Categories
Mobile Syrup

Google to hold Search, Maps event with AI focus on February 8

Google plans to host an online event dubbed ‘Live from Paris’ on February 8th, where the company will talk about AI, Search, Maps and more.

In the event description on the YouTube page for the event, Google notes that it’s “reimagining how people search for, explore and interact with information, making it more natural and intuitive than ever before to find what you need.” The company goes on to note that it’s “opening up greater access to information for people everywhere, through Search, Maps and beyond.”

Moreover, Android Police reports that Google told the publication it plans to talk about how it will use AI to reshape search.

While that all sounds interesting, it’s worth noting the timing of all this. For one, Google typically doesn’t do announcements like this early in the year — we’d see these at the company’s annual I/O developer conference instead. But that conference is still happening in May as usual.

This suggests Google is trying to react quickly to OpenAI and ChatGPT. Reports have swirled for the last few weeks that Google has gone “code red” over ChatGPT and is rushing to respond, such as by sharing a recent research project called ‘MusicLM‘ that makes music with AI and reportedly testing a ChatGPT-like chatbot called ‘Apprentice Bard’ based on Google’s LaMDA language model. (Yes, the same one that an ex-Google employee claimed was sentient.)

Adding to that, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said on a recent earnings call that Google was preparing to let people “interact directly” with its newest language models “as a companion to search.”

Meanwhile, Microsoft has also been in the news for its massive investments in OpenAI and reported plans to integrate ChatGPT into various products, like Bing search. More recently, Microsoft revealed its Teams Premium service with AI capabilities powered by the GPT-3.5 language model — the same one used by ChatGPT.

It’ll be interesting to see how Google responds to all this, though it seems we may learn that sooner rather than later. Moreover, Android Police suggested Google was pushing its internal teams tasked with overseeing fairness and ethics in AI to approve projects faster, which could have significant drawbacks if AI projects aren’t properly vetted before the public gets access to them.

Source: Google Via: Android Police

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Rogers ‘Wrapped in Red’ event offers Black Friday deals on phones and more

Rogers revealed its Black Friday promotions on November 16th, including deals on phones and more.

Some of the highlight deals include the iPhone 12 mini and Google Pixel 6 being available for $0 down with a $10/mo financing charge using Rogers’ Upfront Edge program, which discounts the monthly cost of a phone if customers agree to return the device or pay back the difference after two years.

Rogers also highlighted its iPhone 13 deal. Customers who trade in an iPhone 11 can get the iPhone 13 for $0 down and $5/mo financing on Upfront Edge.

Further, customers that activate any device during Black Friday can get a $125 accessory credit over 24 months to kit out their new phone with cases and other gear.

Moreover, Rogers highlighted that it offers perks like six-months free Disney+ and Apple Music when you sign up for select Infinite plans (although it’s worth noting these offers aren’t specific to Black Friday). Check out some more highlights from Rogers below:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 128GB — $0 down, $15.83/mo financing after bill credit (regular $50/mo)
  • Add a free tablet plan for 24 months on a $90/mo+ Rogers Infinite plan
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 — $0 down, $40/mo financing after bill credit (regular $52.34/mo)
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 — $0 down, $70/mo financing after bill credit (regular $92.21/mo)
  • Google Pixel 6 Pro — $0 down, $39.13/mo financing after bill credit (regular $47.55/mo)
  • Moto Edge — $0 down, $33.34/mo financing after bill credit (regular $43.34/mo)
  • iPhone 12 mini — $0 down, $12.09/mo financing after bill credit (regular $12.09/mo)
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 — $0 down, $37.67/mo financing after bill credit (regular $48.92/mo)
  • iPhone 12 Pro — $0 down, $48.92/mo financing after bill credit (regular $54.92/mo)

You can check out all of Rogers’ Black Friday deals on the promotions page here or devices page here. Fido’s Black Friday promotions are available here.

