Author: Vipul Vij

Honor 7X Gets Face Unlock Feature Via New Software Update
Honor launched the Honor 7X in India back in December 2017. The company subsequently announced that the Honor 7X will soon get the revered Face Unlock feature. The company has delivered on the announcement and rolled out the new feature to Honor 7X via an OTA. Priced at Rs 12999, it is one of the best smartphones in the price bracket with its dual-camera setup and 18:9 aspect ratio.

P Sanjeev, Vice-President, Sales, Huawei Consumer Business Group said:

Face Unlock Intelligent feature is usually available in flagship level smartphones, however, Honor in its endeavor to deliver unmatched smartphone innovation to the Indian consumers has introduced this feature in the coveted Honor 7X
The Huawei OTA update will be incrementally rolled out to all Honor 7X devices by mid-March. It is worth noting that the Honor 7X is the third Honor device after the View10 and Honor 9 Lite to receive the Face Unlock feature. In its price bracket, only the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro has Face Unlock.

Honor 9 Lite Face Unlock

Face Unlock Features

With Face Unlock, users can unlock their smartphones without reaching for the fingerprint sensor. This comes in even more handy with the Honor 7X since its fingerprint sensor is placed on the back. Hence, it is easier to unlock your device when it’s laying flat on a surface. With the new feature, you can also hide your notifications for other via smart notifications. This basically means that the notification preview will be hidden unless the phone detects the stored face.

Honor 7X Specifications

The Honor 7X has a 5.9 inch LTPS IPS LCD display with a 2160 x 1080 px display which translates into an 18:9 aspect ratio.

Under the hood, the Honor 7X has the HiSilicon Kirin 659 chipset, Mali-T830 MP2 GPU, 4GB of RAM and 64GB onboard storage. The onboard storage is expandable up to 256GB via microSD card. The device is powered by a 3340 mAh battery which charges via a micro USB slot.

The smartphone has a dual camera setup at the back. The camera setup at the back has PDAF and records 1080P videos at 30fps. On the front is an 8MP camera which also records 1080P videos.

5.9 inch IPS LCD

HiSilicon Kirin 659

4GB RAM

32GB/64GB expandable storage

16MP+2MP depth sensor

8MP front camera
March 12, 2018

Xiaomi Mi TV 4A Vs Xiaomi Mi TV 4: What’s The Difference?

Ever since entering the Indian market, Xiaomi has predominantly focussed on the smartphone market. However, one look at the company’s Mainland China website and you realise that Xiaomi has a much more diverse repertoire. Xiaomi has launched power banks, air purifier, earphones and speakers as well but, these are accessories and never really ignite any excitement. However, most of the company’s smartphone launches have been excellent so far and has created enough anticipation around the brand.

On the 14th of February, however, that changed. Along with the much-awaited launch of the Redmi Note 5, the company unveiled its first-ever television in India. At a price of Rs 39,999 the Mi TV 4 offers a 4K LED display, smart TV functionalities and an enhanced UI based on Patchwall. No other 4K LED TV comes close to its price in the Indian market. In fact, it has been sold out within a couple of minutes every time it has gone on sale. Similarly, that is also its biggest issue. The TV is only available via flash sales which are extremely cumbersome.

However, Xiaomi appeared to have more things in the plan as it held a live stream launch 7th March. Everyone expected the company to launch a smart TV and so it did. At a price of Rs 13999 and 22999 for the 32 inch and 43 inch models of the Mi TV 4A, respectively. At such a price range, the Mi TV 4A is a great option for people who are on a tight budget. However, the 32 inch variant has a 720P display only. The 43 inch variant has a more respectable 1080P display albeit, the same internals.

However, along with the price, there are some major differences between the Mi TV 4A and Mi TV 4. So, let’s take a look at what differentiates these televisions from Xiaomi that has re-ignited the interest in the TV industry again!

