iTel Pad One With 10.1-inch Display, 6,000mAh Battery Launched In India

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Mar 2, 2023

iTel has entered the tablet segment. The Chinese brand has launched its first offering called the iTel Pad One. The device packs decent specifications and falls under the sub-Rs 15,000 price bracket. The iTel Pad One goes up against the likes of the Redmi Pad, Realme Pad Mini, Moto Tab G60, and more in the market. Read on to know what it offers out of the box.

The iTel Pad One features a 10.1-inch display bearing an HD+ resolution. The screen is surrounded by thick bezels. The device sports a metal unibody with a boxy form factor. There is a squarish camera island on the back panel housing a 5MP main sensor paired with an LED flash. On the front, the tablet has an 8MP wide-angle front snapper. The device features dual speakers.

Under the hood, the iTel Pad One is equipped with a Unisoc SC9863A1 octa-core processor. It packs 4GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage that is expandable up to 512GB via a microSD card slot for additional needs. The tablet draws its power from a 6,000mAh battery unit with support for 10W charging. Software-wise, the device runs on Android 12 Go Edition out of the box.

Connectivity options on the iTel Pad One include 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm jack, and OTG support.

The iTel Pad One carries a price tag of Rs 12,999. It is offered in Deep Grey and Light Blue colours. The tablet can be purchased from the brand’s official website and leading offline stores across the country.

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Motorola to Soon Launch a New & Improved Razr Foldable Phone

By

Sean

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Mar 2, 2023

Lenovo has just recently confirmed that it is working on the new 2023 edition of the Motorola Razr foldable smartphone. This new model will apparently be ‘much better’ than its predecessor, so here is all we know about this foldable device.

The company has been rumored to be working on a new foldable phone for a while now. Based on recent reports, we have leaked images of the next generation of Moto Razr and even revealed its supposed launch timeline. Lenovo has yet to officially reveal any finer details regarding this device like its specifications, design, and release date, but the device is described as being “much better” than all of its predecessors.

Furthermore, one such improvements are with upgrades to the folding mechanism itself. Apparently, the company will “focus on the hinge and applications.” As of right now, the official announcement of this device is just around the corner and it is highly unlikely that the existing Razr (2022) model will be launching in the US market. The rumors also claim that the Razr 2023 will beat even the Galaxy Z Flip 5 from Samsung.

Another major upgrade is via a new cover screen that is a 2.7 inch AMOLED panel, which is larger than the 1.9 inch cover display on the Galaxy Z Fold 4. While the company claims that the Razr has been well received in the market, but Samsung is still the market leader in the foldable phone market. But regardless, the company appears to making efforts to build its clamshell folding phone to be better than others in the same category.

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POCO Announces MIUI 14 Rollout Timeline For Eligible Devices In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Mar 2, 2023

Recently, Xiaomi launched MIUI 14 in India. Now POCO has officially announced a list of eligible devices as well as the rollout timeline for receiving the software update. The Xiaomi sub-brand notes that the timelines are subject to change if any issues arise. It’s worth noting that some POCO as well as Xiaomi and Redmi phones are already running on MIUI 14, however, this version is based on the Android 12 OS. The forthcoming MIUI 14 version will be based on Android 13 OS, hence readers are recommended to not get confused.

We got what you were lookin' for 👀
MIUI 14, the lightest and the most optimized MIUI for POCO will be released in a phased manner ✨

Check out this space for more updates! pic.twitter.com/VqSbpjYIK9
— POCO India (@IndiaPOCO) March 2, 2023

The POCO X5 Pro 5G will be the first device to receive the MIUI 14-based Android 13 update. It will be rolled out in the first quarter of 2023 which means we can expect it to arrive by the end of this month. In the second quarter of this year i.e. the period from April to June, as many as six POCO devices including the F4 5G, F3 GT, X3 Pro, M5, M4 5G, and C55. The brand will release the software update to the POCO M4 Pro, X4 Pro 5G, and M4 Pro 5G in Q3, 2022 i.e. July to September.

As for the MIUI 14, it comes with a significantly redesigned home screen with options for tabular icons, big folders, and widgets. There is also a card-style design that shows information in an efficient and organized manner. Xiaomi has made the MIUI 14 lighter by optimizing the system resources and it takes 4GB lesser space. The new OS introduces a feature that auto-compresses rarely-used apps and thus freeing storage space. The MIUI 14 brings seamless connectivity between a smartphone and tablet with a click on the taskbar. There is also a drag-and-drop feature to transfer files between devices.

