Author: Vikhyaat Vivek

Samsung Is Developing A Smartphone With Expandable Display

Samsung has been working on developing unique smartphones with flexible displays for years now. The company’s first commercially available foldable device arrived as the Galaxy Fold. However, the device had failed even before it had launched due to fundamental functional flaws within its design. Reports have since surfaced state that the tech giant is already planning on other foldable devices and now even an expandable display smartphone.

The South Korean company has already patented the expandable display designs for a laptop. Furthermore, The latest patent showcases a unique new design for the upcoming rollable display smartphone. Schematics of the device show a retractable flexible display on a smartphone. The screen on this device is capable of being pulled out via a rolling mechanism, which may be automatic. Once fully extended the device will see a three times growth in screen size.

The mechanism is enabled through a combination of moving rails with Samsung’s flexible screen. Basically, one can carry the device in a compact form factor until they eventually require it. The phone will look like any other modern handset once in its smaller state although with rounded corners. The rollable smartphone has noticeable bezels on the top and bottom that house the necessary sensors like camera, earpiece and fingerprint scanner. These wide borders will also house the motor that runs the rolling mechanism.

The frame of the rolling mechanism flank the left and right side and also provide a grip for when users unroll the phone. When seen from the back, supporting rails are revealed when the Samsung device is completely extended. The rails should provide support for the moving mechanism while fitting into slots perfectly, making it appear seamless. It is sceptical just how practical the system will be in real-world practice; as dust and wear and tear may negatively affect the system. Damage or bends on any of the rail will also cause it to be imperfect and not fall back into place correctly once retracted.

The smartphones design form factor will allow for a great content viewing experience for the user. If the device is unveiled one of the notable things offered would be a better multi-media consumption via Samsung’s vibrant AMOLED panels. The company has yet to make any statement on any one of its many patents that have shown such unique designs or functionality.

Also Read: LG Unveils An Affordable Flagship Smartphone, The G8s ThinQ

The implications of such technology are huge. Products like these pave the way for industry-wide innovation that pushes the limits of technology. A couple of years ago technology such as these were unthinkable, now they are becoming a part of our reality. Soon, Samsung would again bring revolutionary devices to the electronics industry. Unfortunately, a due date, price and any other form of specifications cannot be discerned currently. Updates will be posted as and when they are available.

July 2, 2019
LG Unveils An Affordable Flagship Smartphone, The G8s ThinQ

LG is known to offer affordable and toned down variants of its flagship lineups. It holds true with its latest premium device the LG G8 ThinQ, which was announced back at the Mobile World Congress in February 2019. The announcement had also introduced another device by its side, namely the LG G8S ThinQ. The device is finally being made available to the global markets.

LG G8S ThinQ is powered by the same Snapdragon 855 SoC that is featured in its elder sibling. The Z camera is making an appearance alongside a time-of-flight camera at the front. It enables the device to perform biometric authentication via a users face or their hands. The ToF module that allows for Air Motion gestures for quick actions will also be available.

The key differentiating factor between the standard variant and the LG G8S ThinQ is the display. The upcoming affordable variant will feature a 6.2-inch FHD+ OLED display unlike the QHD+ screen found on the G8. Users still receive a 6GB + 128GB RAM and internal storage offering. The smartphone offers stereo speakers alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack with a DAC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB 3.1 and a 3550mAh with Quick Charge 3.0.

Even though the device is more affordable than the standard variant it will still feature the new triple camera setup. The configuration consists of a 12MP f/1.8 primary sensor with a 13MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto camera. The front of the device houses an 8MP f/1.9 sensor alongside the ToF sensor. LG G8S ThinQ is IP68 dust and water resistance just like the standard G8.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy A30s Spotted On GeekBench

The LG G8S ThinQ will go on sale in select markets in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Middle Eastern regions initially. Furthermore, Pricing has yet to be announced alongside the availability for other regions including India. The more accessible version of the flagship from LG has the potential to be extremely successful in the previously mentioned countries. This holds true even in countries like India where the mid-range to budget devices sell in larger volumes compared to premium handsets. More information is expected to be revealed in the arriving week.

July 2, 2019
Samsung Galaxy A30s Spotted On GeekBench

Samsung has been known to offer a beefier version of its existing smartphone offerings later down the road. These refreshed versions of launched lineups often seek to boost sales, while carrying an improved version of the successful handsets. Now, A fresh report states that a Samsung Galaxy A30s might be under development carrying the model number SM-A307FN.

The South Korean company is claimed to be working on a new Samsung Galaxy A30s (SM-A307FN) after being spotted on Geekbench. The software is used as a benchmarking tool to measure various levels of handset capabilities and raw computing power. Furthermore, a mysterious Samsung smartphone was seen on the platform that carried a model number relatively similar to the one given to the Galaxy A30 (SM-A305).

