Redmi, the Xiaomi subsidiary, has seen massive success across the Asian market with its smartphone offerings. The company was founded to penetrate markets with affordable devices that carried noteworthy specs. It holds true even in India where its Note series devices are one of the annual best selling smartphones. Now, its latest entry in the series, Note 8 and Note 8 Pro, have some of its rumours confirmed.
Alleged Note 8 Pro
Redmi Note 8 Series
Previously, we had reported on the Redmi Note 8 Pro sporting the gaming centric SoC named Helio G90T. But, the company has now confirmed that the entire Note 8 series will sport the new chipset. The MediaTek mobile CPU was announced back in July which a Redmi executive confirmed will be featured on an upcoming smartphone soon. Although the name wasn’t announced back then rumours had already pointed towards the new Note 8 series.
What We Know So Far
Earlier this month, we had also covered reports that have since been confirmed. The Redmi Note 8 Pro will feature a quad camera setup with a primary sensor being a 64MP camera. On the other hand, the base Note 8 will probably feature a 48MP sensor. The 64MP shooter on the Note 8 Pro is also confirmed to be Samsung’s ISOCELL GW1 sensor. The device will be one of the first to feature the newly unveiled camera module from the South Korean giant alongside Realme XT.
It is yet to be confirmed if the Note 8 series will house a fingerprint sensor on the back or an in-display scanner under an AMOLED panel. Furthermore, it is rumoured that NFC connectivity will finally arrive to the mid-range devices. Unfortunately, finer details like RAM, storage and other features are still a mystery so we will have to wait for an official announcement. The device will be unveiled on 29th August 2019 so stay tuned for more updates.
On 20th of August 2019, Realme unveiled its Realme 5 series of smartphones which will debut in India. The event saw details regarding the devices and gave us a slight glimpse of what to expect in the near future. Previously, we had reported about an upcoming Realme smartphone with 64MP quad camera setup. Now, it has been confirmed by the company that the device will be called Realme XT.
What To Expect
A 64MP Quad Camera Setup: Realme has already confirmed that the Realme XT will feature a quad camera setup with the primary camera being a 64MP sensor. Samsung launched the ISOCELL Bright GW1 sensor is the only sensor that fits the criteria. Hence, it is quite possible that Realme XT will feature this sensor. Unfortunately, it is not known what purpose the other three cameras serve. However, since Realme 5 Pro features an 8MP wide angle lens alongside a 2MP macro camera and 2MP depth sensor, similar sensors might also be found on the XT. Additionally, the smartphone may also house a popup selfie camera similar to its sibling, the Realme X.
Realme X Spiderman Edition
AMOLED Display: Earlier this year, Realme X was launched with a 6.53 inch AMOLED display. Furthermore, since the upcoming Realme XT is a beefed up variant of the same series, it is likely to sport an AMOLED panel. Notably, the company had teased a silhouette of the Realme XT which did not reveal a rear mounted fingerprint scanner. Thus, an in display sensor which is also present on the Realme X may make a reappearance.
Better Internals: The exact specifications of the Realme XT is currently a mystery. However, there is a high chance of it being a premium grade flagship smartphone. A Snapdragon 855+ device from Realme is expected to arrive soon and it might be the XT since Realme X was launched with Snapdragon 710 and was an upper mid range smartphone.
Realme XT is likely to be priced higher than existing members of the series. The reason for this is likely due to its bumped up camera specs and numbers alongside better internals. Lastly, the company had confirmed that the device will arrive right before Diwali. It means that we can expect a September-October launch date.
Earlier this year, we had covered multiple reports regarding Motorola’s Razr foldable smartphone. The device is the successor to the original Razr flip phones and will seek to revive the iconic series. The thing that sets it apart from its past generation is the foldable display in the form factor of a flip phone. It was confirmed by the company that the device was under development and we now have reports claiming it will launch in December alongside alleged pricing.
Motorola Razr
Motorola Razr is a refresh to the legendary lineup of sleek and compact flip phones that were extremely popular almost a decade ago. However, the 2019 Razr brings in a lot more than just better hardware and OS. The key feature is most definitely its folding screen that allows the device to have a very small physical footprint. In other words, it is compact and is minute compared to the large smartphone like the Galaxy Note 10. The handset also houses a small secondary display which was also seen in the previous iterations. Notably, the images are seen so far only showcase a single camera being present on the device.
