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  • Top Tech Gadgets & Accessories For The Month Of February

    Top Tech Gadgets & Accessories For The Month Of February

    Not only do nifty gadgets make your life easier, but these products can also bring a smile to your face due to their unusual and wacky features. Here is a list of such gadgets and accessories that you will definitely want to own. Listed below are the best Top Tech products for the month of February.

    Lockable Book Safe

    A lockable book safe is a perfect option for people who intend to hide personal items in plain sight. Most people would skip going near a thick dictionary which looks so unnerving. Therefore, it is a really cool way to conceal one’s valuable items.

     

    Clock With Secret Compartment

    Another great product for concealing personal items in plain sight. The secret compartment clock will allow you to stash your private things that others would never get to know about. This gadget can be hung up on a wall which will immediately reduce its reach, therefore, improving its safeguard property. Also, the functional clock is good enough to trick people into believing it as an actual wall clock.

    Funko Marvel Thanos

    The funky little Thanos is a great addition for any Marvel fan. The small figurine actually has a spring mounted bobblehead which looks very cool. Also, the wide smile of Thanos indeed reminds you to smile. 

    Pubg Triggers

    PubG is an insanely popular mobile game which is very challenging and is a lot of fun to play. New players generally find it very hard to play due to a high number of on-screen controls. PubG triggers are a perfect addition for any player. They can highly increase your chances of winning matches as they allow you to operate more controls simultaneously than just two fingers. 

    Car Backseat Mobile Holder

    A car backseat mobile holder is a perfect accessory for people who spend a lot of time in the rear seat of a car. This nifty gadget easily attaches to a car’s backseat which can magnetically hold your tablet or smartphone. It is a really cool way of enjoying digital content on your smart devices for extended periods of time while travelling.  

    PubG Keychains

    The craze of the insanely popular PubG is not only limited to the virtual world. Having a PubG keychain will let others know about your passion for the game. Having a level 3 backpack or a grenade keychain will surely grab a lot of attention and intrigue other game lovers. 

    USB Powered Mosquito Trapper

    Not only are mosquitoes pestering, but they can also spread deadly diseases like malaria. Conventional ways of preventing mosquito bites from coils and mosquito repellent liquid are surely effective but the toxic fumes of such chemicals are also bad for human bodies. The dainty-looking mosquito trapper attracts these unwanted insects with its UV light and then captures them due to a vacuum created by its fan blade which can later be set free outdoors. 

    Wi-Fi Smart Socket

    The smart socket allows it users to wireless control appliances that are plugged to the unit which can come in handy in a lot of different situations. During hot summer days, the user can turn on the Air Conditioning remotely before reaching their residence or office. Also, this is a great addition for people who are bedridden due to medical conditions as they can control electrical devices without moving from their place.

    2in1 USB Type C, Charging & Aux Adapter 

    To reduce the size of smartphones, it is requisite to remove non-essential components. Latest flagship smartphones have now started shipping without a 3.5-mm audio jack. This gadget is a perfect accessory for people who own a flagship smartphone and want you to use its audio out capabilities alongside charging the handset. 

    X12 Pro Gaming Mouse

    The major advantages a gaming mouse offers over a conventional computer mouse its programmable capabilities and a higher number of control buttons. The X12 Pro mouse allows the user to select the DPI level which is required in a lot of high-end games. Also, the buttons of the mouse have a very tactile feel which provides positive feedback with each click. The customisable software is another big positive.

    Stone With Hidden Compartment

    If you are a person who keeps a backup for any and every situation this stone with a concealed compartment is a must buy for you. As you can store spare keys to your house or vehicle in your garden in plain sight which can be used in case you lose the original keys. 

    Mouse Pad

    A PC gamer knows the importance of good quality mouse pad as it can act as a major decisive factor in a vigorous game session. Also, passionate gamers are very particular about the look and feel of their beloved computer. The gaming pads from Coolermaster and cosmic byte listed below can unquestionably enhance the look of your gaming setup due to their customisable RGB lit led strips. While the Steel series mouse pad is a great option for people who want a well padded and cushioned support for their wrists while operating the mouse. 

    Noise Isolating Ground Loop

    The small capsule shaped Ground Loop from Tantra is a very useful gadget that eliminates all unwanted static and humming sounds which are caused due to electromagnetic interference between music systems. The user can simply plug in one end of the ground loop in Aux-in port of their car or music player. While the audio output wire from their iPod or smartphone can be plugged into the 3.5 mm audio jack on the handy gadget which will solve all sound issues created due to earthing.  

    Rechargeable Fan With Adjustable Speed

    Whether you live in torrid regions or often travel in crowded public transport, a rechargeable fan can definitely come in handy. The portable fan from OPOLAR can either be used as a handheld option or be set on a table top with the provided stand. Not only it has a high utilitarian factor it also intrigues people around you. 

    Multi-Tool Kit

    The pocketable multi-tool kit is comprised of several tools which include a set of pliers, Philips head screwdriver, karabiner clip and many more useful tools. The compact tool kit is shipped with a fabric sleeve that allows for its easy storage and it can surely come in handy in a lot of unexpected situations. 

    LED Presenter

    The LED presenter is an elongated stick-like gadget that allows its user to wireless control their PC in meetings and presentations. The unit is shipped a USB dongle which resides in the main body. The wireless presenter allows its user to control following features on a PC or laptop:

    • Volume Control
    • Tab Button
    • Slide Forward and Backward
    • Laser Pointer (For Pointing Things On A Projector Screen)

    Click here to buy the LED Beam Presenter

  • Amazon Great India Sale, Top Deals On Smartphones

    Amazon Great India Sale, Top Deals On Smartphones

    Amazon is back with the first Great India Festival Sale of the year 2019 which will be held between 20-23 January. Top smartphones from companies including OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme, Samsung and many more will be available at huge discounts. Here is a list of all the top smartphones that will be available at discounts during the Amazon Great India Festival Sale. 

    Samsung Deals

    Samsung A8+

    Resplendent in metal and glass, it’s thoughtfully designed to fit comfortably in your hands. A work of art, you won’t want to put down. Lose yourself to an expansive view on the Galaxy A8+ with the Infinity Display. Its 15.36 cm (6.0”) large display makes any view, simply captivating. And the 18.5: 9 screen ratio provides a stunning cinematic experience that’s truly immersive. It’s time to turn pro with the Galaxy A8+. Its rear 16 MP camera takes stunning pictures that are bright and clear. The dual front camera 16 MP FF (F1.9) + 8 MP (F1.9) with Live Focus mode takes selfies to another level. Blur the background, add bokeh effect to make you and your friend stand out and if that’s not enough, readjust the effect later on.

    Xiaomi Deals

    Redmi 6 Pro

    The eldest sibling of Redmi 6 Series, the Redmi 6 has pro has a 5.84-inch notch LCD display with 432 ppi pixel density. It has a huge 4,000 mAh battery and runs on the Octa-Core Snapdragon 625. The device has 12 MP + 5 MP dual rear cameras and a 5 MP front-facing camera. The Redmi Note 6 is available in two storage variants: 3/4 GB of RAM paired with 32/64 GB of inbuilt storage which is expandable up to 256 GB via a microSD card.

    Regular Price: Rs. 10,999/-

    Amazon Great India Sale deal price: Rs. 9,999/-  (32 GB)

    Redmi Y2

    The Redmi Y2 has 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The handset has a 5.99-inch HD display with a resolution and 1440 x 720 pixels. The device’s display has an 18:9 aspect ratio and a rear fingerprint scanner for securely unlocking the phone. The phone has 12MP+5MP dual-rear cameras and a 16MP selfie camera with AI capability. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor. It has a 3080 mAh Li-Ion battery.

