Latest Tech News

A series of new renders for the upcoming OnePlus 12 have recently surfaced indicating the company may be replacing a contentious camera module.

If you’re not familiar with the story, a previous leak of the OnePlus 12 back in July displayed the rear camera system had a rectangular, stainless steel “bump” underneath the two lenses. Online reactions to this steel plate were mixed, to say the least. But, according to a recent MySmartPrice report, OnePlus is opting for a more familiar design for the camera island on its upcoming flagship phone. It’ll be, as 9to5Google puts it, “less ugly” looking for some.

The renders show the three OnePlus 12 lenses will be housed in a circular module with a blank space on the bottom right. The stainless steel portion is gone. It’s unknown what this fourth space will hold. We thought at first it could hold the smartphone’s flashbulb. After all, that’s where it is on the OnePlus 11. 

However, if you look closely at the renders, the bulb is actually in the upper left-hand corner. The hole could be where the rumored 64MP periscope lens will be. Of course, we can’t say for sure right now.

OnePlus 12 5K Design Renders Reveal Refined Camera Module.Via: @OnLeaks × @mysmartprice🔗https://ift.tt/z9Lc3E7 #OnePlus12 https://t.co/7XZbEvORRD pic.twitter.com/g4xxPiTr39September 6, 2023

See more

Small tweaks

Besides the changes to the camera setup, the MySmartPrice report does mention one other design tweak. The Hasselblad logo on the module has been replaced with the brand’s stylized ‘H’ and it’ll be moved to the far left. 

Other than that, the phone looks identical to prior renders. The phone display will have a “punch-hole cutout” in the center for the selfie lens. Additionally, the power and alert sliders will be on the right side of the device “whereas the volume keys will be on the left”.

This information comes from notable industry insider OnLeaks who claims these images are “based on pre-production [units]” This means these pictures show a close approximation of what the final design may look like.

OK #FutureSquad… Back in July, I gave you the very first and early look at the much anticipated #OnePlus12. Since, it appears #OnePlus tweaked the rear camera configuration and today, I’m back with updated renders which have been made based on pre-production unit pictures.… pic.twitter.com/Pb7W1fdgLJSeptember 6, 2023

See more

As with every leak, take this information with a grain of salt. Things could always change at the last minute. Maybe OnePlus changes its mind a second time and goes back to the steel bump.

The launch date for the OnePlus 12 line is also unknown although rumors point to the phone releasing first in China this December. A global rollout will reportedly occur in either January or February with a $699 price tag. It’s said the mobile device will be available in black and sandstone.

While we have you, be sure to check out TechRadar’s list of the best OnePlus phones for 2023 if you’re in the market.

You might also like

• The OnePlus 12 could have a major feature the OnePlus 11 lacks
• OnePlus Open: everything you need to know about OnePlus’ first foldable
  

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/FDUtwjc

The Best Tailgating Items of 2023 - CNET

Make your tailgate standout with these essential tailgating items.

from CNET https://ift.tt/hUdVyr9

Latest Tech News

If you found this week's GoPro Hero 12 Black launch a little underwhelming, you weren't alone. It's one of the smallest updates to the action camera series we've seen and even lacks staple features like GPS. But fortunately, GoPro does have something more exciting up its sleeve – it's revealed a successor to the GoPro Max is "in the works", and that's very good news for anyone who wants a next-gen action cam.

Unfortunately, GoPro hasn't elaborated on when exactly we'll see the GoPro Max 2 (which is its confirmed name) and its 360-degree shooting powers. The only thing that CEO Nick Goodman said during the Hero 12 Black launch event was: "There is an enormous interest in the next version of Max. And what I can confirm today is that it is in the works and it will be worth the wait".

That's not a lot to go on, but we'll definitely take it. It's almost four years since the GoPro Max was announced, so we'd nearly given up hope of seeing a sequel to one of the best 360 cameras. In that time, Insta360 has eaten GoPro's lunch with the launch of polished rivals like the Insta360 X3, which is probably the most fun camera you can buy right now.

(Image credit: GoPro)

So the prospect of a GoPro Max 2 is a genuinely exciting one if the camera can deliver on its promise. And what is that promise? A waterproof, go-anywhere camera that can capture your adventures without needing to be pointed in any particular direction – and one that can then deliver an automated highlights reel of your trip that's ready for social media.  