Motorola Razr 2019 is expected to arrive in Europe in December and will carry a hefty price tag of EUR 1,500 and USD 1,500 in the US. In Indian Rupee, it translates to the device being priced anywhere between INR 1,07,000 to INR 1,19,000. However, an Indian release has yet to be revealed. Furthermore, it is expected to be a mid-range smartphone with weaker specs in comparison to Galaxy Fold or Huawei Mate X but may still be more affordable than its competitors.
Xiaomi’s launched the latest iteration of its Android One Mi A series last month in Spain. Dubbed the Mi A3, it is a direct successor to the Mi A2 and by its extension the Mi A1. The series has been popular in India with users particularly enjoying the stock Android experience. Mi A3 seeks to deliver much of the same experience with mid-range hardware at a lucrative price tag.
Xiaomi Mi A3
Xiaomi Mi A3 makes a noticeable change in design aesthetics over its predecessors with its new 3D glass finish on the rear. It offers an attractive look with gradient colour accents changing reflection with the angle they are viewed from. On the front, Mi A3 features a 6.08-inch HD+ Super AMOLED display which is a downgrade from the previous iteration which had an FHD+ display.
For photography, the Mi A3 features a triple camera setup with the primary shooter being a 48MP sensor. The latter two are an 8MP ultra-wide lens alongside a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, a large 32MP sensor for selfies can be found on a waterdrop notch. Notably, the Mi A3 is the first in the series to house the fingerprint scanner under the display. Furthermore, the handset houses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 665 SoC with Adreno 610 GPU. The chipset has an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 610 GPU.
Xiaomi’s Mi A3 is powered by a large 4,030mAh battery which supports 18W fast charging, however, the fast charger needs to be bought separately, as the provided capacity in the retail box is limited to 10W. For connectivity, the smartphone offers Bluetooth 5.0, an IR Blaster, USB Type-C port, Dual 4G VoLTE and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The last feature was omitted in the Mi A2 much to the loyal users disliking. Additionally, Mi A3 is an Android One device which means it runs the latest Android 9 Pie and is guaranteed to receive two major updates and security updates for up to 3 years.
Xiaomi Mi A3 will be available from 12 pm (IST) on 23rd August 2019. It can be purchased from Amazon and on Xiaomi’s official website. The smartphone is expected to be available on offline stores soon after. It is offered in three colour variants, namely Kind of Grey, Not Just Blue and More Than White. The device is offered in two different memory and RAM configuration that is:
Oppo launched its Reno series of flagship and mid-range devices four months ago. Despite it being announced freshly, the series is already receiving a second-generation update. Previously, we had covered the official announcement and leak regarding three new upcoming Reno 2 series devices. Now, Oppo Reno 2 smartphone has its entire specifications leaked after it was spotted on a Chinese regulatory website TENAA.
Oppo Reno 2 Specs
Oppo Reno 2 is a direct successor to the original Reno smartphone, not to be confused by Reno 10x Zoom flagship which will remain the company’s top-end offering. The latest iteration is speculated to offer a noticeable improvement in most aspects at the announcement expected on 28th August. Similar to its predecessors, Reno 2 will also sport a “shark-fin” pop up selfie camera that will allow for a notchless display. The device may sport a 6.5 inch FHD+ (2,400 x 1080px) AMOLED display on the front.
Oppo Reno
The listing further reveals that it will be powered by a 3,915mAh battery and may be offered with up to 8GB of RAM. For internal storage, Reno 2 may be available in 2 configurations, 128GB or 256GB. Furthermore, the Chinese website lists of an undisclosed 2.2GHz octa-core processor. It is speculated to be the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 730 SoC, an improvement over the Snapdragon 710 chipset found on the original Oppo Reno.
Camera
Oppo Reno 2 may also feature a quad-camera module on the rear that will be stacked vertically. The primary camera will be a 48MP shooter alongside three 13MP, 8MP and 2MP sensors respectively. It is assumed that at least one of the cameras is a depth sensor while others will be the 20x Zoom lens. However, Reno 2 may offer 2x optical zoom that allows for 5x hybrid zoom and the 20x digital zoom thereon unlike Reno 10x Zoom which has a 5x optical zoom along with 60x digital zoom. It suggests the upcoming devices do not employ the same periscope lens trick that its previous entry offered.
