Samsung Electronics will not change the default search engine on its smartphones from Google to Microsoft’s Bing any time soon, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Shares of Google-parent Alphabet gained more than 1 percent in premarket trading. Microsoft shares were down about 1 percent.

Samsung has suspended an internal review that explored replacing Google with Bing on its web-browsing app, which comes pre-installed on the company’s smartphones, according to the report.

Google, Samsung, and Microsoft did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

A sizable part of the revenue earned by search-engine companies comes from their long-term partnerships with phone makers such as Apple and Xiaomi.

Google earns an estimated $3 billion (roughly Rs. 24,625 crore) in annual revenue from the Samsung contract, according to an April 16 report by the New York Times.

Samsung considering a potential shift to Bing was first reported last month and had weighed on Alphabet’s shares at the time.

The integration of OpenAI’s artificial intelligence technology into Microsoft-owned Bing has driven people to the little-used search engine and helped it compete better with market leader Google in page visits growth, according to data from analytics firm Similarweb.

At the time, Google’s reaction to the threat was “panic” as the company earns an estimated $3 billion (roughly Rs. 24,625 crore) in annual revenue from the Samsung contract, the report last month said.

The report also mentioned that Google was racing to build an all-new AI-powered search engine that would offer a more personalized experience than its current service, which is also set to be upgraded with AI features.

© Thomson Reuters 2023  

Google is reportedly rolling out new features to help users better protect their data if their Android device is stolen. As per a new leak, the company has started introducing three new features that enable different ways of locking the device in case of theft. The Theft Detection Lock feature is said to use machine learning (ML) capabilities to detect if the phone is being snatched by a thief. Similarly, the Offline Device Lock feature locks the device if it is disconnected from the Internet for an extended period, claimed the leak.

New Android Theft Protection Features Leaked

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), tipster Mishaal Rahman claimed that Google has started to ship three new Android features focused on protecting user data. The first feature is said to be Theft Detection Lock. Rahman claimed that the feature uses an ML model which can detect when the smartphone has been snatched from the user’s hands by a thief who is either on foot, bike, or car.

Android Theft Protection features
Photo Credit: X/Mishaal Rahman

Based on the description, it appears the feature can be activated if a sudden change in speed or rough movements are detected. Once the feature is activated, it is said to automatically lock the device to protect the data from the criminal’s hands.

The second feature is tipped to be Offline Device Lock. The tipster claims that if a thief keeps the device disconnected from the Internet for an extended period of time (likely to avoid being located), the device automatically activates the screen lock. However, the leak did not mention the time period required to activate the feature or if it can be customised by the user.

Finally, the third feature is dubbed Remote Lock. It is said to be an improvement to Android’s existing Find My Device feature which lets users remotely lock their device. However, to access Find My Device, users require their Google account email and password. If they do remember the password, then the Remote Lock feature can be quite handy. Rahman claims that this feature can remotely lock a device just using the phone number.

As per the tipster, the first two features were spotted on the Xiaomi 14T Pro whereas the third feature was seen on Pixel devices. These features are tipped to be rolling out to Android users in the US, after entering beta in August.

Apple’s ‘Scary Fast’ launch event is set to take place on October 30 at 5pm PT — that’s 5:30am IST on Tuesday in India — and the Cupertino company is expected to unveil new computers at its next launch event. The firm unexpectedly announced the event, which will be the first to be held in the evening. We already know that Apple is planning on unveiling new Mac models at the event, thanks to the company’s teaser that was shared last week.

Apple’s ‘Scary Fast’ event: How to watch livestream

Apple’s upcoming launch event will begin at 5:30am on Tuesday (that’s tomorrow) at the company’s headquarters in Apple Park, California. If you want to watch a live stream of the event, you can visit the Apple.com website or the company’s YouTube channel. The event will also be available to stream via the Apple TV+ app.

You can also watch the ‘Scary Fast’ event via the YouTube player embedded below.

Apple’s ‘Scary Fast’ event: What to expect

The Apple logo on the next Apple event invite switches to the Mac logo, which gives us a clear idea of what the main products that will be unveiled on Tuesday. Apple is expected to unveil the first Mac computers with M3 chips — the first processors from the company for its computers that are built on a 3nm process, just like Apple’s new A17 Pro chip on the iPhone 15 Pro models. The new M3 chip is expected to be the most notable upgrade on Apple’s new Mac models.

At its upcoming launch event, Apple is tipped to announce a new iMac — the first upgrade from the company’s 2021 model that was equipped with an M1 chip. As a result, the next model is expected to offer a fairly large jump in performance compared to its predecessor. However, the design of the upcoming iMac model is unlikely to see major changes, as per reports.

