Category: World

This section brings you news reports from around the world, covering global events, politics, economy, and more. Stay informed with the latest international updates and developments.

  • Apple unveiled iPad featuring 10.9 inch display

    Apple unveiled iPad featuring 10.9 inch display

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA: Apple on Tuesday unveiled new iPad featuring 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display. It is powered by A14 Bionic chip which delivers faster performance.

    The update brings Ultra Wide 12MP front camera located along the landscape edge of iPad for an even better video calling experience, and an updated 12MP back camera to capture sharp, vivid photos and 4K video.

    A USB-C onport supports a wide range of accessories, Wi-Fi 6 brings even faster connections, and cellular models feature superfast 5G so users can stay connected on the go. Designed specifically for the new iPad, the all-new Magic Keyboard Folio features an incredible typing experience, a click-anywhere trackpad, and a versatile two-piece design.

    With iPadOS 16 and support for Apple Pencil (1st generation), iPad offers users more ways to be creative and productive. The new iPad is available to order starting today, with availability in stores beginning Wednesday, October 26.

    “We’re so excited to bring the completely redesigned iPad to our most advanced iPad lineup ever,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With a large 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, powerful A14 Bionic chip, a first-ever landscape front camera, fast wireless connectivity, USB-C, and support for incredible accessories like the new Magic Keyboard Folio, the new iPad delivers more value, more versatility — and is simply more fun.”

    The new iPad features an all-screen design in four gorgeous finishes — blue, pink, yellow, and silver. The stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display extends to the edges, so users have even more screen area for apps, games, and having fun on iPad — all in nearly the same size as the previous generation.

    The new Liquid Retina display provides a beautiful visual experience with 2360×1640-pixel resolution, nearly 4 million pixels, 500 nits of brightness, and True Tone technology. Touch ID moves to the top button of iPad, making it seamless to unlock, log in to apps, or use Apple Pay.

    The powerful A14 Bionic chip comes to iPad, delivering a 20 percent increase in CPU and 10 percent improvement in graphics over the previous generation.This makes the new iPad up to 5x faster than the best-selling Android tablet, and for users looking to upgrade from a device like iPad (7th generation), they will see up to 3x improvement in overall performance with the new iPad.

    Advanced machine learning functions are powered by a 16-core Neural Engine in A14 Bionic — offering double the number of cores of A13 — boosting machine learning capabilities by up to 80 percent. For everyday tasks like working on a school project, editing a high-resolution video, or playing a graphics-intensive game, A14 Bionic brings remarkable performance and efficiency.

    For the first time on any iPad, the front-facing camera is now located along the landscape edge. Whether users are on a FaceTime call or recording a video for social media, they will always be looking right toward the camera.

    The landscape Ultra Wide front camera with a 12MP sensor and 122-degree field of view supports Center Stage, which automatically pans and zooms to keep users in view as they move around. The upgraded 12MP Wide back camera on iPad delivers high-resolution photos and detailed 4K video with support for 240-fps slo-mo.

    Dual microphones are designed to work in unison with the cameras, capturing audio from the camera being used and minimizing distracting background noise. New landscape stereo speakers, combined with the larger display on iPad, offer a great video-viewing experience.

    Users can do even more on iPad with faster wireless connectivity on the go. With new support for Wi-Fi 6, connections are 30 percent faster on the new iPad than the 802.11ac Wi-Fi supported on the previous generation.Cellular models with 5G allow iPad to reach peak speeds of up to 3.5Gbps in ideal conditions, providing users seamless access to files, communication with friends, and streaming content from wherever they are.

    Combined with continued support for Gigabit LTE, physical SIM cards, and eSIM with on-device activation, iPad offers amazing flexibility when it comes to connectivity. The USB-C port supports a wide range of accessories and faster charge times when used with higher power charging adapters. 

    Accessories extend the versatility of iPad and open up even more possibilities for creativity and productivity. The new Magic Keyboard Folio, designed for the new iPad, delivers an incredible typing experience with full-size keys, 1 mm of travel, and responsive feel. For the first time, iPad will have a keyboard with a large trackpad and support for a click-anywhere experience and Multi-Touch gestures, which makes scrolling, swiping, pinching, and moving the cursor even more seamless.

    The new 14-key function row allows for easy access to shortcuts and everyday tasks, like adjusting the volume or display brightness. The highly configurable and versatile two-piece design includes a detachable keyboard and a protective back cover that attaches magnetically to iPad. The keyboard magnetically attaches to the Smart Connector on the edge of iPad, which provides power and data.

    This means the keyboard never needs to be charged or paired, and users can easily fold the keyboard behind iPad or detach it entirely. The back cover has an adjustable stand for even more flexibility when playing games, watching video, and more.

    iPadOS 16 introduces new productivity and collaboration features, so users can get even more done on iPad.

    New features in Messages allow users to edit or unsend recently sent messages, recover recently deleted messages, and mark conversations as unread so they can come back to them later. There are also new collaboration features in Messages that make starting and managing shared projects quick and seamless.

    Freeform, a powerful new productivity app built into iPadOS with a flexible canvas and full support for Apple Pencil, gives users the ability to see, share, and collaborate all in one place.

    iCloud Shared Photo Library allows users to share photos seamlessly and automatically among up to six family members.

