close

Mobile

Mobile

Google Pixel 8 phones can now get AI-powered Circle to Search

by technovatica.com on

Google Pixel 8 series users are reporting that the Circle to Search function has been introduced to their phones, providing access to a slick AI-powered search functionality.

\According to users on the Pixel subreddit, their phones have begun to receive the new search capability, which was previously restricted to the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. It was supposed to go live on January 31, but the distribution still appears to be ongoing, which is why some Pixel 8 customers are complaining that they haven’t received the update yet. It appears that no location has been left out, as the functionality has been seen on both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro variants.

Circle to Search was unveiled during Galaxy Unpacked 2024, for the launch of the Samsung S24 series and expanded the Galaxy S24’s wide array of AI features.

What does it do?

Circle to Search uses artificial intelligence to search for certain highlighted items on the screen without switching apps by just circling them, resulting in Google search results.

This is a more seamless way than the traditional method of capturing a screenshot, leaving the program, and then searching for that image.

It can also be used to search specific text, sparing you from having to type it into a search bar or copy it, allowing you to highlight messages, and Circle to Search should return appropriate search results.

How do I use Circle to Search?

To use the feature, hold down the home button or navigation bar on a compatible phone to activate Circle Search. Next, draw a circle around the object you wish to search up.

For example, you may circle a shirt worn by someone on social media, and a Google search results page will appear at the bottom of the screen, displaying the highlighted goods and other similar-looking possibilities.

You may also use the Circle to Search on multiple objects at once, so if you like the hat, shirt, and shoes, circle them all and they will display on the next results page.

Circle to Search with AI and Android

At the moment, it’s unclear whether Circle to Search will be available on any other devices, with Google claiming that it’s coming to “select premium Android smartphones — the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the new Samsung Galaxy S24 series,” which doesn’t appear encouraging for other Android devices.

However, there is an alternative: if Circle to Search does not come to your device, your smartphone may already feature a comparable function.

If Google Assistant is enabled, you can use the “Search My Screen” capability to open Google Lens and highlight the precise region you desire, and Google Search will return results on the screen without exiting the app. Although it’s not quite as user-friendly or flashy as Circle to Search It does a fairly similar job, allowing non-Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 users to do virtually the same thing while saving you money on that beautiful new phone, at least for the time being.

read more
Mobile

Google and Samsung’s version of AirDrop is currently going out on Android devices

by technovatica.com on

Android’s counterpart of Apple’s AirDrop technology is now starting to appear on Pixel devices, following its unveiling at CES 2024 earlier this year.

Google Nearby Share and Samsung Quick Share have always operated similarly to AirDrop. The functions allow you to easily share files and photographs with nearby devices, but they only work with devices that use the same sharing system – so if you have a Samsung Galaxy phone and your friend has a Google Pixel, you’ll have to transmit information in a different way.

At CES 2024, Google and Samsung announced that Google’s Nearby Share will be renamed Quick Share (after an unintended hint of this renaming at the end of 2023), and that Samsung and Google devices will be able to Share files with each other, as well as other Nearby Share capable devices such as Chromebooks and Android phones, making Nearby Share / Quick Share a true Android version of AirDrop.

This new Quick Share system will eventually be available for Windows machines, according to a Quick Share platform manager at Samsung (translated from Korean), with support expected by Q3 2024 (July to September).

According to Mishaal Rahman, numerous Pixel owners have noticed that Quick Share has been rolled out to their devices. Non-pixel users have also responded to Rahman’s post with screenshots of the new Quick Share feature on their Samsung and OnePlus devices.

We haven’t noticed the change on any of our Pixel phones yet (this writer’s Pixel 6 still shows Nearby Share), but we’ll keep an eye out for the little but major upgrade to Android’s sharing system. According to a Samsung manager’s post on its community message board (translated from Korean), Galaxy phones should receive the update tomorrow.

Google should apparently finish rolling the update out to other Android devices between February 2 and February 16 (per a new Mishaal Rahman post).

Along with this Quick Share upgrade, Samsung phones may expect a few more updates soon, including the One UI 6.1 update.

Lock screen widgets, improved battery protection options, and some remarkable AI picture edits are now available on the new Samsung Galaxy S24 phones, as well as the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Z Fold 5.