Apple is also expected to unveil refreshed versions of its 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. Both laptops are expected to feature Apple’s more powerful M3 Pro (12 core CPU, 18 core GPU) and M3 Max (16 core CPU and 32-core GPU) chips — which should offer a jump in performance over the M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro models that were unveiled earlier this year.

The company is unlikely to launch refreshed versions of the Mac mini, Mac Studio, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air with its next-generation M3 chip until next year, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. However, after Apple’s recent switch to using a USB Type-C port on its iPhone lineup, we can also expect the company to announce new USB Type-C versions of its accessories for Mac computers, including the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad. 

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 is not only a big leap in terms of design but also comes with a host of new features. Design and features aside, these are also the first commercially available earbuds specifically designed to let you summon and have a conversation with Google’s new Gemini Live virtual AI assistant. Some of these features, including the ability to speak to Gemini Live, are available on the older Buds Pro. However, Google has put its first-ever audio chip, called the Tensor A1, to use in other places. And the differences it brings are sure make the Buds Pro 2 a solid upgrade over the previous model.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 Design: Eggstatic

• Size – 22.74mm x 23.08mm x 17.03mm (Buds); 49.9mm x 63.3mm x 25.00mm (Case)
• Weight – 4.7 (Buds); 65.0g (Case)
• Water and dust resistance – IP54 (Buds); IPX4 (Case)
• Colours – Peony, Porcelain, Wintergreen and Hazel

The egg-shaped case appears the same as before. The texture of its polycarbonate shell still feels like the surface of an egg and is also equally good at picking up colours from the various surfaces you can place it on. In one instance, it even picked up the blue colour from my used jeans when I placed it in the small pocket. But there’s no need to worry, as a quick wipe with a tissue and some water makes it look as good as new.

Save for the added speaker cutout, it’s hard to tell the Buds Pro 2 case (right) from the Buds Pro (left)

There’s one new addition on the outside, and you will find it at the bottom of the case. Next to the Type-C charging port, you will find a second cavity which is for the speaker. This speaker produces a sound when you are looking for it via the Find My Device app. The sound is loud enough to be picked up in a large house or a quiet park, but not on city streets (especially in Mumbai).

The design of the Buds Pro 2 (right) has changed for the better

As for the earbuds, their new design is smaller and lighter than the previous Buds Pro, which now feels excessively bulky and heavy. The smaller design does not bulge out of my ear (which is useful if I fall asleep wearing them), and they fit a lot better because they have a smaller footprint. I had no trouble wearing the Buds Pro 2 for hours on end and almost forgot I was wearing them at times, which is unlike the Buds Pro, which felt heavy and obtrusive.

The stabiliser (winglet) ensures that the Buds Pro 2 remains in your ears even when jogging

The new (twist-to-adjust) winglet or stabiliser adds good support when running or moving around. But you have to make sure to try out all the silicone ear tips, as the medium ones left me with a nasty ear ache on day one. It turns out that I had to switch to the smaller tips when using Buds Pro 2. My regular go-to fit for earphones is medium tips.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 when inserted into the case the wrong way (top) and the right way (below).

One annoying detail about their design is that it’s hard to tell whether you have placed them correctly in the charging case. The odd design of the case also allows the buds to be placed in the wrong cavity. And once you have inserted them, you will quickly realise they have been placed incorrectly when you attempt to shut the case. I faced this dilemma several times and somehow wished the cavities that hold the buds in the charging case were designed better.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 App and Specifications: Feature-packed!

• Processor – Google Tensor A1
• Driver – Custom 11 mm dynamic driver
• Companion App – Google Pixel Buds
• Gesture controls – Yes

The Pixel Buds companion app works great on non-Pixel smartphones as well

The Pixel Buds app ensures that the essential features of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are also available on non-Pixel smartphones. The app basically packages what is normally available in the Bluetooth Settings of a Pixel smartphone into a separate app for non-Pixel devices and is fairly easy to use. Apart from being able to adjust the equaliser, Multipoint and Audio switching settings, the app is also required for firmware updates on non-Pixel smartphones.

It’s finally easier to pull the Buds Pro 2 out of the charging case as they are a bit raised compared to the Buds Pro

I went through the app on a Pixel 9 Pro Fold (Review) and a OnePlus 12 (Review) and was not surprised to find a few features missing. Without a Pixel smartphone, users will not be able to enjoy features like Spatial audio in particular and the same goes for Head tracking that can be used along with the former.

Other than these two, all other features are accessible on non-Pixel devices by simply installing the app. The same, however, cannot be said about using the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with iOS-powered devices, as it only delivers the bare minimum (listening to music), so it’s best avoided unless you really have to.

