Software

Garmin has started rolling out Beta Version 13.15 for several smartwatches, including the Fenix 7 series. Beta Version 13.15 introduces over a dozen changes, including a new feature and numerous bug fixes.

Google has delivered the May 2023 round of updates for its Pixel portfolio. Available for the Pixel 4a (5G) onwards and the Pixel Watch, this month's updates introduce various security improvements and should refine touchscreen response on the Pixel 7 Pro.

Released yesterday, the Nvidia GeForce Game Ready Driver package with the label that reads 531.79 comes with full support for Diablo IV Server Slam (DLSS 2 on GeForce RTX GPUs and DLSS 3 on RTX 40 Series), DLSS 2 for Showgunners, and DLSS 3 & Reflex enhancements in the open-world FPS Redfall. Two new titles also get GeForce Experience optimal settings.

Motorola has made its latest smartwatches official today. The Moto Watch 70 and Moto Watch 200 both have a form-factor most like the Apple Watch, although only one has an AMOLED display and an SpO2 sensor. The higher-end model also integrates Google Fit and Strava, and supports up to 14 days of battery life.

First announced last summer at WWDC, Apple is rolling out the first publicly available Rapid Security Response update for iOS and macOS. While details concerning what the security update patches are not yet known, this marks the first instance of Apple pushing a minor system update focused only on security.

Carl Pei's tech brand Nothing has indicated that its current Phone (1) flagship will be among the first non-Pixel smartphones to land an official Android 14 preview. The device may thus be in a good position to develop a fully-stable upgrade to the current Nothing OS based on Android 13 as soon as possible, despite the OEM's relatively small market share and reach thus far.

Sony has announced pricing and availability for the new BRAVIA XR TVs that are coming to the North American market. They will come in OLED, mini LED or Full Array LED varieties, all of which be 4K HDR, will run Google TV and have the latest Cognitive Processor XR. The new BRAVIA XR range for the US or Canada will have sizes ranging to 55-inch entry-level models to the top-end 98-inch X90L model.

CheckSum The free video editor Avidemux supports plenty of video and audio formats and there is virtually no learning curve to speak of. This lovely, open-source video editor is available for Windows, Linux, macOS and BSD.

Apple is now tipped to launch a major update to watchOS that revives the Glances feature from an earlier version. The rumored switch from apps to iPhone 14-style widgets is backed to make the "Watch X" (or "series 9") more intuitive and convenient to use. The potentially substantial software upgrade is thought to distract from minimal health-tracking feature updates, however.

Dough asserts that the latest version of its Spectrum monitor delivers "unbeatable gaming performance" thanks to its OLED panel. The 27-inch display also has an advanced refresh rate and dual HDMI 2.1a ports. It has now been released with a special pre-order offer of US$350 off its "global retail" price, albeit for a markedly limited time.

MG has continued its foray into the EV space with the Comet, a car that aims to "keep it real" with a build and specs to match its relatively tiny price-tag. The 2-door vehicle supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but lacks amenities such as fast charging, heated seats or even particularly extensive range.

Xiaomi has revealed plans to upgrade another 16 devices to MIUI 14. All Xiaomi and Redmi devices, the list includes the Mi 10, as well as newer devices like the Redmi Pad and the Xiaomi Pad 5.

Garmin has released Beta Version 13.14 for various smartwatches, including the Fenix 7 series. Beta Version 13.14 makes over half a dozen changes from Beta Version 13.13, such as Race Access now being visible within the Calendar widget.

Garmin has released Beta Version 12.15 for the Instinct 2 series. According to the company, the new update is designed to address several issues that arose in versions 12.13 and 12.14. The issues were so bad that Garmin pulled both updates.

Samsung has activated the temperature sensor it includes in the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro, months after releasing the pair. The infrared sensor should be capable of collecting precise data, but only in certain circumstances. The new feature arrives through the pair's latest software update.

The latest BOOX Tab Ultra-series ePaper tablet is the first of its line to debut supporting the "limitless possibility" of drawing or writing in color as well as monochrome as usual, thanks to a new 10.3-inch Kaleido3 screen. Nevertheless, it is still e-ink, and, thus, rated for excellent eye-comfort while reading or scrolling using the brand's "uncompromized", Qualcomm SoC-powered technology.

Snapchat's latest feature, a ChatGPT-enabled bot, has been available to its users for seven days now. In that time, My AI has reportedly turned app-store reviews negative and gave the Snap Inc. share price a hammering. It is also persistently available in the chat service's UI - unless you pay for it, that is.