    Safari adds shared Tab Groups to browse the web with others, and the browsing experience gets even more secure with passkeys. 

    In Mail, users can now schedule emails ahead of time and are even given a moment to cancel delivery of a message before it reaches a recipient’s inbox.

    The Weather app comes to iPad, designed to take full advantage of the stunning display with beautiful animations, and with just a tap, users can see the most important weather information.

    Live Text uses on-device intelligence to recognize text in images across the system, and the feature now comes to video, making text completely interactive in paused video frames. Visual Look Up now allows users to lift the subject from an image or isolate a subject by removing the background with just a tap.

    The new iPad models are designed to minimize their impact on the environment and include — a first for iPad — 100 percent recycled gold in the plating of multiple printed circuit boards. The new iPad is also the first iPad to feature recycled copper, with 100 percent recycled copper in the foil of the main logic board. It also features recycled aluminum, tin, and rare earth elements.

    All iPad models meet Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and are mercury-, BFR-, PVC-, and beryllium-free. Redesigned packaging eliminates the outer plastic wrap, and 97 percent of the packaging is fiber based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of completely removing plastic from all packaging by 2025. 

    Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations, and by 2030, plans to be 100 percent carbon neutral across the entire manufacturing supply chain and all product life cycles. This means that every Apple device sold, from component manufacturing, assembly, transport, customer use, charging, all the way through recycling and material recovery, will have net-zero climate impact.

    The new iPad is available to order starting today, October 18, at Apple Store in 28 countries and regions, including the US, with availability in stores beginning Wednesday, October 26. 

    Wi-Fi models of the new iPad are available with a starting price of $449 (US), and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at $599 (US). The new iPad, in 64GB and 256GB configurations, comes in blue, pink, yellow, and silver. 

    Apple Pencil (1st generation) is compatible with the new iPad. A new USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is required for pairing and charging and is included in the box with a new version of Apple Pencil (1st generation) for $99 (US).

    For existing owners of Apple Pencil (1st generation), the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is sold separately for $9 (US). 

    The new Magic Keyboard Folio designed for the new iPad is available for $249 (US) and comes in white. 

    The new Smart Folio designed for the new iPad is available for $79 (US) in white, sky, watermelon, and lemonade. 

    iPad (9th Generation) will remain in the iPad lineup. Wi-Fi models of iPad (9th generation) are available with a starting price of $329 (US), and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at $459 (US), in silver and space gray finishes. 

    Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels. Wi-Fi models of the new iPad are available with a starting price of $419 (US), the new Magic Keyboard Folio is available for $229 (US), and Apple Pencil (1st generation) is available for $89 (US).

    iPadOS 16, the powerful operating system designed specifically for iPad, is available beginning Monday, October 24, and ships for free with the new iPad. iPadOS 16 will be available as a free software update for iPad (5th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), and all iPad Pro models. 

    Customers can trade in their current iPad and get credit toward a new one. When their device has been received and verified, Apple will credit the value to their payment method.

  • Apple introduces iPad Pro with supercharged chip, many new features

    Apple introduces iPad Pro with supercharged chip, many new features

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA: Apple on Tuesday announced the new iPad Pro with supercharged by M2 chip and many other advanced features.

    (more…)
  • Apple launches 4K TV

    Apple launches 4K TV

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA: Apple launched the next generation Apple TV 4K which is more powerful, entertaining and affordable in price.

    Driven by the A15 Bionic chip that delivers faster performance and more fluid gameplay, the new Apple TV 4K features endless entertainment options for everyone to enjoy on the biggest screen in the home. HDR10+ support joins Dolby Vision on Apple TV 4K, so users can watch their favorite movies and TV shows in the best quality possible across more TVs.

    Running tvOS, the powerful and intuitive OS for the living room, and featuring the popular Siri Remote, Apple TV 4K simplifies the way users discover and enjoy their favorite content. Its seamless integration with other Apple devices and services magically transforms the living room in different ways for the entire family, while also adding convenience as a smart home hub.

    The new Apple TV 4K is available in two configurations: Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi), which offers 64GB of storage; and Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), which offers support for Gigabit Ethernet for fast networking and streaming, Thread mesh networking protocol to connect even more smart home accessories, and twice the storage for apps and games (128GB).

    Customers can order the new Apple TV 4K with Siri Remote today at a new starting price of $129, with availability beginning Friday, November 4.

    “Apple TV 4K is the ultimate way for Apple users to enjoy their favorite entertainment on the biggest screen in the home, and now it is more powerful than ever,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

    “The new Apple TV 4K is unlike anything else out there, given its seamless connection to other Apple devices, ease of use, and access to amazing Apple content. It offers something for everyone in the family to love.”

    The next generation of Apple TV 4K is an entertainment powerhouse, bringing the best video and audio capabilities to the biggest screen in the home. At the heart of the new Apple TV 4K is A15 Bionic, making the device even more powerful and energy efficient. CPU performance is now up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation, delivering greater responsiveness, faster navigation, and snappier UI animations. GPU performance is now up to 30 percent faster than the previous generation for even smoother gameplay.

    Apple TV 4K now supports HDR10+, in addition to Dolby Vision, expanding rich visual quality across more TVs, producing the eye-popping details and vibrant colors intended by content creators. Users can also enjoy a home theater experience with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 7.1, or Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound for immersive audio.

    With the Siri Remote, users enjoy a touch-enabled clickpad that provides speed, fluidity, and precise control to easily navigate the simple, elegant user interface of Apple TV. On the Apple TV app, customers can access award-winning series and films on Apple TV+, as well as over 100,000 movies and series to buy or rent, and direct premium subscriptions to popular streaming services.

    Apple TV 4K works seamlessly with other Apple devices, starting with a magical setup process with iPhone and effortless control at any time with the Apple TV Remote in Control Center. The deep integration of Apple hardware, software, and services with Apple TV 4K unlocks an unparalleled experience that brings the best of the Apple ecosystem to the living room.

    Apple Music offers access to a catalog of over 100 million songs, expertly curated playlists, and music videos through Apple TV 4K. With original content from the most respected and beloved people in music, autoplay, time-synced lyrics, lossless audio, and immersive Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, Apple Music offers the world’s best listening experience.

    Apple TV+ is the home of premium drama and comedy series, feature films, documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, including this year’s Oscar Best Picture winner, “CODA”; record-breaking Emmy Award winner “Ted Lasso”; hit drama “Severance”; “Shantaram,” based on the bestselling novel; and acclaimed series “Bad Sisters,” “Mythic Quest,” “Pachinko,” and many more. Viewers can also enjoy films such as “Sidney,” a documentary honoring the legendary Sidney Poitier; “Causeway,” starring and produced by Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence; and the holiday story “Spirited,” starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer. Apple TV+ also offers live sports, including “Friday Night Baseball,” and Major League Soccer matches coming in early 2023.

    Apple Arcade on Apple TV 4K features award-winning premium games, with new titles and major content updates added weekly, all without ads or in-app purchases. Players can pair popular game controllers to enjoy hit titles like “NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition” and “Jetpack Joyride 2,” along with longtime favorites like “Sneaky Sasquatch,” as well as “Warped Kart Racers” with a new multiuser mode.

    Apple Fitness+ is an award-winning fitness and wellness service designed to be welcoming to all users, wherever they are on their journey, and help them live a healthier day. Apple TV 4K users can enjoy the largest library of workout content in 4K Ultra High Definition with over 3,000 studio-style workouts and meditations, all led by a diverse and inclusive team of trainers. This fall, iPhone users can subscribe to and enjoy Fitness+ in the 21 countries and regions where it is available, even if they don’t have an Apple Watch. Usersonly need an iPhone to sign up, and can then experience Fitness+ on Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad with onscreen trainer guidance and interval timing, and estimated calories burned will be used to make progress on their Move ring. Fitness+ users with Apple Watch can take their motivation to the next level with personalized real-time metrics that display on Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad.

    This fall, new features coming to the Apple TV experience with tvOS 16 include updates to Siri that will make it even easier for customers to use their voice to control Apple TV and interact with the results.5 Siri on Apple TV features a complete redesign, and will be able to recognize each user’s voice, so they can easily access their movies, shows, music, games, and apps, and pick up where they left off. By using the Siri Remote and asking “What should I watch?” users can get tailored recommendations.

    When wearing AirPods, users can say “Hey Siri” to search and enjoy a hands-free way to control Apple TV. Siri support on Apple TV has expanded to Chile, Finland, and South Africa, and will launch in Denmark, Luxembourg, and Singapore later this year, bringing Siri on Apple TV to 30 countries and regions.

    With iCloud Shared Photo Library on Apple TV, everyone in the family will be able to enjoy everyone’s photos together on the big screen. Cross-device connectivity on Apple TV 4K will enable developers to integrate personalized experiences between their iPhone and Apple Watch apps with Apple TV. 

    Users can continue to enjoy SharePlay by starting a FaceTime session on iPhone or iPad and watching a TV show or movie on Apple TV to stay completely in sync — ensuring everyone catches a movie’s dramatic reveal or a show’s punchline at the same moment. With shared playback controls, including using the Siri Remote, anyone in the SharePlay session can play, pause, or jump ahead.

    As a home hub, Apple TV 4K securely connects to compatible smart home accessories, including HomeKit cameras, lights, shades, and more; allows the user to set scenes and control their smart home while away; and ensures that accessories can run automatically. Apple TV 4K is also an essential building block for Matter, the new smart home connectivity standard that enables a wide variety of accessories to work together seamlessly across platforms, helping to fulfill the true vision of a smart home.

    When viewing a HomeKit camera, Apple TV users can control nearby accessories — such as turning on the outdoor lights — or display multiple cameras at the same time on the TV screen for a more complete view. In addition, HomeKit Secure Video uses the on-device intelligence of Apple TV 4K to privately analyze the video to detect people, animals, cars, and package deliveries.6

    With Thread networking support, Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) connects compatible Thread-based smart home accessories reliably and securely.

    The new Apple TV 4K is designed to minimize its impact on the environment, using nearly 30 percent less power than the previous generation while achieving more powerful performance. The efficiency gains of A15 Bionic eliminate the need for an internal fan, resulting in a more compact design and contributing to a 25 percent reduction in carbon footprint over the previous generation.

    In a first for Apple TV, Apple TV 4K features 100 percent recycled gold in the plating of multiple printed circuit boards, which also include 100 percent recycled tin in the solder. The thermal module is made with 80 percent recycled aluminum, while the enclosure of the Siri Remote includes 100 percent recycled aluminum. Redesigned packaging removes the outer plastic wrap, and over 90 percent of packaging is fiber based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of completely removing plastic from all packaging by 2025. The Apple TV 4K lineup is free of mercury, BFRs, PVC, and beryllium.

    Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations, and by 2030, plans to be 100 percent carbon neutral across the entire manufacturing supply chains and all product life cycles. This means that every Apple device sold, from component manufacturing, assembly, transport, customer use, charging, all the way through recycling and material recovery, will have net-zero climate impact.

    The new Apple TV 4K with Siri Remote will be available starting at $129 (US) from apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations. Apple TV 4K is also available through Apple Authorized Resellers and select pay TV providers.

    Customers can order the new Apple TV 4K beginning today, with availability starting Friday, November 4, in more than 30 countries and regions, including the US.

    The Siri Remote has the same beloved design and functionality as the previous generation, and adopts USB-C for charging. It is included with the new Apple TV 4K, or can be purchased separately for $59 (US) starting today, and is compatible with all generations of Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.

    AppleCare+ will be available for Apple TV, providing three years of technical support and additional hardware coverage, including unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection.

    Customers can try out the new Apple TV 4K at an Apple Store and have their questions answered in person. Before their visit, customers are encouraged to check apple.com/retail for information on opening hours and available services at their chosen store.

    For a limited time, eligible customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade for free.

  • Apple Music introduced in Mercedes-Benz vehicles

    Apple Music introduced in Mercedes-Benz vehicles

    PARIS: Apple and Mercedes-Benz introduced premium immersive Apple Music’s Spatial Audio with support for Dolby Atmos in Mercedes-Benz vehicles for first time.

    Apple Music with Spatial Audio comes fully integrated through the MBUX infotainment system in Mercedes-Maybach models, the EQS and EQS SUV, as well as the EQE and the S-Class, equipping these vehicles with studio-quality sound better than in any concert hall, and giving drivers a fully immersive listening experience with unparalleled, multidimensional sound and clarity. 

    “Sound quality is incredibly important to Apple Music, which is why we are so excited to be working with Mercedes-Benz to make Spatial Audio on Apple Music available natively in the car for the first time,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats.

    READ MORE: Apple launch savings account card

    “Spatial Audio is revolutionizing the way artists create and fans listen to music, and it’s an experience that is impossible to explain in words; you have to hear it for yourself to appreciate it. Together with Mercedes-Benz, we now have even more opportunities to bring wholly immersive music to our subscribers all over the world.”

    “We’re joining forces to offer our customers a benchmark music experience unparalleled in the industry,” said Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s chief technology officer and a member of the board of management.

    “We are proud that our vehicles will be the first-ever non-Apple devices to feature immersive Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. This seamless experience shows how in-car entertainment can reach exciting new levels by perfectly integrating hardware and software.” 

    Mercedes-Benz drivers who are already subscribed to Apple Music gain immediate access to an ever-growing selection of songs and albums available in Spatial Audio from some of the world’s biggest artists spanning all genres, including hip-hop, country, Latin, pop, and classical.

    Apple Music also offers curated Spatial Audio playlists like Driving in Spatial Audio and Hip-Hop in Spatial Audio, where listeners can find and discover songs from their favorite artists. Additionally, subscribers can access Apple Music’s entire catalog of 100 million songs, thousands of editorially curated playlists, and daily selections from the world’s best music experts, including all of the artists and hosts broadcasting across its Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country global live-stream radio stations.

  • Apple launch savings account card

    Apple launch savings account card

    CUPERTO, California: Apple launched the savings account card that will facilitate users through saving the daily cash and earning rewards in a high yield savings account from Goldman Sachs.

    The Apple Card users will be able to open the new savings account and have their Daily Cash automatically deposited into it without any fees, no minimum deposits, and no minimum balance requirements. Soon, users can spend, send, and save Daily Cash directly from Wallet.

    To expand Savings even further, users can also deposit additional funds into their Savings account through a linked bank account, or from their Apple Cash balance.

    Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, Jennifer Bailey said, “Savings enables Apple Card users to grow their Daily Cash rewards over time, while also saving for the future.”

    She also added, “Savings delivers even more value to users’ favorite Apple Card benefit — Daily Cash — while offering another easy-to-use tool designed to help users lead healthier financial lives.”

    READ MORE: Ask Apple launched to facilitate developers

    Apple Card users will be able to easily set up and manage Savings directly in their Apple Card in Wallet.

    Once users set up their Savings account, all future Daily Cash received will be automatically deposited into it, or they can choose to continue to have it added to an Apple Cash card in Wallet. Users can change their Daily Cash destination at any time.

    Users can also withdraw funds at any time by transferring them to a linked bank account or to their Apple Cash card, with no fees.

    Once set up, Apple Card users can watch their rewards grow in Wallet through an easy-to-use Savings dashboard, which shows their account balance and interest accrued over time.

    Apple Card users get 3 percent Daily Cash on Apple Card purchases made using Apple Pay with Apple and select merchants, including Uber and Uber Eats, Walgreens, Nike, Panera Bread, T-Mobile, ExxonMobil, and Ace Hardware, as well as 2 percent Daily Cash when they use Apple Pay at other merchants, and 1 percent on all other purchases. There is no limit to the amount of Daily Cash users can receive.

    READ MORE: How to order Apple products and save $1000 with trade-in

    The new Savings account from Goldman Sachs expands upon the financial health benefits and valuable Daily Cash that Apple Card already offers.

    Built into Wallet on iPhone, Apple Card has transformed the credit card experience by simplifying the application process, eliminating all fees, encouraging users to pay less interest, offering the privacy and security users expect from Apple, and offering Daily Cash on every purchase.

  • Lexus launches new electric car UX 300e

    Lexus launches new electric car UX 300e

    Lexus launched new electric car UX 300e with the evolution of the brand’s first production Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) model. The updated UX 300e joins the new UX 200/250h announced earlier this year, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2023.

    Since the 2005 launch of the RX 400h, the world’s first hybrid SUV, Lexus has been a pioneer of electrification in the luxury market. Based on the electrification vision “Lexus Electrified” announced in 2019, Lexus aims to meet the diverse needs of global customers through a broad range of electrified vehicles, from HEVs to PHEVs and BEVs. Using electrification technology to significantly enhance fundamental vehicle performance.

    Lexus continues to refine the timeless joy of the automobile, through hallmark precision and sophistication. In 2020, Lexus launched UX 300e as the brand’s first production BEV model. In 2022, this was followed by the introduction of the Lexus RZ, a dedicated BEV model.

    As of the end of August 2022, cumulative sales of Lexus electrified vehicles stand at approximately 2.3 million units, as the brand accelerates their development and adoption to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.

    In addition to its maneuverable body size and unique “UX” urban compact crossover design, the UX 300e is highly regarded by customers seeking a distinctly quiet and refined BEV driving experience. The enhancements announced for the UX 300e are based on the relentless pursuit of perfection under an “Always On” philosophy.

    Enhancements unique to the BEV powertrain include a newly developed battery pack with capacity increased from 54.4 kWh to 72.8 kWh, resulting in a cruising range of 450 km―over 40% longer than the current model.

    The UX 300e also inherits the further refinements made to the dynamic precision of the UX series for confidence-inspiring performance, along with the expanded functionality of active safety technologies, and the evolution of advanced features through the latest multimedia system.

    The updated UX 300e underwent rigorous testing and evaluation at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama. The low center of gravity created by the under-floor placement of the BEV battery pack gives the UX 300e a natural performance advantage, as do standard rear Performance Dampers.

    For even more refined dynamics, body rigidity was strengthened with the addition of 20 spot welding points, and the Electric Power Steering (EPS) and shock absorbers were optimally tuned for the all-electric model.

    When it comes to advanced technology, functionality of the “Lexus Safety System +” active safety technology was expanded with the aim of providing a safer and more secure driving experience.

    In addition, the latest multimedia system brings a larger, higher resolution touch panel display, the form and switch layout of the instrument panel and console area have been optimized, and two new Type-C USB connectors have been added to the front of the console for improved usability when charging devices.

    The UX 300e takes full advantage of the electric powertrain configuration. As a unique BEV characteristic, it does not carry front-heavy objects such as an engine, allowing heavier components to be placed towards the center of the vehicle for optimum front/rear weight distribution and moment of inertia.

    The low center of gravity provided by the underfloor battery pack and the rear Performance Dampers complement these attributes to refine the dynamics and enhance the sense of connection between the car and driver.

    The underfloor battery also acts as a sound barrier, and extra attention was focused on wind noise and road noise from gravel and other materials that became apparent in the absence of engine and transmission sounds. The result is a comfortable, quiet interior space.

    The newly developed battery pack extends cruising range by more than 40% to 450 km compared to the current model and achieves energy consumption of 166.7 Wh/km.

  • Nissan says goodbye to Russian markets

    Nissan says goodbye to Russian markets

    YOKOHAMA, Japan: Nissan Motor Co. Ltd says goodbye to the Russian markets after the discontinuation of productions and sales.

    Nissan’s Executive Committee has announced the sale of its Russian operations to NAMI, which is the Central Research and Development Automobile and Engine Institute.

    The press release issued by the company stated that, the sale will transfer all Nissan operations in Russia under the Nissan Manufacturing Russia LLC (NMGR) legal entity to NAMI for future passenger vehicle projects.

    This covers Nissan’s manufacturing and R&D facilities in St. Petersburg, and Sales & Marketing centre in Moscow, which will operate under a new name.

    READ MORE: Toyota stops car production in Russia

    The announcement follows the suspension from March of operations in the market. Under the new ownership of the NMGR entity, all of Nissan’s employees in the market will receive employment protection of 12 months.

    The sale is expected to be formalised in the coming weeks following approvals from the relevant authorities. The terms of the sale would allow Nissan the option to buy back the entity and its operations within the next six years.

    Nissan will take a one-off impact of approximately 100 billion yen from this exit. However, Nissan will maintain its full-year guidance. Details will be reported after further assessment as part of the regular disclosure during the second quarter results in November 2022.

    Nissan President and CEO Makoto Uchida said, “On behalf of Nissan, I thank our Russian colleagues for their contribution to the business over many years. While we cannot continue operating in the market, we have found the best possible solution to support our people.”

    Since Nissan assumed zero activity in the market in this fiscal year, Nissan remains on track to achieve its business objectives under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan, as the company progress towards its Ambition 2030 goals.

    READ MORE: Nissan Z GT4 unveiled; to be available from 2023

  • Ask Apple launched to facilitate developers

    Ask Apple launched to facilitate developers

    Apple Inc. announced the launch of Ask Apple for developers. The series of interactive Q&As and one-on-one consultation will help in providing the developers to connect directly with Apple experts for insights, support and feedback.

    Ask Apple builds on successful programs like Tech Talks and Meet with App Store Experts, which have offered developers more than 200 live presentations and thousands of office hours over the past year.

    This series will enable developers to ask questions to various Apple team members through Q&As on Slack or in one-on-one office hours.

    Q&As allow developers to connect with Apple evangelists, engineers, and designers to get their questions answered, share their learnings, and engage with other developers around the world.

    Developers participating in Ask Apple can inquire about a variety of topics, such as testing on the latest seeds; implementing new and updated frameworks from Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC); adopting new features like the Dynamic Island; moving to Swift, SwiftUI, and accessibility; and preparing their apps for new OS and hardware releases. Ask Apple is free of charge and registration is open to all members of the Apple Developer Program and the Apple Developer Enterprise Program.

    READ MORE: IOS 16 brings exciting features as free software

    Office hours are focused on creating and distributing compelling apps that take advantage of the latest in technology and design.

    Developers can ask for code-level assistance, design guidance, input on implementing technologies and frameworks, advice on resolving issues, or help with App Review Guidelines and distribution tools. Office hours will be hosted in time zones around the world and in multiple languages.

    Jordi Bruin, an iOS developer from Amsterdam, has launched over 20 apps on the App Store and has attended more than 50 Apple developer sessions and labs including Tech Talks and during Apple’s annual WWDC.

    One of his latest apps, Posture Pal, aims to help users improve their posture by leveraging the motion sensors in AirPods. He recounts how his conversations with Apple experts guided him on his app-building and refinement process.

    Ondine Bullot is the CEO of Better Kids and the founder of educational app Wisdom: The World of Emotions, which teaches young children social and emotional skills like managing feelings and resolving conflict through games and augmented reality (AR).

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    Bullot and her team members from around the world have participated in multiple engagement series including Tech Talks, Meet with App Store Experts, and WWDC’s digital lounge discussions.

    Ask Apple will be an ongoing series, with the first round of opportunities coming October 17-21. Current members of the Apple Developer Program and the Apple Developer Enterprise Program can register and find information on the schedule by visiting developer.apple.com/events/ask-apple.

    In addition to the Ask Apple series, hundreds of hours of sessions are available on demand on the Apple Developer website and in the Apple Developer app, enabling developers to hear directly from Apple about the latest technologies and important news all in one place, all year long, whenever and wherever is most convenient.

    Developers can access a robust library of timely, relevant, and practical content from Apple experts and engineers, including news about everything from API and framework changes to Apple’s human interface guidelines, program announcements, and technical articles, as well as a technical and design video library.

    Apple also offers all members of the Apple Developer Program the opportunity to receive one-on-one code-level support with technical support engineers who can help troubleshoot an app’s code or bring solutions to fast-track development.

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  • Moody’s downgrades Pakistan rating to Caa1 from B3

    Moody’s downgrades Pakistan rating to Caa1 from B3

    SINGAPORE: Moody’s Investors Service on Thursday downgraded the government of Pakistan’s local and foreign currency issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings to Caa1 from B3.

    The global rating agency also downgraded the rating for the senior unsecured MTN programme to (P) Caa1 from (P)B3. The outlook remains negative.

    It said that the decision to downgrade the ratings to Caa1 is driven by increased government liquidity and external vulnerability risks and higher debt sustainability risks, in the aftermath of devastating floods that hit the country since June 2022.

    “The floods have exacerbated Pakistan’s liquidity and external credit weaknesses and vastly increase social spending needs, while government revenue is severely hit,” the rating agency added.

    Debt affordability, a long-standing credit weakness for Pakistan, will remain extremely weak for the foreseeable future.

    The Caa1 rating reflects Moody’s view that Pakistan will remain highly reliant on financing from multilateral partners and other official sector creditors to meet its debt payments, in the absence of access to market financing at affordable costs.

    In particular, Moody’s expects that Pakistan’s IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program will remain in place and provide an avenue for financing from the IMF and other multilateral and bilateral partners in the near term.

    The negative outlook captures risks around Pakistan’s ability to secure required financing to fully meet its needs in the next few years.

    Elevated social and political risks compound the government’s difficulty in implementing reforms, including revenue-raising measures, that would improve the country’s fiscal position and alleviate liquidity stresses.

    The floods will also raise Pakistan’s external financing needs, raising the risks of a balance of payments crisis.

    Pakistan’s weak institutions and governance strength adds uncertainty around whether the country will maintain a credible policy path that supports further financing.

    The negative outlook also captures risks that, should a debt restructuring be needed, it may extend to private sector creditors.

    The Caa1 rating also applies to the backed foreign currency senior unsecured ratings for The Third Pakistan International Sukuk Co Ltd and The Pakistan Global Sukuk Programme Co Ltd. The associated payment obligations are, in Moody’s view, direct obligations of the Government of Pakistan.

    Concurrent to today’s action, Moody’s has lowered Pakistan’s local and foreign currency country ceilings to B2 and Caa1 from B1 and B3, respectively. The two-notch gap between the local currency ceiling and sovereign rating is driven by the government’s relatively large footprint in the economy, weak institutions, and relatively high political and external vulnerability risk.

    The two-notch gap between the foreign currency ceiling and the local currency ceiling reflects incomplete capital account convertibility and relatively weak policy effectiveness, which point to material transfer and convertibility risks notwithstanding moderate external debt.

    Pakistan’s economic outlook in the near and medium term has deteriorated sharply as a result of the floods. The government’s preliminary estimates put the economic cost of the floods at about $30 billion (10 per cent of GDP), far above the estimated $10 billion economic cost of the 2010 floods, which was until now the country’s worst flooding episode.

    Moody’s has lowered Pakistan’s real GDP growth to 0-1 per cent for fiscal 2023 (the year ending in June 2023), from a pre-flood estimate of 3-4 per cent. The floods will affect all sectors, with the impact likely more acute in the agriculture sector, which makes up about one-quarter of the economy.

    As the economy recovers from the floods, Moody’s expects growth to pick up next year but stay below trend.

    The supply shock due to the floods will increase prices further, at a time when inflationary pressures are already elevated. The monthly inflation rate averaged 25 per cent from July-September 2022.

    Moody’s expects inflation to pick up to 25-30 per cent on average for fiscal 2023, compared to a pre-flood estimate of 20-25 per cent. Social risks may increase as households face higher costs of living for a more protracted period of time, which would have attendant negative economic and fiscal implications.  

    Moreover, the floods are likely to have long-term negative effects on economic and social conditions. There is already a significant increase in water-borne diseases, and education is again disrupted for many displaced children not long after schooling resumed following the pandemic.

    The economy’s susceptibility to climate events is captured in Moody’s assessment of highly negative environmental risks, as explained below.

    The growth shock will lower government revenues, while government expenditures will be raised by the costs of rescue and relief operations. Moody’s expects the fiscal deficit to widen to 7-8 per cent of GDP for fiscal 2023, from a pre-flood estimate of 5-6 per cent of GDP.

    Pressures on public finances are likely to persist in the next few years, as expenditures remain high because of reconstruction and social needs.

    Accordingly, Pakistan’s debt affordability – which is already one of the weakest among the sovereigns Moody’s rate – will worsen. Against a backdrop of increasing interest rates and weaker revenue collection, Moody’s estimates that interest payments will increase to around 50 per cent in fiscal 2023, from 40 per cent of government revenue in fiscal 2022, and stabilise at this level for the next few years.

    A significant share of revenue going towards interest payments will increasingly constrain the government’s capacity to service its debt while also meeting the population’s essential social spending needs.

    Meanwhile, because of the narrow revenue base, the government’s debt as a share of revenue is very high at about 600 per cent in fiscal 2022. Moody’s expects this ratio to rise further to 620-640 per cent in fiscal 2023, well above the median of 320 per cent for Caa-rated sovereigns, despite a more moderate debt to GDP ratio at 65-70 per cent in fiscal 2023.

    Moody’s expects the current account deficit to widen to 3.5-4.5 per cent of GDP for fiscal 2023, compared to a pre-flood estimate of 3-3.5 per cent. While imports of a range of goods are likely to decline as demand shrinks, imports of food and other essential items such as medical supplies will increase, while export capacity will be hit.

    That said, Moody’s expects the larger trade deficit to be partially offset by an increase in remittances which tend to increase at times of crises.

    While the current account deficit widens, Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have remained at very low levels, sufficient to cover less than two months of imports even after the recent IMF disbursement of $1.1 billion from the seventh and eighth review of the EFF programme.

    This low level of reserves limits Pakistan’s ability to substantially draw down on them to meet debt or imports payments needs, without risking a balance of payments crisis.

    External liquidity conditions have also tightened significantly for Pakistan. Its access to market financing at affordable cost is extremely constrained, and will likely remain so for some time.

    Therefore, Pakistan will remain highly reliant on financing from multilateral and bilateral partners. Moody’s expects Pakistan’s continued engagement with the IMF to enable it to access financing from the IMF and related financing from other multilateral partners and official creditors.