Oppo Reno 10x Zoom
Additionally, Oppo also shared another teaser that showcased a couple of new features for its Reno 2 series cameras. It includes Ultra Dark Mode, Ultra Steady Video and its 20x Zoom capabilities. Hence, Reno 2 is likely to use its multi-camera system to enhance low light imagery backed by image stabilization.
Oppo Reno 2 will be unveiled on 28th August 2019 and is expected to be priced around INR 35,000. It is currently unknown when the series will see a global launch but going by past reports, a UK, Australia and Asian launch can be expected to follow soon after.
WhatsApp has a user count of over 1.5 billion across the world. It is one of the most popular applications on both the Apple App Store and Google’s Play Store; and has millions of active users at any given moment. In India alone, the application has over 400 million users. The company behind the popular chat app is starting to roll out four long awaited new features with its latest builds.
WhatsApp Inc, owned by Facebook, is rolling out the latest build in a staggered manner so most users may not immediately get the feature.
Fingerprint Lock Feature
The features is not exactly a brand new addition to WhatsApp security functions. Earlier this year, iOS devices have already received the update that enabled this particular feature. Now, a whole seven months after, the feature is finally available on Android devices. In February 2019, iPhones had the ability to safeguard their app with biometric security either with FaceID or TouchID. The feature is cuurrently live with WhatsApp beta version for Android that are on the latest version 2.19.3 for those that wish to try it. A live build iteration is expected to arrive soon.
WhatsApp From Facebook
Previously, we had reported that Facebook the parent company behind WhatsApp and Instagram, wants to integrate the three social media platforms. It means that the company wants the user experience to be almost seamless with transitions in between any of its social networking services. Users can find the “WhatsApp from Facebook” tag in the apps Settings section.
Frequently Forwarded
Ill natured users on WhatsApp have been accused on multiple occassions of facilitating the spread of fake and false news in India. Hence, it has been a considerable effort from the company’s part to fix the issue. One of the moves employed to curb the forest fire nature of false information was identifying such texts and labelling them with the “Frequently Forwarded” tag. It would allow indentification of how many times the message has been forwarded by alerting the user.
One of the latest features being introduced is a real quality of life improvement in the user experience. The feature which was first seen in the iOS version of Whatsapp has the user no longer having to play consecutive voice notes manually. In simpler words, Users can now automatically play voice notes one after another seamlessly. Additionally, the chat app notifies the user with a sound after finishing one audio message before starting another.
Gaming smartphones are one of the new trends with the last couple of generation in the mobile industry. The devices, as the name suggests, are made with modifications or tweaks with gaming in mind. Previously, the genre had failed miserably with many unsuccessful attempts of bringing a new breed of cellular yet portable gaming consoles to the mainstream markets. Since then, consumer’s perspective has changed and the unique handsets are now widely sought after. But, do we really need a gaming smartphone?
To answer the question lets take a look at the brief history of gaming smartphones alongside other portable gaming devices.
Xiaomi Black Shark 2
Portable Gaming
The first video game ever created was Pong back in 1958. Since its inception, a new multi-billion dollar industry has been borne with gaming as its business model. Soon after, in the early 1960s, consumers were looking at video games as the next big thing in the entertainment industry. Hence, companies took notice and game studios were founded. By 1970s, there were already multiple studios with various games for PCs alongside the first form of gaming consoles. Interestingly, the first consoles also birthed the race for portable consoles that have a wider reach and easier accessibilities.
Nintendo DS
Nintendo is widely credited for being the company to popularize the handheld console market with its release of Game Boy in 1989. The portable gaming console was explosive in success and dominated the market for years into the future. Note, this was also the time where the mobile industry had devices become more compact meaning more portability. The gaming industry and mobile industry went parallel for the better part of each respective infant stages. However, the advancement in technology meant a cross over was soon to be expected.
Game Boy Original
Gaming Smartphones of Old
Gaming smartphones are not a new breed. Although they are now certainly a lot more viable than before. The reason why many established OEMs kept their distance from them is due to their infamous history. Devices such as the Nokia N-Gage, Sony Ericsson Xperia Play and more are a few that pop into mind. The gaming phones of old were surprisingly more powerful and capable than their handheld gaming consoles at the time in some scenarios.
Nokia N-Gage
For example, the N-Gage was a direct competitor to Game Boy Advance while featuring a much better processor. But, speed isn’t enough as the implementation of controls whilst having games actually made for your platform is rather difficult. The devices launched then suffered either of the two problems or both. At the time, the game studios had no inclination or incentive to collaborate with the mobile OEMs either, since the portable consoles were extremely popular at the time. However, that has since changed.