    MRP:  Rs. 10,999/-

    Amazon Great India Sale deal price: Rs. 9,999/-

    Redmi 6A

    Xiaomi’s cheapest offering, the Redmi 6A has a 5.45 inch LCD display with a 295 ppi pixel density. It runs on the Quad-Core Mediatek Helio A22 chipset and is powered by a 3,000 mAh battery. The phone has a 13 MP, f/2.2 aperture equipped rear camera and a 5 MP front camera. The device is available two variants: 2/3 GB of RAM paired with 16/32 GB ROM which is expandable up to 256 GB via a microSD card.

    Open Sale

    Price:  Rs. 5,999/- (16 GB)

    OnePlus 6T

    OnePlus launched the OnePlus 6T late last in India. It has a 6.4 inch AMOLED display with 492 ppi pixel density. It runs on the Octa-Core Snapdragon 845 chipset and is powered by a 3,700 mAh battery with dash charge support. The phone has 20 MP + 16 MP dual rear cameras and a 16 MP selfie camera. The device has two variants 6 GB/8 GB of RAM paired with 128 GB/256 GB of ROM.

    Price:  Rs. 37,999/-

    Huawei P20 Lite ( 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage)

    The P20 Lite comes with a 19:9 Notch Display and 2.5D curved glass back with glittery textures that make it look classy and sleek. It runs on Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, with Huawei’s EMUI 8.0 skin on top. The storage capacity is 4GB RAM and 64 GB ROM. The 24-megapixel camera up front features 3D facial recognition with 96 recognition points; a new beauty algorithm that modifies shadows, colour temperature, and skin tone; and augmented reality effects in the form of selfie stickers. The P20 Lite can also take selfies with a bokeh effect using software algorithms.

    MRP:  Rs. 19,999/- (64 GB)

    Amazon Great India Sale deal price: Rs. 12,999/-

    Honor Play

    Honor Play

     

    Honor Play – the fastest phone in the market is powered with Huawei’s Flagship Kirin 970, AI processor and GPU Turbo enabling crazy speed and efficiency. It boasts of dual primary cameras of 16MP + 2MP with AI scene recognition and 16MP AI selfie. Up to 6GB of RAM will ensure phone runs smoothly, even the most memory intensive applications show no signs of lag. 64GB of internal storage will be open for expansion up to 256GB via a microSD card. The phone comes with large 3750 mAh battery to support its 6.3-inch FHD+ screen with IPS LCD display having a resolution of 1080 x 2340 at 409 PPI.

    MRP:  Rs. 19,999/- (64 GB)

    Amazon Great India Sale deal price: Rs. 13,999/-

    RealMe 1

    The Realme 1 comes with stunning unique designs – Diamond Black and Solar Red – packing a beautiful 6-inches FHD+ 18:9 screen and a powerful AI enabled Helio P60 processor.

    Amazon Great India Sale deal price: Rs. 12,990/- (6GB + 128 GB)

     

  • 5G vs 4G Cost, Speed And Viability In India

    5G vs 4G Cost, Speed And Viability In India

    If a smartphone is the body, the network is it’s heart. And network connectivity is an extremely important part of our day to day lives. From quickly browsing Facebook or other social media websites, to checking facts, the weather, time in a different country to just about anything requires internet connectivity. Thus network providers have put immense importance in bringing faster internet to the consumers. The arrival of 4G was called a revolution back when it came out as the consumers understood how improved it was and what it’s benefits were compared to 3G. Now that talks about 5G have started and with countries like US and UK set to roll out 5G in 2019, let’s discuss what it would mean for a huge and still growing market like India. 

    What Is 5G?

    5G is a faster, more efficient way of using the internet. In 5G, data transmitted over wireless broadband connections could travel at rates as high as 20 Gbps with a latency of and well as offer latency of 1 ms or lower for uses that require real-time feedback. This means, it will have a better surfing speed, in layman’s terms. 

    What Are It’s Benefits Over 4G?

    The speeds of these networks depend on the frequency bands that they use. The 4G network supports frequency band speeds upto 6GHz, whereas the radio bands for 5G will be able to handle anywhere between 30GHz and 300GHz. This is a significant improvement which will make your internet surfing experience much faster. The 5G network is also interference free even if you are standing next to other wireless signals which was an issue with 4G networks since they sent radio signals in different directions. Owing to the way 5G uses wavelengths, it will also reportedly be able to service a lot more people which is reported to be approximately 1,000 devices per meter. This means even in crowded cities, using 5G will be blazing fast. 

    How Does It Affect An Average Customer?

    So how does all of these relate to customers? Should they shift to 5G? If so, then why? All a customer wants from a network are lower costs, better connectivity without hindrances and faster internet. 5G seems to satisfy all these conditions except for the cost which we will discuss later on in the article. So, when 5G rolls out, and you are satisfied with the cost per month for your plan, then go ahead and port to 5G because it is better than 4G in every other way. 

    How Much Will It Cost?

    The cost of 5G internet, like 4G will vary from country to country and will change from carrier to carrier. In India, we can estimate the price to be close to what 4G is because companies like Reliance and Vodafone will want the majority of customers to shift. India being a very price sensitive market, the prices of 5G can be expected to be very competitive. And the Network providers will recover their costs if 5G implementation only if a lot of people use it. 

    When Will It Arrive In India?

    India had caught on the the 4G trend suddenly and abruptly. Usually new networks arrive in the US and UK first. India has always been late in receiving these new technologies. Since changing networks have a lot of variables including steps taken by the government, bidding, setting up the infrastructure and others India adopts to these trends much later. The new network in India is expected to be available in India by 2022, according to TRAI which will be 3 years after many of the first world countries. Telecom minister Manoj Sinha has recently stated that India cannot afford to miss the 5G bus. This is little assurance however, of India adopting 5G before 2022. Given that today 400 million people in India have good quality internet access, the new network will definitely be a great business opportunity for the network providers. 

    Also read: Our First Taste Of 5G Might Not Even Be 5G

    Will Your Device Support 5G?

    Most high end smartphones in 2019 will ship 5G enabled. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 is one of the few chipsets that support 5G at the moment. While there will be other cheaper chipsets in future but your current 4G device in all probability will not support 5G. Even if you bought the most expensive iPhone this year you will need to buy another device next year or whenever 5G arrives. So your Oneplus, Samsung or Huawei flagship that you have at the moment will not be 5G compatible. 

     

    It is yet to be seen when 5G is rolled out in India but early last year Airtel and Huawei successfully conducted India’s first 5G network trial under a test setup at the former’s network experience centre in Manesar, Gurgaon. Being one of the biggest as well as one of the fastest growing telecommunication markets in the world, we sure hope India doesn’t fall behind the 5G bandwagon. 

  • OnePlus 6T Giveaway : Win One of Six OnePlus 6T Smart Phones

    OnePlus 6T Giveaway : Win One of Six OnePlus 6T Smart Phones

    We are giving away six Oneplus 6T devices this Christmas. To play simply enter the competition below.

    Or click here : Giveaway

     

    Oneplus 6T giveaway

  • Buying A Used Phone Online : Tips And Tricks

    Buying A Used Phone Online : Tips And Tricks

    With phone prices sky rocketing, it is hard for an average consumer to buy new top end phones. One also often feels uneasy in buying used smartphones devices online. When buying a second hand phone, there are a lot of things that one needs to keep in mind, specially if they are being bought online. More often than not, if a deal is too good to be true, it probably isn’t. In this article, we will discuss the nuances of buying second hand smartphones online and how to make the right buying choices.

