Microsoft has added a significant update to its AI assistant platform Copilot. A year after it was launched, Microsoft Copilot has received a design overhaul that the company claims will add a “streamlined look and feel” to the platform. The new interface adds a carousel that shows prompt suggestions to help users understand the capabilities of the AI tool. The new UI is now visible on the website and on the Copilot Android and iOS apps. Meanwhile, the AI assistant can now edit the images generated by it.
The company announced the improvements via a blog post and revealed that the Copilot will now feature a revamped interface. On the website, the homepage appears to be cleaner with a single Copilot logo on the top followed by a visual carousel that showcases the images generated by the AI, as well as text prompts around the images. At the bottom, you get the text field to ask your queries. “Today when you visit Copilot, you will see a more streamlined look and feel designed to help you bring your ideas to life and more easily gain understanding about the world,” the company stated.
Besides the redesigned interface, Microsoft has also added a new tool to Copilot called Designer that can make in-line editing to the images generated. This allows users to customise the image or make changes to it without needing to leave the chat window. The editing tool can highlight an object, enhance the colours, blur the background, and reimagine the image in a different art style. All of these features are available on the free version of the tool.
Copilot Pro subscribers will also be able to resize and regenerate images between square and landscape without leaving the chat, in addition to the above-mentioned capabilities. “We will soon roll out our new Designer GPT inside Copilot, which offers an immersive, dedicated canvas inside of Copilot where you can visualise your ideas,” added the tech giant.
Microsoft will also be making ads for the Super Bowl, the championship game of the National Football League (NFL) in the US, after being absent for four years. The company announced that this year’s ads will focus on people’s “watch me” moments with Copilot where the capabilities of the tool will be showcased.
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NEW DELHI: NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL), the renewal energy arm of NTPC, has inked an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh govt’s NREDCAP (New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh) to set up renewable energy projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore, as announced by the Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu Naidu further added that the deal will focus developing 25 GW solar/wind, 10 GW pumped storage projects (PSPs), and 0.5 MMTPA green hydrogen. “The new ICE Policy 2024 continues to attract investments and pave the way for Andhra Pradesh to emerge as a clean energy hub. Today, NTPC Green Energy Ltd. signed a Joint Venture with NREDCAP to set up RE projects worth ₹2,00,000 Cr in Andhra Pradesh. The focus will be on 25 GW Solar/Wind, 10 GW Pumped Storage, and 0.5 MMTPA Green Hydrogen. This historic project will create over one lakh jobs and position our state as a renewable energy leader at the forefront of India’s green energy revolution,” Naidu posted on X.
NTPC’s subsidiary has recently launched its Rs 10,000 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO) with a price band of Rs 102-108 per share. The issue has been fully subscribed on the third day of the share sale on Friday, receiving bids for 60,68,16,774 shares, against 59,31,67,575 shares on offer. The portion for Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) got subscribed 2.70 times. The quota for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) fetched 75 per cent subscription, while the non-institutional investors part got subscribed 42 per cent.
Red Magic 10 Pro series will launch in China next week. While ZTE sub-brand Nubia has only mentioned the Red Magic 10 Pro series, the lineup is anticipated to include the Red Magic 10 Pro and Red Magic 10 Pro+ — these handsets are expected to arrive as the successors to the Red Magic 9 Pro, and Red Magic 9 Pro+, respectively. Ahead of the official debut, the brand has revealed the display details of the vanilla Pro model. It is confirmed to come with a BOE display with a 1.5K resolution and a high screen-to-body ratio. The Red Magic 10 series will be equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
Red Magic 10 Pro Series Display Details Teased
As per the latest teaser shared by the company on Weibo, Red Magic 10 Pro is the first handset to be equipped with the new “Wukong Screen” jointly developed by Red Magic and BOE. The display will have a 1.5K resolution and a 95.3 percent screen-to-body ratio. This screen-to-body ratio is claimed to be the first of its kind and the handset is said to have “the world’s first 1.5K true screen” (translated from Chinese).
Red Magic 10 Pro series will be launched in China on November 13 at 3pm local time (12:30pm IST). They are currently available for pre-reservations in the country. The lineup will run on a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. They are rumoured to pack a 7,000mAh battery with up to 100W fast charging support.
