<ul><li><keyword id="21745438" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Asus-Vivobook-S15" source="keywords">Asus Vivobook S15</keyword> costs Rs 1,24,990</li><li>The laptop has a great aesthetic appeal, but the performance suffers in heavy games</li><li>The battery will easily last for a whole workday without needing a charge</li></ul><br /><br />Minimalist. Lightweight. Elegant. If these are the words that come to your mind while looking for a new productivity laptop, the <keyword id="20120310" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Asus" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Asus" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Asus">Asus</keyword> <keyword id="20942802" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vivobook" source="keywords">Vivobook</keyword> S15 might just fit the bill. Featuring a gorgeous OLED screen, <keyword id="21738023" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Snapdragon-X-processor" source="keywords">Snapdragon X processor</keyword>, and strong battery life, the laptop does much more than just “sit still look pretty.” However, it also comes with a hefty price tag of Rs 1,24,990 and might therefore not be everyone’s cup of tea. <br /><br />The review unit that arrived at the Business Insider India office is a gorgeous silver-coloured device that looks like it was designed for a conference room. <br /><br />I have been using the laptop for nearly a month and can confidently say that this is a welcome addition to anybody looking for a decent business laptop with hours of battery life. So, what makes the Asus Vivobook S15 powered by <keyword id="20301169" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="snapdragon-x-elite" source="keywords">Snapdragon X Elite</keyword> chip special? Read on.<br /><br />      <div type="image" title="12" msid="113314323" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Asus Vivobook is powered by Snapdragon X Elite chipset&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><h2>Design </h2><br />As mentioned already, the Vivobook S15 looks custom-built for those looking for a new laptop to carry to work every day. The moment you lay your eyes on it, you will know it is a productivity laptop built to get things done. It is quite lightweight as well and I could carry it around in one hand across the newsroom without any problem. The laptop also didn’t take up much space in my backpack, and I could easily carry a lot of other stuff in the same bag. <br /><br />The aluminium body, with a metallic finish silver colour, feels premium and durable. On the left of the lid is the subtle but noticeable Asus Vivobook branding. <br /><br />As gorgeous as the laptop looks, it collects dust pretty easily. There is also some slight flex when you put some pressure on the lid. The laptop also comes with a 180-degree hinge.<br /><br />      <div type="image" title="4" msid="113314653" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Asus Vivobook&amp;lt;span class=&amp;quot;redactor-invisible-space&amp;quot;&amp;gt; s15&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt; features a 180 degree hinge&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />It has two USB-A ports on the right and an HDMI port along with two USB Type C ports on the left. There is also a Micro SD card reader as well as a 3mm headphone jack on the left edge.<br /><br />There are no ports at the back which honestly is great since I don’t like struggling while finding the charging port at the back when I am seated at my workstation. However, since all the ports are on the sides of the laptop, your work desk could seem cluttered if you connect a lot of wired accessories. In addition to this, there is no ethernet port which could be a downside for some users whose offices don’t have WiFi and rely on LAN cables. <br /><br />Talking about the keyboard, it is quite easy to adapt to and results in a tactile feel. I use a mechanical keyboard as my daily driver and the keyboard of the Asus Vivobook S15 made me feel at home. With that being said, the keys aren’t really loud so you won’t get side-eyes from your colleagues while you go about your day.<br /><br />      <div type="image" title="2" msid="113314453" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Asus Vivobook&amp;lt;span class=&amp;quot;redactor-invisible-space&amp;quot;&amp;gt; s15 keyboard&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The evenly spaced out keys as well as a single RGB lit zone further enhances the look and feel of the keyboard.<br /><br />The trackpad is pretty responsive too and does its job well. However, I felt it was slightly larger than I would normally want it to be. At times, even while typing, my palms kept touching the trackpad which posed a slight challenge. This is not a deal-breaker as one will get used to it after a few days of using it. <br /><br />The trackpad is also equipped with some cool functions. Swiping up and down on the right edge would lower and increase brightness whereas the left edge can be used for volume control. Both these come pretty handy while working in an office.<br /><br /><h2>Display</h2><br />The laptop comes with a 15.6-inch, 3K (2880 x 1620) OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut. The display captures attention when your laptop is kept open. A few of my colleagues also heaped praises on the display saying it looks attractive. While the glossy display results in crystal clear and crisp graphics, it can also be reflective which can pose a challenge. Even with full brightness, I was sometimes struggling to see what was being displayed on my screen. However, a quick adjustment of the screen angle seemed to solve the issue.<br /><br />      <div type="image" title="3" msid="113314515" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Asus Vivobook&amp;lt;span class=&amp;quot;redactor-invisible-space&amp;quot;&amp;gt; s15 features an OLED display&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The display, even though not very bright, is bright enough that you can work comfortably in sunlight. I travel in cabs a lot and could easily get my work done even when the sun shined with all its might through the cab windows. <br /><br />The thin bezels and vibrant colours further enhance the overall experience. I also used the laptop to watch some episodes of shows like The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family and had nothing to complain about as far as the entertainment experience was concerned. <br /><br /><h2>Performance</h2>One thing that the Asus Vivobook S15 made headlines for was the Snapdragon X Elite processor with Qualcomm AI engine. Usually, you would find Intel or AMD-powered laptops in the market but Asus is trying something new here. And it pays off. The ARM-based processor posed no challenges during my daily work and the laptop didn’t hang or lag during my usage. <br /><br />I have about 10-15 tabs open at once while working and also tend to play some songs on YouTube from time to time. I could also attend my work video meetings with ease and the laptop has a decent in-built camera. The laptop also includes a physical privacy shutter for the webcam, which is a thoughtful addition.<br /><br />      <div type="image" title="8" msid="113314574" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Asus Vivobook&amp;lt;span class=&amp;quot;redactor-invisible-space&amp;quot;&amp;gt; s15&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt; promises a strong performance&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Watching shows and movies on this laptop was also positive overall. However, I recommend using headphones as the laptop speakers, located at the bottom, are sort of underwhelming. They are barely loud enough to fill a room but seem to be lacking in bass. When I played a track on this laptop as well as the MacBook Pro, the MacBook’s voice overpowered quickly. <br /><br />Being an avid gamer, I wanted to try out Ghost of Tsushima on this laptop but couldn’t get it to run. I did play Mortuary Assistant on this and the game did run, but with a few lags. Hence, the laptop isn’t for heavy gamers (nor does it want to be). However, light gaming is possible. <br /><br />We also ran the Cinebench R23 benchmark test on the laptop and here are the results:<br /><br />    <div type="image" title="67b82b46-5ecd-4843-bf0a-a774d8027bd6" height="900" width="1200" msid="113314864" hostid="261"></div><br /><h2>AI features</h2><br />The laptop had also made headlines for its AI features when it was announced. And there are a couple of features that you can use. For instance, the laptop offers live webcam effects, like background blurring and artistic filters. This comes in handy while attending meetings or just video-calling friends and family. <br /><br />While the background blur is practical, the filters are more for fun. Windows 11 is supposed to automatically crop and pan the webcam to keep your face in the frame, but this feature didn’t work consistently. Meanwhile, image and audio quality enhancements occur automatically in the background.<br /><br />      <div type="image" title="10" msid="113314588" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Asus Vivobook&amp;lt;span class=&amp;quot;redactor-invisible-space&amp;quot;&amp;gt; s15&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt; comes with AI tools&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><br />Yet another feature is Microsoft Paint’s new Cocreator tool, which not only responds to text prompts but also turns simple sketches into detailed drawings. Now I am no artist but I did try out a basic prompt that was in the suggestion box. And I think the image of a turtle swimming is quite impressive.<br /><br />    <div type="image" title="76dfc6d2-5463-4a51-8a09-4b00faa512af" height="900" width="1200" msid="113314889" hostid="261"></div><br /><br />The Copilot app, which is also available online for free, is built into this laptop. The chatbot can help you search the web, generate images and more. However, the app doesn’t work without the internet. <br /><br />Asus has also contributed its own AI-driven tool, StoryCube, for managing photos and videos. This tool offers various display options and allows for quick grouping, tagging, and organization. Additionally, the NPU also supports features like presence detection, which can dim or lock the screen when you step away, all while conserving battery life.<br /><br />Hence, even though the current AI features on the laptop are decent, they don't yet seem life-changing. With that being said, a much-anticipated Copilot+ feature, Recall, which was supposed to index all activity on your PC to allow for easy information retrieval, has been delayed due to security concerns.<br /><br /><h2>Battery</h2><br />One area where the Asus Vivobook S15 shines is the battery. I used the laptop at 50 per cent brightness at work and didn’t need to charge it for over a day and a half. However, I had turned the RGB-lit keyboard off and only used Google Chrome and MS Word during this time. <br /><br />My usual workday lasts for about 9 hours. With an even lower brightness and battery-saver mode enabled, the battery might last even longer. Hence, Asus’ promise of up to 18 hours of battery life seems to hold true.<br /><br />      <div type="image" title="7" msid="113314620" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Asus Vivobook&amp;lt;span class=&amp;quot;redactor-invisible-space&amp;quot;&amp;gt; s15&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt; comes with great battery life&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><br />When I did turn the RGB light on and put the laptop in maximum brightness, the battery lasted for barely 8 hours. <br /><br />Meanwhile, with RGB light turned on and maximum brightness, I saw the battery drop to 81 per cent from 99 per cent in 1 hour and 40 minutes. While gaming, the laptop’s battery dropped to 88 per cent from a full 100 per cent in half an hour. <br /><br /><h2>Verdict</h2><br />The Asus Vivobook S15 is a solid option for those who want a gorgeous design, portability, and battery life in a laptop. Its premium build and high-quality display make it ideal for professionals who need a reliable device for work and occasional entertainment. <br /><br />Given its price point, it’s best suited for users who value its aesthetics and longevity over more budget-friendly or performance-heavy options. If you're looking for a stylish and durable laptop that can easily handle business tasks and look good doing it, the Vivobook S15 is worth considering.<br /><br /><h2>About the <keyword id="23152455" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Asus-Marshmallow-Mouse" source="keywords">ASUS Marshmallow Mouse</keyword><br /></h2><br />Along with the Vivobook S15, I also received the Asus Marshmallow Mouse and have been using it as my daily driver. At a glance, the mouse appears to be yet another minimalist addition to your work setup. It comes with a slim form factor and aesthetically pleasing design. In the box, you also get an additional top cover which can be swapped. I have been using the gorgeous Brave Green colour variant of the cover. There is also a Lilac colour option. <br /><br />For ease of being carried around, the mouse comes with a carrying strap that you can easily slide your fingers into. While I was easily able to do this, somebody with thicker fingers might struggle at this part.<br /><br />        <div type="image" title="14" msid="113314712" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Asus Marshmallow Mouse is easy to carry&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> <br /><br />Coming to the most important part, the clicks! The Asus Marshmallow mouse features silent clicks that are perfect for quiet working environments. In the middle, there is also a scroll wheel that works well. The mouse can be used in Bluetooth mode or wirelessly with a receiver that can be attached to your laptop. Even though I majorly used it with my mousepad, it can also be used without it.<br /><br /><br /><em>Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a purchasing guide or recommendation. We advise readers to do additional research, including hands-on usage of the device at a retail outlet, before making a decision.</em><br />