In case you use Xiaomi or Redmi devices, you can check the list of eligible devices and rollout timeline here.

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Xiaomi Suspends Software Support for Redmi Note 8, Redmi 8A Dual, and Two More Phones

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Mar 2, 2023

Xiaomi has an EOS (End of Support) product list on its official website. Every once in a while, the company updates this list with older devices.

At the end of February, the firm made changes to the list. It added four more smartphones to this huge list. One of them was a quite popular phone of its time.

The handset we are talking about is Redmi Note 8. Apart from this device, Xiaomi has also suspended software support for Redmi Note 8T, Redmi 8A Dual, and Redmi K30 5G Speed Edition.

Redmi Note 8 Neptune Blue — Redmi Note 8

Almost all of the aforementioned phones were released in early 2020. We expected Xiaomi to drop software support for them as some of the initial models in these lineups faced the same in late December.

Throughout their official software support period, Redmi K30 5G Speed Edition, Redmi Note 8, and Redmi Note 8T received two Android updates. But being an entry-level smartphone, the Redmi 8A Dual got only one Android update.

Out of these four handsets, the Redmi Note 8 was arguably the hottest product of its time worldwide. It was the first Redmi Note series device to offer a quad-camera setup.

Above all, it was priced very competitively. Unfortunately, it was the last Redmi Note lineup phone to offer great value for its asking price. That’s because the COVID-19 global pandemic soon followed and the entire smartphone market changed in the following years.

Xiaomi Smart TV With Fire TV OS Teased To Launch In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Mar 2, 2023

Xiaomi launched the F2 Fire TV in the global market last year. The brand mostly has Android televisions in its portfolio. Now Xiaomi has officially teased the arrival of its Fire TV in India. The company has not explicitly revealed that the upcoming offering will be powered by Fire OS but the teaser does give a hint.

Experience the excitement of curtain raiser performances from the comfort of your home.

Stay Tuned!#FireUp pic.twitter.com/mcQv20qN09
— Xiaomi TV India (@XiaomiTVIndia) March 2, 2023

The upcoming smart TV from Xiaomi is confirmed to be available on Amazon and the brand’s official website. The image in the tweet shared by the company has a tagline ‘Who says entertainment can’t be fiery?’ The teaser also reveals the UI of the smart TV that looks similar to the UI offered by Amazon Fire Stick and Fire Stick 4K. Another teaser shared by the company reveals thin bezels suggesting a higher screen-to-body ratio. Apart from this, Xiaomi is yet to reveal more information. We can expect to learn more in the coming days.

With Fire OS-powered smart TV, Xiaomi aims to diversify and offer more choices to customers. Some brands offering Fire OS TVs in India are Onida, Croma, AKAI, and Amazon.

It remains to be seen whether the upcoming Fire OS TV from Xiaomi will be the same as the Xiaomi F2 TV that debuted last year. It comes in 43, 50, and 55-inch screen sizes bearing a 4K UHD resolution and HDR10 support. The television is equipped with two 12W speakers with Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X. It is powered by a quad-core A55 SoC coupled with 2GB RAM and 16GB onboard storage. The Xiaomi F2 runs on Fire OS 7 and packs a built-in Alexa.

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Worldwide Smartphone Shipments To Decline In 2023: IDC

By

Viraj Gawde

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Mar 2, 2023

Global smartphone shipments are expected to decline in 2023. As per International Data Corporation’s (IDC) forecast, the market will decline by 1.1 percent this year. This is said to be due to weak demand and slower market recovery than initially expected. The worldwide quarterly mobile phone tracker predicts that smartphone shipments this year will be 1.19 billion units.

IDC reports that a real recovery in smartphone shipments isn’t expected until 2024 and a five-year CAGR is tipped at 2.6 percent. Out of the 1.19 billion total shipments, this year, 967.7 million are expected to be Android devices while the rest are expected to be iOS. The report also reveals that 5G is growing and is projected to account for 62 percent of shipments worldwide by 2023. This number will increase to 83 percent in 2027. Foldable phones are also said to be a rising segment and are estimated to reach 22 million units this year, a 50 percent increase despite market decline. The segment is expected to continue growing as costs reduce and more brand launch foldable phones. According to IDC, the average selling price of smartphones grew from $334 in 2019 to $415 in 2022, but it will start to decline in 2023 and is projected to hit $376.