The Red Magic 10 Pro and Red Magic 10 Pro+ are expected to come with upgrades over last year’s Red Magic 9 Pro and Red Magic 9 Pro+. They were released in November last year, with a starting price tag of CNY 4,399 (roughly Rs. 51,700).
The previous generation Red Magic phones run on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip paired with up to 24GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. They feature a 6.8-inch full-HD+ (1,116×2,480 pixels) BOE Q9+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits.
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Amazon Prime Day 2024, the company’s annual sale event for Prime members, starts on Saturday (July 20) and will end at 11:59pm on Sunday (July 21). One of the biggest sales by the e-commerce giant, it will feature products from a wide range of segments with lucrative discounts. The paying subscribers of the platforms will see deals on smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, earphones, smart TVs, and more. Here, we have listed some of the best deals on gaming laptops under Rs. 80,000.
While the sale goes live after midnight, Amazon has currently opened early deals on a limited number of products. These deals are also available only to Prime members and can only be availed before July 20. These offers come with direct discounts as well as additional coupons, bank offers, options for no-cost EMI payments, and exchange deals. Notably, bank offers could apply only on specific products and be available only after purchasing items worth a certain amount. If you are looking for the best deals on gaming laptops, you can find them here. We have also covered the best early deals on mobiles, laptops, and more.
Best Gaming Laptop Deals Under Rs. 80,000 During the Amazon Prime Day 2024 Sale
We all love taking a hot bath during the chilly winter months, right? Apart from giving us a refreshing, spa-like experience, a hot water bath refreshes both our body and mind. Despite the countless benefits we get from taking a hot water bath, have you ever wondered whether these water heaters that we plug in just to get that spa-like feeling, are also eco-friendly? Have you ever wondered whether they are having any impact on the environment? Well, of course, most of us go by those 5-stars printed on the body of geysers that claim to be the most energy efficient. But is that all we need to know about energy savings and efficiency? If you thought you were reducing your carbon footprint just by looking at those 5-star ratings, you need to reconsider.
Are your water heaters eco-friendly?
Be it an instant water heater, a storage heater or any other type of heater, our detailed guide will help you know whether the water heater you are using is eco-friendly or not.
Energy Efficient Water Heaters: What Are They Really?
We have been taught since childhood to look for energy efficiency ratings if we ever have to buy electronic devices. Therefore, the number of stars printed on any water heater model is directly proportional to the energy savings. Simply put: the more stars; The more energy your appliance will save! Energy-efficient water heaters cut down on energy consumption while still delivering the same amount of results. So, unlike traditional water heaters that may waste energy due to inefficient heating methods or heat loss, energy saving models use advanced technology to save on your electricity bills.
Types of Energy Efficient Water Heaters
Tankless Water Heater:
By far, tankless water heaters are the most energy efficient water heaters available on the market today. Also called on-demand water heaters, tankless water heaters provide hot water instantly without the need for a storage tank. These systems heat water as it flows through the unit, saving energy by avoiding excess heat loss. Compact and space-saving, they are perfect for homes with limited space or for providing consistent hot water during peak usage. Are you considering a model for energy efficiency or space saving? Explore options based on flow rate and installation requirements.
Heat pump water heaters, also known as hybrid water heaters, use electricity to transfer heat from the air or ground to hot water, making them extremely energy efficient. They work best in warm climates or places with ample heat. While the initial investment is high, the energy savings can significantly reduce utility bills over time. Have you wondered whether the temperature and space in your home can support this eco-friendly option?
Solar water heaters use sunlight to heat water, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional water heating. These systems typically use solar collectors installed on roofs and a storage tank to retain hot water. They reduce reliance on fossil fuels, although they may require backup systems for cloudy days. Are you interested in reducing energy costs and contributing to a green future? Assess the solar potential of your location to maximize benefits.
Condensing water heaters recover heat from exhaust gases to maximize efficiency, making them ideal for homes with high demand. These systems work with a secondary heat exchanger, which uses latent heat to preheat the water before the main burner takes over. Although they are energy-efficient, proper ventilation and maintenance are important for long-term performance. Do you want high performance at low energy costs? Make sure your home can meet the necessary ventilation and installation requirements.
