Month: July 2025

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Comparison of OnePlus Buds 4 and Buds Pro 3 Uncovers Surprising Parallels
    Comparison of OnePlus Buds 4 and Buds Pro 3 Uncovers Surprising Parallels

    The OnePlus Buds 4 are the newest entry in OnePlus’s range of wireless earbuds, delivering remarkable audio quality at an attractive price. Nevertheless, they are lacking in certain aspects that may lead prospective buyers to explore alternatives. With a price tag of $130, the Buds 4 sit close to the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, which retail for approximately $150. This slight price difference prompts questions regarding the value of the Buds 4.

    Regarding the hardware, both the Buds 4 and Buds Pro 3 are equipped with comparable audio drivers, including an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter, and are compatible with AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs. However, the Buds Pro 3 provide a wider frequency response, spanning from 10Hz to 40KHz, while the Buds 4 cover a range of 15Hz to 40KHz. This variation results in a more enriched and nuanced sound experience with the Buds Pro 3.

    The design of the Buds 4 resembles OnePlus’s more economical Nord series, featuring a matte finish and a bulkier, rectangular stem devoid of squeeze controls. In contrast, the Buds Pro 3 boast a more upscale construction, complete with a faux leather case and the capability for wireless charging, which the Buds 4 do not offer.

    Sound quality is an area where the Buds 4 excel, providing robust bass and volume comparable to the Buds Pro 3. However, the Buds Pro 3 outperform in terms of soundstage separation, clarity, and range, delivering a more refined listening experience. The bass of the Buds 4 can occasionally be overpowering, but both options feature effective active noise cancellation.

    When it comes to comfort and controls, the Buds Pro 3 clearly lead the way. Their compact form and cylindrical stem ensure a superior fit and more user-friendly controls, incorporating squeeze and swipe motions for managing playback and volume. The Buds 4 depend on capacitive buttons, which may be less dependable and comfortable.

    In summary, while the OnePlus Buds 4 present outstanding audio quality for their cost, the Buds Pro 3 offer a more complete package with enhanced sound, design, and controls. Unless the Buds 4 are offered at a considerable discount, the Buds Pro 3 are the better option for those in search of high-quality wireless earbuds.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on “Galaxy Z Fold 7: A Technological Wonder with Restricted Market Influence”
    “Galaxy Z Fold 7: A Technological Wonder with Restricted Market Influence”

    The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an incredible device, yet it’s time for some updates

    (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

    If you’ve gone through any of my previous writings on Samsung’s foldable devices, you’ll understand that I have a complicated relationship with the battery performance. Prior to the speculation surrounding the Galaxy Z Fold 7 gaining momentum, I was optimistic that Samsung would improve upon its last three models.

    Unfortunately, those aspirations were quickly crushed when we learned about the Galaxy Fold Special Edition. It also came equipped with the same inadequate 4,400mAh battery that Samsung seems to have an abundance of, or simply won’t move on from. Thus, this is what we see in the Fold 7.

    Thankfully, similar to its predecessors, the battery life has proven to be quite reliable. However, I don’t expect this to last for long.

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Redmagic Astra: The Pinnacle OLED Gaming Tablet
    Redmagic Astra: The Pinnacle OLED Gaming Tablet

    With a 9.06-inch OLED display and top-tier internals, the $499 Astra is an impressive gaming tablet.

    Redmagic is evidently focused on expanding its offerings this year; the 10S Pro has demonstrated itself to be an excellent gaming phone, and now the brand is stepping into the realm of Android tablets. The Astra sits in the mid-range category with a sleek design that aligns with the aesthetics of the brand’s smartphones, powered by the latest Qualcomm processor and an 8,200mAh battery.

    What stands out the most for me is that the Astra features an OLED display. While many Android tablets still utilize LCDs, which lack the deep contrast and vibrancy of OLED, Redmagic’s choice gives the Astra a competitive edge over its counterparts.

    Additionally, there’s the pricing; the Astra is offered at just $499 on Redmagic’s website, which is remarkable considering the impressive specifications. On Amazon, the same tablet is priced at $699, indicating that Redmagic is promoting its launch with a significant discount on its own site. The entry-level model includes 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with a 16GB/512GB variant priced at $649, and a 24GB/1TB option available for $849.

    A design that stands out

    It’s clear the Astra is designed for gaming; it features a striking design reminiscent of Redmagic’s gaming phones, making it quite unique. There’s RGB lighting on the back (naturally) around the Redmagic logo and the built-in fan located next to the camera, which is customizable.

    The tablet’s back is crafted from aluminum, enhanced by a glass insert that effectively breaks up the aesthetics while adding a touch of style. The Astra feels excellent in hand; the dimensions are spot on, and it’s quite comfortable to hold. Weighing in at 370g, it doesn’t feel heavy, allowing for hours of usage without any discomfort.