Known Gaming Phones and Handheld Consoles
Nokia N-Gage
Sony Ericsson Xperia Play
PlayStation Portable (PSP)
PlayStation Portable Vita
Game Boy & Game Boy Advance
Samsung SPH-B5200
Sony Ericsson Xperia Play
Gaming Smartphones Now
Surprisingly, even after the harsh history of the breed, gaming smartphones have stood the test of time. It indirectly implies the unending growth of gaming culture and entertainment. Currently, the smartphone gaming market accounts for more revenue than both PC gaming and console gaming market combined. In other words, studios earn more from games like Candy Crush over games like Call of Duty.
Nubia Red Magic 3
Furthermore, we all know the PUBG Mobile fever that has infected globally, especially India. After the game’s launch, we have seen more smartphone like the Asus ROG Gaming Phones being launched. These smartphones unlike regular feature aesthetical changes which make them look a lot more appealing and gaming-centric. They also carry tweaks and modifications, especially to the UI, to provide an enhanced gaming experience. Unlike the past, there is a booming mobile gaming market to cater to the increasing capabilities of smartphones.
PUBG Mobile
Are They Really Worth It?
Finally, the reason why you are here. Gaming smartphones are worth buying now more than ever before. Tech giants have recognised the true potential of the gaming genre and its immense value and are heavily invested in many mobile gaming studios. However, it would still be advised to wait just a bit longer. Yes, gaming smartphones are the best they have ever been, but they can be better. What we see now is the gaming industry finally penetrating the main stream market of smartphones or as they say, “just the tip of the iceberg.”
Razer Phone 2
Hence, it is expected that specialised hardware, such as MediaTek Helio G90T SoC that is made for gaming, will improve with time and exclusive more mobile gaming studios like Tencent Games will emerge. Regardless of its popularity, the gaming smartphone market is still a niche with its sales not being close to mainstream devices.
Additionally, there really isn’t a lot that difference, in most cases, between a gaming smartphone and a regular flagship. For the most part, gaming handsets offer a better display with a higher refresh rate panel, overclocked SoC or even better cooling solutions. Conclusively, it is a great time for mobile gamers and huge potential in the industry. With a bit more time, it is expected to mature into a gaming world of its own within amazing portability that beats any handheld consoles.
Realme once an Oppo subsidiary has quickly grown to become one of the top 10 smartphone OEMs in the world. On the 20th of August, it launched the highly anticipated Realme 5 and Realme 5 Pro in India. Both smartphones are mid-range devices but the Pro variant have comparativley bumped up specs.
Realme 5 & Realme 5 Pro
Both the Realme 5 and Realme 5 Pro have a crystal design on the rear panel which mimics a holographic effect. They feature a 6.3 inch FHD+ display with an impressive 90.6% screen to body ratio. The 16MP selfie camera is housed in the waterdrop notch on the front through which the high screen to body ratio is achieved. For security, the smartphone duo house a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Under the hood, the Realme 5 houses the 11nm Snapdragon 665 AIE chipset which consists of an octa-core CPU alongside Adreno 610 GPU. On the other hand, the Realme 5 Pro features Qualcomm’s 10nm Snapdragon 712 SoC which also has an Octa-Core CPU along with Adreno 616 GPU. Both smartphones feature a quad-core camera which carries an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 2MP depth sensor and 2MP macro camera. The Realme 5 sports a 12MP primary shooter while the Pro variant has a 48MP Sony IMX586 sensor.
The Realme 5 is powered by a large 5,000mAh battery while the 5 Pro houses a 4,035mAh battery. The latter supports the company’s VOOC 3.0 fast charging upto 20W with a compatible charger bundled in the box. Both smartphones feature a much-welcomed headphone jack and offer similar connectivity options that include Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 ac Wi-Fi and dual 4G VoLTE. Both the smartphones run on ColorOS 6 which is based on top of the latest Android 9 Pie. According to the company, ColorOS 6 has a simplified UI as it draws a lot of inspiration from stock Android.