Check out some traditional water heaters:
Key features to look for in an energy efficiency water heater
When selecting an energy-efficient water heater, consider the following key features to ensure maximum efficiency and reduce energy costs:
Energy Factor (EF) or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): The EF/UEF rating reflects the efficiency of a water heater in converting energy into heat and reducing excess losses. UEF typically varies from 0.65 to 0.95 or higher for highly efficient models. Look for higher UEF, which means better energy efficiency.
Tank type and insulation: Look for models with high-quality insulation (for example, foam or fiberglass) to reduce heat loss. Look at the insulation R-value; Higher values indicate better performance.
Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heater: Heat the water only as needed, which will reduce excess heat loss. Ideal for long-term efficiency but its initial cost may be high.
Heat Pump Technology (Hybrid Water Heater): Heat pump water heaters transfer heat from air to water using up to 60% less energy than standard electric models. These are good for areas with moderate temperatures throughout the year.
Fuel Type and Energy Source:
Electric: More efficient when paired with renewable energy (solar panels).
Natural Gas/Propane: This is generally more cost-effective than electricity in some areas, but may have slightly higher emissions.
Solar Water Heater: Use renewable energy to reduce operating costs but require more upfront investment.
Smart Control and Monitoring:
Some models offer smart thermostats and Wi-Fi compatibility, allowing:
Remote adjustment of temperature settings.
Monitoring usage and energy savings.
Integration with home energy systems for greater efficiency.
Energy Star Certification:
Look for the Energy Star label, which shows that the unit meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
We all know that energy efficient water heaters are environmentally friendly. But the benefits of using an eco-friendly water heater go much further than that. Let’s take a look:
benefits
Description
energy saving
Reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional models, reducing utility bills.
cost efficiency
Low operating costs over the lifetime of the unit, even if the initial cost is high.
Environment friendly
Reduces carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
long life span
Advanced technology and better materials often result in greater durability and extended service life.
continuous hot water supply
Many models, such as tankless water heaters, provide an uninterrupted supply of hot water, meeting household needs more efficiently.
space saving
Compact designs, especially for tankless models, save physical space in homes or buildings.
Rebates and Incentives
Qualifies for tax credits, rebates or incentives from local governments or utility companies, offsetting upfront costs.
better performance
The advanced technology ensures better temperature control, faster heating time and overall better efficiency.
low maintenance costs
Energy-efficient models often require less maintenance and have fewer repairs due to high-quality components.
security enhancements
Modern features such as sealed combustion and advanced thermostatic controls reduce risks such as overheating, burns and gas leakage.
How to maintain your water heaters so they remain energy efficient
Maintaining your water heater properly is the key to ensuring energy efficiency and extending its lifespan. Here are some tips to keep your water heater running efficiently:
Invest in a Tankless Water Heater:
The first and foremost step towards an economical and eco-friendly water heater is to buy a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters can give you instant hot water along with substantial energy savings of up to 40%.
flush the tank annually
Sediment build-up can reduce efficiency and damage the tank. Therefore, it is advisable to drain a few gallons of water from the tank annually to remove sediment. For this use the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
check anode rod
The anode rod prevents corrosion of the tank by attracting corrosive elements. Inspect it every 2-3 years and replace it when it becomes too worn (less than ½ inch thick or coated with calcium).
inspect pressure relief valve
Test this valve by lifting the lever to make sure it releases water properly. If it doesn’t change, replace it.
Clean the heating elements (for electric models)
Mineral deposits may form on the heating elements. And so removing and cleaning them improves performance.
lower the thermostat
It is always advisable to lower the thermostat level of the water heater. Set your water heater thermostat to 49 °C (120 °F) to save energy and reduce the risk of scalding.
set a timer
For electric models, a timer ensures that the heater runs only when needed, especially during off-peak hours.
insulate the tank
Install an insulating blanket around the tank, especially if it is located in an unheated area. Make sure the blanket does not block the air vent, thermostat or top of the gas heater.
Eco-friendly water heaters are devices designed to provide hot water while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Common types include solar water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and tankless or on-demand water heaters.
What is the most energy efficient type of water heater?
Heat pump water heaters and solar water heaters are generally the most energy-efficient options. Heat pumps use 2-3 times less energy than traditional electric water heaters, while solar water heaters rely almost entirely on renewable energy.
Are tankless water heaters better for the environment?
