An unexpected spiral structure has been identified at the edge of the solar system, potentially altering current understanding of the Oort Cloud. This discovery has emerged from a computational model developed using data from comets and gravitational influences. The Oort Cloud, a distant shell of icy bodies, has long remained an enigma due to its extreme distance from Earth. The latest findings suggest that its inner regions may form a spiral-like pattern, offering a fresh perspective on the cloud's composition and dynamics.
Findings from New Research
According to a study published on the preprint server arXiv, the Oort Cloud, previously thought to be a spherical shell of icy debris, may actually exhibit a structure akin to a spiral disk. The research, led by astronomer David Nesvorný and his team at the Southwest Research Institute in Colorado, utilised simulations run on NASA's Pleiades supercomputer to generate a model of the Oort Cloud's inner structure. The findings indicate that gravitational forces from the Milky Way, including interactions with stars and black holes, may have shaped the Oort Cloud into a more intricate form than previously assumed.
Galactic Influences and Structural Implications
As per the study, the phenomenon of galactic tide plays a significant role in shaping the Oort Cloud. This force, which originates from the collective gravitational influence of the Milky Way, is particularly strong on objects residing in the outermost parts of the solar system. The newly proposed model suggests that the Oort Cloud's inner section, spanning between 1,000 and 10,000 astronomical units (AU), forms a spiral structure stretching approximately 15,000 AU. This challenges previous theories that depicted the Oort Cloud as a relatively uniform and isotropic region.
Challenges in Direct Observation
As reported, due to its vast distance from Earth, the Oort Cloud remains nearly impossible to observe directly. Even NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft, travelling at a speed of 1.6 million kilometres per day, is expected to take another 300 years to reach its boundary and around 300,000 years to pass through it completely. Researchers suggest that tracking long-period comets or detecting faint reflected light from the Oort Cloud's icy bodies may be the best approach to confirm the newly proposed structure.
Future Investigations
Scientists believe further observational studies and refined computational models could help verify the presence of this spiral pattern. Understanding the true shape and composition of the Oort Cloud is crucial for comprehending the origins of comets and the solar system's early formation. While current resources are not yet dedicated to such observations, researchers indicate that further exploration of this distant region could provide valuable insights into the broader workings of our cosmic neighbourhood.
Google's Pixel 9a is anticipated to hit stores next month. While Google is yet to announce a launch date for the new Pixel A series phone, several leaks have surfaced recently and showcased the hardware, design and US pricing of the Pixel 8a successor. A new leak now suggests that the Pixel 9a will be available at similar pricing as its predecessor. The upcoming Pixel phone is expected to feature a Tensor G4 processor and a 48-megapixel dual rear camera unit. It could be launched in 128GB and 256GB storage options.
Google Pixel 9a Price Details Leaked
As per a report by Android Headlines, the Pixel 9a will cost GBP 499 (roughly Rs. 55,000) in the UK and $499 (roughly Rs. 43,000) in the US for the 128GB storage variant. The 256GB storage model will be reportedly priced at $599 (roughly Rs. 52,000). This corroborates previous price leaks. The Pixel 8a was also priced the same in the US.
In countries like Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Spain the Pixel 9a will cost EUR 549 (roughly Rs. 50,000) for the base variant and EUR 649 for the 256GB storage option. The handset is said to cost CAD 679 (roughly Rs. 42,000) and CAD 809 (roughly Rs. 50,000) in Canada for 128GB and 256GB storage models respectively. In Ireland, it will reportedly be priced at EUR 559 (roughly Rs. 50,000) for 128GB and EUR 659 (roughly Rs. 60,000) for 256GB.
Google is rumoured to launch the Pixel 9a on March 19 and pre-orders could open on the same day. It is expected to go on sale on March 26.
Google Pixel 9a Specifications (Rumoured)
As for the specifications, previous leaks suggested that Pixel 9a will sport a 6.28-inch display with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It is said to run on the Tensor G4 processor, with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It will reportedly boast a dual rear camera unit including a 48-megapixel primary camera and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera. It is said to ship with Android 15 and Google is likely to provide seven years of OS updates for the phone.
The Pixel 9a is likely to pack a 5,100mAh battery with 23W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging support. It is said to come with IP68 rating for water resistance and dust resistance.
