Bits and Bytes – April 2021 Edition

Honor Magic 6: The First Phone with Generative AI and Eye Tracking?

Blink twice if you’re ready to change the way you use your smartphone. How about giving your fingers a well-deserved break by putting your eyes to work? The Snapdragon Summit 2023, held at the end of October, took an unexpected turn when Honor teased this ground-breaking feature on the upcoming Honor Magic 6 that left the crowd wide-eyed and curious for more.Eye-opening appsHonor's CEO, George Zhao, took centre stage to reveal Magic Capsule—an innovative, built-in eye-tracking feature that enables users to open, navigate and use apps effortlessly with just the movement of their eyes. Currently, Honor hasn't disclosed the details of how this technology works, but they certainly piqued the interest of the tech world with a video teaser.In the video, a woman opens the Uber app on her Magic 6 by changing the direction of her gaze. It seems that the front camera and sensor work in tandem to detect these movements and a cursor comes into play to help with navigation.No hands? No problemHonor describes the feature as “eye-tracking-based multimodal interaction.” The multimodal aspect suggests that eye movement might be combined with other gestures to initiate actions. While it's all speculative at this point, Magic Capsule can bring real-world benefits, like assisting when your hands are full to potentially revolutionising device access for people with disabilities.The AI race heats upEye-tracking technology is just one part of the puzzle because the Honor Magic 6 is also in a tight tech race to become the first phone to feature a new generation of AI. A built-in generative AI that runs on-board large language models similar to ChatGPT, made possible by the latest chipset for flagship Android phones, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.Getting hyper-personalAI technology on the new Honor will be able to understand you better by learning from data exclusively on your device, as opposed to publicly accessible datasets. The result? A hyper-personalised user experience based on your preferences.The centrepiece of this technology is the built-in AI chatbot, nicknamed Yoyo. It transforms the new flagship Honor into a super-smart assistant with seamless access to everything on the device, from photos and contacts to videos and more. So, what does this AI look like in action?Yoyo can craft short videos from the footage stored on your phone with just a simple chat prompt. You can then add your personal touch to the generated videos by instructing it to edit the templates, themes and music. It's simplified content creation at your fingertips.Will the Honor Magic 6 lead the pack?The burning question remains: Will the Honor Magic 6 be the first-ever phone to feature eye-tracking and on-device generative AI? Despite the tech company keeping mum on the release date, all signs point to it claiming the crown in eye-tracking technology. Yet, in the AI race, formidable contenders like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and Huawei are vying for the top spot too. They have a collective hunger to outpace industry giants like Apple and Samsung, aiming for a strategic advantage in the fiercely competitive smartphone market.Generative AI in the new generation of smartphones is a tight race. Any bets on the Honor Magic 6 taking first place?

Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro: Next Gen Innovation?