The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S22 devices will also receive updates, but will be without AI functionality.

read more
Mobile

I am a phone discounts specialist, and here are my top three Samsung Galaxy S24 alternatives

by technovatica.com on

We have all been there. When we see a new phone that looks amazing, we are immediately enamored with the prospect of owning it; the Samsung Galaxy S24 is no exception.

It’s evident why. In just a few months, Samsung has dethroned Google as the king of AI, launched a new and exclusive version of Qualcomm’s most powerful chipset, and even found value in a different Galaxy in the form of the Galaxy S24 Plus, a model that has gone unloved for far too long.

For many, a Samsung Galaxy S24 preorder would be the natural choice. However, the Galaxy S24 does not stand alone.

Despite appearing to be the all-powerful Android phone for everyone, you may find yourself just as happy with an alternative flagship that costs much less and, arguably, has far more personality; if a phone could have a personality, that is.

The one and future king

The starting point for anything Android is, of course, Google, and given the current concentration on AI development, this is unlikely to change anytime soon. Despite being released in October, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro set the standard for what many people expected from the next generation of AI.

And it established a precedent for the Samsung Galaxy S24 with seven years of Android feature and security upgrades, a decision that demonstrates the excellence of some of the phones we currently see.

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have also called into question the cost of the Galaxy S24, particularly the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The latest Pixel phones, priced at ₹73841.73 / $699 and ₹105533.46/ $999, are significantly less expensive than the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra, which cost ₹84405.64 / $799, ₹94969.55 / $999, and ₹131943.23 / $1,299, respectively. An eyebrow-raiser for sure, especially given the sheer quality of the equipment you’re getting.

The troubled newcomer

When it comes to outstanding underdogs, OnePlus has always been at the top of my list of go-to brands, and its rise has seen it become increasingly popular among mainstream phone enthusiasts in both the US and the UK. The company’s latest phone, the OnePlus 12, hasn’t only upped an already high bar, but it’s certainly made Samsung and Google sweat with some of its remarkable specs, as well as its just stunning design.

The OnePlus 12 has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip (but not the Samsung-exclusive version available on the Samsung Galaxy S24 in the US), up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 2K 120Hz ProXDR LTPO display, all powered by a 5,400mAh battery with 100W cable charging and 50W Wireless charging allows the OnePlus 12 to be amazingly powerful for extended periods of time, potentially outlasting the Galaxy S24.

A clever selection

An alternate option, I know, but the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra – or Motorola Razr+ if you’re in the US – simply has to make our list due to the sheer amount of personality it possesses. The Razr is unquestionably the best-looking clamshell foldable phone currently available, and that’s before you consider the various color options, which include Infinite Black, Viva Magenta, Glacier Blue, and Peach Fuzz, all of which are stunning in their own right.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the most powerful phone available, especially when compared to the OnePlus 12 or Google Pixel 8 Pro, but that doesn’t stop the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra from making some compelling points in its favor.

As we mentioned in our Motorola Razr Plus review, this phone isn’t for those who seek the most up-to-date specifications and features. However, what it lacks in performance, it makes up for with personality. A distinct and enjoyable user experience, combined with excellent color options and a number of well-thought-out features for a clamshell foldable smartphone, make the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra an excellent pick if you’re searching for a phone that you’ll undoubtedly like using.

read more
Mobile

It’s about time for Apple to offer me a Pencil for my iPhone—and iOS 17.4 could make that possible

by technovatica.com on

It appears that Apple is now ready to make my small dream of utilizing the Apple Pencil on an iPhone come true – maybe.

According to recent reports on iOS 17.4, the next iPhone platform upgrade will have the option to use Find My to locate a missing Apple Pencil. What’s more fascinating is that the Pencil in question could be a fresh version of the digital stylus.

There are no reports or direct hints that the “Apple Pencil 3” will be designed to function with your greatest iPhone, but I believe it is safe to infer that Apple is paving the way for that possibility with this initial iOS connectivity.

Sure, you can now use your iPhone to track down misplaced AirPods and AirTags, but Apple seldom adds new devices to the Find My corral.

I believe the reasons for wanting to utilize the Apple Pencil on an iPhone are obvious.

