Meta’s Thread will soon offer its users the option to delete their account without any impact on their Instagram profile, as revealed by a Meta executive at a recent event. The company is actively developing a distinct delete feature for Threads, expected for potential release by December this year. Threads, introduced by Meta in July as a competition to Elon Musk’s X (formerly called Twitter), swiftly gained popularity, with over 10 million sign-ups within its initial hours of launch.

Previously, a significant drawback of Meta’s Threads was its account deletion policy, where deleting a Threads account meant mandatory deletion of the associated Instagram account due to tight integration. However, it appears that Meta is addressing this issue as well.

According to a TechCrunch report, Meta’s chief Privacy Officer (Product), Michel Protti, announced at TechCrunch Disrupt that the company is actively working on a feature allowing users to delete their Threads account independently without affecting their Instagram account. This new feature is expected to be rolled out by December later this year.

These features will be available in which versions?

While he did not specify whether this feature will be exclusive to Android or iOS apps or if it will also extend to the desktop version, he did elaborate that the task of implementing this feature is extremely challenging. As of now, users have the option to deactivate their Threads account and hide the content, all without affecting their Instagram account. Additionally, users can choose to mute their Threads account, preventing notifications.

He also mentioned that the company is actively working on integrating Threads with the fediverse, an interconnected network of independent servers designed for smooth communication. This aligns with Meta's earlier statement about Threads being compatible with the ActivityPub protocol. However, Meta is carefully assessing situations where a user opts to delete a Threads post after it has been transmitted to another server.

As mentioned earlier, Threads was introduced by Meta in July of this year and quickly amassed over 10 million users within the initial hours of its launch.

Google is saying goodbye to its Google Play Movies & TV app as part of a strategic shift to combine its entertainment offerings. The tech company is planning to gradually phase out this app, transitioning Android and iOS users to the Google TV app while also removing the app from platforms such as Roku and many smart TVs.

While Google Play Movies & TV is scheduled to bid its ultimate farewell in January, Google has laid out a roadmap for users to smoothly continue their entertainment journey, ensuring uninterrupted access to their downloaded shows and movies from the app.

What Does Google’s Help Page Say?

As per information on Google’s Android TV Help support page, individuals using a TV or streaming device run by Android TV will notice that starting from January 17, the Shop tab within the YouTube app will become their new destination for buying and renting movies and TV shows. This adjustment further aims to facilitate a smooth transition for users who are familiar with the Google Play Movies & TV interface on Android TV.

Similarly, cable boxes and set-top boxes utilizing Android TV will shift their movie and TV show-watching and renting services to the YouTube app, replacing the functions previously handled by the Google Play Movies & TV app. Similarly, web users will find their entertainment hub transitioning to YouTube as well.

“As a result of these updates, Google Play Movies & TV will no longer be available on Android TV devices or the Google Play website. However, all your previously purchased titles (including ongoing rentals) will remain accessible on Android TV devices, Google TV devices, the Google TV mobile app (for Android and iOS), and YouTube,” as stated on the support page.

Already Begun Redirection

Meanwhile, as reported by 9to5 Google, the company has already initiated the redirection of users to the Shop tab within the YouTube app, ensuring a smooth continuation of their entertainment journey. This move aligns with Google’s dedication to preserving user access to their bought content, ensuring a seamless transition despite platform alterations.

The report indicates that Google’s decision to consolidate its entertainment services within the YouTube platform resonates with a larger pattern observed across the tech and entertainment landscape. Similar strategies can be seen in Apple’s recent update to its TV app, smoothly combining Apple TV+ content with movie and TV show purchases and rentals. This trend reflects the industry-wide emphasis on simplifying user experience and providing more integrated solutions.

OnePlus has officially launched the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus12R in the Indian market. These latest flagship smartphones were unveiled at a special event in New Delhi. This introduction coincides with the company’s tenth-anniversary celebration. 

Pete Lau, the founder of OnePlus, expressed enthusiasm about the OnePlus 12, describing it as a comprehensive flagship phone that signifies the brand’s decade-long technological leadership.

