Author: Mukund Krishna Kumar

‘Apple Glass’ Could Be A Reality Soon As Apple Buys AR Centric Longmont

Apple has confirmed the acquisition of a startup that ‘focuses’ on making lenses for Augmented Reality glasses. Reports of the deal had been around for a while, however a Senior Apple Executive confirmed it on Wednesday. The move strengthens recent rumours about an upcoming ‘Apple Glass’ similar to the Google Glass.

Apple acquired Longmont and Colorado-based Akonia Holographics. “The technology allows for thin, transparent smart glasses that display vibrant, full- colour, wide field-of-view images.”, according to Akonia. The news entirely hints at the fact that the tech giant is planning to enter the domain of wearable AR devices which enhance daily experiences. The company Akonia, also has more than 200 patents related to holographic systems, according to its website.

Also Read: HMD Global Acquires PureView Trademark

Augmented Reality:

Augmented Reality superimposes images on real-world scenarios, making it more interactive and informative. This was seen in the immensely popular game Pokemon GO which used AR extensively. Similarly, Apple might be planning to use Akonia’s holographic technology to project information on to the lenses of wearable glasses.

Apple’s Big Move :

This isn’t the first time it has acquired a smaller company. Back in 2013, it bought a small Israeli company which specialised in making 3D sensors. The Face ID feature in the iPhone X launched last year, used similar technology and 3D sensors. Apple does pick up smaller firms which showcase promising technology and takes that technology to the testing grounds. Many of the features available in various Apple products could have been at on point of time, the prime focus of a small company.

However, the purchase of the company doesn’t really confirm the development of a new device. According to a senior executive at Apple, “Apple buys smaller companies from time to time, and we generally don’t discuss our purpose or plans”. Regardless, most analysts point out the fact that an ‘Apple Glass’ is actually in development and we could see it for ourselves by the year 2020.

August 30, 2018
Iron Fist Season 2 Trailer Packs A Solid Punch

The second season of Marvel’s Iron Fist is right around the corner and we can’t be more excited. The trailer to season 2 of the Netflix original provides insights into the great improvements made this time. Improved action choreography, addition of characters and costumes and a new action coordinator has fans and critics excited the same. Iron Fist is the story of a young boy who was the lone survivor of a place crash which killed his parents. Found by a group of warrior monks, they trained him in the city of K’un-Lun to be a fierce warrior. He then returns to New York to claim his right to his fathers company and destroy the evil plaguing the city.

Supposed to be one of the greatest martial artists in the Marvel Universe, the first season of Iron Fist was kind of a let down in that sense. Instead of using his great powers to sail through any fight, each encounter was a bit of a struggle. This made the sequences pretty plain, boring and repetitive. With the great power of the Iron Fist, he should have been portrayed as more of a superhero rather than a street fighter, critics argue.

Netflix has finally found a way to address that issue. The addition of action choreographer Clayton Barber is a welcome change. He brings along experience from Creed and Marvel’s critically acclaimed Black Panther. Along with this, the actors have reportedly been training for extended periods of time. The lead, Finn Jones had been specially training months prior to the principal photography on the second season began. This will allow the actors to have a ‘flow’ in their movements, which will seem more natural.

Releasing on September 7th on Netflix, the second season also brings along new elements. What looks like a costume and the ‘Iron Fist Mask’ is something that will add to the identity of the protagonist. This season will also mark the entry of the villain Typhoid Mary played by Alice Eve. Watch the trailer for the second season below.

August 30, 2018
Huawei Crosses Apple, Becomes Number 2 Smartphone Maker Worldwide

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei has surpassed Apple to grab the second position in the smartphone market. A report by Gartner revealed the sales made by each company in the second quarter of 2018. According to the report, Huawei sold 49,846 units in Q2 2018 compared to 35,964 units in Q2 2017. At the same time, Apple sold only 44,715 Units in Q2 2018.

Via Videoblocks

Another report, published by IDC a month ago had also put Huawei at the no 2 spot, ahead of Apple. However, as this report ranked the manufacturers according to shipments made rather than sales, it didn’t paint quite a clear picture. The rise of sales for Huawei can be entirely credited to its fast growing Honor sub-brand. Huawei continues to bring innovative features into its smartphones and expand its smartphone portfolio to cover larger consumer segments.

Huawei is growing at such a fast pace as it continues to bring innovative features which the customers like. It is also constantly working to expand its smartphone portfolio, covering larger customer segments, according to executives at Gartner.

Also Read: Apple iPhone 9 : Everything We Know So Far

The rankings were different back in May this year with Apple holding 14.1 % share in the smartphone market and Huawei with 10.1 %. The dynamic has reversed now, with Huawei holding 13.3 % of the market share and Apple down to 11.9 %. Samsung still holds the top spot in the market share, however its market share has actually declined. With 20.8 % market share in Q1 of 2018, Samsung has dropped to 19.3 % in Q2 of 2018. Regardless, it still holds the top spot by a great margin.

Apple has seen quite a downfall with Q2 of 2018. The interest generated by iPhone X and the iPhone 8 seemed to be short-lived and didn’t help much in terms of sales. Xiamo and Oppo come in at 3rd and 4th place respectively, this quarter. Xiaomi, who flew past Oppo this quarter, has also shown tremendous growth with the implementation of its online and retail strategy.

The report also shows the share held by iOS and Android devices in the market. Android still dominates the market share at 88 % while iOS makes a slight mark with 11.9%.