IDC stated that “With increasing costs and ongoing challenges in consumer demand, OEMs are quite cautious about 2023. While there is finally some good news coming out of China with the recent reopening, there is still a lot of uncertainty and lack of trust, which results in a cautious outlook.”

The global smartphone market is expected to bounce back to growth in 2024 once these short-term challenges are over. There is said to be a significant pent-up refresh cycle in developed markets and room for smartphone penetration in emerging countries,

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 to Pack Larger Battery

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Mar 2, 2023

Samsung is said to refresh its smartwatch lineup in 2023 as well. The new models are expected to be called Galaxy Watch 6 as they will act as a successor to Galaxy Watch 5 from 2022.

A few days back, the design of this upcoming wearable was revealed by a reliable tipster. Now, the battery capacity of this product has been publicized by a certification agency.

As per GalaxyClub, the batteries of two upcoming Samsung smartwatches have been certified by SafetyKorea. The publication says that these batteries belong to the Galaxy Watch 6 series.

The smaller of the two batteries, which is said to power the 40mm variant of Galaxy Watch 6 (SM-R93x) has a capacity of 300mAh. For comparison, the battery capacities of 40mm versions of Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4 are 284mAh and 247mAh, respectively.

Though the difference among the battery capacities of these watches seems low, the newer model actually offers better endurance. Therefore, the Watch 6 will likely last longer than the Watch 5.

Further, the second certified battery has a capacity of 425mAh. This one is expected to back the 44mm variant of Galaxy Watch 6. For reference, the battery capacities of its predecessors are 410mAh (Watch 5) and 361mAh (Watch 4).

Apart from larger batteries, the Galaxy Watch 6 is also tipped to sport curved glass like the Google Pixel Watch. Since the wearable is getting a redesign after two generations, Samsung may also include other upgrades regarding which we are yet to learn.

Stuffcool Launches 20,000mAh Superpower 85W Powerbank in India

By

Sean

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Mar 2, 2023

Stuffcool has just launched a brand new product in the Indian market. The new device in question is the Superpower 85W powerbank, which houses a massive 20,000mAh battery. So here are all the details.

Based on official notes, the company’s latest powerbank just launches soon after the release of the Stuffcool Palm ultra compact powerbank. However, the new Superpower 85W that is capable of charging MacBook or other laptops that are powered by a USB Type C port and even Nintendo Switch gaming consoles from the Type C1 port. Buyers can connect their iPhone and also other PD compatible devices as well.

The new 20,000mAh battery pack also supports fast charging and can charge an iPhone to 50 percent in just 30 minutes. Stuffcool’s Superpower offers dedicated outputs from both Type C ports. Meaning, you can charge two devices at the same time. The Type C1 port allows for up to 65W of charging (supports Samsung, Pixel, and other Android phones), while the Type C2 port delivers up to 20W of charging for iOS devices.

The Stuffcool Superpower 20,000mAh 85W Powerbank is available for a price tag of 4,990 INR. It is only available in a single Black color option and be purchased via leading online and offline stores as well as the company’s official website. So for those looking to charge their notebooks or Nintendo Switch on the go, you can check this device out as your next accessory purchase.

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OnePlus Ace 2V Will Support 120FPS in League of Legends and 90FPS in Game for Peace

By

Soumyakanti

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Mar 2, 2023

OnePlus is all set to launch its latest offering, the OnePlus Ace 2V, on March 7th in China. The device is specifically designed to cater to the needs of mobile gamers, with a host of features that promise a seamless gaming experience. The company has been teasing its features on Weibo.

One of the most exciting features of the OnePlus Ace 2V is its support for high frame rates in popular games like “League of Legends” and “Game for Peace”. The device supports 120fps in “League of Legends” and 90fps in “Game for Peace” without sacrificing brightness, ensuring gamers enjoy a near-full frame stable and high frame rate experience.

Moreover, the device features the Lingxi Touch technology, which promises a silky-smooth and smooth user experience, whether sliding in daily applications or team battles in games.

The OnePlus Ace 2V also boasts of “Game Cloud Computing Private Network Technology,” which was first introduced in the OnePlus 11. This technology promises to solve network-related problems while playing games and reduce high latency times by almost 44% in weak network environments and 75% in congested online games.

