iPhone SE 4: A major redesign with a new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics

The iPhone SE 4, codenamed Ghost, is expected to receive a major redesign with a new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics.

Chassis

The iPhone SE 4 will use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis, with two major changes:

Action button: A new multi-purpose button that replaces the mute switch on newer iPhone models. It can be configured to perform a variety of actions, depending on the user’s preference.
USB-C port: In order to comply with upcoming European Union regulations, the iPhone SE 4 will switch to a USB-C port instead of Lightning.

Camera bump

The camera bump on the iPhone SE 4 will be redesigned, with Apple reportedly developing at least five different designs. The exact design of the camera bump is still unclear, but it is expected to be similar to the third-generation iPhone SE in terms of size and placement.

Camera

Preliminary information suggests that the iPhone SE 4 may feature a 48-megapixel rear camera, which would be a significant upgrade from the current model’s 12-megapixel camera.

Biometrics

The iPhone SE 4 will not have a Touch ID home button, but will instead use Face ID for biometric identification. This is likely due to the fact that the new chassis is based on the iPhone 14, which also does not have a Touch ID home button.

In-house 5G modem

Apple is also working on an in-house 5G modem, codenamed Sinope. The iPhone SE 4 is being used to test the new modem, which is expected to debut with the iPhone 16 lineup. However, it is possible that the new modem could be released earlier, as it is currently being tested on the iPhone SE 4 and a derivative of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Mass production

It is still early in the development process, so it is possible that the iPhone SE 4 may not make it to mass production. However, the amount of effort that Apple is putting into the design of the device suggests that it is serious about releasing it.

Overall

The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a major upgrade from the current model. The new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics are all expected to be significant improvements. Additionally, the possibility of an in-house 5G modem could make the iPhone SE 4 even more attractive to consumers.

It is important to note that this information is preliminary and subject to change. However, it gives us a good idea of what to expect from the iPhone SE 4 when it is finally released.

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Mobile

Google Launches Earthquake Alert System for Android Devices in India

by George Mensah 2023-09-27

Google has announced the launch of its earthquake alert system for Android devices in India. The system uses smartphone sensors such as accelerometers, which can act as small seismometers to detect tremors.

The system, developed in consultation with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC), will provide early earthquake alerts for Android users in an area that’s likely to be impacted. These alerts will be available in local Indian languages supported by Android.

Google sends two types of alerts: Be Aware and Take Action.

Be Aware: These alerts are sent to users experiencing MMI 3 & 4 shaking during an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or greater. They show an alert on the screen but don’t play any sound if the phone is on Do Not Disturb mode or in silent mode.
Take Action: These alerts are sent to users experiencing MMI 5+ shaking during an earthquake of 4.5 magnitude. They bypass the system’s notification settings, including Do No Disturb, and play a loud sound. The alert also suggests to users what action — such as taking cover under a table — they can take for safety.

Google detects a potential earthquake through many Android phones noting seismic activity in an area. The company claims that alerts often reach many seconds before shaking.

How to enable earthquake alerts on your Android device

To get earthquake alerts, you must:

Be using a phone with Android 5 or later and have Wi-Fi or cellular data connectivity.
Have the location settings enabled on your device.

To enable earthquake alerts:

Go to Settings > Safety & emergency and then Earthquake alerts.
Toggle on Get alerts.

Alternatively, you can also enable earthquake alerts through:

Go to Settings > Location > Advanced > Earthquake alerts.
Toggle on Get alerts.

Google’s AI-powered flood alerts

Google already issues AI-powered flood alerts to all Indian regions. The company began the flood alert pilot in Patna, the capital of the Indian state of Bihar, in 2018. Later, it expanded flood alerts to all of India in 2020.

Google’s earthquake alert system is a valuable addition to its disaster relief and safety efforts in India. It can help people stay safe and informed during earthquakes, which can be devastating.

Mobile

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to Offer Seven Years of Software Support

by George Mensah 2023-09-26

Google’s upcoming Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro could come with seven years of software support, according to a leaked list of specs published by 91Mobiles. This would be a significant improvement over last year’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, which Google has said it will support with five years of security patches, including three years of major Android updates.

It’s unclear whether Google will offer seven years of major Android OS updates for the phones, or whether the figure just refers to seven years of security patches. However, even if it’s only the latter, it would still be better than the five years that both Samsung promises for its latest Galaxy S23 phones and OnePlus promises for this year’s OnePlus 11.

Seven years of support would also approach the length of support offered by Fairphone, the sustainable smartphone manufacturer which makes a big deal out of the longevity of its phones. Fairphone says it plans to support its latest Fairphone 5 with eight years of security patches, though it’s pushing for ten years of support as a stretch goal.

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are rumored to be powered by a new Tensor G3 processor paired with 8GB of RAM on the Pixel 8 and 12GB on the 8 Pro. In terms of storage, the 8 will reportedly come with a choice of 128GB or 256GB, while the 8 Pro could come with up to 512GB, or even 1TB in the US. The Pixel 8 is said to have a 4575mAh battery that can fast charge at up to 27W, while the 8 Pro’s is slightly bigger at 5050mAh, and can apparently fast charge at 30W. Both are rumored to come with support for Qi wireless charging and IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance.

Around back, the Pixel 8 could have a pair of cameras, a 50-megapixel main and a 12-megapixel ultrawide, while the 8 Pro could have three cameras: a 50-megapixel main, 48-megapixel ultrawide, and a 48-megapixel telephoto with up to a 30x zoom. This updated camera hardware will reportedly be joined by an upgraded suite of AI camera software according to an earlier leak from 91Mobiles including a new Night Sight mode for video, and more manual photography controls.

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are set to be officially announced on October 4th, so we’ll know more about their specs and pricing then. However, if the rumors are true, the Pixel 8 series could be some of the most attractive smartphones on the market for those looking for long-term software support.

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