Among other advancements in iOS 18, key emphasis has been placed on cognitive functions. According to Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, Apple is to refresh the iPhone Control Center with the launch of iOS 18 which will include new versions of the ‘now playing’ music widget along with HomeKit smart home controls.
More About the iOS 18 Control Center
Gurman provides more details regarding iOS 18, stating that the Settings app will feature refreshed aesthetics, better organization, and stronger search. The Control Center is getting some new features, such as a redesigned music widget and improved compatibility for smart home devices.
The Control Center design has been effectively unchanged since it first appeared alongside the iPhone X in 2017, indicating a refresh is well overdue. Though we haven’t been provided with specific notes related to design, it’s likely that the ‘Now Playing’ UI could be enlarged to accommodate for album art and a progress bar by default, a long-standing user request.
For HomeKit, the current iOS system automatically picks six accessories to highlight in the Home section of the Control Center. But what is automatic to some might be annoying to others as it will not reflect in his or her own preferences and it might change unexpectedly. This feature would allow the Control Center menu to be manually edited by the user, and the layout would be fixed in order to be more easily accessible. Plus, tile sizes effectively pointing at the Home app would make it a lot more user-friendly. Users appreciate less reliance on ‘AI’ for the iOS 18 update
In a nutshell, iOS 18 is set to refresh the entirety of the operating system with enhancements to improve user experience and functionality in all parts of the interface. Users are looking forward to the official iOS 18 release that contains the expected alterations in Control Center among other features, to experience these on their devices in full effect.
Warner Bros. Television is in the initial stages of developing a TV series based on “300,” sources have informed Variety.
300 (2006) Image Credits – IMDb
While precise storyline specifics are undergoing refinement, insiders indicate that the series will function as a prequel to the 2006 movie. Presently, no writer or platform has been linked to the endeavor.
Key Players in Talks for ‘300’ TV Series Adaptation
Negotiations for agreements are ongoing, with Zack Snyder, the director and co-writer of “300,” reportedly in discussions to direct and serve as an executive producer for the series. Deborah Snyder, also an executive producer for the original film, would join as an executive producer under the Stone Quarry production banner, alongside Wesley Coller from Stone Quarry. Additionally, talks involve Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, and Bernie Goldmann, all of whom were producers on the film.
Representatives for WBTV declined to provide comment.
“300” was adapted from the graphic novel of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley, drawing loose inspiration from real historical events and the 1962 film “The 300 Spartans.”
From Blockbuster to Broadcast: ‘300’ Series
The movie depicts Leonidas, the Spartan king, leading a small group of elite soldiers in a stand against the vast army of Xerxes I of Persia. Gerard Butler portrayed Leonidas, while Rodrigo Santoro took on the role of Xerxes. The ensemble cast also featured Lena Headey, David Wenham, Dominic West, Vincent Regan, Tom Wisdom, and Michael Fassbender. “300” was a major success, earning over $450 million worldwide, surpassing its reported $65 million budget. It also inspired various parodies, including the films “Meet the Spartans” (2008) and the “South Park” episode “D-Yikes!”
Gerard Butler. Image Credits – Variety
Gerard Butler delivers a powerful performance as King Leonidas, exuding strength and determination as he leads his men into battle. Rodrigo Santoro is equally captivating as Xerxes, portraying the imposing ruler with an air of divine authority.
But it’s not just the performances that make “300” a must-see film. The visual effects are nothing short of breathtaking, with every frame meticulously crafted to capture the gritty, visceral nature of combat. The film’s use of slow-motion and stylized imagery adds to the intensity of the action sequences, immersing the audience in the chaos of war.
Beyond its stunning visuals, “300” also offers a compelling narrative that explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. The camaraderie among the Spartan warriors is palpable, making their struggle against overwhelming odds all the more inspiring.
While some may criticize the film for its historical inaccuracies and stylized portrayal of violence, it’s important to remember that “300” is first and foremost a work of fiction inspired by Frank Miller’s graphic novel. As such, it should be appreciated for its artistic vision rather than judged by strict historical standards.
