Circuit Verge

Tag: the

  • Intel introduces the Processor Core Ultra 200V to rival Ryzen AI and Snapdragon X.

    Intel introduces the Processor Core Ultra 200V to rival Ryzen AI and Snapdragon X.

    On Tuesday, September 3, Intel unveiled its newest line of laptop processors, the Core Ultra 200V family. These processors offer enhanced performance, energy efficiency, and graphics capabilities, and will leverage the Microsoft Copilot+ feature. They will compete with AMD Ryzen AI 300 and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite.

    Core Ultra 200V consumes half the energy of its previous version

    Intel’s Ultra 200V Core line offers up to a 50% reduction in power consumption compared to the previous generation, potentially extending notebook battery life to 20 hours during productivity-focused tasks. This advancement could enhance Intel’s market competitiveness, particularly against Arm-based processor devices.

    The new GPU architecture “Xe2” in the line promises a 30% increase in graphic performance with features such as up to eight cores, lightning tracking units, and enhanced artificial intelligence motors supporting XeSS technology, elevating gaming and graphics applications.

    Especificacções do Intel Core Ultra 200V
    Imagem: driles/Pexels

    Intel is also investing in artificial intelligence capabilities, as the new processors’ NPU can deliver up to 120 trillion operations per second, which is four times greater than the previous generation. This enhanced performance enables efficient execution of Windows AI functions.

    The Core Ultra 200V processors benefit from utilizing the TSMC 3nm lithography, particularly the N3B process, which enhances energy efficiency and overall chip performance. Additionally, they support high-speed LPDDR5X memories up to 8.533 MT/s, along with multiple PCI Express and Thunderbolt ports, as well as Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

    Presence

    Pre-orders for laptops featuring the latest Intel processors started on September 3, with popular brands like Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, LG, MSI, and Samsung. These products will be on sale from September 24, in both physical and online retail outlets.

  • An asteroid collides with Earth, creating a spectacular scene in the sky; view the video.

    An asteroid collides with Earth, creating a spectacular scene in the sky; view the video.

    An asteroid entered the Earth’s atmosphere last Wednesday afternoon, creating a spectacular fireball over the Philippines. Known as 2024 RW1, the asteroid was around 90 centimeters in diameter and was seen moving at a speed of 63,000 km/h. Images and videos of the event were shared on social media by internet users, capturing the interest of locals in the area.

    A harmless asteroid transforms into a fireball in the skies of the Philippines.

    The European Space Agency and NASA both anticipated that the asteroid would break apart upon nearing Luzon Island, the largest in the Philippines. They believed the event would be safe and would result in a striking display along the northern eastern coast in 2024.

    The asteroid entered the atmosphere and was seen burning around 1 p.m. (local time) despite limited visibility caused by Typhoon Yahi, a storm with the strength of a Category 3 hurricane, hitting the Philippines as a tropical storm.

    Watch the video:

    Another asteroid, the 2024 ON, is set to approach Earth in the upcoming weeks. This asteroid, measuring approximately 228 meters in width, which is comparable to two football fields, will be observable from the Northern Hemisphere, posing no threat of impact.

    Please provide the text you would like me to paraphrase.

  • Bluetooth 6.0 is launched eight years following the release of Bluetooth 5.0.

    Bluetooth 6.0 is launched eight years following the release of Bluetooth 5.0.

    The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has recently launched Bluetooth 6.0, the newest iteration of the widely-used wireless communication technology. An exciting addition to Bluetooth 6.0 is the Channel Sounding feature, enhancing the precise detection of nearby devices.

    Bluetooth 6.0 features technology that is comparable to Ultra Wideband.

    Similar to Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, the Channel Sounding feature enables the tracking of misplaced items like headphones and remotes, and also functions as a smart key using Bluetooth 6.0 for vehicles, locks, and security devices.

    One significant enhancement involves optimizing the transmission of connection packets to decrease power usage and enhance pairing stability in crowded environments. This makes it easier to discover and connect with new devices while disregarding those that are already connected.

