Software

Garmin is beginning to roll out a new beta software update for the Forerunner 955. Arriving as Beta version 15.09, the update introduces numerous bug fixes to the Forerunner 955 and adds support for sleep schedules and wrist-based running dynamics, among other changes.

Amazfit is currently promoting its program by which it sells some units of its wearables that have been "professionally" refurbished with even more attractive discounts. They consist of the rugged T-Rex Pro or 2 premium smartwatches at up to 20% off their already reduced "renewed" prices via the brand's Amazon Store for a limited time.

The Nord Buds 2 have now been unleashed to bring active noise cancellation (ANC) and the latest Bluetooth standard to its line of mid-range OnePlus audio accessories. They are also touted to get the user in the groove with software-based BassWave optimizations, "all-day" battery life and large drivers with "titanized" diaphragms. They have been released for sale in multiple markets, with availability in more to follow.

Nothing touts its ear (stick) as an even better new pair of TWS earbuds than usual as a result of their latest software upgrade. The OTA is rated to confer improved battery life during voice calls and connection stability on the accessories, and may grant them more access to bass during audio streaming.

According to the latest predictions of respected industry figures, Apple's first-gen AR/VR product is not ready to be unveiled during 2023's WWDC event. Now, however, a well-known tech correspondent now purports to negate these rumors and asserts that the opposite is the case. This may be because Apple plans to make xrOS app development a reality during the "historic" show.

Home tech brand VAVA insists that its latest sale is no joke today (April 1, 2023). Its best deal might involve a chance to buy a high-end laser projector with ALPD 3.0 and Harmon Kardon speakers along with a 100-inch "Pro" ALR backdrop for less than the normal retail cost of the "4K Laser TV" on its own.

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max' successors are already thought to be the first to switch to solid-state buttons. This upgrade is now tipped to unleash a whole new wave of functionality that would be beyond those of simple physical controls. They include the replacement of the mute switch with an Action Button that could do much more than turn system sounds on and off.

Google has started discarding established features from the Fitbit app. Numerous long-standing features have been removed, little over three years after Google completed its Fitbit acquisition. Allegedly, Google will add more features back to Fitbit smartwatches, but at an undisclosed date for now.

Nokia has announced Pure, its latest design language for smartphones and smartwatches. Arriving after the company introduced a new logo, Nokia Pure shows what software could look like with Nokia branding in future, whether that be on first-party or third-party devices.

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Sony has started rolling new firmware updates to its latest Walkman devices, the NW-A306 and NW-ZX707. Rolling out as version 1.01.04 to both Walkmans, the new updates address audio issues for the NW-A306 and promise improved performance for the NW-ZX707.

Insta360 has joined its rival OEM DJI in being an action-cam company that now also sells its own gimbal. The Flow comes with its own AI to augment its in-built stabilization, and also to confer a third-gen Deep Tracking mode on the accessory. Its motors also act to "Rapid Deploy" the accessory from its compact, unfolded state for "1-step" set-up prior to shooting.

The new ZV-E1 is touted as the ideal camera to get started as a creator in 2023. It combines specs such as the 12MP 35mm full-frame Exmor R sensor, flip-out touchscreen and Sony's new AI features from premium alpha-series cameras with increasingly classic features of the ZV series such as a "high-performance" integrated microphone with its own fluffy wind-sock and straightforward controls.

A Twitter has posted his emotional experience with OpenAI ChatGPT-4, whose timely inference about his dog's condition helped save its life just when hope was running out. Based on blood test results that were fed to it, ChatGPT-4 inferred that Sassy could be suffering from IMHA — a common autoimmune condition in dogs — something that the original vet could not diagnose. IMHA was indeed confirmed later and Sassy is well on her way to complete recovery.

Samsung is now distributing a major camera update to the Galaxy S23 series, starting in South Korea. The update, which is available on the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Ultra, should also be headed to the US soon, among other markets.

Garmin has started rolling out Beta version 13.09 to Fenix 7, Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series smartwatches. With a changelog stretching to over 30 items, Beta version 13.09 is a substantial update for eligible smartwatches. Garmin has made a few changes to its Beta Program distribution method too.

Apple is rolling out macOS Ventura 13.3, the latest minor update before macOS 14 likely debuts later this year. Available to download now, macOS Ventura 13.3 features a few changes, including the option of removing the background from a chosen image. The new OS update coincides with an updated Apple Studio Display firmware, which adds Pro Display Calibrator.

