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<strong>New Delhi,</strong> <keyword id="1675717" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-photos">Google photos</keyword> will turn your <keyword id="10441224" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="2d-photos">2D photos</keyword> into <keyword id="10441223" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="3d-ones">3D ones</keyword> and over the next month, people will start to see the <keyword id="6425244" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="MEMORIES">Memories</keyword> feature brought to life with Cinematic photos.<br /><br /><keyword id="6355629" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="google">Google</keyword> said that Cinematic photos use machine learning to predict an image's depth and produce a 3D representation of the scene, even if the original image doesn't include depth information from the camera.<br /><br />"Then we animate a virtual camera for a smooth panning effect — just like out of the movies," the company said in a statement on Tuesday.<br /><br />Google Photos will automatically create Cinematic photos for you.<br /><br />"Just make sure your app is updated and when one's ready for you, it'll show up in your recent highlights at the top of your photo grid".<br /><br />People can also share Cinematic photo with friends or family.<br /><br />Earlier this month, Google started rolling out <keyword id="10441225" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="updated-collage-designs">updated collage designs</keyword>.<br /><br />In these refreshed collages, the users will see richer, artistically designed layouts populated and stylised using AI.<br /><br />"This helps pick the right layout for a selection of photos by finding similar colours and using those to accent details like the font and background colour for a more cohesive look," Google said.<br /><br />The company is also rolling out new themes for looking back.<br /><br />"Starting soon, you'll also see Memories about your favourite things — like sunsets — and activities like baking or hiking based on the photos you upload".<br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-idbi-bank-pnb-bank-axis-bank-mm-embassy-reit-pvr-and-others/articleshow/79750662.cms">Top stocks to watch — IDBI Bank, PNB Bank, Axis Bank, M&amp;M, Embassy REIT, PVR, and others</a><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-inaugurates-new-railway-line-with-bangladesh-to-save-its-chickens-neck-from-china-on-vijay-diwas/articleshow/79750869.cms">After 55 years, India will inaugurate a new railway line with Bangladesh to save its ‘Chicken’s Neck’ from China</a><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/gold-loan-providers-in-india-face-a-rise-in-robberies-as-gold-prices-rise/articleshow/79752387.cms">Gold loan providers in India face a rise in robberies as gold prices rise</a></strong>

Google Photos' latest feature will automatically give a 3D effect to your 2D photos

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6354427" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="apple">Apple</keyword> unveiled its <keyword id="10319942" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="iOS-15">iOS 15</keyword> software update during its developer conference on Monday.</li><li>iOS 15 will feature redesigns and upgrades in FaceTime, Messages, Notifications, and more.</li><li>It will likely be available for download this fall.</li></ul><p>Apple unveiled its iOS 15 software update on Monday with upgrades to FaceTime, Maps, Weather, Messages, Photos Wallet, and more. </p><p>The update was announced during Apple's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-watch-apple-wwdc-2021">annual Worldwide Developer's Conference</a>, which is being held virtually for the second year in a row and runs through Friday.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-watch-apple-wwdc-2021"></a>Here are the biggest changes coming to your <keyword id="6354606" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="iPhone">iPhone</keyword> through the update, which will likely be made public this fall.</p><h2>Spatial audio is coming to FaceTime</h2><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-airpods-pro-spatial-audio-update-ios-14-2020-10">Apple announced its surround sound-like spatial audio</a> last fall, and the feature is now coming to the iPhone. It will make your friends and family sound like they're in the same room as you, with their voices sounding as though they're coming from where their icons are located on your screen.</p><p>The FaceTime facelift will also use machine learning to cut out background noise and isolate your voice "so it comes through crystal clear," Craig Federighi, Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, said.</p><p>A new grid view will be available to view all of your friends and family's icons, and Apple is adding a portrait mode to the video chatting app, a blurred background inspired by the camera feature.</p><p>Apple's FaceTime links will help schedule calls with people, and you'll be able to send the invite link to people via email and text. And that's not just on iPhone - Federighi said you'll be able to use it with your friends who have Android, and they'll be end-to-end encrypted.</p><p>Lastly, Apple will roll out a feature called SharePlay, which will let you FaceTime people while listening to music or watching a movie on your phone. Apple said it's already working with Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max, among others, for this feature.</p><h2>Photos will be grouped in messages, and notifications are redesigned</h2><div type="image" title="apple wwdc 2021" height="1592" width="2122" msid="83321747" hostid="261"></div><p>iOS 15 will add a collage design when sending photo batches in a group chat. It's also bringing a Shared With You feature that will display articles that friends and family share with you in a section in the Apple <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">News</keyword> app. A similar folder will be available in your photos app and will include pictures shared with you in text messages.</p><p>Notifications will also get a fresh redesign, with contacts' photos now included, and icons for apps will be larger. Apple is rolling out a Notification Summary grouping ones that you've accumulated.</p><h2>Apple will help you focus on work, sleep, or your personal life</h2><p>The Focus feature will help tune out notifications that are unrelated to what you're currently doing. If you set your phone to work mode, you'll receive notifications pertaining to the mail app, for example. If personal mode is activated, you'll be notified with messages and calls from friends and family.</p><h2>You can isolate text in photos and copy and paste it into an email</h2><p>Apple's iOS 15 will let you highlight text from a photo and save it elsewhere. You can also use that text to search on the internet.</p><p>For example, you can highlight the name of a restaurant in a photo and look it up on the web.</p><p>The tool doesn't just work on text - you can also look up information on objects, like dogs and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge.</p><h2>You'll be able to search photos and add songs to memory videos</h2><p>You can search your photos by location, scenes, people, and even text. </p><p>You'll also be able to add songs from Apple Music to videos showcasing your photo memories. Apple Music will recommend songs to you to add based on your listening habits.</p><h2>You can add a digital copy of your ID and your hotel key to Apple Wallet </h2><p>iOS 15 will let you unlock your home or apartment with Apple Wallet and will even let you automatically receive your hotel key on your iPhone. Apple said it teamed up with Hyatt Hotels and will start rolling out such a system this fall.</p><p>You can also keep a digitized and encrypted copy of your ID on your iPhone, and Apple said it's working with TSA to make them airport-compliant.</p><h2>The weather app will get a makeover, and Maps will have a new 3D feel</h2><div type="image" title="apple wwdc 2021" height="1419" width="1893" msid="83321751" hostid="261"></div><p>The weather app will get a new design, layout, and graphics that reflect the weather, Apple said. And maps will feature a new interactive globe for users to tap and explore. It'll also display 3D landmarks, elevation levels, road signs, and a new nighttime mode.</p><p>Maps will render overpasses, traffic conditions, and exits, but the new features will only initially be available in some cities, like London, New York, and San Francisco.</p>

Apple just unveiled its iOS 15 software update. Here are the biggest changes coming to your iPhone.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Updating your childhood <keyword id="58401" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Bedroom">bedroom</keyword> to make it more adult doesn't have to be difficult or expensive.</li><li>Insider spoke to <keyword id="6373314" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Design">design</keyword> experts Ashley Moore, the founder and principal designer of <a href="http://moorehouseinteriors.com/">Moore House Interiors</a>, and Kevin Seitz and Rob van Wyen, the designers at <a href="https://www.studioseitz.com/">Seitz Studio</a>, about how to transform a childhood bedroom into a space for an adult.</li><li>The experts recommend getting rid of childhood memorabilia, adding layered bedding, and using statement lighting to make your space look more mature.</li></ul><p>More people are moving back into their childhood bedrooms than ever, staying with their parents indefinitely.</p><p>But you might not have updated your room since you were a teen, with posters of One Direction on your wall, a bubblegum pink comforter on your bed, and trophies from regional championships still proudly sitting on your dresser, making it feel uncomfortable for your adult self.</p><p>Luckily, transforming your space into an adult haven doesn't have to be time-consuming or expensive.</p><h2>You don't need to keep everything that's in your childhood bedroom</h2><p>Your childhood bedroom is likely filled with things you haven't used in a decade, so the first order of business when redoing the space should be to purge it of anything you don't need or won't use regularly.