    Bluetooth 6.0 enhances the headphone experience by upgrading the Isocronym Adaptation Layer (ISOAL), which improves audio synchronization with visuals, reduces latency, and enhances compatibility across various devices. The update also introduces connection events with variable spacing instead of the fixed 150 microseconds, enabling a faster data transfer rate.

    Source

  • Is purchasing an iPhone 16 in the United States a good investment?

    Is purchasing an iPhone 16 in the United States a good investment?

    Apple has unveiled the latest iPhone 16, but it will come with high prices for consumers in Brazil, leading them to consider purchasing the device in the US instead.

    What are the prices of the new iPhones in Brazil and the USA?

    The values upheld in the US are highly appealing when contrasted with the costs of new iPhones in Brazil. Here is a comparative table showing the prices of the latest Apple products in both Brazil and the US (taking into account travel expenses).

    Model Price in Brazil Price in the US (including travel)
    iPhone 16 (128 GB) R$ 7.799 $ 9,881
    iPhone 16 (256 GB) $ 8,599 $ 10.454
    iPhone 16 (512 GB) $ 10.099 R$ 11.601
    iPhone 16 Plus (128 GB) $ 9,499 $ 10.454
    iPhone 16 Plus (256 GB) R$ 10,299 R$ 11.027
    iPhone 16 Plus (512 GB) R$11.799 R$ 12.174
    iPhone 16 Pro (128 GB) R$ 10,499 R$ 11.027
    iPhone 16 Pro (256 GB) $ 11.299 R$ 11.601
    iPhone 16 Pro (512 GB) R$ 12,799 R$ 12,748
    iPhone 16 Pro (1 TB) R$ 14,299 $ 13,895
    iPhone 16 Pro Max (256 GB) R$ 12.499 R$ 12.174
    iPhone 16 Pro Max (512 GB) $ 13,999 $ 13,321
    iPhone 16 Pro Max (1 TB) $ 15,499 R$ 14,468

    Is purchasing an iPhone 16 in the United States a good investment?

    It’s important to be cautious and assess the value of traveling to the US to purchase the new iPhone 16. For instance, comparing the entry-level model prices in Brazil and the USA, there is a price difference of R $ 3,217 reais. In Brazil, the model costs R $ 7,799, while in the USA, it is approximately R $ 4,582 after direct conversion.

    Divulgação: YouTube
    Imagem: GernotBra/UnPlash

    We must consider not only the cost of the device purchased in the US but also additional expenses such as travel, accommodation, and meals. Traveling to the US solely to buy the new iPhone may not be worthwhile as the total expenses could easily surpass the price of the device in Brazil.

    The passenger will not have to pay import tax if the device is considered a personal item, meaning they cannot have more than one mobile device with them. If they do, they will have to leave one behind.

    Therefore, we can determine that purchasing the iPhone 16 in the US is not a cost-effective option due to various factors, including the exchange rate and other expenses, resulting in a higher price compared to buying it locally.

  • OpenAI introduces the first AI model with the ability to engage in logical reasoning.

    OpenAI introduces the first AI model with the ability to engage in logical reasoning.

    OpenIA, famous for its ChatGPT, introduced a new Artificial Intelligence concept called o1, which focuses on logical reasoning tasks. o1 consists of multiple models, including o1-preview and o1-mini, which are accessible to ChatGPT or Team users.

    What sets 1 apart from ChatGPT?

    The O1 model, unlike ChatGPT, does not yet have the capability to search the internet or examine files. Its current version provides a constrained experience, with image analysis temporarily disabled for adjustments. Moreover, model usage is limited, with weekly caps set at 30 messages for o1-preview and 50 for o1-mini.

    Reprodução: YouTube
    Imagem: astrovariable/Burst

    The model offers an attractive pricing scheme for developers, with the o1-preview priced at $15 for every 1 million input tokens and $60 for every 1 million output tokens.