Specification

Test scores seen at the Geekbench listing point at the Samsung Galaxy A30s being similarly equipped to the Galaxy A30. The device will sport the 14nm Exynos 7904 octa-core processor just like the Galaxy A30 alongside 3GB of RAM. Only this variant has been seen so far but a 4GB model is also expected to make an appearance. The Galaxy A40 was powered by a 4,000mAh battery that was capable of 15W fast charging, which might also be seen on the newer variant.

According to the report, Samsung Galaxy A30s scores nearly identical scores on the benchmarking software. The device scored 1,322 points in the single score test while reaching 4,116 points in the multi-core test. It is probable that the upcoming Galaxy A series entry will feature improvements in different areas. The Galaxy A30 had a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with 3GB or 4GB of RAM coupled with 32 and 64GB of ROM respectively.

It can be speculated that the Samsung Galaxy A30s might improve on the photographic capabilities of the original budget smartphone. The Galaxy A30 featured a dual camera setup on the rear, 16MP + 5MP. The primary sensor had an f/1.7 aperture, while the front-facing camera is a 16MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture. It was a capable device, however, not a class-leading budget smartphone. The upcoming handset could potentially improve these specs or in a surprising move feature a triple camera on a budget.

Price and Availability

Samsung Galaxy A30s could potentially be priced identically to the Galaxy A30. The standard version was launched on 28th February 2019 alongside the Galaxy A50 and was priced at INR 16,999. The A30s could potentially be priced similarly or slightly higher than the aforementioned price. The Galaxy A30 was launched in India so its improved variant is also expected to be available in the country.

Also Read: Airtel Joins Hands With Tata To Survive The Jio Storm

The tech giant is one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world. It has a global reach that caters to every category and price range of smartphone ranging from unique foldable phones to budget devices. The new addition to the A series is welcomed entry as more options on the lower bracket always gives more choice to prospective buyers. More information should be available in the arriving weeks and updates will follow suit.

July 2, 2019
Airtel Joins Hands With Tata To Survive The Jio Storm

The introduction of the Reliance Group’s Jio network has brought substantial changes in the Indian telecom industry. It is a common occurrence in businesses to have acquisitions and mergers taking place for mutual benefit between two or more parties. The added edge of two companies working together helps provide an advantage to both parties and increases economical prospects, such as the Airtel and Tata merger.

According to a new report, Tata Teleservices’ Consumer Mobile services have now officially been integrated into Bharti Airtel. The news of the completion of the merger arrived after a joint statement issued by both the companies.

The aforementioned companies have seen their fair share of business troubles ever since the debut of the highly competitive Jio network. Reliance Group’s critically acclaimed network had brought data packages and call rates to an all-time low. Noteworthy, India currently holds the title of consuming the highest amount of mobile data per head, which is somewhat due to the Jio revolution. This seemingly undercut every one of the prevailing competitors such as Airtel, Vodafone and Idea. Furthermore, the move caused massive losses to other telecom service providers and forced many to slash rates or start a joint venture, such as the Idea India and Vodafone merger.

As of July 1st 2019, the arrangement regarding the merger of the Consumer Mobile Businesses of Tata Teleservices and Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) into Bharti Airtel and Bharti Hexacom are now in effect. In accordance with the merger, Airtel will absorb the Tata Telecom services operations in 19 telecom circles. It has also agreed to take all the customers, assets, spectrum, and agreed liabilities of the Consumer Mobile Business from Tata.

Also Read: A 15 Year Old Indian Stabs Elder Sibling Over PUBG Mobile

The merger will boost Airtel’s spectrum pool with a significant addition of 178.5MHz spectrum in 1800, 2100 and 850 MHz bands. These are used in 4G and translate to better overall connectivity, spread and penetration of the network. This is a welcomed move as existing Airtel and even Tata customers will largely benefit from the business merger. It is yet to see how performance is affected in real-world practice but positive results are expected all across the board.

July 1, 2019
A 15 Year Old Indian Stabs Elder Sibling Over PUBG Mobile

The World Health Organization had officially classified video game addiction under the mental health condition category a couple of months ago. This implies that individuals suffering from gaming addiction are as vulnerable as mentally impaired people. PUBG Mobile has taken the world, especially India by storm and has set the standard for the mobile gaming industry. However, many negative incidents regarding the popular have since started emerging (1,2).

A new report details a 15-year-old minor killing his elder brother after being scolded for playing PUBG Mobile excessively.

PlayerUnknown’s BattleGround (PUBG Mobile) is a battle-royale styled online multiplayer shooter. The game places a heavy emphasis on team and gunplay. Furthermore, it is an example of how a well made free-to-play game can receive critical acclaim on handheld devices if done right. Unfortunately, PUBG Mobile has been surrounded by numerous debacle after various unfavourable reports surfaced such as the death of a 16 year old that played the game for 6 hours.