According to recent reports, the OnePlus Ace 2V will equip a powerful Dimensity 9000 chipset, LPDDR5x RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage. The base variant is expected to come with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, while the highest configuration will feature 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

The device will sport a large 6.74-inch OLED screen with a 1.5K resolution, 1450 nits brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, a 5,000mAh battery with 100W charging, and a 16-megapixel front camera. At the back, the device will sport a triple camera setup with a primary OIS-enabled 64MP lens, 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. Ace 2V will run on OxygenOS 13-based Android 13 OS.

While the OnePlus Ace 2V will not be available in the global market, recent leaks suggest that the phone will be rebranded as the OnePlus Nord 3 for the global market and will be announced in July. The base model of the Ace 2V is expected to be priced at CNY 2,399 ($349).

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Apple’s Latest Price Increase for Trade-In Valuations is a Win-Win for Customers and the Company

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Mar 2, 2023

If your phone is a few years old, you may be considering upgrading to a more recent model. To do this, you can sell or trade-in your old phone. If you choose the second option and your next phone will be from Apple, we have great news for you. Apple has recently announced an increase in the trade-in values of some older iPhone models, as well as other devices. Here are the details…

Apple increases trade-in valuations of some iPhone models and other devices

Apple has announced an increase in the trade-in values of some older iPhone models, as well as select iPad and Apple Watch models. The new trade-in values can be found on the online Apple Store homepage. The increased values make it more attractive for customers to upgrade to the latest Apple devices while keeping their purchase price down. However, we must warn that the increase in trade-in values may vary by region. In addition, the company does not offer this option to users in a few countries such as Turkey.

To give an example of a price increase, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has been given a $30 or 5.3% boost, with a trade-in valuation of up to $600. The 13 Pro also received a $30 increase, taking its value up to $500. The iPhone 12 Pro Max from 2020 is now worth up to $420 in a trade-in, which is $20 (or 5%) higher than its previous value. The iPhone 7 Plus, which was released in 2016, has received a 20% boost in its trade-in value, now generating as much as $60 in value.

In addition to iPhones, Apple has also increased the trade-in value of select iPad and Apple Watch models. TThis is due to the economic crisis affecting the whole world and the indirect inflation increase.

The complete and current list of trade-in values for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch models is as follows:

iPhone
- iPhone 13 Pro Max Up to $600
- iPhone 13 Pro Up to $500
- iPhone 13 Up to $400
- iPhone 13 mini Up to $350
- iPhone SE (3rd generation) Up to $160
- iPhone 12 Pro Max Up to $420
- iPhone 12 Pro Up to $330
- iPhone 12 Up to $300
- iPhone 12 mini Up to $250
- iPhone SE (2nd generation) Up to $100
- iPhone 11 Pro Max Up to $280
- iPhone 11 Pro Up to $230
- iPhone 11 Up to $200
- iPhone XS Max Up to $200
- iPhone XS Up to $160
- iPhone XR Up to $150
- iPhone X Up to $130
- iPhone 8 Plus Up to $100
- iPhone 8 Up to $75
- iPhone 7 Plus Up to $60
- iPhone 7 Up to $40

iPad
- iPad Pro Up to $445
- iPad Air Up to $320
- iPad Up to $165
- iPad mini Up to $240

Apple Watch
- Apple Watch Series 7 Up to $165
- Apple Watch Series 6 Up to $105
- Apple Watch SE Up to $70
- Apple Watch Series 5 Up to $80
- Apple Watch Series 4 Up to $50

Apple also accepts Android phones

If you are an Android user, don’t worry, Apple has a trade-in program for some Android models. The company recycles these models and, in its own words, ‘makes the environment a better place.’ However, the value that it offers for Android phones might disappoint you a bit.

The complete and current list of trade-in values for Android models is as follows:

Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Up to $305
- Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Up to $255
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G Up to $225
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Up to $210
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Up to $165
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ Up to $130
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Up to $115
- Samsung Galaxy S10+ Up to $85
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Up to $65
- Samsung Galaxy S10e Up to $50
- Samsung Galaxy S9+ Up to $45
- Samsung Galaxy S9 Up to $30
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Up to $225
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Up to $155
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Up to $60
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Up to $75
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Up to $45

Google
- Google Pixel 6 Pro Up to $130
- Google Pixel 6 Up to $90
- Google Pixel 6a Up to $85
- Google Pixel 5 Up to $85
- Google Pixel 5a Up to $75
- Google Pixel 4 XL Up to $55
- Google Pixel 4 Up to $45
- Google Pixel 4a Up to $45

Note: Customers who trade in their older Apple devices can either get cash or an Apple gift card worth the amount of the trade-in. The Apple gift card can be used towards the purchase of any Apple product.