    Notably, the tablet has a flat back with no camera bump — similar to the 10S Pro — which makes it much easier to use. There’s no wobble when placing the Astra on a table, and its 6.9mm side width with rounded edges makes it very easy to hold.

    The build quality is outstanding; the mid-frame is also made from aluminum, and I encountered no issues during the month I tested the tablet. It has IP54 ingress protection, and the stereo speakers provide impressive sound quality.

    The bezels are slimmer than those on most Android tablets I’ve used recently, and they are uniform on all sides, which is an accomplishment in its own right. I appreciate Redmagic’s choice of a 9.06-inch OLED panel instead of the typical 11 or 12-inch displays, as the smaller size enhances the Astra’s portability while still offering ample screen space.

    A gaming powerhouse

    The display is exceptional; it boasts a resolution of 2400 x 1504 and supports up to 165Hz refresh rate in specific games. This OLED panel provides superb color richness and contrast, clearly setting it apart. It features LTPO technology and 5,280Hz PWM dimming, and it achieves sufficient brightness to remain usable even in direct sunlight. While it may not be a tandem OLED panel like the iPad Pro M4, it surpasses any other Android tablet I’ve previously used.

    Gaming on the Astra is an absolute pleasure, with the tablet handling graphically intensive titles effortlessly. It employs an active cooling system (a small fan located at the back) along with an inventive thermal management framework, resulting in no throttling even under demanding conditions. Occasionally, it tends to run warm, but it’s significantly more tolerable than a gaming phone due to the larger surface area, and this issue was primarily observed during 3DMark stress tests.

    Essentially, this is the most economical method to access the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the U.S., and the gaming tablet truly meets its potential. I opted for the 16GB/512GB variant, which I believe is the ideal choice; all versions are equipped with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage.

    Much like Redmagic’s gaming phones, the Astra offers high refresh rate gaming in select titles, providing an enjoyable experience. The built-in sound is loud and clear, and there’s a customizable Magic Key on the side. The tablet also incorporates a fingerprint sensor and face unlock, both of which are quick and efficient. The vibration motor is impressive, providing satisfactory feedback.

    Thanks to the 8,200mAh battery, the Astra easily endures

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Scientists Uncover That Uranus Is Much Warmer Than Originally Thought
    Scientists Uncover That Uranus Is Much Warmer Than Originally Thought

    Uranus continues to challenge all our previous understandings of it, including just how warm it really is. For decades, since Voyager 2 passed by the tilted planet, scientists have assumed that Uranus does not produce its own heat. While many have questioned this assumption, they have never successfully determined why they cannot perceive any warmth emanating from the planet.

    However, a new study suggests that Uranus is significantly hotter than we had thought. This finding could overturn our current knowledge about the planet, prompting increased calls for the exploration of the outer planets in our solar system.

    The chilling mystery of Uranus

    <img class="gallery-image" src="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/uranus-is-f

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on M5 iPad Pro Set for Significant Front Camera Enhancement, Whereas Back Cameras Look Forward to Upgrade
    M5 iPad Pro Set for Significant Front Camera Enhancement, Whereas Back Cameras Look Forward to Upgrade

    The Power On newsletter reports that due to some iPad users facing difficulties in “unlocking the device and utilizing the front camera” in portrait mode, Apple has opted to incorporate a “second, portrait-oriented front-facing camera, allowing FaceTimers and selfie enthusiasts to operate the device effectively in either orientation.”

    This improvement alone certainly does not justify an upgrade, particularly if you’ve just purchased the M4 iPad Pro. Nevertheless, this prospective new selfie camera prompted me to reflect on the inadequate rear camera currently featured on the iPad and what steps Apple should take to enhance the M5 iPad Pro’s camera functionalities instead.

    Apple should adopt the iPad as a camera

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Guide to Concealing AI Images from Web Searches with DuckDuckGo
    Guide to Concealing AI Images from Web Searches with DuckDuckGo

    ChatGPT 4o image creation model that gained popularity earlier this year. A straightforward text prompt was sufficient to generate stunning visuals, encompassing deepfakes and AI images that incorporated the Studio Ghibli animation styles to transform everything into anime. Gemini, Midjourney, and Adobe Firefly are capable of generating comparable results, as is Higgsfield Soul – the newest AI image and video generation tool to gain viral status. In the realm of video, Google’s Veo 3 model stands out as a clear frontrunner, but there are similar offerings from other AI companies, including Runway and Higgsfield.

    The AI content produced with such applications tends to appear online in various forms. Social media is a platform where one can encounter AI images and videos that have gone viral. However, AI visuals and footage are starting to emerge everywhere. Most alarmingly, it is not always clear whether they were created with AI. This is where a new web search feature from DuckDuckGo proves useful, a functionality that every other search engine should emulate: DuckDuckGo enables users to filter out AI images when conducting searches.