Zack Snyder. Image Credits – Variety
In 2014, a sequel titled “300: Rise of an Empire” hit theaters. Based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel “Xerxes,” the film saw Snyder co-writing the screenplay but not directing. Many original cast members returned, including Headey and Santoro, while Sullivan Stapleton took on the lead role of Themistocles. Though not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, it still managed to gross $337 million worldwide against a $110 million budget.
If the “300” series were to proceed, it would join a growing trend of films being adapted for television, reflecting the continued demand for recognizable intellectual properties in the streaming landscape. Notably, Amazon has recently commissioned a “Legally Blonde” prequel series exploring Elle Woods’ high school years, and earlier this year, they premiered the “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” TV series featuring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. Meanwhile, Apple is in the process of developing a “Time Bandits” series. Other recent examples include television adaptations of films like “Fatal Attraction,” “Sexy Beast,” and “Dead Ringers.”
Haier Appliances India, renowned as the No.1 global major appliances brand for 15 consecutive years, proudly steps onto the grand stage of tennis as the Official Partner at the Roland-Garros tournament, running from May 20th to June 9th.
Play with the number one Haier stars in Paris as the official partner of Roland-Garros
A Natural Partnership: Blending Precision and Performance
With over a billion tennis fans worldwide captivated by elegance, precision, and incredible performances, Haier’s partnership with Roland-Garros is a seamless fit. Haier has long been a creator of extraordinary experiences and ecosystems, perfectly aligning with these highly sought qualities in tennis.
Commitment to Excellence
For 2024 and 2025, Haier will continue to support some of the most prestigious international tennis tournaments, embodying the brand’s commitment to excellence, meticulous attention to detail, and stylish innovation. These shared values are mirrored in both the world’s greatest athletes and Haier’s cutting-edge connected solutions.
Introducing Ana Ivanovic: Haier’s New Ambassador
Roland-Garros will also serve as the platform to introduce Haier’s new international ambassador: Ana Ivanovic, former world No. 1 tennis player. Ivanovic, who clinched the Roland-Garros title in 2008 and ascended to the top of the WTA rankings, will represent Haier throughout the competition, enhancing the brand’s memorability and audience engagement.
Engaging Fans at the Fan Village
Tennis enthusiasts attending Roland-Garros can look forward to Haier’s special presence courtside and an interactive stand in the Fan Village. Here, visitors will experience Haier’s hi-tech solutions firsthand, alongside unique, sports-themed activities designed for the event, fostering a lively and engaging atmosphere.
A Robust 360° Promotion Strategy
Haier’s visibility won’t be confined to the courts; a comprehensive 360° promotional strategy will see Haier take center stage online with a dynamic digital campaign and dedicated social media activities. In Paris, the brand will also shine with spectacular advertisements, including a stunning display visible from the Pont du Beaugrenelle and prominent placements in metro stations.
Aligning with Premier Tennis Tournaments Worldwide
Beyond Roland-Garros, Haier’s partnership extends to other top-tier tennis events through 2024 and 2025, such as the Mutua Madrid Open, Nitto ATP Finals, Rolex Paris Masters, ATP 500 Hamburg Open, and two ATP 250 tournaments: Playa Laguna Croatia Open Umag and the European Open in Antwerp. These collaborations further reinforce Haier’s strategy to connect with discerning consumers who value elegant design, customization, and top performance.
Continuing the Journey of Global Brand Affirmation
Building on the remarkable results in perception and brand awareness achieved in 2023, Haier continues its journey towards global brand affirmation. This partnership with the tennis world underscores Haier’s position as a leading innovator and a benchmark for quality and precision.
Experience the synergy of elegance, precision, and high performance with Haier at Roland-Garros and beyond, as we celebrate the pinnacle of tennis excellence together.