    Where To Begin?

    Before you start searching for a new phone, you need to be sure that you want a new phone. Decide on a budget that suits you and then convince yourself to stick to this budget. There may be instances when you might get a far better model at a price range that may be slightly above yours. Stay away from them as, if the price of a second hand phone is too good a deal, it may have other problems.

    Try to stay within your budget. The next thing you need to decide on is the phone you want. If you are a light user and only use your phone to make calls and send text messages and like a little bit of social media time everyday, you may not require a very high end phone at all. But if you have the budget for a high end smartphone that is great too. Now let’s look at the two types of used phones that you will come across online.

    Used Phone Sold By User

    These are phones that are sold by people who have used the phone they are selling. These are people like us who are either looking to upgrade or switch their own phones for better models. You can often see listings like these on various websites and these sellers will usually not have any ratings. These users do not sell phones often and thus finding a trusting source can be a cause for concern. There will be some listings that use stock photos. You will need to be careful when buying from these sellers and if you do not see photographs of the actual phone then best avoid these sellers.

    Always ask for the original product images as it will at least help you understand the condition of the phone from a cosmetic standpoint. If a phone is badly damaged from the outside, absolutely avoid it. A damaged phone from the outside will most certainly have damaged or dinged up interiors as it shows that the owner did not care for the device as much as he should have.

    If the device shows normal wear and tear from prolonged use, that should be fine. Ask the user what he will be selling along with the phone. See to it that he shares the box, bill and charger. If you are buying from a website such as OLX or Quikr, then check the IMEI number to make sure it isn’t stolen from someone else.

    Refurbished Phone Sold By Seller

    These types of phones are relatively safer to buy. Many websites, Amazon being a big example, have sellers who are trusted and sell refurbished phones. They buy phones from other users and repair and sell them after fixing it both internally as well as cosmetically. They will also usually provide a 6 month or 1 year warranty or guarantee (differs from seller to seller) and will fix the phone for you if anything goes wrong. Remember that these warranties are not given by the manufacturer of the phone but the seller themselves. These phones are a little more expensive compared to the phones that are sold directly by the users since the sellers charge for buying, refurbishing and then selling the phone off. There sometimes will be underlying terms and conditions that you also need to look at. Read the description carefully before you buy.

    Websites Where You Can Buy Used Phones In India

    OLXXiaomi Mi 8 Android 9 MIUI 10

    Olx is a classifieds website where you can both buy as well as sell phones in India. It has it’s presence in 45 different countries and is headquartered in Amsterdam. Although the website is meant for users to post items for sale, many small businesses also sell smartphones and laptops here. You can directly connect with the seller and meet and buy the phone. While it isn’t exactly an online transaction, it does help you find people who are willing to sell what you are buying. It is safer in a way because you get to hold the phone and test it out before actually buying.

    Quikr

    Quikr is another classified advertisement website, working on the same model as OLX. It is an Indian platform and is focussed on providing a better experience for buyers and sellers than many other similar platforms. Beware of fake sellers though as many have reported to have received phones with parts replaced with cheaper Chinese made counterparts inside the phone. One can recognise a fake post by looking at the price and images. If you see a Samsung S9 Plus available at Rs 8000, it is probably a copy or has replaced parts. If there are more than 1 phones of the same model, it might be a seller who is buying cheap copies and selling them at a profit.

    Amazon

    Amazon has a lot of refurbished phones from different sellers. Being a globally renowned website, their quality control for sellers on the platform will be better. The phones, as mentioned above will be a little more expensive but the quality and the description will be clearer. These listings generally have a “Certified Refurbished” tag on the image and are also written in bold letters. Many descriptions of these listings suggest that the phone is Amazon-qualified and performance managed where the reseller performs a full diagnostic test, replaces any defective parts, and thoroughly cleans the product. The products also reportedly will have minimal to no signs of wear. They also have no visible cosmetic imperfections when held 12 inches away and the batteries will have at least 80% capacity relative to new ones.

    CEX

    This is an extremely popular website and shop in UK and is slowly gaining ground in India. They have different models of different phones that can be viewed on their website. CEX both buys and sells phones and one can buy phones using CEX voucher or actual cash. There is a flat 2 year warranty on everything they sell. And there is a doorstep buying and selling process as well. You can visit their shop and see the phones and choose from them. The prices of each phone are listed on their website as well. These are also refurbished.

    Facebook Groups

    Facebook has become home to hundreds and thousands of buying and selling groups and these have thousands of members each. Every city has a group that sells phones. If you find the correct group, then you can chose from a variety of options and connect directly with sellers. You can also meet and see the products yourself. While this may be a great place for phones, do check the profile of the seller once and ensure that the post is not fake or the seller is genuine.

  • Here Is How Water Cooling On Modern Smart Phones Works

    Here Is How Water Cooling On Modern Smart Phones Works

    Water cooling or liquid cooling has become a unique selling proposition for phones these days. And at times it turns out to be nothing more than a marketing gimmick. Liquid cooling has been around for a long time for personal computers which are gaming oriented. This kind of cooling was introduced because gaming PCs get heated up due to their high performance requirements. It is one thing to have water or liquid cooling on PCs which have a lot of space to work around, but on a phone space is a huge constraint.

    Why Use Liquid

    Air cooling, which had been the choice of many, isn’t as efficient as Liquid cooling when it comes to computers and mobile phones. Air cooling requires a lot of fans. And fans take up space. A typical gaming PC with air cooling will have case fans, graphics card fans, and a CPU fan. Same goes for phones. The phones have several holes  to dissipate heat. These try to keep the insides of the CPU cool, but on the other hand, liquid cooling requires coolant-filled tubes, a radiator, water blocks  which are the equivalent of heat sinks and a few other small components. On normal phones without liquid cooling, the processor is generally under-clocked so that it generates less heat. The generated heat is dissipated through the body of the phone which makes the body of the phone hot while playing games etc.

    What Liquids Are Used

    Water, deionised water, glycol/water solutions, and dielectric fluids such as fluorocarbons and PAO are the heat transfer fluids that are most commonly used. Most phones use water. The amount of water used is so less, it is essentially always in vapour form, which is why these systems are also called vapour cooled systems.

    Do Phones Need Liquid Cooling

    Smartphones running just fine even two or three years back on normal air cooling/ heat dissipation coupled with under-clocked CPUs. But with smartphones becoming thinner and users demanding more and more performance from their smartphones, heating suddenly became a major issue. NEC Medias X 06E was the world’s first water- cooled phone. But around 2015/2016, Nokia introduced the Lumia 950XL and Samsung introduced the Galaxy S7; both water- cooled phones. Phone cooling has changed and improved a lot since then. Phones can perform much faster and the CPU can even be over-clocked if liquid cooling is used. The ASUS ROG phone, which has an overclocked cpu uses this form of cooling.

    How Does It Work

    Phones use a copper thermal heat pipe to distribute the heat and move it away from the CPU. This kicks into play when the phone is performing high intensity tasks. These may include tasks like gaming or even media playback. The copper tube has a very minuscule amount of  liquid. The liquid is not even enough to see if the tube is cut open. The cooling happens through condensation. Condensation is the process of vapour turning to liquid when cooled.

