.::Tech Villa::.

Tecno has just introduced two new foldable smartphones—the Phantom V Fold2 and Phantom V Flip2—both featuring the company's new AI Suite. This marks the first time Tecno is offering pre-installed AI capabilities on their devices.

Phantom V Fold2:

Building on the success of its predecessor, the Phantom V Fold2 retains the powerful Dimensity 9000+ processor and the dual displays—a 7.85-inch inner display and a 6.42-inch cover screen. The most significant improvement, however, is its sleeker and lighter design. The phone measures just 6.1mm thin when unfolded and weighs a mere 249 grams, making it much more portable despite housing a larger battery.

One of the standout features is the Ella AI assistant, which is powered by Google’s Gemini AI. The assistant offers:

• Smart Q&A for real-time responses
• AI Translation during calls
• AI Writing for text summarization, content creation, and proofreading
• AI Wallpaper generation from text prompts
• AI Artboard for turning rough sketches into detailed designs.

The camera setup includes three 50MP sensors for wide, ultra-wide, and portrait shots, along with two 32MP selfie cameras—one on the inner display and one on the cover screen. Additionally, the 24GB RAM (12GB physical + 12GB virtual) and 512GB storage make it ideal for power users. It also features a 5,750mAh battery with 70W wired and 15W wireless charging support, all for an affordable price of $1,099. The Phantom V Fold2 will be available in Africa from September 23, followed by other regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Phantom V Flip2:

The Phantom V Flip2 brings a fresh approach to Tecno’s flip-style foldables. The most noticeable upgrade is the 3.64-inch square cover display with 1,056 x 1,056 resolution, replacing the smaller circular screen from the previous version. The main display is a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution.

Despite the improved display, the Flip2 remains lightweight at under 200 grams and has a compact design, measuring 7.6mm thin when unfolded and 16mm when folded. The cover screen can now handle over 2,000 apps without needing to open the main display and supports a full keyboard for quick messaging and dialing. Tecno also introduced fun interactive features like customizable pets and a desktop application center for multitasking.

Both devices demonstrate Tecno's commitment to offering high-quality foldables with competitive features and pricing, positioning them as strong contenders in the global smartphone market.

In an ongoing effort to combat iPhone theft, Apple has introduced a groundbreaking update with the release of iOS 18. According to reports, the new software extends the Activation Lock feature beyond the device itself to include individual components such as batteries, cameras, and displays. This move aims to deter thieves from reselling stolen iPhone parts by linking them directly to the original owner's Apple Account.

Tackling the Stolen Parts Market

Historically, stolen iPhones have been made useless due to Apple's Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorized access to the phone. However, a thriving gray market emerged where stolen devices were stripped down and their parts sold off. The latest iOS update closes this loophole, ensuring that components like screens and cameras are bound to the owner's Apple ID.

With iOS 18, any attempt to replace key components prompts the iPhone to request the Apple Account password of the original owner. If the correct credentials aren’t provided, the replacement part will have limited functionality, making it more difficult for thieves to profit from stolen devices.

Apple’s decision to implement this enhanced security feature comes in response to demands from both users and law enforcement, who have urged the tech giant to make iPhones less attractive to thieves. By adding this additional layer of protection, Apple hopes to further reduce the market for stolen parts.

Currently, the feature is being tested by developers and public beta users, with plans to roll out iOS 18 to the public on September 16. The new Activation Lock feature will be available on iPhone XR and later models, with iPads running iPadOS 18 unaffected.

Samsung is making it easier than ever to track your devices, even if they aren’t connected to the internet. With the Find My Device feature, you’ve been able to locate your devices when they’re online. But what about when they go offline? Samsung’s all-new Find My Device network has you covered.

With this update, you'll be able to track your Samsung devices even when they’re disconnected from the internet. On top of that, you'll also be able to locate compatible Fast Pair accessories, such as earbuds, headphones, and trackers attached to essentials like your wallet, keys, or bike—whether they’re connected to your phone or not.

The Power of the Android Community

Samsung’s Find My Device network taps into the expansive Android community, which boasts over a billion devices. This network allows you to track your items even when they’re offline. Here’s how it works: devices within the network use Bluetooth to scan for nearby items. When a device detects one of your offline items, it securely sends the location to your Find My Device account. Your Samsung devices will contribute to the community too, helping others find their lost items in the same way.

Privacy Comes First

Samsung takes your privacy seriously. The locations of your devices are encrypted with your PIN, pattern, or password, ensuring that only you (and those you share your device with) can see its location. This data won’t be visible to Samsung or Google, nor will it be used for any other purpose outside of locating your devices.

Opting In or Out: Your Choice

In a few days, Samsung devices will automatically be enrolled in this feature, and you’ll receive a notification once it’s activated. Don’t want to participate? You can opt out before the feature is enabled by visiting Find My Device on the web. Even after the feature is turned on, you can always manage your device’s participation through the Find My Device settings.