Asus Vivobook S15 (2024) review: Sleek design, power-packed battery performance, best for light, office use

<ul><li><keyword id="19944986" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Qualcomm" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Qualcomm" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Qualcomm">Qualcomm</keyword> has launched the <keyword id="19925355" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="snapdragon" source="keywords">Snapdragon</keyword> 8s Gen 3 chip<strong>set in India.</strong></li><li><strong>The <keyword id="20960818" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Poco-F6" source="keywords">Poco F6</keyword> will be the first smartphone with the chipset to launch in India.</strong></li><li><strong>Here’s everything you need to know about the latest flagship</strong> chipset from Qualcomm.</li></ul> US-based Qualcomm today announced the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, the company’s latest flagship chipset in India. The chipset comes with support for powerful on-device generative AI features.<br /><br />The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is based on the same architecture as its powerful<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/android-smartphones-to-get-more-generative-ai-features-with-this-new-qualcomm-chipset/articleshow/104690419.cms"> Snapdragon 8 Gen 3</a> chipset but offers a different clock speed. The chipset is based on a 4 nm process and supports LPDDR5X memory, UFS 4.0 storage, up to 144Hz Quad HD+ display and Qualcomm Quick Charge 5.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features" comment="subhead" text="Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features"><span data-til="noop"><keyword id="20988042" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Qualcomm-Snapdragon-8s-Gen-3" source="keywords">Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3</keyword> features</span></cmsannotation><br /><br />The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset is equipped with an octa-core CPU, which includes a Prime Core clocked at 3.0 GHz, four performance cores clocked at 2.8 GHz and three efficiency cores clocked at 2.0 GHz.<br /><br />The chipset supports up to 10 billion parameters for on-device generative AI, with support for multi-modal models including 30+ large language models (LLMs) and large vision models (LVMs).<br /><br />Qualcomm has claimed that the chipset will offer a “hyper-realistic” gaming experience, thanks to the Snapdragon Elite Gaming features, which comes with real-time hardware-accelerated <keyword id="20976394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ray-tracing" source="keywords">Ray Tracing</keyword>.<br /><br />In terms of optics, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features Qualcomm Spectra Triple Cognitive ISP and supports up to a 200MP camera.<br /><br />The chipset comes with Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite that offers lossless high-definition sound, Qualcomm Aqstic Speaker Max Technology, Qualcomm aptX Lossless and LE Audio with Auracast broadcast audio.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Poco F6 to be the first smartphone with the chipset in India" comment="subhead" text="Poco F6 to be the first smartphone with the chipset in India"><span data-til="noop"><keyword id="19908619" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Poco" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Poco" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Poco">Poco</keyword> F6 to be the first smartphone with the chipset in India</span></cmsannotation><br /><br />While companies like Xiaomi and Realme have already launched devices with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset outside India, the Poco F6 smartphone will be the first device with this chipset to debut in India.<br /><br />The Poco F6 is scheduled to launch in India on May 23. At the launch event for the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3m, Poco confirmed that the Poco F6 will be the first device with the chipset in the country.<br /><br />Apart from this, the device is expected to feature a 6.67-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera setup at the back with a 50MP primary camera, a 20MP selfie camera and a 5,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging support.<br /><br />We should know more about the device, including its price and specifications in the coming days.<br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/chatgpt-maker-openai-has-launched-gpt-4o-a-new-ai-voice-assistant/articleshow/110112039.cms">ChatGPT maker OpenAI has launched GPT-4o, a new AI voice assistant</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-i/o-event-today-how-to-watch-and-what-to-expect/articleshow/110105611.cms">Google I/O event today – how to watch and what to expect</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-nord-ce-4-lite-to-launch-soon-in-india-expected-price-specs-and-everything-we-know-so-far/articleshow/110076267.cms"><strong>OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite to launch soon in India – expected price, specs and everything we know so far</strong></a><br />