Art is the thing

In 2009, brilliant digital artist Jorge Colombo used only his finger to draw a New Yorker magazine cover on his little iPhone 3GS. This was extremely impressive given the phone’s small 3.5-inch screen. He didn’t even have Procreate (he was using an early app called Brushes).

That work prompted me to begin drawing on the iPhone using my fingertip. My work was subpar, so I began purchasing a collection of analog, soft-tipped styluses for use on the little screen. I had greater control, but it was still not ideal. After the iPad was released in 2010, I quickly adopted it as my new drawing platform and continued to use those dumb styluses. It would take another five years until Apple debuted the first Apple Pencil. It instantly improved my ability to draw in digital space. By 2017, Jorge Columbo was using the Apple Pencil to sketch New Yorker covers on an iPad. His work fared significantly better than mine.

I frequently wonder if artists like Colombo are like me, wishing they could draw with an Apple Pencil on their iPhones. The iPad is an excellent canvas, but I don’t keep it in my pocket, and what if inspiration strikes and I want to quickly sketch something? I’m not carrying a pen or paper. I could carry the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It features an outstanding built-in S Pen and some great Android art apps, such as Autodesk Sketchbook, but not my preferred Procreate. To be honest, I’m still mostly an iPhone user, and I’d like to draw on my iPhone 15 Pro Max‘s 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display.

Which takes me back to this piece of news.

Ready for iOS 18

This reported Apple Pencil 3, which we now “know” will operate with the iPhone in some capacity, could be more than simply a modest upgrade with USB-C capability and possibly a new SoC. It could fit on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

You may have observed that your iPhone’s MagSafe charging magnets attract the magnets in your Apple Pencil, but it would be more appropriate for Apple to release a new case that can support the Apple Pencil 3. To do so, however, the new Pencil must be less than 6.29 inches long. The current Apple Pencil 2 measures approximately 6.5 inches long. So it needs to be shorter, but not necessarily slimmer.

I believe the best time to launch this new Pencil would be

During WWDC 2024, Apple could reveal iOS 18 and possibly a slew of Pencil-gesture-based features. All of these would be fantastic, but the ability to finally draw on the iPhone with actual control, tilt, and pressure sensitivity would be the most exciting for me.

I realize it’s a far shot, but iOS 17.4, an Apple Pencil 3, and support for Find My Apple Pencil have me fantasizing about creating art on my iPhone.

read more
Mobile

Apple is finally allowing consumers to run third-party browsers unrestricted, but only in the EU and not because it wants to

by technovatica.com on

For iOS 17.4, Apple is introducing significant improvements to iPhones in the EU, including the ability for consumers to run native third-party browsers on their phones.

You might be wondering, “Aren’t there already third-party browsers for iOS?” Not precisely. Currently, developers must redesign their applications to operate on the WebKit framework, thus transforming browsers like Chrome on iOS into reskinned Safaris. As a result, several functions that operate well on Android do not work on iOS. However, in the future, the tech giant would allow businesses to use their own engines “for browser apps and apps with in-app browsing experiences.” Furthermore, users can specify their preferred browser as the default on iPhone during setup. You will not be obligated to safari.

This is a major deal for regular users. It means that Google Chrome, the world’s most popular browser, will be able to deliver its intended experience on iOS for the first time. Of course, this covers other apps that use the Chromium engine, such as Edge and Opera. This group also includes independent choices such as Firefox.

Before developers can push their unfettered software to the App Store, Apple must approve it. A new help page on the Apple Developer website outlines all of the criteria that teams must achieve. It’s a hefty paper, but the important takeaways are that browsers must provide strong security for iPhone users, prevent third-party cookies, and be limited to the European Union.

App Store upgrading

The other updates focus on many App Store enhancements.

Apple will soon allow users to install programs from “alternative app marketplaces,” such as the Google Play Store. There is a catch, though. Software purchased from outside the App Store “will not be compatible” with platform features like Ask to Buy or Family Purchase Sharing.

According to 9To5Mac, every software from an outside app store must meet “Notarization requirements” before it can be used on iPhones. The method consists of many automatic checks and a human evaluation. Dev teams must demonstrate that their app is safe, fully functional, and appropriately represents their capabilities (no deception). Once everything has been resolved, businesses can freely distribute their services on their preferred marketplace.