Here are the essential details that you need to know about the newly launched smartphone from OnePlus-

1. The Price of the OnePlus 12 starts at Rs 64,999

The price for the base model of the OnePlus 12, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, begins at Rs 64,999. Meanwhile, the 16GB+512GB variant is available at Rs 69,999. Starting from January 30, the OnePlus 12 will be available for purchase through the OnePlus website, Amazon, and various retail outlets.

2. Color Options of OnePlus 12

The OnePlus 12 smartphone is available in two color variants which include, Flowy Emerald and Silky Black.

3. OnePlus operates on the most recent version of the Android operating system

Out of the box, the OnePlus 12 features OxygenOS 14, built on Android 14 and supports dual SIM functionality.

4. Having a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, the device features Gorilla Glass protection on both front and back panels

The OnePlus 12 features a front-facing punch-hole style notch design. The smartphone showcases a 6.82-inch quad-HD+ (1,440 x 3,168 pixels) LTPO 4.0 AMOLED screen, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and Corning Glass 5 on the back. OnePlus claims that the display achieves a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, with a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. Additionally, the device has dimensions measuring 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15mm and weighs 220g.

5. Powered by the most powerful Android processor available

The OnePlus 12 is equipped with Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, acclaimed as the most powerful Android processor. This System-on-chip (SoC) comes with a maximum of 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.

6. The OnePlus 12 features a triple rear camera arrangement, tuned by Hasselblad

The OnePlus 12 smartphone features a Hasselblad-tuned triple rear camera setup, including a 50-megapixel primary camera with a Sony LYT-808 sensor and an f/1.6 aperture, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with 114-degree field-of-view, and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoon and f/2.6 aperture. Additionally, the phone is equipped with a 32-megapixel selfie camera boasting an f/2.4 aperture.

7. OnePlus 12 is claimed to achieve a full 0 to 100% charge in just26 minutes

The OnePlus 12 is equipped with a 5,400mAh battery which supports rapid charging at 100W through the included SuperVOC charger. Also, the phone possesses 50W wireless charging capabilities and 10W reverse wireless charging. The OnePlus 12 smartphone is claimed to achieve a full 0 to 100% battery charge in only 26 minutes when utilizing the 100W SUPERVOOC wired charger.

8. OnePlus 12 is equipped with a ‘water-proof’ rating

With an IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance, the OnePlus 12 is effectively waterproof.

T.M. Roh, president and head of Samsung's mobile experience (MX) business, stated that the company will commence laptop manufacturing at its Noida facility this year. This decision highlights India's increasing importance as a manufacturing hub for the Korean giant, positioning the country as its second-largest manufacturing base.

Roh attributed Samsung's expansion in the country to the supportive policies of the Indian government. However, he acknowledged that the global demand slowdown in 2023 required some adjustments at its facilities. "Noida stands as Samsung's second-largest base," Roh remarked, suggesting that there might be modifications at the plant to align with global demand. Nonetheless, he emphasized that Noida remains a crucial base for the company.

In August last year, India implemented restrictions on the import of laptops, tablets, servers, and other related items. The objective was to decrease India's dependence on imported IT hardware, aligning with the production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes targeting consumer electronics such as personal computers, laptops, and tablets.

In May 2023, the government unveiled a revamped ₹17,000 crore PLI scheme for IT hardware to invite manufacturers of laptops, tablets, and other hardware to establish operations in India. This initiative followed an initial version with a lower allocation that did not gain traction. India currently imports laptops and tablets amounting to approximately $8 billion annually.

Referring to forecasts from global market research firms, Roh remarked that indicators were pointing towards a projected market growth of approximately 5% in 2024, which is anticipated to bring the market back to its 2022 levels. However, he emphasized the importance of introducing new features such as Galaxy AI, which involves AI integration in mobile phones, which is expected to generate new use cases among smartphone users and stimulate demand in 2024.

He further mentioned that worldwide, replacement cycles were extending, yet an increasing number of consumers were investing in high-end premium products. Samsung aims to capitalize on this market trend by prioritizing AI development for mobile phones.

Samsung has a track record of manufacturing feature phones, smartphones, wearables, and tablets in India. Roh affirmed that the company will persist in collaborating with the government to bolster manufacturing operations in the country.

The senior executive emphasized that the country will continue to play an important role in advancing Galaxy AI technology, serving as the primary hub for cutting-edge smartphone innovations. He highlighted the significant contributions of the R&D centers in Noida and Bangalore, particularly in software development to enhance AI for mobile devices, in validating AI interpretation, and in providing translation services.