Price & Availability
The Realme 5 will be available from 12PM (IST) on the 27th August 2019. It will be purchasable on Flipkart and Realme’s official websites. The smartphone will be available offine soon after its official launch. It is offered in two colours, Crystal Blue and Crystal Purple, and will be available in three different RAM and ROM configurations:
Realme 5 Pro will arrive after the base variant and will be available from 12PM (IST) on 4th September 2019. The device will also be available on Flipkart and Realme’s official website. Again, offline sales are expected to arrive soon after. The device will be offered in two colours, Sparkling Blue and Crystal Green, and will be available in three different RAM and ROM configurations for which the price is as follows:
4 GB + 64 GB: Rs 13,999
6 GB + 64 GB: Rs 14,999
8 GB + 128 GB: Rs 16,999
Conclusively, both the smartphones are value for money offerings and will give handsets from Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands a good run for their money.
Gamescom is one of the largest gaming expos that is held annually in Germany. The events in 2018 had the highest numbers of visitors so far in any gaming convention with over 370,000 people attending. It is known for major reveals and insight into upcoming projects from some of the biggest publishers and gaming studios in the industry. They include Bethesda, Electronic Arts, Konami, Namco Bandai Games and a lot more. The event has just kicked off and lasts from 20th to 24th August 2019.
Here is a short roundup of all the exciting new games that are arriving by year-end or the following year.
Gamescom 2019
The largest gaming expo has led to a lot of hype garnering for loyal fans within the gaming industry. Expectations are at an all-time high with the upcoming release of timely AAA titles that are the most awaited within the list. Gamescom 2019 all but confirms Cyberpunk 2077 being available of Google Stadia, PUBG getting cross-play support between consoles and who can forget, the beloved indie titles which are now arriving on Nintendo Switch as well.
Gamescom 2019 has just kicked off and we already have certain news regarding a few of the most anticipated games. The list includes Cyberpunk 2077, Need For Speed Heat, Gears 5 and the most hyped game of 2019, Death Stranding.
The game is probably one of the most sought after the game at the moment. It is being developed by the legendary video game creator Hideo Kojima and will mark his first game since his departure from Kojima Studios. So far, we have received numerous teasers and trailers that have led to more questions than answers regarding its beautifully twisted plot and settings. However, this time the studio introduced two more characters to us. One of them is a baby called BB while the other is called Mama, aptly named as she can pluck babies from the sky. Yes, we get how confusing it must sound, so watch the video linked down below for some clarity.
Cyberpunk 2077 is about the only game which is close to Death Stranding in terms of hype or anticipation. The game is a take of the future from the beloved game studio, CD Projekt Red which is also known for the Witcher Series. It is now also confirmed to be available on Google’s game streaming platform stadia and Gamescom 2019 saw its official reveal trailer being given out. The short trailer had shown hacking and a motorcycle ride in the first person and least to say, we are waiting for this one in particular.
https://youtu.be/CcsZHPdMr1M
Gears 5
Gears 5 is the fifth entry in the Gears of War franchise which is one of the most popular titles in the Xbox console exclusive lineups. Furthermore, the entry is different from its previous iterations as it is considered to be a soft reboot with the main cast of the game is changed. A past side character is now the protagonist and it seems to heavily rely on its single player campaign narration. The game is also set to reveal its much-anticipated Horde mode which lets 4 players team up to survive increasingly difficult waves of unrelenting enemies.
Blair Witch
Yes, the game is exactly what you think it is. For those unaware, Blair Witch is game revloving around a movie based on the same name and setting. The game takes place in the same universe as the legendary horror movie alongside whilst providing more insight into its lore and history. It is also based in the iconic Blair Witch forest and will have gamers on the edge of their seats. Gamescom 2019 has revealed its arrival on August 30th so be on the look out.
NBA 2K20
The gaming world is incomplete without the virtual sports titles. NBA 2K series is one of these and has been a staple within the industry. Now, its latest iteration NBA 2K20 has chosen a star studded roster to showcase its new career mode. The game is being co-produced by LeBron James production company and also features a performance from Idris Elba, Rosario Dawson, Thomas Middleditch, Ernie Hudson and LeBron James himself.
Need For Speed: Heat
One of the most iconic racing game franchise has finally receive a new entry. Need for Speed will be the latest installment within the franchsie and features intense street races and cops as well. The game was announced a month prior to Gamescom 2019 but we were finally offered a first look at the gameplay. The game will have to carry out the legacy of the popular series and is one game to definitely try out.