The Samsung Find My Device network offers peace of mind by enabling you to locate your devices and essential belongings, no matter if they’re online or offline. Thanks to the power of the Android community, lost items are now easier to recover than ever—all while keeping your privacy intact.

Google is making a bold move in the tech industry with the launch of its Pixel 9 lineup, which includes three traditional smartphones and a foldable model. This new release, combined with a fresh range of smartwatches and earbuds, marks a significant step in Google’s strategy to rival Apple and Samsung. With a strong focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its products, Google is showcasing these devices as the ultimate way to experience its latest AI innovations.

Pixel 9 Lineup: A New Era of Design and Performance

The Pixel 9 series introduces a shift in design for Google, moving away from the curved aesthetics of previous models to a more refined look with an oval-shaped camera housing. The lineup includes the base Pixel 9 with a 6.3-inch display, the Pixel 9 Pro XL with a 6.8-inch screen, and a new, more compact Pixel 9 Pro option with a 6.3-inch screen. Each device is equipped with Google’s updated G4 Tensor chip, which promises better performance, enhanced battery life, and a new satellite SOS feature.

While the Pixel 9 starts at $799, which is $100 more than last year’s model, the Pixel 9 Pro is priced at $999, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL at $1,099. Both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL will begin shipping on August 22, with the smaller Pixel 9 Pro following in September.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Bigger Screens, Slimmer Profile

In addition to the three standard Pixel devices, Google has unveiled the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This refreshed foldable is thinner and taller than its predecessor, measuring just 5.1mm when unfolded, compared to 5.8mm previously. The device offers larger displays, with a 6.3-inch external screen and an 8-inch internal display, which boasts a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, significantly higher than the 1,450 nits on the original Pixel Fold.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is priced at $1,799 and will be available starting September 4.

AI Features Galore: Elevating the User Experience

Google’s new Pixel devices are deeply integrated with the company’s Gemini AI assistant, allowing users to find information within apps, answer questions about recently taken photos, and more. The Pixel 9 series also introduces two new AI-powered apps: Pixel Screenshots, which uses on-device AI to search for information in saved screenshots, and Pixel Studio, a text-to-image generator.

Moreover, the Pixel 9 lineup’s upgraded cameras are complemented by advanced AI image editing tools, including a new “Add Me” option that allows users to seamlessly insert themselves into group photos by stitching scenes together. Google Photos’ Magic Editor now also supports generative AI, enabling users to replace entire sections of a photo, such as the sky.

Pixel Watch 3: Bigger and Smarter

The Pixel Watch 3 has been upgraded with a new 45mm option in addition to the existing 41mm model. The design remains largely unchanged, but the watch now features thinner bezels, offering more screen real estate, and a brighter display that reaches up to 2,000 nits. Notably, the Pixel Watch 3 introduces an ultra wideband chip and new fitness features.

A standout feature of the Pixel Watch 3 is its ability to detect if the wearer’s pulse has stopped, automatically calling emergency services if the user doesn’t respond to a prompt and the watch senses no movement. This feature will initially roll out in Europe. The 41mm model starts at $349.99, while the 45mm version starts at $399.99, with both becoming available on September 10.

Pixel Buds Pro 2: Smaller, Lighter, and More Capable

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 have been revamped, now 27% smaller and 24% lighter than before. They are equipped with 11-millimeter drivers and a new Tensor A1 chip that enhances active noise cancellation (ANC). The earbuds also feature a new wing fin design for better stability during workouts and offer up to eight hours of audio playback with ANC enabled, or up to 30 hours with the charging case.

Priced at $229, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are slightly more expensive than their predecessors, which launched at $200. They will be available starting September 26.

Google Launches Gemini Live Voice Chat

Finally, Google is rolling out Gemini Live, a voice chat option first announced at I/O in May. This feature is now available to Gemini Advanced subscribers, allowing users to ask questions aloud and receive responses in one of ten different voices. Similar to ChatGPT’s voice assistant, Gemini Live supports conversational interactions, enabling users to interrupt the AI mid-sentence if needed.

Globacom has introduced an exciting new data offering called My-G Data Bundles, designed specifically for the youth in Nigeria. These lifestyle-focused bundles give young subscribers the freedom to express themselves and stay connected to the things they love, all at highly affordable rates.

What's in the My-G Data Bundles?

With My-G Data Bundles, Glo subscribers can enjoy seamless access to their favorite music and entertainment apps, including WhatsApp, TikTok, Snapchat, BoomPlay, Audiomack, Instagram, and GloTV. The bundles come in four different price options, each offering great value:

• N100 Bundle: 400MB of data with a 1-day validity.
• N200 Bundle: 1GB of data with a 3-day validity.
• N500 Bundle: 1.5GB of data with a 7-day validity.
• N1,000 Bundle: 3.5GB of data with a 30-day validity.