According to the new report, a 15 year old boy from Bhiwandi in Thane district of Maharashtra killed his elder brother over the game. The incident allegedly occurred due to the older sibling scolding the accused for spending too much time on PUBG Mobile. This caused the aggression which led to the death of Mohammad Shaikh (19). The victim’s head was reportedly banged against the wall and was repeatedly stabbed with scissors. After being rushed to the hospital Shaikh was declared brought dead.

A case has been registered by the police officers under section 302 (Punishment for murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). PUBG Mobile has been the centre of numerous controversies all across the globe. Negative incidents such as these, spark the age-old debate regarding video game violence being mirrored in real life. Parents in India, multiple Government and even educational institutions have asked for the game being banned.

Also Read: Apple Offering Free Repairs For 2018 MacBook Air Malfunctioning Logic Board

Historically, people have always criticised video games, citing ill-effects on children caused by the content portrayed (like shooting PUBG Mobile). However, many studies such as the one from Oxford University have shown no relation of video game violence and violence in real life. This goes against the popular belief of most parents and teachers but it is still a common stigma. Issues regarding video game addictions stem from various factors ranging from the external environment and even personality. Simply blaming a game like PUBG Mobile or even banning it will not cure humankind of violence.

July 1, 2019
Apple Offering Free Repairs For 2018 MacBook Air Malfunctioning Logic Board

Apple has been hit with another snag with its older lineup of MacBook devices. The company had previously issued a recall for its MacBook Pros citing fire hazards, a few weeks ago. Now, the tech giant has found another issue that plagues its different variant of MacBooks, namely the MacBook Air. These devices are reported to have issues regarding the logic board and Apple is offering free repairs.

The tech giant has stated that the issue only affects “a very small number of devices.” In an internal document, the American company has confirmed the identification of an issue regarding the logic board of certain 2018 MacBook Air devices. Apple Stores and authorized repair staff have been issued an order to replace the main logic board in affected machines free of cost to customers.

Apple, in a memo to the staff, has identified an issue that only affects the Retina, 13-inch, 2018 MacBook Air models logic boards that carry a particular serial number. The company is planning to email every customer with the aforementioned ultrabook with the serial numbers that have been identified as being affected. Users can also take their machines directly to any Apple Stores or authorized repair staff to have their laptops checked for problem.

The report also lists certain symptoms to the issues that customers are likely to experience on their MacBook Air. Apple has yet to publicly announce the program or officially list it in on its “Exchange and Repair Extension Programs” website. The site hosts other known recalls and service programs that are currently in effect. However, Apple is known to not feature problems that affect only a few numbers of devices. The company is offering users upto 4 years, from the date of purchase, time for the service to fix the faulty hardware.

Also Read: PUBG Mobile India Tour 2019 Launched With 1.5 Crore Prize

Apple is a big name in the consumer grade electronics industry, however, recent events with defective devices have caused a notable loss for the company brand value. The industry major needs to make sure that its latest and even upcoming instalments to its various product lineup do not face similar problems (such as the MacBook Pro & MacBook Air). Continued negligence and faults will only steer positive public opinion away from the company.

July 1, 2019
PUBG Mobile India Tour 2019 Launched With 1.5 Crore Prize
PlayerUnknown’s BattleGround or PUBG has taken over the mobile gaming market by storm all over the world and especially in India. The mobile port of the popular PC game was made possible via Tencent Games. PUBG Corp and Tencent Games have now announced one of the biggest open tournaments for the country.

The PUBG Mobile India Tour 2019 is the latest large scale tournament arriving after the ‘PUBG Mobile India Series‘ of 2018. The new tournament has the highest prize pool ever to be seen in a PUBG Mobile tournament, with 1.5 crores over last years 1 crore.

https://youtu.be/SA5fGkN3YII

How To Register
- To enter the tournament users need to visit the PUBG Mobile official website and fill out their personal details that also require id proof details.
- Once the details have been filed up, users must click on ‘Register’ for the India Tour.
- Users thereon will receive a verification mail to their registered email ID (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) Simply clicking on the verification link on the mail will complete the process.
- A pop-up will appear once users are verified via email that says “Activate my account.”
- Clicking on the aforementioned pop-up will complete the registration process.
Key Points
- The upcoming tournament will be open to all Indian residents who possess a PUBG Mobile account that is ranked higher than Platinum Tier 5 or at least level 20.
- The tournament is only available for entire squads, solo and duo queue are not allowed, so interested candidates need an entire team.
- Emulators are strictly prohibited and only the mobile gaming platforms are allowed.
- Players can be banned if they are found using any 3rd-party apps that give them any unfair advantages.
- Incorrect information will lead to disqualification.
Format

The PUBG India Tour 2019 is exclusive to the squad-only format. Furthermore, the matches will be played across every battle royale map over the various rounds. To even the odds of winning, the tournament will also have contestants switch between first-person and third-person perspective modes. This will ensure players have an all-rounded experience regarding the game.