Ready or not, here they come – the new generation of Xiaomi flagships, serving up an enticing sneak peek into what awaits us in the world of smartphones for 2024. As we enter the next generation of cutting-edge power and capabilities, we look at the brand-new Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro to see how they stack up against the competition.The fastest flagships  The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 made its debut on October 24, and just two days later, the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro hit the stage in China, flaunting this cutting-edge chipset. These flagships are not just speedy - they're among the fastest smartphones on the market right now, ready to tackle everything from demanding multitasking and graphic-intensive games to on-the-go video editing in real time. There is also talk around the new AI experiences coming to the range, all made possible by the new chipset. From AI-powered webpage summaries and videoconference transcripts to generating AI portraits that place you in various scenes around the world, the AI features are sure to disrupt the smartphone world. RAM reaches peak levelsXiaomi is leaving no stone unturned in decking out its flagships with the best features, and that includes a generous serving of RAM and onboard storage. You get 8GB for the Xiaomi 14 and 12GB for the Xiaomi 14 Pro. Storage wise, both devices range from 256GB to 1TB, meaning you’ll have more than enough space for all your apps, games, music, videos and AI photos.A visual feastGet ready for one of the brightest displays around. The new Xiaomi 14 range redefines brilliance, delivering an ultra-high-definition visual experience with a mind-blowing 3000 nits of peak brightness. The Xiaomi 14 features 1.5K resolution (2670 x 1200 pixels), while the Xiaomi 14 Pro takes it up a notch with 2K resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels). This means superior clarity and sharpness in text, images and videos without any pixilation in sight.Both devices have adaptable refresh rates between a power-saving 1Hz and a dynamic 120Hz, vibrant OLED panels and razor-thin bezels for an immersive experience. The Xiaomi 14 has a more pocket-friendly 6.3-inch screen and the 14 Pro offers a larger 6.7-inch.Get creative behind the cameraIn the previous Xiaomi 13 series, the cameras stole the limelight with its impressive trio of shooters. Now, with the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro, the camera game reaches new heights with upgraded Leica-branded 50MP main cameras, 75mm floating telephoto cameras and 50MP ultrawide cameras. While they may no longer boast a 1-inch sensor on the main camera like their predecessors, both phones introduce a fresh 1/1.3-inch sensor. This smaller innovative sensor is designed to capture more light without needing to increase physical size.Although both phones have pretty similar cameras, the main camera on the Xiaomi 14 Pro comes with an adjustable aperture that you can fine-tune in increments from f/1.4 to f/4.0. This hands you the reins to play around with your photos depth of field and shutter speed, giving you more creative freedom to capture moments just the way you envision them.The battery game is 100%The capabilities of these flagships are fantastic, but can the battery game keep up? The short answer is 100% yes. The Xiaomi 14 sports a 4610mAh battery with support for up to 90W charging, while its Pro sibling packs a 4880mAh battery with 120W fast charging. Both models support 50W wireless charging, ensuring you stay juiced up for longer.Hyper ecosystemThe 14 range runs on a new operating system from Xiaomi named HyperOS, which is built on Android but is tailored to unite the expansive Xiaomi ecosystem. This ecosystem spans mobile, computing, automotive and home products. A major focus of the 8 Gen 3 chipset is smooth cross-device compatibility, so it's safe to say we'll witness the new Xiaomi range seamlessly integrate with other devices in the Xiaomi family.Here’s to 2024 The Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro are only available in China, but based on previous launches, the duo will likely hit global markets in March 2024. Here’s to a new year of faster processors, brighter displays, AI breakthroughs, more RAM, pioneering cameras, and batteries that never quit.

The Ultimate Budget Battle: Honor X7a vs. Galaxy A33 LTE

If you're on the hunt for an affordable smartphone that doesn't skimp on advanced features, you're in the right place, because we’ve got two of them for consideration. To help you make the best choice, we're pitting the Honor X7a against the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE.Let’s get this ultimate budget battle started.Dissecting the displaysLet’s kick off this showdown by dissecting the displays, because they’re your windows into your digital life. First up is the big 6.74-inch IPS screen on the Honor X7a. It has everything you need for an immersive viewing experience, from an HD+ resolution of 1600×720 to a snappy 90Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling. You can even lower the refresh rate to 60Hz to save precious battery life. Plus, it doesn’t blackout under direct sunlight, and that’s a win for a phone in this price range. A standout feature is its rather elite TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification, which keeps your eyes comfy when viewing content.Going head-to-head with Samsung’s displays is always a herculean task. The tech giant is consistently the top dog in this category, so it's no surprise that the Galaxy A33 LTE steps up with a slightly superior screen – an AMOLED Full HD+ display, to be precise. The colours are crisp, bright and boast high contrast ratios. Just like the Honor, it features a 90Hz refresh rate and tackles the sunny outdoors without breaking a sweat. If you fancy a smaller screen, the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE might be the better option because it opts for a more compact 6.4 inch display.The camera showdownBoth the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE and Honor X7a have your back when it comes to awesome cameras.Both devices feature quad rear cameras headlined by Instagram-worthy main cameras – 48MP (F1.8) on the Samsung and 50MP (F1.8) on the Honor. Alongside these are excellent ultra-wide, macro and depth cameras for those moments when you need to capture the finer, more artistic side of life. In the daylight, your photos will burst with natural colours and an impressive dynamic range. While neither the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE nor the Honor X7a claim the title for best night performers (as expected in this price range), they do capture satisfactory night-time shots.The Honor X7a shines with its standout autofocus and face detection features, ensuring your photos always look sharp. And on the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE, you're treated to the magic of OIS (optical image stabilisation) for effortlessly smooth photos and videos. As a bonus, Samsung throws in Fun Mode, which allows you to snap shots with new built-in Snapchat filters.Performance and the space race If your idea of a perfect phone is one that tackles everyday tasks like a pro, then both the Honor X7a and Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE are good options. They quickly launch apps, facilitate smooth multitasking and deliver hours of uninterrupted streaming. Both sport entry-level chipsets, but the main difference is that the Samsung supports 5G while the Honor X7a is in the 4G-only zone.In the space race, the Honor X7a packs 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, while the Galaxy A33 LTE flexes with 6GB RAM and an equally roomy 128GB storage. Need even more room for photoshoots? You’re sorted, because both phones come equipped with a microSD card slot to skyrocket your storage game up to a tantalising 1TB.Beefy batteriesThe Honor X7a launched with a big, beefy 6000mAh battery. It’s so efficient in power consumption that it can last up to 3.5 days on a single charge, as certified by Dxomark, a leader in scientific technological benchmark studies. And when you're in a race against time and need a quick juice-up, the Honor X7a comes to the rescue with its 22.5W fast charging. A 10-minute charge will treat you to a solid 3 hours of uninterrupted video playback. Now that's charging at the speed of entertainment.After that impressive battery showcase, let's shift the spotlight to the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE. It might be a bit overshadowed by the Honor, but don't let that fool you—this device has some exceptional capabilities. Under the hood, it packs a substantial 5000mAh battery and boasts even faster charging speeds of up to 25W. Now, when it comes to battery life compared to the Honor X7a, it doesn't quite steal the show, but it holds its ground, easily reaching a respectable 2 full days on a single charge. Even the most avid smartphone users will find it a challenge to drain this battery in a day.Verdict: And the winner is…There's a lot to love about these budget smartphones, but the burning question remains – which one claims the top spot? It's an incredibly close call, yet we're proudly declaring the Honor X7a as the ultimate victor! While both devices share many similarities, the Honor's phenomenal long-lasting battery propels it miles ahead of the competition. And to sweeten the deal, it's not only bigger but also a tad more budget-friendly than the Galaxy A33 LTE.That being said, the Honor is not for everyone simply because it lacks 5G, an OIS main camera, and the superior AMOLED screen. If this is a deal-breaker, then the money-savvy Samsung is undoubtedly the better choice!

