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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Opera Unveils Neon: An AI-Driven Browser with an Integrated Assistant
    Opera Unveils Neon: An AI-Driven Browser with an Integrated Assistant

    **Opera Neon: A Revolutionary Chapter in AI Browsing**

    After its formal introduction in May, Opera has unveiled Neon, its AI browser based on a subscription model, equipped with agentic features. This groundbreaking browser seeks to establish itself within the competitive landscape of AI-driven browsers, presenting distinct functionalities that improve user experience and efficiency.

    ### Notable Features of Opera Neon

    #### Tasks

    Among the key highlights of Opera Neon is “Tasks.” This capability is crafted to comprehend the context of the open tabs—whether they are documents, web pages, or searches. It leverages this context to collect information and execute actions pertinent to the user’s goals. As per Opera, “Tasks are independent workspaces that grasp context and allow the AI to analyze, compare, and act across various sources simultaneously.” Consequently, Neon can create a specialized mini-browser for each task, permitting the AI to assist users without engaging unrelated data.

    #### Cards

    Another cutting-edge feature is “Cards,” which enables users to save commonly used prompts for repetitive actions. Users can combine Cards to formulate more intricate workflows. Opera likens it to “having a collection of your preferred AI actions ready for use whenever you require them.” For instance, when comparing products across tabs, users can merge specific Cards to simplify the process. Moreover, the Cards repository lets users explore and save Cards uploaded by the community, making it usable for both everyday and professional users.

    #### Neon Do

    “Neon Do” offers a distinctive take on agentic browsing by functioning within the user’s current browsing session rather than depending on cloud solutions. This feature can navigate on the user’s behalf, gather data from their logged-in accounts, and carry out assigned duties. Opera highlights that this approach enhances security, as it eliminates the necessity of sharing passwords or continuous authentication. Neon Do can pause for user input, granting users control at any stage of the task.

    ### Further Features

    In addition to these core functionalities, Opera Neon comprises features like “Make,” which allows users to create small applications based on their needs, and “Chat,” facilitating interaction with Neon in accordance with the context of the active webpage.

    ### Privacy Considerations

    Opera has prioritized a privacy-centric approach in the creation of Neon. User logins and payment details are stored on-device, and importantly, no data is utilized for AI training, ensuring the preservation of user privacy.

    ### Subscription Model

    Opera Neon is offered through a subscription model at $19.99 monthly. Initial users will gain access today, and those interested can sign up for the waitlist on the Opera Neon website.

    ### Conclusion

    Opera Neon signifies a major leap in the field of AI browsing, merging innovative features with an emphasis on user privacy. As the demand for agentic browsing solutions increases, Opera Neon establishes itself as an attractive choice for individuals seeking to boost their online productivity.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Opera Neon Introduces Itself as a Subscription-Driven Agentic AI Web Browser
    Opera Neon Introduces Itself as a Subscription-Driven Agentic AI Web Browser

    Promotional image for Opera Neon

    Opera

    After a preview of Opera Browser Days in Lisbon this year, Opera has rolled out its Opera Neon agentic AI browser. Now accessible to early users, the browser’s creators have aligned themselves with other firms pursuing a fundamentally new method of browsing.

    According to Opera, Neon transcends mere web browsing, as the agentic AI embedded within the browser can operate autonomously and tackle intricate projects. It can perform tasks, generate code, and yield results straight within the browser. “We designed Opera Neon for ourselves and for all who extensively engage with AI in their daily activities,” stated Opera EVP Krystian Kolondra. “Today, we invite the initial users who will assist in innovating the future of agentic browsing alongside us.”

    The key functionalities of Opera Neon revolve around tasks, cards, and the capability for the browser to take initiative on your behalf. It streamlines processes like opening new tabs and closing others, merging several AI agents to produce accurate responses, initiate a project from scratch, and more.

    Discover Opera Neon’s Capabilities

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Xiaomi Pad Mini: The Perfect Substitute for the iPad Mini
    Xiaomi Pad Mini: The Perfect Substitute for the iPad Mini

    With an 8.8-inch display and impressive battery life, the Pad Mini is the compact Android tablet I’ve been eagerly anticipating.

    If you’re in search of a quality Android tablet, there are plenty of options available, but most tend to be larger in size. Redmagic’s Astra stood out with its 9.06-inch OLED screen, making it an exceptional device. Personally, I’ve been searching for a small Android tablet since we’ve just relocated, and I wanted to create a smart home dashboard in my living area.