Availability & The 4 Regions

The tournament will be open to all users in India, although the contestants must select one of the 4 regional options provided to them to register in. The options include Jaipur (Group A), Guwahati (Group B), Pune (Group C) and Vizag (Group D). The area where users register on will have them compete against the others who opted for the same region. The tournament will follow in 4 Phases.

Phase 1: In-Game Qualifiers

Squads of 4 will have to play 15 classic mode matches. The 10 best-scored games will be considered and the scoring is based on kills and finishing position. If a tie occurs with other, other factors such as survival time and accuracy will come into play. A total of 500 squads will qualify the first phase on the map Eragnel that will be held over a period of 7 days.
- Group A: July 15th- July 21st
- Group B: July 29th – August 4th
- Group C: August 12th – August 18th
- Group D: August 26th – September 1st
Phase 2: Online Play-Offs

The 500 qualified squads will now play two rounds. In round 1, 500 squads will be divided into 25 groups, with 20 squads each. Only the top 3 squads by the score from each group will advance to round 2. In the second round, 100 squads from round 1 are divided into five groups with 20 squads in each group. All five groups will play three matches. Only the top four squads, by score, from each group, will move on to the Group Finals.

Maps will include Eragnel, Vikendi, Miramar or Sanhok and the playoffs will be held four times during the course of the PUBG Mobile India Tour.

Round 1:
- Group A: July 29th- August 5th
- Group B: August 12th – August 19th
- Group C: August 26th – September 2nd
- Group D: September 9th – September 16th
Round 2:
- Group A: August 6th- August 10th
- Group B: August 20th – August 24th
- Group C: September 3rd – September 7th
- Group D: September 17th – September 21st
Phase 3: Group Finals

The top 20 squads from the Online Playoffs move to the Group Final. These 20 squads will play five matches. Four squads with the highest scores move to the Grand Finals. Maps include Eragnel, Vikendi, Miramar or Sanok. For this round, the squads will travel to pre-determined venues.
- Group A: August 25th
- Group B: September 8th
- Group C: September 22nd
- Group D: October 6th
Wild Card Entries:

The bottom 16 squads from a group final match will join the bottom 16 squads from other groups, making a total of 64 squads. These 64 squads will be divided into four groups of 16 squads each and will play five matches. The squad with the highest score from each group will join the Grand Finals. Wild Card matches will be played online between October 8-11th, 2019 on every map.

Phase 4: Grand Finals

The top four squads from each of the four groups (total of 16 squads), plus the four winning squads from the Wild Card matches, will play in the Grand Finals. These 20 squads will play five matches. For the finals, all contestants of Grand Finals matches will travel to Kolkata. Grand Finals matches will be held on October 20 and will again play on every map.

Also Read: Xiaomi May Soon Launch Another Black Shark Gaming Smartphone

The tournament offers a total prize pool of INR 1.5 crores and promises the winner to walk away with INR 50 lakhs. The team that gets second place receives INR 20 lakhs while the third receives INR 10 lakhs. Furthermore, all teams will receive cash prizes for making it to the finale. The tournament will also acknowledge individual performance and provide titles to exceptional individuals and squads. This will mark a great stride forward towards India’s esports league and will hopefully bring more organisations to hold tournaments within the southeastern country.
July 1, 2019
Xiaomi May Soon Launch Another Black Shark Gaming Smartphone

Gaming smartphones are all the rage in an oversaturated mobile industry. These devices are powerful and bring refreshed aesthetics to the mix. The last couple of months have seen the addition of many great gaming mobiles in India such as the Nubia 3 Red Magic. Xiaomi had unveiled its own take with the Black Shark 2, which is now reported to be getting another iteration soon.

A new Black Shark version with the model number DLT-A0 has been spotted on the Chinese communications agency, 3C. Not only does the listing confirm the existence of an unreleased Black Shark smartphone, but it also reveals its battery charging details. The upcoming gaming smartphone will support 27 watts fast charging, similar to the Xiaomi Mi 9 and Black Shark 2.

A new #Xiaomi #BlackShark device (DLT-A0) spotted on 3C Certification with 27W charging capability.https://t.co/3HVUS4QJHb pic.twitter.com/u9iRu8GdJM
— Sudhanshu Ambhore (@Sudhanshu1414) June 29, 2019

Internal specifications and designs of the smartphone are yet to be revealed by the company, however, speculations can be made via past iterations. Historically, Black Shark smartphones are top-end devices that feature the latest and most powerful chipsets in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series. The Black Shark 2 featured the Snapdragon 855 SoC, so the upcoming device should also be equipped with the same with a generous offering of RAM and ROM (12GB + 256GB on Black Shark 2).