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset to debut in India with the Poco F6

<ul><li><strong><keyword id="104695" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Qualcomm" source="Orion">Qualcomm</keyword> has launched the <keyword id="16594090" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Snapdragon-8-Gen-3" source="Orion">Snapdragon 8 Gen 3</keyword>, the company’s latest flagship mobile platform.</strong></li><li><strong>The new mobile platform offers improvements of up to 30% for CPU performance and 25% for GPU performance.</strong></li><li><strong>The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also brings on-device generative AI capabilities for the chipset.</strong></li></ul> Chipmaker Qualcomm has announced the company’s next flagship mobile platform, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 at the Qualcomm Snapdragon Tech Summit 2023. The company also announced the Snapdragon X Elite chipset for PCs and S7 and S7 Pro Gen 1 sound platforms at the summit.<br /><br />The main highlight of the event was the <keyword id="19258472" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="Snapdragon-8-Gen-3-chipset" source="Orion">Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset</keyword>, which will be used for the next-gen flagship smartphones by companies like Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi and more. Smartphone makers have already started lining up the launch of their smartphones, with the Xiaomi 14 series to be the first.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 specifications" comment="subhead" text="Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 specifications"><span data-til="noop">Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 specifications</span></cmsannotation><br />The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the successor of the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/qualcomm-snapdragon-tech-summit-2022-snapdragon-8-gen-2-oryon-cpu-ar2-gen-1-platform-and-other-announcements/articleshow/95581109.cms"> Snapdragon 8 Gen 2</a> and comes with several improvements. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is powered by a new Kryo CPU with five gold processors that claim to offer 30% improved performance over its predecessor, along with 20% improved power efficiency.<br /><br />The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is equipped with a prime core that runs at 3.3 GHz, five performance cores at 3.2 GHz and two efficiency cores at 2.3 GHz.<br /><br />It’s not just the CPU that has received a boost. The Qualcomm <keyword id="12647199" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="adreno-gpu" source="Orion">Adreno GPU</keyword> has also been improved, offering 25% faster performance, with 25% improved battery efficiency. The GPU will also offer 1Hz variable refresh rate support, for lower power display modes.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Boost for gamers" comment="subhead" text="Boost for gamers"><span data-til="noop">Boost for gamers</span></cmsannotation><br />In good news for gamers, the GPU is claimed to offer 40% improved ray tracing, which is beginning to be added to premium smartphone games.<br /><br />The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is equipped with the Snapdragon Elite Gaming suite, offering features such as life-like multi-source lighting with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, a first for mobile gaming. It also supports up to 240 FPS on 240 Hz displays, which may be utilised by gaming phones.<br /><br />The Snapdragon Game Super Resolution will enable upscaling game scenes up to 8K external displays.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="AI gets a boost" comment="subhead" text="AI gets a boost"><span data-til="noop">AI gets a boost</span></cmsannotation><br />The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform, the company claims is its first mobile platform meticulously designed with generative AI in mind.<br /><br />The chipset comes with the Qualcomm AI engine, which is the first AI engine to support multi-modal generative AI models, including large language models (LLM), language vision models (LVM), and more.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is generative AI?" comment="subhead" text="What is generative AI?"><span data-til="noop">What is generative AI?</span></cmsannotation><br />Generative AI is a type of technology that can create new and original content, such as text, images, videos and more. It does this by learning patterns from existing data, then using this knowledge to generate new and unique outputs.<br /><br />It works by using a variety of machine learning techniques, including deep learning, neural networks, and reinforcement learning.<br /><br />The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 supports a chatbot trained on Meta’s Llama 2. This chatbot can accept voice, text and images as inputs and can talk back to users in addition to generating text and images.<br /><br />The chipset supports <keyword id="15744151" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="stable-diffusion" source="Orion">Stable Diffusion</keyword>, which enables you to generate images in less than a second.<br /><br />“This platform unlocks a new era of generative AI enabling users to generate unique content, help with productivity, and other breakthrough use cases,” said Chris Patrick, senior vice president and general manager of mobile handsets, Qualcomm Technologies.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Qualcomm Sensing Hub" comment="subhead" text="Qualcomm Sensing Hub"><span data-til="noop">Qualcomm Sensing Hub</span></cmsannotation><br />The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is also equipped with the Qualcomm Sensing Hub, which provides information to the AI engine. The hub will also provide information such as your age, location, fitness level and your favourite activities to the AI engine, enabling personalised responses.<br /><strong><br />SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/how-to-use-two-whatsapp-accounts-on-one-phone/articleshow/104641592.cms">How to use two WhatsApp accounts on one phone? A step by step guide</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-pay-everything-you-need-to-know-about-googles-new-credit-offerings/articleshow/104573817.cms">Google for India – Sachet loans to credit on UPI, tech giant bets on lending</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-open-foldable-launched-in-india-as-an-affordable-alternative-to-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5/articleshow/104560947.cms">OnePlus Open foldable launched in India as an 'affordable' alternative to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5</a></strong><br />

Android smartphones to get more generative AI features with this new Qualcomm chipset