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Apple Removes Live Wallpapers on iPhones in iOS 16, Here’s Why

By

Sean

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Mar 2, 2023

Apple has quietly removed one of its popular features in its latest iteration of iOS. Now, the iPhone on the latest iOS 16 no longer offer Live Wallpapers. So here is why the company decided to make this change.

For those unaware, the Cupertino based giant first offered this feature on iOS 11 half a decade ago and many iPhone owners did use this feature. However, the brand still took down the feature, which also included Apple’s official Dynamic Wallpapers as well. Dynamic wallpapers were basically wallpapers that moved on the lock screen. To activate the feature, one simply needed to long press on the display to see the motion of a Live Wallpaper.

However, this apparently became an issue when the company also decided to offer a customizable lock screen feature on iPhones, which it had previously offered on its Apple Watch. Since the cuztomizable lock screens also worked via long pressing the display, it appears that the iPhone maker removed the older feature. This change also brings two of the company’s product lines closer together.

In other words, it chose to keep a new feature and remove an older one, since both of them had a similar input method. Apple has worked to build a robust ecosystem that is seamless and likely chose ease in control and functionality across two different platforms; rather than keeping two features that more or less performed similar functions.

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(Source)

Realme GT Neo5 150W’s New Variant With 16GB RAM and 512GB to Launch Soon

By

Soumyakanti

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Mar 2, 2023

Realme has confirmed a new variant of its affordable flagship phone, the Realme GT Neo5 150W. The new variant will come with a whopping 16GB of RAM and 512GB of built-in storage.

This announcement comes just weeks after the phone was unveiled in China in three configurations: 8GB RAM + 256GB storage, 12GB RAM + 256GB storage, and 16GB RAM + 256GB storage.

While the price of the new variant has not yet been confirmed by Realme, it is speculated to be around CNY 3,099 ($450). The existing three variants of the Realme GT Neo5 150W are priced at CNY 2,499 ($360), CNY 2,699 ($390), and CNY 2,899 ($420), respectively.

The Realme GT Neo5 150W offers a stunning 6.74-inch OLED 1.5K 144Hz display with 1450 nits peak brightness, a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, a 16-megapixel front camera, and 50-megapixel+8-megapixel+2-megapixel triple rear cameras. The phone is powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 150W charging support, which can charge the phone to 100% in just 25 minutes.

The 240W model, which comes in two options, 16GB RAM + 256GB storage for CNY 3,199 ($465) and 16GB RAM + 1TB storage for CNY 3,499 ($510), features a slightly smaller 4,600mAh battery with 240W charging support.

The Realme GT Neo5 has already made its global debut with the moniker Realme GT3 240W. The phone has received positive reviews for its impressive specifications and affordable price point, which make it a great option for budget-conscious consumers who want a high-end smartphone experience.

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Redmi Note 12 Turbo is Almost Here

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Mar 2, 2023

We have been hearing about the Redmi Note 12 Turbo (aka Redmi Note 12T) since January. In the last few weeks, more details about this smartphone have emerged.

Today, a new report reveals that the device may go official very soon. Let’s check out what this reliable source has to say.

According to Xiaomiui, the software for the upcoming Redmi Note 12 Turbo is ready. The handset will ship with MIUI 14 based on Android 13. The last internal MIUI build for this phone bears firmware version V14.0.2.0.TMRCNXM.

Since the product will be making its initial debut in China, Redmi may start teasing its arrival in the coming days. As usual, the brand may disclose all the main features before the smartphone’s official announcement.

The Redmi Note 12 Turbo, which is codenamed ‘marble’, is expected to release outside mainland China as Poco F5. But unfortunately, the software for the Poco model is not ready yet.

But the source has revealed that there will be three variants of Poco F5 for international markets. They are Global, EEA, and India.

According to other reports, there’s going to be a Poco F5 Pro as well. That device is nothing but a rebranded Redmi K60 featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen1 chipset.