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Don’t expect any more Apple events this year: report

Apple unveiled its highly-anticipated MacBook Pro refresh at its ‘Unleashed’ event on October 18th, which could be the last Apple event for this year.

People following Apple closely expected potentially three events from the company this year, similar to what it did last fall. In 2020, Apple had a September event for the Apple Watch and iPad, an October event for the iPhone 12 and HomePod and another October event for its first Apple Silicon Macs.

However, Bloomberg’s reliable Mark Gurman said in his latest ‘Power On’ newsletter that he wouldn’t expect a third event from Apple this year. The information appears to be in the Q&A section, so you won’t be able to see it if you’re a free subscriber. 9to5Mac shared the quote, which you can read below:

“I wouldn’t expect a third event this year or any other major announcements. Apple held three events last year because Covid-19 caused delays and disrupted its schedule. If Apple had any more Macs to launch this year, it would have announced them this past week—even if they wouldn’t be shipping until later this year. There’s really nothing else left of substance in the road map that would be ready for 2021. Instead, look for a larger Apple Silicon iMac, new Mac mini, new iPhone SE and new iPad Pro after 2022 gets underway.”

Frankly, it makes a lot of sense. This fall, Apple has announced new iPhones, the Apple Watch Series 7, a new iPad mini and base-level iPad, new MacBook Pros and new AirPods. The only other things we’re expecting are a new iPhone SE, an Apple Silicon iMac aimed at pros and a new iPad Pro. As Gurman said, if those were ready, Apple probably would have already announced them.

Moreover, Gurman notes in the newsletter that we should expect a new MacBook Air in roughly six to eight months. The new Air will sport an ‘M2’ chip sporting more graphics cores than the M1, but the same number of computing cores likely at a faster clock speed. In other words, there are still exciting announcements on the horizon, but don’t expect them until next year.

Source: Power On Via: 9to5Mac

Categories
Mobile Syrup

How to watch Microsoft’s September Surface event

Microsoft’s secretive September Surface event will take place Wednesday morning. If you’re interested in tuning in, here’s how to do it.

First, the live stream event kicks off at 11am ET/8am PT. You’ll be able to watch it on Microsoft’s event page here. However, last time Microsoft held an event, the stream had some issues — you may be able to catch it on YouTube via Microsoft’s channel as well, or on other YouTube channels if the stream has issues again.

We expect the event to take about an hour, but if that’s too long for you, you can also follow along for coverage on MobileSyrup via our website or social handles, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

As for what we expect from the event, the short answer: Surface devices. Microsoft hasn’t really given much detail beyond. However, we do have a full break down of updates we expect for popular Surface hardware including the Surface Pro, Go and more. You can find that here.

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Here’s what to expect from Microsoft’s September Surface event

Microsoft has a big Surface event taking place on Wednesday, September 22nd. Although the company hasn’t said much about what will happen, the teaser image definitely hints at Surface products.

Based on rumours and leaks so far, we’ve got a few ideas of what to expect at the event (and a few things we’re pretty confident won’t be there).

So, let’s dive in.

New Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 8

Of everything on this list, I’d argue refreshed Surface Pro devices are most likely. I mean, Microsoft’s teaser image for the event is literally a side-profile of a Surface Pro device. Coupled with the Surface Pro 7 coming out in 2019 and no other Pro devices coming since (aside from the Pro X, which we’ll get into in a moment, and the business-oriented Pro 7+), it’s clear the Surface Pro line is due for an upgrade.

According to The Verge, there likely won’t be a significant redesign for the Surface Pro 8. That shouldn’t come as a surprise — Microsoft designs its hardware for businesses and tends to hold onto designs to maximize compatibility with accessories.

However, The Verge also reported that a source “familiar with Microsoft’s plans” said the company plans to revamp the Pro 8 with a larger display and smaller bezels. While that alone would help modernize the look of Microsoft’s premier 2-in-1, the source also claimed Microsoft would add Thunderbolt on at least one Surface Pro 8 model. That’s interesting, considering Microsoft previously avoided Thunderbolt over security concerns.

