SpaceX has announced the successful completion of its first Starlink satellite constellation designed to provide direct internet connectivity to standard mobile phones. According to reports, the achievement was marked by the launch of 20 Starlink satellites, including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities. The launch occurred on December 4, 2024, at 10:05 PM EST from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This development aims to address connectivity challenges in underserved and remote areas by eliminating the need for specialised equipment.
New Era in Direct-to-Cell Connectivity
Of the 20 satellites launched, 13 are equipped with direct-to-cell connectivity capabilities, as stated by SpaceX founder Elon Musk in a post on X (formerly Twitter) early Thursday morning. Musk confirmed that the deployment of these satellites completes the first shell of Starlink's direct-to-cell network. He added that this system will allow unmodified mobile phones to access internet services in remote regions.
Direct-to-Cell Technology and Launch Details
The satellites launched aboard the Falcon 9 rocket are intended to enhance the existing Starlink network. Reports suggest that these satellites use laser backhaul to integrate with the broader constellation, ensuring seamless internet access even in areas traditionally considered service dead zones. While the current bandwidth is reported to be approximately 10 Mbps per beam, SpaceX has indicated that future iterations of the technology will feature significantly higher capabilities.
Expanding Global Connectivity
The Starlink project, envisioned by SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk, aims to deploy thousands of low Earth orbit satellites to provide global broadband coverage. To date, more than 7,000 satellites have been launched as part of this initiative.
Implications for the Future
The direct-to-cell feature is seen as a pivotal step in connecting users in the most remote areas without requiring additional hardware. This advancement aligns with Musk's broader goals of enhancing global internet access and preparing for long-term objectives like interplanetary colonisation. Reports indicate growing interest in the initiative, with millions already benefiting from Starlink's high-speed internet services across diverse regions.
This milestone underscores SpaceX's commitment to innovation in satellite communication, with ongoing developments expected to redefine the global connectivity landscape.
China has reportedly launched its latest Long March-12 rocket from the newly established Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site, marking a significant milestone in its commercial space ambitions. The launch occurred on November 30, 2024, propelling two experimental satellites into orbit. The 62.6-metre rocket is designed to support a growing surge in commercial satellite deployments, as reported by Chinese state media.
Key Features of Long March-12
As per a report by China state media, the two-stage Long March-12 rocket uses advanced kerosene and liquid hydrogen fuels, replacing older hypergolic propellants. According to the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the vehicle can transport 10 tons to low-Earth orbit or six tons to a sun-synchronous orbit at 700 kilometers. In an interview with China Daily, Xie Li, Senior Designer of Long March-12, explained that the rocket is equipped with an automatic ignition-malfunction detection system, which ensures safer launches by performing real-time checks and calculating alternative trajectories in case of anomalies.
With a diameter of 3.8 metres, the rocket's design accommodates four engines for greater fuel storage and payload capacity. Xie Li also noted that the structural material used is 15 percent lighter and 28 percent stronger than alloys in earlier Long March variants.
Significance of Wenchang Commercial Spaceport
As per reports, constructed at a cost of 553 million dollars, the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site is strategically located on Hainan Island near the equator, allowing for reduced fuel consumption and increased payload capabilities. Reports indicate the spaceport, operated by Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd., will support up to 16 launches annually per pad.
The coastal location facilitates easier transportation of large rockets by sea and enables efficient recovery of reusable rocket stages from the South China Sea. The site is expected to play a key role in China's plans for commercial megaconstellations, including the Qianfan and Guowang satellite networks.
Instagram announced new features for broadcast channels on Wednesday. The latest update adds more ways for creators to engage with their audience instead of simply liking and reacting to messages — the only avenue for interaction on the social media platform until now. Instagram users can now reply to messages from creators as well as each other. Further, it now enables creators to actively engage courtesy of timed prompts and daily check-ins.
New Features for Broadcast Channels on Instagram
Instagram detailed the new features coming to broadcast channels in a blog post. The company is introducing three new features: Replies, Prompts, and Insights and best practices.
