Google, the search engine giant, unveiled new smartphones, smart speakers and other gadgets at the Google Hardware Event held yesterday at the SFJazz Center in San Francisco, California. After the back to back events from Amazon and Apple, Google finally unveiled its flagship device, the Pixel 2, along with a number additions to its hardware offerings.
At the hardware launch, Google demonstrated its commitment to making new devices along with new and improved software developments. Marking its second year of manufacturing hardware, Google announced two new Pixel smartphones along with Google Home speakers, a new laptop, a virtual reality headset and wireless headphones. However, this year the focus was not on just the hardware but on a combination of software and artificial intelligence along with a major focus on the hardware side of things. Chief Executive Officer of Google, Sundar Pichai, spent the first 10 minutes explaining the use of artificial intelligence, as well as the transformation of Google into an AI first company. “It’s(AI) radically rethinking how computing should work,” he added.
The two smartphones launched yesterday, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 Xl, will both use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processors. Packed with a 4 GB RAM, the latest phones come with a 12.2 megapixel rear camera and an 8 megapixel front camera with a fixed focus. Google also introduced a pretty impressive portrait mode with its single camera. Following Apple’s footsteps, the new Pixel phones have also said goodbye to the headphone jack. While most of the hardware remains the same, the software for the phone is a combination of machine learning, artificial intelligence and contextual data meshing, which makes it a much more connected device. Pixel Buds, Google’s own wireless headphones, are the Android version of the Apple AirPods. Both the phone and the earphones can be charged using a USB-C charging cable. The new phones are available with 64 GB and 124 GB storage.
The technology giant has also come out with a new camera that uses artificial intelligence to capture soundless videos of faces and pets that it recognizes and deems “interesting.” Google Clips is a palm sized device that can capture stills, videos, or GIFs, which can be exported to phones and other devices over Wifi.
The Google Home devices were also launched in two different sizes, the Google Home Mini and the Google Home Max. Both the devices can do everything the original Google Home could, including set timers and reminders, check the weather and convert tablespoons to cups using the inbuilt Google Assistant. The main difference in the new devices is the size. While the Mini occupies the space of a candle, the Max boasts a stereo speaker with two 4.5 inch woofers. Both the devices will add more actions that surround daily routines.
Google’s laptop, Pixelbook, is a 12.3 inch device which does a complete 360 degree rotation and weighs just two pounds. This device supports Google Play and comes equipped with the Google Assistant along with a Core i5 or Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of memory.
Google hyped up its hardware products this year making an impressive statement about turning hardware into a real business on a massive scale. According to Sundar Pichai, however, the future for Google is AI.
As Apple rolls out the much-anticipated iOS 18 today, it’s important to ensure your device is ready for the update. This guide outlines the necessary steps to prepare your iPhone for a smooth installation of iOS 18, which promises to enhance customization and introduce several new features.
1. Verify Device Compatibility
Before proceeding, confirm that your iPhone is compatible with iOS 18. The update will be available for the following models:
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
2. Free Up Storage Space
iOS 18 requires approximately 6.98 GB of available storage. To ensure a smooth installation, check your storage by navigating to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Delete unused apps, photos, and files. Consider offloading photos to iCloud to create additional space.
3. Back Up Your Data
Backing up your iPhone is crucial before any major update. Use iCloud or connect your device to a computer with iTunes/Finder to create a backup. This protects your data in case of any issues during the update process.
4. Check App Compatibility
Some apps may not be immediately compatible with iOS 18. Check for updates from app developers or consider waiting a few days after the update to ensure your essential apps function correctly.
5. Ensure a Stable Wi-Fi Connection and Charge Your iPhone
A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for downloading the update. Additionally, ensure your iPhone is charged to at least 50% before starting the installation to avoid interruptions.
6. Wait for Early Reviews
If you’re not in a rush, consider waiting a few days after the initial release to install iOS 18. This allows time for developers to identify and resolve any initial bugs, ensuring a smoother experience.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to install iOS 18 and take full advantage of its new features. Enjoy your updated iPhone experience!