Whether or not the incoming Max is capable of achieving that is another matter, but that's what we saw flashes of in some GoPro patent applications in July 2022. Those patents included descriptions of a processor with a "context component" that can analyze the context of a scene and adjust the "viewing window" (in other words, what you see during video playback), plus the final framing of the video accordingly.

That concept isn't new – we've seen it before with Insta360's AutoReframe feature, which creates an automatic edit of your 360 video. GoPro's own Quik mobile app also has an Auto Highlight feature for GoPro Subscribers, but this is only for traditional 'flat' videos from its Hero Black series. 

(Image credit: GoPro)

GoPro's incoming Quik desktop app (which will land on Mac on November 1, and on Windows in "Summer 2024") will, though, have this Auto Highlight feature. And it will also presumably, when the Max 2 arrives, also handle the 'reframing' edits that Insta360's Studio software does so well.

Given it's been almost four years since the current Max, we're expecting some pretty big hardware upgrades on the Max 2. It should get some better sensors (maybe two of the 1/1.7in ones seen on Hero 12 Black), plus 5K/60p video and, almost certainly, GoPro's latest GP2 processor (or maybe even a GP3).

But the hardware is really the easy bit – when it comes to 360 cameras, it's the software that really makes the experience, because being able to 'point' your camera in any direction after you've shot the video (the main benefit of 360 cameras) can also quickly become an overwhelming experience. 

If GoPro manages to nail that part of the equation this time, the Max 2 could finally be the action cam and Insta360 alternative we've been waiting several years for.

---

Analysis: The action cam's next adventure 

(Image credit: GoPro)

GoPro recognized the potential of 360 cameras back in 2017 when it announced the original Fusion, so why has it taken so long to develop the Max 2? It's probably partly down to GoPro's decision to simplify its product lineup a few years ago after it had overextended itself with the GoPro Karma drone. 

But action cam fans need a Max 2 now more than ever. While traditional action cams are hitting their evolutionary limit, we were hoping for a bit more from the Hero 12 Black. Still, if that means GoPro's been pouring more of its enthusiasm into the Max 2, we might just forgive it.

Smartphones like the iPhone 14 now offer features like Action Mode – and while we don't think that mode can quite match the convenience of a GoPro, it's close enough to leave many people understandably questioning whether or not they need an action cam.

Action cameras need to offer a unique trick that you can't get on your smartphone – and 360-degree shooting is that trick. The ability to shoot everything around you simultaneously means 360 cams are capable of some super-impressive visual tricks, while being among the most versatile cameras around. If the Max 2 brings the kind of polish GoPro built its name on, it could finally be a new model to get excited about.

You might also like

• The GoPro Hero 12 Black has landed – we explain the 5 pro-focused upgrades
• GoPro is finally launching a new desktop editing app, but there's a catch
• GoPro Hero 12 Black price, release date, specs and new features

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/79wcqdQ

Best Games on Xbox Game Pass: Starfield Is Here - CNET

Give these games a try.

from CNET https://ift.tt/x6BzRoQ

See the Eerie Final Images of a Doomed Wind-Watching Satellite - CNET

Eye-catching radar views show the European Space Agency Aeolus satellite as it made a swan dive into oblivion.

from CNET https://ift.tt/ElHSbaq

Latest Tech News

Even as YouTube cracks down on third-party apps and raises YouTube Premium prices, the video streaming and hosting site has been making plenty of changes to improve the user experience.

Two more such changes are being tested out right now: adding playable games and updating its sharing menu for desktop and mobile. For the former, YouTube is adding a ‘Playables’ section to the site, with 9to5Google reporting that one of the games will be Stack Bounce. For now, it’s only coming to certain users, so make sure to search for ‘Playables’ in the content section to see if you’re one of the lucky few.

The latter involves YouTube updating its sharing menu, moving it from a bottom-positioned share sheet to a floating option. According to Android Police, when your device is in landscape orientation, the floating bar is in the middle, while it remains at the bottom in portrait mode. It’s a quality-of-life change that improves navigation for many users, though currently, it’s only available to a handful of users.

