Month: September 2024

Categories
Gadgets Review Samsung Smartphones

Samsung Exclusive Features: What Sets Galaxy Devices Apart

We all know that each smartphone brand brings something unique to the table. So because of this, I’m starting this article series about the top smartphone manufacturers and the exclusive and unique features on their phones only,or maybe their flagships only. We’re using a list provided by ChatGPT, which ranked the smartphones on its own to have zero bias.

First up is Samsung, one of the most popular smartphone manufacturers out there. Samsung has been a trailblazer in the smartphone industry, offering innovative features that set its devices apart. Now, without further ado, let’s look at some of the exclusive features that make Samsung smartphones stand out.

1. Edge Panels

Samsung’s Edge Panels are one of the most iconic features. They allow users to access apps, tools, contacts, and even widgets from a customizable side panel that slides out from the edge of the screen. The edge panels are designed for quick multitasking, and you can add shortcuts for pretty much anything, your most-used apps, weather updates, or even a clipboard history. Instead of navigating multiple menus, they make it easy to keep your go-to tools at your fingertips, perfect for power users who need instant access to everything.

Here’s a good scenario, imagine you’re in the middle of watching a YouTube video, but you quickly need to check your email or calculator, because, well I don’t really know why you’d need to do that, but instead of exiting the app, a simple swipe from the side gives you access to everything you need.

2. Samsung DeX

Samsung DeX is another exclusive game-changer for Galaxy users, and it’s underrated in my opinion. DeX allows you to turn your smartphone into a desktop like experience by connecting it to a monitor/TV or even using it wirelessly. Once connected, your phone operates like a PC, with a desktop interface, multiple resizable windows, and full keyboard and mouse support. You can run productivity apps like Microsoft Office or even browse the web as you would on a laptop. DeX is perfect for those who want to reduce their device load,why carry around a laptop and a phone when your Galaxy device can be both? Oh and you can even connect wireless peripherals to your phone to get the full desktop experience, I guess you can do the same with wired ones but you’d need an adapter for that.

I’ve personally used DeX, testing it, and it’s surprising how productive you can be by just connecting your phone to a TV or monitor. It’s a unique feature that adds real value if you’re someone who needs to be productive on the go, or if you’re someone like me who gets impressed by anything like this.

3. S Pen Support

One of the most loved features for those who use Galaxy Note or the Galaxy S Ultra series is S Pen support. Samsung’s stylus is not just for doodling; it offers precision and functionality that make it a powerful productivity tool. From jotting down quick notes on your screen to precise editing in design apps, the S Pen feels smooth and intuitive. It’s great for artists, students, or professionals who prefer handwritten notes or need to annotate documents on the go.

The Air Actions feature, which lets you control the phone using gestures in the air, is another cool aspect. For example, you can snap photos(which I guess others think it’s a great idea to have a button for), control presentations, or even navigate apps without touching the screen. The S Pen is a whole new way of interacting with your device.

4. Bixby

While voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri are widely used, Bixby is Samsung’s homegrown AI assistant, designed specifically for Galaxy devices. Bixby goes beyond simple voice commands and offers a more integrated experience with Samsung’s ecosystem. It helps you manage smart devices via SmartThings, automate tasks with Bixby Routines, and even control your phone hands-free.

For example, you can say, “Bixby, start my morning routine,” and it’ll turn on the lights, read your schedule, and play your favorite playlist. Sure, Google Assistant might do something similar with way better execution, but Bixby shines in how deeply it integrates with the Galaxy device itself and the Samsung ecosystem. So while Google Assistant and Siri are relatively better, Bixby is still unique in it’s own way.

5. Secure Folder

If privacy and security are at the top of your priorities, Samsung’s Secure Folder is a must have. This feature creates a private, encrypted space on your phone where you can store sensitive apps, files, and documents. Everything inside the Secure Folder is separated from the rest of the phone, requiring an additional layer of authentication, whether it’s a password, fingerprint, or face recognition.

This feature is perfect for people who need to keep work and personal data separate or want an extra level of security for confidential files. It’s like having a hidden vault on your device that only you can access. This “Secure folder” won’t be samsung exclusive for long though, as Android 15 is bringing a similar one called Private Space.

6. SmartThings Integration

Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem allows you to control all your smart home devices directly from your Galaxy phone. Whether it’s adjusting the thermostat, checking security cameras, or turning off lights, SmartThings acts as a universal remote for your connected home. The deep integration with Galaxy devices makes it super easy to manage your entire smart ecosystem from a single app, which is a big win for smart home enthusiasts.