Additionally, every My-G Bundle comes with 1 extra hour of data, exclusively for use on WhatsApp, TikTok, Snapchat, BoomPlay, Audiomack, Instagram, or GloTV, giving subscribers even more reason to stay connected and entertained.

How to Subscribe

Subscribing to the My-G Data Bundle is simple. All you need to do is dial *312# on your Glo line, navigate to the My-G Data Bundles menu, and choose the package that suits your needs.

These bundles are available to all existing and new Glo customers. Plus, they can be shared with or gifted to friends and family, spreading the fun even further.

Google DeepMind has made a major breakthrough by training a robot to play table tennis at an amateur competitive level. This marks the first time a robot has been taught to play a sport with humans at a similar skill level.

The robot, equipped with a 3D-printed paddle, played 29 full games against human opponents of varying abilities, winning 13 of them. While it managed to beat all beginner-level players and 55% of amateur-level players, it still lost to advanced players. Despite these losses, the achievement is impressive and shows significant progress in robotic capabilities.

How It Works

Training the robot to play table tennis wasn’t easy. The robot needed to develop hand-eye coordination, move quickly, and make split-second decisions—skills that are challenging even for humans. Google DeepMind used computer simulations to help the robot learn basic hitting skills, and then fine-tuned its abilities using real-world data from actual games.

Importance

This isn’t just about playing games. The research represents a step toward creating robots that can perform useful tasks skillfully and safely in real environments, like homes and warehouses. The techniques used to train this table tennis robot could be applied to many other areas, helping robots work more effectively alongside humans.

Pannag Sanketi, the lead engineer on the project, was impressed with the robot’s performance: “The system certainly exceeded our expectations. The way the robot outmaneuvered even strong opponents was mind-blowing.”

While the robot is not yet a strong player, this achievement shows that we’re on the right path to creating robots that can interact with humans in more complex and meaningful ways.

Telegram has introduced several new features that enhance the user experience and bring Web3 technology to nearly a billion users.

In-App Browser with Multi-Tab Support

The new in-app browser now supports multiple tabs, allowing seamless navigation between messages, websites, instant view articles, and mini apps. It also supports decentralized websites hosted on the TON blockchain, making Web3 accessible to Telegram's vast user base. You can bookmark pages and easily return to them later.

Mini App Store

A new 'Apps' tab in the search feature showcases frequently used and popular mini apps, making it easy to discover and access games and services. Developers can now include video demos and screenshots to preview their mini apps. Mini apps using Telegram Stars may be highlighted in the 'Popular Apps' section.

Sharing Stories from Mini Apps

Mini apps can now generate custom content, such as AI-generated videos or leaderboards, for users to share as Telegram Stories directly from the app.

Gifting Stars

Telegram Stars, which can be used for digital purchases or premium content, can now be gifted to friends. Special animations highlight gifted stars, especially on birthdays.

Front Flash for Video Messages

A new front flash feature enhances video messages recorded in low light. Simply activate it while recording to brighten your screen.

Weather Widget in Stories

An animated weather widget can now be added to stories, automatically displaying in Celsius or Fahrenheit based on the viewer's device settings, along with moon phases at night.

Customizable Story Covers

Users can choose specific frames as cover photos for their video stories, offering more control over their profile's appearance.

These updates make Telegram more versatile and user-friendly, offering enhanced navigation, sharing, and customization options.

On July 10, 2024, Samsung unveiled its first smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, at the Samsung Unpacked event. This device tracks essential health metrics like sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and workouts, with AI insights via the Samsung Health app.

The Galaxy Ring is set to challenge the Oura Ring, a leading smart ring. While Oura works with Android and iPhone, the Galaxy Ring requires a Samsung phone but has no subscription fees.

At the unveiling, the Galaxy Ring impressed with its design, comfort, and light weight. It comes in black, silver, and gold, and is available for pre-order at $399, shipping by the end of July.

Key Features

• Release Date: Preorder from July 10, shipping late July
• Price: $399
• Health Features: Heart rate, sleep, "Vitality" score, skin temperature, period predictions
• Design: Available in black, gold, silver, sizes 5-12
• Battery Life: Up to 7 days, with three battery sizes (17 mAh, 18.5 mAh, 22 mAh)

The Galaxy Ring includes sensors for heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, and an accelerometer. It syncs data with the Samsung Health app, providing AI-powered health insights. It also supports gesture controls for Galaxy devices.

Samsung is ready for legal challenges from Oura, indicating confidence in the Galaxy Ring’s features. At N550,000 in Nigeria, it's more expensive than the Oura Ring but may be cheaper over time due to no subscription fees.