    OpenAI emphasizes the effectiveness of o1 in addressing mathematical and programming challenges, showcasing its capacity to consider options before answering queries. The model can integrate outcomes from different tasks, making it beneficial for tasks like sorting important emails in a legal inbox or creating marketing plans.

    Model 01 performs tasks of greater complexity.

    The first model was created using reinforcement learning methods, enabling it to think before giving a response through a series of internal reasoning processes. This development, as stated by Noam Brown from OpenAI, was achieved through a novel optimization algorithm and a dataset focused on reasoning, which consists of scientific literature tailored for model training.

    The 1 has shown significant progress, performing well in a qualification test for the International Mathematical Olympiad and scoring high in online programming competitions like Codeforces.

    O1 has some drawbacks, such as being slower in responding to specific inquiries, occasionally taking over 10 seconds. Moreover, OpenAI has chosen not to exhibit the full “thought processes” of the model, providing only condensed versions of these processes.

    OpenAI is expected to release the o1 to a larger audience and create updated versions capable of extended reasoning over hours, days, or weeks to enhance their abilities.

  • Having trouble accessing your phone using biometrics? Find out what the issue could be.

    Having trouble accessing your phone using biometrics? Find out what the issue could be.

    Biometric technology is more common in our daily lives now, allowing us to unlock our phones, do banking, and access social media with a simple fingerprint scan. While this method is generally secure due to the uniqueness of each person’s fingerprint, it is not without its flaws and can fail for various reasons.

    What caused the decline in the effectiveness of cell phone biometrics?

    The biometric sensor on our cell phone may not always be to blame for issues with fingerprint recognition. Our fingerprints can deteriorate over time due to aging, exposure to chemicals, or trauma.

    It is becoming more and more frequent for this type of issue to concern individuals who rely on digital technology to access services, including their mobile devices.

    Reasons for Utilizing Digital Impressions

    Repetitive actions like typing and gaming can gradually damage the skin on the hands, resulting in a reduction in the clarity of fingerprints known as microtrauma.

    Frequent exposure to chemicals, particularly in plastic materials and cleaning products, can result in irritative dermatitis, leading to skin inflammation and altered texture that may affect fingerprint clarity.

    Health professionals and individuals who frequently need to clean their hands encounter a problem with excessive use of soap and chemicals. This can lead to increased skin damage and deterioration of fingerprint quality.

    Consequences and Difficulties

    Loss of fingerprints can be further diagnosed, and it may take several months for fingerprints to return to normal after discontinuing the use of irritating products or changing habits that led to the issue.

    Deteriorating fingerprints can impact the precision of biometric identification methods, making verification and security procedures more challenging.

    Prevention and Maintenance

    Keeping your hands hydrated is important for maintaining the integrity of your fingerprints. Using certain lotions can help shield the skin from damage.

    Specialized products like “weather balm” can be utilized in places with frequent fingerprint collection, like identification centers, to enhance the capturing of fingerprints.

    Biometrics’ Future

    Biometric technology may advance by integrating various identification factors beyond fingerprints, such as facial recognition and retina scanning, enhancing accuracy and reliability for improved safety and convenience in identification systems.

    Preserving fingerprints is crucial for the functionality of biometric technologies, necessitating strategies like proper moisturization and the application of specialized products to address issues related to wear and skin alterations.

  • Instagram introduces profiles for teenagers with parental oversight; discover the modifications.

    Instagram introduces profiles for teenagers with parental oversight; discover the modifications.

    Instagram has introduced new features to inform parents about their children’s usage of the platform and provide options to control access to specific information. Users under 16 will now require parental consent to modify their accounts, whereas currently, individuals as young as 13 can create an Instagram account.

    What needs to be different with the new Adolescent Account?

    Parents can manage their children’s interactions and content viewing on the social network through the new “Adolescent Account” feature.

    Meta, the owner of Instagram, plans to make these features accessible in Latin America, specifically in Brazil, by January 2025. The United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia will have access to the functionality within 60 days. In the European Union, the feature is expected to be available by 2024.