Gaming smartphones bring unique designs to the table and Xiaomi’s Black Shark does so as well. Metallic and angular elements will most definitely make a return with black hues and green LED strips that will accentuate the entire design philosophy. The new device is rumoured to feature a triple camera set up at the back while the front will either have a water-drop or wide notch. Unfortunately, the exact details of the camera sensors are unknown. The company has stated that it will bring back the 3.5mm headphone jack to its upcoming smartphones. The aforementioned feature was skipped on the previous iteration and received heavy criticism.

Also Read: Freshly Leaked Huawei Smartphone Could Be The Mate 30 Pro

It is unclear whether the new Black Shark smartphone will be the 3rd entry to the series or an upgraded refresh to the current gen Black Shark 2. Like in the case of the Black Shark Helo, which was released half a year after the original Black Shark. Xiaomi has quite successfully penetrated the Indian market in various categories of handsets and is seeking to expand its horizons even further. The upcoming entry will be a welcomed addition to the gaming smartphone family which was already received a warm welcome by its audience. More information regarding the new device should be available in the arriving weeks.

July 1, 2019
Samsung Galaxy A90 With Triple Cameras Leak

Samsung’s Galaxy A90 has been the centre of various rumours (1,2) that have been rather convoluting. Initial reports had pointed at the device being the Galaxy A80 renamed for different countries while a fresher rumour claimed it to be an entry to the upcoming Galaxy R series. The latest leaks report that the Galaxy A90 is real and will, in fact, launch in two variants.

And in another addition, one of both likely called #GalaxyA90 (SM-A908) comes with a FHD+ sAMOLED Infinity-U display…
— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) June 29, 2019

According to the famous leakster OnLeaks, The Galaxy A90 is said to ship in two variants with their model numbers being SM-A905 and SM-A908. One of these will likely be a “Pro” variant with beefier specs. Furthermore, the higher specced variant could also be the first A series smartphone to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset. It is unclear what the standard Galaxy A90 would house but it will most probably be a mid-range chipset like the Snapdragon 730G as found in the Galaxy A80.

The biggest leaks to arrive is regarding the camera of the Galaxy A90 duo. SM-A905 is reportedly equipped with a triple camera set up consisting of a 48MP+12MP+5MP sensors with the new “Tilt OIS” feature. Similarly, the SM-A908 variant also sports the same setup but with different sensors, namely a 48MP+8MP+5MP configuration. Unlike the Galaxy A80, the leak suggests that the upcoming pair of smartphones will not feature any special form of motorized mechanism. Hence, no swivels and rotating cameras.

Samsung Galaxy A70

Additionally, the Galaxy A90’s SM-A908 variant is reported to receive an FHD+ SuperAMOLED Infinity-U display. Both the upcoming devices are said to be sized identically, with a 6.7-inch screen. On the other hand, the high-end SM-A905 is assumed to have a QHD panel with a punch hole.

Also Read: US$ 500 Ryzen 9 Beats US$ 2000 Intel i9 Processor

Shockingly, the leak claims that only the affordable variant of the Galaxy A90 will receive 5G networking which will be skipped on the elder sibling. Samsung might be trying to make an appeal for the higher bandwidth on lower priced devices. This will seek to make the cost of entry to the new network more affordable. The move will likely compete with other OEMs that are equipping 5G modems on their affordable lineups. Samsung brought the first true 5G phone and is now seeking to win the race in lower price segments as well. Unfortunately, finer details are not available as even Samsung has yet to make any official statements regarding the Galaxy A90. Updates will be provided in the arriving weeks.

July 1, 2019
HP Omen X 2S Gaming Laptop With Two Screens Launched In India
HP has introduced new entries in its range of gaming laptops. Omen laptops are known to sport top end hardware specifications for gaming purposes. The company has now unveiled the world’s first dual-screen gaming laptop, Omen X 2S, which will feature unique cooling mechanisms alongside the new OMEN 15 and Pavilion Gaming 15 laptops.

Key Features:
- 6-inch secondary 1080p display
- 15-inch primary with options between FHD and UHD displays.
- Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Thermal Solution
- NVIDIA Series Graphics Card upto RTX 2080.
Dual screens laptops have started slowly gaining a more mainstream commercial audience. Computex 2019 was one of the major events where the technology had gained major coverage. The technology is not brand new, but for the first time is available to the gaming markets instead of first-look on prototypes. HP, in a press release, introduced the Omen X 2S that is going to be launched in India along with HP Omen 15 and Pavilion Gaming 15.