</p><p>"If their rooms look anything like mine did as a senior in high school, then I would get rid of it all," Ashley Moore, the founder and principal designer of <a href="http://moorehouseinteriors.com/">Moore House Interiors</a>, jokingly told Insider.</p><p><div type="image" title="teenager bedroom with posters" height="2000" width="2667" msid="75834041" hostid="261"></div></p><p>"In all seriousness, I think the first thing would be to get rid of anything that didn't have significant meaning," she said of purging. "Put away old photos and high-school memorabilia and box up your pictures and awards."</p><p>But Moore also said that it's OK to mourn the fact that you've outgrown your childish belongings.</p><p>"I think it's important to take time to remember that person who lived in that room, and celebrate them," she said. "Then, pack up the stuff and either throw it out or store it in the closet.</p><p>"Create a space that reflects the adult that you've grown into," she said. </p><h2>But if you want to keep some of your childhood memorabilia in the space, there are ways to display them that look mature</h2><p>There might be important photos, collages, or awards you want to keep in your space even as an adult, and there are plenty of ways to do that.</p><p>"If you're hesitant to throw those childhood keepsakes away, use shadow boxes and frame them in a tasteful way," Moore suggested.</p><p>Posters from your youth can also look chic in your bedroom depending on how you display them. </p><p>"It's all about the context it's living in," Kevin Seitz and Rob van Wyen, the designers at <a href="https://www.studioseitz.com/">Seitz Studio</a>, said of posters. "Investing in a frame can transform it from a poster into a piece of art."</p><p>So, upgrade the poster from being displayed with tape to having a place of honor with a frame. </p><h2>Your bedding can make a big difference</h2><p>"If you can only spring for one big update, I recommend starting with your bedding," Moore said, as the bed is typically the focal point of a bedroom.</p><p>Many children opt for brightly colored bedspreads or comforters, and although color isn't inherently childish, a more neutral tone will elevate your bedroom.</p><p>"When creating a more grown-up space, choose bedding that is neutral in theme, and play with an array of colors to keep the space fun and vibrant," Moore said.</p><p><div type="image" title="bed pillows striped comforter nightstand" height="3160" width="4213" msid="75834055" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Seitz and van Wyen agreed, noting that you don't want to overwhelm the space with too much color. "Balance is everything — sometimes you want neutral bedspreads with more colorful throw pillows or at other times the opposite," they said.</p><p>"Choose what works with your given space. Personality doesn't have to stop at the bed."</p><p>All of the designers also noted that layering bedding signifies you're in an adult space, even if your bed is twin-sized.</p><p>"Beautiful textured linens can transform any bed, regardless of the size," Seitz and van Wyen said. "Even bringing textiles to a headboard behind the smallest of beds can bring more sophistication and depth to a seemingly small piece."</p><p>"Layering bedding is the key to giving it a more mature feel," Moore agreed. "We love using both solids and patterns! A patterned quilt layered with a solid duvet is always our go-to."</p><h2>Simple lighting changes can also help a space look more grown-up</h2><p>Harsh lighting or lamps that haven't been thoughtfully chosen for a space won't do you any favors. You want your bedroom to look cohesive, and lighting can play a big role in that.</p><p>"We always like to use layered lighting," Seitz and van Wyen told Insider.</p><p><div type="image" title="bedroom light chandelier" height="2250" width="3000" msid="75834060" hostid="261"></div></p><p>"Recessed and dimmable lighting, along with floor and pendant lights, allows you to transform your space with your mood or fit with your given task," they said. "You can dim the recessed lighting and allow the pendant to shine or have a more intimate moment to read a book under your floor light."</p><p>You can also make your lighting more decorative, as Moore pointed out.</p><p>"To give a space that adult feel, I recommend adding a chandelier or decorative hanging lights to add a little personality into a room," Moore said.</p><p>The most important thing to remember is that your bedroom should be somewhere you feel comfortable and relaxed, so make design choices that reflect your adult personality. </p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/make-the-most-out-of-small-space-according-to-experts-2020-5">How to make the most out of your small space, according to experts</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/couple-and-dogs-live-in-tiny-home-on-wheels-2020-5">A couple and their 2 dogs live in a 267-square-foot tiny home on wheels that features a luxury sauna</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/jeremy-renner-bought-mom-house-and-gave-it-hgtv-renovation-2020-5">Jeremy Renner surprised his mom with an HGTV home renovation so she could have a nice place to watch her grandchildren grow up</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/photos-of-organized-bookshelves-will-make-you-want-to-read-2020-4">10 photos of organized bookshelves that will make you want to read all day</a></li></ul>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/interior-designers-share-tips-for-updating-childhood-bedroom-2020-5">Insider</a>

Interior designers share their easy tips for turning your childhood bedroom into a grown-up space

<p><em><em><em><strong><keyword id="1737805" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Social-Media-Insights">Social Media Insights</keyword></strong> is a daily newsletter from <strong>Business Insider</strong> that collects and delivers the top <keyword id="6354632" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Social-media">social media</keyword> news first thing every morning. You can <strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/newsletter">sign up</a></strong> to receive <strong>Social Media Insights</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/newsletter">here</a></strong> or at the bottom of this post.</em></em></em></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/198766/twitter-is-the-new-cnn.html#axzz2RNN9IPld">Twitter Is The New CNN</a> (MediaPost)</strong><br />"<keyword id="6354616" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Twitter">Twitter</keyword> is a frenemy," said Jeff Zucker, <keyword id="82130" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="CNN">CNN</keyword>'s new president. Jeff Zucker was describing the cable news network's relationship with social media and added, “the network uses, relies on — and is scared by — social media.” Last week during the Boston Bombings, users checked their Twitter, and updates poured in persistently. Something that the news sites couldn't do. Refreshing the stream every few seconds imported new updates and perspectives. This event resembled the OJ Simpson’s slow-motion car chase, and it was Twitter’s moment. <a href="http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/198766/twitter-is-the-new-cnn.html#axzz2RNN9IPld">Read &gt;</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2013/04/facebook-twitter-and-the-tsarnaevs.html">Facebook, Twitter, And The Tsarnaevs</a> (The New Yorker)</strong><br />What <keyword id="6354576" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Facebook">Facebook</keyword> and Twitter purport to offer us to explain the Tsarnaev brothers, accused of the Boston Marathon bombings, and all humans, is seductive: they claim to reveal our true selves. We can even sign in to a multitude of other sites and services using our Facebook and Twitter accounts; they are us, for many practical intents and purposes. But, more dramatically, as we accede to their imperatives to share more of ourselves — what we’re doing, what we’re feeling, who we’re feeling, where we’ve been — they manage to take that increasingly vast, chaotic array of data that tumbles directly out of our heads and mold it into a single, simple digestible stream. <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2013/04/facebook-twitter-and-the-tsarnaevs.html">Read &gt;</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57581087-93/facebook-confirms-state-of-the-art-data-center-in-iowa/">Facebook Confirms Iowa Data Center</a> (CNet)</strong><br />Rumors have been confirmed that the new massive data center to be built in Altoona, Iowa, will be owned by none other than Facebook. The company announced that the 194-acre site will be the home of its fourth wholly-owned and operated data center worldwide. It will utilize Open Compute Project servers, which use open-source data center designs to speed hardware innovation and reduce the environmental impact of cloud computing. It will also have an outdoor-air cooling system, networking architecture, and be built to LEED Gold standards.  <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57581087-93/facebook-confirms-state-of-the-art-data-center-in-iowa/">Read &gt;</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/graham-kittle/ibm-whats-a-social-business_b_3094275.html">What Is A Social Business?</a> (The Huffington Post)</strong><br />Every company these days knows they have to get social. Yet often, even when organizations think they're embracing social media in a big way, they aren't. For most companies, social means marketing. It equals Facebook likes and Twitter followers. But that's just the price of entry into the social world we -- the 1.5 billion people using social networks -- are crafting around us. Because as powerful as social media is for exchanging ideas, it has the potential to do so much more for organizations. It can, in fact, become a new production line.  <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/graham-kittle/ibm-whats-a-social-business_b_3094275.html">Read &gt;</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sociableblog.com/2013/04/19/beyond-facebook-twenty-some-social-tools-your-business-should-be-using/">Social Tools Your Business Should Be Using</a> (Social Blog)</strong><br />You know about Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. You might be using them every day for business and consider yourself a social media professional. The fact is there are a lot more social tools that aren’t social networks, and quite a few of those definitely deserve your attention.</p>