<ul><li><strong><keyword id="6485927" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="realme" source="Orion">Realme</keyword> launched Realme GT 2 Pro today in India, starting at ₹47,999<br /></strong></li><li><strong>Realme GT 2 Pro features the Qualcomm <keyword id="1246180" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="snapdragon" source="Orion">Snapdragon</keyword> 8 Gen 1 5G chipset and a 120Hz 2K display.<br /></strong></li><li><strong>Realme GT 2 Pro competes against the likes of Oneplus 9RT, Samsung Galaxy S21 FE</strong></li></ul>Realme today launched their latest flagship smartphone the GT2 Pro. Packing every possible feature that a high-end smartphone is expected to have in 2022. With the brand covering solid ground in the mid-range category, GT2 Pro shows Realme’s ambition to get aggressive in the premium segment as well. <br /><br />Is the Realme GT2 Pro the right candidate for both the brand and the consumer to enter the flagship segment? I have spent 5 days with it, and here’s what I think about Realme’s budget flagship. <br /><strong><br />Price &amp; Availability</strong><br /><br />The Realme GT 2 Pro starts at a price of ₹49,999 for the 8GB RAM variant that packs in 128GB of storage. There is another variant offered at a price of ₹57,999 that packs in 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone is available on Flipkart and Realme India’s own official website. <br /><br /><strong><br />Realme GT 2 Pro Design: All elite<br />    <div type="image" title="Realme GT2 Pro features a polymer back" msid="90705838" hostid="261"></div></strong><br />Realme has done a commendable job with the GT 2 Pro when it comes to the design. The phone feels premium from the moment you unbox it. It’s lightweight and ergonomically built which makes it a treat to hold and use. Unlike the industry trend of making a glass sandwich design, Realme GT 2 Pro combines a polymer back with a solid glass front put together in a stainless steel frame.<br /><br />The variant with me is in the paperwhite color with a textured back allowing a better grip on the phone. That being said, if your palms are dirty or sweaty they leave a smudge mark that can be cleaned only with a wet cloth, otherwise, the phone looks dirty. <br /><br />There is a major branding on the top right of the back which reads “Realme and designed by Naoto Fukasava’’, was it necessary to put such a bold branding there? No. I realized Realme is proud of this collaboration when I saw that even the bundled case reads the same branding. This to me was a bit much. <br />There is also a fairly large triple camera set-up with an easily noticeable bump around it.<br />      <div type="image" title="Realme GT2  Pro  features a big branding" msid="90705064" hostid="261"></div> <br /><br />On the right side, you will find the power lock and unlock button, volume rockers are on the left. All of these physical buttons are of good quality and give a tactile feel. On the bottom, you will find a USB Type-C port alongside a speaker grille and microphone.<br />    <div type="image" title="Realme GT2 Pro features a USB Type-C charging port" msid="90705187" hostid="261"></div><br /><br />Surprisingly there is no official water resistance rating claimed by the company. However, after enquiring with the Realme team, I was told that the device is cascaded internally. Simply put it's well protected around the charging port, but it’s not completely water-resistant. <br /><br />Realme is proudly promoting this device as the world’s first bio-based smartphone design. What does that mean? Basically, the phone shell is made up of a bio-based polymer, which is said to reduce carbon emissions. Now, the irony is that the box comes in plastic wrapping, and so does the phone inside and its charger. These contradictions made me feel, that the above claims are more suited for a marketing pitch while there’s no way to quantify the impact. Realme has gone heavy with the branding, once again, and it spoils the perfectly good design for me. Some of you may not mind it, but I’m not a fan of this particular element.<br /><strong><br />Realme GT 2 Pro Display: Best on any Realme smartphone<br /></strong><br />The GT 2 Pro comes with a 6.7-inch 2K WQHD+ display, yes that’s a mouthful, but it does its job really well. One of the best display’s I have seen on a Realme device. It makes everything on the screen a visual treat, be it playing games or watching movies.<br />    <div type="image" title="GT2 Pro comes with a 6.7-inch 2K LTPO WQHD+ display" msid="90705229" hostid="261"></div> <br /><br />It also gets some presets like an image sharpener, video color enhancer, and video motion enhancement in case you want to tweak the display settings. All of these functions improve upon an individual characteristic of your content, but they also consume more battery.<br />    <div type="image" title="GT2 Pro has a punch-hole display" msid="90705305" hostid="261"></div><br /><br />The phone also lets you choose the default screen resolution between FHD+ (2412 x 1080) or QHD+ (3216 X 1440) or Autoselect. During my testing, I kept the phone on the QHD+ setting for the maxed-out performance and I wasn’t disappointed.<br /><br />With accurate color reproduction and surreal detail retention, I thoroughly enjoyed watching my content. <br /><br />But it’s not limited just to watching movies, with an adaptive screen refresh rate the phone smoothly switches between 1Hz to 120Hz. So, casual reading on the internet, scrolling on social media, and of course, high-intensity gaming all are taken care of respectably. <br /><br />Realme GT 2 Pro comes with 1000Hz touch sampling which translates into visibly faster response time. The phone so far has not missed out on a tap, touch, or swipe.<br /><br />    <div type="image" title="GT2 Pro features an always-on display" msid="90705315" hostid="261"></div><br />There is a Nature Tone display option on the phone that adjusts the color temperature as per the ambiance, however, I won’t suggest you keep it on since it spoils the experience. The company claims 1400 nits of max brightness on this one, while I didn’t test it with a luminance meter, I didn’t face any issues using it under direct sunlight generally.<br /><br />The always-on display option is also available that comes in handy. <br /><br />The screen also incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor, which is snappy. Protected with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, you don’t have to worry about the display getting scratched easily.<br /><br />Complimenting the display is a stereo speaker set-up which is fairly loud and goes well with the caliber of the screen. <br /><strong><br />Realme GT 2 Pro UI experience<br /></strong><br />Up until now, I was convinced Realme has done it, they have outperformed themselves and have made an outright flagship. Until I realized the software woes. Mixed between an almost perfect amalgamation of Realme UI 3.0 and Android 12 was a package of applications. The usual suspects are all here - Josh, Moj, Mx Takatak, PhonePe, Sloop cut, and Bookings.com. Yes, all these can be uninstalled if you wish to, but I wished they were not there in the first place.<br />    <div type="image" title="GT2 Pro runs on Realme UI 3.0" msid="90705343" hostid="261"></div> <br />Ignoring them, Realme UI works smoothly on the GT 2 Pro. With the fresh animation style for actions like uninstallation, or switching between tabs you enjoy using the smartphone. We do have to note here that this is a brand new unit, and the performance tends to go down with time. <br /><br />Before switching to the GT2 Pro, I was using the Realme 9 5G Speed Edition and even though the UI is similar on both devices, I found the execution on GT2 Pro leaps ahead. <br /><br />Realme also offers a ton of customization options utilizing the potential of Android 12 features and the brand's own custom skin. From generic options like selecting Dark mode, you can also go full custom. Choose a design of your liking and play around with the theme colors as you please. <br /><br /><strong>Realme GT 2 Pro Performance - Master of all <br /></strong><br />The GT2 Pro is a device that not only looks solid on paper but also translates into real-life performance. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Processor which is top of the line and works in sync with the UI on board. The smartphone is blazing fast with non-existent boot-up times and a performance that does not lag behind in any sense.<br />    <div type="image" title="GT2 Pro is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Processor" msid="90705965" hostid="261"></div><br /><br /><br />The variant with me packs in 12GB of RAM which is more than capable of handling heavy tasks and retaining applications for upto 2 days. Yes, there have been instances where I didn’t close an app, opened it 2 days later and the phone took me to the exact same page where I had left it. <br /><br />This performance also shows up when you are gaming, after 2 hour long intense sessions of Genshin Impact and BGMI, I can say this is also a gaming device. With no lags or ugly frame drops the Realme GT 2 pro makes you enjoy your games. I played both the games on maxed-out settings, and I have no complaints so far. <br /><br />The phone did heat up, but not to the point where I couldn’t hold it. Realme’s stainless steel vapour cooling max system does work like advertised, so far. <br /><br />You can take the performance a notch higher with a dedicated GT Mode, which maxes out phone settings, I did my test with it turned on. <br /><br />The variant with me packs in 256GB of internal storage which is sufficient for high-performance users.<br /><br />The streak continues in battery performance as well, with the GT 2 Pro giving me a screen-on time of upto 5 hours. This includes watching content playing games and some social media scrolling. Do note, that the battery life also depends on your usage pattern.<br /><br />The Qualcomm chipset is working in sync with the battery and it's good news. However, I do wish that the charging speed was better. The 65W SuperDart charger takes about 1 hour to charge the 5000 mAh cell from 0 to 100%. <br /><br /><strong>Realme GT2 Pro Camera - There’s potential <br /></strong><br />Realme GT2 Pro comes with a 50MP primary sensor which is a Sony IMX766 unit. This sensor is seen on high-end devices and performs really well in natural lighting conditions to deliver images that retain great details. The frames look beautiful and it manages to capture natural colors as well.<br />      <div type="image" title="Realme GT2 Pro 20X Zoom shot" msid="90705394" hostid="261"></div> <br /><br />With Optical image stabilization, the video performance is also satisfying and the outcome is generally favorable. You can also shoot 8K videos with a 60 fps setting with the GT 2 Pro, do you need this much firepower? Not really. But in case you ever want to use it, make sure the lighting conditions are favorable.<br />      <div type="image" title="GT2 Pro&amp;#39;s wide-angle shot" msid="90705553" hostid="261"></div><br />  <br />Then there is a 50MP ultra-wide lens which is as per Realme is the world’s first 150 Degree ultra-wide sensor. This also enables a fish-eye mode. Keeping that promotional lingo aside, it works really well and creates bigger frames. You will have a good time clicking pictures with it.<br />        <div type="image" title="GT2 Pro&amp;#39;s features 50MP primary sensor" msid="90705442" hostid="261"></div><br />    <div type="image" title="GT2 Pro&amp;#39;s indoor photo sample" msid="90705455" hostid="261"></div><br />Then there is a 3MP microlens that comes with a 40x magnification feature, do you really need that? No. But does it work? Somewhat. Essentially a macro lens, it works wonders in certain situations mostly outdoor subjects. But if you try to click pictures indoors then the results are disappointing.<br />    <div type="image" title="Realme GT2 Pro&amp;#39;s micro-lens shot" msid="90705464" hostid="261"></div><br /><br />The front camera is a 32 MP shooter and can click decent selfies, and comes with classic Realme AI features. I am still adjusting my head around them, but if you are a fan of changing everything about your selfies, from skin tone to Nose size, then you will have a ball.<br />      <div type="image" title="GT2 Pro&amp;#39;s 32MP selfie camera" msid="90705490" hostid="261"></div><br />There are other camera features on board as well, like the usual portrait mode which works well and edge detection is usually accurate. A feature that stood out for me was 3D pictures, which allow you to give different moments in a picture. Like Pan in or out, while the results do look good, there is room for improvement. You also get dual video mode on the phone.<br /> <br />The dedicated street photography mode enables a 24mm resolution, and does add a bounce to the pictures.<br />      <div type="image" title="GT2 Pro features a street photography mode" msid="90705516" hostid="261"></div> <br />As of now, I can say, There is the right set of hardware on the Realme GT 2 Pro, hopefully, with future software updates, we will be able to see the complete optical potential of this device. <br /><br /><strong>Realme GT 2 Pro - Verdict<br /></strong>Realme has a winner in their hands with the GT2 Pro. Top-of-the-line specs, commendable camera hardware, and an intuitive UI are the hallmark of a good device, this device has it all. <br /><br />This smartphone is for performance-hungry users who might be bored off the obvious or want the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 experience under a budget. At a starting price of ₹47,999 this phone is a solid alternative to the likes of Samsung’s S21 FE and Oneplus 9RT.<br />