New Secondary Screen

The unique gaming laptop will receive various HP enhancements in the software to improve the overall gaming experience. HP Omen X2S will offer numerous multitasking capabilities to the user with its new secondary display. Most gamers out there would tend to listen to music, watch game streamers or even check messages every now and then. The new screen offers the same functionality without ever needing to reach for a smartphone of turning away from the system.

Players can text friends on chatting apps like WhatsApp, browse through the music of their choice from Spotify and even connect to Youtube and Twitch. This is made possible on the 6-inch 1080p secondary screen above the keyboard of the laptop. The smaller display has its interface run by the OMEN Command Centre software that enables simple controls of the new space. The second screen can also highlight certain aspects seen on the main screen such as the map in racing and shooter games.

Design & Cooling

Gaming laptops have historically been known to run with higher power requirements and temperature. Various OEMs have tackled this with their own proprietary cooling solutions. HP brings its own take to the issue with its new OMEN “Tempest”. HP’s Omen X 2S is the first laptop to feature an applied liquid metal compound for its thermal solutions. HP claims that the aforementioned technology will pave the way for smaller and cooler heat management systems.

The upcoming gaming laptop is built on a 20mm full-metal body chassis. Omen X 2S sees a 20% reduction in size over its predecessors with the new cooling method. In terms of aesthetics, the device sports a familiar design that has been seen in previous iterations. The unique hinge and angular designs are what people have come to expect from HP’s Omen lineup.

Internal Specifications

The upcoming gaming laptop, including the Omen 15, are available various configurations that potential buyers can opt for. Omen laptops can be equipped with the latest generation of 9th Gen Intel Core i9 octa-core processor. Graphical fidelity can be provided by the latest video cards from NVIDIA such as the RTX 2080 that feature the cooler and quieter Max-Q designs.

The amount of storage has yet to be detailed but upto 16GB of RAM will be provided by HP. Furthermore, since laptops are portable and more mobile than its desktop variants, the new Intel Wi-FI 6 is being provided as well. It is claimed to be 3 times faster in terms of file transfer speed over the older Wi-Fi 5.

Other Offerings

Two additional gaming laptops have also been announced for prospective buyers that don’t intend on spending too much. HP’s Omen 15 and Pavilion Gaming 15 will launch alongside the Omen X 2S. The later is a laptop designed on a thinner frame than its older variants but with improved specifications and performance. However, the gaming system will not receive similar top-notch hardware as the Omen X 2S. The laptop only receives upto the 9th Intel Core i7 CPU alongside NVIDIA’s GTX 1660 Ti with Max-Q design.

Price and Availability

The world’s first dual-screen gaming laptop “Omen X 2S” prices start from Rs. 2,09,990. HP OMEN 15 laptop will have buyers shell out Rs. 1,24,990 while the Pavilion Gaming 15 Laptop will go for Rs. 70, 990. An Omen gaming mouse is being sold on the side which is priced at Rs.1,799. HP is also offering the OMEN Outpost Mousepad which can charge the gaming mouse through the Qi wireless charging technology.

Also Read: Amazon Mi Days Sale, Top Deals On Best Selling Xiaomi Smartphones And Accessories

OMEN X 2S is expected to be available from July 1st via HP’s official website. The other two gaming laptops are currently available on the aforementioned website. These products from HP will seek to expand the company’s gaming horizons in the southeastern nation. India, although slow, is rising with the number of people with gaming-specific requirements. The Indian market holds great potential for any OEM and HP’s reception with the products shall be seen in the arriving weeks.
June 28, 2019
Samsung XCover FieldPro Rugged Smartphone Leaked

Samsung had just unveiled the XCover 4S earlier this month. A fresh report now showcases that the South Korean company is working on a new device in the lineup of rugged phones. These smartphones are robust and do not require extra protection like cases. The new handset will be dubbed the XCover FieldPro and will bring improvements across the board for the upcoming device.

Samsung applied for a trademark for the device that will probably be an advanced variant of the previously launched XCover 4S. The aforementioned series of smartphones are built to survive tough usage and resist wear and tear in harsh environments not recommended for traditional smartphones. Rugged phones are designed to be dust and waterproof devices and be used in fieldwork areas such as construction or off-shore sights. The XCover FieldPro will most likely sport a more powerful processor and an improved camera over its previous iterations.

Unfortunately, no additional information is available apart from the trademark being filed under the XCover FieldPro name. It is clear through its name that it is a ‘Pro’ model and should feature top of the line or at least better internal specifications than its predecessors. Samsung had previously also launched an extra model for its XCover 3. However, the new variant the XCover 3 Value Edition arrived a year later with just software improvements.

The XCover FieldPro will also run on the Android 9 Pie OS similar to the XCover 4S, if not the upcoming Android 10 Q version. The name of the device initially makes it sound like a gadget accessory for the XCover series but the filed report clearly defines a smartphone. Samsung had filed the patent in the United Kingdom on the 27th of June 2019 with the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office).