August 30, 2018
Samsung Launches X5 Portable SSD Equipped With Thunderbolt 3

Samsung has unveiled its latest portable SSD device, the X5. An SSD offers greater speeds over a conventional HDD as it doesn’t not contain any moving parts and directly writes information on to the chip. The new Samsung X5 portable SSD is equipped with NVMe technology and uses Thunderbolt 3 to deliver lightening fast speeds. The NVMe technology delivers higher speeds because it accelerates the transfer of data between a system and an SSD.

With a blazing fast read speed of 2800 MB/s and write speed of 2300 MB/s, it might as well set your system on fire. However that is not possible as the SSD also comes with a Thermal Management technology, ensuring that the device stays cool. So lets dive straight into it.

Price:

It is not just the speed that might shake you up, have a look at the price. The 2 TB variant of the Samsung X5 portable SSD costs US$ 1400. If you’re looking for something with a little less storage capability and a smaller price tag, there are two more variants of the X5 portable SSD. The 1 TB model sells at $700 while the 500 Gb model is priced at $ 400. The device will go on sale from September 3rd.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S10 To Have In Display Fingerprint Reader

Build:

The Samsung X5 is protected by a solid built. Most importantly, the body has no moving parts and is manufactured using magnesium alloy. According to Samsung, this can help the X5 withstand a 6 ft drop as well. The device has a Dynamic Thermal Guard and a heat sink. Therefore, it helps the X5 keep the temperature below 45 degrees celsius at all times. The device is also good looking with Samsung saying that it has been inspired by the design of a supercar. The ridged surface at the bottom, therefore preventing it from slipping. The device is also password protected and Samsung offers a extended 3 year warranty on the same.

The need for speed:

Terrifically high read/write speeds which can transfer a 20 GB 4K video in less than 12 seconds, makes the X5 portable SSD a powerhouse. With the Samsung X5 portable SSD, content creators and professionals can work through anything, without having to stop to think about it.

The Samsung X5 is a successor to the Samsung T5 portable SSD. The Samsung T5 provides transfer speeds up to 540 MB/s according to Samsung. For more details about the T5, check out our video below.

August 29, 2018
Apple iPhone 9 Could Have Quality Concerns, May Be Delayed

Numerous leaks over the past few weeks have given a fair idea as to what we can expect from the upcoming iPhone 9. However, one of the most latest leaks talks extensively about what could be serious issues with the upcoming phone.

In what seems to be a very detailed report, famous apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo talks about the iPhone 9’s daunting issues. According to him, the ‘affordable’ version of the iPhone 9 will be cutting quite a few corners. This could mean that while the device could be cheaper, it might not live up to the expectations placed by consumers.

Here are all the problems that the report talks about:

Display:

It was reported that the cheaper variant would carry an LCD display. Apparently, a decrease in quality is also to be expected. According to the report, the device will carry a comparitively low resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. This is very low compared to the iPhone X’s display of 2436 x 1125 pixels. While it can be called a downgrade from the more expensive models, it is also not offering any competition to the Android devices around the same price bracket. The device is also rumoured to be having a 6+ inch display. This would make for a poor display with the given resolution. Most of the devices in this price and size range offer an average of over 2200 x 1200 pixels

Performance:

Kuo also says that the cheaper variant of the iPhone 9 will be restricted to just 3 GB of RAM and a maximum of 256 GB of internal storage. This is lower than what the other two variants will have to offer, according to reports.

Battery:

The higher variants could have batteries ranging up to 3400 mAh, leaks suggest. It is said that the lower variant of the iPhone 9 might be restricted to just a 2700 mAh one. Battery performance has always been an issue for Apple. However, it was expected to have improved with the new iPhone 9 according to leaks. The reportedly large size of the phone coupled with the less efficient LCD display might stand to be an issue. This would offer a decreased battery life to the users.

Camera:

Via Hans India

While leaks about a single camera for the lower variant of the iPhone 9 are already doing rounds, the report adds strength to this claim. A single camera would mean a lesser experience for users who might miss out on the depth offered by a dual camera setup.

Wi-Fi:

According to leaks, the lower variant of the iPhone 9 will have a 2×2 MIMO setup for Wi-Fi. It’s known to have many drawbacks and leads to deadspots in your connection at various places. However, the other two variants are said to be upgraded to the 4×4 MIMO 802.11ac setup, offering better connectivity.

Also Read: iPhone 6.1 Inch Specs Leaked Ahead of September Launch

Release:

Kuo also goes on to say that due to manufacturing issues, the launch of the cheaper variant of the iPhone 9 will be delayed. This means that the device might not be available along with the other two, higher variants. For those who were looking to go in for the cheaper alternative on the new iPhone 9 might have to wait a little longer.

Via cnet

What’s More:

The new iPhone 9 is rumoured to be available in three variants, possibly around $699, $ 999 and $ 1199. The alleged downgrade of various features could lead to a disappointing performance and a backlash in sales.

August 29, 2018
Apple iPhone 9 : Everything We Know So Far

It’s that time of the year again. One of the most anticipated events is right around the corner and yes we’re talking about the launch of the new iPhone. With numerous rumours, speculations and an equal number of eager fans, we take you through everything you need to know about the upcoming iPhone 9.