Yes, tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient because they heat water only as needed, avoiding the additional energy losses associated with storage tanks. However, their environmental impact depends on the energy source (e.g., electricity vs. gas).
What are the cost considerations for an eco-friendly water heater?
Upfront Cost: The initial cost of eco-friendly water heaters is often higher than conventional models. Operating Costs: These heaters generally lower energy bills, resulting in long-term savings. Incentives: Many governments and utilities offer rebates, tax credits or incentives for installing energy-efficient or renewable energy equipment.
Are eco-friendly water heaters reliable?
Yes, modern eco-friendly water heaters are highly reliable when properly installed and maintained. Many systems have comparable or longer lifespans than conventional water heaters.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Actor Priyanka Chopra, on Thursday shared a glimpse to her fans of her `Husband jacket kind of morning`.
The `Citadel` actor wore her husband Nick Jonas`s black jacket and posted a mirror selfie on Instagram Story.
She wrote, “A husband jacket kind of morning.”
Priyanka is currently shooting for her series `Citadel 2`. He has been keeping fans updated on her busy schedule through her Instagram Stories from the sets.
Priyanka and Nick tied the knot in 2018 and welcomed their daughter Malti Marie through surrogacy in January 2022.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Priyanka has other exciting projects lined up, including `Heads of State` alongside Idris Elba and John Cena, as well as a role as a 19th-century Caribbean pirate in `The Bluff`.
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The Malayalam film Palayam PC, directed by V.M. Anil, is heading to OTT platforms months after its theatrical debut on January 5, 2024. Featuring seasoned actors such as Kottayam Ramesh, Rahul Madhav, and Jaffer Idukki, Palayam PC will soon be available for streaming on Saina Play, although the platform has yet to confirm its official release date.
When and Where to Watch Palayam PC
Fans of Malayalam cinema can look forward to streaming Palayam PC exclusively on Saina Play. While the platform has not disclosed an exact release date, the film’s impending arrival on the digital platform is expected to attract viewers who missed its theatrical run.
Official Trailer and Plot of Palayam PC
The film’s trailer hints at an edge-of-the-seat thriller with an unconventional storyline. The plot follows a middle-aged police officer, played by Kottayam Ramesh,His routine is upended when he is assigned to protect a female activist facing public threats. The narrative unravels with unexpected twists as the officer confronts challenges beyond his anticipation.
Cast and Crew of Palayam PC
In addition to Kottayam Ramesh, Rahul Madhav, and Jaffer Idukki, the ensemble cast includes Ullas Pandalam, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Binu Adimali, Santhosh Keezhatoor, Dr Suraj John Varkey, Swaroop Suraj, Mala Parvathi, Niya Sankarathil, and Manju Pathrose. The story, screenplay, and dialogues were developed by Sathyachandran Poyilkavu and Vijilesh Karuvaloor, with Dr Suraj John Varkey contributing creatively.
The film’s technical aspects were helmed by Pradeep Nair as Director of Photography, Sadique Pandallor for music, and Ranjith Ratheesh in charge of editing. The movie is produced under the banner of Chirakarott Movies.
Reception of Palayam PC
Palayam PC opened to moderate reception during its theatrical release, with critics praising its novel premise and performances. The film has an IMDb rating of 8.7 / 10.
” Directing Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was quite challenging….worked extremely hard on it….However, currently, I am now focused on doing films as an actor only for a while…Working on two or three films as an actor…I am also writing an action film,” he shared.
While Randeep did not provide a lot of information about the film, the update was enough to make his fans excited.
Meanwhile, Randeep is quite happy about getting a chance to showcase his directorial `Swatantrya Veer Savarkar` in the Indian Panorama at the IFFI.
“I am proud of his film…. and it feels extremely special to attend this festival first time as a director. Making this film was a rebellious and challenging step but it was an important one. I made this film for the youth of our country to tell them the story of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar,” he added.
Actor Ankita Lokhande was also featured in the movie as the wife of Veer Savarkar.
Speaking with ANI at IFFI, she said, “It was a great experience working in the film…”
The film encapsulates the journey and struggles of Freedom Fighter Swatantrya Veer Savarkar for India`s independence. It was released on March 22.