As the name suggests, the Replies feature lets users engage with the creators and each other by replying to messages, enabling back-and-forth conversations. It works along the same lines as comments when it comes to deleting or reporting replies. To turn on replies, tap the channel name > Channel controls. Then, enable the Allow members to reply to messages setting.
With the latest update, Instagram makes it easier for creators to break the ice with the Prompts feature. They can choose from suggested topics or create a custom prompt that fits their channel the best. Other users can respond to prompts with text or photos for up to 24 hours, and like their favourite responses. When a creator replies to a prompt, it will also be shared in the main broadcast channel.
While the aforementioned features are a way for creators to engage their audience more actively, the social media platform is also rolling out metrics to keep tabs on the engagement. They can now access channel insights such as the total number of interactions, story shares, and poll votes. To achieve higher numbers, they can set goals and Instagram will provide them with the best practices and personalised guidance. To view channel insights, tap channel name > Channel performance. Tapping the See all option will provide detailed insights of the brocast channel's engagement metrics.
Samsung announced the One UI 7 beta rollout in select regions a month after its initial unveiling at the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) 2024 in San Jose, California. The update brings Android 15 to Galaxy devices, introducing visual enhancements with more customisation options, a new notification system called Now Bar, redesigned One UI widgets, improved user interface (UI) for the camera app, and additions to Galaxy AI — the company's suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features.
One UI 7 Beta Availability, Eligible Models
Samsung says that the One UI 7 beta programme is initially available for the Galaxy S24 series in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK and the US. It can be joined by signing up for the beta programme via the Samsung Members app. The company highlights that the update's features may vary depending on the country or region the user resides in.
It supports a total of 29 languages including local dialects, such as Arabic, Chinese, English (Australia, India, United Kingdom, United States), Dutch, French (Canada, France), German, Hindi, Spanish (Mexico, Spain, United States), and Vietnamese.
One UI 7 Beta Features
One UI 7 beta carries Samsung's three core goals which it announced at SDC — Purposeful simplicity, signature impression, and emotional attachment. As per the South Korean technology conglomerate, it brings a new notification system which is said to make accessing notifications from the lock screen easier, courtesy of an addition dubbed ‘Now Bar'. It displays relevant activities across apps like Interpreter, Music, Recording, and Stopwatch, providing key information without having to unlock the smartphone. Samsung confirms that this feature will be exclusive to the next-generation Galaxy S series.
The native Camera app has been redesigned with reorganised camera buttons, controls and, modes. One UI 7 beta introduces simplified settings when shooting in the Pro and Pro video modes, while it also adds a zoom control option in the latter for smooth transitions, as per the company.
A big part of One UI 7 beta is the range of AI features on offer. Galaxy AI brings advanced writing tools which have been integrated into the operating system (OS), eliminating the need to switch apps for selecting the text. Similar to Apple Intelligence, users can carry out grammar and spell checks, change the writing tone, summarise, or create bulleted lists.
Call transcripts support 20 languages and work automatically for recorded conversations. Other features of the update include reduced visual clutter, redesigned One UI 7 widgets, and a new lock screen.
Xreal One series augmented reality (AR) glasses were launched on Wednesday. The latest lineup from the Chinese startup comes with a new X1 independent spatial computing chip that is claimed to provide complete spatial screen control. Two models have been unveiled as part of Xreal's latest AR glass lineup — Xreal One and One Pro. Xreal says its products feature a redesigned optical engine, adjustable interpupillary distance option, audio powered by Bose, and a multimodal camera powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
Xreal One, Xreal One Pro Price
Xreal One price starts at $499 (roughly Rs. 42000) while the Pro model costs $599 (roughly Rs. 51,000). Both models can be pre-ordered now and the AR glasses will be available for purchase in the US, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Czech, Netherlands, China, Japan, and Korea.
The base model will start shipping to customers this month while sales of Xreal One Pro will commence in early 2025, as per the company.
Xreal One, Xreal One Pro Specifications
Xreal One are cinematic AR glasses which can deliver three degrees-of-freedom (3DoF) spatial computing. It takes advantage of the integrated spatial co-processing chip called X1, which is directly built into the glasses. Equipped with a proprietary optical engine, the company says Xreal One can provide visuals in a resolution equivalent to 1080p for each eye and a 50-degree field-of-view (FOV).