    Below are some modifications that accompany the Teen Account.

    • Teenagers can approve new followers, but those who don’t follow them won’t be able to engage with them.
    • Only individuals who are already following the teenager or have an existing connection are allowed to send direct messages.
    • Teenagers will be reminded daily to stop using Instagram after 60 minutes of browsing.
    • During the night mode from 10 pm to 7 am, notifications will be silenced. Messages sent to the teenager during this time will indicate that the message won’t be seen until later.
    • The “Adolescent Account” restricts the display of sensitive content like videos of violence and cosmetic surgeries.
    • Minors aged 16 and below can only be referenced or mentioned in publications by individuals who are connected to them.
    Divulgação: Meta
    Imagem: Peggychoucair/FreePik

    These preferences can be entirely controlled from a distance using the account of the guardian, eliminating the necessity to access the teenager’s phone, according to Meta’s explanation.

    Parents will have the option to accept or reject any changes in settings made by their children once supervision is set up, according to the company.

    Meta acknowledges that teenagers may provide inaccurate information about their age when opening an account and is introducing methods for them to verify their actual age. Additionally, the company is working on tools to detect accounts of underage individuals who have provided false birth dates.

    In 2022, Instagram introduced the “Family Center” feature, enabling parents and guardians to supervise their children’s Instagram activities. The introduction of the “Adolescent Account” does not affect the existing functionalities of the “Family Center”.

    • Tracking the time spent on Instagram by setting daily or weekly usage limits.
    • The teenager’s followers and the accounts they follow are displayed visually.
    • Notifications are sent when the teenager reports an account or post, providing information on the reported content and the reason for the report.

  • Russia is warning of potential attacks on submarine cables that could disrupt the global internet.

    Russia is warning of potential attacks on submarine cables that could disrupt the global internet.

    The Center for International Strategic Studies report emphasized the potential risks to Western nations if Russia were to target internet undersea cables, following remarks by Dmitri Medvedev.

    Russia has the capability to launch attacks on undersea internet cables.

    Submarine cables handle 95% of worldwide internet communication, and in Russia, they are viewed as a “legitimate target” following findings implicating Western nations in the Nord Stream 2 explosion. This pipeline, which recently began operating, delivered gas to Germany and enabled gas export to other European Union nations. Dmitri Medvedev stated that if Western countries’ involvement in the Nord Stream 2 blast is confirmed, there would be no barriers to targeting underwater communications.

    The report, published at the end of August, indicates that submarine cables are the primary weak point for NATO nations. Should these cables be damaged, it would result in a significant disruption to the internet and global economy, impacting trade and military communications. Moreover, satellite internet services would also be affected as they rely on underwater cables for connectivity. Despite this vulnerability, experts suggest that Russia would not be severely impacted by an attack on these cables, as the country is developing its own internet infrastructure separate from the global network. Additionally, Russia’s connection with China is established through terrestrial cables, potentially enabling Russia to exploit this vulnerability to establish connections with other nations. While Russia has only issued threats at present, President Vladimir Putin has warned that NATO could become a legitimate target if it permits Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian territory.

  • Leaving your laptop plugged in all the time can be harmful to the battery.

    Leaving your laptop plugged in all the time can be harmful to the battery.

    Notebook batteries have improved in efficiency and durability due to technological advancements. Despite this, there remains uncertainty surrounding the impact of leaving a notebook charging continuously throughout the day on the battery.

    Does leaving the laptop plugged in damage the battery?

    Lithium-ion batteries found in modern laptops are more resilient to charge cycles than older models, but following certain practices can still prolong battery life and maintain device performance.

    Lithium-ion batteries have made significant progress in recent years, becoming lighter, more efficient, and exhibiting reduced memory effect compared to older nickel-cadmium batteries.

    This development debunked the belief that leaving the battery in the device all day would keep it alive, rendering this concern obsolete.