Nothing Phone 3a series is scheduled to debut in India and globally on March 4. Ahead of its anticipated launch, the British original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has now showcased the design of base model in the series dubbed the Nothing Phone 3a. While it shares several design elements with the Phone 3a Pro such as the Glyph interface, the handset's rear camera module has a distinctly different appearance, giving the Phone 3a a more uniform look.
Nothing Phone 3a Design Revealed
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nothing shared a glimpse of the upcoming Phone 3a's design. Unlike the Nothing Phone 3a Pro which features a large circular rear camera module with irregularly-placed lenses, the base model in the lineup will sport a pill-shaped unit horizontally placed at the back. It features three camera lenses.
Meanwhile, the rest of the design is identical to the high-end model. The Nothing Phone 3a comes equipped with a Glyph interface surrounding the camera module — a feature that has become synonymous with Nothing smartphones.
This development comes following the design reveal of the Nothing Phone 3a Pro on Monday and its unboxing carried out by 1X Technologies' Neo Gemma humanoid.
Nothing Phone 3a Specifications (Expected)
As per past reports, the Nothing Phone 3a is expected to be offered in black and white colour options and reportedly carries the model number A059. It may be equipped with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC and a 6.72-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate.
For optics, the phone is speculated to sport a triple rear camera unit, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 50-megapixel telephoto sensor with 2x optical zoom, and an 8-megapixel ultra wide-angle shooter at the back. It is also tipped to feature a 32-megapixel sensor at the front for selfies and video calls.
The phone is likely to pack a 5,000mAh battery with 45W charging support.
Jio, one of India's leading telecom providers, offers users the flexibility to choose a special or fancy mobile number through its Jio Choice Number service. Whether you want a number that matches your birth date, vehicle registration, or simply an easy-to-remember sequence, Jio makes it convenient to get one. This service caters to both prepaid and postpaid users, ensuring that everyone can personalise their mobile experience. Here's everything you need to know about Jio Choice Numbers, including how to buy one through different methods.
What Is A Jio Choice Number?
A Jio Choice Number is a customised mobile number that users can select based on their preferences. Instead of being assigned a random number, customers can pick a fancy number with a unique combination, such as repeated digits, a specific pattern, or a number that holds personal significance. This service is ideal for individuals who want an exclusive identity, businesses looking for an easy-to-recall contact number, or those who prefer a number similar to their vehicle registration.
Jio offers a variety of fancy numbers, including:
VIP Numbers: Premium numbers with unique patterns or repeated digits.
Lucky Numbers: Numbers based on birth dates, anniversaries, or personal preferences.
Business Numbers: Easy-to-remember combinations for professionals and enterprises.
How to Get a Jio Choice Number?
Jio provides multiple ways for customers to obtain a choice number. Whether you prefer an online method or an offline purchase, the process is seamless. Below are the different ways you can get a Jio Choice Number.
How To Buy Jio Choice Number Online via the Jio Website
Go to www.jio.com and navigate to the “Choice Number” section.
Use the search feature and select your preferred number:
Enter your existing contact number to receive an OTP for verification.
Once verified, select the number and proceed to checkout.
You can either opt for home delivery or pick up the SIM from a nearby Jio store.
Provide the required identity and address proof to complete your KYC and activate the new number.
Once verification is complete, the new SIM with your choice number will be issued.
How To Buy Jio Choice Number via My Jio App
Download and open the My Jio App from the Play Store or App Store.
Use your existing Jio number or create a new account.
In the app menu, look for the ‘Fancy Number' or ‘Choice Number' section.
Check availability and choose your preferred combination.
Enter your mobile number and authenticate the request with an OTP.
Some VIP numbers may require an additional fee.
Choose your preferred method to receive the SIM card.
Provide the required documents and complete the verification process.
How To Buy Jio Choice Number From Jio Store
Visit your nearest Jio store using Google Maps or the My Jio App.
Ask for available choice numbers
The store executive will provide a list of available fancy numbers.
Choose the number that suits your preference.
Carry a valid Aadhaar card, passport, or driving licence for verification.
Complete KYC and pay any applicable charges.
The store will issue your SIM, which will be activated after verification.