Specifications

Specifications	Mi TV 4	Mi TV 4A 32 inch	Mi TV 4A 43 inch
Price	Rs. 39,999	Rs. 13999	Rs. 22999
Display Size & Type	55 inch LED	32 inch LED	43 inch LED
Resolution	3840 x 2160 px 60Hz refresh rate Viewing Angle: 178º	1366 × 768px 178 degree 60Hz refresh rate	1920 x 1080px 178 degree 60Hz refresh rate
Processor	64-bit Amlogic L962	64-Bit Amlogic L962	64-Bit Amlogic L962
RAM	2GB	1GB	1GB
Storage	8GB	8GB	8GB
Connectivity	1 x USB 2.0 1 x USB 3.0 1 x Ethernet 3 x HDMI 2.0 Bluetooth 4.2 Wi-Fi ac 802.11 a/b/g/n	2 x USB 2.0 3 x HDMI 1 x Ethernet Wi-Fi ac 802.11 a/b/g/n	2 x USB 2.0 3 x HDMI 1 x Ethernet Wi-Fi ac 802.11 a/b/g/n

The Mi TV 4 at a price of Rs. 39,999 offers a lot of features that no other television at that price has. However, 32 inch model has a 720P display resolution which is a bit low by modern standards. But, at a price of Rs 13,999, there isn’t much to complain.

At the end of the day, however, all three TVs are a great deal. It all comes down to the user’s budget and expectations out of their TV.

March 12, 2018

Top Marvel Movies To Look Forward To In 2018

DC Comics and Marvel is the iOS vs Android of cinema. While Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy is still one of the best superhero franchise ever made, Marvel has enjoyed more success as a collective film franchise. 2018, for Marvel at least, looks very exciting and one of the releases is just around the corner.

Let’s take a look at the top Marvel films that we are extremely excited for!

Avengers: Infinity War

Release date: April 27th, 2018

Cast: Rober Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johanson, Chadwick Boseman

The third part of this epic superhero franchise, the Avengers unites a lot of the famous superheroes from MCU as well as the comics. The recent success of Black Panther meant that the anticipation around the film is even more. This time around, the Avengers will unite to fight Thanos as he attempts to take all the six infinity stones.

The film will have appearances from the Guardians of the Galaxy (Groot!), Spider-Man, Dr Strange, Ant-Man and more. There is no doubt that the role of T’Challa or Black Panther will garner a lot of attention as well. This could also be the penultimate film where we see Robert Downey Jr. as Iron-Man.

Deadpool 2

Release Date: May 16th, 2018

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin

A sequel to the 2016 smash hit Deadpool, Deadpool 2 still doesn’t officially have a name. In fact, the recent character trailer of Cable is the best official footage we have of the film so far. Apart from regenerating, Deadpool also has the ability to break the fourth wall. This is where a character talks directly to a reader or viewer by acknowledging that this is all made-up.

The character introduction of Cable already has us laughing in splits. The dig at Superman’s moustache is a classic example of Deadpool and why it is so famous. The film is definitely not for kids and is expected to receive a few cuts before it is released in India.

Ant-Man and the Wasp

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OntVY2igLw[/embedyt]

Release Date: June 29th, 2018

Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas

Not the most iconic or glamourous superhero but, the Ant-Man in 2015 was a great film. Right from the character arc to the subtle humour, the Ant-Man deserved a sequel and so it gets. Apart from its own movie, the Ant-Man will also be a part of Infinity War. With a brilliant actor like Paul Rudd with its comic timing, the new Ant-Man film is expected to be a great follow-up.

Venom

Release Date: October 5th, 2018

Cast: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Woody Harrelson

One of the most loved and admired anti-hero in Marvel Comics, Venom finally has a standalone film. Tom Hardy will dawn the role of Venom. The release of the film is a few months away but, the first teaser trailer is enough to get us excited about it. Our first and only glimpse at Venom was in Spider-Man 3. However, this time around, it is expected to do better justice to the legend of Venom.

March 10, 2018
There May Not Be A Moto X5

Lenovo-owned Motorola is expected to launch quite a few devices in the coming weeks. As many as six smartphones in the Moto E and G series have been leaked so far. However, there appears to be a shadow of uncertainty over the company’s X lineup. A new report has claimed that the company won’t launch the Moto X5 and instead focus on the E, G and Z series of smartphones.