    Although I appreciate using the iPad mini, I sought an Android tablet for running Home Assistant, and coincidentally, Xiaomi introduced the Pad Mini right when I needed it. The tablet was revealed alongside the 15T and 15T Pro, and I’ve been testing it for nearly two weeks now. Priced at $429, the Pad Mini rivals the iPad Mini, but this isn’t new territory for Xiaomi; they’ve been doing this for over a decade. Currently, the tablet is restricted to select Southeast Asian countries, though it is expected to reach other markets in the upcoming months.

    Similar to the Xiaomi Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro, the Pad Mini features a metallic body with a sleek design, and its compact size enhances portability. The build quality is solid, and although the grey version I’m using may not be visually striking, I appreciate that Xiaomi kept the design understated.

    The Pad Mini has flat edges with slight bevels that make it comfortable to hold, and weighing in at 326g, it’s light enough to handle effortlessly. It is slightly heavier than the iPad mini, but you gain a larger display. The bezels are thicker than typical smartphones, yet they are consistent in size.

    Regarding the display, the 8.8-inch IPS LCD can reach up to 165Hz, which seems excessive. The positive aspect is that the interface is smooth, and I experienced no lag during my two weeks with the Pad Mini. The impressive 3K resolution of 3008 x 1880 is more than sufficient, and the tablet operates on MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+ platform — the same as the Xiaomi 15T Pro. Clearly, it packs a powerful punch, as the few games I played on the Pad Mini functioned flawlessly.

    I’m using the 12GB/512GB model of the Pad Mini, but it is also offered in an 8GB/256GB variant. It’s refreshing to see Xiaomi leveraging UFS 4.1 storage technology in the tablet, which comes with a substantial 7,500mAh battery that reliably provides over 10 hours of usage without any issues.

    The 8.8-inch display offers vibrant colors and is well-calibrated, and true to most Xiaomi products, there’s a good level of customizability. What I appreciate the most is that Xiaomi’s reading mode is maintained, allowing you to set the display to monochrome; this feature gives the Pad Mini an edge over the iPad mini for reading ebooks on the device.

    Another unique feature is the side-mounted USB-C port. The Pad Mini includes the typical USB-C port at the bottom, plus an additional port on the left side, making it twice as convenient to charge the tablet while in use. Xiaomi also includes a 67W charger in the packaging — unlike the 15T Pro.

    Using the Pad Mini is a pleasure; the compact tablet is easy to operate with one hand, and the display provides excellent color vibrancy and brightness. It’s just as effective for streaming HDR content as it is for browsing, and the stereo sound enhances the experience while watching videos.

    Xiaomi has introduced two accessories intended for use with the Pad Mini; the Xiaomi Focus Pen closely resembles what you receive with the Pad 7 and 7 Pro, and it serves as a decent stylus for note-taking and doodling. It features buttons for easy annotation or quick note-taking in Mi Canvas.

    Thanks to the Xiaomi Pad Mini Cover, I can utilize the Pad Mini as my smart home controller. The case features a back strap with built-in rivets, making it easier to grip the tablet. However, its standout function is as a kickstand, allowing the Pad Mini to be positioned on a desk or table for use.

    The cover significantly enhances the tablet’s usability and is the main reason I’m opting for the Pad Mini over the Redmagic Astra as my smart home controller. Elsewhere, the software mirrors what you find on Xiaomi’s smartphones, and much like the 15T and 15T Pro, it lacks Android 16 — still operating on Android 15.

    While that is somewhat frustrating, it’s clear

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on “Presenting ‘Instant Checkout’: Experience Effortless Shopping on ChatGPT”
    “Presenting ‘Instant Checkout’: Experience Effortless Shopping on ChatGPT”

    the blog entry published on Monday indicates that OpenAI asserts more than 700 million individuals look to the AI chatbot for assistance with their daily activities. With upwards of 2.5 billion queries submitted daily, it’s hardly surprising that some utilize the chatbot to discover new items.

    Thus, it’s logical for OpenAI to advance its shopping support by enabling ChatGPT users to make purchases directly within the application. Introducing “Instant Checkout,” a new system crafted in collaboration with Stripe, Etsy, and Shopify.

    How ChatGPT’s Instant Checkout operates

    individual using chatgpt on a mobile device

    Yarrrrrbright/Shutterstock

    OpenAI states that Instant Checkout will allow users to maintain full control. Each stage must be explicitly confirmed before any actions are executed, and as it has been developed in conjunction with Stripe, payments are both secure and encrypted. The company further assures that data exchanged with businesses will be kept to a minimum, sharing only essential details with merchants.

    OpenAI also disclosed the Agentic Commerce Protocol that enables Instant Checkout transactions. Essentially, users will search for and select the items they desire. Then, upon pressing “Buy” and verifying their payment and shipping information, the AI relays that data to the merchant while ChatGPT generates shipping alternatives for customers to choose from.