<ul>
<li>Social intranet</li>
<li>Social bookmarks</li>
<li>Social HR</li>
<li>Social outsourcing</li>
<li>Social CRM</li>
</ul>
<p>There are many more use cases for the use of social tools in the workplace. <a href="http://www.sociableblog.com/2013/04/19/beyond-facebook-twenty-some-social-tools-your-business-should-be-using/">Read &gt;</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.outsourcing-center.com/2013-04-how-social-media-is-turning-customer-care-upside-down-and-making-it-strategic-again-article-55988.html">How Social Media Is Turning Customer Care Upside-Down</a> (Outsourcing Center)</strong><br />Not too long ago, customer care — the proverbial contact center — was regarded as a necessity. According to Ron Strandin, CEO of Envision, that perception is drastically changing. “Ten years ago, contact centers were strategic, but they’ve evolved into an operational infrastructure as time went on. Today, because of social media and being the centralized point for the ‘voice of the customer,’ that role is evolving back to strategic,” Strandin said. “Customer care now provides the larger narrative around what the market is saying, which tells me what I need to do with my business.” <a href="http://www.outsourcing-center.com/2013-04-how-social-media-is-turning-customer-care-upside-down-and-making-it-strategic-again-article-55988.html">Read &gt;</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://blog.dlvr.it/2013/04/how-to-make-google-work-hard-in-social-media-marketing/">Make Google+ Work Hard In Social Media Marketing</a> (dlvr.it)</strong><br />Google+ is continually woven into all things you do with Google — in search, on calendars, in gmail, hangouts, etc. And, it’s a proven SEO builder. In working with clients, it is one of the big four networks on which we focus along with LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. How can business-to-business (B2B) Marketers make all this work for them?  <a href="http://blog.dlvr.it/2013/04/how-to-make-google-work-hard-in-social-media-marketing/">Read &gt;</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/what-kind-of-pinner-are-you-anyway-188090">The Different Types Of Pinterest Users</a> (Apartment Therapy)</strong><br />If you're pinner, what kind of pinner are you?</p>
<ul>
<li>Clarifier</li>
<li>Collager</li>
<li>Communicator</li>
<li>Categorizer</li>
<li>Consumer</li>
<li>Collector</li>
</ul>
<p>There are many different types of pinners, and any one pinner may pin many different ways. <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/what-kind-of-pinner-are-you-anyway-188090">Read &gt;</a></p>

CNN's New President - 'Twitter Is A Frenemy'

<ul><li>Xiaomi recently introduced the Xiaomi 14 series in India</li><li>Xiaomi 14 features a much-talked-about Leica camera setup</li><li>The smartphone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 </li></ul>Xiaomi surprised everyone in the market when they simultaneously introduced both the 14 &amp; 14 Ultra in India, breaking away from the norm. Up until now, we have always seen only one of the Xiaomi flagship number series devices showing up in India. Last year it was just the 13 Pro and not the 13 Ultra. This was a long time coming, considering brands like Vivo, with their X100 &amp; X100 Pro, have already made this move. While this isn’t a comparison piece between any smartphone brand or device, I can safely say this is the best time to be a smartphone enthusiast in India — more competition, more options!<br /><br />While the 14 Ultra is yet to be seeded to us for review, the Xiaomi 14 has been my daily driver for close to 2 weeks now. Sharing the same chipset and optical DNA with its elder sibling, this device is the closest I have gotten to a compact, efficient, and mighty powerful smartphone, apart from the commendable camera specifications. But like anything, it’s not perfect. where does it lack? And what makes it special, I tell you in my detailed review. <br /><br /><strong>Price and availability</strong><br />Xiaomi 14 is available only in one specification, 16GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage. It is priced at ₹69,999 and is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Xiaomi’s official website. It is also available on select offline stores.<br /><br /><strong>Design and build<br />    <div type="image" title="The compact form factor makes the device easy to hold." msid="108468249" hostid="261" sizebytes="43320" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The compact form factor makes the device easy to hold.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div></strong><br />Xiaomi 14 swims against the current in terms of size. Unlike the usual flagship screen size of 6.7-inches or above the 14 sticks to a modest 6.3-inches. Some people might dub it compact, but I think it's well-balanced. Yes, a bigger display is generally favourable for watching content, but it also comes with a bigger form factor. Something many users including myself can’t enjoy for long. This is also one of the reasons why my primary SIM is in the iPhone 15 Pro, that size is perfect to carry around everywhere. <br /><br />    <div type="image" title="The camera module houses Leica triple camera set-up." msid="108468294" hostid="261" sizebytes="36548" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The camera module houses Leica triple camera set-up.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Xiaomi 14’s size gave me the confidence to use my primary SIM in it, something I haven’t done in a while. And of course, you do get other benefits attached to a compact smartphone, like lighter weight. So far in my testing and living with the device I haven’t felt the need for a bigger display, because for me these benefits outweigh any other aspect. <br /><br />Xiaomi has done a good job by combining this form factor with a stellar build quality. The device, although compact, feels like a tank, with a really impressive combination of materials put together. Sporting an aluminium frame, it is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus upfront and comes with a silicone or glass back. I have the black variant with me, which has a silicone back with a matte finish, it looks good but can register smudges. <br /><br />On the back, we also have a fairly big camera module housing the Leica triple camera set-up. The housing unit is square, similar to what we saw on the 13 Pro, unlike what we see on the 14 Ultra. It is protruding but doesn’t wobble much especially once you put in a case. Volume rockers and the power button on the right edge are placed neatly. And since the size is favorable it's easy to reach the buttons with one hand. At the bottom, you have the SIM card tray that can house 2 nano SIMs and a downward-facing speaker grill.<br /><br />It also supports IP68 dust and water resistant rating, so yes you are secure in that aspect as well. Overall, Xiaomi 14’s design will grow on you and has a solid potential to become your preferred form factor over a period of time. <br /><br /><strong>Display, audio and viewing experience<br />    <div type="image" title="The flat screen makes the Xiaomi 14 a delight to type on." msid="108468359" hostid="261" sizebytes="44960" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The flat screen makes the Xiaomi 14 a delight to type on. &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div></strong><br />In 2023, curved displays dominated the tech scene, but the industry is now making a shift back to flat-screen displays, especially in flagship devices like the S24 Ultra. The 14 series embraces both trends, offering a flat display on the 14 model and a curved screen on the 14 Ultra. I prefer a flat display for its typing convenience, and the 14 meets that preference perfectly with its ideal size, sharp display, and highly responsive feedback.<br /><br />The Xiaomi 14 comes with a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display boasting a resolution of 1200 x 2670 pixels. The bezels are virtually nonexistent, presenting a stunning visual experience. Xiaomi emphasized that this display isn't just for content consumption but also for viewing photos. With 3000 nits of peak brightness, the display remains clear and visible in varying lighting conditions, be it Delhi's varying visibility range or Mumbai’s unpredictable weather.<br /><br />The auto-brightness feature on the 14 works exceptionally well, adapting to changes in ambient light effectively. The display supports Dolby Vision, enhancing both video and audio output noticeably. The high-definition content compatibility allows a satisfying viewing experience, and the device's audio setup matches its stature, featuring a dual speaker system that can reach impressive volumes. The responsive display, especially during typing, is an underrated but notable feature. The default keyboard is precise and responsive, adding to the overall user experience.<br /><br />With a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz and support for adaptive refresh rate, the display smoothly transitions between different tasks, ensuring a lag-free experience. The in-display fingerprint sensor, though optical and therefore slightly delayed compared to ultrasonic sensors, offers an additional security option. Face unlock, on the other hand, provides instant and mostly accurate access.<br /><br />Before concluding this section, I have to address the buzz around the screen size here. Yes, it is a 6.3-inch screen and it might not be the best size for some. I personally didn’t find myself complaining about the size while watching content, but if you read a lot from your smartphone then you will not be a fan of this device. Another aspect is if you are an avid gamer, yes you will adapt to the size overall, but a bigger surface area ensures more room to set up your controls. <br /><br />For me, these are not deal breakers, but for some of you, it might be! <br /><br /><strong>Software and performance<br />    <div type="image" title="Xiaomi 14 combines Hyper OS with Android 14." msid="108468403" hostid="261" sizebytes="41432" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Xiaomi 14 combines Hyper OS with Android 14.