    As the processor heats up, the liquid heats up and turns into vapour, thus absorbing the heat from the CPU. This vapour then moves to the opposite end of the heat pipe. This end is further away from the CPU and is considerably cooler. The vapour dissipates the heat thus turning back into liquid form.  This process is continuous and works well to dissipate and disperse heat from a concentrated area to a much larger area thus cooling the entire system faster and more efficiently.

  • eSIM Technology Explained : Why Do More Phones Not Have It?

    eSIM Technology Explained : Why Do More Phones Not Have It?

    We get a lot of questions from our readers regarding eSIM cards. Are they physical SIM cards? Do they require changes in hardware or software? If they are just software changes then why aren’t they introduced to phones that have already been released and so on. In this article, we will discuss this relatively new technology and try to clear the air regarding eSIMs. We will also try and answer some of these questions.

    What Is An eSIM?

    As the name suggests, eSIM is an electronic SIM card. An eSIM replaces the need for a physical SIM card that has been a part of our phones for ages. There are several reasons for the SIM cards to face the axe but we will talk about those later. The eSIM was introduced out of need, more than out of want. Samsung was working on a smartwatch that would allow a person to remotely connect to cellphone carriers without the need for a phone. Samsung’s Gear S2 smartwatch was the first device to use the eSIM. With the launch of Apple XS and XR, eSIM has now become a widely known technology.

    Is It Hardware Or Software?

    This has been a huge question for the uninitiated as everyone wants to know if the eSIM feature has any hardware complications or does it just happen via software. Well, it involves both. The eSIM is a very small SIM card that is attached to the phone. It is much smaller than a Nano SIM card. The eSIM card is 6mm x 5mm in size. Comparing it to a Nano SIM card which stands at a much larger 12.3mm x 8.8mm, the eSIM provides the manufacturers an opportunity to get rid of the bulky SIM card tray and use that space to include something else.

    Since the entire eSIM technology involves hardware, it will not be possible to inculcate this technology into smartphones that do not have this tech. So your Oneplus 6 or 6T or even your Samsung Galaxy S9 won’t be able to make use of this feature. The eSIM is non removable and it is safely tucked inside the phone. The most important thing about the eSIM feature is that one does not need to change SIM cards when changing their network operator. They can simply do so using software.

    If you are using an eSIM on your watch, it can have the same number as your phone. This helps you to make and receive call from your watch even if you do not have your phone with you. eSIM cards will also negate the hassle that one has to face when changing phones. Some phones use a Nano SIM, some use a Micro SIM and so on.

    Future Of eSIM

    GSMA, the organisation that represents the interests of mobile operators, has announced a standard for this new kind of SIM. The use of smartwatches have also increased in the recent times and this means more and more use of eSIM card. This is good news as the future is definitely moving towards eSIM cards. AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Hutchison Whampoa (owner of Three and soon O2), Orange, Telefónica (the current O2 owner) and Vodafone have all shown their support for this technology and we can definitely expect more and more phones to use this feature in the future.

  • Top Tech Under 2000 November Edition

    Top Tech Under 2000 November Edition

    Every month we bring to you the best and the coolest gadgets from around the web. So here’s this month’s pick for the top tech gadgets and accessories and DIY tools for under Rs 200.

    Foldable Keyboard

    This foldable keyboard is a great accessory for all those who work on the go. Being a bluetooth keyboard, it can connect to your smartphone easily and at any point of time. The keyboard also comes with a stand, on which you can mount your phone. The keys are well spaced-out, but its not the best typing experience. However, considering its size, it offers great travel. It also has a micro USB charging port. It even has dedicated keys for Windows, iOS and more. Another interesting feature is the dedicated shutter button which lets you take selfies on your phone from the keyboard. Surely a top tech.

    Smart Plug

    This is a smart plug which connects to your Wi-Fi to function. You can then use an app through your smartphone to control the smart plug and turn it on and off.  The smart plug also has two USB ports which are turned on always, regardless of whether you turn on the plug or not. You can also set up schedules and timers as to when you want the plug to be turned on. You can also control it via Alexa and Google Assistant.

    Bumper Laptop Sleeve

    This Bumper Laptop Sleeve is as functional as good looking. It has a very sleek, non intrusive design and goes well in all kinds of environments. The laptop sleeve is built for 13.3 inch laptops. It has a rigid, rubber bumper on the outside, which will protect it from shocks and impact. It has a soft fabric lining on the inside, which also protects your laptop. The exterior bumper also has a very attractive design. The case opens from one side. The opening is magnetic and snaps back into place once you take your laptop out or place it in.

    Wireless Air Mouse

    This is a rechargeable wireless Air Mouse cum keyboard. This wireless mouse can connect to any TV or laptop and can be helpful in many ways. The wireless mouse lets you control your device easily, without the hassles of buttons. This is also useful in laptops in scenarios where you would have to get up again and again to access the controls. The mouse also has a keyboard on the back, which is useful for typing, both on TVs and on laptops. A very useful top tech.

    Cordless Screwdriver

    This is a great product for all those who love DIY projects and also for generally anybody who uses screws and screwdrivers regularly. The screwdriver has a great build quality and it also grips very well in your hand. On the front, it has an LED torch light, which helps you see the area ahead of it, to help you in dark conditions. It is rechargeable and has many different magnetic bits for each type of screw head. It has a 200 cycles per minute speed. The screwdriver also has three different speed modes.

    USB Fingerprint Scanner

    This is a portable, USB fingerprint scanner. This can be used on laptops and PCs and gives you security and convenience at the same time. The device is fairly easy to setup and can be used whenever you are on the go. It has Windows Hello support, making it trustworthy and secure. You just need to setup your fingerprint once, after which the sensor will help you unlock your system. Th fingerprint sensor is very fast and responsive and ensures a better user experience.

    Tyre Pressure Gauge

    The Michelin tyre pressure gauge is one of the most accurate tyre pressure gauges both in and around its price segment. The gauge comes with a keyring, which we felt is very convenient. The accuracy of the gauge is pretty high and gives you a clear idea about the air pressure levels in your tyres. It also has an inbuilt flashlight and a backlit display for use in darkness. You can measure the tyre pressure in PSI, BAR, KPA or Kg/cm. This range of options surely makes it very convenient.

    Gas Leak Detector

    This gas leak detector is a great gadget for in terms of both, functionality and safety. The detector gives out a loud alarm in case it detects a gas leak or incase the temperature outside rises a beyond limit. This includes Butane, CNG and more. It is really helpful and convenient and is a must have for almost everyone. A helpful top tech.

    Gods Rudra Backpack

    The Gods Rudra backpack is a water repellant laptop back. It is not only useful, but it looks great as well. The bag has a lot of storage and dedicated slots for many items or accessories you might use on a daily basis. It also has a reflective pair of ‘eyes’ on the back which reflect any light thrown at them. The eyes resemble Ironman and not only look really cool, they are handy for drivers to spot you if you are walking down the road or even riding a bike.

    USB Type-C To HDMI Adapter

    This USB Type-C to HDMI adapter is a great accessory for all those who have a USB Type-C port on their smartphones. The adapter can be used for connecting your phone or any other device for that matter, to an external display. It supports 4K at 60 Hz. You can also use it with laptops or tablets with a USB Type- port. The adapter is made from good quality aluminium and is a great accessory to have.

    Check out our video below:

  • Top Tech Gadgets And Accessories Under Rs 500: November Edition

    Top Tech Gadgets And Accessories Under Rs 500: November Edition

    Every month we scour the internet to find uber cool gadgets and accessories for you. This month we have found a bunch of such gadgets that are gonna make your life easier without burning a hole in your pocket. All the items in the list have a price tag of under 500 Rs.

