Written by Nandagopal Rajan
| New Delhi |
Updated: November 18, 2020 12:24:37 pm
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the pinnacle of smartphone technology.(Express photo)
Apple has left a lot of potential buyers confused with its iPhone 12 series which has an unprecedented four devices. However, if there is one phone in the series that has a clear target audience it has to be the iPhone 12 Pro Max. After reviewing the base iPhone 12, the smaller iPhone 12 Mini and middle ground iPhone 12 Pro, we have now reached the largest phone in the series aimed clearly at the Pros — professionals, pro users and the progressives.
iPhone 12 Pro Max price in India: 1,29,900+
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iPhone 12 Pro Max specs: 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR OLED (1284 x 2778p, ~458 ppi) | Apple A14 Bionic (6GB RAM with 128GB/256GB/512GB) | 12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide) + 12 MP, f/2.2, 65mm (telephoto) + 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide) + TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth) + 12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide) front camera | Li-Ion 3687 mAh battery | 228 g
iPhone 12 Pro Max review: What is new?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a large phone. In fact, it is larger than the iPhone 11 Pro Max by a few centimetres. This means it has a better screen-to-body ratio as well as a slightly better resolution. However, it weighs almost the same as the last version and that is despite the ceramic coating and the steel frame.
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. (Express photo by Nandagopal Rajan)
The flat edges make the design very stylish. Remember, Apple did not have a phone this large when it last used the flat edge design on the iPhone. But the flat edges could make it a bit difficult to grip the phone at times, especially when it is cold. So I recommend investing in a good cover that protects the phone and offers a good grip at all times.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has some changes in the camera department. For instance, it has a larger telephoto lens now and can do a 12x zoom instead of the 10x before. Even the iPhone 12 Pro can’t do this. Also, this camera can now shoot in Dolby Vision HDR at up to 60fps, which the iPhone 12 can’t. Then there is the Lidar sensor that gives the camera a sense of depth.
One other thing which you should keep in mind is that the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a smaller battery than its predecessor by about 10 per cent, though I did not notice much change in battery life.
iPhone 12 Pro Max review: What is good?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is clearly the pinnacle of smartphone technology. The best processor in the business packaged with professional-grade camera units, stunning display and a stylish design. So if you want to tell the world you have arrived, this is the phone to buy this year.
Apple has for the past couple of years been ensuring that all its phones in a year have the same processor. And this guarantee of similar performance across price points is something very unique to Apple at the moment. However, the experience is clearly different if you go up the value chain, as a phone like the Pro Max has more tools to make use of that A14 Bionic processor.
The camera module of the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a Lidar sensor and a larger telephoto lens. (Express photo by Nandagopal Rajan)
So while the UI/UX of all the iPhone 12 series phones are the same, the Pro Max offers some premium camera experiences which the other phones cannot. For instance, the Dolby Vision HDR recording at 60fps is as good as most DSLRs can offer at the moment. This is the phone you will buy if you are shooting video at a professional level but not always using a DSLR. This is the phone you will buy if you are an avid photographer, but not one who needs to carry a large camera to prove that. This is truly a professional smartphone camera.
I tried with a range of video settings, in low and normal light and the camera is great at keeping the subtle changes in colour and even keeping track of the subject. I rue the fact that the phone has come to me at a time when I can’t really step out and shoot much, but I have managed to recreate a lot of scenarios with what I could do. And trust me this camera is up to it.
The details when you try to record in 4K HDR at 60fps is almost cinematic. The Dolby Vision HDR is on by default in this mode, but you will need some California visages to see what this phone is capable of, not smoggy Delhi skies.
Where this iPhone really steps up is with video recording. Stuck at home with another Covid-19 surge in Delhi, I did not have much options to push the camera capabilities of this phone. However, I did try it out with the colourful Diwali lights in the middle of the night and you can see the results for yourself. In this video, you can see that despite the dark settings, the phone offers smooth image stabilisation at all times. You can see the subtle changes in the lights and even the glows that have different hues.
You can see this camera prowess even while clicking regular photos, be it night or day. I clearly think the camera is now faster in processing night shots and what used to take 3 seconds earlier can now be captured in less time.
iPhone 12 Pro Max low light camera sample (Express photo by Nandagopal Rajan) iPhone 12 Pro Max low light camera sample (Express photo by Nandagopal Rajan) iPhone 12 Pro Max low light camera sample (Express photo by Nandagopal Rajan) iPhone 12 Pro Max low light camera sample (Express photo by Nandagopal Rajan) iPhone 12 Pro Max full zoom camera sample (Express photo by Nandagopal Rajan) iPhone 12 Pro Max low light camera sample (Express photo by Nandagopal Rajan) iPhone 12 Pro Max 2.5x optical zoom camera sample (Express photo by Nandagopal Rajan)
Like the Pro, the Pro Max too has a Lidar sensor in the camera rig. While this is primarily meant to offer a better AR experience, it clearly improves some shots dramatically. For instance, compare these two shots of the Buddha taken with the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max without the portrait mode active, but at f16 settings. You can see how the iPhone 12 Pro Max is sharper with the subject almost popping out in a 3D effect. Also, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a 2.5x optical zoom in portrait against the 2x in its predecessor.
Comparison of iPhone 11 Pro Max (left) vs iPhone 12 Pro Max. Both cameras are shooting in full optical zoom. (Express photo by Nandagopal Rajan)
I have over the past few years abandoned my camera in favour of an iPhone, with the iPhone 12 Pro Max Apple has pushed it one level up. You can now shoot high-end video and edit it too on the phone. A 30-second 4K clip I shot could be edited and processed in under a minute, retaining all the detail. The phone does not even whimper when it does this.
iPhone 12 Pro Max: What is not good?
The battery life on the iPhone 12 Pro Max is almost the same as last year’s iPhone 11 Pro Max. It should be able to safely see you back home on a full charge with a very active day. However, it seems the battery this time (3687 mAh) is smaller than last year’s 3969 mAh cell. Since the phone has actually become larger than last time it is a bit hard for me to understand why this reduction was needed. My fear is this will start showing up as the phone and its battery ages, especially for those using the phone in 5G. Indian’s are lucky that don’t have 5G to drain their new iPhones. Again, the fast charging on the iPhone now is among the best in the industry and will come to the rescue if you are drained out in odd places.
There is no denying the fact that the iPhone, any iPhone, is a premium device. However, the price jump on the new iPhone 12 Pro Max model needs to be justified better. Even if we consider the fact the base model now has 128GB against the earlier 64GB, the price differential is significant. While I would think this is the cost of 5G, in India that becomes a bit of a future-proofing tax.
A Mujjo leather case on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. (Express Photo by Nandagopal Rajan)
Also, while it will be a small thing for a person buying a phone this expensive, you will have to spend a few extra thousand rupees to get either a regular charger or the new MagSafe charger as this phone comes in a slim box that does not have space for one of these.
iPhone 12 Pro Max: Should you buy?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a great buy for those with professional workflows that involve a phone. These could be anything from the need for a stellar display to a top-end processing or professional-grade video recording. However, if you are using an iPhone that came out in the last two years, it is too early to upgrade to this one. For anyone using an older iPhone, it is time to move. For others, you jump ship for the best camera experience and a processor that could well be powering your next PC as well.
As Cupertino would say, this is the best iPhone Apple has made. I can only agree.
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.
The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.
However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.
“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.
At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.
A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”
Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.
Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.
Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.
Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.
While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.
Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.
The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.
— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