Leaked Moto X5 Render

However, the report hasn’t claimed that this is the end of the road for the X series. The Moto X4 was launched in India back in November 2017. The device entered that segment of the market where not a lot of phones resided. With a great build quality, software and camera performance, the Moto X4 is still a great pick for people willing to spend about Rs. 20,000 on a smartphone.

However, Motorola appears to have other plans for the smartphone series. Along with the Moto X series, the company will also do away with niche Moto Mods. This means that Motorola might concentrate on more battery and style mods instead of a gamepad or the Polaroid camera mods.

Rumours

This report has surfaced after Lenovo apparently laid off about 50% of Motorola’s workforce. However, the company, later on, cleared the air around the rumours:

In late 2017, Lenovo announced a worldwide resource action that would occur over the next several quarters, and impacting less than two percent of its global workforce. This week’s employment reductions are a continuation of that process.

We are reducing our Motorola operations in Chicago however this did not impact half of our workforce there and our Moto Z family will continue.

The Moto X5 was leaked back in January along with the Moto G lineup. This could mean that the company was working on the Moto X5 and then decided to scrape it off. However, nothing can be said with certainty as of now.

March 10, 2018
Apple iPhones And iPads Might Get A New Type Of Charging Port

For years, Apple’s iOS devices have come with a lightning port for charging and data syncing. In fact, it has been the only port on an iPhone since 2016 after the company ditched the headphone jack. While the rest of the smartphone makers are making a switch to the USB Type C port for all their devices, Apple might have different plans.

A leaked patent has revealed that the company might introduce a new type of charging port for its upcoming iPhones. The new charging port will be wedge-shaped for better water resistance while charging. The new port will have a wedge-shaped pin and a rubber gasket. This arrangement will squeeze to create a vacuum, making the charging port water and dustproof.

It is worth noting that the same arrangement has been applied to the USB Type C ports found on the company’s laptops. If this does happen to be a legitimate plan, it won’t be surprising. In fact, it was surprising to see Apple go the Qi standard route for its iPhone X. Everyone expected a proprietary technology of wireless charging as well.

Conclusion

Many have called for Apple to switch to USB Type C ports for its iOS devices. Apple has already made its laptop lineup almost only USB Type C so it makes sense for the company to do it with its iOS devices. This will play well into Apple’s ecosystem as well. People who own a MacBook and an iPhone could only carry a single cable to charge their devices.

March 10, 2018
Avengers: Infintiy War Will Be The Longest Marvel Movie Yet

There is no doubt that the Avengers franchise is the flag-bearer of “DC vs Marvel” debate. The third instalment of the epic superhero franchise is scheduled to release in India on the 27th of April. The excitement around the movie, especially with the star power it possesses, is immense. While having all these superheroes in a movie is great, it can pose some issues to the movie makers. Hence, it has been reported that the Avengers: Infinity War will be the longest Marvel movie ever made.

According to AMC Theatre’s website, the upcoming movie will have a run time of 2 hours 37 minutes. To put things into perspective, Captain America: Civil War, which holds the record right now, had a runtime of 2 hours 27 minutes. At 2 hours 37 minutes, the Avengers: Infinity War is still shorter than the likes of The Godfather or The Lord Of The Rings. However, in today’s day and age, the runtime is quite a lot.

Most of the famous superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) are expected to feature in the film. The recent success of Black Panther meant that the new Avengers has even more hype to live up to. As we move closer to the release of Infinity War, we also near the possible end of Robert Downey Jr. as the Iron Man.

He is contractually obligated to play the Iron Man through the Infinity War films. These films will conclude in 2019 with the second part. However, the future beyond that is uncertain. That being said, we still have a couple of Avengers films to enjoy before worrying about Tony Stark being played by someone other than Robert Downey Jr.

While the Infinity War was supposed to be launched in early-May, Marvel changed things up a bit. Both, Deadpool 2 and Solo: A Star Wars Story are scheduled to be launched in May. Hence, it makes sense for the Avengers to have some solo time in the theatres. The Infinity War will follow the Avengers as they take on Thanos.