Apple’s announcement does not mention sideloading apps at all. According to a recent Wall Street Journal story, the internet giant intends to impose taxes on platforms that allow for sideloading. However, the only money-related items in the post are offering developers more payment processing choices and a lower commission for iOS apps on the App Store.

These reforms will “come into effect in March” in 27 EU countries. As the release date approaches, Apple will post additional documents describing the iOS ecosystem update.

Future expansions

If you live in the EU and wish to try out the new features, iOS 17.4 beta is available for download via your iPhone’s Settings menu. To receive access, ensure that you are actively enrolled in Apple’s Beta Software Program. To understand how to do this, refer to our iOS 17 beta installation tutorial.

Now the question is, will all of this be implemented in the United States and elsewhere? Perhaps, but not right now. Another 9To5Mac piece has a series of Apple statements that make it very clear that the company is not making improvements because it wants to. It is doing so because the brand has chosen to follow the new rules established by the Digital Markets Act.

When questioned about spreading the App Store update, Apple declines because it considers the DMA adjustments hazardous and does not want to expose others to potential danger. However, if the United States passes its own version of the DMA, the overhaul may spread worldwide.

read more
Mobile

iPhone app sideloading is coming shortly, but it may not be the money-saving boost you’re looking for

by technovatica.com on

The digital wall that has kept customers from installing non-App Store-approved applications to their iPhones is likely to crumble in Europe. However, according to a new claim, Apple is already planning to patch up the gaps left by European Union (EU) legislation, which means that sideloading may not be as free as we had thought.

First, let’s go back to April 2022, when the EU, which consists of 27 European countries including France, Germany, and Spain, agreed on the Digital Markets Act. It went into effect in November of that year and is intended to address issues about Apple’s control over which apps can and cannot be downloaded to iPhones.

By March current year (2024), platforms must comply with the EU’s criteria Face disciplinary action.

The law will not just apply to Apple. Google (which makes Android) and other platforms will also have to follow the new regulations, although unlike iPhones, Android phones can already install software that isn’t available in the Play Store, which is Android’s equivalent of Apple’s App Store. Sideloading refers to the practice of downloading apps from places other than the official app stores.

Apple has vehemently maintained its anti-sideloading policy, claiming that it makes iPhones safer and more virus-free. Its adversaries, such as Spotify, will publicly condemn its system as anticompetitive because the App Store charges up to 30% commission on all purchases made through it, giving Apple’s apps an unfair advantage.

According to a Wall Street Journal report (behind a paywall), Apple’s current plans will still grant them control over programs purchased outside of the App Store. Additionally, it intends to charge fees for certain apps. So there may not be much difference between App Store and non-App Store apps.

The specifics have yet to be released, but Apple will most likely be able to maintain this level of control by including additional regulations into its developer tool license agreement. You need these tools to create working iPhone apps, whether you publish them through the App Store or not. Apple could comply with the new laws by changing the license agreement to include the checks and restrictions it normally imposes on the App Store, without significantly changing the situation.

As with all leaks, we should take this report with a grain of salt. We don’t know what method Apple will take, or whether the EU will consider this disclosed approach compliant, but recent experience suggests Apple will do the bare minimum.

Earlier this year, Apple was obliged to enable developers to refer app users to payment systems other than its own, which now takes 30% of most third-party payments (small firms pay a 15% fee). The kicker? Apple will charge a 27% commission for payments processed through an alternative mechanism. Many developers have claimed that this will make no difference due to the inconvenience and lack of incentive.

Not European? You should still care

If you live in the United States or the United Kingdom after Brexit, you’re probably wondering what all this EU legal stuff has to do with you.

First and foremost, it would not be the first time that EU action has impacted the iPhone for all users. The iPhone 15 models only had the USB-C port switch because of EU legislation, and issues in European countries concerning tech repairability prompted Apple to announce Self Service Repair everywhere.