With the Redmi 13 4G, Xiaomi added a new model to its Redmi 13 lineup. The new MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra chipset and 108MP primary camera are the primary improvements over the Redmi 12, which it directly replaces.
Along with a 5,030mAh battery that supports rapid charging, it comes with a MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra chipset. Three color options, two RAM and storage settings, and the phone are currently available for purchase. The business has not yet stated if the phone will launch in India or internationally.
Redmi 13 4G specifications and features
There are four colors available for the Redmi 13 4G: Blue, Pink, Gold, and Black. It has a glass back design. It is rated IP53 for water and dust resistance. The TUV Rheinland certifying body has bestowed upon the smartphone numerous certifications. View the full specifications.
The main improvement over the MediaTek Helio G88 chipset for the Redmi 13 4G is the MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra. There will be some noticeable performance improvements even if both phones only support 4G networks. The most recent HyperOS custom skin, based on Android 14, comes with the Redmi phone.
Xiaomi appears to be aiming to expand the number of smartphones using HyperOS, an improved user interface that replaces MIUI. A 108MP primary camera sensor replaces the predecessor’s 50MP sensor, which could provide marginally better results with less noise. Additionally, the front camera has been upgraded from an 8MP sensor to a 13MP one.
Redmi 13 4G starts at EUR 179.99 (about Rs. 16,200) for the 6GB + 128GB model and costs EUR 199.99 (approximately Rs. 18,000) for the 8GB + 256GB model. There are three color options for the phone: pink, blue, and black. Online stores offer it for sale in a few areas throughout Europe.
Samsung, the leading consumer electronics brand in India, is thrilled to unveil a series of exciting offers on its premium range of big TVs, including the cutting-edge Neo QLED, OLED, and Crystal 4K UHD TVs. Dubbed as the ‘Big TV Days’, these exclusive offers are perfectly timed with the T20 Cricket World Cup, promising to revolutionize your home entertainment experience by bringing the stadium right to your living room.
Bring the Stadium Home with Samsung ‘Big TV Days’ Sale on Ultra-Premium TVs
Unbeatable Offers:
During the ‘Big TV Days’ promotion, customers investing in Samsung TVs will be treated to a complimentary Serif TV valued at INR 89990 or a Soundbar worth INR 79990, depending on the TV model purchased. What’s more, customers can take advantage of easy EMI options starting at just INR 2990 and enjoy cashback of up to 20%.
These enticing offers can be availed on Samsung.com, leading retail outlets, and various online platforms, ensuring a hassle-free experience for consumers across the country. Mark your calendars as these exceptional deals are valid from June 1 to June 30, 2024, on select models ranging from 98″ to 75″ across the Neo QLED, OLED, and Crystal 4K UHD TV lineup.
The Power of AI in Home Entertainment:
Samsung is at the forefront of innovation with its integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in home entertainment, aiming to enhance consumers’ lifestyles and deliver unparalleled viewing experiences. Through AI, Samsung’s TVs redefine the home entertainment landscape, offering not just accessibility and sustainability but also enhanced security, all geared towards elevating your viewing pleasure.
Unmatched Technology for Unmatched Experiences:
Mohandeep Singh, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung India, shared, “Our ‘Big TV Days’ campaign coincides with the T20 Cricket World Cup to cater to the rising demand for larger screens and premium viewing experiences. By offering our ultra-premium range of TVs, including Neo QLED, OLED, and Crystal 4K UHD TVs with exciting offers, we aim to transport the immersive experience of a stadium directly to our customers’ homes.
With our state-of-the-art AI-powered televisions, customers can expect exceptional picture quality, immersive audio, and sleek designs. Furthermore, the inclusion of AI features like 8K AI Upscaling and AI Motion Enhancer Pro ensures an unmatched cricket viewing experience with exceptional clarity, minimal ball distortion, and blurring.”
Tailored Experiences for Indian Consumers:
In addition to top-notch technology, Samsung has curated localized smart experiences for Indian consumers, encompassing a plethora of services such as gaming, entertainment, education, and fitness, all seamlessly integrated into their TVs.