Marvel Movies We’re Looking Forward To

Movie Release Date

Avengers: Infinity War April 27th

Deadpool 2 May 16th

Ant-Man and the Wasp July 6th

Venom October 5th

March 9, 2018
Android Has More Loyal Users Than iOS

The debate of Android vs iOS always seems to reach an impasse. At the end of the day, comparing an iPhone X to a Galaxy S9 is like comparing apples and oranges. However, loyalty towards a smartphone or a platform can be measured and compared. A study has done exactly that and conceded that Android users are more loyal than iOS users.

A new report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners has claimed that Android users do not switch to iPhones as frequently as they used to. The study has found out that Android has a 91% loyalty rate, compared with 86% for iOS. This is measured as the percentage of U.S. customers who retained their OS platform when they upgraded their smartphones in 2017.

MIUI On Redmi Note 5 Pro

Mike Levin, partner and co-founder of CIRP explains:

With only two mobile operating systems at this point, it appears users now pick one, learn it, invest in apps and storage, and stick with it. Now, Apple and Google need to figure out how to sell products and services to these loyal customer bases.

Experience 9.0 On Galaxy S9+

It is worth noting that the rate of switching is different from the total number of people switching. Levin said:

We know Android has a larger base of users than iOS, and because of that larger base, the absolute number of users that switch to iOS from Android is as large or larger than the absolute number of users that switch to Android from iOS.

Looking at the absolute number of users in this way tends to support claims that iOS gains more former Android users, than Android does former iOS users.

This has become more obvious than ever. With the dwindling popularity of BlackBerry and feature phones a thing of past, Android and iOS are the only players left in the OS game. This explains the two companies’ behaviour as well. As smartphones now reach a saturation point, services these companies provide will play a major role in influencing consumer behaviour.

That somehow explains the Apple HomePod. From the outside, the HomePod seems like an absurd smart speaker which can’t even connect to an iOS device. However, Apple is pushing its services to people who want a really good sounding smart speaker. With time, Apple will rely heavily on services for major revenue generation, services like Apple Music.

For Android users, brand loyalty is evident thanks to the array of devices available. Users can move from one device to another and pick up from exactly where they left off. There are definitely more options to choose from for Android users which means they can get a better experience from a new device without changing their services.

Stock Android 8.1 Oreo On Pixel 2 XL

However, it is worth noting that iOS was once the more loyal platform. Back in 2013, iPhone users were more loyal than Android users. But, ever since then, the loyalty of Android users has been on a rise.

Conclusion

With smartphones becoming more or less the same, at least in the flagship category, it seems like people have picked their preferred OS. Now, it is up to Google and Apple to maintain that customer base and keep innovating to provide more options to users part of their ecosystem. As for the debate of iOS vs Android, it will continue on for a long period of time.

March 9, 2018
Leaked Images Of Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S Reveal Extremely Thin Bezels And No Notch

Xiaomi will launch the Mi MIX 2S in China on the 27th of March. Over the past few weeks, the leaks of the new device have been on a rise. A few weeks ago, we barely had one sketchy looking render of the Mi MIX 2S. However, new live images of the smartphone have surfaced online that differ from the previous information we have had about the Mi MIX 2S.

Leaked Video Reveals A Tiny Notch On Top

The leaked images reveal a uniform bezel-less design, unfamiliar with the MIX series. The bezels on all four sides are extremely thin and there is no notch on the top right corner. While that would’ve surely been an interesting design, these images look pretty good, too. The front-camera might not be visible but, it is housed in the bottom bezel where the home button usually resides. Could we see gestures for navigation on the Mi MIX 2S? Maybe, since they were introduced in MIUI 9 Beta for the Mi MIX 2.

The back of the phone is not visible in the photos. However, Xiaomi and later on, XDA Developers confirmed that the Mi MIX 2S will indeed have a dual-camera setup with AI capabilities. It will be interesting to see what the back of the device will be made of. Multiple leaks suggest that it will be the first Xiaomi smartphone to support wireless charging.

However, that will clash with another set of images. A few days ago, a leaked image of the back of the device revealed that it will have an iPhone X-like dual-camera setup with a ceramic back.

Leaked Mi MIX 2S Image

Expected specifications of Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S

The smartphone is expected to have a 6 inch 2160 x 1080p display with a notch at the top right corner. Under the hood, the smartphone will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. However, the smartphone will not support memory expansion.