Apple’s eagerly awaited iPhone 16 series is set to kick off pre-orders today, September 13, 2024, at 5:30 PM IST. However, just hours before this crucial moment, the Apple India website has encountered an unexpected outage, causing frustration among customers eager to secure their new devices.
iPhone 16 Series Launch Overview
The iPhone 16 lineup includes four models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. These devices were introduced at Apple’s recent “It’s Glowtime” event, showcasing impressive features powered by the new A18 chipset and enhanced AI capabilities. In India, prices for the iPhone 16 series start at ₹79,900 for the base model, with the Pro models priced higher, reflecting their premium specifications.
Impact of the Website Outage
As the pre-order launch approaches, the sudden downtime of the Apple India website has left many potential buyers frustrated. Customers typically rely on the official website for pre-ordering their devices, accessing exclusive offers, and obtaining detailed information about the new models. The outage disrupts this process, potentially delaying the ability of eager customers to secure their devices.
The timing of the outage is particularly concerning, as interest in the iPhone 16 series has surged. Apple is offering promotional incentives, including instant discounts of ₹5,000 for customers using select bank cards during the pre-order process. This discount, along with trade-in options for older models, has attracted a significant number of consumers, increasing the urgency to access the website.
Alternatives for Pre-Ordering
Despite the website issues, customers have several alternatives for pre-ordering the iPhone 16 series. They can visit physical Apple Stores or authorized retailers across India, as well as popular e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon. These options may help alleviate the frustration caused by the website outage, allowing customers to secure their devices without relying solely on Apple’s online platform.
Conclusion
The launch of the iPhone 16 series is a pivotal event for Apple and its customers in India. However, the unexpected downtime of the Apple India website just hours before pre-orders begin raises concerns about accessibility and customer experience. As consumers seek ways to navigate this challenge, the availability of alternative purchasing options may provide some relief. Apple will need to address this outage promptly to ensure a smooth pre-order process and maintain customer satisfaction during this critical launch period.
In a significant ruling, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ordered Apple to repay €13 billion ($14 billion) in back taxes to Ireland, affirming a 2016 European Commission decision that Apple received illegal state aid from the Irish government. This ruling concludes a lengthy legal battle that began in 2014 when the Commission initiated an investigation into Apple’s tax practices in Ireland, where the company has its European headquarters.
Background of the Case
The European Commission’s investigation revealed that Apple benefited from two tax rulings in 1991 and 2007, which allowed the company to significantly reduce its effective tax rate in Ireland—from 1% in 2003 to just 0.005% in 2014. The Commission determined that these arrangements constituted unlawful state aid, prompting it to instruct Ireland to recover the unpaid taxes from Apple.
Legal Proceedings
Initially, in 2020, the EU General Court sided with Apple, overturning the Commission’s ruling by stating that it had not adequately proven that Apple received a selective tax advantage. However, the Commission appealed this decision, leading to the recent ECJ ruling that reinstated the original order for Apple to repay the taxes.
Apple’s Response
In response to the ruling, Apple expressed disappointment, asserting that it has always paid the taxes owed in accordance with international law and that the income in question had already been taxed in the U.S. The company maintained that the case was not about the amount of tax owed but rather about which government had the right to collect it. Apple emphasized its role as a significant taxpayer and contributor to economic growth in Europe.
Implications for Ireland and the EU
This ruling is seen as a setback for Ireland, which has positioned itself as a favorable location for multinational corporations due to its low corporate tax rates. The Irish government has contested the need for Apple to repay these taxes, arguing that such arrangements are essential for attracting foreign investment. The ECJ’s decision, however, reinforces the European Commission’s efforts to eliminate preferential tax deals that give certain companies an unfair advantage over others in the EU market.
Conclusion
The ECJ’s ruling not only marks a pivotal moment in Apple’s tax saga but also serves as a critical victory for the European Commission in its ongoing campaign against tax avoidance by multinational corporations. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, this case underscores the tensions between U.S. tech giants and European regulatory frameworks regarding taxation and competition.