Realme GT 2 Pro review: Testing the cheapest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 smartphone

<ul><li><keyword id="19898516" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Intel" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Intel" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Intel">Intel</keyword> has announced <keyword id="21744753" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lunar-Lake" source="keywords">Lunar Lake</keyword> chips at the <keyword id="21495252" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Computex-2024" source="keywords">Computex 2024</keyword>, offering an upgrade over the <keyword id="20100589" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meteor-Lake" source="keywords">Meteor Lake</keyword> chips.</li><li>The American chip maker’s primary focus with its new chips is artificial intelligence.</li><li>Lunar Lake chips will offer a threefold increase in <keyword id="19899640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI" source="keywords">AI</keyword> capabilities compared to previous generations.</li></ul> Intel debuted Lunar Lake chips at the Computex show in Taiwan, revealing some major upgrades over last year’s Meteor Lake chips. Intel’s primary focus with this year’s chips is AI, in line with <keyword id="19895622" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Microsoft" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Microsoft" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Microsoft">Microsoft</keyword>’s goal of making this the “Year of AI PCs.”<br /><br />Set to launch in the third quarter of 2024, these chips are designed with a new architecture tailored specifically for mobile devices, integrating advanced CPU, GPU, and NPU technologies.<br /><br />Lunar Lake processors will feature on-package memory, similar to Apple's M1, which enhances power efficiency and performance. The architecture can touch 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS) in AI workloads thanks to the Neural Processing Unit, or NPU.<br /><br />This marks a threefold increase in AI capabilities compared to previous generations.<br /><br />The new architecture is aimed at making Lunar Lake chips more ideal for ultrathin and lightweight laptops.<br /><br />“AI is driving one of the most consequential eras of innovation the industry has ever seen. The magic of silicon is once again enabling exponential advancements in computing that will push the boundaries of human potential and power the global economy for years to come,” said Pat Gelsinger, chief executive officer, Intel.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Taking On Qualcomm And AMD" comment="subhead" text="Taking On Qualcomm And AMD"><span data-til="noop">Taking On Qualcomm And AMD</span></cmsannotation><br /><br />Intel's Lunar Lake processors are poised to compete closely with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and AMD's upcoming Strix Point in the AI performance arena.<br /><br />These advancements align with Intel's strategy to enhance AI computing on personal computers, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and responsiveness in consumer laptops.<br /><br />In addition to this, Intel underscored its commitment to making Lunar Lake succeed when it comes to AI – it says its partners are working to deliver over 300 AI features for PCs through 2025.<br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/synology-introduces-new-products-aimed-at-data-protection-and-scalability/articleshow/110711086.cms">Synology introduces new products aimed at data protection and scalability</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/computex-2024-mediatek-joins-arm-total-design-as-it-looks-to-boost-ai-innovation/articleshow/110709978.cms">Computex 2024: MediaTek joins Arm Total Design as it looks to boost AI innovation</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/may-auto-sales-tata-motors-and-hyundai-continue-to-fight-for-the-second-spot-as-car-sales-grow-by-4/articleshow/110649713.cms"><strong>May Auto Sales – Tata Motors and Hyundai continue to fight for the second spot as car sales grow by 4%</strong></a><br />