It has been rumoured for a very long time that Apple will introduce three new variants of the iPhone this year. Reports say that we will see a 5.8 inch screen device which will be the successor to the iPhone X. This will be supplemented by a 6.5 inch version of the same and a 6.1 inch model which is said to be the cheapest, owing to its lower specifications.

via MKBHD

Launch:

Starting with the iPhone 5, Apple has never broken tradition and strayed away from the date of 12th September. Other than the off-timed release of the iPhone SE, all the iPhones have been launched on this day. Therefore, we can expect Apple to launch the new iPhone 9 on 12th September this year as well.

Also Read: iPhone 6.1 Inch Specs Leaked Ahead of September Launch

Name:

A lot of speculations regarding the nomenclature of the new iPhone are doing the rounds. With various analysts and experts putting out what they think will be the name, we think Apple might stick to calling it the iPhone 9. While many will argue that it could be called the iPhone 11, doing so might just add to the complexity. With naming it the iPhone 9, Apple can complete the numbers loop and move on to a much simpler system for nomenclature. The iPhone could then possibly drop the numbers and just be identified by the year it was launched in.

However, speculations do suggest other names such as the iPhone XS or the iPhone X2. Some analysts also suggest the name iPhone 11 and a possible successor to the iPhone SE.

Design:

Reports suggest that the new iPhone 9 will be based on the design of the iPhone X. This means that Apple will be getting rid of Touch ID and embracing the Face ID technology completely. If this is true, Apple will implement the glass body, dual camera setup design along with the notch on the new iPhone 9.

Along with this, the iPhone 9 is expected to be available in various colours. Another interesting addition to this would be the fact that the aluminium frame in the lower variant will supposedly not be matching the colour of the glass body. Whatever, the rumours be, we expect to see a fresh array of colours on the iPhone 9.

Display:

The iPhone 9 and its plus version will reportedly have OLED screens complete with a glass body and Stainless Steel casing. The lower variant of the upcoming iPhone 9 will have a slightly different design due to its price bracket, according to experts. It might be packing an LCD panel along with its Glass body which probably will be encased by Aluminium instead os Stainless Steel, helping to cut down on production cost. It is also very likely that the new iPhone 9 will not have Apple Pen Stylus support, according to sources.

Via Hronika

3D Touch

Analysts claim that Apple might discontinue the 3D Touch with the new iPhone 9. This might happen due to two reason; the added difficulty in the manufacturing process it causes and the fact that no one is actually finding it useful. This could be true as most iPhone users do not use 3D touch extensively and some do not even know of its existence.

Touch ID

With the design of the iPhone X, the fingerprint scanner could have become outdated for Apple which might now bank on the Face ID feature for its security. However, latest reports talking about a Patent Apple has, might hint at it making a comeback. The patent refers to an in-display fingerprint scanner. This might be a game changer for Apple if it is ever introduced.

Processor:

Reports say that the new iPhone 9 will operate using the A12 bionic chipset from Apple. The A12 will manage to offer a better experience than the existing, powerful A11 due to its manufacturing process. The A12 is reportedly made using the 7nm process as opposed to the A11’s 10nm process. This is expected to offer 1.6x the logic density along with a 20% speed improvement and 40% power reduction.

The A12 reportedly offers an increase in multi-core usability, supposed to bring up multi-core performance by 25-30%. The GPU performance is reported to have an even higher increment at 40%. This might not directly translate to gaming performance, according to experts. Analysts predict a real time number of around 25%.

With some reports even suggesting that the iPhone 9 may run on the older A10 chipset, the possibilities are endless. However it is expected that Apple will run with something that will ensure the iPhones performance is far greater than any existing Android device.

Battery:

The new iPhone 9 will supposedly have an improved battery, putting an end to any woes users had. The plus variant of the iPhone 9 might house the biggest battery of the three, owing to its size. Reports about the A12 chipset don’t stop at performance and tell us about the improved battery life as well. The new chipset is said to optimise battery life and ensure longevity. Apple is also said to have worked on increasing the idle battery life of the iPhone 9. The idle battery life is an impressive part of the present set of iPhones. An improvement with the iPhone 9 might just take things to the next level.

It is also rumoured that the new iPhone 9 might have a dual sim slot. This would be a welcome change for iPhone Users.

Camera:

An improved camera experience with regard to the new iPhone 9 is highly anticipated. It is rumoured that the top variant of the iPhone 9 will sport a triple camera setup. This would possibly increase the rear zoom capability of the iPhone 9, according to reports. the triple camera setup could possibly offer other advantages such as better low light performance.

However, some say that this might not be coming with the iPhone 9, making us wait till 2019 for it. 2019 however might be the year for a triple camera setup if not this year. The three cameras would help in generating a depth map which could help Apple in the field of Augmented Reality, something Apple is really crazy about at the moment.

As of now, we have all sorts of combinations popping up when it comes to what we can expect. A triple camera setup for the top model, a single camera for the cheaper version or even a dual camera setup all three. The most common one however, is a dual camera setup for the iPhone 9 and the iPhone 9 Plus while the cheaper variant get a single camera. Regardless, it is safe to expect that we will see a big upgrade in the camera department. This is with regard to both software and hardware.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S10 To Have In Display Fingerprint Reader

Availability:

If you were planning to get yourself the cheaper variant of the iPhone 9, you might have to hold on for a little while. Well known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that the cheapest variant of the iPhone 9 might be available only in October, owing to delays in its production schedule. The other two variants will be available in September, according to him.