7. Single Take Camera Mode

For the photographers out there, Samsung’s Single Take camera mode is an exclusive feature that adds a fun, dynamic layer to the camera experience. With one press of the shutter button, Single Take captures a variety of formats, photos, videos, GIFs, and even short clips, from different camera angles and effects. It’s perfect for those moments when you’re not sure what’s going to look best, giving you a whole bunch of options without having to retake multiple shots.

It’s like being your own little photographer and director at the same time! Whether it’s for capturing a birthday party, your dog running around, or a sunset, you get everything from slow motion to wide-angle shots with just one tap.

8. Knox Security

Samsung Knox is an enterprise-grade security platform that offers multiple layers of protection for your Galaxy device. So whether you’re a casual user or a business professional, Knox provides strong encryption, malware protection, and real-time monitoring. It’s built directly into the hardware and software of the device, making it one of the most secure options available on the consumer market.

9. AR Zone

Samsung’s AR Zone adds augmented reality (AR) features like AR Doodle, AR Emoji, and AR Stickers to Galaxy devices. You can doodle on your surroundings using the camera, create your own emojis, and have fun with animated stickers that react to your facial expressions. It’s a creative, interactive way to play with AR, adding a fun touch to everyday phone use.

10. Director’s View

If you’re a content creator or love making videos, Director’s View is an awesome feature on Galaxy devices. This allows you to switch between different camera lenses in real-time while recording video, like having a multi-camera setup in your hand. You can capture both wide and zoom shots simultaneously, giving you more creative control without needing to edit in post-production.

Conclusion

These exclusive features make Samsung Galaxy devices a must-have for users who value innovation and an enhanced mobile experience. Stay tuned for my next article, where we’ll explore the exclusive features of the second most popular smartphone manufacturer, and remember, it’s the second most popular according to ChatGPT,not me so don’t come after my head because of these rankings, I’m just saying. Anyways, you won’t want to miss it!

Main Keyword: Samsung Galaxy exclusive features

Categories
AI OpenAI Review Software

This GPT has a PhD: Hear Me Out!

AI just got smarter, and I mean really smart. OpenAI’s new o1 series, which was released in September 2024, brings a new level of reasoning to the table. This model was designed to slow down and think before it responds, making it a first-of-its-kind model when it comes to handling tough problems in fields like math, coding, and science. It’s even being compared to a PhD student because it can tackle incredibly complex tasks with ease. But, unless you’re subscribed to ChatGPT Plus or Team, you won’t be able to experience this impressive jump in AI tech just yet.

So, what makes this model special? I’ll tell you a little story. After hearing all the hype about the model’s reasoning capabilities, I decided to test it out myself. I asked a simple question: “How many R’s are in ‘Strawberry’?” I had done this with other models before, but they often tripped up on such simple tasks. However, o1 nailed it on the first try, 3 R’s—without hesitation. This was the first AI model I’ve used that got it right the first time. That’s when I knew OpenAI wasn’t kidding about the o1’s problem-solving skills, oh and it does more than just find the number of R’s in strawberry lol.

It’s Smarter

The key feature that sets o1 apart from earlier models like GPT-4o is its ability to think longer before responding. Unlike GPT-4o, which prioritizes fluency and speed, o1 has been trained to slow down and evaluate problems carefully. This approach is essential for complex tasks that require deep reasoning, such as solving high-level math equations, debugging code, or even understanding advanced chemistry problems. OpenAI claims this model’s problem-solving abilities mirror those of PhD students, especially in disciplines like physics and biology, so yeah, I think you see where the title is coming from.

For example, in the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) qualifying exams, GPT-4o managed to solve only 13% of the problems. In contrast, the o1 model correctly answered an impressive 83% of the same problems. Which is way more than my best marks in school, probably. So this speaks volumes about its performance in challenging technical tasks.

However, there’s a bit of a trade-off. The model takes longer to generate responses because it’s reasoning through the task. This won’t be a problem if you’re tackling complex challenges, but if you need something quick and less precise, GPT-4o might still be your go to.

Real-World Use Cases

The OpenAI o1 series shines in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields. If you’re a developer, data scientist, or engineer, you’ll love its ability to reason through intricate problems. OpenAI reported that o1 reached the 89th percentile in coding contests on Codeforces, a competitive programming platform. Imagine the possibilities if you’re stuck on a difficult algorithm or need to debug a large chunk of code, o1 can help you sort through it with its powerful reasoning capabilities.