Moving on to Indie titles, Ori and The Blind Forest isn’t a new game but its arrival on Switch is perfect. The game will fit right in with its award winning environment set in a side scrolling fashion. The hand drawn game will be a much appreciated entry into Nintendo’s library.
Oppo, in a surprising move, has planned on launching its second generation of Reno smartphones mere months after the original’s release. Previously, we had covered the initial announcement made by the company on Twitter. Unfortunately, apart from the launch date of 28th August 2019, Oppo was yet to reveal any details including specs or features of the devices. A new report claims to leak the Indian pricing and specs of three upcoming Reno series smartphones.
Oppo Reno 2 Series
The Reno2 series arrives barely 4 months after the launch of the original Reno series in India. The latest generation will debut in India prior to its global launch. Reportedly, all three Reno2 series smartphone will feature a quad-camera setup alongside 20x Zoom. Interestingly, it is also reported that the new series will still sit right belowOppo’s Reno 10x Zoom.
According to the report, Oppo Reno 2 will feature a 6.5 inch AMOLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio. The device will have a 93.1 percent screen to body ratio with an in-display fingerprint scanner and Gorilla Glass 6. Notably, The Reno2 could potentially be the first smartphone in India to sport Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 730G SoC. In terms of storage, the device will feature a 256GB ROM alongside 8GB of RAM. The RAM and ROM configurations may probably launch in multiple variants. Additionally, Reno2 will run the Android 9 Pie-based ColorOS 6.0.1 but the company has promised availability of Android Q. The smartphone will replace the original Reno and will be priced around INR 35,000.
The smartphone will feature a quad-camera setup on the rear with a 48MP Sony IMX586 primary sensor with f/1.7 aperture. It will also include an 8MP ultra-wide lens, 13MP 5x hybrid zoom camera alongside a 2MP depth sensor. The camera will feature special portrait modes such as “Ultra Dark Mode”, Portrait Mode 2.0, Ultra Steady Videos, 3D audio zoom, real-time portrait videos, and hybrid image stabilization. Oppo Reno 2’s selfie shooter is a 16MP camera with the similar sharkfin popup mechanism accompanied by “soft light flash.” The device will be powered by a 4,000mAh battery that supports VOOC 3.0 fast charging and also has Gorilla Glass 5 on the back.
Reno 2Z
Oppo Reno 2Z is a toned-down iteration in the Reno2 series. It will also feature a large 6.53 inch AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution. Oppo will add Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5 to the smartphone which will also house an in-display fingerprint scanner. Reno 2Z features MediaTek Helio P90 SoC with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The device is expected to be released with a price tag around INR 25,000.
The camera on Oppo Reno 2Z also houses a 48MP primary shooter alongside 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and 2MP depth sensor. Features such as the OS, front-facing camera and battery are said to be similar to the above-mentioned Reno2.
Reno 2F
The third smartphone in the series is still shrouded in mystery. Oppo Reno 2F is likely to also feature much of the features regarding camera module but will run on a slightly weaker chipset. The exact display size is currently unknown but going by its INR 20,000 price bracket it can be assumed to be smaller than the former two devices.
The report is yet to be confirmed by the company. However, the specs do seem highly likely as replacing the Reno flagship in just a short amount of time seems like a counterproductive move on their part. More information is expected to be available soon. stay tuned for updates.
With the advent of newer technology, lives have become easier. For example, unlike in the past where you had to ask for directions or use an unyieldingly large map, online mapping services have existed to make lives easier. Currently, Google dominates such a service with its extremely popular Google Maps. Many companies have tried to obtain a footing in the market like Apple and Blackberry, the latter miserably failing in this regard. According to a new report, Huawei is now also seeking to develop its own mapping service which will compete with Google Maps.
Who Is It For?
A fresh report originating from Huawei’s home country, China, has stated that the tech giant is seeking to challenge Google. However, the company is developing a mapping service which differs from its competitors. Unlike Google Maps, it is reportedly being made for developers which implies that it may be used by navigation or taxi-hailing services. It would also allow third-party developers to create utilize this service without creating their own.
Google Maps
Map Kit
A top executive at Huawei has revealed Map Kit as the name of the upcoming service. It will offer developers a street-level navigation system that they can use in their respective apps. Map Kit will also convey real-time traffic conditions and other related data. It could also imply an AR walking navigational system which is used by Google. Furthermore, the Map Kit will be connected to local mapping services and will have to rely on telecom base stations that offer positioning data via satellites.