Even if Apple decides to digitally restrict these App Store modifications to just the EU, other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, are likely to follow suit. And if you have one of the finest VPN services installed, there’s a chance you may make Apple believe you’re in the EU and compel it to grant you access to software that is not available on the App Store. So be on the lookout for changes to how you can use your iPhone in March, but don’t expect anything major.

read more
Mobile

Google Pixel 8a box leak indicates a probable design change

by technovatica.com on

An alleged Google Pixel 8a packaging leak has appeared on X (via user @chunvn8888), revealing design modifications for the rumored cheaper version of the Pixel 8.

The post titled “Vietnamese folks leaked the Pixel, again” contains an image – reportedly taken from a private Facebook group – of a phone shop in Vietnam that buys and distributes Google Pixel devices.

There isn’t much information available about the phone, but if accurate, the Pixel 8a has a more rounded, curved design reminiscent of the Google Pixel 5, which could be divisive, and the camera appears to be molded into the back of the device rather than connected to the frame like the Pixel 7a.

The Pixel 8a model number is G6GPR, and this leak reveals the predicted black hue, but a previous leak suggests a blue version of the Pixel 8a.

According to the package, faster charging speeds of 27W may have been introduced to this device, matching the base model Pixel 8 and improving on the Pixel 7a’s 18W charging. As shown in the leaked package image, it will not have a charging plug, as is standard with most Google Pixel smartphones.

The Pixel 8a’s specifications are presently unclear, however if it follows the Pixel 7a and Google Pixel 6a traditions, it will most likely use the same Google Tensor G3 chip as the rest of the 8 series and should provide seven years of updates, up to 2031.

The release date and pricing for the Pixel 8a are presently unknown, but will most likely be disclosed during the upcoming Google I/O This will most likely take place in May or June of this year.

The Pixel 8a is likely to cost roughly $499, based on the Pixel 7a’s launch price of $499/₹47601.86/AU$749 and the Pixel 8’s current price of ₹74106.23/$699/AU$1,199.

read more
Mobile

OnePlus 12R: Release Date, Price, Functions, and All You Need to Know

by technovatica.com on

The OnePlus 12 has gone worldwide, and it wasn’t alone; the OnePlus 12R released alongside it.

This is especially remarkable because the R series is often not widely available, but the OnePlus 12R has arrived in the United States and Europe, including the United Kingdom, allowing many people to purchase this mid-range alternative to OnePlus’ flagship.

The OnePlus 12R is unique in other ways as well, featuring a slew of near-flagship features for a fraction of the cost.

Here’s all you need to know about the OnePlus 12R, including its design, specifications, and price.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? A mid-range alternative to the OnePlus 12.
  • When does it come out? Pre-orders are open today, and it will arrive on February 13.
  • How much does it cost? Starting at $499.99 / £649 (about AU$760).

ONEPLUS 12R – Launch DATE AND PRICE

  • Pre-orders begin on January 23 and ship on February 13.
  • Prices start at $499.99 / £649 (about AU$760).

The OnePlus 12R was announced on January 23, alongside the OnePlus 12. The latter had already been unveiled in China, but today marked its global debut.

Pre-orders began the same day, and the OnePlus 12R will ship on February 13.

The OnePlus 12R starts at $499.99 / £649 (about AU$760, but with no Australian availability). That is for a device with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage if purchased in the United States; however, in the United Kingdom, the sole combination is 16GB /256GB. However, the model is also available in the United States for $599.99.

For instance, the OnePlus 12 starts at $799.99 / £849 (about AU$1,215), therefore the 12R is significantly cheaper.

ONEPLUS 12R: DESIGN AND Screen

  • Features include a 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen
  • A design similar to the OnePlus 12.

The OnePlus 12R includes a slightly curved screen, a punch-hole camera, low bezels, and a metal frame, as shown in the photographs in this article. You can also see the alert slider, which we have come to expect from the greatest OnePlus phones.

The OnePlus 12R is available in Iron Gray and Cool Blue, measures 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8mm, and weighs 207g. Its screen is protected by strong Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It does not have a water resistance rating.

The OnePlus 12R features a 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a resolution of 1264 x 2780, 450 pixels per inch, and a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits. This makes it brighter than other phones, including the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Pixel 8 Pro.

ONEPLUS 12R: Camera and Battery

  • Features a 50MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, and 2MP macro camera, as well as a 5,500mAh battery capable of charging at 100W (or 80W in the US).

