Microsoft introduced a new multi-agent artificial intelligence (AI) system dubbed Magnetic-One on Monday. The tech giant called it a high-performing system that can activate multiple AI agents to complete complex tasks via web browsers on locally on a device. It is based on a new framework that allows an AI model to access multiple modalities and capabilities to complete tasks such as booking a ticket, purchasing a product online, or editing a document stored on the device. Notably, Microsoft’s Magnetic-One is an open-source project and is accessible to researchers and developers.

Microsoft Introduces Magnetic-One

Generative AI has taken a huge leap in machine intelligence and its capability to generate outputs across text, images, audio, and video formats. However, while modern AI systems are great at retrieving information, they still remain poor at reasoning, especially when it comes to solving problems and completing tasks.

This is why AI agents, which can be understood as miniature software capable of executing an action, have become an important extension of large language models (LLMs). Microsoft’s Magnetic-One also works on the same principle, as detailed in a research paper. The company describes it as a “high-performing generalist agentic system” designed to complete complex multi-step tasks such as software engineering, data analysis, scientific research, and web navigation.

Magnetic-One has a multi-agent architecture, which means one LLM can activate several agents to complete a task. For this, the AI system activates a lead agent dubbed the Orchestrator. It directs four other agents where each agent specialises in one task.

The workflow of Magnetic One
Photo Credit: Microsoft

For instance, if the system is asked to book a ticket for a movie, the Orchestrator could trigger a vision agent that can look at the screen and process the visual information. Another might have knowledge of web browsers and can handle its navigation. The third could be breaking down the prompt into actionable steps, and the fourth might be able to handle financial transactions. By dividing the task among multiple such specialised agents, both the accuracy and speed of completion is increased.

The open-source Magnetic-One AI system is available on GitHub and can be accessed here. It is available to researchers and developers, and can also be used for commercial purposes under a custom Microsoft licence. Alongside, Microsoft has also released AutoGenBench, which is a tool that evaluates the performance of AI agents. It comes with built-in controls for repetition and isolation to thoroughly test the agents.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a press release)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is expected to launch next year as the successor to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which debuted in July. However, a supply chain analyst now suggests that it will not be the only clamshell-style foldable smartphone to see the light of day and will be joined by a new model next year which could be easier on the pockets. This purported device is said to join the South Korean technology conglomerate’s flagship foldable smartphone lineup as an affordable alternative to the Galaxy Z Flip series.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE Launch

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ross Young, Analyst and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), claimed that Samsung’s new affordable foldable smartphone may be known as Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. This device is speculated to launch in 2025 as part of the next-generation Galaxy foldables.

The analyst further claims that the purported clamshell-style foldable handset is likely to sport a similar display as its flagship counterpart but could differ in terms of the camera system and the processor.

A previous report indicated that Samsung’s rumoured affordable foldable smartphone could feature toned-down internals to keep the costs as low as possible. During its Earnings Call for Q3 2024, the company highlighted that it was exploring “ways to lower entry barriers so that more customers can actually experience foldable products.”

While specifications of the purported handset are yet to be revealed, another report suggested that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE may be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset which also powers the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Other New Launches

In addition to the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Samsung is also speculated to be developing two entirely new models to join its existing lineups. This includes a Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim which may launch and become part of the flagship Galaxy S25 series “before and after” April 2025.

Meanwhile, the company is also working on an additional Galaxy Z Fold 7 model which is rumoured to be a special edition variant, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE which recently made its debut exclusively in South Korea. This handset is speculated to be a simultaneous release, meaning it could be yet another smartphone making its debut alongside Samsung’s seventh-generation foldables.

MS Paint in Windows 11 is getting a couple of new artificial intelligence (AI) features. On Wednesday, Microsoft announced new preview features for Windows Insiders including a major AI upgrade to the Paint app. It is getting a new Generative Fill feature that uses AI to generate objects based on text prompt. Apart from that, the company is also introducing a Generative Erase feature as well as updates to Cocreator and Image Creator. Notably, these features are not available to general users of Windows 11.

MS Paint Gets New AI Features

In its Windows Insider blog post, Microsoft detailed the new AI features for MS Paint. The biggest highlight is the Generative Fill. Similar to Adobe Photoshop’s feature, Generative Fill in MS Paint can add AI-generated objects to an image either created on the app, or loaded to the app.

To use the feature, users will have to use the Selection tool in the Paint toolbar and select an area where they want the object to be added. After selecting, users will now see a small menu pop up at the bottom of the selected area. By selecting Generative Fill, users can open a small text field, where they can type a prompt on what they want to see. Once done, users will need to tap on Create to generate the object.

In case the generated object is not up to their liking, they can tap on the Try Again button to regenerate the object or add more details to the prompt. Once they find the desired output, pressing the Keep button will blend and add it to the image.

Notably, Generative Fill is initially only available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs and users will need to sign in with their Microsoft account to access it. Currently, the feature is only available to Windows Insiders in select regions.

Apart from this, Microsoft is also adding a Generative Erase feature to MS Paint. The tool can be selected while using the eraser and it removes an object from an image while adding elements to make blend the area with the rest of the background. This is available to users on all Windows 11 PCs.