Computex 2024: Intel Debuts Lunar Lake Chips With Focus On Microsoft’s AI Ambitions For PCs

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Microsoft is expected to unveil updates on Copilot, Azure, and its Surface lineup this week.</li><li>Analysts say Microsoft's AI and cloud innovations are underestimated by the stock market.</li></ul><p>It's about to be a big week for Microsoft.</p><p>Microsoft is in the spotlight as it follows major announcements from OpenAI and Google last week and prepares to unveil its latest AI innovations at Build, the company's annual developer conference.</p><p>The tech giant is also holding an exclusive event for journalists on Monday detailing its vision for hardware, which will likely feature its new Surface lineup along with some software updates.</p><p>The next day is the main event, Microsoft's Build keynote, where it's expected to announce <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-ai-assistant-copilot-early-adopters-disappointed-report-2024-2">updates to its AI assistant Copilot</a> and cloud computing platform Azure, along with other Windows features.</p><p>Wedbush analysts said in a Monday note that they believe Microsoft's AI and cloud advancements have been underestimated by the stock market — but Microsoft tools like Copilot will be a major source of revenue growth that could generate between $25 and $30 billion for Microsoft by its fiscal year 2025.</p><p>According to Dan Ives, Wedbush's managing director and senior equity analyst, Microsoft's big week is expected to be all about three things — here's what's expected to be front and center.</p><h2 id="eeb74f0f-7bf8-4b05-ab25-a8056df3e372">Copilot and other AI features in Windows</h2><p id="eeb74f0f-7bf8-4b05-ab25-a8056df3e372">Wedbush analysts expect <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-memo-leak-reorg-prioritize-copilot-over-teams-layoffs-2024-4">Microsoft to roll out more Copilot and AI features</a> into its consumer and enterprise product stack.</p><p id="eeb74f0f-7bf8-4b05-ab25-a8056df3e372">Wedbush said in its analyst note that it expects more AI integration with Microsoft apps like Excel, Teams, and Word, which will increase subscriptions and strengthen Microsoft's consumer base.</p><p id="eeb74f0f-7bf8-4b05-ab25-a8056df3e372">Over 70% of Microsoft's installed base "will ultimately be on this AI-driven functionality" in the next three years, the analyst said, which will be a big change for the company.</p><p>Ives said putting AI features into Windows will give developers the foundation to build AI use cases through Windows and, ultimately, Azure.</p><h2 id="a8c63230-f8a9-4e48-9d34-83cbcf250df8">Showcasing AI framework in Azure</h2><p>Ives said in some ways, the most important aspect of the developer conference is going to be showing off <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-plans-spend-more-ai-infrastructure-capex-earnings-azure-chips-2024-4">the AI framework in Azure</a>.</p><p id="a8c63230-f8a9-4e48-9d34-83cbcf250df8">In its analyst note, Wedbush estimated that Microsoft's customers still have plenty of room to increase their spending with the company. For every $100 they spend on Azure, there is an estimated $35-$40 in potential additional AI spending, they wrote.</p><p id="a8c63230-f8a9-4e48-9d34-83cbcf250df8">"Cloud is where the battleground is between Google, Oracle, Amazon," Ives said. "Microsoft is showing developers to look no further than between us and OpenAI."</p><h2 id="df4cca39-dc73-4681-9f72-3057a8822e29">Surface Updates</h2><p id="df4cca39-dc73-4681-9f72-3057a8822e29">Wedbush analysts anticipate new laptops along with Windows updates this week.</p><p id="df4cca39-dc73-4681-9f72-3057a8822e29">The new hardware expected to be announced on Monday, the day before Build kicks off, could include the Surface Pro 10 and the Surface Laptop 6, The Verge <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/20/24160451/microsoft-surface-event-what-to-expect-ai">reports</a>. Both would run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors as the company transitions to Arm, The Verge said.</p><p id="df4cca39-dc73-4681-9f72-3057a8822e29">New processors would come as Microsoft and other PC companies have been under pressure to ramp up their processing chips since Apple transitioned to creating its own. Recent reports also indicate that<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-ai-macs-iphones-look-more-important-than-vision-pro-2024-4"> Apple is working on revamping its entire Mac lineup </a>with a series of new M4 processors that aim to put AI at their center.</p><p id="df4cca39-dc73-4681-9f72-3057a8822e29">But Microsoft's Surface updates may kick off the trend. Ives said the new AI Surface updates will start a new PC-driven cycle that's "AI-led, from Dell to Microsoft, and ultimately to Apple as well."</p><h2 id="561b58b0-2713-4b2a-bd6c-dd58a5c2e84b">Expect it to be a 'showstopper'</h2><p id="561b58b0-2713-4b2a-bd6c-dd58a5c2e84b">Microsoft has big shoes to fill following OpenAI's spring update and Google's I/O conference last week. Both companies announced human-like updates to their AI products, showcasing their AI agent's ability to respond to prompts with voice and act as a tutor.</p><p id="561b58b0-2713-4b2a-bd6c-dd58a5c2e84b">Google also announced a revamped search engine integrated with AI, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-microsoft-bing-openai-more-powerful-chatgpt-2023-2">which competes with Microsft's AI-powered Bing</a>.</p><p id="561b58b0-2713-4b2a-bd6c-dd58a5c2e84b">But according to Ives, Microsoft will be a "showstopper." Due to OpenAI's collaboration with Microsoft, Ives said the conference will build on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-event-live-updates-sam-altman-announcement-chatgpt-news-2024-5">OpenAI's announcements from last week</a>.</p><p id="561b58b0-2713-4b2a-bd6c-dd58a5c2e84b">Business Insider will be liveblogging Microsoft's big opening keynote on Tuesday at 12 p.m. ET, so check back with us then to follow along.</p>

Microsoft is about to show off its next move in AI. Here's what to expect.