The device is expected to have a 3400 mAH Li-ion battery with wireless and fast charging. The phone will run on Android 8 Oreo OS with custom MIUI 9 skin on the top. However, none of the Xiaomi devices, barring the Mi A1, run on Android 8 Oreo as of now.

March 9, 2018
Could This Be The OnePlus 6?
Over the past couple of years, OnePlus has gained a loyal fanbase in markets like India. One of the main reasons for that is its devices’ price and the specifications they provide at that price. However, there has been a steady increase in the prices of OnePlus devices. The OnePlus 5 received a lot of flak for a hike in its price.

In 2018, OnePlus will launch the OnePlus 6, and in all probability, the OnePlus 6T. While the OnePlus 6T is far away right now, the OnePlus 6 is expected to be launched in the next couple of months. So far, we know that it will be powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset and have up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

OPPO R15

Recently, a leaked image of the OnePlus 6 revealed that, like so many of new Android devices, it could also have an iPhone X-like notch. However, it won’t go all out Apple route as the back of the device doesn’t look anything like an iPhone X. However, it is expected to move away from the aluminium build and embrace the “glass sandwich” design. The image shows that the OnePlus 6 will have a shiny back made of glass which means it could support wireless charging.

However, we might get a better look at the possible OnePlus 6 when the OPPO R15 is launched in China. The R15 is tipped to have a design very similar to what is being speculated for the OnePlus 6. A trailer of the OPPO R15 has been leaked, which reveals a glass back with a shiny finish and a dual-camera setup.

OnePlus 6 Leaked Image

The OnePlus 5 was essentially the OPPO R11 with better hardware and the same was with the 5T and R11s. Similarly, we expect the OnePlus 6 to be almost identical to the OPPO R15 which is due to launch soon. If so, we could have an early look at what the OnePlus 6 might turn out to be, eventually. It is, however, worth noting that the shape of the fingerprint sensor on the OPPO R15 is different than the leaked image of the OnePlus 6.

Also, the dual-camera setup of the R15 looks more like the OnePlus 5T. The leaked image of the OnePlus 6 tells us a different story about the dual cameras which are placed vertically. There is no denying that the OnePlus 5’s comparison to the iPhone 7 Plus was mainly due to the camera placement. However, OnePlus has no reason to tinker with that. After all, it is a leaked image and the end product could be different.

OnePlus 5

The most interesting aspect of the OnePlus 6 will be the apparent notch. The same notch is found on the OPPO R15, in fact, it is rumoured to sport a 19:9 aspect ratio. The Asus Zenfone 5Z also has the same aspect ratio and a notch, and similar design is expected from the OnePlus 6. However, what is yet to be seen is whether the notch on the OnePlus 6 will serve any purpose. Apple went with a notch to not only house a lot of sensors in it, but, to also keep the bezels uniform on the rest of the three sides.

However, what we have seen so far from Android smartphone makers is blatant copying without a cause. Even the Zenfone 5Z has a bigger chin which defeats the purpose of a protruded area. OnePlus has shown its keenness to Face Unlock with the OnePlus 5T. Hence, it won’t be surprising if the OnePlus 6 has an advanced facial recognition system to compete with Face ID. In that case, a notch would definitely serve a purpose and its existence will be justified.

OnePlus 6 Expected Specifications
- 6.22 inch Optic AMOLED display
- 2280 x 1080 px resolution; 19:9 aspect ratio
- Snapdragon 845 chipset
- Up to 8GB of RAM, 128GB storage
- Android 8.1 Oreo
- Face Unlock, Fingerprint Sensor
March 8, 2018
Nokia 7 Plus Could Cost Rs. 23000 In India

HMD Global unveiled the Nokia 7 Plus at MWC 2018. While the company launched as many as five devices, the Nokia 7 Plus, for its build quality and price, is the most exciting one out of the lot. The 7 Plus recently went on sale in China which hints at a possible price of the smartphone for the Indian market.