Coming Full Circle:

The iPhone 9 will be crucial for Apple in all aspects. At a time when Apple is under threat from numerous manufacturers taking the smartphone market by storm, this will be a decisive product. Apple needs to ensure that it stays on top of the innovation race in this fast-tech driven world. Every month or so, we see a ground breaking smartphone emerge. Apple needs to ensure that the iPhone 9 will be competent enough to not only take on its current competition but stay relevant till 12th September 2019.

August 29, 2018
Samsung Galaxy S10 To Have In Display Fingerprint Reader

The Samsung Galaxy S10 will mark the 10 year anniversary of Samsung’s flagship smartphone. This time, Samsung will reportedly launch three models of the S10. What is more surprising is that they might be planning to put an in-display fingerprint reader in all three.

The Samsung Galaxy S10 is reportedly launching in three variants. A phablet sized S10 Plus, an S10 and an entry-level S10 Mini. The three variants might have different features, which will lead to varied pricing. With this, Samsung aims to maximise the market for the Galaxy S10. However, despite reports that the S10 Mini will be cheaper, Samsung might ensure it has an in-display fingerprint scanner as well.

While it is rumoured that the S10 and the S10 Plus will use in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner , the S10 Mini is may use an optical fingerprint reader for the same.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ Details Leaked

Samsung has reportedly partnered with Qualcomm for the technology. According to Qualcomm, their Fingerprint Sensors ultrasonic technology is state of the art in the smartphone market. It works by using ultrasonic waves which directly penetrate the skin. Then the system maps the most intricate parts of your fingerprint. This includes details such as ridge endings and sweat pores. The technology can work through OLED, glass and aluminium surfaces.

It also works while in contact with sweat, oil and water. According to Qualcomm, it provides upto 6x more accurate biometric performance. With added security, it also ensures lower power consumption.

The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner costs around three times more than an optical one. This explains why Samsung is reportedly not providing it in the S10 Mini. An in display fingerprint scanner in all three variants is a great move, if reports are to be believed. This doesn’t force buyers to go in for the top model just to get all the features. The Samsung Galaxy S10 will be launching in February 2019, according to reports.

August 28, 2018
OnePlus 6 Now For As Low As Rs. 31,999

The flagship killer from OnePlus has always been known to deliver far higher than what it costs. The OnePlus 6 sure broke records and set a few benchmarks when it was launched this year. The OnePlus 6 phone ia already placed at a killer price for all the features it provides. One can now obtain it for an even lesser price. Now, through an offer one can get it for as low as Rs 31,999.

Also Read: Unboxing The OnePlus 6

Offers

The device has 6GB of RAM/64GB of internal storage in its base model which is for Rs 34,999. The device, runs on the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC. It also offers 8 GB RAM/ 128 GB storage and 8 GB RAM/ 512 GB storage variants. On purchasing the device on Amazon India, Axis Bank credit card users get an instant discount of Rs 1500. This offer is also available for HDFC Bank credit/debit card owners who can avail a 5% instant discount, subject to a maximum of Rs 1500.

Along with this, one can obtain a further discount of Rs 1500 upon exchange of their old smartphone. Along with this, Idea postpaid users are eligible for a minimum discount of Rs 2000 upon the purchase of a OnePlus 6. This will be credited over a series of billing cycles. However, this offer on the OnePlus 6 is only valid for Idea’s Nirvana plan users. OnePlus owners who open a Kotak 811 account before January 31st 2019 will get accidental and liquid protection insurance worth Rs 2000 free.

If you decide to sign up for Amazon Prime video’s subscription through your new OnePlus 6, you will receive Amazon pay balance of Rs 250. Also, OnePlus 6 users who register through the kindle app will receive a promotional credit. This will be a maximum of Rs 500 which can be used to purchase e books from the Kindle store. With a mix of these offers you can get the OnePlus 6 for a lower price. However with the Poco F1 craze and the OnePlus 6T already leaking would you want one ?

August 27, 2018
Top 5 Upcoming Electric Super Cars

The Tesla Roadster, as one of the first electric super cars shook the automobile industry when it set its 0-60 mark at 1.9 seconds. Here is a car which is extremely fast, stylish, and it is electric. Probably the first time those three words have been used in the same sentence. Apart from its mind boggling acceleration, the Tesla Roadster has a top speed of over 250 mph and a range of 620 miles.

However, the arrival of the Tesla Roadster set a chain of events into motion. Each and every supercar maker is now in the race. Which out of these electric super cars will reach the finish line and that’s what counts! With Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar and Porsche in on it already, the stakes are already high! So here is our list of Top 5 upcoming electric cars which would be the dream of both an environmentalist and auto enthusiast.

Also Read: Why A Tesla Smartphone Could Be Revolutionary

Top Electric Super Cars:

1. Jaguar E-Type:

Yes, you read that right. Jaguar announced that it will be making an all electric production version of the E-Type. It all started in September 2017, when jaguar installed an electric engine inside the timeless classic. This was done to demonstrate what Jaguar believes to be a glimpse into their electric future. The E-Type Zero Concept then moved on to become a reality. According to Jaguar, they are “Future-proofing the enjoyment of Classic Cars”. With the shift to electric for the E-Type Jaguar aims to reach a range over a 170 miles and will be powered by a 40kWh battery. Jaguar plans to start delivery by early 2020 and will also offer the existing owners of the E-Type a switch to electric. Soon, we’ll have the world’s most beautiful car back on the roads again. Going electric will also make this the perfect car for a spy, stylish and stealthy.