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> </strong><br />Out of the box, the Xiaomi 14 is equipped with Android 14, coupled with the all-new Hyper OS. Although currently more of an aesthetic overhaul, Xiaomi has ambitious plans to build an ecosystem around this software, with the EV SU7 already operating on the same OS, promising an exciting future.<br /><br />Aesthetically, the user interface (UI) bears a resemblance to typical MiUi, with some distinctions, particularly in widget design. However, it still carries some bloatware, albeit offering a smoother experience overall.<br /><br />In terms of usability, the Hyper OS on the Xiaomi 14 proves to be remarkably stable and devoid of bugs. As expected from a flagship device, there are no intrusive pre-loaded apps that might compromise the user experience. The UI is clean, visually pleasing, and easily customizable. The impressive display of the Xiaomi 14 enhances the visual appeal of legacy features like theme access, wallpapers, and customization options. <br /><br />One standout feature is the game turbo, offering stability and instant functionality. It provides options for screen recording, screenshot capture, and custom profiles, making the Xiaomi 14 a delightful choice for gaming enthusiasts. While there are some notable areas for improvement, such as the floating windows feature that allows users to pin windows on the screen, it generally functions well across various applications.<br /><br />The integration of AI is significant this year, with Samsung introducing Galaxy AI features in the S24 lineup. While not a deal-breaker, there is anticipation for future enhancements, especially with Hyper OS in the equation. Regarding updates, Xiaomi commits to a respectable 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security updates. Although generous, it falls short when compared to Samsung Galaxy S24's promise of 7 years on both fronts.<br /><br />The Xiaomi 14 is fueled by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, marking my second encounter with this processor within the past two months. Having previously tested it on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and now on the 14, I continue to be impressed by its seamless integration with diverse hardware.<br /><br />The performance of the Xiaomi 14 is predictably rapid, evident in favourable benchmark results. A Geekbench 6 test yielded a single-core score of 2153 and a multi-core score of 6455. While the average user may not immediately discern the performance disparities, I noticed reduced throttling and heat generation during my extensive use. Playing COD: Mobile every day showcased the device's stability, maintaining optimal graphics with no frame drops or surprises. The combination of robust performance and the previously mentioned game turbo in the software section underscored the smartphone's commendable gaming capabilities.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="Hyper OS follows a minimalistic design." msid="108468600" hostid="261" sizebytes="42352" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Variable focal lengths with Leica lenses add to the experience. &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />In India, the single configuration offering of 512GB internal storage and 16GB RAM might seem excessive for most users, but those consistently working with heavy formats like 4K or 8K videos may even find the storage capacity falling short. So, this is a welcome improvement compared to the 256GB internal storage of the previous year's 13 Pro. The RAM effortlessly handles all tasks, eliminating the need for fusion memory. <br /><br />The 4610 mAh battery has proven resilient during a week of testing, providing an average screen-on time of 6 hours, even with a weekend filled with continuous content consumption, social media usage, and calls. This surpasses the performance of the Galaxy S24, a device known for its impressive battery life. The 120W charger efficiently replenishes the battery from 0-100% in about 40 minutes, without causing undue heat. Additionally, the Xiaomi 14 supports 50W of wireless charging, although the wired option proves to be quicker. <br /><br /><strong>Camera, a star highlight?<br /><div type="image" title="Variable focal lengths with Leica lenses add to the experience." msid="108468618" hostid="261" sizebytes="37076" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Variable focal lengths with Leica lenses add to the experience. &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div></strong><br />Xiaomi 14’s camera set-up has completely been swapped and upgraded over its predecessor. We now have a 50MP primary camera paired with a 50MP telephoto sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor. The novel OmniVision OVX9000 sensor for the primary camera is a first-time inclusion. Significantly larger, Xiaomi aptly names it Light Fusion 900.<br /><br />Xiaomi has assured users that the Xiaomi Imaging Engine guarantees uniformity in tone across all cameras by deriving white balance and exposure and so far I believe them. Throughout daylight hours, the primary camera achieves image quality on par with flagship standards. It encompasses sharpness, intricate details, expansive dynamic range, and precise colour reproduction while maintaining consistent performance both outdoors and indoors.<br /><br />Certainly, there are instances where the results appear slightly oversaturated. However, the overall details remain exceptional and the intricate details are well-preserved. Even upon zooming in, the details remain intact until the final pinch, where some distortion begins. The camera's focus shift is also praiseworthy. I tested this by capturing a model in motion within a single frame, and the camera maintained a consistently sharp focus throughout.<br /><br />Colour science plays a crucial role, especially when photographing individuals with varying skin tones. In the samples provided, the camera subtly enhances the skin tone, imparting a lighter complexion without deviating significantly from the original. Users can mitigate this effect by utilizing the pro mode, allowing adjustments for a more customised result.<br /><br />Night photography remains consistently strong, having been tested in both low-light conditions and under artificial lighting. As evident in the collage below, the camera excels in capturing details, although achieving the perfect shot may require some patience.<br /><br />Moving on to the 50MP telephoto lens with floating lens technology, it's important to note that while it may not match the Galaxy S24 Ultra in terms of detail, it unquestionably gets the job done. The floating lens technology becomes apparent when the camera surpasses expectations, as illustrated in the collage featuring samples at 0.6X, 2X, 10X, 30X, and 60X, with a noticeable colour shift at the 30X mark. The details remain impressive, only slightly diminishing at the brink.<br /><br />In the realm of portraits, the Xiaomi 14 truly shines, especially for enthusiasts of monochrome portraits. Multiple images captured with the device are magazine-cover worthy, with the portrait results being stunning, thanks to the master-lens system presets available in the camera app. The black &amp; white filter with the documentary 35mm setting is a standout, closely followed by the swirly bokeh at a 50mm focal length. The 75mm portrait shots are solid, standing out as some of the best in the price range. <br /><br />The super macro mode, under natural lighting, proves impressive, delivering detailed images suitable for wallpapers. As depicted in the samples below, the colours are accurate, and the details are finely preserved.<br /><br />While the camera's video capabilities may not rival those of an iPhone 15 Pro, it stands out as one of the strongest on an Android device in recent memory. Shooting a B-roll for a video at 4K 30FPS yielded clean results, though the saturation issue, particularly with reds standing out, persists. While the camera can record up to 8K videos, opting for 4K is advisable to avoid heavier files and potential heating issues.<br /><br />Turning the selfie camera, equipped with a 32MP sensor, it may pale in comparison to the primary setup, but it still delivers sharp images as a standalone unit. However, it tends to soften skin tones, imparting an artificial appearance, especially when AI is enabled. While the AI enhancement is well-executed, it may not align with personal preferences.<br /><br /><strong>Verdict</strong><br />Xiaomi 14 ticks the boxes in every possible category you look for in a smartphone. With a well-developed camera system, a brand-new intricate UI, efficient performance hardware and a respectable size. The performance-hungry users and users with optics as a priority have something to root for with this device. <br /><br />However, I understand that screen size is an important factor for many users, which is fair. In that case, I recommend the OnePlus 12 which falls in the same price segment. The camera performance there is also competitive and perhaps a more stock UI will add to the appeal as well.<br /><strong><br />SEE ALSO:</strong><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/asus-rog-strix-scar-16/slidelist/107873658.cms">Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 – powerful hardware at a premium</a><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-8-pro-review/articleshow/107726935.cms">Pixel 8 Pro review: ‘Okay Google’ – The flagship smartphone ticks almost all boxes</a><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-open-review/articleshow/106961567.cms">OnePlus Open review – Feature-packed foldable in a premium design</a><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Xiaomi 14 Review — With a camera that never fails, can the latest flagship phone overcome the screen size barrier?

