Apple has announced a RAM upgrade for the MacBook Air lineup alongside new MacBook Pro models with M4 chips. In a surprise move, the Cupertino-based company has doubled the base RAM configuration on M2 and M3 MacBook Air models to 16GB, from the current 8GB, without a corresponding price increase. Besides RAM, nothing else will change about the laptops. Both models will feature 13.6-inch Liquid Retina displays. The model with M3 offers 512GB storage, while the M2 version has 256GB storage.
MacBook Air Base Model Gets 16GB of RAM
During the Mac event on Wednesday (October 30), Apple announced that it has increased the base memory of its M2 and M3 MacBook Air models to 16GB without changing pricing. Both versions of the MacBook Air were sold with 8GB of RAM. The lineup still starts at $999 (roughly Rs. 83,000) in the US. It is offered in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Space Gray colours.
In India, the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chipset is priced at Rs. 1,14,900 for the base 16GB RAM variant. The 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 chipset with 16GB RAM can be purchased for Rs. 1,34,900.
The increased memory will offer more resources for Apple Intelligence features announced in the macOS Sequoia update. It is likely to enhance app operation and multitasking capability as well. Apple launched the latest 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models with the M3 chipset in March this year. The brand is likely to bring new models with the M4 chip same time next year.
Beyond a RAM update, the hardware features of the MacBook Air will remain unchanged. They’ll keep the same 13.6-inch Liquid Retina panels with a peak brightness of 500nits. The M3 version packs 512GB SSD for storage, whereas the M2 starts at 256GB. The MacBook Air models also include MagSafe 3 charging port, and two Thunderbolt/ USB 4 ports for connectivity.
‘The Sabarmati Report‘ starring Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna and Riddhi Dogra is based on the 2002 Godhra train burning incident. The film which released on November 15 is set to complete a week at the box office. While it was helmed at a moderate budget, it also had a very limited release in about 600 screens. Hence, it was meant to be a niche movie. Thus, the opening of the movie at around Rs 1.25 crore on day 1 was pretty decent. It saw some growth on day 2 and 3, which was Saturday and Sunday but from Monday onwards, it was back to the Rs 1 crore range. The good part is that due to word of mouth surrounding the film, it has continued to remain steady in the Rs 1 crore range and didn’t see a further dip. Infact, there’s a slight bit of growth. On Tuesday, it made Rs 1.3 crore, while on Wednesday, the number was around Rs 1.45 crore. The total collection so far is Rs 10.25 crore. The film has been declared tax free in Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, and now even Haryana. Thus it may lead to more people watching it in theatres in these areas. Meanwhile, there was also a screening happening for the Gujarat Chief Minister which may further spread awareness in other states as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had showered praise on the film as well. Though, at the moment, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ is dominating over this new release, but soon, this one may get picked up more if the word of mouth continues.
Microsoft Ignite 2024, the company’s annual conference for developers and IT professionals, was held on Tuesday. At the event, the Redmond-based tech giant made several new announcements around Windows, Microsoft 365, Azure, and its artificial intelligence (AI) platform Copilot. In the AI space, the company introduced new purpose-built AI agents that do not require programming and can directly perform certain tasks within Microsoft 365 apps. Additionally, a new Copilot Action feature was also announced which allows users to automate everyday repetitive tasks.
Microsoft Introduces New AI Agents at Ignite 2024
In a blog post, Microsoft detailed the new AI features and tools. The tech giant already has AI agents that can be interacted with via Copilot, and a Copilot Studio where users can build their own custom AI agents. But now, four new purpose-built AI agents have been introduced. The main difference here is that these agents are pre-trained and are skilled at performing enterprise-focused tasks with high accuracy and efficiency.
Among them, Agents in Sharepoint can find project details from an organisation database, summary meeting notes and memo, as well as find particular documents. Users can request a file or project details via natural conversation and a vague description of it. The tool also allows users to create and share custom agents to scope a specific type of content. This is now generally available.
The Facilitator agent in Teams can take real-time notes during a meeting and in chats, and the Project Manager agent in Microsoft Planner can automate plan creation and complete tasks. Both of these are available in public preview.
Another AI agent introduced at the event is the Employee Self-Service Agent. Available in Business Chat, it can answer common organisation-related policy questions, and complete certain HR and IT tasks such as applying for leave of absence or requesting a new laptop. This AI agent is available in private preview.
Finally, the Interpretor agent in Teams can provide real-time speech-to-speech interpretation during meetings. The AI agent can also simulate the user’s voice for a personalised experience. This is not available currently, and will be added in preview in early 2025.
Copilot Action Feature Announced
At Ignite 2024, Microsoft also announced several new features for Copilot. Among them, Copilot Actions will allow users to automate repetitive everyday tasks such as gathering inputs from coworkers, receiving a summary of action items at the end of the day, and more. Users can automate such tasks by setting up fill-in-the-blank prompts once. Once activated, the feature will complete the task every day without any manual intervention. This is available in private preview.