Apple has released its latest operating system updates for its Apple TV and Apple Watch platforms. According to Apple, tvOS 16.4 contains a new accessibility feature to help those with photosensitive epilepsy, while watchOS 9.4 rectifies an issue where an alarm could get muted while sleeping.

The OPPO Find N2 Flip inevitably draws a lot of comparisons with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, in that they are both clamshell Android smartphones with cutting-edge foldable main displays. They also have dual rear cameras - then again, according to the latest independent test results, they are better in the newer OPPO device. Its Hasselblad dual shooters have lifted it above its rival in the DxOMark rankings, albeit not by much.

The 360-degree full-view 70mai Dash Cam Omni has just made its debut in North America. With a list price of US$199.99 for the US and CAD$279.99 for Canada, this 1080p dash camera features AI motion detection, built-in GPS and 128 GB eMMC storage, collision detection with a total buffered emergency recording of 15 seconds, and more.

Apple has issued the fourth major update for iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 make several small changes for modern iPhones and iPads, including 21 new emojis. iPadOS 16.4 should also improve the versatility of the Apple Pencil 2 too.

Lenovo has unveiled the Ryzen 7000-powered Yoga Pro 7, and its Raptor Lake-based counterpart the Pro 7i, each with a choice of either RTX 3050 or 4050 discrete graphics. The two new laptop variants also boast the same up-to-3K/120Hz 16:10 IPS display with "premium" business features such as a webcam with a ToF sensor as well as IR and a battery capacity improved on compared to the previous generation.

Fiido has introduced its latest e-bike as a 'city' model that comes in either step-through or step-over frame types. They are called the C21 Pro and C22 Pro respectively, and come with the same 250W rear hub motor and torque sensor. They are also both rated for top speeds of 32 kilometers per hour (km/h, or 19.9mph) and ranges of up to 80km, and come with early-bird offers such as US$200 off their RRP and a free smartwatch that unlocks its paired bike automatically.

Huawei touts the P60 Pro in terms of its camera with the largest aperture among mobile devices, not to mention a powerful 3x optical zoom thanks to its new telephoto lens. Now, a company executive credits the new flagship smartphone with a shot of the recent rare event in which the planet Venus shone particularly brightly next to the crescent moon.

ViewSonic has launched a new line of tablets pitched at creators who want a device just for writing or drawing on the go (or "pen tablets"), one of which is now touted as the most portable 12-inch iteration of this category on the market. The ID1230 is joined by 7-inch (PF720) and 10-inch (PF1020) counterparts, each of which feature advanced pressure sensitivity, multiple hotkeys and USB type-C support.

In addition to getting their systems ready for Diablo IV's open beta release with DLSS 2 enhancements, the 531.41 driver package also provides the users of Nvidia GPUs with support for Forza Horizon 5's DLSS 3 update, the technology preview of Ray Tracing: Overdrive Mode coming April 11 to Cyberpunk 2077, one-click optimal settings for new titles, and more.

Amazon has advised Alexa voice assistant users that it will soon turn off a feature aimed at improving usability on smartphones. The feature will cease to work at the end of the month, with nothing replacing it.

With yesterday's update, Opera Browser and Opera GX received a set of AI-powered tools. Now in a public testing stage, these features include sidebar access to ChatGPT and ChatSonic, as well as smart AI Prompts, which allow the user to shorten or explain the selected paragraph, word/expression, or entire page/article.

Garmin has announced that it will reduce the complexities associated with obtaining alpha updates on its Beta Program. From now on, Garmin will distribute these updates through GCM, although they must be installed manually. Garmin has made changes to its alpha and beta feedback system too.

JLab touts its new Go Work Pop headset as a new way to upgrade a work-from-home audio set-up with prolonged battery life and Bluetooth 5.3. It also offers a noise-cancelling boom mic and "Cloud Foam" earcups for comfort during long calls. The new addition to the on-ear category might also match a user's existing devices with Teal and Lilac colorways in addition to its Graphite version.

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Jabra has announced the new Elite 4 earbuds as an "affordable" addition to its flagship line of TWS earbuds. Despite this definition, the new popcorn-style accessories rock active noise cancellation (ANC) and multi-device connectivity over Bluetooth. The 4s also feature the Qualcomm aptX codec often missing from other buds of their price bracket.