<p style="text-align: left;">Welcome to a special edition of Insider <keyword id="6357014" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="energy">Energy</keyword>, a weekly energy newsletter brought to you by Business Insider. This week features our best stories of 2020. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Here's what you need to know before we dive in:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Want to get Insider Energy in your inbox every Friday?<a href="http://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/4np/insider-energy"> Sign up here</a>. </li><li>Do you have feedback or story tips? Reach out to me at <a href="mailto:bjones@businessinsider.com">bjones@businessinsider.com</a>.</li><li>We'll return to our regular schedule next week. </li></ul><p style="text-align: left;">Happy New Year to the exactly five people online this week. We made it! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Today caps the end of a bad year, but it also marks the roughly one-year anniversary of this newsletter and our energy coverage. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We originally set out to cover the vanguard of energy - the new technologies, and the companies producing them, that are shaping the industry's future. Then the pandemic hit and caused <keyword id="6359072" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="oil">oil</keyword> <keyword id="31671" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="markets">markets</keyword> to plummet to historic lows. </p><p style="text-align: left;">From there, we broadened the beat and began reporting on how companies like Exxon and BP responded to the oil rout, while still maintaining a focus on the rise of cleantech.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Along the way, we <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/oil-giant-exxon-to-cut-workers-layoffs-after-strategic-review-2020-10">broke big stories on the nation's largest oil company</a>, uncovered <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/misleading-solar-ads-spread-coronavirus-upends-door-to-door-sales-2020-5">shady behavior in the solar industry</a>, and sat down with some of the most prominent <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elisabeth-brinton-new-energies-boss-royal-dutch-shell-business-model-2020-9">executives</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vinod-khosla-interview-strategy-for-investing-in-climate-tech-2020-12">investors</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This week, we tell the sad and sometimes hopeful tale of 2020 through our top stories of the year. </p><div type="image" title="Form Energy" height="2248" width="3000" msid="80049133" hostid="261"></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>At the start of 2020, clean technologies like batteries were on the rise and investors were circling </strong></h2><p style="text-align: left;">In the serene days before the pandemic struck, clean-tech was gaining steam (again), and batteries were all the rage. </p><ul><li>We <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/form-energy-battery-startup-disrupting-the-industry-2020-1">profiled</a> the secretive battery startup <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/form-energy-battery-startup-disrupting-the-industry-2020-1">Form Energy</a> in January. Led by a Tesla veteran, the firm - which is developing grid-scale storage - is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/list-top-climate-tech-startups-investors-cant-stop-talking-about-2020-12">one of the most talked-about startups</a>. </li><li>Early this year we also profiled <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/battery-startup-advano-raises-185-million-from-fadell-thiel-2020-2">Advando</a>, a battery startup backed by iPod designer Tony Fadell. It's among the companies in the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/billion-dollar-race-to-develop-a-breakthrough-lithium-ion-battery-2020-2">billion-dollar race to develop more energy-dense lithium-ion batteries</a>. (Tesla is working on that, as well, though <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-silicon-batteries-likely-to-run-into-challenges-experts-say-2020-9">some scientists have questioned its approach</a>.)</li><li>And we wrote about the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/top-6-industries-driving-explosive-growth-in-battery-market-2020-2">industries fueling the soaring energy-storage market</a>, from e-scooters to commercial vehicles. (<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/electric-planes-are-ready-to-disrupt-the-airline-industry-2020-3">Airplanes</a> might be one of them, too.) </li></ul><p style="text-align: left;">But batteries were far from the only tech popping at the top of the year.</p><ul><li style="text-align: left;">We wrote about digital-utility startup <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/arcadia-helps-you-buy-renewable-energy-save-money-utility-bill-2020-2">Arcadia</a> and smart sensor company <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sense-raises-50-million-to-track-energy-use-from-appliances-2020-2">Sense</a>. </li><li>Arcadia buys renewable energy certificates, known as RECs, to match customers' energy usage with renewable power. One of my favorite stories this year was a deep dive into the opaque <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-the-6-billion-market-for-renewable-energy-certificates-2020-3">$6 billion REC market</a>. </li></ul><div type="image" title="Oil worker" height="1466" width="1955" msid="80049135" hostid="261"></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Then the pandemic hit. It disrupted supply chains for solar panels and caused the price of oil to collapse. </strong></h2><p style="text-align: left;">As the virus began spreading in China, factories shut down, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/8-experts-explain-how-coronavirus-is-impacting-the-clean-energy-sector-2020-3">temporarily disrupting the solar and battery supply chains</a> and causing major research firms to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bnef-analysts-slash-projections-for-2020-renewable-energy-installations-2020-3">revise down</a> their 2020 forecasts for solar installations. </p><p style="text-align: left;">But the far bigger story for energy was the pandemic's impact on oil markets. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>As people stopped traveling and consuming fuel, demand for oil plummeted and there was a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/oil-glut-threatens-to-drive-oil-prices-further-into-ground-2020-3">"tsunami" of oversupply, almost overnight</a>. We gathered <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/13-photos-reveal-the-epic-oil-glut-in-new-proportions-2020-4">some photos of what that glut looked like</a> and profiled a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gv-backed-orbital-insights-images-from-space-track-oil-storage-2020-4">neat startup backed by Google's GV that measures oil supply using satellite imagery</a>. </li><li>Coupled with a price war playing out between Saudia Arabia and Russia, the surfeit of crude resulted in an epic crash in prices. </li><li>The market collapse came to a head in April, when the US benchmark - West Texas Intermediate - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/negative-oil-prices-mean-producers-pay-people-to-take-oil-2020-4">went negative for the first time in history</a>. We explain why that happened <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/negative-oil-prices-mean-producers-pay-people-to-take-oil-2020-4">here</a>, in one of our biggest stories of the year. </li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Bonus: </strong>I asked a bunch of oilfield workers to send me their photos of crude oil when it comes out of the ground. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bizarre-photos-reveal-what-crude-oil-actually-looks-like-2020-4">You can find those bizarre images here</a>. </p><div type="image" title="Exxon Mobil gas station" height="3859" width="5145" msid="80049138" hostid="261"></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Oil companies responded by cutting staff and merging with rivals</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left;">For months, crude prices struggled to gain ground, and oil companies were forced to cut costs as a result. (Today, <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/oil-price">prices</a> are still down about 22%.)</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We began <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-top-oil-companies-are-responding-to-the-price-shock-2020-3">tracking the response of 22 of the largest oil-and-gas firms</a>, from layoffs to mergers. We're still updating <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-top-oil-companies-are-responding-to-the-price-shock-2020-3">that post</a>. </li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Highlights: </strong>This summer, we broke the news that Exxon - which had resisted a formal layoff program - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/exxon-managers-dub-some-employees-poor-performers-cut-staff-2020-7">quietly began cutting staff using its employee ranking system</a>. Insiders called it a layoff in disguise. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We later scooped that the company was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/oil-giant-exxon-to-cut-workers-layoffs-after-strategic-review-2020-10">cutting 15% of its global workforce</a> by the end of 2022, including <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/oil-giant-exxon-to-cut-workers-layoffs-after-strategic-review-2020-10">as many as 1,900 US roles</a>. You can find a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/exxon-global-cost-cutting-program-layoffs-job-cuts">full list of our Exxon scoops here</a>.