Copilot Action Photo Credit: Microsoft
Apart from this, Copilot Pages is also getting a new feature dubbed rich artifacts. It can generate interactive flow charts, blocks of code, and more with simple text prompts. Copilot in PowerPoint is also getting a translation feature that can translate entire presentations into one of the 40 supported languages. Teams is also getting a quick summary feature, where users can upload a file in a chat and get a summary without having to open the file. All of these features will be available in public preview next year.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be playable with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) for Game Pass Ultimate members at launch, Microsoft announced Monday. The next Call of Duty title, set to arrive on PC and consoles on October 25, was earlier confirmed to be available day one on Xbox Game Pass. In addition to Black Ops 6, last year’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Activision’s Battle Royale title, Call of Duty: Warzone, will also get Cloud Gaming support on the same day.
Call of Duty on Xbox Cloud Gaming
All three games will be available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers from October 25, when Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launches on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4 and PS5. This marks the first time the Call of Duty franchise is heading to Microsoft’s cloud gaming service. With Xbox Cloud Gaming, Game Pass Ultimate members will be able to play Black Ops 6 at launch on a variety of platforms that support the service, including mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, select Samsung TVs and Meta Quest devices.
Xbox Cloud Gaming service, which allows Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to access their titles on any compatible device, was made available on Amazon Fire TV with the Xbox app in July. The service supports Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) and a Fire TV Stick 4K (2023). Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can pair Bluetooth-enabled controllers with the supported devices to play games from the Xbox library.
Black Ops 6 will become the first Call of Duty title to arrive on Game Pass when it launches later this month. In May, Microsoft and Activision had confirmed that the upcoming shooter would join Xbox Game Pass day one. Call of Duty is one of the most popular and successful video game franchises in the world and its inclusion on Game Pass is likely to boost subscriptions to the service.
Call of duty: Modern Warfare 3, on the other hand, is already available on Xbox Game Pass. The game, which was released last year on PC and consoles, joined the service on July 24.
Realme 14X could be launched in India in the coming weeks. The company has not yet confirmed the handset, which would be the first of its next number series, but its details have already started to surface online. A new report hints at the launch timeline as well as the RAM and storage configurations of the purported Realme 14X. It also gives us an idea of what to expect in terms of the handset’s battery capacity and colour options. The Realme 14X is expected to join the anticipated Realme 14 Pro and Realme 14 Pro+ models, which are tipped to launch in India in January 2025.
Realme 14X Launch Timeline, Key Features (Expected)
The Realme 14X could be unveiled in early December, according to a 91Mobiles report that cites industry sources. The handset is said to arrive in Crystal Black, Golden Glow, and Jewel Red colourways. It will be available in 6GB + 128GB, 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB RAM and storage configurations, as per the report.
The publication states that the Realme 14X will pack a 6,000mAh battery, and feature a square-shaped camera module. More details about the purported handset are expected to surface online in the coming days.
The Realme 14X is expected to succeed the Realme 12x 5G, which was launched in India in April this year — the company never introduced a 13x model. It starts in India at Rs. 11,999 for the 4GB + 128GB option. The handset has a centre-aligned, large circular rear camera module which holds a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel macro shooter.
The phone is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery with 45W SuperVOOC charging support and a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 onboard storage.
Previously, a report suggested that a Realme 14 Pro Lite model with the model number RMX990 may join the upcoming Realme 14 series. It is tipped to be offered in four RAM and storage configurations — 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 512GB.
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Pressure has mounted on the ethics committee to release its findings into Gaetz
A congressional ethics committee has failed to reach an agreement over whether to release a report on alleged sexual misconduct by Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the US Department of Justice.
The House committee met for two hours behind closed doors on Wednesday, as calls grew for details of its investigation into Gaetz, a former Florida congressman whose nomination to serve as attorney general has proved controversial.
“There was no consensus on this issue,” Democratic Representative Susan Wild told reporters, adding that a vote had been taken but the bipartisan committee remained split along party lines.
She said they would meet again on 5 December. It is unclear whether they could release the report into Gaetz, who denies any wrongdoing, before then.
Pressure has mounted on the ethics committee to release its findings, as members of the Senate begin meeting with Gaetz ahead of a hearing when they will vote on whether to confirm him as attorney general.
“They’ve been going great,” Gaetz said of the meetings on Wednesday. “Senators been giving me a lot of good advice. I’m looking forward to a hearing.”
The ethics committee had been preparing to vote on the report’s release before Gaetz’s abrupt resignation from the House, which came just after Trump’s nomination, the New York Times reported.
His departure cast doubt on whether the report would see the light of day, because having resigned he is no longer under congressional jurisdiction and the committee only investigates House members.