Benefits of Fancy Jio Number
Personalised Identity: Stand out with a unique number tailored to your preference.
Easy to Remember: Useful for businesses and individuals who want a simple and catchy number.
Enhanced Brand Value: Professionals and businesses can benefit from an exclusive number that strengthens brand identity.
Ideal for Special Occasions: Choose a number that reflects a meaningful date or lucky combination.
VIP Treatment: Premium choice numbers may come with added perks, making them more valuable.
FAQs
Do I need a new SIM Card when choosing a Jio Choice Number?
Yes, opting for a Jio Choice Number requires a new SIM card. Your existing number cannot be converted into a fancy number. Once the new SIM is issued, you can use it after completing the KYC process.
Is Jio Choice Number prepaid?
Jio Choice Numbers can be used for both prepaid and postpaid connections. During the booking process, you will be given the option to select your preferred plan type.
Will I get a new SIM by opting for a Jio Choice Number?
Yes, once you purchase a Jio Choice Number, you will receive a new SIM card linked to that number. You must activate it by following the standard verification process.
Can I book multiple series numbers that are similar to those of my family/friends?
Yes, Jio allows customers to book multiple numbers with similar patterns, making it convenient for families and businesses to have matching or sequential numbers.
I have a vehicle with a VIP number, so can I use a similar number as my mobile number?
Yes, Jio Choice Number allows you to select a mobile number that matches your vehicle registration number, provided it is available. This is a popular option for those who prefer a consistent numeric identity.
A new heartwarming film, Dil Dosti Aur Dogs, is set to premiere on JioHotstar, bringing an emotional story that intertwines friendships, relationships, and the love for dogs. The trailer gives a glimpse into how dogs play a crucial role in human lives, helping people navigate their struggles. With a mix of drama, comedy, and heartfelt moments, the film aims to capture the essence of companionship between humans and their pets. The film's premise revolves around multiple characters who find solace and joy through their four-legged friends, exploring themes of bonding, personal growth, and emotional healing.
When and Where to Watch Dil Dosti Aur Dogs
The film Dil Dosti Aur Dogs is scheduled for release on February 28, 2025. The streaming rights have been acquired by JioHotstar, allowing viewers to watch the film exclusively on the platform. With its engaging storyline and emotional depth, the film is expected to appeal to audiences who cherish pet companionship and heartfelt storytelling.
Official Trailer and Plot of Dil Dosti Aur Dogs
The trailer, which runs for 1 minute and 45 seconds, introduces the central characters and their unique relationships with their dogs. A couple struggling with their marriage is advised to adopt a dog in an attempt to strengthen their bond. Meanwhile, another family brings a dog into their home to cope with personal difficulties. Neena Gupta's character also finds comfort in her pet, portraying the impact of dogs in bringing emotional stability and companionship. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when one of the dogs goes missing, leading to an emotional journey that highlights the deep connections formed between humans and their pets. The film focuses on themes of love, friendship, and the unwavering loyalty of dogs, making it a compelling watch for pet lovers.
Cast and Crew of Dil Dosti Aur Dogs
The film features an ensemble cast, including Neena Gupta, Masumeh Makhija, Sharad Kelkar, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Keerti Kelkar, Tinu Anand, Ehan Bhat, and Tridha Chaudhary. Their performances bring life to a story that aims to touch hearts with its emotional depth. The film's direction and storytelling promise to bring an engaging experience, making it a much-anticipated release on JioHotstar.
Realme 14 Pro series debuted in India last month and its global launch has now been confirmed. The company has announced that its lineup, comprising the Realme 14 Pro and 14 Pro+, will be launched at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona. The event takes place between March 3-6 in the aforementioned nation. This also confirms the company's participation at one of the world's biggest technology showcases of the year. Realme has also reportedly teased an Ultra variant that could join the lineup as a new offering.
Realme 14 Pro Series Global Launch Confirmed
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Realme shared a short video clip which confirms that it will launch a smartphone with a “DSLR-level” smartphone camera at MWC Barcelona. While it did not officially reveal its name, it is widely believed to be the Realme 14 Pro series based on its appearance. Both models, the Realme 14 Pro and Realme 14 Pro+, are expected to have similar features and specifications as their Indian counterparts.