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur.In 1911, Savarkar was sentenced to 50 years in the cellular jail of Andamans, also known as Kala Pani, for revolting against the Morley-Minto reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909).
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Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Devices have officially been launched on Windows. These standalone apps were first previewed by the company in January 2023. After remaining in the testing phase for a year, the Cupertino-based tech giant has now removed the Preview tags from these apps and is letting users download them for their PCs. This move was reportedly made to reduce the reliance of users on iTunes, which previously acted as a one-stop shop for the combined functionalities of these apps, bar the streaming services.
A Support page of Apple now highlights that users with Windows 10 or later can now access these dedicated apps. Apple Music allows users to listen to and manage their iTunes library, access iTunes purchases, and get access to Apple’s streaming service. Similarly, Apple TV enables people to watch movies, documentaries, and TV series from their iTunes library, as well as offers the Apple TV+ streaming service. Apple Devices, on the other hand, helps update, back up, restore, and manage their iPhone and iPad devices, as well as let them sync content from PC.
The Apple apps for Windows support x86-based PCs running on Windows 10 or Windows 11. However, if users do not have the required operating system, they can continue to use iTunes. Further, those downloading the dedicated apps must download all three of them, as downloading just one or two will prompt a message to download the remaining apps first. Once all the apps have been downloaded, iTunes will only offer access to audiobooks and podcasts. The iPhone maker has also urged users to not delete their iTunes app as both Apple Music and Apple TV apps read the content of the iTunes library.
As per reports, Apple decided to split iTunes to mirror how the apps work on Mac. The dedicated apps also offer a more streamlined interface and recently added features that might be missing in the older app. Further, this also allows the tech giant to expand its streaming services to Windows users.
Separately, Apple researchers recently released an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered image editing tool called MGIE (MLLM Guided Image Editing), which is capable of editing images using simple text prompts. As per the preprint paper, it is capable of making Photoshop-style edits, global optimisation, and local edits.
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Several actors from Bollywood have joined LinkedIn.
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka has a detailed and well maintained LinkedIn account that lists her experience into different labels, including being an actor, recording artist and philanthropist.
Her bio reads, “Priyanka Chopra is an actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is the recipient of numerous Best Actress awards from institutions like Filmfare, IIFA, Screen, as well as National Award for Best Actress. She is the first Indian actress to headline the lead role in a mainstream US television show- the FBI Thriller Quantico, now in its second season.”
Priyanka Chopra’s profile on LinkedIn.
It adds, “Her passion for story telling led her to set up Purple Pebble Pictures, her own production company which is making movies in regional languages and discovering talent outside of mainstream cinema. Priyanka Chopra is among Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People this year and has been conferred the Padma Shri, India’s 4th highest civilian hour.”
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone lists herself as an actor, producer, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate on LinkedIn. Her last post was as recent as three weeks ago, when she posted her latest interview with Ariana Huffington for the latest episode of her brand The Live Love Laugh Foundation series.
Deepika Padukone’s account on LinkedIn.
Tisca Chopra
Tisca also joined LinkedIn recently, and her bio describes her as an actor, author and filmmaker.
An excerpt from her bio reads, “Tisca has acted in over 50 feature films in different languages with many eminent directors like Aamir Khan, Prakash Jha, Sudhir Mishra, Abhinay Deo and others.”
Tisca Chopra’s account on LinkedIn looks like this.
Ranveer Singh
Ranveer Singh’s LinkedIn account is not as detailed as his colleagues, but as per the profile’s activity, it is used for brand promotions.
Gajraj Rao
The actor behind acclaimed movies like Badhaai Do, Satya Prem Ki Katha and Maidaan also has a LinkedIn account. He lists himself as an actor and ad filmmaker on his network.
Suniel Shetty
An excerpt from the LinkedIn bio of Suniel Shetty reads, “Suniel has been in the entertainment business for 30 years and has acted in over 130 films. But his true calling has always been the entrepreneural journey.”
He adds, “He looks forward to using this platform to share his experiences, impart his skills and become a catalyst and an enabler, for those who dare to think outside the box.” His latest post was a personal piece on Mike Tyson, who entered the ring at the age of 58.
Apart from Bollywood, some of the most well known stars from Hollywood who also use LinkedIn are Ryan Reynolds, Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, and Jennifer Lopez.