YouTube is making moves, both good and bad 

There are plenty of other UI changes and features being added to YouTube’s mobile and desktop versions. For instance, in July 2023 three features were added including a faster way to double playback speed, a Lock Screen for disabling all “touch input while watching a [full screen] video,” and bigger thumbnail previews.

YouTube also revealed several other features in the works that all revolve around improving YouTube Music, whether it’s quality of life changes or changes that will have a noticeable impact on the music industry itself. Live lyrics, for instance, scrolls lyrics for you as a song progresses to make it easier to understand and to sing along to, and there's even a search function that lets you hum to find your favorite song.

The biggest news by far, though, is YouTube’s Music AI Incubator, which will partner with music industry professionals to ensure artists and rights holders are properly compensated for AI music. This would potentially allow the site to keep its AI cash cow without infringing on artists’ intellectual properties.

However, there are plenty of unpopular changes as well like the aforementioned crackdown on third-party apps and YouTube Premium prices shooting up. There’s also the divisive Shorts, which is both popular but currently hard to monetize, as well as the implementation of a ‘three-strikes’ policy against ad blockers. 

With all these changes to YouTube, it’ll be interesting to see how the site looks and functions even five years from now.

You might also like

• Veteran YouTube staff think Shorts will ruin YouTube
• Microsoft Edge has a hidden feature that'll please YouTube addicts
• YouTube Premium is now more expensive for new subscribers

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/lrxpUco

Latest Tech News

Rumors and leaked reports have been coming out for months on Intel’s preparation of its new line of Core i9 series of processors, called the Raptor Lake refresh. The flagship model’s newly leaked Geekbench score in particular proves how promising its performance might be.

The flagship model, the Core i9-14900K processor, managed to score a Geekbench score of over 3.1K for the single-core test. This puts it at a 6% increase over the previous model, the 13900K. Also, keep in mind that there are several variables involved in testing, including a more limited data set, the motherboard not being fully optimized, and the processor being paired with DDR5-4800 memory which could impact performance as well.

Its key specifications are eight P-cores and 16 E-cores and, according to VideoCardZ, it is only the second Intel processor to exceed a clock speed of 6 GHz thanks to its Thermal Velocity Boost technology. Testing was done using the Biostar Z790 SILVER motherboard, which has the added benefit of proving compatibility with other similar, soon-to-be-released motherboards.

Intel could be on to something, as long as the price is right 

Plenty of rumors concerning the Core i9-14900K have been making their way through the tech grapevine, including other benchmarks and pricing.

There was a previously leaked CrossMark result for Intel’s Core i9-14900K and the Core i7-14700K. The Core i9-14900K recorded an overall score of 2,265, with the Core i7-14700K hitting 1,980. Thus it can be concluded that the 14900K is around 14% faster than the 14700K, at least going by this single result. Judging by these scores, we can see the potential of how well the flagship and even the i7 processor can perform.

However, according to a leak from well-known leaker @momomo_us, the pricing of the Intel Core i9-14900K, Core i7-14700K, and Core i5-14600K are all set to increase by about 15%. This would raise the price of the 14900K flagship to $695 in the US which, considering the smaller boost in performance compared to the previous models, would hardly be worth the price of entry. Then again, considering all the caveats that come with the currently leaked benchmarks, we could be seeing even better performance results once the processor officially launches.

As for that launch date, previous leaks point to an October 2023 release while VideoCardZ states that the flagship will be coming out this September.

You may also like

• Leaked benchmarks for Intel's next-gen Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs
• Retailer listings suggest Intel's next-gen CPUs could arrive sooner
• Raptor Lake Refresh price rumor is worrying

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/0bludU9

Best Mesh Routers for 2023: Top-Tested Systems for Whole-Home Wi-Fi - CNET

The best mesh Wi-Fi routers carry a strong internet connection to every corner of your home. We’ve tested the top models to help you pick the right one.

from CNET https://ift.tt/uiHbnl4

Latest Tech News

Sony is taking photography to the sky as the tech giant reveals a new small camera that’s been specially designed to be placed into drones: the ILX-LR1.