The Hearing Wellness feature is a nice addition to the Pixel Buds app

It’s nice to see a Hearing Wellness section included in the app. It ensures that you do not go deaf while turning up the volume by alerting users about the same. The section in the app shows the Current level (in dBs) and also provides an Exposure report of the last 24 hours or past 7 days, which is nice to have.

Like the Buds Pro, the Buds Pro 2 also has touch and gesture controls, which worked perfectly during the review period without any issues. The buds also offer Active in-ear pressure relief, which will automatically adjust the pressure in your ears (when using the ANC feature) depending on whether you are in an aeroplane or a bus. The Audio switch feature also works well, provided you are signed into the same Google account on all of your Android devices.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 Performance and Battery Life: Impressive in more ways than one

• ANC – Yes
• Bluetooth – v5.4
• Codec Support – SBC, AAC
• Wireless Charging – Yes (Qi-certified)

The new Tensor A1 chip weighs in when using active noise cancellation (ANC). I found this to be very effective in blocking unwanted sounds during my day-to-day usage. I live right next to a main road in Mumbai, and things can get quite noisy. The ANC system for a pair of TWS earbuds is very capable of cutting off ambient sounds and also attempts to cut off higher-frequency sounds, which is good. However, it cannot cut out voices. Overall, the ANC system had improved drastically over the Pixel Buds Pro, which also produced a fine hissing sound when the ANC was turned on.

With the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google claims to have focussed on delivering clean sound and it shows. There are some notable improvements over the older Pixel Buds Pro, but the Buds Pro 2 still cannot produce sounds as detailed as Sony’s WF-1000XM5. These are priced higher, so it’s kind of justified. For most casual listeners, the audio sounds bright, with an emphasis on the highs and some punchy but well-controlled bass. Listening to Chris Cain’s Down On The Ground, it is easy to tell the emphasis on the highs where the vocals stood out with the mids while the bass, while present, does not ruin it by taking over. This makes it all sound very enjoyable, almost like a live performance (in this case).

The balanced sound profile is a good start, and you can tweak the audio to your liking by selecting the preset profiles (plenty to choose from) or going with a custom EQ setting in the app. The Transparency mode works beautifully and feels perfectly natural, almost making me forget that I had the earbuds on.

Coming to voice quality, the new Tensor A1 will sound perfectly and naturally clear to the caller, but this only applies to quieter settings. In traffic or noisy/windy settings, audio sounds a bit garbled in the sense that you will be audible to the caller, but some words may get chopped short because of the heavy processing. What it can accomplish while doing all of this is suppressing background sound, and it does quite well.

The Buds Pro 2 easily lasts a workday with ANC and without the charging case.

Now that we are in 2024, it’s easy to conclude that Google was indeed testing the waters with its Buds Pro TWS when it came to assistants and AI. The Buds Pro introduced several Google Assistant features and added several more over the years via its Pixel Drop updates. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is supposed to be a product that is specifically designed for AI from the ground up, just like the Pixel 9 smartphones.

Just like its predecessor, speaking out “Hey, Google” will let you accomplish a barrage of features using just your voice. Add a Gemini Advanced plan to the mix, and you can even ask for more complex queries like fetching unread emails in your Gmail inbox or even asking which emails you think you need to reply to.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, indeed! You can finally have a knowledgeable exchange or a fun conversation (like speaking to a friend) with Gemini Live, as in the movie Her from 2013. It is indeed both shocking and amazing that we have accomplished this in just over a decade of the movie’s release, and all you have to say is, “Hey Google, let’s talk”, without even reaching for the phone in your pocket.

Gemini Live works beautifully for conversations… just don’t ask it to do something

Since I had detailed conversations with Gemini Live using both a Pixel 9 Pro Fold and a OnePlus 12, I can conclude that these conversations were more responsive on Google’s Pixel. And so, it does seem like a Pixel smartphone (especially a recent one) is a better match for these “smarter than usual” earbuds.

With no support for higher bit-rate Bluetooth codecs (just like the Apple AirPods Pro), the Pixel Buds Pro 2 easily delivers around two days of continuous listening with the case. The Buds Pro 2 can go on for a whole workday (8-9 hours) of listening with ANC on or a whole day (12 hours) with ANC off. As for charging, Google claims that 5 minutes of charging will keep the buds running for 1.5 hours. And yes, you can always let the case trickle charge on a wireless charging pad.

Pixel Buds Pro 2: Verdict

Google has finally managed to sculpt its Buds Pro 2 into a refined and polished product that many of us wanted it to be. And now, it’s finally here! While some features are reserved for Pixel smartphone owners, it’s now finally easier to recommend to non-Pixel users, provided you can swallow its Rs. 22,900 price tag.