Also Read: Building The Ultimate, Stupid Fast SSD RAID Setup: iGyaan Beast PC Build

The tech giants rugged XCover lineup of smartphones are integral to the primary industries. These devices are a necessity due to the variety of features offered, such as communication, even in non-ideal workplaces. Samsung’s new addition to the rugged family will be a welcomed entry in the professional series and more information is expected to be revealed in the arriving weeks.

June 28, 2019
Apple Increases iPhone Production After Huawei US Ban

Apple and Huawei have been neck-and-neck in regards to their global smartphone market share. The lead is taken by Samsung while the aforementioned companies go back and forth for the second place. Huawei had almost cemented its lead when the US-China trade wars severely hampered the company’s business. A new report now points at Apple raising its iPhone production following the ban on the Chinese company.

Huawei had been accused of installing backdoors on its networking equipment and providing the data to its home Government, China. The ban sought to isolate the eastern tech giant due to concerns regarding data security by the US Government. Apple is reportedly taking advantage of the ban and is increasing the production of its handsets across the entire quarter. The report has claimed that the American company will make an incremental rise over past estimates.

Apple was originally reported to have planned manufacturing about 39 million units, which has now been estimated to rise to 40 million. The increase will last till the end of Q2, that is the end of June. It has been speculated that Apple is increasing production to respond to increasing demand for the iPhone in a few markets. The increase should fill the gap in the market left behind by Huawei, one of the largest smartphone OEM.

Apple is predicted to focus 75% of its increased production on iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max models. The remainder will be spread largely across the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 lineups. The bump is a temporary measure as the tech giant cannot hope to maintain the rise in the long run. Apple could potentially warrant US tariffs on iPhone sales due to the production of its devices in China.

Also Read: Honor Promises Continued Support For Existing Android Smartphones

The US Trump ban on Huawei has barred the company from sales of technology and components from American-based companies. Apple will take full advantage of the situation to secure a lead over its crippled competitor. Furthermore, the iPhone 2019 flagship models are just around the corner. It is expected to release in September to its global audience and will be a great new addition to its wide offerings of electronic devices.

June 28, 2019
Honor Promises Continued Support For Existing Android Smartphones

Huawei has been going through extremely rough waters for the last couple of weeks. The Chinese company, however, has not taken a step back with its business in any manner. The tech giant has shown no signs of slowing down, with new smartphones such as the Nova 5 series being released. Now, Honor, Huawei’s subsidiary, announced its commitment towards every one of its users with continued Android support and updates.

Our commitment to our fans. More information to follow. pic.twitter.com/qXVp1CcdiF
— Honor India (@HiHonorIndia) June 27, 2019

The sub-brand was made by Huawei as a dual-brand strategy. The former will aim at mid to low budget smartphones while the latter will compete in the premium markets. Honor provides smartphones that target younger consumers and is known to release tablet and wearable electronic gadgets as well.

Honor India went on Twitter to share a few lines dedicated to its loyal customers in a reassuring move. The tweet has the company promise its continued support for existing as well as upcoming smartphones that have been unveiled in the recent past. The support will encompass Android and its various security patches and updates. This claim will include every Honor smartphone and tablets that have already been launched.

Honor’s tweet will seek to ease tensions surrounding the uncertainty of support on their handsets. The public message was for all existing and future owners of Honor smartphones. Furthermore, devices in the Honor 20 series, namely the Honor 20, 20 Pro, 20i will receive Android Q in the near future. The company has also planned the Android 10 update for more of its “popular” handsets, although no official list has yet been given. The move from Huawei’s sub-brand should alleviate concerns from its loyal customers and prospective buyers.

Also Read: New PUBG Game Announced By The Developer Of Call of Duty, Dead Space

The China-based company’s words will have its customers breathe a sigh of relief. Honor has been successful in India due to its wide range of smartphones that are available at every price bracket. The devices essentially cater to every possible demographic of users. The arriving weeks will tell how true the promise turns out to be, and how the company fares under increasing tensions.

June 27, 2019
Indian Government May Launch It Own Chat App Like WhatsApp

The increased hostility between the US and China have sent the rippling waves of cause and effect to the entire world. Trade tensions between the two highly influential regions have already seen victims. Huawei was one of the most notable to be caught in the crossfire. The Chinese company had been dealt a major blow to its business. To combat a similar fate, the Indian Government is considering the development of an indigenous application for chat and emails.

The US has shown that it is capable of pressurising or enforcing restrictions which have heavy implications on any organisation or country. Senior Government officials in India were in a state of alert following the US sanctioned bans on Huawei. This was due to companies like Intel, ARM, Google and Qualcomm severing ties with the company after the ban. These large MNCs important due to their technology or services that are utilized by virtually every nation. Furthermore, if for some reason the US places any country on such a blacklist, it can lead to severe complications.