    As TechCrunch notes, DuckDuckGo’s “baby peacock” illustration shared on social media is a subtle jab at Google Search. This feature is already active in DuckDuckGo. I was able to replicate the image search for baby peacocks as demonstrated below. It’s an excellent tool to have available to locate genuine images as it becomes increasingly challenging to steer clear of AI-generated content.

    How to conceal AI images

    The issue with the majority of AI-generated images and videos is that they don’t display visible watermarks. Most feature embedded meta watermarks within the

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Leaked Information Surfaces on Moto 360 (2025): Doubts Surround Wear OS Integration
    Leaked Information Surfaces on Moto 360 (2025): Doubts Surround Wear OS Integration

    The Moto Watch 360, a timeless smartwatch from ten years ago, is poised for a comeback later this year, potentially reigniting interest among Android fans. As per leaked images from Android Headlines, the Moto Watch (2025) is expected to showcase a circular design featuring a steel casing, metal strap, and a rotating crown, along with an additional back button. It is anticipated to be available in five different colors, with a possible launch around IFA 2025 in early September.

    Traditionally, Moto Watches have operated on the Moto Watch OS with rectangular displays. Nonetheless, the forthcoming Moto 360 (2025) is speculated to integrate both RTOS and potentially Wear OS, mirroring the dual-OS strategy seen in the OnePlus Watch 3. This approach could enable the watch to manage background processes using RTOS while employing Wear OS for more intensive applications.

    The renders hint at a sturdy design, suggesting the potential addition of a Snapdragon processor and considerable memory to accommodate Wear OS. The original Moto 360 and its 2015 successor used Android Wear, but later versions, created by eBuyNow under the CE Brands banner, have prioritized extended battery life and fundamental functionalities.

    The prospect of Motorola returning to Wear OS has generated excitement, particularly since recent Moto Watches have moved towards more basic features. The Moto 360 (2025) could attract those who appreciate classic smartwatch designs, potentially introducing new functionalities such as the Gemini assistant. However, its success will largely hinge on its support for Wear OS, enabling it to rival other prominent smartwatches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Pixel Watch 4.

    If the Moto Watch (2025) manages to effectively utilize the dual-OS strategy, it may provide extended battery life, distinguishing itself in the competitive smartwatch landscape.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Latest GPT-5 Revelations and Sneak Peeks Uncover Impending ChatGPT Enhancement
    Latest GPT-5 Revelations and Sneak Peeks Uncover Impending ChatGPT Enhancement

    OpenAI has been quite active this year, launching a variety of thrilling AI products, including Operator and its inaugural AI agent, as well as the new 4o image generator model integrated into ChatGPT and the o3 reasoning chatbot. The newest entry is the enhanced ChatGPT Agent, which was released last week, and OpenAI is already witnessing a spike in usage. The ChatGPT Agent experienced considerable interest from Pro subscribers, prompting OpenAI to delay the rollout for the Plus and Team tiers by a few days.

    However, ChatGPT users continue to await OpenAI’s most significant upgrades of the year. To begin with, this includes the GPT-5 model that is anticipated to debut this summer. Additionally, there is the open-source ChatGPT version, which OpenAI has postponed twice in recent months.

    GPT-5 is undeniably the most thrilling OpenAI product of the year as it is expected to enhance the overall chatbot experience. GPT-5 is likely to succeed GPT-4o, the model that the majority of users employ for their interactions with ChatGPT. Notably, there has been an increase in teasers for GPT-5 lately, including a leak indicating that GPT-5 is currently undergoing testing.

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman participated in the ChatGPT Agent livestream last week. Subsequently, on Saturday morning, he took to X to hint at an unreleased ChatGPT product. “Woke up early on a Saturday to have a couple of hours to try using our new model for a little coding project,” Altman remarked. “Done in 5 minutes. It is very, very good. Not sure how I feel about it…”

    This doesn’t definitively confirm that Altman was utilizing GPT-5 for his coding project. Given that vibe coding is one of the AI features that has garnered considerable interest over the last few years, we anticipate GPT-5 to showcase more sophisticated coding capabilities. It would make sense for Altman to test GPT-5 prior to its public launch. After all, the CEO mentioned in the spring that GPT-5 would be released in the summer.

    Hours before Altman tweeted, prominent X user Tibor Blaho shared a screenshot featuring a GPT-5 teaser from Alexander Wei in an X thread where the OpenAI engineer described how a new OpenAI reasoning model achieved gold medal-level performance at the International Math Olympiad. That teaser is still accessible on X, stating: “btw, we are releasing GPT-5 soon, and we’re excited for you to try it. But just to be clear: the IMO gold LLM is an experimental research model. We don’t plan to release anything with this level of math capability for several months.”

