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Free Malaysia Today
14 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
How to run AI models on a smartphone without internet connection
The Google AI Edge Gallery enables users to download and run AI models on their smartphones, even without internet connection. (Google pic) PARIS : Google has quietly launched a mobile application that lets you use artificial intelligence models locally on your smartphone, without needing to be connected to the internet, whether via a cellular or WiFi network. The app, called Google AI Edge Gallery, enables users to download and run artificial intelligence (AI) models locally on their smartphone, without the need for an internet connection. For the time being, this application is only compatible with Android. A version for iOS is planned at a later date. Available in alpha (experimental) version only via GitHub, it offers access to a variety of open source models from the Hugging Face platform, including Google's Gemma 3n model. The application has absolutely nothing to do with Google's Gemini AI and all its possible variations. It's designed to be highly intuitive and accessible to all, and free of charge via a smartphone running at least Android 10. Beware of storage, however, as each model needs between 500 MB and 4 GB, depending on performance. Like the most popular generative AI tools, the application uses its various models to answer queries posed by the user, generate images from text descriptions, and rewrite, summarise or translate text. It also aids programming by generating or modifying source code. As the application is not available on the Google Play Store, you need to manually download the APK file from Google AI Edge Gallery directly from GitHub. Once installed, you can then run the AI models of your choice locally. If this application is being launched quietly and outside of Google Play, it's because it's currently an experimental version (and therefore by definition unstable) that needs a lot of feedback from users and developers in order to be improved, and one day offered in a more accessible way to everyday users.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 SSD Review: Ultra-fast, durable, and portable storage solution
In a world increasingly dominated by cloud computing, one might assume that external hard disks and flash drives are relics of the past. But the truth is, these physical storage devices still play a vital role in our digital lives — often in ways the cloud simply can't replicate. Imagine you're working on a critical project in a remote location with no internet access. Your cloud storage is unreachable, but your trusty external hard drive is right there, ready to deliver. That's the beauty of offline storage. Then there's the matter of speed. Uploading gigabytes of 4K video or massive software builds to the cloud can be painfully slow, even with a decent connection. External drives, especially those using USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt, offer blazing-fast transfer speeds that make them indispensable for creatives, gamers, and professionals dealing with large files. Security is another key factor. While cloud providers invest heavily in cybersecurity, no system is completely immune to breaches. For those handling sensitive or confidential data, keeping a copy on an encrypted external drive offers peace of mind that no hacker can touch. And let's not forget cost. Cloud storage often comes with monthly or annual fees, especially if you need terabytes of space. In contrast, an external drive is a one-time purchase that can last for years, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term storage. So while the cloud has transformed how we store and access data, external hard disks remain relevant — quietly dependable, always accessible, and often the unsung heroes of our digital workflows. On this note, Sandisk, a leader in flash memory storage solutions and now a subsidiary of Western Digital, has recently released two products that will resonate with customers seeking offline storage. SanDisk has stepped up its game with the Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, offering blazing-fast speeds and rugged durability. Designed for professionals handling large files, such as 4K/8K video editing, gaming, and real-time media access, this SSD promises top-tier performance with USB4 Gen 3×2 connectivity. Performance With read speeds up to 3,800MB/s and write speeds up to 3,700MB/s, this SSD competes with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 drives while maintaining broader compatibility. However, to achieve peak performance, users need a fully compliant USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port—otherwise, speeds default to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or lower. Design and build The Extreme PRO USB4 maintains SanDisk's signature rugged design, featuring IP65-rated water and dust resistance and drop protection up to 2 metres. While it's slightly larger than previous models, its textured silicone grip ensures a secure hold. The 5.51″ x 2.70″ x 0.47″ dimensions make it portable, though not the most compact option. Compatibility This SSD works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5, making it a versatile choice for console gaming storage and cross-platform media use. However, some users have reported connection issues, where the drive occasionally defaults to 10Gbps or 5Gbps speeds instead of the expected 40Gbps. Pricing & Warranty The 2TB model is priced at Dh1,349. SanDisk backs this SSD with a 5-year warranty. Pros Blazing-fast speeds (when connected to USB4) Rugged, durable design Broad compatibility across devices 5-year warranty Cons Larger than previous models Premium price tag Occasional connection issues Final verdict The SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is a powerful, high-speed SSD that caters to professionals and gamers alike. While its performance is impressive, users should ensure they have USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports to unlock its full potential. If you need fast, reliable, and rugged storage, this SSD is a solid investment—but be mindful of its size and occasional connectivity quirks.