The OnePlus 12R features a 50MP f/1.8 main camera with optical image stabilization, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera with a 112-degree field of view, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro camera, as well as a 16MP f/2.4 front-facing camera.

So the cameras are a step down from the OnePlus 12, which is one of the key reasons why this isn’t a flagship.

For recording video, the OnePlus 12R can shoot in up to 4K quality at up to 60fps, or in 1080p at up to 240fps (which is utilized for slow motion videos).

The OnePlus 12R also sports a 5,500mAh battery, making it the largest juice pack ever housed in a OnePlus phone.

It also charges quickly, at 100W in the most of the world and 80W for US models. However, there is no wireless charging available here.

ONEPLUS 12R: Specifications and Features

  • Has a Snapdragon 8 Generation 2 chipset.
  • Includes up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

The OnePlus 12R features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (one of the best smartphone chipsets in 2023), as well as 8GB of LDDR5X RAM and 128GB of storage or 16GB of LDDR5X RAM and 256GB of storage.

Aside from that, the OnePlus 12R runs Android 14 with the company’s OxygenOS 14 interface.

It also supports 5G, has an under-display fingerprint sensor, and features a ‘Dual Cryo-velocity VC Cooling System’ to ensure smooth operation.

read more
Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra may easily replace my gaming mobile devices

by technovatica.com on

I’ve been infatuated with handheld game consoles since the 1990s and my first Game Boy, and while I adore my Nintendo Switch, it’s really underpowered. Meanwhile, the more powerful Steam Deck is too large and short-lived to be portable, demonstrating that modern mobile gaming is a difficult balance to strike.

However, redemption may have arrived in the form of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Watching the recent Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event, I was struck by its impressive specifications and began to consider whether my next gaming portable should also be my next mobile phone.

I use my mobile devices to play Android games such as Call of Duty: Mobile, Minecraft, and Genshin Impact. And I recently purchased a Retroid pocket 3+ to play both Android and emulated games; however, while this device runs Android, its CPU power is severely limited.

Even the greatest gaming phones I’ve previously used seemed clunky and constrained, unable to function as both a phone and a gaming device. In contrast, all previous Samsung phones I’ve used offered a simplified smartphone experience and decent gaming.

Heavy-duty hardware

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra appears to outperform nearly all of my handhelds and phones, thanks to the Samsung-specific overclocked 3.39GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which should give it an advantage over other Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones.

Samsung claims that the onboard graphics chip, the Adreno 750 GPU, is 25% more powerful and efficient than its predecessor. It also has 12GB RAM, which is slightly below the Steam Deck’s 16GB LPDDR5 and far more than the Nintendo Switch’s 4GB DDR4.

Storage on the Galaxy S24 Ultra may be a difficulty, since it only has fixed internal storage in 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB configurations. However, the Nintendo Switch, Retroid Pocket, and Steam Deck all have internal storage that can be extended with microSD cards.

Smartphone displays are far more advanced than even the greatest handhelds, such as the Steam Deck OLED, which boasts a 7.4-inch screen with a resolution of 1200×800 and a refresh rate of 90Hz. The Nintendo Switch’s 7-inch OLED display only offers a maximum resolution of 720p and a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz, but it has the apparent advantage of being easily connected to a TV.

Despite its slightly smaller 6.8-inch display, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra outperforms the competition with its better QHD+ resolution and a panel that appears fluid and smooth thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate.

Outdoor gaming should be no problem because the Galaxy S24 Ultra has one of the brightest screens on the market (2,600 nits), and its adaptive display technology detects and reacts to the lighting in your environment.

Real ray tracing in smartphones

The Samsung S24 Ultra’s graphical capabilities appear to be more akin to a powerful gaming portable than a smartphone, thanks to its outstanding hardware and the addition of hardware-accelerated ray tracing that works with the Unreal 5 engine.

For those unfamiliar, ray tracing is a graphically complex process that simulates how light interacts with things by tracking the course of individual rays of light in real time to create realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows, resulting in more realistic and immersive games.

Mobile ray tracing may be less complicated or powerful than ray tracing implemented on high-end graphics cards and gaming consoles because it only has a fraction of the power to draw from, compared to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 that draws 320W and the Xbox Series X that draws roughly 200W. However, it is fascinating how technology has been downsized and integrated into phones.