"We aim to integrate Galaxy AI into approximately 100 million units within the year, enhancing user experiences and accessibility while promoting the adoption of AI technology. Similar to our approach with LTE, 5G technology, and foldable phones, we remain committed to swiftly popularizing new technologies," stated Roh.

The company unveiled its flagship Galaxy S24 series smartphone, featuring notable artificial intelligence functionalities. Although the utilization of Galaxy AI remains complimentary until the end of 2025, Roh indicated that the company has yet to decide whether to extend this offer beyond 2025 or initiate charges for it.

The flagship model represents one of the newest products manufactured locally and will be accessible for purchase in stores by the month's end. Roh mentioned that pre-orders for the flagship device in India were showing promising signs of interest.

Apple has initiated beta testing for its upcoming iOS 17.4 update, which includes macOS 14.4 beta 2, watchOS 10.4 beta 2, and tvOS 17.4 beta 2 updates. Currently accessible to iOS users participating in public beta testing and developers, the new beta OS version brings remarkable enhancements. Apple has introduced significant updates to the App Store and iPhone, aligning with the Digital Markets Act across 27 European Union countries.

1. When is iOS 17.4 releasing?

According to reports, Apple is set to launch the official version of iOS 17.4 in the initial week of March 2024. The final release timing is also expected to align with the legal obligations that Apple must adhere to in the European region.

As per the Digital Markets Act, Apple has been instructed to implement certain modifications to the iPhone and the App Store, with a deadline set for March 6. Consequently, it is expected that Apple will release iOS 17.4 either before or on March 6 to comply with these requirements.

2. Upcoming new features of iOS 17.4

As mentioned earlier, the latest iOS 17.4 update introduces substantial changes to both the App Store and iPhone. These modifications include the inclusion of support for additional web browsers, the provision of assistance for alternative app marketplaces, and much more.

Here are the details of the new iOS update -

1. Alternative app marketplaces

For the first time, iPhone users have the option to get applications from sources other than the App Store, such as the Epic Games Store. This development resulted from the EU's antitrust ruling against Apple.

2. Browser Option

iPhone users now have the ability to decide their default browser through a pop-up notification in Safari. Also, users are now able to utilize browsers operating on engines distinct from WebKit, such as Firefox or Chrome.

3. Payment flexibility

In the latest iOS 17.4 beta, iPhone users have the capability to make in-app purchases utilizing payment methods beyond Apple Pay, including options like PayPal or Venmo. Also, they have the freedom to establish their default NFC and wallet applications for Apple Pay.

4. Stolen Device Protection

In the latest update, iPhone users can also choose to always enforce a security delay when modifying security settings, even in familiar locations. This enhancement will present a challenge for thieves attempting to deactivate Find My iPhone or wipe the device.

5. Podcast Transcripts

This fresh addition enables iPhone users to explore transcripts of podcast episodes within the Apple Podcasts app. These transcripts, crafted by Apple, resemble the real-time lyrics feature found in Apple Music.

6. Siri Enhancement

With the iOS 17.4 beta update, iPhone users now have the ability to instruct Siri to read messages in languages different from the ones they use for other Siri tasks. Users can include languages via the Settings app under Siri & Search > Messaging with Siri.

7. New Emoji

iPhone users now have access to seven additional emoji options, including a heart with a bandage, a face exhaling, and a face in the clouds. Additionally, there are new variations of family emoji featuring different genders and skin tones.

8. Vision Pro Compatibility

For users of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, it's now possible to disable Double Tap while wearing Vision Pro. This helps prevent conflicts between Apple Watch gestures and those of Vision Pro.

Furthermore, iOS 17.4 introduces several minor adjustments. These include the renaming of the Listen Now tabs to Home tabs in the Podcasts and Music apps, the addition of the address bar in Safari, the inclusion of the Identifiable Region label in the Settings app, and the extension of the Siri shortcut to Germany.

What Lies Ahead? It's worth noting that iOS 17.4 remains in its beta testing phase, and Apple might unveil additional updates before the official launch in March. For beta testers, it's important to recognize that this version may contain potential bugs and glitches that could impact iPhone performance and battery life.