    Reprodução: Pixabay
    Imagem: timmossholder/FreePik

    Advantages of not bringing the notebook

    Practicality is a key benefit as you can work without interruptions by not having to constantly check the battery level.

    In certain models, connecting the notebook to power can result in a slight performance boost because the battery is not utilized, enabling the system to run more effectively.

    Dangers of leaving the notebook charging in the socket

    Continuous charging of modern batteries can gradually decrease their storage capacity and affect their autonomy, despite their improved durability.

    If the laptop is used with the charger in a warm or poorly ventilated place, overheating may occur and harm the internal parts.

    Keeping your laptop constantly plugged in can lead to higher energy usage, which will be reflected in a higher electricity bill.

    Tips on prolonging your Laptop’s battery lifespan

    • Keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% to maintain battery health, avoiding complete discharges to 0%.
    • Avoid keeping the battery at full charge all the time as it can lead to gradual deterioration, even in lithium-ion batteries.
    • Activate the Energy Saving Mode to decrease battery usage and extend its lifespan.
    • Keep your notebook in a cool and well-ventilated space to prevent potential damage to the battery and other parts of the device.
    • Many operating systems provide tools for calibrating the battery, which can enhance its performance over time.

    The choice of whether to keep your laptop plugged in all day relies on various factors, including the laptop model, usage frequency, and personal preferences. Generally, there are no significant issues with leaving the laptop connected to the power source, especially during long periods of use. However, it is important to adhere to specific guidelines to prolong the battery life and maintain the optimal performance of your device, ensuring consistent and reliable operation over an extended period.

  • Xiaomi surpasses Apple and is now the second biggest in the global smartphone industry.

    Xiaomi surpasses Apple and is now the second biggest in the global smartphone industry.

    In August 2024, Xiaomi rose to second place in worldwide smartphone sales, overtaking Apple for the first time since August 2021. Xiaomi maintained steady sales, while Apple experienced a decline during the same period, according to Counterpoint Research Smartphone 360 Monthly Tracker.

    Xiaomi surpasses Apple in sales in August.

    In August, the company exceeded market expectations by offsetting seasonal declines in its primary markets with growth fueled by promotions in Latin America. Xiaomi, along with other industry players, encountered significant challenges in 2023 following supply issues in 2022.

    Market-share de 2021 a 2024 no mercado global de smartphones. Imagem: Counterpoint/Reprodução
    Imagem: Peggychoucair/UnPlash

    Xiaomi made adjustments to its product strategy, sales, and channels after facing challenges in 2022 and the first half of 2023. As a result, the company has seen significant growth in the past year.

    This year, Xiaomi streamlined its product lineup by focusing on one main model per price range instead of releasing multiple devices in the same category. The company also expanded its sales and marketing efforts, entering new markets and strengthening its position in existing ones. Xiaomi’s performance is strong in the lower price ranges, particularly below $200, following the launch of the Redmi 13 and Note 13 series, which offer affordable 5G devices. Additionally, Xiaomi is making progress in the premium segment with foldable smartphones and ‘ultra’ devices. Many of Xiaomi’s key markets have seen economic improvement recently, leading to increased demand for devices in the lower price segments.

    Xiaomi’s models gained widespread popularity, helping the company increase its market share significantly in important regions like India, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In Brazil, Motorola surpasses Apple, with Xiaomi holding the fourth position in the country.

    Apple has the potential to reclaim the top position.

    Xiaomi’s rise to the second position in the market is attributed to its recent rapid growth and Apple’s seasonal decline in August. The upcoming launch of the iPhone 16 is expected to boost Apple’s sales and potentially help it reclaim the top spot. Xiaomi’s success highlights the increasing competition in the smartphone market driven by advancements in technology and pricing strategies. Factors like foldable smartphones and AI capabilities are enabling brands to stand out, emphasizing the importance of device ecosystem, product design, marketing, and research strategies demonstrated by Xiaomi’s recent growth.

    Source text