The base model is claimed to have a 20.7 percent larger display area than the Xreal Air 2 series while the Xreal One Pro has a 63.7 percent larger area. The AR glasses come with several customisation options including screen size, screen distance, stabiliser, side view, brightness enhancement, display optimization, colour temperature, 2D/3D switching, interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment, volume and sound settings, button mapping settings, sensor calibration, and language settings.
Users can connect devices such as the iPhone, Android, Steam Deck, Windows PC, or MacBook, and stream visuals on the AR glasses in 3D space with a low motion-to-photon (M2P) latency of 3ms. The glasses support a refresh rate of 120Hz. Xreal One and Xreal One Pro come with a peak brightness of 600 nits and 700 nits, respectively. They have a TUV Rheinland certification for Low Blue-Light and Flicker Free experience.
Both models are equipped with a quad microphone setup for recording clearer audio and have sound powered by Bose. Further, the Xreal One series features a modular RGB camera called Xreal Eye which is a detachable accessory. It can capture still photos at 12-megapixel or record videos in 1080p at 60fps. The company says a future update will bring multimodal capabilities such as image recognition and communication via voice commands to the AR glasses, leveraging the host device's voice assistant.
Xreal One series features a magnesium alloy chassis and users can customise the look of their AR glasses by swapping out the front frame. Xreal One weighs 84g, whereas the One Pro weighs 87g.
For Oppo, 2024 has been a dream run, with the brand registering the highest growth amongst the top five brands in Q3 2024. As per IDC, Oppo led with launches like A3x, K12x and Reno 12 series in the quarter. After securing the second spot in the top smartphone manufacturers list and beating the likes of Realme, Xiaomi, and Motorola, Oppo has made a comeback to the premium segment. The all-new Find X8 series - Find X8 and Find X8 Pro - attempts to be the feather in the hat for Oppo. Gadgets 360 got to talk to Savio D'Souza, Head of Product Communications, Oppo India, to discuss the new launch and much more.
Smartphone premiumisation in India
We wanted to jump straight to the new Find X8 series, which is a return for Oppo in the premium smartphone segment in India. D'Souza explained how the premiumisation trend has entered the smartphone space with increasing ASP (average selling price).
"Indian consumers increasingly seek top-tier smartphones for communication, productivity, entertainment, and payments. A recent IDC report highlights that the premium segment registered the highest growth of 86% in the July-Sept 2024 quarter. The Find X8 Series addresses this demand with cutting-edge features like AI Summary, AI Reflection Remover, AI LinkBoost, a flagship quad-camera system, and a sleek, lightweight design. The timing couldn't be better for the Find X series to return, as premium innovation is now the need of the hour," he said.
With new launches in the premium segment, the market is becoming aggressive. How does Oppo's new Find X8 series fit into the entire premium price range, where iPhones and Samsungs dominate the segment? "With the Find X8 series, we are redefining what smartphones can achieve. The smartphone combines the best from industry leaders—MediaTek, Google, Hasselblad, and Dolby Vision. The Dimensity 9400 chipset powers exceptional performance, while Google Gemini enhances AI personalisation. Hasselblad Imaging provides pro-level photography, and Dolby Vision delivers stunning display quality. Oppo's proprietary HyperTone Image Engine further optimises photo quality," D'Souza said.
"With Oppo's engineering prowess, we have packed all these powerful aspects into a lightweight and sleek device. Together, these technologies create a smartphone that seamlessly blends innovation, performance, and user-centric features, making the Find X8 Series a standout flagship," he added.
AI to enhance user experience?
When asked about Oppo's AI ambitions, D'Souza said that the company has a strategy set for consumer needs. "This year, we have integrated generative AI across our lineup—features typically reserved for flagship devices. By the end of 2024, we aim to deliver 50 million AI-powered smartphones globally," he said.
Find X8 and Find X8 Pro come with the same camera hardware
On being asked about whether AI alone will be the enabler for consumers to make the switch. D'Souza said, "I believe it's the coming together of hardware, software, and AI that delivers a superior smartphone experience. A good device needs a powerful processor to function efficiently, and AI compliments and, at times, supplements their efforts to elevate the performance."
