Google has announced that it will be bringing its AI editing tools on Google Photos to all users. This means that you’ll no longer need a Google One subscription, which starts from RM7.90/month, to get access to the app’s several AI tools.
The tools in question include Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Portrait light, and, most notably, Magic Editor. All these tools will be available to use to all Google Photos users starting 15 May, although the rollout will be gradual, so some users might have to wait a few weeks. This rollout will also include the Google Photos app on iOS, so iPhone users won’t miss out.
Google launched Magic Editor last year on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which uses generative AI to make complex edits such as repositioning objects and changing the colour of the sky in photos. With the update, this tool will expand to all Pixel devices with unlimited usage, while those on iOS and other Android devices will be limited to 10 Magic Editor saves per month unless they have a Google One subscription.
The tech giant’s global rollout of its AI photo editing tools certainly undercuts some OEM’s in-house tools that have so far seen only a very limited release to select models. Samsung’s Galaxy AI is only available on its high-end devices and is presumed to only be free for a limited time. Meanwhile, OnePlus has announced its AI Eraser tool for a small number of phones and OPPO is only updating its Reno11 series with AI Eraser.
Since the release of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, everyone has been talking about the new Galaxy AI and how it can redefine the word “smart” in smartphones. Though this new feature is an incredible boon to the device, not a lot of people know how to use it or make the most of it.
One particular feature is the Circle to Search with Google function that’s co-developed by Samsung and fellow tech giant Google, which is readily available on the new Galaxy S24 series. In this article, we’ll be giving you a rundown on how to maximise the use of this incredible tool to help you with your day-to-day task and then some.
Whether you’re travelling, cooking or simply browsing social media, you can take advantage of Circle to Search with Google to satisfy your curiosity whenever it strikes. Save the hassle of fumbling over words when looking for something that piques your interest, and get results fast with a simple gesture. With one of the world’s most powerful search engines supporting this feature, expect to learn about specific landmarks, foods and drinks, plants, animals and even clothing in more ways than one.
Say you’re browsing social media and an interesting monument passes through your feed. Before, you’d have to take a screenshot, switch to a search engine and type out a clunky description to look it up. Even then, results may vary due to certain inaccuracies. With Circle to Search with Google, a quick scribble is enough to quickly identify a subject or landmark that you could potentially add to your list of places to visit during your next adventures.
Furthermore, this feature is not just limited to pictures and videos, as Circle to Search with Google works on text as well. Whether you wish to know its definition or search relevant images, circling or highlighting words will deliver results all the same with this intelligent search function.
Another neat trick that this feature can do is help you with spending decisions. Planning on which restaurant you and your friends can hit up next? Simply highlight a restaurant’s name from a group chat with Circle to Search with Google and easily peruse its menus, view photos of popular dishes, look up reviews and more without even leaving the messaging app. It also allows you to shop what you see by encircling a specific outfit or piece of clothing, which would then point out any online store that offers it.
Feel free to circle anything that catches your eye, be it in a single frame of a YouTube video or an attached image in Gmail. In addition to direct image results and information on the chosen subject, this feature will suggest follow-up questions and more based on your search context.
Experience a new and fun way to search online now with Circle to Search with Google. Of course, this particular feature is only one of many useful tools offered by Samsung’s powerful Galaxy AI system that’s equipped on the all-new Galaxy S24 series. To learn more or to get your very own Galaxy S24 smartphone, kindly visit Samsung’s official website today.
Apple has started the week with a surprise by announcing a refresh for its MacBook Air series out of the blue. The line-up consists of 13-inch and 15-inch variants, equipped with the brand’s M3 chipset which was previously featured on its high-end MacBook Pro models.
Regardless of which, the new MacBook Air laptops look essentially the same as their respectivepredecessors, featuring the same 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch screens as well as a quad-speaker setup. The M3 chip is promised to offer a 60% increase in performance over the M1, while the onboard GPU is touted to be 15% more powerful than its M2 counterpart.
Alongside the chipset are memory configurations of up to 24GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage via SSD, though Apple Malaysia notes that the local options will only offer up to 16GB RAM and up to 512GB storage. Apart from that, the new MacBook Air comes with Wi-Fi 6E support, an integrated Force Touch trackpad, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, dual external display support, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
For the Malaysian market, the 13-inch MacBook Air M3 will be available starting from RM5,199 (RM4,729 for education), while the 15-inch variant starts from RM6,199 (RM5,729 for education). Apple has yet to confirm when the new line-up will arrive locally, but promises that pre-orders will be available soon.
On a related note, a prior rumour did suggest that the brand is expected to announce new products this week, including new MacBook Air models as well as new iPads and accessories. However, it appears that the tip was only half right as we’ve yet to see Apple introduce the remaining products.
In the ever-evolving landscape of wearable technology, OPPO Malaysia has unveiled its latest gem: the OPPO Watch X. With its fusion of exquisite design, cutting-edge technology, and seamless integration into the WearOS ecosystem, the OPPO Watch X sets a new standard for wearable excellence, enriching every facet of users’ lives.