Google has made several announcements, which included renaming Bard to Gemini and introducing a new standalone Gemini app for Android. Also, Gemini access was extended to iOS users in the Google app, alongside the launch of Gemini Advanced. For those unfamiliar with Gemini Advanced, it can be compared to ChatGPT Plus. Similar to the premium model of ChatGPT, Gemini Advanced will be offered on a subscription basis and is built on Google’s most sophisticated multimodal model, Gemini Ultra.

Before delving into the details of Gemini Advance, here’s a quick recap of recent developments. Google recently introduced Gemini, its AI multimodal, which is available in three sizes. Firstly, there’s Gemini Nano, designed primarily for on-device tasks. Then there’s Gemini Pro, which offers scalability across various tasks and is slightly more efficient than Nano and finally, there's Gemini Ultra, Google's largest and most capable version of Gemini, as per the company as capable of handling "highly complex tasks." So far, users have had access to Gemini Nano and Gemini Pro through Bard. 

However, the company aimed to simplify the process. Therefore, to "mirror the advanced technology at its core," the company revealed on February 8th that Bard will now be referred to as Gemini. This tool is available online in 40 languages and will soon be accessible through a new Gemini app for Android devices and the Google app on iOS.

What about Gemini Ultra?

Gemini Ultra has been rebranded as Gemini Advanced. According to Google, the Advanced version is proficient in reasoning, following instructions, coding, and creative collaboration.

What is the price of Gemini Advance in India?

Gemini Advanced is available through a subscription to Google One AI Premium, priced starting at Rs 1,950 per month for users in India. This subscription not only provides access to Gemini Advanced but also includes 2TB of storage and access to Gemini across various platforms such as Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets, and other platforms previously known as Duet AI.

How to use Gemini Advance

Gemini Advanced is accessible to users through a subscription to the Google One AI Premium plan. This new plan enhances the existing Google One service, which provides increased storage and exclusive product features. In India, the AI Premium plan starts at Rs 130 per month.

Gemini Advance offers users access to features such as "Help me write," powered by Duet AI, now renamed Gemini for Workspace. This implies that subscribers of Gemini Advance can utilize the capabilities of Gemini Ultra within workspace applications like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet.

On March 26, Apple is expected to unveil the new iPad Air and iPad Air. Rumors have circulated for some time about the Cupertino-based company's plans to introduce these next-generation tablets this year. Anticipation is also building around the upcoming iPad Pro lineup and the 6th Gen iPad Air. While immediate availability may not be guaranteed, tech experts suggest that these products will be released soon.

Arrival of Upgraded iPads and Accessories

As reported by multiple sources including Instant Digital and IT Home, the new iPads are expected to be available for purchase as early as this week. These predictions coincide with Bloomberg's previous projections, indicating Apple's iPad released by the end of March or early April. There is also speculation of a potential launch alongside the forthcoming iPadOS 17.4, currently under development.

The upcoming iPad Pro is reported to feature significant upgrades, potentially including the introduction of the first OLED display on an iPad, offering vibrant colors and improved brightness. Speculation suggests it may be equipped with the M3 processor, the same powerful chip found in the latest MacBook Air.

Enhanced Features in 6th Gen iPad Air

Now, let's explore the 6th Gen iPad Air. Rumors suggest it will adopt features from the previous iPad Pro, such as a sleek micro-LED display. Furthermore, there's speculation that it will be powered by the Apple Silicon M2 chip. Just visualize having a camera on your iPad that seamlessly operates in landscape mode! Additionally, there are murmurs indicating the possibility of a larger 12.9-inch variant for those desiring an expansive screen.

However, Apple's innovations won't end with the iPads; new accessories may also make their debut. A redesigned Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro is rumored to be in the works, boasting a larger trackpad and an improved keyboard for enhanced comfort. Additionally, there's speculation surrounding the release of the Apple Pencil 3, reportedly compatible with both the new iPad Air and iPad Pro.

Yet, these enhancements could potentially come with an increased cost. With the inclusion of numerous new features, the new iPads may carry a higher price point compared to previous models. Get ready—Apple may be preparing to launch its most expensive iPad to date. So, be sure to mark your calendars! Exciting times lie ahead for iPad enthusiasts, as fresh models and accessories are anticipated to make their debut very soon.