Category: Tech

Latest Technology News, Alternative, Bio-Tech, Medical, R&D and Innovations

Motorola One Action Mid Range Smartphone Launched In India
Earlier this month, Motorola LLP launched the Motorola One Action smartphone in several countries that include Brazil, Mexico and a few European regions. On the 23rd of August, the handset has been launched in India as well. Like the previously launched Motorola One Vision, it also has an unconventionally tall display and is Android One Certified.

Motorola One Action Design and Features

The newly launched Motorola One Action has glass on the front while its rear panel is made out of plastic. Holding the device together is a polycarbonate chassis. The handset measures 160.1 x 71.2 x 9.2 mm and it weighs 181g.

The front of the Motorola One Action accommodates a 6.3 inch LTPS IPS display that has a resolution of 2520 x 1080 px and a pixel density of 432 ppi. As previously launched Moto One Vision, it also has an unconventionally tall display that has a 21:9 aspect ratio.

Noteworthy, the display of the smartphone has punch hole on the top left corner which makes room for the 12 MP selfie camera. For rapidly and securely bypassing the lock screen, it has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. Besides, it also supports face unlock technology and the traditional screen lock.

The Motorola One Action runs on the latest Android 9 Pie and it is Android One certified. The certification states that the smartphone is assured to get two major Android updates and security updates for three years.

Under the hood, it is kitted with Exynos 9609 SoC which is manufactured by Samsung. The chipset is comprised of an octa-core CPU and the Mali G72 MP3 GPU.

In addition to the selfie camera, the Motorola One Action has a triple rear camera setup which consists of an f/1.8 aperture equipped 12 MP sensor, 5 MP depth sensor and an ultrawide sensor that has a 117-degree field of view. Notably, the wide-angle sensor is arranged in a sideways manner which means the device can capture landscape videos even when it is held in portrait mode.

The Motorola One Action is powered by a 3,500 mAh battery which shockingly supports on 10 W fast charging. Connectivity options on the handset include 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type C port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Motorola One Action Price, Storage Variants and Colours

Also Read: Nokia Announces Android 10 Update Schedule For Existing Smartphones

The Motorola One Action is offered in three colour options which include Denim Blue, Pearl White. As observed with several other offerings from the company, the newly launched handset will be sold online on Flipkart.com and select offline retailers. The sale of the smartphone will commence from the 30th of August.

In terms of memory and storage, the Motorola One Action is available in just one variant for which the price is as follows:
- 4 GB + 128 GB: Rs 13,999
Click here to check the official listing of Motorola One Action on Flipkart

Overall, the device has an elegant design and is comprised of modest features. However, we will have to see how it fairs against the likes of the Redmi Note 7 Pro and Realme 5 Pro.
August 23, 2019
Samsung Announces Galaxy A30s, Features A Triple Rear Camera
Samsung had first introduced its Galaxy A series of smartphones back in 2014. The focus of this range was at upper mid range as well as affordable smartphones. Today (22nd of August), the company in a very quiet manner has released two new devices named Galaxy A30s and Galaxy A50s. Both devices will directly succeed the previously released Galaxy A30 and Galaxy A50 that were launched earlier this year.

Galaxy A30s

The Galaxy A30s sports a 6.4-inch HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-V display which means it has a waterdrop notch on the top. Its display has a resolution of 1560x720px. On the front, the notch houses necessary sensors alongside the 16MP selfie shooter with an f/2.0 aperture. Its rear features a holographic carbonate back which provides an attractive look. For security, the device also has an in display fingerprint scanner which was not present in its predecessor.

Under the hood, the Galaxy A30s sports the Exynos 7904 chipset core SoC which consists of an Octa Core CPU. One core difference that the Galaxy A30s has in comparison to its preceding device is an additional camera sensor. The A30 only had a dual camera setup while the updated one has a triple camera setup. The primary is a 25MP (f/1.7 aperture) sensor along with the 5MP depth sensor and an 8MP ultra wide lens.