2. Ferrari Electric Supercar:

Ferrari’s electric super cars are yet to be named, in fact nothing much is known about them. CEO Sergio Marchionne proclaimed that Ferrari would make sure their electric supercar hits the road before the Tesla Roadster in 2020. Speaking at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, he said, “If there is an electric supercar to be built, then Ferrari will be the first.” Marchionne further went on to say that he is not trying to undermine what Elon Musk has done, he’s just trying to prove that everyone can do it. While his statements are exciting, they come with the certainty that Ferrari will produce electric super cars . Its not too far in the future when we’ll see the iconic brand roll out its electric supercar .

3. Porsche Mission E:

“A sports car that covers over 300 miles with superb performance—but without a drop of gasoline? Welcome to the future: the Mission E electric concept car”. This is what the landing page of the Mission E’s website reads. Porsche’s ideology with this car is clear, electric, sustainable and powerful. The two motors in the Mission E produce a combined output of more than 600 hp (440 kW) and throw it from 0-60 in less than 3.5 seconds. Along with this, the battery only requires 15 minutes of charge to go another 250 miles. Porsche has made this remarkable achievement possible by doubling the standard charging voltage to 800. The Mission E also sets a benchmark when it comes to cutting edge design futuristic looks.

Combined with this is an entirely new and interactive cockpit for the driver. Five OLED panels surround the driver and adjust themselves to the driver’s movements to avoid parallax error. Along with this the new eye tracking technology ensures that the Mission E knows which instrument the driver is looking at and with the push of a single button, that particular instrument will be activated.

4. BMW i8 Roadster Electric:

The BMW i8 has been around for a long time. It went from a concept to production and then a roadster version of the hybrid car came up. Now, BMW is working on bringing a completely electric model of this Roadster variant of the iconic i8. As of now, the Roadster is powered by a Hybrid Synchronous Motor and a Three-Cylinder gasoline engine. BMW has already started working towards this as the new i8 roadster has an improved electric range. Slowly, they plan to make this so efficient that it becomes electric, through and through. even though a specific date hasn’t been fixed for it to come out, looks like it is not too far away.

5. Audi PB18 e-tron:

The PB18 e-tron has just been unveiled to the world. While most other cars might aim to be driven daily as well, the e-tron has one objective- dominate the race track. This can be seen with the driver’s seating position dead-centre in the car. Despite this, Audi does claim that it can be used for everyday purposes and can even accommodate a passenger. The PB18 e-tron looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

While its got looks to kill for, what it’s packing under the hood is also worth a look. Three motors, one in the front and two in the rear combine to give an output of more than 500 kW which can propel the car from 0-60 in just over 2 seconds. This impressive performance makes the e-tron a beast on the track. However, no one over at Audi would confirm as to when this car would go into production and join the league of electric super cars. Fortunately, they never denied it either, making sure the possibility still hangs around.

Bonus: Mercedes Benz EQ Silver Arrow

Mercedes Benz unveiled its EQ Silver Arrow concept at the Monterey Car Week. The electric super car is a tribute to the record-breaking W 125 car from 1937. The Silver Arrow series of Mercedes Benz prides itself in using the best in design to deliver top speeds. Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG, said ” Over 80 years ago, the historic Silver Arrows demonstrated that Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer when it came to speed thanks, among other things, to their streamlined shape.”

The impressive machine packs a 80 kWh battery which gives it a range of 400 km. The powerful electric motors provide an output of 550 kW ( 750 hp). The Mercedes Benz EQ Silver Arrow is a visual extravaganza, with unique features such as a single seater cockpit which can be folded forwards. Bringing in design elements form the past and the best of technology, it can never cease to impress. Despite the fact that it is a concept car, we hope that Mercedes Benz might consider making a production variant of the same to compete with all the other electric super cars out there.

The Future is here:

While electric super cars are the way to the future and sustainability, nothing excites us more than the fact that iconic companies are slowly pushing their efforts towards this. While most people might be excited about the electric part, lets not forget that each of these cars will come in strong and fast, trying to set new records, making our hearts race harder than before.

August 27, 2018
Honor 8X and 8X Max Official Launch On September 5

After weeks of hints and teasers, Honor finally announced the launch date for its upcoming Honor 8X and 8X Max smartphones. This announcement was made through the Chinese micro-blogging site Weibo, and said that the devices will be launched at an event on 5th September, in China. These devices will be launched into the budget smartphone segment, adding to Honor’s already competitive array of smartphones.

The Honor 8X and 8X Max will not have many differences except for when it comes to size as the name ‘Max’ suggests. Based on the numerous speculations and what we expect from the devices, here’s all we know about the Honor 8X and 8X Max.

Display:

Some details of the device had been seen earlier this month when an image of an official TENAA listing of the Honor 8X Max was doing the rounds. The design sports a tiny notch, popularly called the ‘water drop’ notch along with thin bezels. The 8X Max has a 7.12 inch FHD+ display while the Honor 8X will sport a slightly smaller display. Both the devices however, will sport an 18:9 aspect ratio.

Also Read: Google Pixel 3 XL Leaked With Extensive Hands On Images

Processor & RAM:

What these devices might be packing under the hood is still not sure, with rumours suggesting that they may even have a Snapdragon 660 chipset, contrary to the previous devices. If not, the smartphones will have the Kirin 710 chipset. The devices will have an octa-core chipset which will clock in at 1.8 GHz. Both the smartphones will have 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage which will be expandable up to 256GB.