Embark on adventures with confidence, knowing that the OPPO Watch X is equipped with a dual-frequency GPS system, akin to those found in flagship models. Harnessing the power of all five major global satellite navigation systems and operating on both L1 and L5 frequencies simultaneously, this timepiece ensures swift and precise location tracking, even in the most challenging environments. Say goodbye to the frustration of getting lost, as the OPPO Watch X boasts extended signal range, rapid satellite acquisition, and enhanced anti-interference capabilities, guaranteeing seamless navigation wherever your journey takes you.
Your Ultimate Fitness Ally: 100+ Sports Modes & Health Monitoring
Elevate your fitness regimen with the OPPO Watch X’s arsenal of over 100 sports modes, meticulously crafted to cater to every athlete’s needs. Experience the pinnacle of precision with OPPO’s exclusive self-developed Badminton Mode, capturing essential metrics such as swing action, speed, and consecutive shots with unparalleled accuracy. For the 11 most popular sports among them like running, badminton, tennis, swimming and skiing, OPPO has further optimised support to provide professional tracking to empower peak performance. With the watch’s advanced AI algorithms, automatic workout detection, and real-time heart rate monitoring, achieving your fitness goals has never been easier or more enjoyable.
Immerse yourself in a seamless digital experience with the OPPO Watch X’s flawless integration into the WearOS ecosystem. Receive and interact with notifications, control your music playback, and even locate your phone—all from the convenience of your wrist. With its intuitive user interface and intelligent features, the OPPO Watch X seamlessly bridges the gap between your digital world and the real one, empowering you to stay connected and in control at all times.
Unrivalled Performance, Unmatched Versatility: All-day Long Support
The OPPO Watch X stands as a testament to innovation and ingenuity as it is the only smartwatch in the market that features UDDE dual-engine hybrid technology. Seamlessly switching between low-power mode and smart applications, this watch delivers astounding performance and connectivity, ensuring that you stay ahead of the curve at all times. With its lightning-fast charging capabilities and intelligent power management features, the OPPO Watch X’s SuperVOOC Flash Charging technology grants a full day’s usage with just a 10-minute charge and can be fully charged in just an hour. It is ready to keep pace with your active lifestyle, day in and day out.
Elegance Redefined: Sapphire Crystal and Timeless Design
Embrace sophistication with the OPPO Watch X’s elegant design, featuring a stunning sapphire crystal that exudes luxury and refinement. Built to withstand the rigours of daily wear, this timepiece has undergone rigorous testing to ensure durability and reliability in any situation. From its scratch-resistant surface to its anti-fingerprint coating, every detail of the OPPO Watch X is crafted to perfection, making it the ultimate expression of style and sophistication.
Embrace the Future with OPPO Watch X
The OPPO Watch X represents a bold leap forward in the realm of wearable technology, combining style, functionality, and innovation in perfect harmony. Whether you’re navigating the urban jungle or pushing your limits in the gym, this watch is your ultimate companion, enriching every moment of your daily life. To experience the future of wearable technology, embrace the OPPO Watch X and elevate your journey to new heights by clicking here.
The OPPO Watch X is available for purchase for RM1,399 starting from today and is available in Platinum Black and Mars Brown variants. What is more exciting is that you can receive an RM100 instant rebate when purchasing the watch from 29 Feb – 21 April! And, you can also get an additional watch strap for just RM1 (RRP: RM129) while stocks last. Visit your nearest OPPO Experience Stores or OPPO Official Website to buy now!
The Meizu 21 Pro has officially launched in China, its latest flagship smartphone proceeding the standard model announced back in November. This could be one of the last smartphones we see from the company as it recently announced that it was exiting the phone market to focus on AI.
Be that as it may, the Meizu 21 Pro is packed with high-end specs that include the most powerful chipset from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. It sports a 6.79-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 1,250 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate.
For imaging, the brand replaced the 200MP shooter from the vanilla model with a 50MP main sensor alongside a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a ToF depth sensor. Up front, it features a 32MP selfie snapper.
Powering the device is a 5,050mAh battery with support for 80W wired and 50W wireless charging, as well as 10W reverse wireless charging. For protection, the phone has Titan Glass 2.0 and an IP68 dust and water resistance rating.
The Meizu 21 Pro comes in four colour options and starts from CNY5,000 (~RM3,290) for the base model. There is no word yet on whether the Pro will be coming to Malaysia, but the regular Meizu 21 is set to launch here on 5 March.
WhatsApp may be on a spree when it comes to updates with a pinned-to-top theme. Last month, the messaging service started letting users pin messages for groups and private chats. Now, it looks like it is testing a feature that allows events organised via its Communities feature to be pinned to the top.
As it is right now, group admins for WhatsApp Communities have to manually pin messages related to events to the top. But WABetaInfo has found evidence that events organised though Communities will be made to be automatically pinned within the community info screen. It’s not quite the same as pinning a message to the top, so it will still take some navigating to actually see it.
That being said though, it’s still a plus for members. This means no longer having to scroll up to look for details on events, and it wouldn’t matter if admins forgot to pin said message to the top either.
These details, as before, were discovered as part of a WhatsApp beta update for Android. Specifically for this feature, WABetaInfo says it’s part of the 2.23.21.12 update. No word on when it will be rolled out to the general user base, but we’ll likely hear from the Meta subsidiary when the time comes.
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