This includes a cold-sensitive colour-changing technology that reacts to temperature changes. The phone's back cover claims to change from pearl white to blue when the temperature drops below 16 degrees Celsius. It will return to its original shade when the ambient temperature increases. Other specifications include AMOLED 120Hz screens, 50-megapixel cameras with optical image stabilisation (OI)S, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection, and IP66+IP68+IP69 rating.
Meanwhile, Realme has also reported to have teased a new “Ultra” variant which might join the Realme 14 Pro series at the upcoming MWC Barcelona. It is said to have a camera sensor “larger” than other flagship models, although it remains unclear which devices the company is referring to here. The teaser shows a phone's silhouette featuring a large, circular camera module which occupies the entire top-half of its back panel.
Realme 14 Pro Series Price in India
Realme 14 Pro 5G price in India starts at Rs. 24,999 for the 8GB+128GB model, while the 8GB+256GB variant is priced at Rs. 26,999. It is available in Jaipur Pink, Pearl White, and Suede Grey finishes.
The Realme 14 Pro+ 5G is priced at Rs.29,999 for the 8GB+128GB version, and an is8GB+256GB costs Rs. 31,999. A 12GB+256GB storage model is available for Rs. 34,999. It is sold in Bikaner Purple, Pearl White, and Suede Grey colourways.
Following the launch of the iPhone 16e as the latest entry-level model from Apple, the focus has now shifted to the flagship iPhone 17 lineup which is slated to debut later this year. According to claims by a seasoned journalist, Apple is aiming to improve the camera capabilities of the iPhone 17 Pro models but it will not just stop at still photography. The Cupertino-based technology company is also expected to emphasise on improvements related to video recording this time around.
Improved Video Recording on iPhone 17 Pro Models
In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman highlighted Apple's ambitions of its iPhone 17 Pro models potentially being the go-to video recording devices for the vlogging community and other video content creators. The company is reported to deliver a “significant” upgrade, especially with the top-of-the-line Pro models, with a particular stress on improving the video recording prowess.
As per Gurman, Apple wants to make sure that its iPhone 17 Pro models replace standalone cameras for creators. The company is expected to advertise these improvements during the keynote at its anticipated September event with the debut of the iPhone 17 series.
While specifications remain unconfirmed, previous reports suggest Apple will equip the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max with a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, an upgraded version of the 12-megapixel camera currently found on the iPhone 16 Pro models. The phones may also come with a 24-megapixel selfie camera as opposed to the 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera on the current lineup.
Recently surfaced renders of the smartphones also suggest they may undergo a drastic change in terms of design, with the Pro models potentially sporting a Pixel-style camera layout along with dual-toned rear panels.
However, it is worth noting that there are several months until the iPhone 17 series is launched, and these leaks are advised to be taken with a grain of salt. More details about the handsets are likely to surface in the months leading up to their debut.
Vivo, a brand known mainly for its mid-premium segment smartphones, is seeing increasing competition with every passing year. While it was difficult to find features such as a good camera and battery life in this segment a few years ago, the competition has now caught up. Xiaomi's Redmi Note 14 Pro+ (which was earlier a part of its budget series of devices) is now delivering good value priced from Rs. 30,999. And the same applies to brands like Poco and Realme, which have gotten increasingly aggressive with pricing. With Vivo now fully aware of the competition, inching closer with every passing year, it has now come up with what we believe is a tolerable successor for its mid-range V40 series. The Vivo V50 has plenty of upgrades over the previous models, and for once, some of these actually make sense.
Vivo V50 Design: Quad-curved display done right
Dimensions - 163.29 x 76.72 x 7.57mm
Weight - 199g
Durability - IP68 + IP69
Unlike its predecessors, the Vivo V50 has a slim, rounded design that looks and feels premium. The phone comes in three finishes—Titanium Grey, Starry Night and Rose Red. The glass rear panel of the Rose Red unit we received has a smooth matte finish. It's nice to see that the odd keyhole-shaped camera module does not stand out as much because it, too, has been given the matte-finish treatment. Vivo's Aura ring light has grown bigger in diameter, providing better coverage than the previous implementation.