As far as the Remdi Note 12 Turbo (Poco F5) is concerned, it is tipped to arrive with a new Snapdragon 7 series chip (either Gen 2 or plus variant of Gen1), a 6.67-inch 120Hz OLED display, a 50MP + 8MP + 2MP triple camera system, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a 5,500mAh battery, and 67W charging support.

Amazon Launches 5th Gen Echo Dot in India

By

Sean

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Mar 2, 2023

Amazon has just launched the latest generation of its Echo Dot smart speaker in the Indian market. The new model is the 5th generation and arrives two years after its 4th Gen variant with various improvements across the board. So let’s have a look.

The e-commerce giant has just announced the new Echo Dot that promises to offer deeper bass and clearer vocals than its older versions. Furthermore, the new device also features built in motion detection and temperature sensor, which enables the gadget to automatically turns on a light when you enter the room and can also switch on the AC if the room is too warm. For privacy, this model features a mic off button as well.

The new Echo Dot houses a 1.73 inch speaker, which is larger than the 1.6 inch on the previous model. Despite some of these changes, the smart speaker still features a similar design with a spherical shape and circular ring of LED on the bottom. The Echo Dot is built with the same fabric finish exterior like the older models. Although, this model does not feature a 3.5mm port.

Other notable features include, Dual band WiFi support, Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh, and Matter controller. The new Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen model is available in three color options, namely Black, Blue and White. The device has an official price tag of 5,499 INR (roughly 66 US Dollars) but is available on Amazon for a discounted price tag of 4,999 INR (roughly 60 US Dollars) as an introductory offer.

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Oppo’s Prototype Zero-Power Tags Don’t Need Batteries to Track Objects

By

Anubhav

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Mar 2, 2023

Oppo’s groundbreaking Zero-power Communication technology, which was outlined in a white paper last year, has resulted in the development of a functioning Zero-Power Tag prototype. The cutting-edge device is being showcased at the MWC 2023 expo.

What sets the Zero-Power Tag apart is its ability to operate without a battery, a feat made possible by its utilization of key technologies such as RF signal harvesting, backscattering, and low-power computing. By extracting energy from the surrounding environment, the device can function independently and communicate wirelessly, catering to the diverse needs of IoT in the 6G era some years down the line.

Zero-Power devices are designed to derive energy from ambient radio signals emitted by sources such as FM radio towers, TV towers, cellular base stations, and WiFi access points. The harvested energy is then used to modulate ambient radio signals with the device’s own information, which can then be transmitted outwards via backscattering communication.

In the not-too-distant future, IoT devices may be able to draw energy directly from Bluetooth, WiFi, and cellular signals, resulting in smaller, more durable, and more cost-effective devices. Electronic tags, for example, could be utilized for item tracking without the need for battery replacement or recharging. The Zero-Power Tag prototype we examined was a plastic rectangle with an embedded chip, although Oppo informed us that it might ultimately take the form of a sticker that can be attached anywhere.

One potential use case that was mentioned involved monitoring the migratory habits of endangered birds using the device. Oppo’s Zero-Power Tag represents a paradigm shift in the world of IoT, where the use of harmful batteries could be drastically reduced. Apple AirTags, for example, rely on coin batteries that last only a year. However, innovative solutions like the Zero-Power Tag could prevent millions of batteries from being disposed of in landfills, and can be a sustainable step towards eradicating miniature battery waste on a large scale.

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Intel & Microsoft Are Preparing for Windows 12 as Per Latest Leaks

By

Anubhav

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Mar 2, 2023

Recently, rumors have surfaced about Intel and Microsoft seemingly gearing up for the launch of Windows 12, which has not yet been officially announced. @leaf_hobby, a known hardware leaker who previously revealed the specs of Intel’s Xeon chips, has disclosed information about Intel’s Meteor Lake desktop platform, which is expected to support Windows 12. However, Intel and Microsoft have declined to comment on these rumors.

While Microsoft has not announced any plans for Windows 12, there are indications that the company is looking to incorporate AI-powered features in future versions of Windows. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s head of consumer marketing, recently commented on the potential for AI in the Windows experience. Mehdi discussed the latest Windows 11 update, which includes AI-powered features such as Bing integration and recommended content for business users. Microsoft is also reportedly working on AI-powered smart snapping features for Windows 11.