Valve has re-released a new Steam Deck Client update. According to the company, the update addresses several bugs present in its earlier release, as well as all changes and new features, including Local Network Game Transfers.

The C55 has now landed on the Indian market as its OEM's long-fabled "Dynamic Island smartphone". Realme has indeed added a "Mini Capsule" to the device's build of Android 13; however, unlike the Apple original, this one is entirely software-based. Then again, it brings a new way of displaying things like charging info to the C55's 6.72-inch, FHD+ IPS screen.

Google has started rolling out a new update to the Pixel Watch. Rolling out as RWDA.230114.008, the update brings numerous changes to Google's first smartwatch, some of which the company teased last month.

OPPO has revealed that the Enco Free3 buds will introduce novel Bamboo Fiber Diaphragm technology to their TWS category ahead of their launch. The OEM has also hinted at advanced noise-cancelling and audio-decoding features for the upcoming accessories. The Free3s will also support Bluetooth 5.3 and certified Hi-Res Wireless HD sound.

Samsung has now officially confirmed that the Galaxy F14 has only 2 rear cameras, whereas some apparent counterparts such as the A14 come with 3. Nevertheless, it is also now touted to bring the new Exynos 1330 SoC to its "segment", as well as a large battery and Android 13. It is now set to unleash its "frevolutionary" set of features on the Indian market later this month.

The allegedly upcoming Vivo X Flip may have just surfaced on Geekbench 6 for the first time. Should this be the case, it has shown up there to do battle with its supposed Android clamshell rival, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. The two devices apparently have the exact same specs - with the exception of a RAM boost for the putative upcoming new Vivo foldable smartphone.

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OPPO has now released its first ever official Find X6 Pro- (and Hasselblad-) watermarked photo samples, thereby confirming the upcoming Android flagship as a triple rear camera device. The images' label also include aperture and focal length specs, some of which are of such an advanced nature they have led to speculation that the OEM has made a mistake on its own official marketing material.

Nothing is preparing to launch the Ear (2), its latest pair of earbuds. With a launch due later this month, the company has brought Ear (2) support to the Phone (1), among other changes. Reputedly, Nothing OS 1.5.3 should reduce app restart times, while also minimising power consumption and improving battery life as a result.

Nothing's second-gen flagship TWS earbuds now have a week to go before their (March 22, 2023) launch. However, their OEM's CEO, Carl Pei, has gone ahead and announced a selection of potentially significant spec upgrades over their ear (1) predecessor. One applies to the buds' sound quality, whereas the other might affect their durability.

Apart from being smarter and more useful than ever before, ChatGPT-4 now has access to the Internet and can analyze up to 25,000 words in order to provide comprehensive solutions. Additionally, the chatbot can scan uploaded pictures and formulate solutions based on elements identified in images.

Rumors of a Samsung Galaxy F14 coming to join the pre-existing M14 and A14 on the 2023 Android smartphone market have given rise to speculation that all 3 mid-range devices would share the same build. However, according to a new leak, this is not the case for the "F14", which is now being painted as a slightly bemusing blend of M14 specs and A04 design.

A viral Reddit post has uncovered how the Samsung S23 Ultra is supposedly faking its Super Zoom moon images. The OP's tests seemed to indicate that Samsung is using AI to fill in texture and surface information of the moon on to the raw capture, giving a false impression as if the S23 Ultra's 100x zoom camera is indeed capable of shooting the moon in vivid detail.

Although the stability issues in Assassin’s Creed Origins and a few other problems remain unresolved, the 531.29 Game Ready Driver package for Nvidia GeForce GPUs comes to patch bugs such as high CPU usage after exiting games, Adobe application instability, as well as GeForce GTX 10/MX250/350 series mobile GPUs stability issues.

It is now possible to access ChatGPT directly from an Apple Watch. The app works in several languages, can answer complex questions and can send responses via email, SMS or social media, among other features.

Google is continuing in its quest to make Android better suited for larger displays. To that end, Android 14 Developer Preview 2 contains changes specific to the forthcoming Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, which are both due for release at I/O 2023 in May.

Meizu has finally confirmed that its next top-end Android smartphones, the 20 and 20 Pro, will be unveiled at the end of March 2023. Both devices have appeared in what may be last-minute benchmarking leaks ahead of this event; meanwhile, a famous leaker has taken note of their new, Samsung Galaxy S23-esque builds.