For those not seeking any AI experiences from their earbuds, you are indeed better off going for a Sony (for better codec support and more detailed sound) or Bose’s (for better noise cancellation) offerings at this price point. But if you are a Pixel smartphone owner, now is the time to upgrade and close the AI-happy ecosystem loop, as the new Buds Pro 2 comes with fewer compromises than ever before.

Lords of the Fallen just got a release date and a gloomy gameplay trailer that unashamedly screams Dark Souls DNA. Studio Hexworks has confirmed that the reboot of the eponymous 2014 souls-like title will release October 13, across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X. Running on Unreal Engine 5, Lords of the Fallen is described as a spiritual successor and promises an interconnected world that’s ‘five times larger’ than the original game. It might also be the subject of one of the weirdest renaming in gaming history. Initially called ‘The Lords of the Fallen’ to avoid a mix-up with the 2014 version, it was again rebranded earlier this year to drop the ‘The’ from its name. Understandably, it can be confusing for owners of the older game since the publisher is the same.

A dramatic opening screen kickstarts the Lords of the Fallen gameplay trailer, detailing the premise: “Mournstead has fallen. Its great army decimated by the legions of Adyr, the Demon God.” Just like every souls-like game by FromSoftware, the player is plunged into a tarnished world to fight against all odds and rebuild lost hope and glory in the region. The game features strong RPG foundations, starting with a character builder, followed by a class selection option where you pick from a choice of nine — ranging between Knight, Rogue, and Fire Apprentice. Of course, the starting path can gradually evolve into something that perfectly fits your playstyle — via weapon discovery and other levelling options. There isn’t much information on the latter, for now.

We then see the protagonist The Dark Crusader accepting the offer to thwart Adyr from the unnamed, gold-faced mighty ruler of Mornstead. “The radiance of Mournstead withers,” he says, presenting us with an odd glove, presumably an artefact that grants special abilities. “Adyr’s darkness threatens to desolate our world.” The Lords of the Fallen trailer then turns into a flashy montage of colossal boss battles, ranging from beasts to fiery warriors. There’s even one that’s reminiscent of Knight Artorias from the Dark Souls DLC, showcasing his acrobatic movesets and spinning jump attacks.

Using the trusty, blue-tinted lantern, players will intermittently travel between two worlds — Axiom the realm of the living, and Umbral the realm of the dead, both posing unique challenges. It’s unclear how this translates into gameplay, with the game’s description on Steam stating: “Fall in the world of the living, and rise again… in the world of the dead. You now have one final chance to return to your living state, as all manner of hellish creature descends upon you.” It feels somewhat reminiscent of Demon’s Souls’ whereupon death, the player respawns in a spirit-like form with a lower HP until they defeat a boss. But the mention of “one final chance” sounds confusing.

The combat presented in the Lords of the Fallen trailer appears faster-paced and flashier than the FromSoftware’s catalogue of games — a bit similar to Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty but with a level of heft to our weapons. “Choose from 100s of uniquely brutal weapons, or forgo metal for magic with devastating attacks of the arcane,” the description reads. The game also comes with support for online co-op, but just like Dark Souls, heroes from other realms can invade and ruin your day as well.

Lords of the Fallen releases October 13 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.

Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo are gearing up to unveil their flagship smartphones in the coming days in their home country. The Vivo X200 series is confirmed to go official next week, while the Xiaomi 15 series and Oppo Find X8 are expected to break cover in the third week of this month. While we’ve already heard quite a few rumours about the upcoming Vivo X200, Xiaomi 15, and Oppo Find X8, a new leak offers more information about the battery and charging specifications of the upcoming smartphones.

Battery Details of Upcoming Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo Phones Tipped

Tipster @Experiencemore on Weibo (via XiaomiTime) posted key specifications of Vivo X200, Oppo Find X8, and Xiaomi 15. As per the leak, the Vivo X200 will feature a 6.6-inch display and a 5,800mAh battery with 90W fast charging support.

Meanwhile, the Oppo Find X8 is tipped to carry a 6.5-inch display and pack a 5,700mAh battery with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging support. The Xiaomi 15, on the other hand, is said to pack a smaller 6.3-inch display. It is tipped to come with a 5,400mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging support.

Vivo has already confirmed that the Vivo X200 series will be launched in China on October 14. They are teased to come with Zeiss-integrated cameras. The Oppo Find X8 is tipped to be unveiled on October 21. It is likely to be available in four colourways — black, blue, pink, and white. The Xiaomi 15 may go official on October 20.

The Vivo X200 and Oppo Find X8 are anticipated to run on MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC. The Xiaomi 15, on the other hand, could run on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset. Both flagship chipsets will be released in October.