While the name may not be super catchy, it does exemplify the idea of big things coming in small packages. The camera measures approximately 100 x 74 x 42.5 mm (about 4 x 3 x 1.7 inches) and weighs 8.6 oz. Despite its tiny stature, the ILX-LR1 is quite powerful as it’s capable of shooting videos up to 60FPS. Sony explains its device can shoot content up to 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) thanks to its 1.38-inch Exmor R CMOS image sensor. This hardware gives the ILX-LR1 “extraordinary sensitivity, resolution, and dynamic range” so it can capture the “finest details”. Additionally, it sports a BIONZ XR processor to deliver low-noise photographs with, Sony promises, “realistic colors”.

Sony goes on to say the camera has a wide ISO range from 100 to 32,000, allowing the ILX-LR1 to “operate in most daylight conditions.”

Stripped away

To make the lightweight design a reality, Sony stripped away a lot of the basic features you’d expect to see on a camera. There’s no viewfinder of any kind, no rear LCD screen, or handgrip – it doesn’t even have a battery. The company explains “the lower weight means longer flight times”. Plus, the compact body allows it to fit “into smaller drones”. In order to power the device, users will need to connect it directly to a drone’s power supply. 

(Image credit: Sony)

This same connection can be used to control key aspects of the camera. On the same day that Sony revealed the ILX-LR1, the company announced new changes to its Camera Remote SDK (Software Development Kit), introducing “enhanced function for drone applications.” These include “expanded menu settings” to more easily control the device at a distance and notifications for certain events like when a recording starts or stops.

The patch is split into two. Version 1.10 releases on September 13 with the first set of features. Version 1.11 is set for November 2023, bringing its own set of upgrades to video shooting applications.

Other notable features of the ILX-LR1 include support for a wide variety of E-mount lenses. If you’re not familiar with the tech, it brings the lens close to a camera’s sensor so the hardware can be “smaller and lighter without compromising quality. 

Availability

It’s unknown when the ILX-LR1 launches although some online reports claim it’ll release this December for a whopping $2,950 in the US only. We should mention Sony is marketing their latest gadget to a professional audience. To buy one, it looks like you'll have to contact Sony directly.

(Image credit: Sony)

It may be worth the trouble, though. With the right drone, the ILX-LD1 could – if Sony's promises are accurate – provide nearly unmatched drone photography.

We reached out asking if it plans to release the camera internationally. This story will be updated if we hear back.

Be sure to check out TechRadar’s list of the best Sony cameras for 2023.

You might also like

• The best drone 2023: top flying cameras for all budgets
• DJI Air 3 review: a nifty dual-camera drone

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/puRGfOV

Save $50 on the OnePlus Pad Tablet and Get a Free $100 Stylus - CNET

At $430, this is one of the overall best Android tablets you'll find in this price range.

from CNET https://ift.tt/gWoHaAp

Find Hidden Netflix Treasures With This Simple Trick - CNET

Outwit the Netflix algorithm with a little keyboard sorcery.

from CNET https://ift.tt/Y72EXvU

Best Smart Soundbar of 2023 - CNET

A smart soundbar adds music streaming and voice capabilities to any TV with an HDMI port. These are our favorites.

from CNET https://ift.tt/36t1KCl

Latest Tech News

The upcoming iPhone Ultra model could have a key Apple Vision Pro feature – the ability to take “spatial photos and videos”, using the phone’s camera. 

At least, that’s what the latest rumors are suggesting. According to a recent report from MacRumors, the spatial photo support could allow people to “record immersive 3D content” using the smartphone’s “outward-facing cameras”. The content could then, in theory, be uploaded and viewed on the Vision Pro. 

Judging from the rumors, which came from an unnamed Weibo account with an apparently good track record for iPhone predictions, it doesn’t appear that the iPhone Ultra itself (or whatever the future device is called) will let you view the spatial photos. Instead, you'd need to have the headset to enjoy the 'immersive' content on a big floating, VR screen.

Notably, the rumor is bold enough to say this update will “lead the market to rethink what kind of photos and videos a mobile phone should take.” But it might be a while before we get to find out if that's the case – according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the rumored iPhone Ultra (which has been tipped to sit above its Pro models) won't be arriving until 2024 at the earliest.  

What are spatial cameras?

We first learned about spatial photos and videos back at WWDC 2023 during the Vision Pro's reveal. The idea behind this tech is to let people relive important life moments; to make it feel like you’re there again. 