Camera:

The phones will have a dual camera setup which would incorporate AI features to ensure better images. The back will host a 16 MP + 2 MP dual camera with a depth sensor. The back of the device will also house the fingerprint sensor. The 8X Max is also rumoured to have a massive 4900 mAh battery which will power it through the day.

Honor will mostly have the Honor 8X and 8X Max running Android 8.1 with EMUI 8.2 out of the box. The date of launch for these devices in India has not been confirmed yet. However, the Indian launch is expected soon after the Global launch.

August 27, 2018
Samsung Galaxy A8 Star Unboxing And First Impressions
The Samsung Galaxy A8 Star has been launched in India at a competitive price of Rs 34,990. Launched between the 30-35k price bracket, the Samsung A8 Star packs a whole lot of features.

Design:

The design of the A8 Star looks and also feels premium. With a glass body and metallic frame, the A8 Star sits comfortably in your hands. The A8 Star comes with Infinity display and has thin bezels at the top and bottom. The back of the phone houses dual camera setup and a rectangular fingerprint scanner. The A8 star also comes with a headphone jack and a dedicated Bixby button to the left.
- Samsung Galaxy A8 Star
- In-Ear Earphones
- USB C Cable
- Fast Charger
- Sim Ejector Tool
- Documentation
Display:

The 6.3-inch Super AMOLED infinity display gives the vibrant Samsung display experience. Along with this, the phone has a ‘always on’ feature which ensures that notifications and other information is available throughout. The phone also offers great viewing angles, however the phone does not have S pen support like the Note Series.

Once inside, we see the familiar Samsung launcher and come across a few pre installed apps. Other than some Samsung apps, it is pre loaded with a few Microsoft Office apps which cannot be uninstalled. The device runs Android 8.0 and the Samsung experience 9. The A8 star can access the Bixby assistant by using the dedicated button and upon swiping up one can access Samsung Pay Mini. However, payments can only be made over NFC.

Click Here To Buy The Phone

Camera:

The device houses a unique dual camera setup. It uses the dual intellicam system from Samsung and has 16MP+24MP cameras both with an aperture of f/1.7. The 24MP camera uses the TetraCell technology to capture pictures in lowlight conditions. The Tetra Cell uses 4 pixels instead of 1 pixel in lowlight conditions and then combines those 4 pixels into 1 pixel to give you the best output. The main camera captures 4K video at 30fps. In the front we have a 24MP camera that uses a variety of creative effects to give a sharper image. A number of AR stamps, stickers and filters add to the experience.

Chipset, Battery & Storage:

The A8 Star houses a Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 chipset with an Adreno 512 GPU. It has 4GB of ram and 64GB internal storage which is expandable up to 400GB. Powered by a 3700 mAh battery, the A8 Star comes with adaptive fast charging with a 9V, 1.67 A charger.

Additionally, it has a fingerprint sensor at the back and also comes with Face Detection. For more about the experience of using the Galaxy A8 Star, check out our video below.
August 25, 2018
Sony Xperia XZ3 Images Leaked Showing Entire Design

The Sony Xperia XZ3 has been the subject to a lot of attention and hence a lot of “leaks”. With the most recent leak containing an image which shows the entire phone- from the front and the back. If this latest image is to be believed, then we sure are in for some surprises from Sony. The rising incidents of leaks, counting this one has many guessing that Sony is going to make a big announcement at the upcoming IFA 2018.

The images show something that defy two of the biggest trends in the flagship smartphone segment right now. The Sony Xperia XZ3 apparently lacks a notch or a dual camera setup, rendering it very close to the Xperia XZ2 in design. The device has not-so-thin bezels at both the top and bottom. The back houses a single camera lens and the fingerprint scanner. We can also see that the sides of the display might go edge-to-edge.

Alleged spec sheets of the device are out, which gave us an insight to what the device packs. The Xperia XZ3 will house a Snapdragon 845 SoC with an Adreno 630 GPU. It has a 5.7-inch Full HD screen which will be protected by Gorilla Glass 5. The big question this spec sheet raises however is that of the camera setup. A Japanese website put out the spec sheet and has been continuously leaking tremendous amounts of information about the device.

The latest images show a single camera setup while the spec sheet talks about a dual camera one. We had seen a dual camera setup in the Xperia XZ2 premium, not including it in the XZ3 will be a step backwards for Sony. Google however has proven with the Pixel that a dual camera setup isn’t require for amazing performance.

Also Read: Sony Xperia XZ3 With 18:9 Aspect Ratio And Running Android 9 P Spotted On Geekbench

While the anticipation for the device is high, the leaks might tell a whole new story. Considering this leak, we are getting a device which is extremely similar to the XZ2, launched in February this year. This could mean either of two things. We are not getting a new flagship from Sony and it is an upgraded version of the Xperia XZ2. This is possible because the design and features are to similar for a new phone and also the fact that the XZ2 is fairly new.

Another explanation could be that the leaks are wrong and what we are getting is completely different. This can be true because if Sony is making another flagship device, it would not bring out one with just a few minor upgrades. Considering the state in which Sony’s smartphone market is in right now, we hope that a much better phone is coming our way.