    Travel Clock

    This funky looking gadget has more than basic clock capabilities. This portable clock has multiple other features that can definitely come in handy. The clock also has a built-in lanyard and an LED torch for an emergency situation. Other standard clock features include backlit display and alarm with a snooze option. However, the biggest highlight of this clock is its ability to quickly switch between different time zones. With a simple turn to the right or left, it will display time of that location which you choose on the knob.

    Multi Pen

    Number two on this list is a heavy duty metal pen with several useful features. It has a built-in spirit level for finding the perfect level for objects like tables and wall paintings. You can also use it as a ruler and measurement device due to its flat surface and markings. The back tip of the pen can also be used as a stylus for touchscreen devices that might come handy in situations when you have wet or dirty hands. The rear cap of the pen reveals a reversible screwdriver bit with a flat and Philips’ head when you unscrew it.

    USB Hub

    This USB Hub is a very good utility accessory for any laptop user. Gone are the good old days when laptop used to have a couple of USB ports. However, to decrease the footprint,  laptop companies now manufacture devices with only one or two USB ports which might not be sufficient for most. This small pocketable accessory is a great tool to combat this issue. This tiny adapter can convert a single USB outlet into three different outlets which will suffice the needs of users.

    Wrist Pads For Keyboard & Mouse

    For people who work long hours on their computers, these supporting pads are the perfect companions for their setup. These lightweight pads can be used to rest your wrists on when using the mouse or typing on keyboards for long periods of time.

     

    Rubber Laces

    These Rubber laces are the perfect accessories to make your life a tad bit easier and convenient. They are made out of rubber compound material that allows you to stretch them when the wearer pulls the tongue of his shoe. Not only do they solve a small but annoying modern-day problem, they look good as well and definitely add a lot of style to your shoes. They come in a pretty cool shoe shaped cardboard packaging. In one pack the user gets a total of sixteen variable sized laces. Which can probably be used in two pairs of shoes including one adult and a kid.

    Finger Band For Mobile Phone

    This unique looking smartphone accessory offers great functionality. It has a back strap which can be folded into the shape of a ring which perfectly fits in the fingers of the user allowing him to easily use this large-screen smartphone single-handedly. Additionally, it can also be used as a stand for your smartphone so that the user can conveniently place it on a flat surface and enjoy his favourite digital content.

    Cleaning Kit

    As it said cleanliness is next to godliness. And the saying can definitely help users prolong the life of their beloved gadgets. We often get in touch with microscopic one-celled organisms like bacteria which we pass onto our gadgets. However, these single-celled creatures are quite capable of spreading communicable diseases. Hence, in an effort to keep such diseases at bay, this cleaning kit is the product for all gadget lovers. It comes with a gel-based biocide and a cleaning brush to manually clean out ports and openings on our smart devices.

    Pocket Lamp

    This pocket lamp is a must have small and lightweight accessory for every backpacker. However, it is not only limited to them it can also be used in homes while reading books at night or in the situation of a power outage. It is made out of thin translucent elastic material which allows it to slide onto on the flashlight of a smartphone. The lamp diffuses the light from the flash of the user’s smartphone.

    Vlogging Smartphone Mic

    As camera technology on smartphones improves a lot, more amateur filmmakers and vloggers are turning up. To record equally good audio with HD video, everyone needs an external microphone. This small microphone with an easy clip allows such users to record high quality audio to match up the HD or even 4K video quality from their smartphones and cameras.

    Rechargeable AAA Batteries

    Any electronic device requires a source of power. Like with every shrinking piece of technology, remotes and other electronics have also grown thinner and smaller. The remote controller of most appliance be it a TV or Sound system, requires AAA batteries. And if you are a restless viewer who relentlessly goes through menus on your TV or setup box, batteries on your remotes generally do not last very long. So, in order to overcome this yet, another man-made problem these AAA rechargeable cell are the perfect solution. Not only are they rechargeable which saves frequent trips to the market, they are good for the environment as well. Typically speaking, one battery generally lasts multiple recharge cycles. This reduces the number of batteries a user disposes in the environment.

    You can also check out our video below:

  • Top Accessories To Buy For Your Smartphone

    Top Accessories To Buy For Your Smartphone

    Once we buy a new smartphone, the first thing we do is get a mobile cover and a screen protector for it. But there are other useful accessories as well that can increase the usefulness of your phone. In this article we will discuss little known accessories that you can buy on Amazon for a throwaway price!

    AmazonBasics Mobile Phone Repair Kit

    This is an extremely handy tool if you like to repair your own phones. The repair kit for smartphones can be used for mobile devices, game systems, wristwatches, and eyeglasses. It consists of a precision aluminium screwdriver with telescopic handle for extended reach. It allows for easy one-handed operation due to screwdriver’s free-spinning end-cap. The repair kit includes two mini pry bars, an opening pick, a SIM card ejector tool and suction cup. It also has 3/4-inch S2 screwdriver bits which can fit into tight spots. iPhones are known for their custom screws and this kit includes pentagonal size for iPhones and iPads. The kit comes in a zippered case for safe storage and convenient portability.

    Posterguy Waterproof Mobile Pouch

    Ever wish you could take your phone when you go for a swim or use your phone in the rain? This waterproof mobile pouch cover for smartphones protects your phone from water damage.  The case can store a 6 inch smartphone. It can be submersed under water as well once locked properly. The case is an IPX8 certified waterproof cover with fingerprint sensor and is suitable for phones up to 6.5 inches of diagonal screen size. One can also use it to store credit cards or money.

    It also includes a17 inch neck strap for easy carry and access. It is perfect for using in rain, beach or any other kind of adventure. The pouch is best suited for adventure trips where moisture, water, dust or snow can be an issue. Putting your small valuables or expensive or inexpensive smartphone in this phone bag will leave your items bone dry and dust proof.

    Sports Arm Band Protective 

    If you are a fitness freak then this accessory may be a life-saver! Early morning jogs can be tedious as well as fun but storing your phone and protecting it from rain or sweat and keeping your house keys can be a difficult task. Using this, you won’t have to worry about losing your keys and credit cards at the gym or at the park. It has a touchable protective screen and can activate iPhone 7 home button and can be used freely when your phone is in the armband during sports.

    Its headphone cutouts allows for music playback or taking calls while walking or running. Another great feature is the armband’s reflective strip which allows for safe running in low light conditions. It fits Apple iPhone 6 6S 4.7 inch, iPhone 6 Plus, 6S Plus, 5.5 inch or other below 5.5 inch cell phones. The armband is made of high-quality nylon premium material which reduces the chances of pungent smell from sweat accumulation. 

    Water Resistant Waist Phone Bag

    Another mobile carrying pouch, this is a multi-purpose tool for storage and ease to carry. The pouch is water resistant, but it is not waterproof. The straps can be threaded through the loops on the back for a tight fit on the belt or any combination of wear options and belt sizes. There’s a loop on top as well. It is made with 1000 denier waterproof cordura nylon, with MOLLE attachments, double webbing molle belts behind, and extra strong buckles. It can be a great bag for people who like outdoor adventures as well as trekkers. It can fit a charger, passport, key, credit card, cigarette lighter, sun glass, cellphones, digital cameras etc.