At the time, there is a limited variety of mobile games that exploit this functionality. However, if more developers adopt this technology, we should expect to see more realistic and engaging games on mobile platforms than ever before. This technology is now used in titles like as PUBG Mobile, Rainbow Six Mobile, and War Thunder Edge, Bright Memory Mobile, CarX Street, and Arena Breakouts.

In comparison, the Nintendo Switch lacks ray tracing capabilities, while the Steam Deck’s ray tracing is relatively limited.

Keeping cool and compact

All much power is useless if the device cannot use it for an extended period of time, and Samsung claims that the Galaxy S24 Ultra can maintain this high performance thanks to new cooling systems and a larger vapor chamber.

If the Galaxy S24 Ultra can stay cool during extended gaming sessions, Samsung may have solved a long-standing problem of heat and performance throttling, which tiny gaming devices such as the Switch and, in particular, the Steam Deck have been known to suffer from. However, we’ll have to see how this plays out in a thorough review and our own testing.

An abundance of games

Cutting-edge hardware isn’t the only aspect to consider when shopping for a new gaming device; the selection of games can be even more significant. The Nintendo Switch wins on this measure, with over 10,000 games, however the Steam Deck supports over 8,000 Steam Deck-verified and playable titles, leaving me spoilt for choice.

The Google Play store includes several possibilities for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and vintage titles can be played using emulators.

However, the quickest and legally safest alternative would be to employ game streaming options like Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play, and Luna. These game streaming services offer a huge range of games as long as you have adequate connection speeds (which should be covered by 5G, LET, and Wi-Fi 6E connections) and live in an area with adequate reception.

So, with that in mind, and the plethora of Android games available, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will have plenty to keep you entertained.

Chilling cost

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s main downside is its exorbitant price, which starts at $1,299 / £1,249 / AU$2,199, making it more expensive than two Steam Deck OLEDs or four Nintendo Switch OLEDs, as well as twice the price of a PlayStation 5. The only handheld that comes close to this pricing point is the Ayaneo Kun, which is more akin to a handheld PC such as the Steam Deck.

Of course, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is capable of much more than simply gaming, with excellent cameras and a slew of AI features (see our Samsung Galaxy S24 AI FAQ) to justify its high price, especially for a flagship phone 

So, in short, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra may just be the best non-gaming, gaming smartphone that could My next handheld ‘console’ of choice. And if it delivers on ray tracing and console-quality gaming, it might serve as a catalyst for gaming portable manufacturers to step up their game.

read more
Mobile

Google has teased a new’minty fresh’ color for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro

by technovatica.com on

If you like our Google Pixel 8 review but haven’t yet purchased the phone, you’ll have another reason to do so later this month: Google has teased a new “minty fresh” color for the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, or both.

There’s now a countdown on the Google Store (via Android Authority) that announces the new hue, as well as an animation of a blue Pixel 8 Pro covered with swishes of virtual pale green paint.

The caption on the image states “Google Pixel 8”, but the phone itself (as demonstrated by the camera configuration and the blue color) is clearly a Pixel 8 Pro, so we’re not sure which model will get a new Minty, fresh color. Maybe it will be both of them.

We do know that the countdown stops on Thursday, January 25 at 12.01am PT – that’s 03.01am ET, 08.01am in the UK, and 7.01pm AEDT in Australia – but it’s unclear whether the new hue will be available worldwide.

Color us interested

The Pixel 8 is currently available in Hazel (dark gray), Obsidian (black), and Rose (pale pink), whereas the Pixel 8 Pro is available in Bay (pale blue), Obsidian (black), and Porcelain (light gray) – three colors apiece, with only one common shade.

We don’t expect anything else to change about these phones when the new color arrives, however there may be a new official cover to accompany the new paintjob. Keep an eye on the Google Store for further information.

Adding a new color to the lineup is definitely a simple approach for manufacturers to increase interest in handset sales. The Pixel 8 phones were unveiled around the end of October 2023, which is roughly three months ago.

You may recall that Apple previously released a yellow variant of the iPhone 14 long after it first went on sale, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 received a new Bora Purple color choice halfway through its existence.

read more