Honor Magic 6: The First Phone with Generative AI and Eye Tracking?

Blink twice if you’re ready to change the way you use your smartphone. How about giving your fingers a well-deserved break by putting your eyes to work? The Snapdragon Summit 2023, held at the end of October, took an unexpected turn when Honor teased this ground-breaking feature on the upcoming Honor Magic 6 that left the crowd wide-eyed and curious for more.Eye-opening appsHonor's CEO, George Zhao, took centre stage to reveal Magic Capsule—an innovative, built-in eye-tracking feature that enables users to open, navigate and use apps effortlessly with just the movement of their eyes. Currently, Honor hasn't disclosed the details of how this technology works, but they certainly piqued the interest of the tech world with a video teaser.In the video, a woman opens the Uber app on her Magic 6 by changing the direction of her gaze. It seems that the front camera and sensor work in tandem to detect these movements and a cursor comes into play to help with navigation.No hands? No problemHonor describes the feature as “eye-tracking-based multimodal interaction.” The multimodal aspect suggests that eye movement might be combined with other gestures to initiate actions. While it's all speculative at this point, Magic Capsule can bring real-world benefits, like assisting when your hands are full to potentially revolutionising device access for people with disabilities.The AI race heats upEye-tracking technology is just one part of the puzzle because the Honor Magic 6 is also in a tight tech race to become the first phone to feature a new generation of AI. A built-in generative AI that runs on-board large language models similar to ChatGPT, made possible by the latest chipset for flagship Android phones, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.Getting hyper-personalAI technology on the new Honor will be able to understand you better by learning from data exclusively on your device, as opposed to publicly accessible datasets. The result? A hyper-personalised user experience based on your preferences.The centrepiece of this technology is the built-in AI chatbot, nicknamed Yoyo. It transforms the new flagship Honor into a super-smart assistant with seamless access to everything on the device, from photos and contacts to videos and more. So, what does this AI look like in action?Yoyo can craft short videos from the footage stored on your phone with just a simple chat prompt. You can then add your personal touch to the generated videos by instructing it to edit the templates, themes and music. It's simplified content creation at your fingertips.Will the Honor Magic 6 lead the pack?The burning question remains: Will the Honor Magic 6 be the first-ever phone to feature eye-tracking and on-device generative AI? Despite the tech company keeping mum on the release date, all signs point to it claiming the crown in eye-tracking technology. Yet, in the AI race, formidable contenders like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and Huawei are vying for the top spot too. They have a collective hunger to outpace industry giants like Apple and Samsung, aiming for a strategic advantage in the fiercely competitive smartphone market.Generative AI in the new generation of smartphones is a tight race. Any bets on the Honor Magic 6 taking first place?

Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro: Next Gen Innovation?

Ready or not, here they come – the new generation of Xiaomi flagships, serving up an enticing sneak peek into what awaits us in the world of smartphones for 2024. As we enter the next generation of cutting-edge power and capabilities, we look at the brand-new Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro to see how they stack up against the competition.The fastest flagships  The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 made its debut on October 24, and just two days later, the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro hit the stage in China, flaunting this cutting-edge chipset. These flagships are not just speedy - they're among the fastest smartphones on the market right now, ready to tackle everything from demanding multitasking and graphic-intensive games to on-the-go video editing in real time. There is also talk around the new AI experiences coming to the range, all made possible by the new chipset. From AI-powered webpage summaries and videoconference transcripts to generating AI portraits that place you in various scenes around the world, the AI features are sure to disrupt the smartphone world. RAM reaches peak levelsXiaomi is leaving no stone unturned in decking out its flagships with the best features, and that includes a generous serving of RAM and onboard storage. You get 8GB for the Xiaomi 14 and 12GB for the Xiaomi 14 Pro. Storage wise, both devices range from 256GB to 1TB, meaning you’ll have more than enough space for all your apps, games, music, videos and AI photos.A visual feastGet ready for one of the brightest displays around. The new Xiaomi 14 range redefines brilliance, delivering an ultra-high-definition visual experience with a mind-blowing 3000 nits of peak brightness. The Xiaomi 14 features 1.5K resolution (2670 x 1200 pixels), while the Xiaomi 14 Pro takes it up a notch with 2K resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels). This means superior clarity and sharpness in text, images and videos without any pixilation in sight.Both devices have adaptable refresh rates between a power-saving 1Hz and a dynamic 120Hz, vibrant OLED panels and razor-thin bezels for an immersive experience. The Xiaomi 14 has a more pocket-friendly 6.3-inch screen and the 14 Pro offers a larger 6.7-inch.Get creative behind the cameraIn the previous Xiaomi 13 series, the cameras stole the limelight with its impressive trio of shooters. Now, with the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro, the camera game reaches new heights with upgraded Leica-branded 50MP main cameras, 75mm floating telephoto cameras and 50MP ultrawide cameras. While they may no longer boast a 1-inch sensor on the main camera like their predecessors, both phones introduce a fresh 1/1.3-inch sensor. This smaller innovative sensor is designed to capture more light without needing to increase physical size.Although both phones have pretty similar cameras, the main camera on the Xiaomi 14 Pro comes with an adjustable aperture that you can fine-tune in increments from f/1.4 to f/4.0. This hands you the reins to play around with your photos depth of field and shutter speed, giving you more creative freedom to capture moments just the way you envision them.The battery game is 100%The capabilities of these flagships are fantastic, but can the battery game keep up? The short answer is 100% yes. The Xiaomi 14 sports a 4610mAh battery with support for up to 90W charging, while its Pro sibling packs a 4880mAh battery with 120W fast charging. Both models support 50W wireless charging, ensuring you stay juiced up for longer.Hyper ecosystemThe 14 range runs on a new operating system from Xiaomi named HyperOS, which is built on Android but is tailored to unite the expansive Xiaomi ecosystem. This ecosystem spans mobile, computing, automotive and home products. A major focus of the 8 Gen 3 chipset is smooth cross-device compatibility, so it's safe to say we'll witness the new Xiaomi range seamlessly integrate with other devices in the Xiaomi family.Here’s to 2024 The Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro are only available in China, but based on previous launches, the duo will likely hit global markets in March 2024. Here’s to a new year of faster processors, brighter displays, AI breakthroughs, more RAM, pioneering cameras, and batteries that never quit.