The Vivo V50 has a smooth, satin-like finish for its rear panel but packs a solid IP69 rating for dust and water resistance
The rounded pebble-like design is very comfortable to hold, and the chrome-finished polycarbonate frame (also the chassis), apart from helping reduce weight, also makes the phone easier to grip. The phone still has a heft to it at 199 grams, but you need to keep in mind that it packs in a 6,000mAh battery.
Unlike most smartphones we have seen in the premium segment, Vivo indeed got the micro quad-curved display right with its V50. With most micro-quad-curved display panels, the deal is to make the content appear a bit immersive without the content sliding too far into the curved sides and hence appearing distorted. The upside of using this tech is that even the display border appears thinner if done right. On most premium smartphones (usually by Chinese manufacturers), micro-quad-curved panels are typically accompanied by mid-frames with flat sides, which breaks the flow of the design by pairing rounded and flat surfaces.
The Vivo V50 has well-rounded, quad-curved panels and a curved mid-frame, which lend it a very comfortable grip and hand feel.
Vivo managed to pull this off well. Thanks to its unique combination of a quad-curved rear panel, a curved mid-frame, and a quad-curved display, it has a seamless look and feel. It reminds me of the older all-metal iPhone models, such as the iPhone 6, which also had a flat front and back but rounded sides.
My only nitpick about the Vivo V50's design would be the slightly sharp cutout for the USB port and speaker grilles at the bottom.
This splendid design is backed up by a solid IP68 and IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning you could take this phone for a swim in freshwater. However, do keep in mind that Vivo's warranty (just like most manufacturers) does not cover damage caused by liquid ingress.
Looks aside, the display has thin borders all around, and the curved edges also mean more reflections when viewing the display outdoors, which can get distracting. Outdoor legibility, thanks to the claimed 4,500 nits of peak brightness, was not a problem, and the same can be said about the display's colours, which appeared natural in all types of lighting conditions. The display also supports HDR10 content, and it appeared as expected.
Obvious downgrades aside, I also noticed that the quad-curved panel introduced this year does lose a few pixels. The Vivo V40's curved-edge display had a resolution of 2,800 × 1,260 pixels, while the new model offers a slightly lower 2,392 × 1,080 pixels. The differences in sharpness will be minor, so it will be hard to tell the difference.
The Vivo V50's quad-curved display produces some unnecessary reflections when viewed outdoors
The display is of the adaptive variety and switches between 60, 90, and 120Hz depending on the application or content being viewed. During the testing period, I noticed random instances where the refresh rate of the display would drop to something well below 30Hz, leading to some supremely slowed-down, sluggish animations when using the phone. These were quite random, and the phone would sort itself out in about 5-10 seconds. However, after a recent bug fix and security update, I did not face the abovementioned issue.
Vivo V50 Software: AI add-ons
Software version - Android 15
Software - Funtouch OS 15
Software commitment - X years of software, X years of security updates
Funtouch OS has now moved on to Android 15, making it Funtouch OS 15. The mobile operating system remains typically Vivo, with a focus on customising the minutest of details that other manufacturers usually don't bother with. The OS with Android 15 is now a lot more stable and smoother (except for the random hiccups I experienced) and comes with some minor visual enhancements like icon and theme customisation.
The main chunk of Funtouch OS 15's add-ons comes with new AI tools. On the V50, I experimented with the AI Erase tool in the image editor but found the results unsatisfactory, as the tool struggled to perform even the most basic image edits successfully (or up to expectations). Next, I tried out the AI Call Translator tool, and it surprisingly worked well both for Hindi and Marathi callers, provided the caller spoke fluently.
Vivo's Funtouch OS 15 has some new AI-infused features but these don't work as expected. Customisation features (pictured) are a big plus.
Vivo V50 Performance: Gets the job done
Processor - Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
RAM - 12GB (LPDDR4X)
Storage - 256GB (UFS 2.2)
Quick product refresh cycles are a thing with most Chinese smartphone brands, especially in the budget and mid-range smartphone segments. Vivo is no stranger to such product release cycles, and so we saw the Vivo V30 and the Vivo V40 getting launched just 5 months apart! With such quick release cycles, it's common for brands to retain design elements along with camera hardware while upgrading the processor and battery/charging performance.
