News
Samsung Intros One UI 7 Beta Program
Samsung has announced the One UI 7 beta program, opening an advanced look at fortified, Samsung Galaxy-exclusive security measures. At every layer, the latest One UI protects personal data while providing all types of users with choice, transparency and integrated security settings — because, in the era of AI, there is no privacy without holistic security.
Knox Matrix is Samsung’s vision for the future, enhancing protection through multi-layered, intelligent threat monitoring between connected Samsung devices. One UI 7 sets the foundation for the next frontier of security.
- Knox Matrix monitors devices through Trust Chain, a secure private blockchain — and the new Knox Matrix dashboard introduces an easier way to maintain transparent security across a connected device ecosystem. With One UI 7, it’s more intuitive than ever to check the security status of multiple Samsung smart devices, including Galaxy mobile devices, TVs and home appliances, at a glance. When all connected devices are up to date and no risks are detected, they will show as ‘green,’ or secure. Users can also see if a device is at risk, and the dashboard will prompt an actionable recommendation to mitigate the threat.
- A new recovery method for Enhanced Data Protection adds ease and convenience to the process of retrieving data stored on Samsung Cloud. Enhanced Data Protection keeps connected devices synchronized and secure, also ensuring that if access to a trusted device is lost, users have a backup plan to prevent the loss of their data. With One UI 7, users can now transfer recovered, private data to a new device by verifying the lock screen factor – whether pin, pattern or password – of their previous device.
- As part of Knox Matrix’s Credential Sync, Samsung has developed new ways to manage and secure identities and credentials for today’s hyperconnected world in the form of passkeys. With One UI 7, users can now create and use passkeys to log into their Samsung Account. As digital authentication credentials, passkeys enable a faster, easier way to securely log in to apps, devices and websites — so users can safely sign into their TVs, AI Family Hub refrigerators and more, simply by using the fingerprint sensor on their smartphones.
Maximum Restrictions establish a powerful line of defence against today’s cyber threats. One UI 7 further enhances user choice with new features designed to protect those who may need additional safeguards. Maximum Restrictions has been updated with added controls for network connections so users can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from boosted protection without losing access to key device functionalities.
Thanks to the added controls, users have the choice to block 2G service and prevent data from being intercepted when connected to potentially unsafe networks. Users can also prevent unintended automatic reconnection to certain Wi-Fi networks that may be less secure, ensuring data remains private while still having the option to connect manually if desired.
This update enhances Maximum Restrictions’ existing suite of protections for Samsung Messages and Samsung Gallery, which allows users to remove location data in shared photos, prevent automatic attachment downloads, and block hyperlinks, previews and shared albums.
One UI 7 introduces even more ways users can adjust security settings to best suit the ways in which they use their devices. Users can choose to block USB connections to prevent any other access through the USB port while the device is locked, except for battery charging.
To protect against malicious apps that come from sideloading, One UI 7’s new Safe Install system works alongside Auto Blocker to send a warning when a user attempts to download from an unauthorized source, alerting them of security risks and preventing unintentional sideloading on Galaxy devices worldwide.
One UI 7 introduces new features available only on Galaxy devices to the Android suite of theft protection solutions, enhancing the safeguards in place to ensure personal data remains secure even when devices are lost or stolen. In addition to Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock, Galaxy users can now leverage additional security measures in Identity Check, an opt-in feature designed for when a device’s PIN becomes compromised. If suspicious activity is detected, users can rest assured that these Galaxy-exclusive protections will kick in.
- When in an unfamiliar location, biometric authentication will be required to make any changes to important security settings that could put personal information at risk.
- As an added safeguard, a one-hour security delay will prevent unauthorized users from making any immediate changes to the device.
One UI 7 is the next step in Samsung’s commitment to privacy in AI, introducing advanced security features to ensure complete protection in the era of AI. The official One UI 7 release will commence with upcoming Galaxy S series devices, featuring additional AI capabilities including enhanced, hardware-dependent on-device AI functions, starting from the first quarter of 2025. In line with Samsung’s commitment to extend its OS upgrade policy, the update will gradually roll out to other Galaxy devices.
The One UI 7 beta program will be first available for Galaxy S24 series devices in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US, from December 5. Galaxy S24 series users can apply to join the beta program via Samsung Members.
Gadgets
Xiaomi Launches the new Redmi Note 14 Series
Xiaomi unveiled its Redmi Note 14 series during a global launch event held at the Banyan Tree Resort in Dubai. The event, attended by over 200 people, showcased the latest technological innovations from Xiaomi. The series includes the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 14 Pro, Redmi Note 14 5G, and Redmi Note 14.
The event also featured a range of smart devices, including the Redmi Watch 5, Redmi Buds 6 Pro, and Redmi Buds 6, impressing attendees with their capabilities. The Redmi Note 14 series boasts flagship-level photography with AI-powered cameras. The Pro variants feature a 200MP camera with OIS, 2x/4x optical zoom, and 30x digital zoom, while the Redmi Note 14 and 14 5G have a 108MP camera. Front cameras are upgraded, with the Redmi Note 14 Pro featuring a 32MP front camera.
Features like Dynamic Shots and Dual Video allow users to capture multiple perspectives, while AI Image Expansion and AI Erase Pro offer advanced editing capabilities. The Redmi Note 14 series is built for durability, with drop, splash, and scratch resistance. The Pro variants feature a high-strength aluminium frame, energy-absorbing foam, and polymer buffering for extra toughness. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 display enhances scratch resistance.
The series offers various levels of dust and water resistance, with the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G and Pro 5G having an IP68 rating, the Redmi Note 14 Pro and 14 5G an IP64 rating, and the Redmi Note 14 an IP54 rating. The Redmi Note 14 series delivers outstanding performance and long-lasting battery life. The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is powered by the 4nm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, with a 5110mAh battery and 120W HyperCharge. The Pro 5G and other models feature MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300-Ultra and Helio G100-Ultra chipsets, with batteries ranging from 5110mAh to 5500mAh.
The Redmi Note 14 series offers an immersive 120Hz display, with the Pro+ 5G and Pro 5G models enhancing the experience with 1.5K resolution. The display minimizes blue light exposure and is ideal for outdoor use with a peak brightness of 3000 nits. The Redmi Note 14 series is now available across all Xiaomi channels:
- Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G: Prices start at AED 1559
- Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G: Prices start at AED 1289
- Redmi Note 14 Pro: Prices start at AED 949
- Redmi Note 14: Prices start at AED 679
- Redmi Buds 6: Starting price AED 179
- Redmi Buds 6 Pro: Starting price AED 319
- Redmi Watch 5: Starting price AED 379
Electric Scooters
Acer Expands eMobility Range with the Debut of Powerful New E-Scooter
Acer announced the latest additions to its growing line of e-mobility solutions, unveiling three new e-scooter models. This launch is part of Acer’s expansion of its sustainable technology lineup that caters to smart, eco-friendly lifestyles, and brings new levels of fun and mobility to more diverse user groups.
Predator ES Storm Foldable eScooter
The Predator ES Storm is a foldable e-scooter with a unique gamer-inspired design built for performance. Featuring a cutting-edge design, blistering speeds, reliable braking power and shock-absorbing suspension, it comes with a bright display that is paired with the Acer eMobility app. The app allows riders to control the speed, cruise control, gear switching, lateral illumination and headlight settings.
The Predator ES Storm is powered by a 500W hub motor, that helps to easily conquer hills and flat roads, with the motor capable of reaching a peak of over 900W. Meanwhile, the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) recharges the scooter by converting braking energy into usable power, making it more energy-efficient and extending its battery life, while also reducing the wear and tear of the mechanical brakes.
The powerful 42V/16 Ah Li-Ion battery guarantees travel distances of up to 60 km on a single charge. Riders will experience unmatched stability and control, thanks to the 10-inch tubeless tyres and the front fork suspension that acts as a shock absorber. The Predator ES Storm scooters come with signal lights on the handlebar, a front disc and a rear E-ABS electric brake, for enhanced safety, and weighs just 20.45 kg.
Acer ES Series 5 Select eScooter
With a powerful 500W engine, high-capacity battery, foldable design, responsive braking, and shock-absorbing system, riders of the new Acer Series 5 Select eScooters can cruise the city streets effortlessly and in comfort, using four throttle modes with cruise control. The motor delivers 29 Nm of powerful torque and smooth acceleration, hitting speeds up to 25 km per hour (subject to local regulations). For those who crave more excitement, the Sports Mode feature delivers maximum power and responsiveness, with a climbing ability of up to 23 degrees. The high-response rear E-ABS and front disc brake system ensure synchronized movements, while the 16Ah battery enables long distance rides of up to 60 km on a single charge.
The Acer Series 5 Select eSscooter comes with enhanced features that can be activated via the Acer eMobility app to control and monitor the scooter’s performance in real-time. Weighing just 20.46 kg whilst withstanding loads of up to 120 kg, the light, foldable design makes it portable for easy storage or transport. Safety features include high-visibility lights, and equipped with 10-inch tubeless tires for a smooth stable ride over various terrains.
Acer ES Series 4 Select eScooter
The Acer ES Series 4 Select model is aimed at riders looking for a flexible, stylish and quickly rechargeable scooter at a more affordable price. With its minimalistic design, power and easy mobility, the Acer ES Series 4 is a sleek foldable eScooter designed with multiple speed options, a responsive double brake system, shock-absorbing suspension, and a bright, easy-to-read display.