Beyond coding, its performance in chemistry and biology means it could assist researchers in analyzing complex datasets or even devising new experiment strategies. It’s designed to be a partner for those in technical roles who need more than just casual conversations or superficial responses from their AI.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that GPT-4o might still have the edge when it comes to creative writing or more general tasks. The o1 model sacrifices some writing fluidity in favour of technical proficiency. So, depending on what you need, one model may be more suited to you than the other. This also implies that this model wasn’t made for everyone, unlike GPT 4o.

Want more AI insights like this? Don’t forget to subscribe to the Tino Talks Tech newsletter or allow notifications so you never miss out!

Categories
Android itel Review Zimbabwe

itel Eww, What’s That? My itel P65 Review

You know that feeling when you look at a new device, and you just don’t know how to feel about it? That’s exactly where I stand with the itel P65. When it comes to design, I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. There’s a lot going on with this phone, some of it is clever, a lot of it feels a bit… borrowed. Let’s break this down.

Design: Borrowed or Inspired?

First off, can we talk about how much this phone “borrows” from other manufacturers? Now, don’t get me wrong, everyone does it, remember Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds 3 that look suspiciously like AirPods Pros). But itel? They didn’t just take one or two cues, they went on a full shopping spree and stuffed their cart with all the popular guys have to offer.

The design itself isn’t ugly. It has this sleek, futuristic vibe with a slight Nothing Phone flair. Imagine if Nothing had a budget smartphone with a metallic, semi-industrial look, that’s what the itel P65 brings to the table. It’s almost like they wanted to create a “metallic Nothing Phone,” if that was even a thing.

But it doesn’t stop there. They threw in what they call a “Dynamic Light Show”, which is essentially an LED under the flashlight that pulses with notifications and when you charge the phone. Does this sound familiar? Yeah, glyph lights… Now, a lot of Chinese manufacturers are doing this whole Dynamic Island knock-off trend, and itel couldn’t resist jumping in, although they have also done it with previous models as well, it’s still something they “borrowed”. I’m all for adapting to current trends, but it feels like they’ve put on too many “inspired” features without truly nailing any one of them.

And wait… there’s more! They’ve also added a third button they’re calling the “Flex Button.” Now, we’ve seen something like this before on other “phones”, where it’s a customizable button for quick access to apps or shortcuts. Again, a solid idea from… if it wasn’t for the fact that it feels more like an attempt to stuff every popular feature into one device. The execution? Well, let’s just say it leaves a little to be desired.

The Specs

Despite all the flashy add-ons, the P65 is still a budget phone, and the specs reflect that. Here’s what we’re working with:

  • Network Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE
  • Dimensions: 165.9 x 77.3 x 7.9 mm, weighing 192.4g
  • Display: 6.7-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate, 720 x 1600 pixels (~262 PPI)
  • Operating System: Android 14, itel OS 14
  • Chipset: Unisoc T615 (12nm)
  • CPU: Octa-core (2×1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)
  • Memory Options: 128GB with 4GB/8GB RAM or 256GB with 6GB RAM
  • Camera: 50 MP main camera, 8 MP selfie camera
  • Battery: 5000 mAh, 18W wired charging (40% in 30 mins)
  • Extras: LED notification ring, “Dynamic Bar” light show, Flex Button, USB-C, 3.5mm jack, NFC (on the 256GB/6GB model)
  • Price: Roughly $120–$130 USD depending on the configuration

The Processor: Unisoc T615

This is where the conversation gets serious. Powered by the Unisoc T615, a chipset we typically see in budget devices(like this one), this phone’s performance is decent but not groundbreaking which is not something to sulk about since it’s a budget smartphone. With an octa-core configuration, it handles everyday tasks like browsing and social media without much fuss or at least they say it does. But if you’re looking to push it with more demanding apps, it might struggle. Any moderate gaming or multitasking across power-hungry applications? Yeah, that’s not happening smoothly on this chipset.

The Unisoc T615 isn’t a terrible processor, it’s efficient and gets the job done for basic needs. But in 2024, when even budget phones are starting to push boundaries with performance, it feels like itel isn’t quite keeping up with the curve. And for a company trying to wow us with flashy design features, they could have done better in the performance department.

Conclusion

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Wow, you really don’t like itel.” I’ve written about their phones several times before, and while many of those articles have leaned negative, it’s because I’ve been mostly disappointed with them. Here are a few of them:

The truth is, I don’t hate the company. I don’t expect a $130 phone to blow me away,no one does, but when a company starts borrowing design ideas from everywhere and tries to cover up lackluster performance with gimmicks, it leaves a bad taste. Itel is in a unique position to dominate the budget phone market, but they seem more focused on being flashy than providing genuine innovation or substantial upgrades.