If Microsoft intends to make more extensive use of AI in the next version of Windows, it would need to work closely with hardware partners such as Intel and AMD to optimize chips that can handle AI workloads. AMD has recently launched its Ryzen 7000 mobile processors, which are the first x86 chips to contain a dedicated AI engine that can support Microsoft’s Windows Studio Effects. Similarly, Intel’s Meteor Lake is expected to include AI capabilities similar to those introduced by AMD in its Ryzen 7000 mobile CPUs.

Both AMD and Intel are racing to catch up to Apple and its latest M2 chips, which have a dedicated AI chip that can handle 15.8 trillion operations per second. Microsoft has reportedly shifted back to a three-year release cycle for Windows, meaning that the next major version of Windows could be due in 2024.

Microsoft has also begun to focus on updating Windows 11 more frequently than the original annual updates it promised at the launch of the operating system in 2021. The latest update includes AI-powered Bing integration, improvements to widgets, touch mode, screen recording, and more.

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Bharti Airtel to Raise Prices of Mobile Service Across All Plans in India

By

Anubhav

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Mar 2, 2023

Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal has recently confirmed the company’s plan to increase mobile phone call and data rates across all plans in 2023. The minimum recharge for the 28-day mobile phone service plan has already been increased by 57% to ₹155 in eight circles. Mittal explained that the return on capital in the telecom business is low, and a tariff hike is expected this year. He emphasized that the increase would be across the board, but the rise would be low compared to the spending people are making on other things.

Mittal also highlighted the need for a robust telecom company in India, with the dream of India being digital and economic growth fully realized. He mentioned that the government and regulator are conscious of the situation, and people are also aware of the changes that need to happen. He added that the focus on digital infrastructure in particular is reaping benefits for India, and companies operating in this environment have a lot to gain.

Regarding the impact of inflation and the global macroeconomic situation on the company, Mittal said that India is moving very fast, and all sectors of the Indian economy are getting a lot of attention from the government and investors. He stated that the government has done a lot to make telecom industry infrastructure healthy with support to BSNL and Vodafone Idea.

Mittal also discussed the company’s focus on the rollout of the 5G network, saying that monetization would happen after the network base is ready. He also mentioned that the company would not shut down 2G services until the entire customer base migrates to 4G or 5G. Mittal further confirmed that the company’s payments bank is moving well, and it has become profitable, providing financial inclusion for over 65 million customers.

Overall, Mittal’s announcement of the tariff hike came across as pragmatic, with the need for sustainable operations being the driving force behind the decision. He conveyed the message that while the hike was necessary, it would be implemented in a manner that was low and manageable, and would not create an undue burden on consumers.

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Upcoming Xiaomi Smartwatch May Run on Google’s Wear OS 3

By

Anubhav

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Mar 2, 2023

Companies have been focusing extensively on smartwatches recently since portable technology is attracting more and more customers. Xiaomi, the Chinese electronics giant known for its extensive portfolio of smartphones, wearables, and other tech products, has exciting news for fans of smartwatches. While the company has been releasing watches on its own proprietary system, it seems to be preparing to launch a new smartwatch that runs on Google’s Wear OS 3.

The upcoming Xiaomi Watch will be managed by the same “Mi Fitness (Xiaomi Wear)” app that the company’s wearables use today, making it familiar and easy to use for brand fans. It will also release under the same “Xiaomi Watch” branding as the existing lineup of non-Wear OS watches, providing consumers with the same sleek and stylish design they have come to expect and love.

While details on the upcoming watch are slim at the moment, it has been confirmed that it will run on Wear OS 3, a significant upgrade from the current MIUI Watch OS used in Xiaomi’s higher-end models. This means that users can expect to enjoy some of the exclusive features and capabilities made possible by Google’s apps and services. It’s worth noting that Fossil smartwatches also feature Wear OS 3.

However, one potential downside for fans of the Xiaomi Watch series is that Wear OS is not known for its long-lasting battery life. Xiaomi Watches are known for lasting multiple days without charging, but it remains to be seen how the upcoming Wear OS-powered Xiaomi Watch will fare in this regard.

While the release date for the new Xiaomi Watch is still uncertain, development is reportedly lining up for a launch sometime in 2023. Overall, the shift to Wear OS 3 is an exciting development for Xiaomi and its fans, and we look forward to seeing how the company incorporates this new technology into its smartwatch lineup.