In China, the base variant of the Nokia 7 Plus is priced at CNY 2300 which is about Rs. 23500. Considering the company’s aggressive pricing of the Nokia 8, the 7 Plus could be priced at around Rs. 23000 in India. At such a price, its real competition comes from the Moto X4 which starts at Rs. 19999 for the base variant.

However, the Nokia 7 Plus possesses a better chipset and from what we have seen so far, looks much better as well. It has a better design with the new 18:9 aspect ratio and thin bezels. But, the fact that it is an Android One device is what makes the 7 Plus a great prospect, at least on paper. While the specifications hardly ever tell the full story, on paper, the Nokia 7 Plus at a price of Rs. 23000 could be a smash hit in India.

Another thing in favour of the device will be the price category. At a price range of Rs. 20,000 to 25,000 apart from the Moto X4, only the Honor 8 Pro is a relatively new device. The OnePlus 3T is no longer available and Samsung’s devices have an older hardware. Hence, the Nokia 7 Plus could be a great option for people looking to spend that kind of money on a smartphone.

Nokia 7 Plus Specifications

The Nokia 7 Plus has a 6 inch display with an 18:9 aspect ratio hence, the “Plus” moniker. The Nokia 7 plus also features a dual-tone design thanks to a few gilded bits and pieces.

Under the hood, the 7 Plus has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset and 2.2GHz octa-core processor. That is coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage which will be expandable via microSD card. The fingerprint sensor is now placed on the back and has the similar colour accents found on the Nokia 6 (2018).

On the back of the 7 Plus is a dual-camera setup powered by Zeiss optics. The primary wide-angle sensor is a 12MP camera with an f/1.75 aperture coupled with a 13MP telephoto lens with an f/2.6 aperture. The telephoto lens will allow for bokeh shots which have now become very trendy. On the front is a 16MP fixed focus camera with an f/2.0 aperture, 1-micron pixels, and Zeiss optics.

Conclusion

While the prospect of an Rs. 23000 priced Nokia 7 Plus is promising, nothing is certain as of now. HMD Global has not confirmed that the 7 Plus will be launched in India in the near future. However, if it gets the pricing right, the Nokia 7 Plus could sell like hot cakes in India.

March 8, 2018
Apple iPhones In 2019 Will Not Have A Notch

Before Apple launched the iPhone X, there were enough speculations that it would be different from anything we had soon thus far. Leaks pointed to an unusual design language with a notch on top. However, nobody knew what purpose this notch was going to solve. At the launch event, Apple launched the iPhone X with its notch and Face ID. However, what felt like an aberration back in September, is now becoming a trend.

But, it looks like the notch was a temporary fix for Apple. A report from South Korea’s Electronic Times claims that the iPhones in 2019 will not have a notch. In fact, the display will completely “fill the front of new iPhones”. This means that Apple is already working on a way to embed all the sensors and the front-camera inside the display.

iPhone X Notch

That being said, the report apparently cites a few inside sources who are familiar with the matter. However, we have not seen any patents granted to Apple that take this route of embedding sensors and camera inside the display. Although, we came across a Samsung patent that envisions something similar. It is fair to assume that this will be the eventual future of smartphones, as companies strive for a truly bezel-less phone.

The possibility of Apple going the Vivo APEX route also seems scarce. Having moving parts inside a smartphone doesn’t seem like a great idea. Since iPhones are made in such enormous quantities, quality assurance will also be an issue with a pop-up camera.

Asus Zenfone 5Z

Conclusion

While the iPhone X received a lot of flak initially, the notch has become iconic. A lot of Android smartphones launched at MWC 2018 sport a notch as well but, without any real purpose. Maybe, with 2019 iPhones launching without a notch, 2020 Android smartphones will also ditch it.

March 8, 2018
Android P Developer Preview 1: What’s New?

Google has released the first developer preview of its next version of Android OS, Android P. While there is enough time to discuss the possible names of the new version, a few interesting things need to be addressed first. The developer preview has only been made available to Pixel owners as of now. Since this is the first preview, it is advised to install it on a secondary device or if you’re an app developer.

With Android P, a few things are already expected to be there. Better app management, battery efficiency, a few UI changes, these changes are made in every update. However, one of the most interesting new features is the support for a notch. With more and more Android devices launching with an iPhone X-like notch, Google seems to have given in on the trend.