Garmin has introduced the Varia eRTL615 as its first rear-view radar specifically designed for e-bikes. It can detect vehicles as far away as 150 yards (or 140 meters (m)), to alert the rider in a number of ways, smartphone alerts included. The latest Varia-series device also integrates a tail-light with four different lighting patterns, and plugs directly into a compatible bike for battery-independent power.

Huawei is now rolling out a new update for the Watch GT 3 Pro in Europe. Available as firmware version 3.0.0.76, the update addresses an issue that caused problems with the smartwatch's ability to measure SpO2 levels.

With Apple's software update season right around the corner, rumors are flying as to which devices will be able to upgrade to the latest OS. Unfortunately, some popular (but older) iPhones and iPads will be left in the dust this update cycle.

The latest official software for Samsung mobile devices is currently One UI 5.1 based on Android 13. However, its major 6.0 upgrade is now allegedly hot on its heels, with a launch that may coincide with the comparatively early launch of the OEM's next premium Galaxy Tab S9-series tablets and Galaxy Z Fold- and Flip-series foldables. It may start to arrive in the form of betas for smartphones such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra soon.

There are a number of benefits to using Linux-based operating systems, including improved customisation, a more stable system, and a more responsive system, but there are also a number of Linux features that often go under the radar. Here are three of those underrated Linux features that Microsoft could learn from.

Google has released a new Public Preview update for the Google Home app. The update allows smartwatches running Wear OS 3 to display notifications with preview images from Nest cameras and video doorbells, among other changes.

Apple is tipped to try and make the world accept its Reality (headset) during WWDC 2023. The first-gen VR/AR platform is now backed to come with its own version of Safari, FaceTime, Fitness, Siri and more on its allegedly impending launch. However, it seems the Cupertino giant has gone and developed something for it that might end up being a major sticking point to its adoption.

Yadea asserts that its ElitePrime is the best alternative to sitting in traffic with a motor estimated to be 140% stronger, and a battery capacity 23% greater, than the "average" electric scooter. Accordingly, it is hyped to go further and possibly faster, even 30-degree hills, compared to its rivals on the market. It has been released to Indiegogo at early-bird prices that might be a significant discount on its eventual retail price.

The 12.3 update for Wargaming's World of Warships comes with quite a few noticeable changes, such as general access to British subs, the new Seychelles map, early access to Pan-American cruisers, the Allied Heroes collection, a fresh Battle Pass, as well as the usual set of multiple minor tweaks and fixes.

Less than a week after the release of the driver for the new RTX 4070 GPU, Nvidia launches the GeForce Game Ready Driver software package with version number 531.68. This piece of code comes with Dead Island 2 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor optimizations alongside support for 5 new G-Sync Compatible gaming monitors.

Garmin has released the first beta update for the Forerunner 965, just over a month after its launch. Beta Version 4.12 introduces numerous changes and improvements to the Forerunner 965, including compatibility with Connect IQ System 6 watch faces. The inaugural beta build is also a Release Candidate and should soon be rolling out to all Forerunner 965 smartwatches.

Garmin has introduced Beta Version 25.81 for Fenix 6, Enduro, Marq, Quatix 6 and Tactix Delta series smartwatches. Available as an OTA update via GCM, Beta Version 25.81 contains a few bug fixes ahead of a new public release.

Garmin has released Beta Version 13.13 for Fenix 7, Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series smartwatches. While the new beta update is light on new features, it contains plenty of bug fixes and several improvements within its 33 changes.

OPPO's 'global' foldable smartphone, the Find N2 Flip, is now eligible for a new software update, rated to upgrade the experience of using its secondary (or "cover") screen somewhat. It involves the addition of a feature that converts speech into messages on apps such as WhatsApp, as well as the ability to control Spotify (to a certain extent).

Huawei has announced updates to the MateBook D line of laptops for 2023. The PCs are powered by 13th-gen Intel processors, and are joined by new smart TVs. Each Smart Screen S3 Pro also has triple HDMI 2.1 ports and a 120Hz display rated to scale up to 240Hz in a gaming mode.

Fairphone has opened an Android 13 beta program for the Fairphone 3 and Fairphone 3 Plus. While Android 13 will be the third major Android OS update for the Fairphone 3 Plus, the Fairphone 3 is set to receive its fourth update, one more than even Google provides its smartphones.