Geek Culture
5 days ago
- Business
- Geek Culture
App of the Month: Splid (May 2025)
Good company makes for a good time, but it can also mean more work when it comes to calculating the bill. While some may find comfort in doing the math, others are often put off by the tedium of it all, especially with additional factors like multiple payees and uneven splits complicating matters. Taking the stress out of handling transactions is Splid, aptly conveyed through its tagline of 'Split bills, not friendships'. Designed to help users stay on top of their shared expenses and settle up in a fuss-free way, it touts a nifty slate of features, starting with a clean, straightforward interface that shows them who owes how much to whom after all the expenses are keyed in. There's no need for an Internet connection or account to reap the benefits, either. The app supports offline use and doesn't require sign-up to work, but going online will sync the group's spending. In more intricate cases where, say, not everyone orders the same serving or portion of food, the bill can be adjusted without being subjected to mental gymnastics. With over 150 currencies registered and the ability to automatically convert amounts into just one currency, Splid keeps up the convenience for travelling, allowing users to easily track their overseas spending and split costs while abroad. Those who want to download summaries as PDF or Excel files have to fork out a small sum of US$4.99, but otherwise, the app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for free. Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. Android App of the Month iOS Splid
Android Authority
09-05-2025
- Android Authority
So many people had no clue this Google app for managing photos and videos existed!
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority TL;DR Google has a Gallery app (formerly Gallery Go) designed for offline photo viewing, which many users, even Pixel owners, are unaware of despite its billion-plus downloads and six-year existence. A trending Reddit thread revealed widespread surprise about the app's existence, with users praising it as a simple alternative to Google Photos. The app has been under the radar due to a lack of promotion and updates from Google. It received minor improvements in January. Google Photos isn't just a feature-rich gallery app; it's also a powerful editing tool, which explains why it's among the most-used apps on Android devices. But did you know that Google also has another gallery app designed specifically for offline photo management? It's essentially a lighter, offline-friendly version of Google Photos, and surprisingly, many Android users have never heard of it. We assumed everyone was aware of Google's lesser-known Gallery app. After all, it has received considerable coverage from various tech publications, including us. Back in 2023, my colleague Hadlee Simons even recommended it as a simple, offline solution for viewing photos. Despite all the coverage, it turns out many users, including many Pixel owners, still don't know the app exists. A Reddit thread, first noticed by DroidLife and currently trending on the Pixel subreddit, highlights just how under-the-radar the Gallery app remains. The app has over a billion downloads, yet the trending Reddit thread is filled with surprised Pixel users thanking a commenter for introducing them to it. Did you know about the Google Gallery app? 0 votes Yes, of course! I've know for a long time! NaN % No, I had no clue! NaN % 'Oh my gosh, why did I not know about this? And you're telling me I'll automatically see all my photos and videos here? And I can use it like a normal gallery?' wrote the thread's creator, who was searching for a Google Photos alternative. 'Bless you. This has been my biggest gripe with Google Photos. I tried third-party apps, but they were super sketchy, so I gave up,' added another user. 'Thanks for sharing — I didn't know this app existed,' wrote yet another commenter, followed by more such surprise reactions. So why the lack of awareness? Likely because Google doesn't promote the Gallery app much. Originally launched in 2019 as Gallery Go, the app was intended for low-end devices with limited storage in markets where network connectivity isn't great. Since then, the app hasn't seen much marketing or feature expansion. While Google hasn't added any major functionality to the Gallery app in years, its most recent update came in January, focused on bug fixes and minor improvements. The app does offer basic AI-powered photo organization, but it's a straightforward tool for viewing locally stored photos and videos. Nothing more. For those sticking with Google Photos, there's an easy way to access local media and differentiate between what's on your device and what's stored in the cloud. You can just head to the 'Collections' tab and tap on 'On this device' to view images and videos saved locally on your phone.
