OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei’s ‘Nothing’ to launch wireless headphones among other products

It was right around the launch of the OnePlus 8T last year when we heard rumors that Carl Pei was about to leave the company. Soon after, the co-founder announced that he was indeed moving on to start his own hardware venture and only recently revealed that it would be called ‘Nothing.’ During the announcement, there was no information shared regarding what kind of hardware the new “London based consumer technology company” would make. However, the company’s official website listed big-names such as iPod inventor Tony Fadell, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, and Twitch co-founder Kevin Lin, as primary investors.

There have been vague rumors that the company will be focusing on audio tech, however, a new report has confirmed that wireless headphones will be one of many products in development.

Pei recently confirmed to Bloomberg that his new company is working on a pair of wireless headphones alongside a variety of other smart and connected consumer electronics. After introducing the headphones this summer, ‘Nothing’ plans to launch more products later in the year. He also said that the venture capital arm of Alphabet Inc. led the latest funding round and entirely financed it. According to a tweet posted by the company, Nothing has managed to raise $15 million, all thanks to GV, previously known as Google Ventures.

We are happy to announce that we have raised $15 million in a Series A funding round led by @GVteam propelling us forward on our journey. pic.twitter.com/s7ek851GzF

— Nothing (@nothing) February 9, 2021

Tom Hulme, General Partner at GV, said in a statement, “Pei’s vision for smart devices is compelling. We have high confidence that with Carl’s global mindset, the Nothing team will have a meaningful impact on the market for consumer technology.”

‘Nothing’ has yet to confirm a launch date for its first product launch but considering the ‘summer’ timeline, it could happen around June. It would be interesting to see if the company can deliver and live up to its mission to “remove the barriers between people and technology to create a seamless digital future.” Currently, the wireless headphones market is in high demand, especially if you consider the growing numbers worldwide. Apart from big names like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, Nothing will have solid competition from popular personal audio brands including Sony, Sennheiser, JBL, and Bose.

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iOS 14.5 will let you change Siri’s default music app to Spotify or others

Apple released iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 betas last week featuring several new features. The beta releases introduced support for a new “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature, dual-SIM 5G for the iPhone 12 lineup, support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S controllers, and more. While we highlighted most of the new features in our previous coverage, the latest iOS beta update includes one additional change.

According to a recent report from MacRumors, Apple has also added the ability to change the default music streaming service while using Siri in the latest iOS beta release. The feature was first spotted by Reddit user u/matejanmm1, who shared the following screenshot.

As you can see, Siri on iOS 14.5 asks you “Which app would you like to use?” when you ask it to play a song. This interaction only happens the first time you request a song, after which Siri defaults to the third-party music-streaming service of your choice and you no longer have to specify the name of the music-streaming service when you issue subsequent commands. The feature seems to work with most third-party music-streaming services, including Spotify, Deezer, YouTube Music, and more.

Users who have tried the feature report that it only works with specific phrases at the moment, and it even reverts back to Apple Music at times. This suggests that the feature is still a work in progress and Apple still has some work to do to deliver consistent results each time. Regardless, it’s great to see Apple giving users the option to set a third-party music-streaming service as the default app for Siri on iOS instead of limiting them to Apple Music. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Apple is allowing users to change a default app on iOS. The company rolled out similar functionality for the email and browser apps with iOS 14 last year, allowing users to select third-party alternatives as default apps.

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iOS 14.5 will let you change Siri’s default music app to Spotify or others

Apple released iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 betas last week featuring several new features. The beta releases introduced support for a new “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature, dual-SIM 5G for the iPhone 12 lineup, support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S controllers, and more. While we highlighted most of the new features in our previous coverage, the latest iOS beta update includes one additional change.

According to a recent report from MacRumors, Apple has also added the ability to change the default music streaming service while using Siri in the latest iOS beta release. The feature was first spotted by Reddit user u/matejanmm1, who shared the following screenshot.