And so we end up with Vivo's processor of choice, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, which has been used in the past two generations of the V series. While I'd expect it to be tried and tested and reliable, I did find its performance a bit lacklustre while playing FPS games like Call of Duty Mobile, where the phone just could not maintain a smooth or steady frame rate. Even at the highest settings, Asphalt Legends: Unite performed smoothly. The display was just about tolerable in terms of sensitivity, so if you are into mobile gaming, this isn't the phone for you.
The Vivo V50 gets two rear-facing cameras accompanied by a larger ring light than the V40
In terms of benchmarks, the Vivo V50 does not fare well when stacked against the competition, as better-performing smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoCs are available at and around this price point.
Benchmarks
Vivo V50
Realme GT 6
Poco F6
Chipset
Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm)
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm)
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm)
Display resolution
FHD+
FHD+
FHD+
AnTuTu v10
8,20,958
14,05,190
14,57,491
PCMark Work 3.0
10,496
18,828
15,743
Geekbench 6 Single
1,121
1,944
1,835
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,110
4,895
4,693
GFXB T-rex
60
60
120
GFXB Manhattan 3.1
60
60
112
GFXB Car Chase
42
60
71
3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL
Maxed Out
Maxed Out
5,481
3DM Slingshot
8,289
Maxed Out
4,655
3DM Wild Life
5,251
Maxed Out
Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life Unlimited
5,468
11,325
11,734
The stereo speakers can get very loud at full volume, but the sound lacks any bass whatsoever. The resulting audio is clear even though it does not sound full and rich. Haptic vibrations are far from crisp. Given the smartphone's price tag, I expected better.
Vivo V50 Cameras: A mixed bag
Primary camera - 50-megapixel, f/1.8, AF, OIS
Ultrawide camera - 50-megapixel, f/2.0, AF
Selfie camera - 50-megapixel, f/2.0, AF
Vivo V50 ultrawide camera samples (tap images to expand)
The ultrawide camera snaps 12-megapixel binned images, and the results are average at best. There's noticeable lens barrel distortion around the edges of the image and plenty of purple fringing in the brighter areas. The colours are alright, but there's some oversharpening and aggressive noise reduction, which produces flat, oil-painting-like textures even in daylight. In low light, there's reduced dynamic range, meaning there are little to no details visible in the shadows. Noise is under control, but just like the daylight captures, it comes at the cost of horribly reduced resolved detail.
Vivo V50 super macro camera sample (tap image to expand)
The same camera is also in charge of macro photos and can be accessed through the Super Macro mode. And this is where the ultrawide camera makes itself a bit more useful. It does a decent job of snapping macro photos, letting you get really close to your subject, but the images lack resolved details. In short, they appear fine until you zoom in and check for detail, where you are greeted by an oversharpened mess. The primary camera lets you get about 10-15cm away from the subject, but its shallow depth of field means the fall-off is a bit excessive, leaving a very small patch to focus on.
Vivo V50 daylight camera samples. Top: 1X (primary camera), Middle: 2X (digital zoom), Bottom: 2X (digital zoom) (tap images to expand)
The primary camera, too, does an average job when snapping photos under daylight. The dynamic range and colours are fine, but the captures are low on resolved detail and sharpness. Shooting at 2X digital zoom sees better and sharper output, resulting in usable photos when snapped in daylight. However, in low light or under artificial light, the resolved detail is a little lower, leading to photos that appear flat. This also applies to the Portrait mode.
Vivo V50 low-light camera samples (tap images to expand)
The main camera's low-light images are surprisingly good. They come out sharp and clear, packing good detail and dynamic range. This is probably down to the camera's Night mode imaging algorithms, which also take a bit of time to process once an image has been captured, making you wait for a few seconds until you can capture the next shot.
Selfies in low light (pictured) come out really well, thanks to the Aura ring light. Daylight selfies are also sharp and pack in good detail with good edge-detection (tap image to expand)
Videos recorded at 1080p at 30fps come out a bit soft but have good colour and stabilisation. 4K 30fps videos are also well stabilised but only manage a marginal improvement in terms of detail. Videos captured from the selfie camera have blown-out backgrounds when shooting in bright outdoor environments, so it's best avoided.