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56c7a9a86e97c631008b8832-971-729/hp elite x3 with hp elitebook folio.jpg" alt="HP Elite x3 with HP EliteBook Folio" data-mce-source="HP" data-mce-caption="HP Elite x3 smartphone" /><p class="source"><span>HP</span></p><p class="caption">HP Elite x3 smartphone</p></div><p></p></div></div>At the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona on Monday, HP finally revealed its grand plan to take on the iPhone, making good on a promise <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hp-is-going-to-release-a-smartphone-2012-9">Meg Whitman made way back in 2012</a> to get HP into the smartphone market.</p><p>The company is launching a new smartphone device in 10 markets by the end of summer, including the US and Canada. But it's not another Android phone. </p><p>It's based on Microsoft's Windows 10 and it's more like what we'd call a super smartphone, meaning a super high-end, and, likely. super high-priced device. </p><p>And it's not as crazy as it sounds.</p><p>HP's new HP Elite x3 is intended to be a new category of "all-in one" device for business user that can replaces their smartphone, tablet/notebook and a desktop PC.</p><p>On its own, it's a smartphone geared for office work, about the size of an iPhone 6 plus, with a powerful <span>Snapdragon 820 processor and a huge, all-day battery, which is 30% larger than the battery in the iPhone, Michael Park, HP's VP of commercial mobility products tells Business Insider.</span></p><p>The device can also be used with two kinds of docking stations. One of the docking stations allows you to plug a large keyboard, monitor, Ethernet and so on into the phablet-sized smartphone.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56c7a9382e526556008b8753-1333-1000/hp elite x3 dock.jpg" alt="HP Elite x3 Dock" data-mce-source="HP" data-mce-caption="HP Elite x3 Dock" /><p class="source"><span>HP</span></p><p class="caption">HP Elite x3 Dock</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>The other is called the "mobile extender" and it includes a screen and keyboard and connects wirelessly with the smartphone and turns it into laptop.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56c7a8f62e526575008b87a3-800-468/hp elite x3 mobile extender.png" alt="HP Elite x3 mobile extender" data-mce-source="HP" /><p class="source"><span>HP</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>On top of that, HP is offering some special software that creates a private app store where employees can access their PC apps over their networks if their companies are already set up to do that sort of app streaming.</p><p>And when you plug the phone into a docking station, it switches from the mobile version of any app, say Office 365, to the desktop version.</p><p>Plus, through HP's partnership with Salesforce, the device will be preinstalled with the Salesforce1 app. When docked, it will switch to the PC/cloud version of Salesforce as well. </p><p>This is an interesting take on the smartphone but its not the first time the smartphone+docking station idea was tried. Motorola had a device way back in 2011 <a href="http://www.networkworld.com/article/2228440/opensource-subnet/motorola-atrix-4g--the-next-big-thing-to-infiltrate-the-enterprise-.html">called the Atrix</a> that did much the same thing. Reviewers loved the idea, but it was buggy, expensive and never caught on and <a href="http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/117595-motorola-kills-off-webtop-software">Motorola killed the device about a year later.</a></p><p><span>Park wouldn't comment on how much the <span>HP Elite x3</span> device will cost, except to say that it will be more affordable than buying a PC, a smartphone and tablet as separate devices.</span></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/drinking-coffee-could-reverse-alcohol-damage-2016-2">Drinking coffee could reverse some of the damage caused by alcohol</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="J2bWQzMTE60M7vrnAS0GQUTunfaJ710y" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'J2bWQzMTE60M7vrnAS0GQUTunfaJ710y',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

