Qualcomm Introduces Snapdragon 7s Gen 3: Enhanced Performance and AI Capabilities for Mid-Tier Devices

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has announced the latest addition to its Snapdragon lineup, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. This new system-on-chip (SoC) is designed to bring advanced features and improved performance to mid-tier devices, offering a balance between power and affordability.

The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 features a 1+3+4 core configuration, comprising one prime core clocked at up to 2.5GHz, three performance cores at up to 2.4GHz, and four efficiency cores at 1.8GHz. This setup is built on a 4nm process and includes a Kryo CPU, Adreno GPU, and onboard neural processing unit (NPU) for artificial intelligence (AI) processing.

Compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 boasts a 20% increase in CPU performance and a 40% improvement in GPU capabilities. Additionally, the chip achieves a 12% reduction in power consumption, making it an attractive option for device manufacturers seeking to balance performance and battery life.

The integrated NPU enables advanced AI features, including multi-language translation and transcription, as well as contextual detection tasks. Qualcomm highlights the chip's AI noise-cancellation capabilities, which have seen a 2x performance increase over the Micro NPU used in the company's Sensing Hub.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 supports triple-camera setups with each camera featuring up to 21MP resolution. Alternatively, it can handle dual-camera configurations with a 23MP primary sensor and a 21MP secondary sensor. The chip also enables 10-bit HDR and 4K video capture, as well as on-display support for FHD+ at 144Hz.

The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 offers advanced connectivity features, including support for 5G mmWave networks and Wi-Fi 6E. According to Qualcomm, the chip supports a wider range of networks and bandwidths globally compared to its predecessor.

Several leading device manufacturers, including RealMe, Samsung, Sharp, and Xiaomi, are expected to integrate the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 into their upcoming devices in the coming months. With its enhanced performance, AI capabilities, and advanced camera features, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is poised to bring premium-like experiences to mid-tier devices.

Meta's Threads Enhances User Experience with Multiple Draft Saving and New Creator Tools

 

Source: Meta blog

Meta's microblogging platform, Threads, has recently expanded its functionality, enhancing the user experience by allowing the storage of multiple draft posts. Initially, the platform permitted the saving of only one draft at a time. This enhancement is part of a broader rollout of new features aimed at improving utility for both creators and business users.

Enhanced Draft Capabilities

The update to the draft feature provides significant flexibility for users, enabling the initiation of a post and the option to refine and complete it at a subsequent time. "Recognizing that a single great idea may undergo several iterations, we are pleased to introduce a facility for composing and saving multiple drafts. This feature allows our users to perfect their messages before sharing them with their audience," Meta explained in a recent announcement.

Prior to this update, users were restricted to saving only one draft post. The new enhancement now supports the storage of up to 100 drafts, allowing for a more robust content creation process.

Advanced Tools for Creators and Businesses

In addition to the expanded draft capabilities, Threads has introduced several new tools designed specifically for creators and business accounts. Among the most notable of these tools are detailed insights into content engagement. These insights provide valuable data, including the number of views, reposts, and demographic details such as the age, gender, and location of followers. "These metrics are instrumental in helping creators and businesses identify the content that most resonates with their audiences," stated the company.

Furthermore, Threads has implemented a scheduling feature, which is particularly beneficial for business accounts. This feature allows for the planning and scheduling of posts, either for multiple postings on the same day or for days in advance, facilitating more strategic content management.

These updates underscore Threads' commitment to enhancing user engagement and providing valuable tools for content creators and businesses to thrive on the platform.

Evaluating the Waterproof Capabilities of the Google Pixel 9

 

Pic: Google

As smartphone technology advances, consumers increasingly demand devices that can withstand the rigors of everyday life, including exposure to water. With the release of the Google Pixel 9, potential buyers and tech enthusiasts alike are keen to understand its resilience to water. Here, we delve into whether the Google Pixel 9 can claim the waterproof title.

Understanding IP Ratings

Before discussing the Pixel 9 specifically, it's essential to comprehend the industry standard for measuring water and dust resistance: the Ingress Protection (IP) rating. This rating, given as IP followed by two digits, indicates the level of sealing effectiveness against intrusion from foreign bodies and moisture. The first digit represents protection against solids like dust, while the second specifies protection against liquids.

The Google Pixel 9's IP Rating

Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with an IP68 rating. Here’s what this means:

IP68:

The '6' indicates that the device is "dust tight," offering complete protection against dust ingress.

The '8' signifies that the device can withstand submersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer, typically up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.