From Cloud gaming for AAA gaming experiences to the Samsung Education Hub for interactive learning, and the TV Key Cloud service eliminating the need for a set-top box, Samsung ensures a holistic and enriching viewing experience. Moreover, with Samsung TV Plus offering over 100 channels for free, users have instant access to news, movies, entertainment, and more, right at their fingertips.
Discover the Future of Viewing:
Neo QLED 8K: Powered by the NQ8 AI Gen2 Processor, the Neo QLED 8K series delivers an AI-powered experience that brings content to life with lifelike picture quality. Paired with Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro, these TVs guarantee consistently crisp visuals and lightning-fast speeds, perfect for high-speed gaming.
Neo QLED 4K: The 2024 Neo QLED 4K lineup, equipped with the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, renders content in stunning 4K resolution, enhanced by Quantum Matrix Technology for impeccable contrast and the world’s first Pantone Validated display. With Dolby Atmos for immersive audio, this range sets a new standard for the ultimate 4K experience.
QLED TV: Samsung’s QLED TV boasts Quantum Dot technology for stunning picture quality, maintaining true and vibrant colors at any brightness level. Its ultra-slim design seamlessly complements any living space, adding a touch of sophistication.
OLED TV: Samsung’s glare-free OLED TV, powered by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, ensures deep blacks and clear images under any lighting condition. With features like Real Depth Enhancer and OLED HDR Pro, coupled with Motion Xcelerator 144Hz for smooth motion, Samsung OLED TVs excel in gaming and visual performance.
UHD TV: Featuring Dynamic Crystal Colour technology, Samsung’s UHD TV breathes life into colors, offering lifelike variations and subtle details in every shade. With Motion Xcelerator technology, fast-moving action remains smooth and clear, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Experience the future of entertainment with Samsung’s innovative range of TVs, where cutting-edge technology meets exceptional design to transform your viewing experience like never before.
GIGABYTE, the world’s leading computer brand, has announced a groundbreaking solution for local AI with the launch of GIGABYTE AI TOP. This announcement was made one day prior to COMPUTEX 2024, setting the stage for a new era in AI training. Eddie Lin, CEO of GIGABYTE, emphasized that GIGABYTE AI TOP is designed to fulfill the motto “Train Your Own AI on Your Desk,” aiming to bridge the final gap in the rapidly expanding field of local AI.
GIGABYTE Unveils AI TOP, a Solution for Local AI Training
Building on Success: The Second Pillar of GIGABYTE AI
Following the successful launch of the GIGABYTE AI PC at CES 2024, GIGABYTE AI TOP serves as the second pillar in the company’s strategic AI framework, further propelling the growth of generative AI. This all-encompassing solution includes:
AI TOP Utility: A reinvented software featuring a user-friendly interface that supports large language models up to 236 billion parameters, ensuring privacy and security.
AI TOP Hardware: Offers superior flexibility and upgradability compared to traditional cloud-based solutions, compatible with standard electrical systems without additional construction costs.
AI TOP Tutor: Provides comprehensive consultation, intuitive setup guidance, and technical support, making it accessible for both beginners and professionals to embark on local AI training projects.
Cutting-Edge Hardware Components
The AI TOP Hardware features an array of GIGABYTE products, including motherboards, graphics cards, SSDs, and power supply units. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Radeon PRO W7900 AI TOP 48G and Radeon PRO W7800 32G. This makes GIGABYTE the first and only professional graphics card partner to collaborate with the AMD Radeon PRO series. Eddie Lin highlighted this achievement: “GIGABYTE’s persistent pursuit in quality and reliability strengthens our partnership with leading silicon giants in making the world better with AI.”
Strategic Partnerships and Leadership in AI
GIGABYTE’s collaboration with top technology leaders, such as NVIDIA, to launch high-end RTX AI PCs, underlines its commitment to delivering exceptional user experiences. By introducing new AI devices and solutions, showcasing several AI PCs, and outlining a comprehensive blueprint for AI advancements, GIGABYTE reaffirms its leadership and dedication to building a robust AI ecosystem with industry leaders.