Once enabled, the clock moves to the left hand side of the notch along with notification icons. Other icons like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth remain on the right side of the notch. Interestingly, different sizes of a notch can be emulated. Visually, other changes include a slight redesign of the notification panel. The icons in the quick settings pull down have rounded corners now. If activated, the icons will be blue in colour and when inactive, it will turn gray. To access other quick settings toggle, the user has to pull down on the gray bar just underneath the initial menu.

The dock in Android P will also look like a dock now. The four app icons along with the Google Search bar will have a cloudy background, distinguishing it from the rest of the screen. A microphone icon has been added to the Google Search bar to access Google Assistant or do a quick voice search. The volume slider has been moved to the side of the screen and shrunk in size.

Another feature added is something that has been there in custom skins for a while. A user can now take a screen from the power menu, that pops up by long pressing the lock/unlock button. This will come in handy during one handed usage. Visually, there are not many changes in the first developer preview of Android P. However, this can change by the time the official version rolls out. Google might introduce a few visual changes or keep it the way it is. Time will tell.

As expected, there are some behind-the-scenes changes that Google has made. For instance, Android P now restricts access to mic, camera, and all SensorManager sensors from apps that are idle. This means that you can finally prove that Facebook is not listening to your conversations, or vice versa. Other changes include better Autofill feature for people who don’t like typing their passwords often.

Conclusion

As is with every new Android version release, the changes will be welcomed. However, it is fair to assume that very few people outside the Pixel/Nexus ecosystem will receive an update to Android P. Although, initiatives like Project Treble guarantee sooner software updates, it will be far off from the adoption rate of iOS 12 expected to launch a month or so after Android P.

March 8, 2018
BlackBerry Sues Facebook For Patent Infringement
Once considered to be one of the biggest mobile makers in the world, BlackBerry has gone through its fair share of dip. Ever since the rise of iOS and Android OS platforms, BlackBerry and its popularity has been on a decline. The BlackBerry Messenger used to be one of the most popular messaging services and has since been replaced by the likes of WhatsApp. However, it appears that BlackBerry feels undone by Facebook as it has sued the social networking company for patent infringement.

In a Los Angeles Federal Court, BlackBerry, Ltd. filed a lawsuit against Facebook, Inc. for infringing a patent on its messaging technology. The lawsuit focuses on Facebook Messenger and Facebook-owned properties like WhatsApp, Instagram. BlackBerry claims that for several years, it has attempted to have a dialogue with Facebook over the infringed patents.

Facebook Messenger

A few things that have been noted in the lawsuit include showing an unread message indicator on top of an icon. Something that WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger introduced a while ago. Here are a few other features noted in the lawsuit:
- Showing multiple incoming messages in the inbox
- Not showing timestamps of every message in a thread
- Selecting a Photo Tag
The lawsuit appears to be related to BBM, once highly popular and now, obsolete. Using BBM, users could send unlimited messages to each other, a lot like iMessage. However, as the popularity of Blackberry devices dwindled, the company made the messaging service available for iOS and Android.

Considering companies like Apple, Google have similar messaging apps, it is surprising that they weren’t in the firing line as well. Facebook, on the other hand, has come out with a harsh response to the lawsuit:

BlackBerry’s suit sadly reflects the current state of its messaging business. Having abandoned its efforts to innovate, BlackBerry is now looking to tax the innovation of others. We intend to fight.

Conclusion

If past lawsuits are anything to go by, this legal battle will be on for a while.
March 7, 2018
Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S Will Support Wireless Charging

The launch of the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S is just a few days away. Xiaomi has taken to the Chinese social media website, Weibo to tease a few features of the Mi MIX 2S. We have already seen images hinting towards a dual-camera setup and integration of AI. However, what has continued to be a mystery is the design of the device. For a smartphone launching in 2018, this is very unusual since renders and authentic images get leaked very early.

However, XDA Developers have caught hold of another set of firmware files and have found some interesting details about the Mi MIX 2S. Previously, it decoded another set of firmware files that revealed the presence of a 3400 mAh battery, IR Blaster and an 18:9 aspect ratio with a 2160 x 1080 px resolution. These specifications are very similar to the Mi MIX 2S.