Giving the Find X8 series example, D'Souza further explained, "The Find X8 Series is engineered by Oppo for high performance, and it integrates exceptional AI-based functionalities across its camera, productivity, and connectivity systems, all optimised by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset." But he stressed that Oppo has ensured that they are offering the best camera experience, too.
"The Find X8 Series features a path-breaking quad-camera system with dual telephoto cameras and the AI Telescope Zoom further adds to the camera capabilities. It uses powerful AI algorithms with generative AI models to help users zoom into subjects while preserving clarity and accuracy, even at extreme zoom levels such as up to 120x," he added.
After-sales support
The after-sales is the backbone of the smartphone business in India. When asked about the updates on service centres from Oppo and if there is any new offering to be announced for Find X8 series support, D'Souza said, "We are a customer-first brand and believe that a strong after-sales support network is central to delivering a premium user experience. We have revamped our after-sales service model with new-generation service centres. Additionally, the digitally led Oppo Self-Help Assistant, aligned with the Indian Government's 'Right to Repair' framework, enables customers to resolve their smartphone issues without visiting a service centre. A strong validation of our efforts is reflected in the recent Counterpoint Research survey, where Oppo India earned the Number 1 position in customer satisfaction for after-sales."
For the Find X8 series, Oppo announced a host of benefits, like an additional warranty of 365 days on pre-booking till December 2, 2024. The company also introduced 'Refresh Service', where customers can replace screen guards and protective cases twice within the warranty tenure and even get them delivered to their homes.
Oppo is also among a handful of brands that offer an International Warranty Service, which means customers can also get maintenance, repairs, and software upgrades in countries where the device is officially available.
2025 - What's in store?
When asked about Oppo's 2025 plans, and we are in the last month, D'Souza promised some exciting products in the lineup without sharing many details.
"2024 has been a landmark year for Oppo in terms of AI-driven product innovation with the Reno 12 Series, F Series, and now the Find X8 Series. We will continue to introduce new products and technologies to enable 'AI for All'. There is a strong focus on bringing Gen AI features across photography, productivity, and performance parameters, and over 5800 AI-related patents have already been filed by Oppo for image processing, computer vision, speech technology, natural language processing, machine learning, etc. There are exciting launches planned in 2025, and you will hear from us at the right time," he added.
Oppo Find X8 and X8 Pro are now available in India via online and offline channels.
Realme 14x could launch in India soon. While Realme has not provided any details yet, a report has suggested the phone's sale date and possible specifications. The Realme 14x is tipped to come with an IP69 rating and could include a 6,000mAh battery. It is said to come in three RAM and storage combinations and three colour options. The Realme 14x is likely to go official in December. It is expected to succeed the Realme 12x.
91Mobiles, citing industry sources, reports that Realme 14x will go on sale in India on December 18. This indicates that the launch could take place next week. It will reportedly offer an IP69-rated build for dust and water resistance and carry a 6,000mAh battery. The Realme 14x is tipped to feature a 6.67-inch HD+ display and a diamond-cutting design like previous Realme phones.
Previous leaks suggest that the Realme 14x will launch in 6GB RAM + 128GB, 8GB RAM + 128GB, and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage options. It is said to be available in crystal black, golden glow, and jewel red colour options.
Realme 14x 5G Price, Specifications
The Realme 14X is expected to come with upgrades over the Realme 12x 5G. The latter was launched in India in April this year with a price tag of Rs. 11,999 for the 4GB RAM + 128GB storage option.
Realme 12x 5G has a 6.72-inch full-HD+ IPS LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and it runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC. It sports a 50-megapixel dual rear camera unit and an 8-megapixel selfie shooter.
Realme has packed a 5,000mAh battery in the Realme 12X 5G with support for 45W wired SuperVOOC charging. It has an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. The handset includes a Dynamic Button and supports the Air Gestures feature. It has a Mini Capsule 2.0 feature that shows users' calls, charging and other important alerts via an animation around the hole-punch cutout on the display.