It’s frustrating because I know they can do better. Their devices have potential, but they often fall short by trying to do too much without focusing on what truly matters: performance, user experience, and meaningful features.

P.S. If you found this take helpful or entertaining, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter or allow notifications for more honest tech reviews.

Categories
AI Gemini Google

Google’s GenAI is Too Impressive

So, I was scrolling through Instagram the other day and came across some mind-blowing images showing how powerful Google’s Generative AI is on the new Pixel 9. These images were posted by The Verge, and I have to say, they stopped me in my tracks. They made it clear that Google’s Magic Editor is next-level stuff, and I couldn’t wait to dig deeper.

Take a look at the side-by-side image in the thumbnail. On the left, you’ve got an ordinary, quiet street, nothing exciting. But on the right? It’s been completely transformed into the aftermath of a dramatic car crash, complete with wrecked vehicles and scattered debris. This transformation was done with just a few taps using Google’s Magic Editor on the Pixel 9. It’s crazy how much of a difference this AI-powered tool can make, and it has the potential to change the way we think about editing photos.

What is Generative AI?

First things first, let’s quickly break down what Generative AI is. In simple terms, Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content based on patterns it’s learned from existing data. This includes everything from text to art, and of course, photos. In the case of Google’s Pixel 9, it means you can take a regular image and transform it in all sorts of ways, like adding objects, changing the lighting, or, as in the thumbnail, turning an empty street into a scene from a movie. The AI fills in the blanks in a way that looks natural and believable.

Now if you don’t understand it, let’s put it this way. Imagine you’re drawing, but instead of doing it yourself, you tell an incredibly talented robot what you want, and it just gets it right every time. You ask for a car crash in a peaceful scene? Boom, the robot adds a perfect one, and it looks like it was always there. *chuckles. I’m great at explaining 😉

Why Google’s Pixel 9 GenAI is a Game-Changer

I’ve seen and tried my fair share of mobile built-in editing tools over the years, but what Google is doing with the Pixel 9’s Magic Editor takes things to a whole new level. From the examples I found on Instagram, it’s clear that this isn’t just about small tweaks to brightness or filters. Google’s Generative AI can completely reshape your photos, adding new objects or even reimagining entire environments, all in a few quick steps.

Take the thumbnail again: in the original shot, it’s just a calm, quiet street. But the edited version tells a whole different story, turning that peaceful scene into something intense, the aftermath of a crash. And the most mind-blowing part? It’s not just a quick Photoshop job, the AI understands context. It knew how to position the vehicles and add debris in a way that matches the scene perfectly. You could easily mistake the edited version for a real photo of a car accident.

Why Google’s Magic Editor is So Impressive

Here’s a breakdown of what makes Google’s Magic Editor such a banger:

  1. AI-Powered Scene Editing: The Pixel 9’s Generative AI goes beyond just touching up photos. You can change the story of an image, like in the crash scene example. The AI doesn’t just plop objects in your photo, it seamlessly integrates them into the environment, so it feels like they were always there.
  2. Add or Remove Objects with Ease: One of the coolest features is the ability to add or remove objects at will. Let’s say you want to erase a random person from your vacation shot or add something like a rainbow to your landscape pic. Done. And when you remove something, the AI fills in the background so naturally that you’d never know anything was missing.
  3. Quick Edits, Big Changes: Traditional editing software can take forever to get right, especially if you’re not a pro. But with the Magic Editor, it seems like you can make massive changes in a matter of seconds. Just look at the street scene example, what would take hours in Photoshop was done in a few taps with AI.
  4. Super Easy to Use: The best part? You don’t need to be a tech guru to make these changes. From what I’ve seen in the demos and examples, Google’s Magic Editor is intuitive and user-friendly. It’s perfect for people like me who love to edit photos but don’t have the time or skills to mess with complicated software.
  5. Natural, Realistic Results: One thing that stands out is how realistic the edits look. Sometimes, with other tools, you can tell when a photo’s been altered, the lighting’s off, or the objects don’t quite blend in. But Google’s Generative AI gets it right. The crash scene looks believable as if the wrecked car and debris were there.

The Future of GenAI

While photo editing is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Generative AI, its potential goes way beyond that. Google’s Generative AI could soon be applied to video editing, content creation, and even productivity tools. Imagine being able to edit videos, create presentations, or generate marketing visuals all from your phone, without needing to rely on heavy software. The possibilities are huge.

If you want to stay updated on the latest in tech, be sure to subscribe to the Tino Talks Tech newsletter and enable notifications. Here are more examples by The Verge: