Today in Tech: Apple refreshes Mac lineup with M3 chips, Galaxy S24 release date tipped & more

After years, Apple has finally refreshed the iMac lineup with the all new M3 chips. That's not all they've refreshed though, because there are new MacBooks which also boast the 3nm chip. These are all mighty powerful devices, and there's a lot to get into. Apart from Apple, Samsung's Galaxy S24 seems to be making waves, as several details about its potential release date have come forward, in addition to information about its screen and other specifications. There's this and lots more tech news to cover, so keep reading this edition of Today in Tech.

Apple has launched new MacBook Pro models with M3 chips, offering enhanced performance and sleek space black finishes in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes. These laptops feature brighter Liquid Retina XDR displays, built-in 1080p cameras, and a six-speaker sound system.

Customers can purchase these laptops starting November 7. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 starts at Rs 1,69,900, while the 14-inch with M3 Pro begins at Rs 1,99,900, and the 16-inch at Rs 2,49,900.

Apple's senior VP of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, praised the laptops' power-efficient Apple silicon, up to 22 hours of battery life, and advanced connectivity. The M3 Max model offers remarkable performance with up to 11x faster speeds and extended battery life.

Apple also introduced a new 24-inch iMac with M3 chip, offering impressive performance and vibrant color options. The 24-inch iMac starts at Rs 1,34,900 and the 10-core GPU version at Rs 1,54,900, both available from November 7.

Reliance Jio showcased its mixed reality headset, JioGlass, at the India Mobile Congress 2023. The smart glasses support AR and VR content, allowing users to switch between modes. While the price is undisclosed, it is expected be priced anywhere between Rs. 1,54,999 to Rs. 84,999, going by existing smartglasses, like AjnaXR Pro and AjnaXR SE.

JioGlass offers dual full-HD displays, creating a 100-inch virtual screen, and is certified for reduced blue light emissions. It features a proximity sensor, a nine-axis IMU sensor, an unspecified processor, and a 4,000mAh battery. The glasses can connect to smartphones, computers, and support voice calls.

Microsoft has released an optional Windows 11 update (KB50311455) that allows users to open and decompress RAR files without third-party software. The update also adds support for 10 new file archive formats but doesn't support password-protected encrypted files. Microsoft's move to support RAR comes after 28 years, and it's based on the open-source libarchive project. This update also enables new features from the Windows 11 Moment 4 update, such as a redesigned File Explorer, Backup app, passkey support, and Co-pilot for Windows.

Oppo's budget-friendly A79 5G smartphone offers an AI camera and strong specifications. The device features a MediaTek Dimensity 6020 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB internal storage (expandable to 1TB via microSD). Its 6.72-inch FHD+ LCD display has Panda Glass protection, a 90Hz refresh rate and 680 nits peak brightness.

he phone's camera setup includes a 50-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, with an 8-megapixel front camera. A 5,000 mAh battery with 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging powers the device. It's IP54 rated, has dual stereo speakers, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Available in Glowing Green and Mystery Black, it's priced at Rs. 19,999 in India.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series is set to launch in early 2024, succeeding the S23 lineup. It's expected to include the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra. Leaks suggest they'll support HDR viewing for gallery photos, offering an Ultra HDR-like experience with consistent brightness and color. The series has entered mass production and is likely to launch in mid to late January or possibly earlier, according to different sources. These phones will use Exynos and Snapdragon chipsets, and the S24 Ultra features a quad-camera setup with a 200-megapixel sensor and innovative zoom capabilities.

LG Electronics has introduced the 'LG XBOOM' audio speaker series in India, featuring models XL7S and XL5S with prices starting at Rs 54,990 and Rs 44,990, respectively. These speakers offer impressive sound quality, dynamic lighting effects, and extended battery life. The XL7S offers up to 20 hours of battery life, while the XL5S provides 12 hours, both with IPX4 water resistance ratings. Users can enjoy karaoke sessions, connect a guitar, and personalize party lighting with the XBOOM app. The XL7S is designed for large gatherings with a 250W output and a 20.32 cm Giant Woofer, while the XL5S features a 16.51 cm Giant Woofer for powerful bass.

Dyson has launched the 'Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1' air purifier in India at Rs 39,900, with a festive discount of up to Rs 7,000 if purchased directly from Dyson.in or Dyson demo stores. The air purifier captures 99.95% of 0.1-micron pollutants using its HEPA H13 filter. It automatically detects and reports real-time particle pollution, and it offers a night mode for quiet operation. With Dyson Air Multiplier technology, it delivers powerful airflow for whole-room purification. The purifier employs advanced filtration systems to maintain a healthy indoor environment.