India, to tackle this, is planning to develop its own proprietary chat app similar to WhatsApp with other homegrown secure communications network. The apps would generally be made available for the various Indian Government agencies, to protect the country from possible vulnerabilities. This will be a counter to any rising geopolitical tensions with other nations. The US Commerce Department banning Huawei incited strong discussions within India’s top brass. The discussion encompassed plans for developing a secure platform for exchanging strategically important information.

The southeast Asian country is considering the implementation of this system for Government communications at the very least. This will ensure a degree of autonomy and self-dependence that would not have been achievable otherwise. Indian Government officials have already begun calling for the insulation of communications with reduced reliance on private solutions. The plan details a chat app which will keep and store all important related data within the country and not on some remote servers.

The US is currently pressuring India to bar Huawei from 5G in India. This arrives after plans for the first wave of 5G trials. Huawei has asked the Indian Government to take an independent stance on this, with no “back door entry” offered. India has yet to give a response to this. The tech giant received a ban from the US on 21s May, barring Huawei’s products and also barring US companies to supply software or hardware components. A company cannot ever be completely self-reliant. It is a regular phenomenon where technology and services are exchanged within the industries. The same as how Huawei suffered from the ban, any nation could also technically be crippled by strategic nations like the US.

Also Read: BlackBerry And LG Are Making Autonomous Cars

According to Government reports, the US Trade Representatives have already red-flagged India’s data privacy bill and intermediary guidelines. Basically, American companies like Facebook are resisting efforts of data localisation within the Indian subcontinent. The ban on Huawei only points at the possibility of any country being banned whenever they desire to do so. The localisation efforts by the Government could prevent such reliance and save the nation from a crippling state in a worst-case scenario with the “Sarkari” app.

June 27, 2019
BlackBerry And LG Are Making Autonomous Cars
A press release has announced the partnership of BlackBerry Limited with LG Electronics Inc. for a major new project. The aforementioned brands are recognisable for their consumer grade electronic products. However, the new project that is being spearheaded by the two companies will encompass the automobile industry, namely self-driven (autonomous) cars.

Historically, LG and BlackBerry were popular smartphone brands. The companies were critically acclaimed worldwide for their handsets, including India. The onset of the smartphones industries tech race had rendered BlackBerry and its business-centric devices obsolete. LG faired much better in comparison but has also seen a decline in the last couple of years. Though, the company is well known for its home appliances such as televisions and refrigerators.

The new project for autonomous cars is a heavy task. Self-driven cars are unlikely to hit Indian market anytime soon but are already being tested in developed nations like the US. Google, Apple, Uber and other such companies have been testing the technology for a while now. The automobile industry would greatly benefit from the expertise of both the companies in the arriving years.

The new agreement formed between the companies carries statements of the joint expansion through the partnership. Both the companies are large corporations that have only a small part of their business models aimed at the smartphone industry. Blackberry is well-renowned for its QNX software-based services and safety solutions that are being utilized by a multitude of companies.

Google’s Autonomous Vehicle

The companies have formed a conjunction to push forward the development and commercial availability of autonomous vehicles. The entire automobile industry has been working on numerous autonomous locomotives for years now. This new collaboration will seek to accelerate the transitional process between traditional to self-driving cars. The project will encompass a network of self-driving vehicles that are connected to one another. It will also help boost the myriad of suppliers that automobile OEMs are working with.

According to the report, BlackBerry’s QNX-based software solutions are planned on being incorporated by LG Electronics. The South Korean company’s hardware expertise will use QNX solutions to build numerous next-gen components such as:
- A security solution designed to help safeguard the system against malware and cyber threats and prevent malfunctions.
- Incorporate an improved voice and sound quality systems, namely media entertainment system, for the car’s internals.
- To build the control system for autonomous cars.
- An accessible mobile interface with control over multimedia functionalities.
Furthermore, the companies’ goals are to “produce cutting-edge cars for the future of the automotive market”. BlackBerry, unlike LG, has shifted its focus on its software services that are used in the mobile and automobile industry. The Canadian company is already supplying its technology to manufacturers developing driverless cars. LG, however, is still present in the smartphone market with its latest W series entries being launched in India. The company is still a big name in household products and is planning diversification in new ventures such as this.

LG W10

Also Read: WhatsApp Tests Feature That Allows Sharing Status To Facebook

The implications of the joint venture could be huge. Both LG and BlackBerry could potentially reduce the time frame for commercially available self-driving cars. The companies will rely on each other’s strong suits for the partnership. It might not be too long before the project bears its fruits. Unfortunately, it is just an announcement and not an actual product launch. We are still years away from actually seeing such cars in real-world practice.
June 27, 2019