Google Maps AR Navigational Feature
Will It Succeed?
The report also states that Huawei is partnering up with Booking Holdings. Notably, Booking is currently reliant on Google Maps. Hence Map Kit might just be a customer and not actually a data provider. Huawei will have to invest heavily to compete in the mapping service market which has been notoriously difficult to crack. As mentioned earlier, Google is the only company to see success in the business while even Apple is lagging behind the search giant. Nokia too had tried and failed with its Here Maps as did Blackberry in the past.
Huawei’s new mapping service is probably in response to the trade ban imposed on it by the US Government. The trade ban it had received has since been temporarily revoked but its implications still stand evident. US and western-based companies can cut ties from the company at any given moment. Thus, the move arrives with a more self-sufficient motive rather than just a revenue-generating one.
YouTube is an app that is found in almost every smartphone and is enjoyed by most users. The website or app allows people to consume video content alongside music for free. Its business model is centred around ad revenue with ads people watch in between videos and such. For the most part, the app is a free service but does offer some paid services like Youtube Premium. Freshly, Google, its parent company has announced that is making the paid service free for all to watch.
YouTube Originals
The company had previously announced YouTube Originals which was introduced to make the platform similar to Netflix and other paid streaming platforms. In other words, users are offered a wide variety of movies and episodic series to choose from. However, the difference between the other services and YouTube Originals has now broadened. While Netflix employs a monthly subscription fee, Youtube is offering its Originals service for free. The service, until now, has been exclusive to Youtube’s Premium users but is now set to change.
Weird City
YouTube Premium
YouTube has also added new features for Premium subscribers of its service to enjoy. It includes:
A new “Recommended Downloads” section in its app library.
It is now possible to switch between songs and music videos with a single tap.
The ability to download up to 500 songs from their Liked Songs list and other playlists
So How Do They Still Make Money?
How does a free service earn like Google, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube earn money? The answer is ads; most popular service out there run an ad-based revenue and YouTube Originals will also be loaded with them now. Previously, to the premium subscription, users had to shell out INR 129 a month which include:
According to Google, every YouTuve Originals series released after 24th September will be available to everyone regardless of paid or unpaid status. However, premium users still receive a lot of benefits over the free users including:
The premium users are not bothered by ads.
Paid users get immediate access to every episode while paid users must wait for timed releases.
Reliance Jio is one of India’s leading telecom service provider. The Mukesh Ambani owned company has seen massive success in its short time since it was introduced. Currently, its high speed internet service, Jio Fiber, which was announced last week has some varying prices and special offerings. It includes plan in-between anywhere from Rs. 700 to Rs. 10,000 which is offered alongside the fixed-line connection and set-top box.
Now, let’s take a look at what’s in store for Jio customers:
Fixed Line Connection
Jio Fiber broadband offerings are bundled with a landline connection. Users have a choice between HD to 4K quality set-top box and have access to Jio’s Internet of Things (IoT). The company is also promising free calls for life from the fixed-line connection. Notably, the cost for international calls is being brought down by offering unlimited ISD calling to US, Canada at INR 500/month.
Set-Top Box
Reliance Jio announced a set-top box that allows users to access the largest possible collection of TV Channels. It arrives after the company acquired multiple system operators like DEN, Hathway and GTPL. These operators have direct relations with over 30,000 LCOs (Local Cable Operators). The set-top box, landline and broadband connections are all routed via fibre-optics cables.
First Day First Show
Jio is introducing a revolutionary concept which will affect the way people watch new movies in India. The service will be available in mid-2020 and will be available for Premium Jio Fiber users to watch a movie as soon as they are released in the theatres.
Free 4K LED TV
Jio Forever plans bring some exciting news for prospective customers. The annual plan can be opted and offer users a free HD or 4K LED TV and a 4K set-top box for free. It is yet to be announced which brand or make of TV will be provided and if or not a security deposit is required.
Gaming
One of the more surprising news is definitely the companies entry into gaming. The Reliance Jio set-top box will arrive with a built-in graphics card. Notably, the company is also in collaboration with Tencent Games and Microsoft to make more games compatible. Zero-Latency gaming experience is being claimed right now but we have yet to see of its legitimacy.
Microsoft’s Halo
Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality
Jio’s set-top box will also have native support for VR and MR functionality. It means that such content in different categories like shopping, education and movies can be experienced. A special Holoboard MR headset is expected to arrive soon after as well.