Finally, Microsoft will reportedly drop the single USB-A port on the Surface Pro line, add Intel’s latest 11th Gen chips and removable SSDs to bring the Pro 8 in line with the company’s Surface Pro X and Laptop devices.

Speaking of the Surface Pro X, Windows Central notes that Microsoft’s ARM-powered 2-in-1 will also get a refresh, although there likely won’t be any significant external changes. Instead, expect an upgraded processor and perhaps some new hardware to enable Windows 11 functionality. Windows Central also suggests Microsoft could launch a Wi-Fi Pro X this year.

Finally, both the Pro 8 and Pro X could feature 120Hz displays, according to Windows Central. Microsoft is at least testing the feature, although it may not ship if it has too high an impact on the battery.

Surface Book 4

Microsoft’s powerful Surface Book line is due for a significant refresh. According to Windows Central, one is coming with the Surface Book 4. The publication described the new Surface Book as having a combination of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro form factors — The Verge compared it to the HP Spectre Folio.

Either way, it looks like Microsoft plans to ditch the accordion-style hinge from previous Surface Books in favour of a whole new design. That’s a welcome change, in my opinion — I had my share of issues with the Surface Book 3.

Other rumoured changes include a display with a dynamic refresh rate, slimmer bezels, Nvidia RTX graphics, rounded corners and possibly an improved Surface Pen with haptic feedback capabilities.

Finally, it’s possible this new Surface may not be part of the ‘Book’ line. Other possible names have surfaced, such as ‘Laptop Pro’ and ‘Laptop Studio.’ We’ll likely learn for sure what this device is on Wednesday.

Surface Duo 2

Next up, we have the sequel to Microsoft’s admiral attempt at a foldable Android phone: the Surface Duo 2. Rumours about the Duo 2 have swirled for some time now, but it would make sense for Microsoft to unveil it at the Surface event.

Rumoured upgrades include a new rear camera array with three lenses — standard, telephoto and ultra-wide. It could also ship with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 888 processor and offer 5G support, two major improvements over the original Surface Duo.

The Duo 2 may even support NFC, which also wasn’t available on the original Duo. Other possible changes include moving the fingerprint sensor into the power button, centring the USB-C charging port on the phone’s right side, and other minor hardware changes.

However, the most important upgrades will need to be on the software side. That’s one of the areas where the Surface Duo struggled most, and if Microsoft can ship a more stable, fluid software experience, that’d make a world of difference. Unfortunately, rumour has it the Duo 2 will run Android 11, not 12, out of the box, but hopefully, Microsoft can get the Android 12 update rolled out sooner rather than later.

Other possibilities and devices we won’t see

Finally, to wrap up, there may be some minor changes to the Surface Go line with a new Surface Go 3. Expect nothing more than a minor chip upgrade, with almost everything else remaining the same as the Surface Go 2.

Windows Central also hinted that there would be a handful of new accessories at the event, as is standard for Microsoft’s Surface launches.

While that wraps up the things we expect to see, it’s worth taking a moment to acknowledge a few things we won’t see. First, don’t expect a new Surface Laptop — the Surface Laptop 4 came out earlier this year, and you can read all about it here.

We also likely won’t see a refresh of the Surface Laptop Go (😞), the Surface Studio or the Surface Neo. Regarding the Neo, Windows Central reported that Intel discontinued the Lakefield chip that would power the device. It’s possible Microsoft could repurpose it with another processor, such as the SQ CPUs Microsoft uses in the Pro X, but I’d say that’s unlikely.

Of course, it won’t be much longer until we know for sure. The event will kick off on September 22nd at 11am ET/8am PT, and I wouldn’t be shocked if there were at least a few surprises.

Source: The Verge, Windows Central