Additionally, Microsoft has also updated the diffusion-based model for Cocreator, a feature introduced earlier this year. Cocreator takes context from what the user is sketching, and generates similar images with a higher level of creativity and in a wider range of styles. Further, the Image Creator feature in Paint is also being expanded to more regions.

A recent study utilising data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has confirmed the existence of an unusual cosmic effect termed the “Einstein zig-zag.” This rare phenomenon occurs when light from a distant quasar traverses two distinct regions of warped space-time, producing multiple mirrored images. Six duplicates of a luminous quasar, identified as J1721+8842, were found, providing a new perspective on gravitational lensing and potentially addressing critical challenges in cosmology.

Discovery of J1721+8842’s Unique Configuration

The quasar J1721+8842 was first identified in 2018 as four mirrored points of light billions of light-years from Earth. Initially, these were attributed to gravitational lensing, where light from a distant object bends due to the immense gravity of a lensing galaxy. However, subsequent observations in 2022 revealed two additional faint points of light, suggesting a complex structure involving multiple lensing objects.

Recent reanalysis using JWST data has shown that all six images originate from a single quasar, as per a new study published in arXiv. The light bent around two massive lensing galaxies forms a faint Einstein ring alongside the mirrored points. The unique path taken by the light, bending in opposite directions around the lenses, led researchers to coin the term “Einstein zig-zag” to describe this configuration.

Implications for Cosmology

Gravitationally lensed objects like J1721+8842 are invaluable for understanding the universe’s fundamental properties. The zig-zag effect allows for precise measurements of the Hubble constant, which determines the rate of cosmic expansion and the influence of dark energy. Thomas Collett, astrophysicist at the University of Portsmouth, noted that this discovery could clarify inconsistencies in current cosmological models, although extracting definitive data could take over a year.

This observation offers a critical opportunity to refine our understanding of the universe’s structure and expansion, potentially resolving ongoing challenges like the Hubble tension. While further analysis is needed, the Einstein zig-zag provides a promising avenue for breakthroughs in cosmology.

HP is one of the early adopters of the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite platform. The company has recently introduced the HP Elitebook Ultra G1q, a business laptop that brings the latest Qualcomm chipset coupled with some interesting set of features for the Indian market. The laptop comes with a price tag of Rs 1,68,999, offers a sleek design, and comes equipped with some interesting AI features. This, coupled with a long-lasting battery life, a decent 2.2K display, and efficient performance, makes it stand out from the crowd. However, is it enough to make a lasting impression? I got the chance to spend some time with the device, and this is what you need to know.

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Laptop Design: Sleek and Lightweight

• Dimension – 312.9 x 223.5 x 11.23mm
• Weight – 1.349kg
• Colours – Atmosphere Blue

Talking about the design, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q offers a stylish look and is surely one of the sleekest laptops available in this price segment. The device comes with an aluminium finish, which the brand claims is crafted with 50 percent recycled material.

The HP Elitebook Ultra G1q comes in a Atmosphere Blue colour option.

The design is surely one of the strong suits of this machine, and I liked the Atmosphere Blue colour option, which gives a premium look and feel. Most of the business laptops offer a boring tone of silver, but this machine is meant to stand out from the crowd. That said, the blue option attracts some fingerprints, so you need to clean it regularly.

The laptop is also among the slimmest and lightest laptops in the segment. The laptop weighs roughly 1.349 kg and measures 11.23mm, which makes it highly portable. You will face no problem keeping it in your backpack or carrying it in your hands as the weight distribution is on point. The laptop is also MIL-STD-810H certified, meaning that it can withstand some level of vibration and temperature fluctuations with ease.

The laptop comes with two USB Type-C ports (left) and a 3.5mm jack along with a USB Type-A port (right).

As for the ports, the laptop offers limited ports. You get two USB Type-C ports on the left side. It also features a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port and a 3.5mm audio jack on the right side. So, you need to get a USB hub if you require an HDMI connection or to transfer data from a microSD card.

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Display: Workable

• Display – 14-inch IPS touchscreen
• Resolution – 2.2K (1400×2240 pixels)
• Refresh Rate – 60Hz

Coming to the display, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q packs a decent display in a compact form factor. The device is packed with a 2.2K (1400×2240 pixel) resolution and offers a 14-inch IPS touch display. Although it is an IPS panel, the colour reproduction is fairly good, and you will get some sharp and crisp colours. That said, the saturations are not as good as the ones you get with an OLED screen. Moreover, I was disappointed with the 60Hz refresh rate, which could have been better.

The HP Elitebook Ultra G1q comes loaded with a compact 14-inch IPS panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

HP claims that the display can achieve a peak brightness of 300 nits, which is frankly a bit weak as compared to the competitors. The display is reflective in nature, making it a bit difficult to see the screen outdoors. The same can be said for the brightness in these conditions. So, features a large 16-inch display with thin bezels around the edges.