     Selfie Beauty Ring Light

    If you use your front camera more than the back camera of your phone, this is the perfect accessory for you. This selfie ring light attaches to your phone and it gives a great light throw for selfies. The light has 3 different levels of brightness and provides supplemental or side lighting for creative photography and videography. It provides continuous LED light and does not heat up too much. It works with all phones as well as tablets. This selfie ring light is built from high quality plastic and is durable and shockproof. It works on 2 AAA batteries but the batteries are not in the package.
    12X Zoom Mobile Phone Telescope Lens 

    This tele lens is a great accessory for the photographers who use their phone a lot. We all have wished the phone camera had a tele lens and not just digital zoom. Even though many phones nowadays are equipped with two or more lenses which range from wide to tele, if your phone does not have that then this accessory is great for you. The lens screws into the clip that comes with it. This ensures that the lens perfectly aligns with your camera. It can be great for using in concerts, tourist destinations, zoos and any other long-distance shooting. The lens is a 12X zoom lens and is portable and detachable. It is compatible with all mobile phones.

     Charging Stand & Station Dock Platform Holder

    A lovely and neat addition for your home, this eco-friendly bamboo charging stand bracket can help you avoid clutter in your house. It is a 100% natural bamboo charging stand that is taken from sustainable forest harvest and is quite durable. The charging dock looks very fashionable and the stand has a solid build for better stabilisation. It can hold your phone as well as your smartwatch for charging. The dock is suitable for all kinds of mobile phones and smartwatches. It has a cutout for your Apple watch charger. The cutout can be of use for other smartwatch chargers as well.
     Portable Mini 16 Led Light 

    Another great value for money product, this is a portable light that can be directly plugs into your phone’s adapter and works as a light to take photographs and videos. The light provides the same daylight colour temperature as popular professional xenon flashes. So you get natural-looking skin tones, the right depth and soft shadows. It does not have a great throw and can illuminate subjects that are close by. The light can also be used as a simple flashlight or a small emergency lamp. It works with all smartphones and can be easily carried in pocket or a small bag The light comes with the light itself and a USB to 3.5mm charging cable. 

     

  • Top Crime Dramas To Watch On Netflix This Weekend

    Top Crime Dramas To Watch On Netflix This Weekend

    Netflix has always been on point when it comes to crime drama. The shows featured on Netflix are more often than not, highly rated on IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes and always manage to keep you on your toes. This weekend, we give you a list of such shows to watch on Netflix that will keep you on the edge of your seats. So make some pop-corn, sit back and binge watch.

    Making A Murderer

    This gripping crime series focusses on a true event that happened in the United States in the 80s and continued till the 2000s. The story revolves around Steven Avery, a man from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, who served 18 years in prison for the wrongful conviction of sexual assault and attempted murder. There are two seasons with a total of 20 episodes each running around 47 to 77 minutes.

    Mindhunter

    This crime series is based on a book called Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit. The authors of the book are John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, and they focus around the time when the FBI did not have a criminal profiling division. The story revolves around the central characters FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench. They go around the country to interview serial killers (They coin the term as well, on their journey to understand ‘serial killers’). There is just onwseason with 10 episodes with a watching time of 34 to 60 minutes each episode.

    Manhunt: Unabomber

    This crime drama is gripping and is an extraordinary story told through fiction about the infamous Unabomber. Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber was a real life terrorist. He, between 1978 and 1995, killed three people and injured 23 others. The story of the series follows the main character Jim Fitzgerald who the FBI tasks to profile the Unabomber. He faces constant opposition from within the FBI who question his weird methods. The series has 1 season with 8 episodes each 42 to 43 minutes long. It is a great watch for the thrill-seekers on a Sunday afternoon.

    Narcos

    Narcos is a highly successful crime drama series running for three seasons now and has a huge viewer base at the moment. And what more, it is set to release a new season on November 16th! If you still haven’t watched the series, then this weekend would be a good time to catch up on it. Seasons 1 and 2 are based on the story of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, who was an infamous drug lord in Columbia. He was known as the “The King of Cocaine” and was the wealthiest criminal in history. Escobar was known to have burnt money to keep himself warm at times.The three seasons comprise of 30 episodes ranging from 30 to 45 minutes each.

    Fargo

    The show chronicles a story of deception, intrigue and murder in and around frozen Minnesota but somehow all clues lead to Fargo, North Dakota. Fargo has three seasons so far and each have an amazing starcast with very edge of the seat stories. It features great actors such as Billy Bob Thornton, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks, Martin Freeman, Kirsten Dunst, Patrick Wilson, Jesse Plemons. Others well known figures include Jean Smart, Ted Danson, Ewan McGregor,  Carrie Coon, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Goran Bogdan and David Thewlis. If you are going to watch this, you will need more than two days of constant binge-watching for sure!

    Dark

    This is the first German-language Netflix original series and is a great watch if you are fine with watching a show with subtitles or are fluent in the German language! The show revolves around a fictional town in Germany where children start to disappear mysteriously. This bring out the dark past, the double lives and the broken relationships of four families in the town. This show is often compared to Netflix’s Stranger Things. It has one season with 10 episodes with a run time of 45 to 57 minutes each.

    The People Vs O.J Simpson: American Crime Story

    This series is based on Jeffrey Toobin’s book, The Run of His Life: The People v. O. J. Simpson (1997) and revolves around the Nicole Simpson murder case. In 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were found stabbed to death outside Nicole’s condominium in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles and O.J. Simpson was the prime suspect for the murders. O.J Simpson is a former American running back. He was a well known figure at the time. The story follows how the trials for the same went and how, finally (Spoiler alert) he was acquitted. This mini-series is a part of American Crime Story. The series has 10 episodes ranging from 41 minutes to 1 hour 6 minutes each.

  • Top Books A Tech Enthusiast Must Read

    Top Books A Tech Enthusiast Must Read

    If there is anything that a tech enthusiast likes almost as much as new technology, it is to read books. Books allows a reader’s imagination to run free and most people interested in tech have free thinking and a great power of imagination. There are books related to the tech industry, tech business and general science and the future, that might interest techies. In this article we list a few books that one must read if they have an inclination towards technology and the future.

    Steve Jobs

    By Walter Isaacson

    Considered to be like the Bible for some tech enthusiasts, this book by Walter Isaacson is extremely in-depth and takes an honest look at the eccentric CEO of Apple and later the CEO of Pixar Animation. The book tells us how this creative genius managed to transform the fate of six big industries, such as personal computers, music, animated movies, phones, digital publishing and tablet computing. The birth of Apple, the growth and then eventual downfall, the fights with co-founder Steve Wozniak, the comeback of Jobs into Apple and the birth of the Lisa, Macbook and eventually the iPhone.

    This book is specially interesting because Steve Jobs insisted that Walter Isaacson write his autobiography and promised to not interfere in it. Thus, this book has a neutral perspective and goes through the ups and downs of Steve Jobs’ life and the lives of people around him. It is definitely a must read even- if you are an Android fan!

    Elon Musk: How the Billionaire CEO of Spacex and Tesla is Shaping Our Future

    By Ashlee Vance

    Considered to be the real life Iron Man, Elon Musk is an entrepreneur, forward thinker and a genius. He founded the online payment website PayPal which was later aquired by Ebay. Musk then moved on to think about the future of humanity and wanted to use his newfound money to advance tech, to push technology into the future. He bought two companies – SpaceX and Tesla Motors. This books talks about how he is slowly shaping the future of technology and about Musk’s ‘deconstructed obsession with technology’.

    Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft’s Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone

    By Satya Nadella

    This book is about the changes that are happening inside Microsoft and covers topics such as artificial intelligence, mixed reality, and quantum computing. Satya Nadella talks about his childhoot in India and how he grew to become the CEO of one of the biggest tech companies in the world – working on Artificial Inelligence and other futuristic technology. He, through this book, tells the inside story of how a company rediscovered its soul—transforming everything from culture to their fiercely competitive landscape and industry partnerships. This is a must read book for any tech enthusiast for sure.

