
PIN Code Option: When setting up a passkey for your Google Account on the new Titan Security Key, you have the option to establish a simple PIN code. This can be used as a secure alternative to traditional passwords.
In a significant move, Google has pledged to distribute 100,000 of these new security keys at no cost to high-risk individuals globally in 2024. This initiative, part of Google’s Advanced Protection Program (APP), aims to safeguard individuals who are more susceptible to targeted online attacks, such as journalists, activists, and campaign workers. Google collaborates with expert partners like Access Now and Freedom House to make this possible. You might be wondering, why the shift towards a passwordless future? Google believes that the best way to mitigate the risks associated with passwords is to eliminate them entirely. Passkeys offer a simpler and more secure way to access accounts, negating the need for traditional passwords.
Digital security
If you’re someone who values digital security, the Titan Security Key is a tool worth considering. Whether you’re safeguarding sensitive information or simply aiming to enhance your personal online security, this device provides a robust solution. If you are wondering how to integrate this into your daily digital routine, it’s simpler than you might think. With its user-friendly design and advanced technology, the Titan Security Key is not just a gadget for tech enthusiasts but a practical tool for everyday users who prioritize their online security.
Remember, in today’s world, staying ahead of security threats is not just a preference; it’s a necessity. The Titan Security Key by Google is a step forward in this ongoing battle against digital vulnerabilities. To learn more about the Titan Security Key and how it can protect you from phishing and other online threats, visit the Titan Security Key product page on the Google Store.
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