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Keyboard, Touchpad, Speakers, and Webcam

• Keyboard – Backlit keyboard
• Webcam – 5-megapixel Hi-res camera
• Speakers – Four Speakers

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q offers a backlit keyboard. The keyboard comes with a slightly different layout, with top function keys offering lighter-coloured keys. The power button also comes with a light shade of blue to help you distinguish promptly. The LEDs are decent enough to give a comfortable typing experience in low-light conditions.

The keyboard comes with a shallow key travel, which could have been better. I would have liked it if the keyboard offered slightly stronger feedback. Moreover, the height difference between the up and down arrow keys and the left and right keys makes it a bit difficult to get used to it.

The laptop comes with a backlit keyboard and a large touchpad.

The laptop also comes with a large touchpad slab, which works well during the review period. The touchpad handles all the gestures, like swipes and taps, effortlessly. And you don’t feel any rattling with the physical clicks.

In terms of security, the laptop does not come with a physical fingerprint sensor, but you do get an IR-based camera for Windows Hello support. The IR-based Windows Hello feature works effortlessly, and you also get a physical privacy shutter, which is good. However, the star of the show is the new 5-megapixel Poly camera that offers good quality during video calls.

The audio output is sound on this one. The stereo speakers at the bottom delivered decent results, though, at high volumes, you might miss a bit of a punch.

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Software: Useful AI Features

• Operating System – Windows 11 Pro
• Other Features – AI Companion, Wolf Pro Security

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q runs the Windows 11 Pro operating system. The device also comes with a Copilot AI along with a dedicated Copilot button, which is now becoming a standard in the laptop segment.

The laptop comes equipped with a special HP AI Companion app that is quite useful in daily worklife.

However, what makes the laptop stand out from the crowd is the new HP AI Companion application. The application is one of the most useful AI-powered applications I have seen recently. The app is a one-stop solution for all your needs. From analysing documents to optimising performance to getting some quick responses, the app is built to help you on these fronts.

The app is basically divided into four main features: Ask, Analyze, Discover, and Perform. The Ask feature is a ChatGPT-like chatbot that answers your queries. The Analyze feature is my personal favourite. The feature allows you to upload documents and create a repository of information. One can retrieve, compare or even summarise data, which is quite useful. The only limitation here is that it only supports 100MB in storage.

The Discover feature gives AI-powered recommendations for other tools, while the Perform feature helps monitor the performance of the machine. The AI companion helps download the drivers automatically and gives you a good graphic representation of your PC performance.

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Performance: A Double-Edged Sword

• Chipset – Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite
• RAM – 16GB LPDDR5X 8400
• ROM – 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
• GPU – Qualcomm Adreno

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is a leap towards the ARM-based chipset. This shows the company’s commitment to adopting the new ARM architecture. The latest machine from the brand is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite ARM processor, which makes it one of the few laptops in this segment that powers the new chipset.

The laptop is among the few that packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor.

Coming to the performance, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is a double-edged sword. The laptop gives you a pretty good performance when it comes to daily productivity tasks like web browsing, making PowerPoint presentations, or playing some casual games. The ARM architecture delivers smooth performance in daily tasks, and efficiency makes it easier to manage the cooling systems. I have compiled some synthetic benchmarks to give you a glimpse of its performance while comparing it to some Intel and AMD-powered laptops:

That said, the laptop can be seen struggling when it comes to more intensive workloads that rely on the x86 architecture. So, suppose you are someone who is using emulated software or apps like Adobe Creative Cloud or any other custom enterprise software that does not support ARM architecture. In that case, you might face some bottlenecks in the performance. That said, that might change as multiple companies work to bring ARM compatibility to their apps.

This is where you will face some differences in the graphics performance. The Adreno GPU is good but not as powerful as the Intel or AMD GPUs. So, if you are someone who is into 4K video editing or wants to play some recent games, then you might not get favourable performance on this laptop.

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Laptop Battery: Impressive

• Battery Capacity – 3 Cell, 59 Wh (Typical)
• Fast Charging – 65W USB Type-C Adapter

This is one area where the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q excels from its Intel or AMD-powered counterparts. The efficiency of the Snapdragon X Elite processor makes it a great choice for those who want a long-lasting battery life.

The laptop offers an impressive battery, which can easily beat some traditional Windows laptops.

During the testing period, I easily got almost 12 to 14 hours of battery life with moderate usage. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are on the go. Interestingly, the laptop also comes with 68W fast charging support, which can rapidly charge the laptop from 10 percent to full in about two hours while you are still working on it.

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q Laptop Verdict

The laptop offers a sleek and lightweight design, a huge plus for those who are always travelling. The display is good, but you will find OLED panels in a similar price segment if you want better performance. The laptop is a decent alternative to the Intel or AMD-powered machines, though it faces stiff competition from its rivals. Also, the limited support of ARM makes it a difficult choice for enterprise customers who heavily rely on x86 architecture. The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q offers a promising future for ARM-based Windows laptops. However, you still have a lot of laptops that provide superior performance and compatibility at this similar price range.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE Tipped to Launch in 2025 Alongside Flagship Foldable Model