    Live Work Work Work Die: a journey into the savage heart of Silicon Valley

    By Corey Pein

    The author of this book set out to learn how an overhyped industry like the tech startup industry could possibly sustain itself as long as it has.But in order to understand it thoroughly he had to become one of them. He soon started to skulk through gimmicky tech conferences, pitching his over-the-top business ideas to investors, and rooming with a succession of naive upstart programmers whose entire lives are managed by their employers-who work endlessly and obediently, never thinking to question their place in the system.

    The book explores and ‘challenges the positive, feel-good self-image that the tech tycoons have crafted-as nerdy and benevolent creators of wealth and opportunity-revealing their self-justifying views and their insidious visions for the future’. It is a great read to understand how the silicon valley works. And how the people who are running the industry functions. It is an inside look into one of the most cut-throat industries in the world, from a neutral perspective.

    Innovation and Its Enemies: Why People Resist New Technologies

    By Calestous Juma

    Drawing from nearly 600 years of technology history, Innovation and Its Enemies identifies the tension between the need for innovation and the pressure to maintain continuity, social order, and stability. Everything from computers to mobile phones to the more recent artificial intelligence can be a cause for concern for many. The author uses detailed case studies of coffee, the printing press, margarine, farm mechanization, electricity, transgenic animals and more. The book tries to show how technologies emerge and end up favouring their establishment in the marketplace. It draws from the lessons history has taught us regarding the ever evolving tech industry. It also debates tech such as artificial intelligence, online learning, 3D printing, gene editing, robotics, and drones.

    Soonish

    By Kelly Weinersmith

    This comic take on science and technology feels like vegetables if they tasted like meat. It is science and technology made interesting by giving it a comic turn with graphics that are quirky and witty. It talks about the future of technology – from robot swarms to nuclear fusion powered-toasters and how they will impact our future. The book, although extremely funny to read, teaches us a lot about the future of tech. It makes serious topics fun to read. What will the world of tomorrow be like? How does progress happen? And why don’t we have a lunar colony yet? These are some of the questions that this book asks and answers. And it does so through a series of interviews of professors and scientists and such.

    A Brief History of Time: From Big Bang to Black Holes

    By Stephen Hawking

    Now that we have covered the witty and funny, this book is for serious science and technology lovers. One cannot fully understand or imagine how the future will look like, unless one understands the past. A Brief History Of Time is a book that is timeless itself. It asks some questions that are unanswered. The book tries to best explain by drawing theories of the entire cosmos from Albert Einstein to Newton. Stephen Hawking, who died just this year, was one of the greatest minds of our time. The author takes the readers on a journey into the depth of cosmos right from the big bang theory, through the nature of forces and the world of string theory in physics, to the different forces that constitute the universe itself as he tries to answer questions about life, the universe and everything else. And no! The answer isn’t 42.

     

     

     

  • 5 Guidelines For Better Pictures With Your Smartphone Camera

    5 Guidelines For Better Pictures With Your Smartphone Camera

    Smartphones have improved in leaps and bounds over the past few years and so have their cameras. With cameras getting better by the day, customers are shifting to these handy devices for their photographic needs instead of lugging around a difficult to use DSLR. This means learning how to use your smartphone camera and using it to the fullest. A phone camera these days has a lot of features for customisation which can make your images better. Let’s discuss five tips that can make your images better instantly.

    Use HDR Mode

    The HDR mode is an extremely useful when it comes to phone photography. More often than not, you will find yourself shooting subjects with a strong backlight and this makes the subject dark as the camera exposes for the highlights. If you expose for the shadows then the highlights get burnt. How to do you find a solution? The phone manufacturers have long added a feature that can bring out the shadows and tone down the highlights of these images. Using the HDR mode, the phone shoots three or more images in different exposures. One with the mid-tones properly exposed, one with the highlights properly exposed and one with the shadows properly exposed. Then the phone’s algorithm joins all the three photos to create an evenly exposed image with both shadows and highlights intact.

    Set Exposure For The Highlights

    If you do not wish to use the HDR mode or do not have the HDR mode in your smartphone camera, which by the way is extremely rare, you can expose your images for the highlights. This has to be done because if you lose the highlight details, you cannot get it back in post production. But more often than not, you can get the details in the shadow areas back in post processing. You can use Snapseed to adjust shadows and highlights after shooting.

    Use Manual

    Manual mode is amazing. If you have a good understanding of photography and know how to use shutter speed, aperture and ISO then you can use the manual mode in your smartphone camera. You get a better control over the exposure of your images. Even in DSLRs, using the manual mode gives you better control. If you have enough time to frame and compose your shots, then use the manual mode.

    Manual Mode

     

    Use 4:3 aspect ratio

    Many might not know this, but your phone’s sensor is rectangular. Shooting in a 4:3 aspect ratio gives you the best resolution images because it uses the maximum number of pixels in your smartphone camera. Shooting in 16:9 or 19:9 mode might look pretty on a large screen device, but it reduces the megapixel count. You can test this out by shooting the same image in both aspect ratios and look at them on your computer monitor to see the difference!

    Also Read: PUBG Mobile: Tips And Tricks To Become An Ace Player
    Don’t use flash when shooting a landscape image

    Many a times, you will see people shooting images of the beach or any other wide landscape at night using the phone’s flash. The phone’s flash is hardly powerful enough to illuminate a subject just a few feet away. It is not possible to use the phone’s flash to illuminate kilometres of vista. So, it won’t make a difference even if you use a phone flash since it’s throw is extremely limited.

     

  • OnePlus 6T Unboxing And Hands On Video

    OnePlus 6T Unboxing And Hands On Video

    The OnePlus 6T, as a revision, is one of the most anticipated phones to be launched this year. The phone is the successor to the OnePlus 6 which has proven to be a tough competition for even flagship devices. The update is in the typical OnePlus fashion, but this time around, it features a lot of changes.

    [modal heading=”OnePlus 6T: What’s New ” text=”OnePlus 6T : What’s New?” variation=”btn-success”]In-Display Fingerprint Scanner 6.41 inch Display 3,700 mAh Battery Oxygen OS With Android 9.0 Pie Smart Boost 128 GB Storage Base Model [/modal]

    Inside The Box

    • USB Type-C to 3.5 mm Adapter
    • Translucent Phone Case
    • Fast Charging Adapter and Type-C Cable
    • SIM Tray Ejector
    • Quick Start Guide
    • Safety Information
    What Has Changed

    In terms of look and feel, the OnePlus 6T  is slightly different. The phone weighs a tad bit more than the OnePlus 6 and is also a bit thicker. However, when you hold and use it, it has the same feeling with its glass finish and good build quality. The 6T has a larger, 6.41 inch display, making it a bit taller than the OnePlus 6. The display sports a much smaller water-drop notch which houses the 3-in-1 ambient, distance/RGB sensor and front-facing camera.

    The fingerprint sensor on the phone is now present under the display, which is one of the biggest changes brought around by the 6T. Using the sensor present on the display takes some time to get used to, but it is very responsive. One must make sure to use the entire thumb while setting up the fingerprint sensor. If you use just the tip of your thumb, the sensor might not be able to read your thumb when you use it. Although we need more time to test the fingerprint sensor completely, we are sure of the fact that it is better than other in-display sensors we have tested before. You can also continue to hold the area of the fingerprint sensor to access a quick access app drawer which is customisable, to get to your favourite apps.