</li><li>We also discovered that Schlumberger, the world's largest oilfield services company, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/leaked-documents-schlumberger-rescinds-job-offers-internships-2020-6">rescinded job offers</a> and told some workers that their pay would be cut <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/schlumberger-furloughed-staff-cut-wages-oil-price-2020-5">using letter templates designed for promotions</a>. </li><li>Finally, we talked to Schlumberger employees in Ivory Coast who <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/schlumberger-workers-ivory-coast-say-werent-paid-fair-severance-2020-9">said the company took advantage of the country's poor labor laws to stiff them of fair severance</a>. </li></ul><div type="image" title="Sunrun" height="2475" width="3301" msid="80049143" hostid="261"></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Renewable-energy firms have proven more resilient, but they've felt the pain, too</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left;">Rooftop solar installers had to shut down door-to-door sales - an important avenue for finding new customers, and a source of jobs - and move customer acquisition entirely online. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We broke the news that Sunrun, the nation's largest residential solar company, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sunrun-furloughs-hundreds-pulls-its-guidance-and-slashes-exec-pay-2020-4">furloughed hundreds of field sales reps</a>, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sunrun-furloughs-hundreds-pulls-its-guidance-and-slashes-exec-pay-2020-4">laid off</a> at least 100 workers. </li><li>We also got the inside story on Sunrun's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sunrun-cfo-3-key-reasons-behind-vivint-solar-acquisition-2020-7">$3.2 billion bid</a> for rival Vivint Solar. The deal, fusing the two largest rooftop installers, was finalized in October.</li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Side effects: </strong>Online lead generation <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rooftop-solar-company-sunrun-benefits-from-online-sales-strategy-2020-5">can be cheaper than door-to-door sales</a>, but it's also ripe for misleading tactics. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This summer we investigated the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/misleading-solar-ads-spread-coronavirus-upends-door-to-door-sales-2020-5">spread of misleading solar ads on Facebook</a>. </li><li>That reporting ultimately led to a two-part <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/powerhome-solar-misleads-customers-insiders-leaked-memos-suggest-2020-10">investigation into the company Powerhome Solar</a>, which is among the nation's fastest-growing energy companies. </li><li>Powerhome has been <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/powerhome-solar-misleads-customers-insiders-leaked-memos-suggest-2020-10">accused of using deceptive tactics to lure customers into home solar deals</a>. Customers have also complained about <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/powerhome-solar-faces-claims-sloppy-installs-misleading-customers-renewable-energy-2020-11">botched installs</a> and inappropriate behavior among the firm's installation crews. </li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Solar's silver lining? </strong>Some experts we spoke to earlier this year suggested that the pandemic (and power outages) <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/blackouts-and-superstorms-are-new-fuel-for-rooftop-solar-companies-2020-3">could give the rooftop solar industry a boost</a>, as homeowners seek energy security. </p><div type="image" title="BP clean energy" height="3455" width="4607" msid="80049147" hostid="261"></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Large fossil-fuel companies pledged to rely less on oil</strong></h2><p style="text-align: left;">Hardly a week went by without a new corporate sustainability commitment. Even large oil companies piled on to the trend. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>BP made the biggest splash, saying it would shrink oil and gas production by 40% and invest $5 billion a year on low-carbon energy by 2030. We published <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/6-key-slides-that-map-out-bps-new-strategy-2020-8">six crucial slides that sum up the company's approach</a>. </li><li>We also wrote about how BP <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/oil-company-bp-solar-energy-strategy-behemoth-2020-9">is set to become a solar giant that rivals the world's largest operators</a> - and what that means for returns (which have traditionally been much lower for renewable energy, compared to oil and gas). </li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>In related news: </strong>Shell has also committed to net-zero emissions, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elisabeth-brinton-new-energies-boss-royal-dutch-shell-business-model-2020-9">we profiled a key executive behind that push</a>. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Most other major European oil companies including Total, Eni, and Equinor have made net-zero commitments. Occidental Petroleum is the only US company with a similar pledge. </li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Big but: </strong>Oil majors including BP and Shell have spent just a small fraction of their budget on <keyword id="154273" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="clean-energy">clean energy</keyword> so far. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ranked-the-top-oil-companies-by-investment-in-clean-energy-2020-8">We ranked the majors by their clean-energy investments.</a></p><div type="image" title="Shell Hydrogen charging point 2019" height="1333" width="1778" msid="80049150" hostid="261"></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>The future energy industry </strong></h2><p style="text-align: left;">What lies in the year ahead? We put that question to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/energy-experts-dish-on-what-to-expect-in-2021-2020-12">two dozen energy experts and CEOs</a>. You can read all 9 of their top predictions <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/energy-experts-dish-on-what-to-expect-in-2021-2020-12">here</a>. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">One major takeaway is that hydrogen will be huge. We have a big explainer on the industry <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-hydrogen-fuel-industry-explainer-2020-1">here</a>, which delves into the hypes and realities. </li><li>Expect the incoming Biden administration, and its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-introduces-historic-climate-a-team-for-energy-agenda-2020-12">powerful climate team</a>, to be transformative, even if the government is divided.</li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>List it: </strong>We also spent a lot of time this year finding the people and startups that are transforming the energy industry. They offer plenty of insight into what the future has in store. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In the spring we collected nominations for rising stars of clean energy and whittled them down into a list of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/meet-the-rising-stars-leaders-of-clean-energy-2020-6">21 impressive up-and-comers</a>. </li><li>This fall we published <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tb/the-list-of-300-people-transforming-business-in-north-america-2020-9">Transformers</a>, an annual BI project featuring 100 people who are transforming their industries. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tb/the-list-of-300-people-transforming-business-in-north-america-2020-9#_energy">It includes 10 people from the energy industry</a>. </li><li>And this winter, we asked 15 VCs to name the climate-tech startups that are set to soar in 2021. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/climate-tech-startups-to-watch-in-2021-according-to-vcs-2020-12">They gave us 46 of them</a> - though just <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/list-top-climate-tech-startups-investors-cant-stop-talking-about-2020-12">six startups came up over and over again</a>. </li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Bonus: </strong>We also gathered up <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/list-of-clean-energy-startups-bill-gates-is-backing-2020-4">all the energy startups that Bill Gates is backing</a>. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>What should we cover next year? Let us know.  </strong></h2><p style="text-align: left;">You can reach me at <a href="mailto:bjones@businessinsider.com">bjones@businessinsider.com</a>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Have a great New Year's Eve tonight, and see you in 2021! </p><p style="text-align: left;">- Benji </p><p style="text-align: left;">Ps. My personal <em>best of</em> is a four-way tie between getting an obstinate puppy, this apple tart I made, hunting for salamanders, and finding the grave of my great-great-grandfather in Brooklyn, which I have, for your pleasure, made into a collage. </p><div type="image" title="Benji Jones" height="2000" width="2000" msid="80049153" hostid="261"></div>

The top energy stories of 2020 - and what to expect in the year ahead