Jio IoT
Jio is developing an innovative service on its Indian 4G network called Narrowband Internet of Things or NBIoT. The company is looking to connect the whole of India. It is expected that two years after its launch an estimate of two billion IoT devices in India. The service will commercially be available from 1st January 2020.
The subscription for the Jio Fiber will start from INR 700 a month and has speeds start from 100 Mbps. Even the US, a developed country only averages around 90 Mbps. The power users are also being targetted with an INR 10,000 plan which seems like a more robust offering.
Earlier this year, Oppo launched its flagship device named Reno 10x Zoom. It featured a hybrid 10x Zoom capabilities as the name suggests and features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 SoC. It was released in April alongside a more affordable variant that has watered down specs. After a short run, it is being reported that its successor by the name Reno2 with 20x Zoom will soon make its debut in India.
The Oppo Reno2 will make its debut in India, unlike last time before its eventual launch in other markets. The device was confirmed today (16th August 2019) by the company by a post shared on Twitter. According to the image shared, the Reno2 will feature a quad-camera setup on the rear alongside the signature shark-fin popup selfie shooter. The camera setup is stacked vertically with one on top of the other. Unfortunately, Oppo hasn’t given out any finer details regarding the device in question.
Furthermore, it is also confirmed that the event will see the launch of multiple iterations of the Reno2. Which means, Oppo is likely to introduce a mid-range variant alongside the flagship. It may be possible that the series will feature a 64MP camera similar to its competitor, RedmiandRealme. The latter was previously an Oppo subsidiary so it’s not far fetched that a similar sensor could be introduced between the companies. The flagship in the series might also feature Snapdragon 855+ which is expected to soon be seen in smartphones of competing brands.
Price & Availability
The Oppo Reno2 series will be unveiled on 28th August 2019. It is likely that its pricing will be close to its predecessors due to such a short interval between the generations. The Reno 10x Zoom variant was priced at INR 39,999 while the base variant retailed for INR 32,990. Hence, the price bracket for the series could also revolve around the 30-50k range.
The news is surprising considering the smartphone launched barely 3 months ago in India. In other words, Oppo already is making the previous iteration obsolete in such a short lifespan. However, the news probably arrives after many factors such as new Qualcomm SoC and innovations in the photography department being introduced by its competitors.
Realme, previously an Oppo subsidiary, has seen increasing popularity in the Indian subcontinent within its short arrival. Earlier this month, we had covered multiple reports regarding the company’s upcoming range of smartphones. The Realme 5 series, a direct successor to the Realme 3 series has its official pricing finally revealed.
Realme 5
Realme 5 will be the company’s first quad camera setup smartphone that will make its debut in India. It features a quad camera setup with a 48MP primary shooter alongside a speculated wide angle lens, Super Macro camera and depth sensor. The smartphone is the reportedly one of the first to house one of Qualcomms latest chipset. According to a Geekbench report, the device sports the Snapdragon 665 chipset coupled with 4GB of RAM which is also found in Xiaomi’s Mi A3.
Unfortunately, the company is yet to reveal any finer details regarding the Realme 5 series of smartphones. However, from what we know so far, the device offers notable features at a lucrative price tag with:
48MP Quad Camera Setup
Snapdragon 655
4GB RAM
Price & Availability
Some achievements on our technology journey A. 1st to bring 48MP Quad camera smartphone in India B. World’s 1st Quad camera smartphone under 10k 1st in India C. Powerful Qualcomm chipset 1st time ever launching in India All on 20th Aug #ProudIndian#HappyIndependenceDaypic.twitter.com/r9xDQt7PwM
Realme 5 series will officially be launched officially on 20th August 2019 at 12pm (IST). The Realme 5 is confirmed to be under 10k which means it will probably priced similar to its predecessor at INR 9,999. Furthermore, Realme 5 is the worlds first smartphone to offer a quad camera module under a price tag of 10k. The Mi A3 launches on the 21st, hence, it is technically the first smartphone with SD655 in India. The smartphone will be available online via Flipkart.
The Realme 5 will be directly competing with Xiaomi at this price bracket. The latter is known for its dominance over the affordable to upper mid ranged of smartphones. The Mi A3 will be one of its main competitors and it remains to be seen which is a better offering. More information is expected to arrive soon and updates will soon follow.