Implications of the IP68 Rating for Pixel 9 Users

An IP68 rating for the Google Pixel 9 offers several practical benefits:

Water Resistance: Users can feel confident using their Pixel 9 in the rain, accidentally dropping it in water, or even taking underwater photos in shallow depths, without immediate damage.

Durability: Beyond water, the dust protection ensures that the internal components remain safe from particulate matter, which can be beneficial for longevity and performance.

Limitations to Consider

However, there are critical limitations and considerations with this rating:

Not All Waterproof: IP68 does not mean the Pixel 9 is entirely waterproof. It's resistant to submersion under specific conditions, but this resistance can degrade over time due to wear and tear.

Saltwater and Other Liquids: The IP68 test is conducted with fresh water. Saltwater or other liquids like chlorinated pool water can be more corrosive and potentially damage the device if not rinsed promptly.

Warranty Implications: Water damage might not be covered under standard warranty conditions. It's crucial for users to check Google's warranty policy regarding water damage.

Best Practices for Pixel 9 Owners

To maximize the lifespan of their device concerning water exposure:

Avoid Prolonged Submersion: Even though the Pixel 9 can handle being underwater, prolonged submersion or exposure to high-pressure water streams is not recommended.

Regular Checks: Ensure all ports are free from debris and the seals are intact. Regular maintenance checks can prevent potential water ingress.

Immediate Action: If the device does get wet, dry it off immediately with a soft cloth, and if submerged in anything other than fresh water, rinse it with fresh water before drying.

The Google Pixel 9's IP68 rating signifies a robust level of water and dust resistance, offering peace of mind for everyday mishaps. While not entirely waterproof, it provides substantial protection that aligns with the demands of modern smartphone usage. Users should, however, remain mindful of the limitations of this protection to ensure their device continues to function optimally over time. With proper care, the Pixel 9 is well-equipped to handle the wet and dusty challenges of daily life.

Google Announces the Availability of its Latest AI Image Generator, Imagen 3, for US Residents

 

Google's Imagen 3, its latest iteration of the AI-powered text-to-image generator, has become accessible to the entire US user base, according to a recent report by VentureBeat. The cutting-edge technology, previously available exclusively via Google's Vertex AI platform, can now be accessed via the AI Test Kitchen on Google's official website.

Google's AI image generator tool, introduced at the Google I/O event in May, promises to deliver images with enhanced detail, richer lighting, and fewer distracting artifacts compared to the company's previous iterations. This upgrade was made available to users in the US within the past few days, as reported on Reddit.

The Imagen 3 model uses Google's advanced deep learning algorithms to create detailed images based on user prompts. Additionally, users can manipulate these images by highlighting specific areas and describing the desired changes.

In a research paper published on arXiv, Google's research team elaborated on the capabilities of Imagen 3. The AI model, which is based on the latent diffusion model, is particularly adept at generating high-quality images from textual descriptions. Google's researchers state that Imagen 3 outperforms other state-of-the-art models in generating images from text prompts.

One of the primary applications of Imagen 3 is Google's recently launched Pixel 9's Pixel Studio app, which utilizes the AI platform's capabilities to generate images based on user inputs and enable on-device AI-powered picture editing. This feature saves users time by automating image editing processes.

Google Announces the Availability of its Latest AI Image Generator, Imagen 3, for US Residents

Google's Imagen 3, its latest iteration of the AI-powered text-to-image generator, has become accessible to the entire US user base, according to a recent report by VentureBeat. The cutting-edge technology, previously available exclusively via Google's Vertex AI platform, can now be accessed via the AI Test Kitchen on Google's official website.

Google's AI image generator tool, introduced at the Google I/O event in May, promises to deliver images with enhanced detail, richer lighting, and fewer distracting artifacts compared to the company's previous iterations. This upgrade was made available to users in the US within the past few days, as reported on Reddit.

The Imagen 3 model uses Google's advanced deep learning algorithms to create detailed images based on user prompts. Additionally, users can manipulate these images by highlighting specific areas and describing the desired changes.

In a research paper published on arXiv, Google's research team elaborated on the capabilities of Imagen 3. The AI model, which is based on the latent diffusion model, is particularly adept at generating high-quality images from textual descriptions. Google's researchers state that Imagen 3 outperforms other state-of-the-art models in generating images from text prompts.

One of the primary applications of Imagen 3 is Google's recently launched Pixel 9's Pixel Studio app, which utilizes the AI platform's capabilities to generate images based on user inputs and enable on-device AI-powered picture editing. This feature saves users time by automating image editing processes.