<ul><li>Realme C55 is the latest budget smartphone from the company.</li><li>MediaTek Helio G88 SoC powers the phone and misses out on 5G.</li><li>It features a new mini-capsule feature in the display, a Dynamic Island clone.</li></ul>At a time when every brand is working on expanding its product portfolio, it is usually the budget smartphone segment that takes a hit. There are no surprises since the mid-range segment is the more aggressive and demanding market. At this time, Realme has launched the C55. An outright budget device with the bells and whistles of a standard Realme experience. The C55 is a solid product on paper. As you may expect, some compromises have been made here, which are substituted by adding some neat features on the UI front. But is it enough? And can the Realme C55 be a value champion? I answer that in my full review. <br /><br /><strong>Price &amp; Availability</strong><br />Realme C55 is available in three variants. There is a variant with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage priced at ₹10,999. Then there is a variant with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage priced at ₹11,999. Finally there is a variant with 8GB RAM variant with 128B of internal storage priced at ₹13,999. You can buy the Realme C55 from Amazon India and Realme’s D2C website. <br /><br /><strong>Design</strong><br />Realme C55 takes a different route in terms of design from what I have seen so far from the brand in the budget category. My last encounter with the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/realme-9i-5g-review/articleshow/93641337.cms">Realme 9i 5G</a> impressed me with the design, even though I didn’t like the Metallica gold color. The C55 builds upon the same theme with flat edges and a sandwich design. Something I am a fan of since it allows one to maintain a solid grip around the device. <br /><br />    <div type="image" title="The Sunshower color on the smartphone is well executed." msid="98857064" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The Sunshower color on the smartphone is well executed.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />I have the Sunshower color, which is refreshing with this design. I generally do not like bright colors on a smartphone, but it’s been executed well here. But in case you like a more formal color, you can check out the rainy night color variant, which is a fancy term for black. <br /><br />This big smartphone stands tall at 6.72 inches, yet the weight distribution is commendable. The smartphone feels lighter and only imposes its size with one hand. Consider this a heads-up if you have small hands. <br /><br />As you may expect, like most devices at this price point, C55 skips on an official IP rating. I have mentioned it before, but I hope certain characteristics should be standard on smartphones now. IP rating being one. <br /><br />Otherwise, the fit and finish of the device are appropriate with its price tag. On the right-hand side, you will find the volume rockers, which are of good quality and do not wobble. Then aligned neatly under them is the power button, which doubles up for the fingerprint reader. Although a bit slow to register the impression, it quickly unlocks the device. <br /><br />    <div type="image" title="C55 features a 3.5mm headphone jack." msid="98857110" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;C55 features a 3.5mm headphone jack.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />As a budget device, C55 doesn’t skip on the 3.5mm headphone jack. An endangered feature on smartphones these days. And yes, it works well. <br /><br />    <div type="image" title="Side mounted finger print scanner is snappy." msid="98857164" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Side mounted finger print scanner is snappy.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The smartphone supports two nano SIMs and a micro SD card. The C55 supports 4G connectivity only, which is a point of contention, I will share my opinion about this characteristic in the performance section. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Display</strong><br />    <div type="image" title="Realme C55 features a 6.7-inch IPS LCD display." msid="98857192" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Realme C55 features a 6.7-inch IPS LCD display.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The Realme C55 features a 6.7-inch IPS LCD with a screen resolution of 2400x1800 pixels. Before I move to the visual experience, I would like to highlight the execution here. This is a punch-hole notch with very thin bezels, something brands usually skip in budget devices. Generally, we get to see the teardrop notch, including devices from Realme.<br /><br />    <div type="image" title="Paired with a loud speaker setup, it&amp;#39;s fun to watch content on C55." msid="98857389" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Paired with a loud speaker setup, it&amp;#39;s fun to watch content on C55.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Moving to the visual experience, the display, with its 680 nits of peak brightness, is decent. Reading texts and registering animations from the panel is easy, especially indoors. <br /><br /><br />However, I covered the display with my palm to read under sunlight.<br /><br />Watching content on display is mostly satisfactory. Of course, it doesn’t feature HDR, which I was mindful of while forming my opinion. The experience of watching content here is wholesome.<br /><br />Where it needs to catch up is color reproduction. The images on display can be undersaturated at times, I noticed this mostly with greens. Another area where it could have done better is the black levels. <br /><br />That said, a general user will be okay with watching content here since it has a big screen and a sound set-up to support it. Although a mono speaker, the audio output here is loud, and I have no complaints. <br /><br />Like the Realme 9i, the C55 also features a 90Hz max refresh rate on display, which is commendable for this price. The execution here is also quite good, and you will thoroughly enjoy reading content on a web page or scrolling on social media with it. It also features an auto-select that allows the device to switch the refresh rate according to the content. I suggest sticking to 90Hz since the auto-switch sometimes misses out, especially when you switch from a web page to a game. <br /><br />Otherwise, the screen responsiveness is top-notch, and I do not have anything here to complain about. <br /><br /><strong>Software</strong><br /><br />    <div type="image" title="Realme C55 runs on Android 13 paired with Realme UI skin." msid="98857405" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Realme C55 runs on Android 13 paired with Realme UI skin. &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Realme C55 comes with Android 13 out of the box with a Realme UI 4 skin. I want to get the most talked about software feature out of the way first - the mini capsule. <br /><br />In their briefing, Realme said they wanted to make the experience better when pitted against iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic island. Of course, no names were thrown, but we know what they were talking about. <br /><br />    <div type="image" title="Mini capsule is pure software play and will be seen across more Realme devices." msid="98857454" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Mini capsule is pure software play and will be seen across more Realme devices.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Over at the iPhone 14 Pro line-up, there is still some time before we can utilize the complete potential of the feature. Until then, it stands out for some users and hinders the visual experience, especially while watching content. Moreover, you cant turn it off, considering it is essentially a hardware spec.<br /><br />The mini capsule on the C55 solves one of two issues right away. It’s not a hardware spec; hence it can be turned off when you don’t want it. Also, considering it is essentially a notification pop-up, it won’t affect your experience for now either. <br /><br />The execution is straightforward, with the mini capsule encompassing three key areas - charging, data consumption, and steps stats. <br /><br /><strong>Charging</strong><br />It changes its shade to green when the device is fully charged, blue when charging, and red when the battery is lower than 5%. Aesthetically, it looks very interesting, but I prefer looking at the battery percentage to see where the device is standing. <br /><br /><strong>Data consumption</strong><br />The light changes to orange when we reach 90% of our data consumption limit. This is one notification that I had to wait and observe, but it was worth it. <br /><br />The Realme mini capsule has fewer applications for now than the dynamic island, but the execution is commendable. Given, this is a UI-based solution, we should be seeing it on more Realme devices down the line.<br /><br />For now, this is an exciting addition for a smartphone, especially at this price point. However, third-party apps are available on the Google Play Store, like Dynamicspot, which is more versatile.<br /><br />In C55’s case, the Realme mini capsule can be a highlight, but there's some time before it can be deemed a USP. I will sincerely look forward to what else Realme can offer here, considering the brand's track record is solid. <br /><br />Beyond this, the Realme UI offers the standard features we are used to, including the bloatware. As we expect, a buffet of applications here can be uninstalled, including Moj and Josh.<br /> <br /><br />Once you get rid of them, you can focus on the strengths of the UI, particularly the aesthetics and animation. I have always maintained that Realme UI is easy to understand and aesthetically appealing. Of course, you get many customization options here, including widgets for emails, calendars, and messaging apps. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Performance<br />    <div type="image" title="Geekbench score for Realme C55" msid="98857550" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Geekbench score for Realme C55&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div></strong><br />The Mediatek Helio G88 SoC powers Realme C55. Before I proceed with the performance review, I must highlight that this is a 4G processor. It’s been five months since 5G services were rolled out in India, and the consumer shift is apparent. In this situation, recommending the C55 to a mass set of consumers becomes very difficult. Especially since another device in the Realme portfolio has been my suggestion in this price range - the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/realme-9i-5g-review/articleshow/93641337.cms">9i 5G</a>. A device with decent specifications, an attractive design, and, most importantly, 5G support, starting at ₹14,999. <br /><br /><br />That being said, I have tried to see the merit of the C55. And I can’t deny the large set of consumers who will find this attractive, particularly college students and perhaps people who are not keen on switching to 5G yet because of the premium in pricing.<br /><br /><br />The smartphone's performance is respectable, and it delivers on what I had expected. <br /><br />It was consistent with its performance when I was not pushing it beyond its limits. This remains true for both graphics-heavy tasks, among others. <br /><br />Consistent performance if you are careful with your choices. By that, I mean you need to understand the graphic limitations of the device, among other factors because if you are aware of them, you have a winner in your hands. <br /><br />I want to start with the most obvious use case - gaming. Yes, the C55 can game, although at a moderate graphic setting. I have played long sessions of COD: Mobile on this one, and I am impressed by the performance. Impressed because I didn’t face any lags or ugly frame drops that might spoil my experience. Frankly, at this price, consistency matters more than graphic capabilities. So, if you are a gamer, you won’t be disappointed. <br /><br />Basic usage like watching videos, surfing the web, and scrolling social media is not an issue. Yes, you won’t find the smoothness we see in medium-range or flagship devices. But the animations and aesthetics make up for it, balancing the experience out. <br /><br />For reference, I ran a GeekBench score on the C55, and the results met my expectations. The single-core score was 423, while the multi-core score was 1401. Reconfirming this is not a performance-heavy device but provides a balance for output. <br /><br />The RAM on my variant is 8GB which can be expanded by another 8GB with fusion memory. Usually, it doesn’t add much to the experience, but with C55, I noticed quicker boot-up speeds in games.<br /><br />Otherwise, the RAM can retain lighter apps for prolonged periods, which is good news. The storage in my review variant is 128GB, which might hinder long-term usage. So, you can opt for a micro SD card or look into cloud storage solutions for media files. <br /><br />The battery is a strong quotient for the Realme C55, as it should be, considering the 5000mAh cell is powering up modest hardware. In my testing, I have been getting a screen on time of up to 6 hours on a heavy day, sometimes six and a half hours if I am careful. For a generic consumer, this is a symphony to the ears. The 33W charger in the box takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to charge the battery for 0-100% with active internet. <br /><br /><strong>Camera<br />      <div type="image" title="Realme C55 features a dual camera set up." msid="98857604" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Realme C55 features a dual camera set up. &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div></strong><br />Realme C55 features a dual camera set-up, which aligns with the devices in this price category. The primary camera here is a 64MP shooter with a 2MP depth sensor. And, I am genuinely surprised with the camera results, partially because my expectations were pretty low.<br />    <div type="image" title="The primary sensor on the C55 can deliver crisp images in bright outdoors." msid="98857658" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The primary sensor on the C55 can deliver crisp images in bright outdoors.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> <br /><br />I want to start with some casual shots taken in bright outdoors. As you can see in the images below, the camera has registered natural skin tones and precise color detection of the surroundings. The HDR was also impressive, and the sensor can maintain decent details in the output.<br />    <div type="image" title="Images clicked in 64MP mode sees a visible boost in quality and details." msid="98857676" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Images clicked in 64MP mode sees a visible boost in quality and details.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />This is further enhanced when you click images in the 64MP mode. I have cut out PNGs of the below image, and even in the post, it didn’t lose out on detail. In the picture below, the pink on my t-shirt is well intact and matches the source color. <br /><br />    <div type="image" title="Edge detection on the C55&amp;#39;s camera is mostly precise." msid="98857715" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Edge detection on the C55&amp;#39;s camera is mostly precise.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The dedicated 2MP depth sensor on the device takes its sweet time to process an image, but the results are stunning. In the portrait shot below, the edge detection is crisp and precise.<br /><br />No dedicated telephoto lens exists, so all the zoom-in and out activities are digital. That being said, the camera does hold well. Below is a collage for reference. This was shot at 1X, 2X, 5X, and 10X zoom. In the final image, details are out of the window, but the device has provided a respectable zoom.<br />    <div type="image" title="Image reference from different zoom modes." msid="98857754" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Image reference from different zoom modes. &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> <br /><br />    <div type="image" title="Camera takes a dip under low lighting." msid="98857819" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Camera takes a dip under low lighting.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />This means the streak of the camera takes a dip under low lighting. Even with the dedicated night mode, the sensor finds it difficult to maintain details, and there is a considerable amount of noise in the image. <br /><br />Video performance is fairly decent, with the camera recording 1080P videos up to 60fps. The video situation is at par with what we saw in the images, with well-lit conditions being a stable ground for the camera. The audio recorded from the internal microphone is also crisp. Here I am pointing out that the camera app requires us to go into a dedicated menu to change the video settings. This is inconvenient and something I haven’t seen in a while. <br /><br />The 8MP selfie camera is underwhelming, providing under-saturated images and completely missing the mark in portrait mode. It’s not bad, though, since the AI here works perfectly. So if you like tweaking your facial features, you are in for a good time.<br />    <div type="image" title="The selfie camera is decent for some casual shots." msid="98857789" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The selfie camera is decent for some casual shots.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The selfie camera can record 1080P videos at 30fps and performs decently for casual video. However, I suggest relying on the primary setup if you plan to make content with the device.<br /><br /><strong>Verdict</strong> <br />After my testing, I can safely say that the Realme capsule can’t be a USP for this device, considering the applications are limited. Why you should consider the C55 is simple - display, performance, and camera set-up. If you have a limited budget, the C55 is a value deal, especially for performance-hungry users.<br />However, I can’t write off that it’s indeed a 4G device. So going in, you should be aware of the implications. If you want to stay updated on the connectivity front with 5G and on the same budget, I recommend the Samsung Galaxy M13 5G. <br /><br /><br /><strong>See also -</strong><br /><h1 style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;padding:0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/chatgpt-plus-subscription-price-benefits-and-more-other-information/articleshow/98803997.cms"></a></h1><h6><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/chatgpt-plus-subscription-price-benefits-and-more-other-information/articleshow/98803997.cms">ChatGPT Plus subscription launched in India – price, benefits, and more</a></h6><h6><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/chatgpt-plus-subscription-price-benefits-and-more-other-information/articleshow/98803997.cms"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-nord-ce-3-mobile-phone-leaks-ahead-of-launch/articleshow/98597456.cms">OnePlus Nord CE 3 leaks ahead of launch – specs, expected launch date and more</a></h6><h6><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-nord-ce-3-mobile-phone-leaks-ahead-of-launch/articleshow/98597456.cms"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-confirms-launch-of-its-first-foldable-phone-in-2023-flip-phone-also-expected/articleshow/98308482.cms">OnePlus confirms launch of its first foldable phone in 2023, flip phone also expected</a></h6><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-confirms-launch-of-its-first-foldable-phone-in-2023-flip-phone-also-expected/articleshow/98308482.cms"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

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