For more information about GIGABYTE AI TOP and other AI innovations, visit GIGABYTE at COMPUTEX 2024.
AMD is adding yet another product to its lineup with the Radeon PRO W7900 GPU, slotting in with an impressive amount of specifications, but in a dual-slot design. AMD unveiled the RDNA 3-based Radeon PRO W7000 GPU family entry back in April 2022. Over a year later, the company has decided to breathe new life into its Radeon PRO portfolio to address the needs of the AI workstation segment with a more lightweight solution.
More About the AMD Radeon PRO W7900
AMD Radeon PRO W7900 on the other hand has been designed with a new dual-slot form factor compared to the earlier triple-slot design. The new design now permits all workstation owners to install 4 of these cards throughout their systems, a feat not possible with the older design. The card boasts a 280mm board length and utilizes a standard blower-style design.
In terms of specifications, the AMD Radeon PRO W7900 Dual Slot graphics card retains the same Navi 31 GPU with 96 Compute Units and 6144 cores based on the RDNA 3 GPU architecture. It offers up to 48GB of GDDR6 memory and features a 384-bit wide memory interface providing up to 864 GB/s of bandwidth. The card is rated to deliver 61.3 TFLOPs of FP32 and up to 123 TFLOPs of FP16 compute performance with its 192 AI accelerator cores at a TDP of 295W.
Some value aspects of the Radeon PRO W7900 Dual Slot GPU were also shared by AMD, in workstation-oriented workloads, it offers up to 2.01x better performance per dollar compared to NVIDIA‘s Ada 6000 GPUs, and up to 52% better performance per dollar in SPECviewperf 4K Geomean. The large 48GB LLM memory buffer of the W7900 makes it even more competitive with the handling of large LLMs for AI tasks, where it provides up to 38% better value than the previous generation Ada 6000 graphics card in the Llama3 70B-Q4 benchmarks. It also provides data parallelism while doing inference so when using multiple GPUs, each GPU will operate independently to compute inference and produce the results.
Notably, AMD will introduce its latest ROCm 6.1.2 suite alongside the Radeon Pro W7900 Dual Slot GPU on June 18th, offering additional AI frameworks such as TensorFlow and beta support for WSL-2 on Windows. This update enables scalable AI desktops with multi-GPU support for multi-serving solutions. The Radeon PRO W7900 Dual-Slot GPU is priced at a SEP of $3,499 US, presenting a compelling addition to the Radeon PRO lineup.
After the debut of boAt Airdopes 311 Pro last week, the company today unveiled its newest “Made in India” TWS, boAt Airdopes 300.
10mm dynamic speakers, spatial audio, and 24-bit audio processing are included with the Airdopes 300 to provide exceptional sound quality. They provide lag-free, 65 ms low latency audio that is ideal in every situation.
boAt Airdopes 300 features and pricing
Furthermore, when you put or take out the earbuds, the In-Ear Detection function manages call switching and music playback automatically. Additionally, Swift IWP technology allows for instantaneous connection and separation from the earbuds.
With its 10mm dynamic speakers and 24-bit audio processing for spatial audio, the boAt Airdopes 300 earphones have powerful, deep bass. Additionally, a 65ms low latency mode for lag-free gameplay is included with the earphones. The Noise Combat X, in contrast, has a 40ms low latency with the same 10mm dynamic driver and spatial audio.
With four built-in microphones, AI-driven algorithms, and ENx technology, the boAt Airdopes 300 earbuds assist customers filter out undesirable sounds while on the phone. Furthermore, the earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity. Moreover, the multi-point connectivity capability enables users to pair their earphones with several devices.
Retail outlets, Flipkart, Amazon, and the company’s official website all offer the boAt Airdopes 300 TWS earbuds for Rs 1,399 in price. Gunmetal Black and Gunmetal White color variants are available for the earbuds. There is a one-year warranty and a claim that the boAt Airdopes 300 earbuds are “made in India.”