The Ultimate Budget Battle: Honor X7a vs. Galaxy A33 LTE

If you're on the hunt for an affordable smartphone that doesn't skimp on advanced features, you're in the right place, because we’ve got two of them for consideration. To help you make the best choice, we're pitting the Honor X7a against the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE.Let’s get this ultimate budget battle started.Dissecting the displaysLet’s kick off this showdown by dissecting the displays, because they’re your windows into your digital life. First up is the big 6.74-inch IPS screen on the Honor X7a. It has everything you need for an immersive viewing experience, from an HD+ resolution of 1600×720 to a snappy 90Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling. You can even lower the refresh rate to 60Hz to save precious battery life. Plus, it doesn’t blackout under direct sunlight, and that’s a win for a phone in this price range. A standout feature is its rather elite TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification, which keeps your eyes comfy when viewing content.Going head-to-head with Samsung’s displays is always a herculean task. The tech giant is consistently the top dog in this category, so it's no surprise that the Galaxy A33 LTE steps up with a slightly superior screen – an AMOLED Full HD+ display, to be precise. The colours are crisp, bright and boast high contrast ratios. Just like the Honor, it features a 90Hz refresh rate and tackles the sunny outdoors without breaking a sweat. If you fancy a smaller screen, the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE might be the better option because it opts for a more compact 6.4 inch display.The camera showdownBoth the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE and Honor X7a have your back when it comes to awesome cameras.Both devices feature quad rear cameras headlined by Instagram-worthy main cameras – 48MP (F1.8) on the Samsung and 50MP (F1.8) on the Honor. Alongside these are excellent ultra-wide, macro and depth cameras for those moments when you need to capture the finer, more artistic side of life. In the daylight, your photos will burst with natural colours and an impressive dynamic range. While neither the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE nor the Honor X7a claim the title for best night performers (as expected in this price range), they do capture satisfactory night-time shots.The Honor X7a shines with its standout autofocus and face detection features, ensuring your photos always look sharp. And on the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE, you're treated to the magic of OIS (optical image stabilisation) for effortlessly smooth photos and videos. As a bonus, Samsung throws in Fun Mode, which allows you to snap shots with new built-in Snapchat filters.Performance and the space race If your idea of a perfect phone is one that tackles everyday tasks like a pro, then both the Honor X7a and Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE are good options. They quickly launch apps, facilitate smooth multitasking and deliver hours of uninterrupted streaming. Both sport entry-level chipsets, but the main difference is that the Samsung supports 5G while the Honor X7a is in the 4G-only zone.In the space race, the Honor X7a packs 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, while the Galaxy A33 LTE flexes with 6GB RAM and an equally roomy 128GB storage. Need even more room for photoshoots? You’re sorted, because both phones come equipped with a microSD card slot to skyrocket your storage game up to a tantalising 1TB.Beefy batteriesThe Honor X7a launched with a big, beefy 6000mAh battery. It’s so efficient in power consumption that it can last up to 3.5 days on a single charge, as certified by Dxomark, a leader in scientific technological benchmark studies. And when you're in a race against time and need a quick juice-up, the Honor X7a comes to the rescue with its 22.5W fast charging. A 10-minute charge will treat you to a solid 3 hours of uninterrupted video playback. Now that's charging at the speed of entertainment.After that impressive battery showcase, let's shift the spotlight to the Samsung Galaxy A33 LTE. It might be a bit overshadowed by the Honor, but don't let that fool you—this device has some exceptional capabilities. Under the hood, it packs a substantial 5000mAh battery and boasts even faster charging speeds of up to 25W. Now, when it comes to battery life compared to the Honor X7a, it doesn't quite steal the show, but it holds its ground, easily reaching a respectable 2 full days on a single charge. Even the most avid smartphone users will find it a challenge to drain this battery in a day.Verdict: And the winner is…There's a lot to love about these budget smartphones, but the burning question remains – which one claims the top spot? It's an incredibly close call, yet we're proudly declaring the Honor X7a as the ultimate victor! While both devices share many similarities, the Honor's phenomenal long-lasting battery propels it miles ahead of the competition. And to sweeten the deal, it's not only bigger but also a tad more budget-friendly than the Galaxy A33 LTE.That being said, the Honor is not for everyone simply because it lacks 5G, an OIS main camera, and the superior AMOLED screen. If this is a deal-breaker, then the money-savvy Samsung is undoubtedly the better choice!

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Bits and Bytes – April 2021 Edition

Moe from Mondo / 14-04-2021 / BitsBytes

TECH NEWS

Honor Magic 6: The First Phone with Generative AI and Eye Tracking?

Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro: Next Gen Innovation?

The Ultimate Budget Battle: Honor X7a vs. Galaxy A33 LTE

Honor Magic 6: The First Phone with Generative AI and Eye Tracking?

Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro: Next Gen Innovation?

The Ultimate Budget Battle: Honor X7a vs. Galaxy A33 LTE