    Moody’s understands that the government has secured additional commitments from multilateral partners to meet higher financing needs due to the floods. Nonetheless, risks remain in particular related to Pakistan’s weak institutions and governance strength which adds uncertainty about the sovereign’s capacity to maintain a credible and effective policy stance.

    The negative outlook captures the downside risks beyond what would be consistent with a Caa1 rating.

    Elevated social and political risks compound the government’s difficulty in implementing reforms, including revenue-raising measures, that would improve the country’s fiscal position and alleviate liquidity stresses. Moreover, as mentioned above, Pakistan faces risks of a balance of payments crisis, which would increase if its external payments needs are higher than currently expected, for instance because of larger imports needs, while access to external financing is more restricted.

    Moreover, while Moody’s assumes that access to official sector financing will be maintained and will be enough to meet Pakistan’s needs, lower financing and/ or higher needs would raise the risk of default to a level no longer consistent with a Caa1 rating.

    On 25 September, the then Finance Minister indicated that Pakistan would seek debt relief from official creditors, on a bilateral basis. The negative outlook also captures risks that, should a debt restructuring be sought, it may extend to private sector creditors, despite assurances by the government late September that it is not seeking debt relief from commercial banks or Eurobond holders. In this case, it would likely constitute a default under Moody’s definition.

  • Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro released with exciting features

    Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro released with exciting features

    GERMANY: Xiaomi launched its smartphones 12T Pro and 12T featuring best imaging system. Xiaomi’s both 12T Series provides pro-grade 200MP for high clarity, strong night photography and quick focusing.

    Xiaomi 12T Series is available for sale starting on Oct 13 via Xiaomi official channels. Xiaomi 12T Pro comes in three storage variants, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, and 12GB+256GB, with a price starting from EUR 749. 

    Xiaomi 12T comes in two storage variants, 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB, with a price starting from EUR 599.

    The press release issued by Xiaomi stated that both Xiaomi 12T Series flagships feature pro-grade cameras that offer users an exceptional smartphone photography experience. Featuring a pro-grade 200MP imaging system backed by ground-breaking hardware and Xiaomi’s own advanced AI algorithms, Xiaomi 12T Pro delivers superb imagery with high clarity, strong night photography, and quick focusing. These together with a variety of other optimizations allow the capturing of fine details even in low-light conditions, or when shooting fast-moving subjects without losing focus.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launched Redmi A1 Series under $100

    The camera also features in-sensor 2x zoom that can utilize the capabilities of the large 1/1.22″ sensor size to take ideal portraits. With Xiaomi ProCut and Ultra burst, Xiaomi 12T Pro helps you intelligently crop and create professional-looking content. To unlock movie-making creativity, Xiaomi 12T Pro supports 8K video in full resolution.

    Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12T implements a triple camera array: a 108MP pro-grade primary camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro camera. Powerful low-light capabilities deliver crisp and bright pictures even in challenging situations.

    Xiaomi 12T Pro is equipped with the best Snapdragon processor with leading 4nm TSMC manufacturing process, which significantly enhances the performance of CPU and GPU by 16.7 percent and 11 percent respectively compared to Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1, and reduces power consumption of each by 33 percent and 30 percent. Equipped with a heat dissipation system comprised of a vapor chamber 65 percent larger with 125 percent higher thermal material coverage than Xiaomi 11T Pro, Xiaomi 12T Pro also provides smooth user experience and great power efficiency without worrying about overheating.

    Xiaomi 12T is powered by MediaTek’s leading chipset—MediaTek Dimensity 8100-Ultra which is built on the 5nm TSMC manufacturing process. The chip is fully upgraded with an all-new GPU structure, increasing performance and power efficiency by up to 30 percent compared to its predecessor, as well as clock, cache, and storage speeds, leading to a much faster user experience. Whether it’s capturing incredible photos and videos, watching movies, or scrolling social media, Xiaomi 12T delivers peak performance across all your favorite moments.

    Xiaomi 12T Series offers incredible battery life, even amongst Xiaomi flagships, plus exceptionally fast charging. Both phones have a large 5,000mAh battery and feature 120W HyperCharge. Both can be charged to 100 percent in as quickly as 19 minutes, and ready for up to 13.5 hours of screen-on time. Additionally, with Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge, the devices learn users’ day-to-day charging routines to optimize long-term battery health. Supported by Xiaomi’s long-lasting battery and super charging, users can confidently go anywhere, do anything, and never miss a moment.

    A mega viewing experience is a given with Xiaomi 12T Series’ 6.67″ CrystalRes AMOLED display. With 1220p resolution and over 68 billion colors, both are perfectly designed to balance clarity, colorful details, and power efficiency. The display is also enhanced by smart features such as AdaptiveSync, which dynamically adjusts refresh rate based on content viewed. Meanwhile, for all users who interact with their phones for pro-longed periods. Finally, Adaptive Reading mode reduces the amount of blue light emitted to improve eye comfort.

    Xiaomi 12T Series is accented with iconic premium design element. The curve frosted back ensures reduced fingerprints on the back panel, along with compact in-hand feel. Front and back, top to bottom, this is complete flagship design language offered in 3 stunning colors: Black, Silver, and Blue.