    ChatGPT will subsequently compute the total cost including tax and shipping details prior to confirming payment. If users opt out of the purchase, they can easily cancel the transaction. If they choose to proceed, the system will produce and compile a secure payment token, send the order and payment data to the merchant, who will then either approve or reject the order. Considering the rapid pace <a href="https://www.bgr.com/1975683

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Genshin Impact Provides Complimentary Apple Music Trial to Commemorate Soundtrack Launch
    Genshin Impact Provides Complimentary Apple Music Trial to Commemorate Soundtrack Launch

    To commemorate the recent launch of Genshin Impact’s 3-disc album featuring 59 game tracks, including exclusive songs on Apple Music, miHoYo and Apple are providing up to 3 months of complimentary Apple Music and Apple Music Classical. Here’s how you can claim it.

    Since its debut in 2020, Genshin Impact has become one of the most popular RPGs, accessible on iOS, Android, Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, and more. The anime-style open-world title showcases an original score performed by esteemed orchestras, such as the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.

    The album, The Shimmering Voyage Vol. 5, contains a variety of tracks from the game, spread across 3 discs, and can be found on both Apple Music and Apple Music Classical. To celebrate the release, Apple Music and the game’s studio are offering 2 months of Apple Music for free to returning users and 3 months for new users.

    A notable feature of this release is the availability of the soundtrack with track-by-track commentary, a unique offering on Apple Music. Anjali Malhotra, Global Director for Apple Music Classical, shared enthusiasm about connecting with the gaming community and offering fans a fresh way to experience the soundtracks through insights from the original voice actors of Genshin Impact.

    Fish Ling, VP of Global Business Development at HoYoverse, emphasized the partnership with Apple Music Classical to bring Genshin Impact’s soundtracks into the realm of classical music, highlighting the wide range of musical influences and appreciation for classical heritage.

    This promotion can be claimed until October 31. An active Apple Music subscription is necessary, with registration available for $10.99 per month, which includes a 1-month free trial.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme Benchmarks Show M4 Max-Level Capability on Windows
    Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme Benchmarks Show M4 Max-Level Capability on Windows

    Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. We now possess additional details regarding the chips — including benchmark results that indicate a chip capable of challenging Apple.

    Qualcomm brought me out to its annual Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii to perform benchmark evaluations on the new Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme personally — and what I witnessed has left me optimistic that we will begin to see significantly more powerful Windows devices operating on the ARM architecture. Indeed, I am hopeful that the new slim and lightweight designs that these chips are meant for will surpass Apple’s products — not due to any bias against Apple (I utilize a MacBook Pro), but because I believe it is time for genuine competition in the market, rather than Apple merely excelling year after year. This would advance everyone. 

    Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme benchmarks

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/snapdragon-x2-elite-extreme-benchmarks-show-m4-max-like-performance-for-windows/s

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Microsoft 365 Applications Introduce ‘Vibe Working’ Feature for AI-Powered Task Automation
    Microsoft 365 Applications Introduce ‘Vibe Working’ Feature for AI-Powered Task Automation

    Forget vibe coding — Microsoft has introduced a fresh concept. It’s termed “vibe working,” and it’s what the company is pledging as it integrates enhanced agentic AI capabilities into its Microsoft 365 Office applications via Microsoft Copilot. Microsoft asserts that Agent Mode in Excel and Word will provide “best-in-class, AI-generated spreadsheets and documents,” all initiated from a single prompt. Subsequently, the aim is for users to collaborate with the AI agent, guiding it as it carries out the necessary actions to complete tasks and offer support.

    According to the announcement, “vibe working” is centered around three innovative features. For Excel, Microsoft claims users will have the ability to analyze data sets and seamlessly produce insightful documents that help them maximize their data usage. Some example prompts mentioned in the announcement include loan calculations, crafting a personal budget, and generating financial analyses.

    Word will also receive its own iteration of Agent Mode, with prompts that users can submit to generate project updates, new document formats — Microsoft notes specifically using the agent to refine styling and branding — and even updates for monthly reports. The complete prompts that Microsoft suggests trying can be found in the official post.

    Enhancing Office’s functions with Copilot Chat

    Microsoft has provided Copilot Chat in its various Office applications for several months, but this update also introduces new features to Copilot Chat, including the introduction of the Office Agent. Microsoft indicates that “work often starts in chat” and with the Office Agent in Copilot, you can now leverage Anthropic models to generate new Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and much more.

    Microsoft appears confident that this mode will enhance the use of AI to create professional presentations, while also offering a selection of prompts you can test during the process. Since you’re directly communicating with the agent, however, Microsoft advises ensuring that you’re clear in your intent with the prompts you provide, as this will enable the AI agent to produce more consistent and high-quality content.