August 25, 2018
OnePlus 6T Confirmed : Design and Specifications

The OnePlus 6 has been out and about for a while, making it that time of the year when everyone is waiting for the OnePlus 6T. This wasn’t confirmed until recently when a certificate seeming to be that of the OnePlus 6T emerged online. Certified by the Eurasian Economic Commission, it looks like the long awaited release of the OnePlus 6T is happening sooner than we thought.

For the past couple of years, OnePlus has been following up its flagship device with a special ‘T’ edition, essentially an upgraded version of the phone. One can therefore expect some definite design upgrades and a step up in performance from the already super-fast OnePlus 6. These upgrades cannot be significantly higher than what the OnePlus 6 is running right now.

As seen with the OnePlus 5 and 5T last year, OnePlus will keep the upgrades to a minimum. This is because it doesn’t make sense to have a phone that competes with what you released just a few months back. It also clears the way for the next flagship, the OnePlus 7. Even while it kept upgrades to a minimum, the OnePlus 5T managed to almost replace the OnePlus 5.

This does not mean that the OnePlus 6T won’t have its own exciting features to look forward to. Based on speculations about the phone and what we’d like to see, here’s what you can expect from the 6T.

Also Read:OnePlus 6T Could Feature A Pop-Up Selfie Camera

Display:

The design of the phone may sport thinner bezels and even a smaller notch. Keep in mind the fact that Oppo, Vivo and OnePlus share their parent company . OnePlus might therefore draw some inspiration form its ‘siblings’ when it comes to design. This could mean a motorised camera which pops up, to give a truly notch-free screen. The screen size is something that might not be changed but the resolution might be bumped up for a more flagship experience.

Camera:

A finger print scanner underneath the display might be a revolution to the camera segment. How, you ask? Well, the removal of the fingerprint reader will give them the area required for a “third” primary camera. Having seen almost all devices reach the two camera mark, this might be the next big thing.

OnePlus however, might be saving this revolutionary idea for the OnePlus 7. Regardless, a jump in the camera segment is expected if Oneplus really wants to attract its customers.

Performance:

When it comes to the increase in performance or speed, we cannot expect a huge jump. While OnePlus might carry on with the processor and RAM options, it might expand in the internal memory segment. A jump from the existing 256GB to a more favourable 512Gb will be welcome as OnePlus doesn’t provide memory card support.

Flagship Features:

What OnePlus might add could be a bigger battery and possibly wireless charging. Other flagship features such as water resistance could be an upgrade as the OnePlus 6 was only ‘splash proof’. A new array of colours can be expected for sure along with the minor design upgrades.

The early release of the OnePlus 6T could also mean something else. With a release inOctober, it could be around the same time as the Google Pixel 3 XL. What it could mean for either phones is not clear as of now, but can give us a clear idea that the OnePlus 6T might not be running the Android 9 before the Pixel 3 XL.

August 25, 2018

Honor Play Vs Poco F1: Clash Of The Best Budget Flagship Phones

The Honor Play exploded into the market when it was released. The high performance device, set a benchmark for flagship killers and gives tough competition to higher-end devices. Everyone had come to terms with the fact that nothing could beat the Honor play when boom, the Poco F1 raced into the public sphere. The only phone to offer the Snapdragon 845 in this price range, it’s not just speed that sets the Poco F1 apart.

While the pricing of the base model of the Poco F1 is directly competitive with that of the Honor Play, the two devices do have many differences. The Poco F1 offers its 6GB/64GB variant at a highly lucrative price of Rs 20,999. Sitting just a little away from this is the 4GB/64GB Honor Play. The 6GB/128GB and the 8GB/256Gb variants of the Poco F1 cost Rs 23,999 and Rs 28,999 respectively.

Also Read: Honor Play Gaming Smartphone Launched

Display:

The Honor Play has a 6.3-inch Full HD display, complete with thin bezels on the side and a notch on the top. With a resolution of 2340×1080 pixels and a 19:9 aspect ratio, the Honor Play provides an immersive visual experience at 409 ppi. Not lagging behind, the Poco F1 gives a similar performance with its 6.18-inch, Full HD display. At 2246×1080 pixels, it gives us a density of 403 ppi.

Processor:

This is where Poco F1 really hits the sweet spot. With Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 845 chipset and the Adreno 630 GPU, the specs speak for themselves. Also adding to this is the fact that it is liquid cooled, which Poco claims will ensure that the Processor gives out peak performance always. Honor also brings on the heat with its Kirin 970 chipset coupled with its GPU Turbo technology, which has been promised will change gaming experiences for everyone.

RAM & Storage:

Another segment in which the Poco F1 surges forward with its higher specifications, what really adds to this is the expandable storage. With a memory card, the Poco F1’s storage can reach more than half a TB in its top model, providing more power for the user. The Honor Play has upto 256GB of expandable memory, giving you all the space you need.

Also Read: Xiaomi Launches Poco F1 With Snapdragon 845

Camera:

While both the devices have AI enabled cameras which provide extensive scene detection and other smart features, they do differ fundamentally. The Poco F1 has with a 12MP and 5MP sensor for its rear camera with an aperture of f/1.9 and f/2.0 respectively. the Honor play at the same time only offers a 16MP and 2MP sensor with an aperture of f/2.2 and f/2.4 respectively. It can be seen that the Honor Play does not really bring flagship specs when it comes to the camera. The AI technology however, helps it overcome this hurdle. Another cool feature that we’re looking forward to is the special scene detection for India in the Poco F1 which shows that they went that extra mile.