Powered by a 400W rear motor and with multiple speed settings, the eScooter is designed to tackle various terrains, whether smooth streets or steep hills. It can even reach a peak output of over 800W, providing extra power when needed for more challenging inclines or tougher conditions. Riders can choose between speeds of 6 km/h, a steady 10 km/h commute, or a faster 20 or 25 km/h (subject to local regulations). The Sport Mode Booster offers extra power for tackling steeper hills, while the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) recovers energy while braking and coasting, converting it into usable power to enhance travel distance.
Weighing under 20 kg, this foldable scooter can bear a weight load of 120 kg, charges in just five hours and can cover distances of up to 45 km in a single charge. The front disc brake and rear electric brake (E-ABS) improve safety with shorter stopping distances. The 10-inch tubeless tires provide excellent stability and comfort, whilst the front fork suspension acts as a shock absorber, reducing the impact from bumps and uneven terrain for a smoother, more reliable journey.
All Acer eScooter models have an IPX5 water protection rating, allowing them to be ridden through puddles. Designed to help reduce carbon emissions, the Acer eScooter models are a more sustainable alternative mode of transport for commuting.
News
AMD Powers New ‘Hunter’ Supercomputer at HLRS Stuttgart
The High-Performance Computing Center of the University of Stuttgart (HLRS) celebrated the commencement of operations for its state-of-the-art supercomputer, ‘Hunter’. Designed and manufactured by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Hunter promises to offer cutting-edge infrastructure for large-scale simulation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics applications in the realms of science, industry, and the public sector. Hunter is also built with sustainability in mind, utilizing a 100% fanless direct liquid cooling system and a dynamic power capping approach to maximize energy efficiency.
Hunter’s architecture is powered by energy-efficient AMD Instinct Accelerated Processing Units (APUs), which integrate CPU cores and GPUs. This marks a new chapter in the history of supercomputing in Stuttgart, with HLRS ready to address complex problems in engineering, weather and climate modelling, biomedical research, materials science, and more.
“Hunter offers scientists at the University of Stuttgart and across Germany a future-proof infrastructure for AI-based simulations and high-performance computing of a new quality,” said Prof. Peter Middendorf, Rector of the University of Stuttgart. “Hunter also benefits the entire ecosystem of our university with its global players, its strong medium-sized companies, and its growing start-up scene.”
Prof. Michael Resch, Director of HLRS, emphasized the transformative period in high-performance computing driven by rapid AI development and a growing focus on sustainability. “With Hunter, our user community gains a state-of-the-art infrastructure that will support them in navigating this changing HPC landscape and enable them to remain competitive at the frontiers of scientific discovery and industrial innovation,” he said.
The Hunter supercomputer, a €15 million project, received joint funding from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for Science, Research, and Art, and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Education and Research, facilitated by the Gauss Centre for Supercomputing (GCS). “A high-performance computer like the new Hunter is not simply a technical innovation—more importantly, it is necessary for the future capabilities of our country and a key to progress in science and industry,” stated Petra Olschowski, Minister of Science, Research and Art of the State of Baden-Württemberg.
Hunter employs the HPE Cray Supercomputing EX4000 architecture, aligned with the world’s leading exascale systems. The supercomputer features 136 nodes, four HPE Slingshot high-performance interconnects per node, and HPE Cray Supercomputing Storage Systems E2000. HPE’s holistic programming environment and performance cluster manager enhance system health, management, and power efficiency.
Heiko Meyer, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at HPE, highlighted HLRS’s role in cutting-edge science and industrial applications, adding, “We are proud to help advance HLRS’s mission by taking a big step into the future of supercomputing and AI with Hunter, and subsequently with Herder. This will open up completely new opportunities for foundational research and industrial product innovation.”
Hunter’s AMD Instinct MI300A APUs combine CPUs, GPU accelerators, and high-bandwidth memory, delivering a superior performance-to-energy ratio, using 80% less energy at peak performance than its predecessor, Hawk. Brad McCredie, Senior Vice President of Data Center Engineering at AMD, remarked, “The AMD Instinct MI300A APUs are driving innovation by delivering leadership performance and efficiency for critical workloads at the convergence of HPC and AI.”
HPE’s dynamic power capping software, co-developed with HLRS, optimizes power distribution to applications, reducing overall power consumption by about 20%, aligning with sustainability goals and ensuring high performance without compromising energy efficiency. With a theoretical peak performance of 48.1 Petaflops, Hunter stands as a testament to HLRS’s commitment to advancing the capabilities of high-performance computing and contributing to scientific and industrial breakthroughs.
As HLRS and its partners continue to drive forward, Hunter’s deployment represents just the beginning of future advancements in supercomputing, promising to foster further innovation, enhance industrial productivity, and support groundbreaking research across various fields.