Mi MIX 2S Camera Watermark

The Mi MIX 2S could be the first ever Xiaomi smartphone with wireless charging support. Evidence supporting this claim has been found within the MiuiKeyguard app. Recently, it was revealed that the Xiaomi Mi Max 3 would also support wireless charging. However, the Mi MIX 2S will be launched before the Mi Max 3.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Mi MIX 2S so far has been its design. A couple of renders leaked so far reveal that the device will have a tiny notch on the top right corner. This notch will house the front-facing camera. However, a deep dive into the firmware file has revealed a different story. The code found within the MiuiCamera application suggests the Mi MIX 2S will have a front-facing camera housed in the bottom bezel. This means the Mi MIX 2S won’t look all too different from the Mi MIX 2.

Leaked Mi MIX 2S Image

Conclusion

Xiaomi could be forgiven for launching the Mi MIX 2S with a design similar to the Mi MIX 2. That is, however, if the Mi MIX 2S has enough features packed into it. If these findings turn out to be true, Xiaomi could launch a great device running on the latest hardware with flagship features. However, the price will be important, at least in India. Anything under Rs. 40,000 and it could be a great prospect for consumers.

March 7, 2018
Unboxing The Samsung Galaxy S9+
Samsung has launched the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in India at a starting price of Rs. 57900. Both the smartphones will go on sale via Flipkart and Samsung.com from the 16th of March. However, the preorders began a day after its official global launch. The Samsung Galaxy S9+ and S9 succeed the highly popular S8+ and S8 from early-2017. So, do the new Galaxy S9 flagship smartphones have enough to replicate the success of 2017?

Let’s unbox the Samsung Galaxy S9+ and see what we get:
- Samsung Galaxy S9+
- Documentation
- Sim Ejector Tool
- AKG Earphones
- Wall Charger
- USB Type C Cable
Samsung Galaxy S9+ First Impressions

The first noticeable aspect of the S9+ is its familiarity. If you’ve ever held a Galaxy S8+, this device won’t feel all too different. The screen size is the same while the bezels have been ever so slightly trimmed. The infamous Bixby button retains its place on the left side of the Galaxy S9+. The power button can be found on the right while the volume rockers are situated just above the Bixby button.

Bixby Button

One of the most requested changes in the Galaxy S9+ and S9 is the placement of the fingerprint sensor. In our review of the Galaxy S8 and S8+, we mentioned the unusual placement of the sensor which prompted many users to use the iris scanner instead. This time around, the fingerprint sensor is placed below the camera module. While there was barely any difference between the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, things are a bit different this time around.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 has a single camera on the back while the Galaxy S9+ has a dual-camera setup, similar to the Galaxy Note8. Despite its large 6.2 inch display, it isn’t cumbersome to hold the S9+. One-handed usage will be tough for people with smaller hands and ghost touch is still an issue. Although Samsung has optimised its software to prevent accidental touches, it isn’t foolproof yet.

Samsung Galaxy S9+ Specifications

As is with its smaller sibling, the Galaxy S9+ has the same screen size as the Galaxy S8+. It sports a 6.2 inch Super AMOLED display with a 2960 x 1440 px resolution.

Under the hood, it is powered by the Exynos 9810 chipset.The Galaxy S9+ is available in 6GB RAM/64GB storage and 6GB RAM/256GB models in India.

Intelligent Scan

Out of the box, the Galaxy S9+ runs Android 8 Oreo with Experience 9.0 on top. Powering the smartphone is a 3500 mAh battery, just like the Galaxy S8+. The smartphone will support wireless charging as well. Similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy S9+ also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

The main difference between the two S9 models this year is in the camera department. Unlike its predecessor, the Galaxy S9+ has a dual-camera setup on the back. The Galaxy S9+ has one wide-angle 12MP camera with an f/1.5 aperture and the other is a 12MP telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture. The telephoto lens is the same one found on the Galaxy Note8, which means it has OIS. On the front of the smartphone is an 8MP camera with an f/1.6 aperture and records 4K videos.
March 6, 2018