Both the devices house their front-facing cameras in the notch. They are similarly equipped with AI and an improved portrait mode. The Poco F1 has a 20MP, f/2.0 sensor while the Honor Play carries a 16MP, f/2.2 sensor.

Battery:

Neither of the phones come with flagship features like wireless charging but they do pack a punch. The Poco F1 packs a massive 4000 mAh battery and Quick charge 3.0. The Honor Play carries a 3750 mAh battery along with the Huawei Super charge 3.0. Each of the devices claim advanced AI and curated operating systems will ensure that battery life is further optimised.

Is The Hunt Over?

While the two smartphones bring an unbelievable amount of flagship features to us for great prices, will they really make their mark? As both the phones are sold in flash sales conducted from time to time, the impact they make on the audience may not be that concrete. Although it creates a buzz and ensures that anxious buyers are always lined up to buy the devices, companies like OnePlus are in the lead in this segment due to the availability of their phones in the market. Let’s wait and watch as to how these new entrants change the Indian Market.

[table style=”table-hover”]

Specifications	Poco F1	Honor Play
Price	6GB+64GB : Rs 20,999 6GB+128GB : Rs 23,999 8GB+256Gb : Rs 28,999	4GB+64GB : 19,999
Display	6.18 inch 2246 x 1080 FHD+ 18:7:9 Aspect Ratio 403 ppi	6.29 inch 2340 x 1080 FHD+ 19:5:9 Aspect Ratio 409 ppi
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, Liquid Cooled Octa Core @ 2.8 GHz Adreno 630 GPU	Kirin 970 Octa Core @ 2.3 GHz GPU Turbo
RAM	6GB 8GB	4GB
Storage	64GB, Expandable storage up to 256GB 128GB, Expandable storage up to 256GB 256GB, Expandable storage up to 256GB	64GB, Expandable storage up to 256GB
Primary Camera	Primary 12MP rear camera, f/1.9 + Secondary 5MP rear camera, f/2.0 4K video, 30 fps AI Enabled	Primary 16MP rear camera, f/2.2 + Secondary 2MP rear camera, f/2.4 4K video, 30 fps AI Enabled
Front- Facing Camera	20MP, f/2.0	16MP, f/2.2
Battery	4000 mAh Quick charge 3.0 USB Type-C charger	3750 mAh Huawei Super charge 3.0 USB Type-C charger
Additional Features	3.5 mm Headphone Jack Fingerprint scanner Infrared Scanner Face unlock	3.5 mm Headphone Jack Fingerprint scanner Face Unlock

[/table]

August 24, 2018

Xiaomi And Flash Sales: It’s Complicated

The flash sale model was pioneered by Xiaomi back in 2014 when it was using e-commerce platforms to slowly inch its way into the Indian market. They have come a long way since then and now hold the top position in the market share in India. Xiaomi is a respected brand and has carved out a huge fan following over time. However, they still use the flash sale method to sell some of their phones. Xiaomi now also aims to dominate the premium smartphone segment with the Poco F1. With so much at stake, is it a good idea for Xiaomi to stick to this or is it time to move on?

The concept behind flash sales is very simple. Deliberately create a shortage in supply to ensure that the demand for the product goes up. This system has numerous positives compared to the few negatives it may have. Demand for the product increases in the first place, making sure that it creates a lot of hype. This hype therefore attracts more consumers as everyone wants to get a piece of something that is not easy to obtain. The biggest advantage it offers is for smaller companies.

Redmi Note 5 Pro

Small companies cannot afford to invest in producing large number of smartphones only to see them go unsold. Therefore, a flash sale will allow them to produce smaller quantities which they are sure will sell. The intervals between flash sales can also help the company to gauge the mood of the people and know if the hype to buy the device is still around.

Also Read: Xiaomi Launches Poco F1 With Snapdragon 845

After Xiaomi ushered in this concept to the Indian smartphone market, quite a few others have followed it. That is good for a company which is just stepping in, but for Xiaomi, it can be a cause of concern. A lot of customers are unhappy because even though they’re willing to buy a Xiaomi phone, its not easily available. While they did change that and moved to selling phones via other methods, the Poco F1 seems like Deja Vu.

The Poco F1 is supposed to help Xiaomi establish itself in the flagship segment as well. We’ve already seen what the Poco F1 can do. It is also evident that Xiaomi holds the top spot in the Indian market share. If Xiaomi wants the Poco F1 to be its entry ticket to the premium segment, why is it holding back?

A few years back, not many people were trusting of Chinese brands like Xiaomi or OnePlus. Sales in India were low and it seemed uncertain as to how many devices could be sold. OnePlus, at the time, wasn’t big enough to take that risk and therefore started sales on an invite basis. Soon their sales grew, giving enough confidence and capital to move to a regular model of sales. OnePlus trashed the invites. This was a risky move as they weren’t sure as to how many people will buy the next flagship without the hype of an invite around it. OnePlus holds the top spot in the premium smartphone segment, having beaten Samsung and Apple.

While Xiaomi holds back with its sales, frustrated customers might go in for an alternative phone. The Poco F1, despite being an excellent device might go off without making a mark. Considering the fact that Xiaomi now holds a powerful spot in the Indian market, it’s up to them to make the next big move.

August 24, 2018

Author: Mukund Krishna Kumar

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