For example, as Apple showed in its Vision Pro demos, you could relive your daughter’s birthday party or your kids playing in the backyard. The tech giant said that spatial recording is such a core aspect to the Vision Pro experience "that the device [even] has a dedicated mechanical button on the top to activate it.”

(Image credit: Apple)

The main issue with recording video on a VR headset is the fact that you’re recording video on a VR headset. The hardware isn’t exactly inconspicuous. Plus, there’s the off-chance it could get irreparably damaged taking it outside. 

But put the same tech on an iPhone, or an iPad, and you won't have that issue. Now you'll be able to subtly record the high-end content on a smartphone without having to take photos on a VR headset, or worrying about your $3,499 hardware getting damaged.

---

Analysis: Remaining skeptical

(Image credit: Apple)

As interesting as this rumor may be, we’re going to remain skeptical for several reasons. 

For one: the source is dubious, in our opinion. MacRumors says it got the scoop from a supposedly reputable Weibo account. Apparently, this Weibo user has a “proven track record for disclosing information about Apple’s plans.” However, the site doesn't link to the original post, which we found strange.

Also, the jury is still out whether or not there's enough room on an iPhone for a spatial camera setup. As the developers of 3D scanning apps told us back in June, you'd likely need an extra camera that's far enough away from the main cameras (around the distance between our eyes) to get the necessary depth. 

The developers behind the popular iPhone photography app Halide also recently stated that smartphones will need "a significant improvement in terms of processing power and sensor fidelity and quality" to shoot proper spatial captures. This all means that these next-gen camera setups are arguably more likely to arrive first on an iPad first.   

Lastly, the iPhone Ultra is a rumor itself. The phone could potentially come out next year as the high-end option for the iPhone 16 line. But the problem is that there's no official confirmation that this model is even in the works.

So while spatial photos and videos are certainly a fascinating concept, it remains to be seen if the tech is even possible on a smartphone. For now, we recommend taking all this info with a large grain of salt.

You might also like

• Apple may be considering a cheaper Vision Pro model - so people might be able to actually buy the headset
• 15 things we learned at Apple's WWDC 2023 event
• iPhone 14 Pro vs iPhone 15: the rumored key differences
  

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/509Eudc

8 Back-to-School College Essentials to Keep in Your Backpack - CNET

Get advice from a real college student and grab these everyday essentials for your backpack.

from CNET https://ift.tt/FORdm83

Latest Tech News

Criminals have been targeting Okta’s clients in an attempt to gain access to accounts with administrator privileges.

"In recent weeks, multiple U.S.-based Okta customers have reported a consistent pattern of social engineering attacks against IT service desk personnel, in which the caller's strategy was to convince service desk personnel to reset all multi-factor authentication (MFA) factors enrolled by highly privileged users," the company confirmed in a blog post.

The campaign was active between July 29 and August 19 2023, it was added. 

Muddled Libra

Apparently, the attackers (whom Okta did not want to name) have already obtained the target accounts’ username and password combination. However, as these accounts were protected by MFA, the threat actors had no other choice but to try and trick their way into resetting the tool.

If the attackers had succeeded, they would be granted the ability to assign higher privileges to other accounts, reset authenticators for other people, and even remove two-factor authentication if needed.

Read more

> Some of Google's new domain names could pose a serious security risk

> These dangerous phishing attacks are more common than ever - here's what you need to know

> Here's our list of the best ID theft protection software

While Okta did not say who was behind the campaign, the media came to its own conclusion, based on the information provided. Thus, The Hacker News argues that this could be the work of Muddled Libra, an activity cluster partly overlapping with the likes of Scattered Spider and Scatter Swine. Google’s Mandiant tracks the group as UNC3944. They’re basing their conclusion on the fact that the group uses a commercial phishing kit called 0ktapus. Unit 42, on the other hand, argues that multiple groups are using 0ktapus, which means it’s not 100% certain Muddled Libra was behind the campaign. 

Muddled Libra is a threat actor known to target organizations in software automation, BPO, telecommunications, and technology industries. Between mid-2022 and early 2023, Unit 42’s researchers investigated “more than half a dozen” incidents related to this threat actor.

• This is the best firewall to keep your business safe

Via: The Hacker News

from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/L5UdWb2