Google ends free Android backup storage for users

Smartphones are now found in almost everyone’s hands but their rise has also rendered many once-popular technologies obsolete. At the beginning of the 21st century, personal computers, home internet and mobile phones became widely accessible. Few could have imagined that, within a few years, all these technologies would merge into a single device that would transform nearly every aspect of daily life. That device is the smartphone. It serves as a flashlight, bank account manager, weather forecaster, fitness tracker, camera and much more. One of the smartphone’s greatest strengths is its ability to combine multiple functions into a single, easy-to-use device. As a result, many older technologies have largely disappeared. Here are ten of them: 1. Landline phones Landline phones were among the first technologies to be replaced by smartphones. Once common in nearly every home, they have become largely unnecessary because smartphones provide calling capabilities along with numerous internet-based communication apps. 2. Digital cameras Between 2008 and 2021, sales of compact digital cameras declined by more than 97 percent. Modern smartphones feature increasingly advanced cameras eliminating the need for many people to purchase separate digital cameras. 3. Calculators Pocket calculators were once essential tools for students and professionals. Today, every smartphone includes a built-in calculator while dedicated apps can solve even complex mathematical problems. 4. Alarm clocks Traditional alarm clocks have become much less common because smartphones include customizable alarm features allowing users to choose sounds, adjust volume and set multiple alarms. They also function as clocks reducing the need for separate timepieces. 5. Walkie-talkies Walkie-talkies were widely used in workplaces for instant communication. Smartphones now offer voice calls, messaging and group chats providing far more advanced communication options. 6. MP3 players Before smartphones, MP3 players were the preferred way to listen to music. Smartphones now allow users to store songs or stream millions of tracks through music apps without downloading them. 7. Radios Radio was once the primary source of music and news. Today, smartphones can stream live radio stations as well as podcasts and online audio services. 8. Compact Discs (CDs) CD sales peaked in 2002 and remained popular even after the arrival of devices like the iPod. However, smartphones and online streaming services have largely eliminated the need for physical music discs. 9. GPS devices Dedicated GPS navigation systems were once common in vehicles. Today, smartphones include built-in GPS sensors and navigation apps such as Google Maps making standalone GPS devices largely unnecessary. 10. Feature phones Basic mobile phones were once highly desirable and even considered status symbols. However, smartphones have almost completely replaced them leaving feature phones with only a small share of the market.

San Francisco: Key features of the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL have reportedly been leaked with major upgrades expected in its camera and AI technology. According to a report by Geeky Gadgets, details about the design and key features of Google’s upcoming flagship smartphone have emerged ahead of its launch. Google is preparing to introduce new devices at its hardware event on August 12. According to the leaked information, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is expected to receive significant upgrades in several areas, including the camera, artificial intelligence, processor and connectivity. The leaks have attracted considerable attention from technology enthusiasts. Google is reportedly planning major improvements to the phone’s design, camera, performance and AI capabilities. According to the leaked details, the phone’s camera bar has been redesigned and will reportedly include an LED notification ring. Early leaks referred to this feature as “Pixel Glow” but recent reports suggest its possible official name could be “Highlight.” Available in five colours The Pixel 11 Pro XL is reportedly expected to be available in five colours: green, light green, silver, midnight and red. The phone is expected to feature a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with support for a 120Hz refresh rate. Reports also suggest that it will have a 13-megapixel ultra-wide selfie camera on the front. The design is also expected to receive some changes. The Pixel 11 Pro XL may feature a durable aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 3 which could provide greater protection against scratches and accidental drops. Major camera improvements The Pixel 11 Pro XL is expected to have a triple rear-camera setup. According to the leaks, it may include a 50-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 48-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. The telephoto camera is reportedly expected to provide 5x optical zoom. The phone may also feature a 120x Pro Zoom option in its software, designed to capture distant objects and scenes with greater detail. With the help of Google’s Gemini AI technology, the camera could offer improved low-light photography, scene recognition and real-time image processing. A new mode called “Motion Capture” is also reportedly being developed. It could use AI to track moving people or objects and maintain focus on them. Improved performance with Tensor G6 The phone is also expected to feature Google’s new Tensor G6 processor which could provide improved performance for multitasking, gaming, video editing and AI-powered applications. The Tensor G6 is expected to offer enhanced capabilities for on-device machine learning, real-time language translation and intelligent text suggestions. The leaked reports also claim improvements in battery performance. The phone could feature an adaptive power-management system that adjusts energy consumption according to usage patterns to help extend battery life. Range of AI features The Pixel 11 Pro XL is expected to include several new AI-powered features. These may include an Animal Rescue feature designed to help identify and locate lost pets. Other expected features include advanced voice recognition, personalized app suggestions based on user habits, improved security, on-device encryption and real-time threat detection. A new Focus Mode could allow users to temporarily silence unnecessary notifications so they can concentrate on important tasks. Reports have also mentioned improved speakers, spatial audio and potentially advanced augmented reality (AR) features. Although most of the information currently available about the Pixel 11 Pro XL is based on leaks and speculation, it suggests that Google is focusing heavily on AI technology alongside hardware improvements in its new flagship smartphone. Google is expected to officially announce the phone’s final specifications and price at its launch. Until then, the reported details should be considered leaks and speculation rather than confirmed information.