In low light, 1080p video recordings appear a bit too soft and lack both detail and dynamic range. 4K footage manages better detail along with good stabilisation. Things are far from ideal, as there's visible noise, and dynamic range isn't handled well, with blown-out highlights in bright areas and missing details in the darker patches when shooting street-lit scenes.
Vivo V50 Battery: Downright impressive!
Battery capacity - 6,000mAh
Wired charging - 90W
Wireless charging - NA
The Vivo V50's battery easily lasted me well over a day with casual use and mixed connectivity, which includes staying connected to 5G and Wi-Fi networks. Indeed, battery life is not an issue with this phone, whether you are a casual user who just scrolls through social media apps or a power user who is constantly on calls, switching between several apps, including camera usage and gaming.
The Vivo V50 measures just 7.5mm at its thinnest point but somehow has a 6,000mAh battery stuffed inside.
In our standard battery video loop test, the phone managed a solid score of 29 hours and 12 minutes, which is impressive even for a mid-ranger. Charging is also surprisingly fast (for a device with a 6,000mAh battery), with the Vivo V50 managing a 56 percent charge in 30 minutes and 81 percent in one hour, completing the charging just 5 minutes later.
Vivo V50 Verdict
Vivo's abnormally quick product release cycle for its V series makes it obvious that many may hold off on upgrading to the new V50 despite its advancements over the V40 released last year. Given last year's release schedule, we can expect a Vivo V60 to be launched in the next 5 months, well before the year ends. Even if the upgrades are minor, they will still matter because we expect the pricing to stay the same.
We have nobody but Vivo to blame for this conundrum. Those who own a Vivo V20 can now finally upgrade to the V50, which offers a big jump in overall performance. Vivo V30 upgrades also benefit from improved battery life and a better set of cameras.
If a sleek design and battery life matter most to you, then the Vivo V50 is a good choice for the average consumer. But if performance matters, then you are better off with devices like Realme's GT 6 (Review), which is priced a wee bit higher, or even the Poco F6 (Review) that's priced a lot lower than the V50. Xiaomi's Redmi Note 14 Pro+ (Review) is also a solid contender (at a much lower price), as it offers better battery life than the Vivo V50.
Laptop manufacturers should really stop over-using the term AI to market their products. The recently launched Acer Swift 14 AI, for example, even has an AI activity indicator that glows when performing AI tasks. Luckily, the Swift 14 AI is a lot more than its AI branding. It's got excellent battery life, a good display, plenty of ports, a sleek design, and decent performance.
The Acer Swift 14 AI has the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. Our review unit, which has the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor, costs Rs. 89,999, whereas the top-end variant with the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V CPU costs Rs. 104,999. Should this be your next work laptop? Read on to find out.
Acer Swift 14 AI Design
The Swift 14 AI sports a simple design that won't turn many heads, though some might be curious about the unusual logo on the lid (other than the Acer branding) or the glowing one on the trackpad. It features an aluminium chassis with a matte finish that can pick up fingerprints and smudges but is easy to clean.
The lid is sturdy and has no flex
The lid is sturdy with barely any flex, and there's a 180-degree hinge that also feels durable. And for those wondering, yes, you can lift the lid with one finger. The 180-degree hinge also means that you can lay the laptop flat if needed.
The 180-degree hinge seemed durable
I also liked the chamfered metal edges around the display. The bottom is removable and is also made of metal. There's no flex on the inside unless you press hard at the centre of the keyboard. It's a well-built laptop despite not using an unibody construction. It does offer MIL-STD-810 durability, which is nice.
The lid features a chamfered bezel that adds to the design
The intake ports are on the bottom, whereas you'll find the exhaust ports are placed at the rear. You'll also find large rubber feet and dual bottom firing speakers at the bottom. The design incorporates subtle curves but largely follows a flat, angular aesthetic. At its thinnest point, the Swift 14 AI measures just 9.7 mm.
The laptop has downward-firing dual speakers
There are enough ports to connect all kinds of peripherals: an HDMI 2.1 port, dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4) connectors, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Above the display is a 1440p QHD IR camera, a physical privacy shutter, and dual microphones.
You get plenty of ports on the Swift 14 AI
On the inside, you'll find a full-size, backlit keyboard that's actually nice to type on. There's enough spacing between the keys, and they also offer a good amount of key travel.
