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Poco X4 Pro 5G and Poco M4 Pro announced, both with AMOLED displays – GSMArena.com news – GSMArena.com

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Xiaomi added two AMOLED-packing models to its Poco line today, an X-series mid-ranger with an improved camera and a 4G version of the Poco M4 Pro 5G (there’s a bigger difference than just the modem, though).

Poco X4 Pro 5G

For this generation the top X-series mid-ranger switches over to an AMOLED display – the Poco X4 Pro 5G has a 6.67” panel with 1,080 x 2,400 px resolution (20:9). Like last year’s X3 Pro, this one has a refresh rate of 120 Hz, however, the touch sampling rate has been improved to 360 Hz (up from 240 Hz). It’s brighter to boot, up to 700 nits (up from 450 nits) typical brightness and 1,200 nits peak. One thing that isn’t a straight upgrade is the protection, the new phone uses Gorilla Glass 5 (instead of GG6).

In fact, this phone isn’t a direct upgrade from the X3 Pro. This one focuses on screen, camera and battery, while other components like the chipset are deprioritized – the X4 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 695.

This 6 nm chip is a sequel to the SD 690 with 15% higher CPU performance (thanks to two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz + 6x A55 at 1.8 GHz) and 30% higher GPU performance (Adreno 619). It’s an efficient chip, but it is no match for the Snapdragon 860 that powered the X3 Pro, especially the GPU.


Snapdragon 695 chipset on the Poco X4 Pro 5G

Anyway, there are two configurations available – 6/128 GB and 8/256 GB. This is a dual-SIM phone with a hybrid slot, meaning you can add a microSD card if you don’t need a second phone line. Virtual RAM is available on MIUI 13, giving 2 GB more to the 6 GB model and 3 GB more to the 8 GB one. There is sub-6 5G connectivity, along with a 3.5 mm headphone jack (with Hi-Res Audio certification), Bluetooth 5.1, an IR blaster and NFC.





Poco X4 Pro 5G

The camera on the new model makes a notable improvement with a large 108 MP 1/1.56” sensor in the main. That’s quite a change from the 48 MP 1/2.0” sensor on last year’s model. It is better-suited for low light shooting with 9-in-1 binning it that gives it an effective pixels 2.1 µm in size (lens aperture is f/1.9).

The remaining cameras include an 8 MP ultra wide (118° FoV, f/2.2, seemingly unchanged) and a 2 MP macro cam (no depth sensor this time around). The punch holed selfie camera has a 16 MP sensor (f/2.4), a bit of a downgrade from the 20 MP cam (f/2.2) on the X3 Pro.


Poco X4 Pro 5G with a 108 MP main, 8 MP ultra wide cameras (and 2 MP macro)

The battery is different too. It is still fairly large at 5,000 mAh (though that’s 160 mAh less) and now charges at double the power – 67W (up from 33W) with the included adapter. A fully charged battery is enough for 15 hours of video playback. Once depleted, the charger can get it back up to 70% in around 20 minutes, full 100% charge is reached in 41 minutes (the X3 Pro needed 59 minutes).


The Poco X4 Pro 5G gets its 5,000 mAh battery fully charged in just 41 minutes (67W charging)

The phone dimensions have been trimmed down and it measures 8.12 mm thick (down from 9.4 mm) and weighs 205g (down from 215g). It still has IP53 for basic dust and water resistance, as well as dual speakers and a Z-axis linear motor.

The phone will come in three colors: Laser Black, Laser Blue and the trademark Poco Yellow.


Poco X4 Pro 5G in Laser Black, Laser Blue and the trademark Poco Yellow

The Poco X4 Pro 5G will become available on March 2 with several discounts. The MSRP of a 6/128 GB unit is €300, but there is a €30 “early bird” discount for the first sale. Also, on March 2 there is an additional, one day only discount of €20, bringing the price down to €250. The 8/256 GB model has an MSRP of €350, but is getting the same €30+€20 discount (note that the second discount will be available only on March 2).




The Poco X4 Pro 5G will launch on March 2 in these stores (note the early bird pricing)

Here are the highlights for the X4 Pro 5G:

Poco M4 Pro

A 5G version was announced last year, now comes the Poco M4 Pro (4G). It uses a different chipset, of course, but there are other changes as well – including the first AMOLED display in the M-series.

The 4G model has a 6.43” AMOLED panel, replacing the 6.6” IPS LCD. It still offers 1,080 x 2,400 px resolution (20:9) and a 90 Hz refresh rate (plus 180 Hz touch sampling), along with the classic Gorilla Glass 3. This display is brighter with 700 nits typical brightness (vs. 450 nits) and 1,000 nits peak.


Poco M4 Pro (4G) with a 6.43″ AMOLED display, 90 Hz

We mentioned the chipset – it’s a Helio G96, replacing the Dimensity 810 5G. The octa-core CPU features the same big cores – a pair of Cortex-A76 – though running at 2.05 GHz (vs. 2.4 GHz). The GPU is still a Mali G57 MC2. Note that the G96 is fabbed on an older 12 nm node (vs. 6 nm), so it won’t be as efficient, even if it offers nearly the same performance.

The M4 Pro (4G) skips the base 4/64 GB memory configuration and offers 6/128 GB as base and 8/256 GB as upgrade. This is LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, plus you can add a microSD slot for more. Virtual RAM is available here too as the phone runs MIUI 13, adding 3 GB to the 8/256 GB configuration.


Poco M4 Pro with a Helio G96 chipset

The camera changed as well, the main camera did, anyway. The 50 MP sensor gives way to a 64 MP sensor (0.7 µm pixels, 1.4 µm with binning, f/1.8). This is the highest resolution sensor on a Poco M phone yet, but the company is mum on its size. The 8 MP ultra wide camera (118°) is the same and there’s a new addition, a 2 MP macro cam. The front-facing camera has a 16 MP sensor.

The battery stays at 5,000 mAh capacity and thanks to the bundled 33W charger, it can go from zero to 100% in 1 hour or so and last 2 days of typical usage before it needs to be charged again.


Poco M4 Pro with a 5,000 mAh battery and 33W fast charging

Like its predecessor, the M4 Pro offers a 3.5 mm headphone jack (with a Hi-Res Audio certification), dual speakers, a Z-axis linear motor, an IR blaster and NFC. The fingerprint reader remains on the side, despite the switch to AMOLED.





Poco M4 Pro

The phone is overall thinner and lighter, measuring 8.09 mm (down from 8.8 mm) and 179.5g (down from 195g). It still has splash protection with an IP53 rating.

The phone will be available in Power Black, Cool Blue and (of course) Poco Yellow.


Poco M4 Pro in Power Black, Cool Blue and Poco Yellow

The Poco M4 Pro starts at €220 for the 6/128 GB model. However, there is a €20 early bird discount, plus another another €20 for March 2. The 8/256 GB model starts at €270.




The Poco M4 Pro will become available on March 2 in these stores (with an early bird discount of €20)

Here’s a sheet with M4 Pro’s best features at a glance:

The Poco X4 Pro 5G is related to the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G with nearly identical specs, the Poco M4 Pro takes after the Redmi Note 11 instead (though with a different camera). The M4 Pro 5G itself was not a unique devices, it was based on the Redmi Note 11T 5G.

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Ottawa orders TikTok’s Canadian arm to be dissolved

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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.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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Here is how to prepare your online accounts for when you die

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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.

___

Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.

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Google’s partnership with AI startup Anthropic faces a UK competition investigation

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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.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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