    Another big change is the lack of the 3.5 mm headphone jack. The fact that most of the companies are doing the same, and now that OnePlus has also adopted it, might hint at the fact that the headphone jack will be obsolete in some time. Another physical change is the ability to long press the power button to launch the Google Assistant. Which is similar to activating Siri on the iPhone.

    The phone has a new Smart Boost feature which improves the app cold start speed by 5 to 20 percent. Its does so by storing the data from frequently used apps in the phones RAM. Currently, the device applies it to gaming apps but the feature reach other apps with future updates.

    Under The Hood

    The internals on the OnePlus 6T are the same as the OnePlus 6. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC with the Adreno 630 GPU. The device has 6 GB and 8 GB RAM variants. There is a slight change in terms of internal storage with the OnePlus 6T having a 128 GB base model and another 256 GB variant. Under the hood, the OnePlus 6T packs a bigger, 3,700 mAh battery.

    The OnePlus 6T has the same 16 MP + 20 MP f/1.7 dual camera setup as the OnePlus 6. The front camera is also, the same 16 MP f/2.0 sensor as before. However, the company has made software improvements which it claims have improved camera performance. The device has a new Nightscape mode which claims to offer better images in low light conditions without losing sharpness and improving the image output. The device also offers overall improvements in terms of image quality and dynamic range.

    Overall, when compared to the OnePlus 6, the one can’t really see a big difference in terms of performance.

    Price & Availability In India

    The OnePlus 6T has been launched at a starting price of $ 549, globally. The Indian launch of the device is set for the 30th of October. The 6 GB + 128 GB variant costs Rs 36,999 in India. The OnePlus 6T ships bundled with the OnePlus Type-C Bullets for free. Additionally, you can avail Rs 1000 cash back on Citi Bank cards and a Rs 2000 discount on ICICI cards.

    You can also watch our detailed video below:

     

  • PUBG Mobile: Tips And Tricks To Become An Ace Player

    PUBG Mobile: Tips And Tricks To Become An Ace Player

    PUBG is a worldwide phenomenon and the number of players is still growing. In this highly competitive multiplayer battle royale game, a hundred players are dropped into an area with no weapons whatsoever. The last man standing ( or the last team ) emerges as the winner. There are different levels or Seasons that judges the player’s rankings. These are Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Crown, Ace and Conqueror. The top 500 players in a server are titled Conqueror. Becoming an Ace itself is very difficult and requires a lot of man hours. But if you play smart and use a few tricks you can be a notch above the rest and emerge victorious in a lot of matches. We share the tips and tricks that we have learnt in the over 500 games of PUBG we played over two seasons and reached Ace every time.

    Know Where To Land

    Landing is everything. Knowing the best places to land can be a win or lose decision. There are certain hot spots on the maps that are always full of other people as these areas usually spawn better items. However landing here and getting those items might not always win you a game. There are several instances of people getting a sniper and 8x scope just upon landing only to be killed by a shotgun wielding enemy. If you are great at fighting with any gun or any other weapon then and only then land in places like this.

    Places like Pochinki, Yasnaya Polyana, Military Base in Erangel, Los Leones, El Pozo in Miramar and Kampong, Cave and Bootcamp in Sanhok are very hot and sees a lot of traffic. In case you are interested in climbing the season ladder then make sure to avoid these areas. Only make risky plays when you have a Tier protection.

     

     

    How To Parachute

    The first important step to win games is to know when to pick your battles. Parachuting in first to a place makes a lot of difference as one can start eliminating enemies with a car or even a single shotgun if they can pick it up before the enemy does. There is a great secret on how to start from the same point, in the same time, but reach the ground faster. When guiding the parachute make sure you are flying diagonally. pull your finger to the top left or top right side of the controller circle and fly at a slight angle. This increases the fling speed and helps you land faster.

    Knowing Your Strength

    Just like most games, this game also has certain player roles. These are Camper, Gunslinger, Sniper, Shotgun Lover and Lazy Bum. Find your play style and stick to it. If you like to go head on to a fight and are good at it, then do that and make sure you don’t die. Use smokes and grenades when charging into a house. If you like to avoid fights until the very end when there are 10 or so people alive, then find safe areas and camp in a house or in the grass etc. Finding your strengths and playing to it will win you a lot of games.

    Weapons To Use

    There are a lot of different weapons that once can pick up from the different houses in PUBG. Some have a better range, some have better spread, some recoil less and some may reload faster than the other. One needs to adapt to the game when choosing weapons. If you are storming a house then you need a shotgun or a weapon with a close range like an UZI or a pistol. If you are shooting enemies across a field, or a considerable distance away, then using a sniper or an M416 is recommended. The scope, Muzzle, Mag and Foregrip also play a major role in deciding your shot accuracy. Read about each and every weapon in the ‘Weapons’ tab in PUBG mobile and you will slowly get the hang of it.

    Items To Pick Up

    There is a very limited space in your backpack. Depending on the level of the backpack, you will quickly run out of space if you have a ton of things loaded in it. If you are picking up a Gas can, fill up your vehicle as soon as you can to free up space. Many items take up more space than other items so chose what you wish to carry wisely. If you are using a combination of an SMG and a long range rifle, you probably won’t need the pistol and it’s bullets.

    Discard old bullets if you change guns as those take up space. Pick up guns that have different characteristics. Many a times I have seen people carrying two M416 guns because they feel that that is the best and is quite rare. Even if it is a rare item, don’t carry two of the same guns.

    Advanced Tips

    Peeking

    This is an extremely good feature and most beginners do not use it. In a house to house combat leqaning or peeking from a window will give you a view of your enemy without fully exposing yourself to gunshots. When under fire, this will help you to just peek your head out and not your entire body. You are still prone to headshots or your helmet being completely obliterated, but the chance of getting hit reduces significantly.

    Staying Outside The First Circle

    Staying outside the first circle hardly reduces much health. You can stay outside the first circle and search houses without bearing too much damage. You can do that by using bandages and health packs for a long time without losing out on much. There will be lesser enemies and you can loot houses in peace.

    Reload Every Time You Disengage 

    Many of the deaths occur because a player forgets to reload. When taking fire from an enemy suddenly if you need to reload, that can mean death or at least damaging your bulletproof vest or helmet. The best practice is to reload everytime you get a chance. In between shots, even if you get a few seconds, make sure to reload.

    Using The Flare Gun 

    Using the flare gun can be a great way to gain an edge over your enemies in PUBG. Be it an armoured car drop or a gun drop. Knowing when and where to use a flare gun is crucial. If you get it early on in the game, and you have landed in an area inside the circle with lesser number of enemies, then use it inside the circle itself. In case there are a lot of enemies still alive and nearby, go outside the circle and settle for the armoured vehicle. If you are in the military base and the circle is on the other side of the map, having the armoured vehicle is also useful as the bridges might be camped.

    Climb On The Roof Of A Building 

    Some buildings with balconies let you climb on the roof by jumping on top of the door. This is a great way to stay hidden if you are alone and your teammates have died. Or even if you have a sniper rifle and want to get a great vantage point without anyone noticing you.

    Zig Zag And Jump When Taking Fire 

    When pushing into a safe zone circle, there is a chance that enemies might shoot from inside the zone. Try to zig zag and jump when running head on into enemies. It makes you a difficult target to shoot at.

    Frying Pan 

    The frying pan is bulletproof. It can be extremely useful to knock someone out cold if they are very close to you.

    So go ahead, follow these tips and be the next ace! Do let us know in the comment section below, about how these tips and tricks helped you.

     

     

     

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