The committee Chairman Michael Guest, a Republican, told reporters on Wednesday that he had “some reservations” about releasing the report because it is still going through the review process.
He told CNN the committee would consider releasing it publicly or sending it directly to the Senate Judiciary Committee, but it remains uncertain whether it will leave the committee at all.
Reporters and members of the media packed the hallway outside the room where members of the committee met on Wednesday. Most lawmakers remained tight-lipped as they passed the gauntlet of journalists on their way out of the meeting.
Speaking to MSNBC afterward, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, a Democrat, said he had faith “we will get to the right solution”.
Gaetz, 42, is a lawyer who made a name for himself on Capitol Hill and cable news as a right-wing rabble rouser. He is a staunch defender of Trump and led a successful effort to oust Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.
Some of Gaetz’s former House colleagues have voiced support for his nomination, including Speaker Mike Johnson, who called him a “reformer” who would “bring a lot to the table”.
But Gaetz also has been dogged by allegations of impropriety in recent years.
In June, the ethics committee announced it was investigating several allegations against Gaetz, including that he “engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favours to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct”.
Two women testified to the committee that Gaetz paid them “for sex”, their lawyer, Joel Leppard, told CBS this week. One of the women also testified that she witnessed the then-congressman having sex with a minor during a party in 2017, the lawyer said.
Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and says the accusations are politically motivated.
“Lies were weaponised to try to destroy me,” Gaetz posted on X on Friday. “These lies resulted in prosecution, conviction, and prison. For the liars, not me.”
Trump showed no sign of backing down on his cabinet pick this week.
“Matt Gaetz will be the next attorney general. He’s the right man for the job and will end the weaponisation of our justice system,” Trump transition spokesman Alex Pfieffer said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Senators of both parties have spoken in favour of accessing the ethics report.
Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, demanded that the other committee “preserve and share” the report with his panel.
“Make no mistake: This information could be relevant to the question of Mr Gaetz’s confirmation as the next attorney general of the United States, and our constitutional responsibility of advice and consent,” Durbin said.
Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican who also sits on the judiciary committee, said: “I think that if they want a speedy consideration of this nomination, we’ve got to have as much transparency as we can have.”
North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher makes sense of the presidential election in his twice weekly US Election Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here.
Cyberpunk 2077, the first-person open-world sci-fi adventure game, was first unveiled in 2020. The game is currently available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. However, Mac users will soon be able to enjoy the game as well. During the announcement of the latest M4 chip-powered MacBook Pro laptops, Apple confirmed that the game will be available on Mac devices in early 2025 alongside a few more titles. Game developer CD Projekt RED confirmed that the Ultimate Edition of the game will be available to Mac users early next year.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition Coming to Silicon Macs
The Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will be available on Mac with Apple silicon chipsets in early 2025, according to a press note by the game developers. An exact release date has yet to be confirmed. This version will include the Phantom Liberty “spy-thriller” expansion. Mac users will be able to experience immersive features like path tracing, frame generation, and inbuilt Spatial Audio.
CD Projekt RED confirms that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will be available on the Mac App Store, GOG.com, Steam and Epic Games Store. Players who own Cyberpunk 2077 on Steam can access the Mac version without a new purchase.
Apple revealed in its M4 MacBook Pro announcement video that Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a game developed by Ubisoft Quebec, which is scheduled to launch in February next year, will be available to Mac users too.
Notably, Apple refreshed the MacBook Pro lineup with its latest 3nm M4 chipsets on Thursday. The 14-inch base model starts in India at Rs. 1,69,999, while the M4 Pro version is listed at Rs. 1,99,900. The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro SoC is marked at Rs. 2,49,900, and the 16-inch M4 Max variant costs Rs. 3,49,900.
Planetary scientists from NASA explain that while asteroids, comets, and meteors are all small celestial objects orbiting the Sun, they differ greatly in composition, appearance, and behaviour. These distinctions help scientists understand more about our solar system and the unique roles each type of object plays.
Asteroids: Rocky Remnants of the Early Solar System
Asteroids are small, rocky objects that circle the Sun, explains NASA JPL scientist Ryan Park. Typically appearing as points of light in telescopes, most are concentrated within a region called the asteroid belt, located between Mars and Jupiter. This belt contains a range of asteroid shapes and sizes, from rounded forms to elongated structures, with some even accompanied by small moons.
These ancient rocks are considered to be remnants from the early solar system, carrying clues about the conditions and materials present billions of years ago.
Comets: Icy Bodies with Characteristic Tails
Comets, in contrast to asteroids, contain more ice and dust than rock, giving them a unique composition. When a comet nears the Sun, the heat causes its icy surface to vaporise, resulting in the release of gas and dust. This process produces a tail that stretches behind the comet, which appears hazy when observed through telescopes.