Volkswagen has finally announced full specs, configuration options and launch dates for the ID.7 today (April 17, 2023). The all-electric sedan aims for the upper mid-range of the automotive market with a new power unit for increased output and torque, fast charging and a quality-focused interior with an enlarged infotainment screen and a Harman Kardon-tuned sound system.

Huawei's Enjoy series of smartphones is now believed to get a new member that will bring multiple 50MP rear cameras to its mid-range market segment. The 60X is also tipped to benefit from a high-end design re-vamp that leaves it looking more like the OEM's new top-end foldable flagship. It may also run HarmonyOS 3 out of the box and come with an old-school notch in its FHD+ display.

The 531.61 driver package has 735.7 MB in size and comes with full support for the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, a GPU that delivers top performance across multiple titles at 1440p resolution with all eye candy enabled. This piece of code also includes GeForce Experience optimal settings for an additional four titles.

CDProjekt Red has released RT Overdrive mode for Cyberpunk 2077 with the game's Patch 1.62 update. While still an early preview of what path traced lighting is capable of, comparisons with it and existing ray tracing showcase a leap in visual fidelity.

Google has released the first public beta version of Android 14. For now, Android 14 Beta 1 is exclusive to Pixel smartphone owners from the Pixel 4a (5G) onwards. Android 14 Beta 1 introduces numerous changes from Android 13, but Google has held back some new expected features for now.

LG is finally delivering on its promise to provide three major Android OS updates for its final flagship smartphones. The company has now begun the process of bringing Android 13 to the LG Wing, the handset's final OS upgrade.

According to conflicting reports, Mobvoi may upgrade all its Snapdragon Wear 4100-based smartwatches to Wear OS 3, TicWatch Pro 3 included. Previously, the company outlined that only the TicWatch E3 and TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra would receive a major OS update, albeit not until towards the end of 2023.

Google has released RWDA.230114.010 for the Pixel Watch. Available to download now, the April 2023 update arrives the same as equivalent updates for Pixel 4, Pixel 5, Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series smartphones.

Google is continuing to carve up the Fitbit ecosystem, having already removed several features from the Fitbit app. Now, the company has set a timeline for Fitbit to Google account migration, with existing users spared until 2025.

Google is now distributing the April 2023 update to Pixel smartphones, ranging from the Pixel 4a to the Pixel 7 Pro. Not only has Google bundled the April set of Android security patches in TQ2A.230405.003, but it has also included several important bug fixes spanning multiple Pixel smartphone generations.

According to a new leak, the Redmi K60 Ultra stands to become the brand's first device with MediaTek's current top-end SoC, the Dimensity 9200, later in 2023. Furthermore, it is also now tipped to re-brand as the 13T Pro, in order to go global via Redmi's parent OEM Xiaomi, thereafter. By any name, the Android smartphone is tipped to succeed one with a 200MP main camera and a 120Hz OLED display.

ZTE has announced a new foray into the Android tablet market with the new Axon Pad. The device is now officially slated to launch later in April 2023, with a flat-edged metallic unibody design marked out with a large, single-lens rear camera hump. It is touted as capable of forming an ecosystem between itself and smartphones such as those of the flagship Axon 50 series.

LG's new Portable Tower Speaker takes the RGB lighting of its XBOOM series and re-imagines it in a whole new way. The "ring-light" around its main forward-facing driver is joined by a Matrix LED display that can show a range of animations, text banners or other effects, some of which can be customized in its app. It is now available on the US market.

Hohem has announced an Easter 2023 sale with up to 15% off its line of hand-held gimbals and their accessories. Those mobile videography tools include the new iSteady M6, normally priced at over US$200 with its innovative module that confers both AI tracking and RGB fill light functions on the product. The right code can bring that price down to just under US$190, however.

Garmin has released Beta Version 12.51 to the Forerunner 245, Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945. Available to download through Garmin's GCM service, Beta Version 12.51 addresses outstanding bugs, including one that caused sudden elevation changes during an activity for the Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945.

Garmin is now rolling out Beta Version 25.78 to the Fenix 6 series and its associated smartwatches. Beta Version 25.78 brings a few changes to the Fenix 6, Enduro, Tactix Delta, Quatix 6 and Marq, with Garmin focusing on addressing outstanding bugs.

Volkswagen has announced that it is nearly ready to unveil its new flagship electric vehicle, the ID.7, to its target markets such as Europe and North America. The marque has revealed more of the sedan's potential advantages and upgrades ahead of its mid-April 2023 "World Premiere". They include the new internals touted to deliver an improved maximum range and charging rate.