    You can, of course, explore ways to improve prompts in AI like ChatGPT to discover new methods for refining your prompts before submitting them to Microsoft’s new Agent. This way, you can maximize the benefits from the AI chatbot. These new features will begin to roll out in the Frontier program for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed customers as well as Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers starting today.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on WhatsApp for iOS Brings Live Photos Support
    WhatsApp for iOS Brings Live Photos Support

    **WhatsApp Unveils Live Photos Functionality: A Fresh Method to Share Experiences**

    Meta has officially announced that WhatsApp now includes Live Photos, a feature that numerous users had started observing in recent days. This enhancement improves the manner in which users share their captured experiences, making chats more dynamic and engaging.

    ### Live Photos Functionality Rolling Out

    In a recent Newsroom announcement, Meta detailed various new features that have been integrated into WhatsApp over the last few months, including compatibility with Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android. This means that when users send or receive a Live Photo, it will animate for a short duration, similar to its appearance in the iOS photo library. Moreover, these Live Photos include an audio element, enabling users to hear the sound recorded at the time of capture by simply tapping on the image.

    ### Key Features Highlighted by Meta

    Meta’s feature roundup showcased several thrilling updates:

    – **Live and Motion Photos**: Users are now able to share Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android, adding sound and movement to their shared experiences, thereby enriching their conversations.

    – **New Chat Themes with Meta AI**: Users can personalize their chats with new themes powered by Meta AI, boosting creativity in customizing chat encounters.

    – **New Sticker Collections**: To enhance chat expressiveness, WhatsApp has rolled out new sticker collections, including the Fearless Bird and Vacation packs, enabling users to express feelings without words.

    – **Simplified Group Search**: Users can now locate individuals within group chats in the Chats tab, making it easier to find and remember group titles.

    – **Document Scanning on Android**: Android users can now scan, crop, and send documents directly through WhatsApp, a feature that was formerly exclusive to iPhone users.

    – **New Video Call Backgrounds with Meta AI**: Users can design unique backgrounds for video calls and photos using Meta AI, allowing for a more tailored visual encounter.

    ### Current Status of Live Photos Functionality

    While the Live Photos feature is in the process of being deployed, some iOS users have reported issues with sending Live Photos, despite being able to receive them. This suggests that the rollout may still be ongoing, and complete functionality may not be accessible to all users at this time.

    In summary, the implementation of Live Photos support on WhatsApp signifies a substantial improvement in how users can share their moments, making conversations more vibrant and interactive. As Meta continues to roll out this feature and others, users can anticipate a richer messaging experience.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Walmart Presents Pixel Watch 3 at Unprecedented Low Price
    Walmart Presents Pixel Watch 3 at Unprecedented Low Price

    Enjoy a discount of $150 on one of last year’s top Android smartwatches, provided you’re okay with forgoing the new features of the Watch 4!

    (Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

    Google seems eager to sell off its Pixel Watch 3 inventory before the release of the Pixel Watch 4 on October 9, as it has lowered the price to a record low of $199 (42% discount) at Walmart. Now, Pixel enthusiasts face a choice: Snag the dependable previous-generation model while it lasts, or opt for the latest features with the Watch 4.

    After reviewing the Pixel Watch 3 and evaluating it against other leading Android smartwatches, I can assert that it remains a solid buy, thanks to its quick performance, Gemini commands, and Fitbit insights. In fact, if you’re considering paying

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Galaxy Ring Battery Expansion Incident Triggers Worldwide Safety Worries
    Galaxy Ring Battery Expansion Incident Triggers Worldwide Safety Worries

    **Nightmare of Galaxy Ring Arises as Battery Swells and Ensnarls a User’s Finger**

    Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, a fitness monitoring wearable, has been facing troubling reports of battery inflation, which can ensnare the device on a user’s finger. Tech influencer Daniel Rotar, known as ZoneofTech, posted images of his ring’s battery bulging and peeling while stuck on his finger. This event took place at an airport, thwarting his ability to board a flight and necessitating medical help to extract the ring.

    The Galaxy Ring, launched in July 2024, was intended to rival other wellness wearables such as the Oura Ring. Nonetheless, the latest swelling reports bring forth safety issues. The ring’s slender design means that any battery enlargement can cause painful pressure against the finger. Although there have been no reports of fires or explosions, the dangers of using a device that may become stuck are considerable.

    Samsung’s reaction has been subdued, with their UK support team privately recognizing the situation. The company has yet to issue a public statement or provide a safety advisory. As users become increasingly worried about the Galaxy Ring’s safety, Samsung’s standing in the smart ring sector could be jeopardized.

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