Comets are often distinguished by this tail, which is formed by solar radiation pushing dust and gas away from the comet’s core. The tails are a characteristic feature that differentiates them from asteroids and makes them particularly interesting to study.
Meteors and Meteoroids: Pieces of Asteroids and Comets Entering Earth’s Atmosphere
When discussing meteors, it’s essential to understand the term “meteoroid,” which refers to a small fragment of an asteroid or comet, often created from a collision or breakup of these larger bodies. Once a meteoroid approaches Earth and enters its atmosphere, it is then called a meteor.
Travelling at very high speeds, meteors burn up upon entry, creating bright streaks of light in the sky that people often refer to as “shooting stars.” If a meteor survives this fiery descent and lands on Earth, it becomes known as a meteorite.
A Comparative Overview
These planetary objects, though similar in their solar orbits, hold unique compositions and behaviours. Asteroids are solid and rocky, comets are icy and produce tails, and meteors are small fragments that create bright streaks in Earth’s sky.
Microsoft has announced an Xbox Partner Preview broadcast for later this week, where third-party developers will showcase a mix of new and upcoming games. The Partner Preview event will be broadcast on October 17, and will include updates from studios like Remedy Entertainment, Sega, 505 Games and more. Microsoft confirmed that the broadcast would feature gameplay for the upcoming expansion for Alan Wake II and a new trailer for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.
Xbox Partner Preview Details
The Partner Preview broadcast will last for around 25 minutes and feature over a dozen game trailers, Microsoft said in an Xbox Wire post Monday. The showcase will present a first look at gameplay from the upcoming Alan Wake 2 expansion, The Lake House. A new trailer for Ryu Ga Gotoku’s Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, set to release in February 2025, and a look at the bosses of Soulslike action-RPG Wuchang: Fallen Feathers are also confirmed.
The broadcast will also feature multiple world premier trailers, new game reveals, fresh gameplay and release date announcements for upcoming titles.
The Xbox Partner Preview will be broadcast across Xbox’s YouTube and Twitch channels on Thursday, October 17, at 10am PT/ 1pm ET/ 6PM BST (10.30pm IST).
The last Xbox Partner Preview was broadcast in March, where third-party developers provided updates on titles like Unknown 9: Awakening, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, Persona 3 Reload and more. The event also featured new game reveals for The Sinking City 2, Creatures of Ava, Monster Jam Showdown and Sleight of Hand.
In June, Microsoft held a packed Xbox Games Showcase, where it announced its slate of upcoming first-party games. The showcase revealed the next Gears of War title, Doom: The Dark Ages and Perfect Dark, and provided updates on already announced games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, South of Midnight, Avowed and more.
Google on Tuesday announced its annual list of top games and apps on the Play Store in India. The Google Play Best of 2024 awards focus on apps that have a practical and user-centric design at their centre, developed by Indian developers for niche audiences. The company highlights the advancements made across sectors such as personalised news, fashion styling, social gaming, and smart expense tracking, courtesy of artificial intelligence (AI).
Alle, Indus Battle Royale, Squad Busters, WhatsApp, and Sony LIV are some of Google Play’s Best of 2024 apps and games in India. Read on to know more about the company’s top picks for users in India.
Google Play’s Best of 2024 Apps and Games
In a blog post, Google Play detailed that its Best App of the year title in India has been awarded to Alle, an app developed for self-styling which leverages AI and provides features such as personalised outfit ideas, expert advice, virtual try-ons, and instant outfit feedback. Along with Best App, it was also bestowed with the Best for Fun award.
“We noticed that the recent developments in Gen AI, combined with evolving consumer preferences for visual inspirational content, will create a massive opportunity to reimagine & rebuild how people discover and shop for fashion. This realization led us to start Alle[…]” said Prateek Agarwal, Co-Founder & CEO, Alle
Top Apps and Games in the Google Play Best of 2024 List Photo Credit: Google
WhatsApp, the instant messaging app with over 2 billion active monthly users in more than 180 countries, bagged the Best Multi-device App award by the search giant. As part of the Google Play Best of 2024 India list, the company also awarded apps developed for larger screens, with Sony LIV taking the title. Baby Daybook was chosen in the Best for Watches category, while Rise: Habit List was the Best Hidden Gem of the year.
According to Google, Squad Busters was the Best Game and the Best Multiplayer of the year, while Indus Battle Royale took home the Best Made in India title. Meanwhile, Clash of Clans was Google’s Best Multi-device Game, Yes, Your Grace won the Best Story award, and Bloom – A puzzle adventure was selected for the Best Indie category. After its return to the Google Play Store last year, Krafton’s Battlegrounds Mobile India (also known as BGMI) won the Best Ongoing award as part of Google Play’s Best of 2024 in Games list.