The keyboard is nice to type on thanks to the adequate travel and spacing between keys
The backlight is adjustable and can be turned off. You also get the Copilot key and an AcerSense key on the keyboard. The power button also doubles as a fingerprint scanner, which worked quite well during my review.
Below the keyboard is an adequately sized touchpad. It supports multi-touch gestures as usual, is protected by Gorilla Glass, and has an ‘Activity indicator' as Acer calls it. The indicator is located at the top right corner of the touchpad and glows whenever you turn on the laptop, use Copilot or AI apps, or use the NPU.
The Activity Indicator pulsates whenever there's any AI-related activity
Although this indicator doesn't serve any purpose, it does look cool.
Acer Swift 14 AI Performance
Our Acer Swift 14 AI review unit comes with the Series 2 Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor, Intel Arc 130V GPU, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 512GB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD. There's also a variant with the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V chipset, which gets the Intel Arc 140V GPU, 32GB RAM, and 1TB storage. We ran our usual set of synthetic benchmarks to see how it compared to some of the other laptops that we've tested with the Series 2 chipsets. The tests were performed with the laptop set to Performance mode.
Benchmark
Acer Swift 14 AI
Asus Zenbook S 14
HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14
Geekbench 6 Single
2,446
2,520
2,744
Geekbench 6 Multi
9,478
10,688
10,957
PCMark 10
6,338
6,836
7,008
3DMark Night raid
32,549
34,727
29,096
3DMark Steel Nomad Light
2,405
3,243
2,622
Cinebench R23 Single
1,784
N/A
1,733
Cinebench R23 Multi
6,151
N/A
6,608
Geekbench AI (NPU)
27,064 (Quantized)
N/A
28676 (Quantized)
The laptop performed quite well when it came to browsing, streaming content, YouTube, and some light gaming. With regular usage, the laptop barely heated up. However, during benchmarks, when playing more demanding games and running multiple apps, the laptop got slightly warm, and the fans kicked up. You can play games on the laptop thanks to the Intel Arc 130V GPU. I played Forza Horizon 4, and the laptop delivered around 30-40fps in low settings. I wouldn't recommend using the laptop for gaming, though. You could, however, play indie games that are light on graphics.
The laptop performs well in day-to-day tasks
Talking about graphics, the 14-inch OLED display on the laptop is excellent for viewing content. I enjoyed streaming Netflix and Amazon Prime content on the Swift 14 AI. The colours are vivid, and you also get HDR support. The display offers 1920 x 1200 pixels resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and 400 nits brightness. The top-end model gets a 3K OLED display.
The OLED panel is one of the best features of the laptop
The laptop runs Windows 11 Home and offers several AI features such as Copilot, Cocreator, Live Captions, and Windows Studio Effects. Acer has also baked in some AI features, such as AcerSense, which even gets a dedicated button. This lets you change system settings and more. You also get Acer LiveArt 2.0, Acer VisionArt, and Acer User Sensing 2.0.
The web camera performed well in good lighting conditions, with decent colour reproduction and dynamic range. However, there is a lot of noise in low-light scenarios. The IR sensor also enables face unlock via Windows Hello, but I preferred the fingerprint scanner on the keyboard as it was more accurate.
The laptop features a physical privacy shutter for the web camera
In terms of audio performance, the Acer Swift 14 AI has dual downward-firing speakers, which are below average. They aren't loud, nor do they deliver any thump. Acer has also provided DTS:X Ultra Audio support, but that doesn't do anything to improve the audio performance. The sound on the laptop is a big letdown.
Lastly, the Swift 14 AI's 65W battery impressed me. The laptop easily lasts a full day of work. When the battery is low, you can quickly charge it using the included 65W USB Type-C charger.
Acer Swift 14 AI Verdict
The Acer Swift 14 AI is a very good work laptop with good build quality, an excellent OLED display, long-lasting battery life, and decent performance across all kinds of apps. The laptop is great value for money, no doubt, but it's not because of the AI branding or features. Don't buy the laptop for the AI features, buy it for all the other useful features that it offers. However, if all you need is a good laptop for work or home use, the Swift 14 AI is great.