HP has an interesting plan to compete with the iPhone using Windows Phone

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58dbbfe28af5781e008b48dc-1384/img0191.png" alt="samsung dex" data-mce-source="Business Insider/Antonio Villas-Boas"><p class="source"><span>Business Insider/Antonio Villas-Boas</span></p><p class="caption">The Samsung DeX.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Samsung announced its next big smartphones, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/samsung-galaxy-s8-release-date-specs-features-2017-3" target="_blank">the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+</a>, on Wednesday. As expected, both devices come with big displays, super thin bezels, and top-of-the-line specs. They <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus-photos-hands-on-2017-3" target="_blank">look good</a>.</p><p>Perhaps the most curious bit of news, though, isn't about the phones so much as an accessory that supports them: the DeX. Short for "desktop extension," this is a little dock that effectively turns the Galaxy S8 or S8+ into a desktop computer.</p><p>So if you wanted to finish a Word doc you started typing on the bus, for instance, you could pop the Galaxy S8 into the DeX, hook up a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and continue on the bigger screen.</p><p>When everything is connected and the DeX is plugged into a monitor, the phone stretches out its Android skin to look like a Windows-esque PC platform. It seems pretty clean. The DeX itself has ports for USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and the older USB 2.0, and comes with its own cooling fan to keep your phone from overheating. You can still connect the web over LTE.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58dbc09a8af5781f008b48ef-1349/img0196.png" alt="samsung dex" data-mce-source="Business Insider/Antonio Villas-Boas"><p class="source"><span>Business Insider/Antonio Villas-Boas</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Samsung's own browser, email, calendar and other apps have been reworked to fit the more spacious screen, but the company says it's also getting Microsoft and Adobe to adapt their Office and Lightroom apps, respectively, to the non-mobile environment.</p><p>Samsung isn't saying how much the DeX will cost or when it'll be available, but <a href="http://winfuture.de/news,96748.html" target="_blank">past leaks</a> have said it'll cost <span>€</span>150 in Europe. So it could be pricey. Given that the Galaxy S8 itself isn't cheap, Samsung is pitching the DeX as a neat, productivity-boosting extra for Galaxy diehards more than a core aspect of the phone itself. </p><h2>A dream that will not die</h2><p>That's probably for the best. Samsung is just the latest in a string of tech companies who have tried to sell phones that can also be PCs. Thus far, none of them have taken off.</p><p>Tech people call this "convergence" - the idea that a single gadget, in this case the smartphone, can swallow all other device types and become the One True Computer for whatever you need.</p><p>The thinking behind it makes sense: The smartphone is already the most popular way people access the internet, and the technology behind it is only getting more powerful. Apple's A-series of mobile chips are at the point where you can at least put them in the <a href="https://daringfireball.net/linked/2016/09/14/geekbench-android-a10" target="_blank">same conversation</a> as an Intel desktop processor, and last year <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-finds-solution-to-mobile-conundrum-windows-10-2016-12?_ga=1.168548066.215906070.1490368168" target="_blank">Microsoft showed how</a> it can run its full Windows 10 operating system - albeit partially through emulation - on a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. The Galaxy S8 itself runs on the latest and fastest <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-835-quick-charge-2016-11" target="_blank">Snapdragon 835</a> chip.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58dbc5588af5781e008b4925-1333/img0189.png" alt="samsung dex" data-mce-source="Business Insider/Antonio Villas-Boas"><p class="source"><span>Business Insider/Antonio Villas-Boas</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Meanwhile, more and more people are comfortable turning to less-robust devices like tablets and Chromebooks to fill their computing needs. If the phone is good and strong enough, why buy two or three computers when you could just have one?</p><p>It's an attractive pitch - which helps explain why Samsung is far from the first company to make something like it. Here's a quick history lesson:</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">  Back in 2011, Motorola released the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/motorola-atrix-4g-review-2011-2" target="_blank">Atrix 4G</a>, an Android phone you could plug into a "Lapdock," a $500 laptop shell you could use to run the phone in a desktop environment. The phone itself was powerful at the time, but the Lapdock's price and limited functionality kept it as more of a gimmick than a game-changer.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">  Also in 2011, Asus introduced its <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/asus-padfone-2011-5?op=1/#e-phone-docks-in-this-hatch-on-the-back-of-the-tablet-1" target="_blank">PadFone</a> line. This was a series of Android phones that could dock in the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/asus-padfone-x-review-2014-6" target="_blank">back of a tablet</a> shell and power that sort of form factor. Asus released a few iterations of this, but hasn't launched a new model since 2014.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">  UK software maker Canonical has repeatedly tried to position its Ubuntu OS as a platform that works across devices, to little consumer success. In 2013, it raised millions on Indiegogo for an <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ubuntu-edge-indiegogo-campaign-2013-8" target="_blank">Ubuntu Edge</a> phone that'd run Ubuntu when plugged into a desktop, but the company couldn't get the astronomical $32 million it asked for, and it subsequently scrapped the project. It <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/2/4/10914004/canonical-m10-ubuntu-tablet-convergence" target="_blank">later launched</a> a tablet that tried something similar, but it never really caught on. The company is <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/canonical-founder-mark-shuttleworth-interview-2016-4" target="_blank">now looking more</a> at the Internet of Things.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">  Microsoft has taken the biggest stab at this idea, with its "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-continuum-on-lumia-phones-2015-10" target="_blank">Continuum</a>" feature for Windows 10 designed to scale the OS down for phone sizes. If you plug a phone like <a href="http://store.hp.com/us/en/mdp/tablets-243002--1/hp-elite-x3" target="_blank">HP's Elite x3</a> into a dock, it's meant to become a full Windows PC. There are still some features missing, though, and Windows phones have long lacked app developer support. That's made Continuum a niche feature, at best, for Windows loyalists.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">  <a href="http://www.jide.com/remixos" target="_blank">Jide's Remix OS</a> has transformed Android into a desktop-friendly design, but is still at the mercy of Google's own software updates, and is again more known by enthusiasts than anything else.</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">  Various crowdfunded projects have pitched the idea of a dock into which you could plug an Android phone and translate its software to a big screen. The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/andromium-superbook-turns-smartphone-into-laptop-2016-7" target="_blank">Superbook</a>, for instance, is a $119 laptop "shell" that raised nearly $3 million on Kickstarter last year. Sentio, the company behind it, has <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2016/12/30/delays-hit-crowdfunded-laptop-dock-for-android-phones/" target="_blank">missed</a> its original shipping date, though.</p><h2>Familiar concerns</h2><p>While all of these projects have had their individual issues, the underlying problem in each case is that the software just wasn't cooked enough to be a full PC.</p><p>The DeX will work with the most popular devices to take on this idea, but right now, it's likely to have the same hangup: Android isn't quite there yet for bigger screens. You can run multiple apps at once, but if an app isn't designed for the DeX, it'll be displayed in a phone- or tablet-sized window. Those apps then won't be resizable. We've <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/google-play-store-android-apps-chromebook-hands-on-2016-6/#each-app-is-presented-in-its-own-window-which-for-now-isnt-adjustable-14" target="_blank">seen this issue</a> before with Android apps running on Google's Chromebooks.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58dbc0828af57875038b4854-1440/img0195.png" alt="samsung dex" data-mce-source="Business Insider/Antonio Villas-Boas"><p class="source"><span>Business Insider/Antonio Villas-Boas</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Even then, a <em>lot</em> of Android apps that are ostensibly built for big screens - even Android's Settings menu - <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/samsung-chromebook-pro-future-of-chromebooks-google-2017-2/#when-it-comes-to-incorporating-android-though-google-still-has-some-cleaning-up-to-do-the-play-store-on-samsungs-review-unit-is-technically-still-in-beta-and-it-shows-there-are-way-too-many-bugs-compatibility-issues-and-outright-crashes-to-be-acceptable-8" target="_blank">resemble blown-up phone apps</a>, with white space aplenty. It's a similar problem to what Samsung just ran into with its <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-s3-review-ipad-pro-android-2017-3" target="_blank">Galaxy Tab S3 </a>tablet: Google and Android developers just haven't cared about this use case, so the experience has been sloppy, and Google itself seems to be <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/google-chromebook-android-apps-chrome-os-support-list-2017-1" target="_blank">favoring Chrome OS</a> as its big-screen platform over Android.</p><p>Still, there are reasons to think things will get better. The latest Android update, Nougat, made a number of concessions to larger screens, allowing two apps to run side-by-side, and the upcoming Android O <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/21/14988982/google-android-o-chrome-os-chromebook-keyboard-navgiation" target="_blank">looks like</a> it'll take that further, with things like improved keyboard support. Google <em>is</em> making Android on large screens a focus.</p><p>But here you'll have to wait on Samsung to update its software to take advantage of whatever comes next. And while Samsung says it's working to have "many more" apps support the DeX, the fact that the dock is made for a small subset of Galaxy phones gives reason to doubt how many other developers will jump onboard. </p><p>The DeX does have<em> </em>one trick that could get around Android's shortcomings: Samsung says it's working with software companies like Citrix and VMWare to let you run a virtualized (i.e., streamed) version of Windows 10 off the phone. That would give you a more desktop-ready OS, but it's a solution that hasn't run smoothly on past Windows phones.</p><p>We'll have to test the DeX further to see how well this all works - and how much the Galaxy S8 can handle - but it's best to think of this as an add-on more than <em>the next step</em> for how smartphones collide with the PC. It's something the iPhone cannot do. Still, it looks like Android will need to keep pressing forward before Samsung can accomplish what Microsoft and Motorola have failed to do.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-taking-samsung-galaxy-8-features-2017-3">Apple is turning the next iPhone into a Samsung Galaxy phone</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="UxOG40YTE69ZuVeV3bo9jk6EWDRa_3gd" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'UxOG40YTE69ZuVeV3bo9jk6EWDRa_3gd',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

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