Mr & Mrs Mahi, the latest film from Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, performed well at the box office on its third day. The sports drama grossed ₹ 5.50 crore, according to a Sacnilk report. The film has earned ₹16.85 crore so far. Sharan Sharma directed the film, which tells the story of Mahima, a doctor who marries Mahendra, an unsuccessful but skilled cricketer.
Over time, Mahendra realizes his wife is a good cricketer and intends to coach her to become a professional. Zarina Wahab, Rajesh Sharma, and Kumud Mishra play major roles in the film as well. Zee Studios and Dharma Productions co-produced Mr & Mrs Mahi.
Jahvi Kapoor posted a behind-the-scenes video from the sets of Mr & Mrs Mahi on Instagram the day before the film’s premiere. In the video, the actor is dressed as her character. As the cameraman approaches her, Janhvi is heard saying, “Kya hai?” “, “Ho gya na?” , “Aaj ke liye itna hi footage milega. ” She makes hand signals to instruct the cameraman to cease shooting. Soon after, a smiling Janhvi asks whether she can reveal a “secret.” Janhvi’s tone shifts, and she asks, “I’d like to know what you’re capturing.” and “Kitna Close Up Lega?”
Mr & Mrs Mahi Box Office Collection
The film grossed ₹6.75 crore on its first day of release and ₹4.6 crore on day two. Early estimates indicate that on day three, it earned ₹5.50 crore nett in India. So far, Mr and Mrs Mahi have earned ₹16.85 crore. On Sunday, the film achieved an overall Hindi occupancy rate of 22.24%.
Aside from Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi, the film also stars Rajesh Sharma, Kumud Mishra, Zarina Wahab, and others. The film represents Janhvi and Sharan’s second collaboration. This is Janhvi’s second cooperation with RajKummar Rao. Janhvi and RajKummar were previously seen in Roohi.
“I was clearly losing my mind on set on most days….#MrandMrsMahi out tomorrow book your tickets now!” Read the content attached to this post.
In an NDTV review, film reviewer Saibal Chatterjee gave Mr & Mrs Mahi 2 out of 5 stars. He stated, “The primary performers do their part to keep us interested in the story and the emotions of the two main characters. Rajkummar Rao, always on equal footing, delivers Mahendra’s recriminations, some directed at his father, others at his wife, with conviction, even when the lines said are filled with self-pity.”
The love drama’s lead actors are Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor. According to Sacnilk.com, the film’s India total increased to approximately ₹17 crore on its first Sunday of release. Sharan Sharma directed the film, which is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.
Lucas Vazquez is set to renew his contract with Real Madrid for one more season, extending his stay until 2025. The Spaniard has been played at right-back even though he was previously a winger, and has excelled while filling in for Dani Carvajal.
Now, he is set to renew his contract till 2025, just like Luka Modric. Only the final details need to be sorted out, after which he will sign the deal formally to keep him at the club for his ninth season in a row.
Lucas Vazquez to renew his contract with Real Madrid for one more season
🚨⚪️ Lucas Vázquez and Real Madrid have reached total agreement on new contract valid until June 2025.
Final meeting expected to fix details and sign the contract, same as Luka Modrić.
Vázquez, staying at Real Madrid for one more season — confirmed and here we go. pic.twitter.com/WKQcawNB6p
The 32-year-old came up through the Castilla academy, and only spent the 14/15 season with Espanyol. Apart from that one season, he has been with Los Blancos throughout his career, with the position change coming in Zinedine Zidane’s second spell in charge.
Lucas Vazquez has won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, alongside four LaLiga titles and one Copa del Rey. While he isn’t one of the stars of the team, his contributions have been vital to the club’s success in an injury-ridden season.
This season, Vazquez has made 38 appearances across all competitions, rotating alongside Carvajal, and scoring three goals while providing eight assists.