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Sony Unveils New LED TV Lineup with Enhanced Image Processing

By

Anubhav

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Mar 2, 2023

Sony has unveiled its 2023 Bravia XR lineup, which includes a range of televisions with iterative refinements and modest improvements. While a QD-OLED television leads the launch line, the company is still showcasing its image processing as a major selling point. Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR is said to be what sets its TVs apart from the competition, and this year, the company is introducing XR Clear Image, a feature that automatically adjusts picture quality based on the source material.

With the increase in popularity of high-end consoles, such as the Sony Playstation 5 and the Xbox Series X, Sony has also focused on enhancing the gaming experience. All of its TVs are capable of 4K gaming at 120Hz, although only two HDMI 2.1 ports are available, with the other two being HDMI 2.0. Sony’s integration with the PS5 remains strong, but new gaming software features will also extend to Xbox.

The X90L is a full-array local dimming LED TV designed to offer excellent performance at an affordable price point. To add a premium detail to the TV, Sony has updated the bezel from plastic to aluminum and increased local dimming zones and peak brightness by up to 60% and 30%, respectively. It’s also the largest screen size amongst the new lineup, clocking in at a 98-inch display.

The A80L OLED comes in an 83-inch size, with upgrades including slightly better dialogue clarity and 10% brighter performance. However, it is otherwise very similar to 2022’s A80K WRGB OLED TV. Lastly, the QD-OLED A95L is the most impressive TV in the new lineup, promising up to 200% better peak brightness than its predecessor, the A95K, and offering strong competition to LG’s C2 and C3.

Software-wise, Sony is also introducing an Eco Dashboard to promote eco-friendly options and energy-saving techniques, which is accessible from the home screen. Additionally, there is a settings menu tailored to gaming, allowing for easy toggling of VRR, motion blur reduction, black equalizer, contrast adjustments, and an on-screen crosshair.

In summary, while Sony’s 2023 lineup of Bravia XR TVs offers modest improvements compared to their predecessors, the company’s focus on image processing and gaming capabilities, along with the introduction of an Eco Dashboard and gaming settings menu, will provide customers with an enhanced viewing experience.

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Cult.sport Unveils Beats & Burn Smartwatches for Indian Market

By

Sudhanshu

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Mar 2, 2023

Cult.sport, a known fitness brand, has made its way into the Indian smartwatch arena by unveiling two new smartwatches: Beats and Burn. The Beats model boasts a square dial sporting a high-definition 1.85-inch screen, while the Burn smartwatch features a 1.78-inch AMOLED display on a square-shaped dial. With inbuilt speakers, both watches allow Bluetooth calling. It’s exciting to see how Cult.sport is expanding its product line to cater to the evolving needs of fitness enthusiasts in India.

Cult.sport Beats & Burn Smartwatch features

The Cult.sport Beats smartwatch boasts a generous 1.85-inch HD LCD display with a brightness of 600 nits, akin to the Apple Watch design. It’s equipped with a physical button on the right, allowing for easy operation. With Bluetooth calling capabilities, the smartwatch can store up to seven frequently contacted individuals for quick access. Moreover, it features a built-in mic and speaker for seamless calling.

On the other hand, the Cult.sport Burn smartwatch features a 1.78-inch high resolution AMOLED display with 550 nits peak brightness and the Always-On display feature.

Boasting an impressive 250mAh battery, both smartwatch offers an extended battery life of up to seven days with general usage. The battery charges rapidly, from 0 to 100%, within a mere one hour and 30 minutes. The Beast smartwatch also boasts over 115 sports modes and is IP67 water-resistant, making it a perfect workout companion. The Burn smartwatch only comes with 60 sports modes.

Health features of both smartwatches include continuous 24-hour heart rate monitoring, SPO2, and BP monitoring, sleep and step tracking, calorie counting, drinking water and sedentary reminders, and menstrual cycle tracking.

In addition to its health and fitness features, the smartwatches also offer numerous other functionalities such as weather updates, a calculator, camera, and music controls, find my phone/watch, functional crown control, AI voice assistant, 80+ watch faces, and music storage that can hold up to 60 songs.

Price & availability

The Cult.sport Beats and Burn smartwatches are available in an array of color options, including Black, Rose Gold, and Dark Blue. Priced affordably, the Beats model is available for Rs. 2,199, while the Burn variant costs Rs. 3,299. Interested buyers can purchase both smartwatches from the Cult.sport website or Flipkart.

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