As you can see, Siri on iOS 14.5 asks you “Which app would you like to use?” when you ask it to play a song. This interaction only happens the first time you request a song, after which Siri defaults to the third-party music-streaming service of your choice and you no longer have to specify the name of the music-streaming service when you issue subsequent commands. The feature seems to work with most third-party music-streaming services, including Spotify, Deezer, YouTube Music, and more.

Users who have tried the feature report that it only works with specific phrases at the moment, and it even reverts back to Apple Music at times. This suggests that the feature is still a work in progress and Apple still has some work to do to deliver consistent results each time. Regardless, it’s great to see Apple giving users the option to set a third-party music-streaming service as the default app for Siri on iOS instead of limiting them to Apple Music. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Apple is allowing users to change a default app on iOS. The company rolled out similar functionality for the email and browser apps with iOS 14 last year, allowing users to select third-party alternatives as default apps.

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Qualcomm unveils a range of new 5G products aimed at future smartphones

Qualcomm today announced a wide range of 5G products to help OEMs deliver significantly faster data speeds and enable new use cases on their next-generation devices. The list of products includes the world’s first 10 Gigabit Snapdragon X65 5G modem, the Snapdragon X62 5G modem, a new mmWave module, a suite of new RF front-end solutions, and more.

Snapdragon X65 and X62 5G Modems

The new Snapdragon X65 5G modem is the showstopper here. A direct successor to the last year’s Snapdragon X60, the fourth-gen modem offers significantly faster peak download speeds. Qualcomm is advertising up to 10 Gbps in the downlink, making it the first modem-RF system to reach such speeds. For reference, the existing Snapdragon X60 offers up to 7.5 Gbps download speeds. The modem can achieve 10 Gigabit speeds on both stand-alone and non-standalone 5G networks. The Snapdragon X65 is also the first modem to support 3GPP’s 5G NR release 16, the second set of specifications aimed at boosting the expansion and deployment of 5G NR worldwide.

“We are reaching a significant milestone with the Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System, unleashing connectivity up to 10 Gigabits per second and support for the latest 5G specifications that will play a critical role in enabling new 5G use cases not only for redefined premium smartphone experiences but also opening a new realm of possibilities for 5G expansion across mobile broadband, compute, XR, industrial IoT, 5G private networks and fixed wireless access”

Cristiano Amon, president and CEO-elect, Qualcomm Inc.

The modem is built on a 4nm process and supports simultaneous carrier aggregation between all sub-6GHz and mmWave bands. The Snapdragon X65 also features an upgradable architecture, making it possible to deliver new features proposed in 3GPP’s Release 16 to be quickly rolled out via software updates.

Qualcomm says the Snapdragon X65 modem will power a variety of use cases and form factors, including smartphones, PCs, mobile hotspots, industrial IoT, fixed wireless access, and private networks.

Alongside the Snapdragon X65, Qualcomm is also announcing a watered-down version in the form of the Snapdragon X62. The Snapdragon X62 is built on a 4nm process and offers carrier aggregation across sub-6GHz and mmWave bands with peak download speeds of 4.4 Gbps.

The Snapdragon X65 and X62 are currently sampling to OEMs, with commercial devices featuring the new modems expected to hit the market by 2021.

Qualcomm QTM545 mmWave antenna module, QE7100 Wideband Envelop Tracker, AI-Enhanced Signal Boost

With the launch of the Snapdragon X65 and X62 modems, Qualcomm is also adding several new RF front-end solutions to its portfolio, including a new mmWave antenna module, QE7100 Wideband Envelop Tracker, AI-Enhanced Signal Boost, and more.

The Qualcomm QTM545 is the second-gen mmWave antenna module. It adds support for the new n259 (42GHz) band, improves the mmWave coverage, and supports higher transmit power while maintaining the same footprint as its predecessor.

Qualcomm says its 7th-gen Wideband Envelop Tracker (QE7100) is 30% more power-efficient than competitors and supports full 100Hz bandwidth for new 5G bands and LTE.

Meanwhile, Qualcomm AI-Enhanced Signal Boost offers an adaptive antenna tuning solution with the help of artificial intelligence. The solution uses an AI-trained model to track the user’s handgrip around the phone and optimizes the antennas in real-time for better coverage and longer battery life.

Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform Gen 2

Finally, the company also announced 2nd-gen Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform, enabling mobile operators to offer fixed broadband services to homes and businesses using their 5G infrastructure. The new platform is powered by the Snapdragon X65 modem and features the latest Qualcomm 547b mmWave module to deliver download speeds of up to 10 Gbps. The platform supports extended-range high power sub-6GHz 5G and comes with 8 receive antennas for improved network coverage.

For Fixed Wireless Access devices that solely rely on 4G networks, Qualcomm also announced the Snapdragon X12+ LTE modem, with up to 600 Mbps download speeds.

The 2nd gen Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform is expected to arrive in commercial devices in the first half of 2022.

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Qualcomm unveils a range of new 5G products aimed at future smartphones

Qualcomm today announced a wide range of 5G products to help OEMs deliver significantly faster data speeds and enable new use cases on their next-generation devices. The list of products includes the world’s first 10 Gigabit Snapdragon X65 5G modem, the Snapdragon X62 5G modem, a new mmWave module, a suite of new RF front-end solutions, and more.

Snapdragon X65 and X62 5G Modems

The new Snapdragon X65 5G modem is the showstopper here. A direct successor to the last year’s Snapdragon X60, the fourth-gen modem offers significantly faster peak download speeds. Qualcomm is advertising up to 10 Gbps in the downlink, making it the first modem-RF system to reach such speeds. For reference, the existing Snapdragon X60 offers up to 7.5 Gbps download speeds. The modem can achieve 10 Gigabit speeds on both stand-alone and non-standalone 5G networks. The Snapdragon X65 is also the first modem to support 3GPP’s 5G NR release 16, the second set of specifications aimed at boosting the expansion and deployment of 5G NR worldwide.

“We are reaching a significant milestone with the Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System, unleashing connectivity up to 10 Gigabits per second and support for the latest 5G specifications that will play a critical role in enabling new 5G use cases not only for redefined premium smartphone experiences but also opening a new realm of possibilities for 5G expansion across mobile broadband, compute, XR, industrial IoT, 5G private networks and fixed wireless access”

Cristiano Amon, president and CEO-elect, Qualcomm Inc.

The modem is built on a 4nm process and supports simultaneous carrier aggregation between all sub-6GHz and mmWave bands. The Snapdragon X65 also features an upgradable architecture, making it possible to deliver new features proposed in 3GPP’s Release 16 to be quickly rolled out via software updates.

Qualcomm says the Snapdragon X65 modem will power a variety of use cases and form factors, including smartphones, PCs, mobile hotspots, industrial IoT, fixed wireless access, and private networks.

Alongside the Snapdragon X65, Qualcomm is also announcing a watered-down version in the form of the Snapdragon X62. The Snapdragon X62 is built on a 4nm process and offers carrier aggregation across sub-6GHz and mmWave bands with peak download speeds of 4.4 Gbps.

The Snapdragon X65 and X62 are currently sampling to OEMs, with commercial devices featuring the new modems expected to hit the market by 2021.

Qualcomm QTM545 mmWave antenna module, QE7100 Wideband Envelop Tracker, AI-Enhanced Signal Boost

With the launch of the Snapdragon X65 and X62 modems, Qualcomm is also adding several new RF front-end solutions to its portfolio, including a new mmWave antenna module, QE7100 Wideband Envelop Tracker, AI-Enhanced Signal Boost, and more.

The Qualcomm QTM545 is the second-gen mmWave antenna module. It adds support for the new n259 (42GHz) band, improves the mmWave coverage, and supports higher transmit power while maintaining the same footprint as its predecessor.

Qualcomm says its 7th-gen Wideband Envelop Tracker (QE7100) is 30% more power-efficient than competitors and supports full 100Hz bandwidth for new 5G bands and LTE.

Meanwhile, Qualcomm AI-Enhanced Signal Boost offers an adaptive antenna tuning solution with the help of artificial intelligence. The solution uses an AI-trained model to track the user’s handgrip around the phone and optimizes the antennas in real-time for better coverage and longer battery life.

Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform Gen 2

Finally, the company also announced 2nd-gen Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform, enabling mobile operators to offer fixed broadband services to homes and businesses using their 5G infrastructure. The new platform is powered by the Snapdragon X65 modem and features the latest Qualcomm 547b mmWave module to deliver download speeds of up to 10 Gbps. The platform supports extended-range high power sub-6GHz 5G and comes with 8 receive antennas for improved network coverage.

For Fixed Wireless Access devices that solely rely on 4G networks, Qualcomm also announced the Snapdragon X12+ LTE modem, with up to 600 Mbps download speeds.

The 2nd gen Qualcomm 5G Fixed Wireless Access Platform is expected to arrive in commercial devices in the first half of 2022.

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Use Zoom’s new Studio Effects to liven up your boring meetings

With an increasing number of people working or attending classes from home, video conferencing apps like Zoom and Google Meet have seen a strong surge in popularity over the last year. Due to the sheer number of alternatives available to end-users, developers are constantly innovating and adding new features to their respective apps to offer more value. For instance, Google Meet recently added a new ‘Green Room’ feature to help users check their audio and video settings before joining a call. Similarly, Zoom also added a new call end chime to the app to alert users when someone disconnected abruptly.

While most of these new features aim to provide more utility, some are just added to make boring video calls more entertaining. Zoom’s new Studio Effects feature is a case in point. The feature gives you the ability to add several eyebrows, facial hair, and lip color filters to your video feed. According to a recent report from The Verge, it can be found within the “Background & Filters” option in Zoom’s Video Settings.

(Image: The Verge)

As you can see in the attached screenshot, it includes three tabs, labeled Eyebrows, Moustache & Beard, and Lip Color, that let you add quirky filters to your video feed. Zoom offers quite a few options to choose from, including 7 eyebrows types, 7 facial hair options, and 10 lip color variants, along with a custom color option that lets you pick a lip color that matches your outfit. You can also use the feature to change the color of your eyebrows and facial hair and even control the filter’s opacity.

Additionally, the Studio Effects feature includes a toggle at the top to help you apply your preferred settings to all future meetings. But we’d recommend steering clear from it, for obvious reasons. It’s worth noting that while the Studio Effects feature was first announced back in September last year, many Zoom users have just discovered it in the app. The feature seems to be live for most Zoom users, but we’re not sure if it’s available globally.

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Use Zoom’s new Studio Effects to liven up your boring meetings

With an increasing number of people working or attending classes from home, video conferencing apps like Zoom and Google Meet have seen a strong surge in popularity over the last year. Due to the sheer number of alternatives available to end-users, developers are constantly innovating and adding new features to their respective apps to offer more value. For instance, Google Meet recently added a new ‘Green Room’ feature to help users check their audio and video settings before joining a call. Similarly, Zoom also added a new call end chime to the app to alert users when someone disconnected abruptly.

While most of these new features aim to provide more utility, some are just added to make boring video calls more entertaining. Zoom’s new Studio Effects feature is a case in point. The feature gives you the ability to add several eyebrows, facial hair, and lip color filters to your video feed. According to a recent report from The Verge, it can be found within the “Background & Filters” option in Zoom’s Video Settings.

(Image: The Verge)

As you can see in the attached screenshot, it includes three tabs, labeled Eyebrows, Moustache & Beard, and Lip Color, that let you add quirky filters to your video feed. Zoom offers quite a few options to choose from, including 7 eyebrows types, 7 facial hair options, and 10 lip color variants, along with a custom color option that lets you pick a lip color that matches your outfit. You can also use the feature to change the color of your eyebrows and facial hair and even control the filter’s opacity.

Additionally, the Studio Effects feature includes a toggle at the top to help you apply your preferred settings to all future meetings. But we’d recommend steering clear from it, for obvious reasons. It’s worth noting that while the Studio Effects feature was first announced back in September last year, many Zoom users have just discovered it in the app. The feature seems to be live for most Zoom users, but we’re not sure if it’s available globally.

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