    Blaho frequently uncovers information regarding unreleased AI models, sharing it on X before the products become commercially available. A few hours after sharing Wei’s teaser, but before Altman’s cryptic tweet, Blaho discovered evidence of GPT-5 being tested in the open. An OpenAI model referred to as “openai/gpt-5-reasoning-alpha-2025-07-13” is already undergoing testing. The designation for this GPT-5 model suggests it is a reasoning AI chatbot, akin to ChatGPT o3 and o4-mini that are presently accessible to users.

    Given Altman’s prior comments regarding OpenAI’s plans for ChatGPT, we expect GPT-5 to be the first version where users will not have to choose the type of experience desired. The AI should possess the intelligence to automatically transition to reasoning when required to complete a task. Nevertheless, OpenAI might employ different models under the GPT-5 banner to achieve this performance, potentially having distinct names internally.

    All of this remains speculative, as OpenAI has not disclosed a definitive timeline for the GPT-5 release. Additionally, delays can always occur, as seen with the open-source model. More than an hour after Altman’s teaser, OpenAI shared a similar teaser on its X account. “To be clear: We’re releasing GPT-5 soon, but the model we used at IMO is a separate experimental model,” OpenAI stated. “It utilizes new research methodologies that will manifest in future models—but we don’t intend to release a model with this level of capability for many months.”

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Comparison between Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Assessing Google’s Competitive Edge
    Comparison between Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Assessing Google’s Competitive Edge

    The Galaxy Z Fold 7 demonstrated that Samsung remains a strong contender. What about Google?

    Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

    The forthcoming Google foldable

    The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold marked significant progress for Google’s foldable innovations, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold aims to enhance that further. An all-new Tensor G5 chip is set to take center stage with the upgrades, although many specifications, like the camera setup, are anticipated to remain constant.

    Advantages

    • Expanded cover display with enhanced brightness (speculated)
    • Boosted battery capacity (speculated)
    • IP68 rated for water and dust protection (speculated)
    • Improved Tensor G5 architecture (anticipated)

    Disadvantages

    • Reduced charging speeds (anticipated)
    • Not as slim as a Samsung foldable (anticipated)
    • Tensor G5 may still trail behind Qualcomm processors (anticipated)

    <source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n492cdTmAtXoxYWXC3iyrB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n492cdTmAtXoxYWXC3iyrB

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Morgan Stanley Warns About Misunderstandings Regarding Apple’s Possible Purchase of an AI Search Engine
    Morgan Stanley Warns About Misunderstandings Regarding Apple’s Possible Purchase of an AI Search Engine

    ### Speculations on Apple’s AI Purchase: Insights from Morgan Stanley

    Recent conversations have surfaced about Apple’s possible purchase of an AI search firm, with Perplexity being a prominent name in this dialogue. This conjecture arises from Apple’s intention to bolster its capabilities in the swiftly changing AI arena. Nevertheless, Morgan Stanley has voiced doubts about this approach.

    In a note to investors published by Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring, the firm contends that the idea of Apple acquiring an AI search engine is “misguided.” Woodring points out that Apple does not intend to compete directly in the search domain, indicating that such a strategy may not fit with the company’s overarching objectives. While recognizing Apple’s hurdles in the AI arena, the note suggests that the company’s long-term success will depend on its capacity to incorporate AI-driven functionalities into its current products instead of moving into the search field.

    ### Upcoming Q3 Fiscal Earnings Announcement

    Apple is set to reveal its fiscal Q3 2025 earnings results on July 31. Morgan Stanley has updated its revenue prediction for this quarter to $90.7 billion, marking a 5.8% rise compared to the previous year. This positive forecast is due to better-than-expected iPhone shipments, higher average selling prices, and sustained demand for iPads and Macs.

    Despite some investor concerns regarding recent events, such as an App Store injunction and the absence of guidance during the last earnings call, Morgan Stanley continues to be optimistic about Apple’s Services segment. The firm anticipates an 11.6% year-over-year increase in Services revenue, reflecting strength in this area.

    ### Analyst Ratings and Price Objectives

    Woodring holds an Overweight rating on Apple’s shares, suggesting that it has the potential to exceed market performance. He has established a price target of $235, surpassing the targets set by other financial entities like HSBC at $220 and JPMorgan at $230. This indicates a favorable outlook regarding Apple’s future performance, especially concerning its hardware and services divisions.

    ### Summary

    As speculation about Apple’s potential acquisition of an AI search firm like Perplexity persists, Morgan Stanley’s analysis offers a contrasting perspective, proposing that Apple’s priority should be on improving its current product lineup through AI integration rather than stepping into the competitive search market. As the company gears up to announce its fiscal Q3 earnings, the market will be paying close attention to how these elements influence Apple’s financial outcomes.

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