Samsung’s Galaxy A30s is powered by a large 4,000mAh battery which supports 15W fast charging. For connectivity, the device features usual WiFi, Bluetooth, 4G VoLTE, GPS, 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB Type-C port. It runs the latest Android 9 Pie and which is skinned with One UI. Additionally, the left of the device houses both the power button and volume rockers while the left is bare. On the bottom, you will find a USB-C port flanked by a headphone jack and lone speaker grill.

Also Read: LG Announces Mid Range Smartphones, K40s and K50s With Military Grade Durability

Price & Availability

The Galaxy A30s will be offered in multiple colours named Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White, Prism Crush Green and Prism Crush Violet. Furthermore, it is available in two storage options which are as follows:
- 3 GB + 32 GB
- 4 GB + 64 GB
Unfortunately, Samsung hasn’t announced the price of the smartphone. However, it can be expected to arrive in the sub-20k bracket similar to its predecessor.
August 22, 2019
Samsung Launches Galaxy A50s With Improved Cameras And Holographic Back

Korean smartphone maker, Samsung, on the 22nd of August silently updated its two existing smartphones which were launched earlier year. The newly launched devices are dubbed the Galaxy A50s and Galaxy A30s and they have improved camera optics and a different back panel in comparison to their predecessors.

In this article, we will discuss the Galaxy A50s, however, if you want to see the specs and features of the Galaxy A30 you can do so by clicking this link.

Galaxy A50s Design and Features

Like its predecessors, the Galaxy A50s has glass on the front and a polycarbonate back. However, instead of a solid colour rear panel, the new device has a holographic design which looks very elegant. The handset measures 158.5 x 74.7 x 7.7 mm and it tips the scale at 169g.

The front of the Samsung Galaxy A50s accommodates a 6.4-inch Infinity U display. The display on the devices uses a Super AMOLED panel that has a resolution of 2340 x 1080 px. Like the Galaxy A50, it also features an in-display fingerprint scanner. The power button and volume rockers are situated on the right side of the device while the SIM card tray is placed on the left side.

The rear glasstic panel of Galaxy A50 has a triple rear camera setup which is comprised of a 48 MP + 5 MP + 8 MP sensors. It also features an f/2.0 aperture equipped 25 MP front camera which is placed in the Infinity U notch above the display.

It is powered by a 4,000 mAh battery which supports 15 W fast charging via the bottom-mounted USB Type-C port. Under the hood, the Galaxy A50s packs the Exynos 9610 chipset which consists of four Cortex A73 cores, four A53 cores and Mali G72 MP3 GPU. Connectivity options on the handset include 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS and 3.5 mm audio jack.

Also Read: Google To Launch The Nest Mini Smart Speaker Alongside The Pixel 4 Lineup

Unfortunately, Samsung has not revealed the price of either the Galaxy A50s or the Galaxy A30s. Nonetheless, it is expected to be announced at the upcoming IFA Berlin convention which will kick off from the 6th of September.

Although the new smartphone is not a huge upgrade but improved optics and all new holographic rear panel are a welcoming addition.

August 22, 2019
Google To Launch The Nest Mini Smart Speaker Alongside The Pixel 4 Lineup

Back at the Google I/O in the month of May, the company announced that it is rebranding the Home lineup of devices to be called the Nest series. This means that going forward, all the smart speakers and smart displays that once featured in the Google Home range, will now be referred to as Google Nest devices. Now, the latest reports claim that the company is planning to add another smart speaker to the lineup. Allegedly called the Nest Mini, it will be the successor to the Home Mini speaker, which was first unveiled in the year 2017.

Google Nest Mini

Google Home, Home Mini

According to a report by a known publication, the upcoming smart speaker by Google will be known as the Nest Mini. It will have roughly the same size as its predecessor, with the latest device speculated to be slightly larger. New features that are expected in the upgrade are better sound quality, with more bass and higher maximum volume. It is being rumoured that the Nest Mini will bring along a wall mount built-in. This may be an indication that the speakers will be mountable on the user’s wall with the help of screws.

Another addition to the upcoming Google Nest Mini will be a 3.5mm audio port, which the Home Mini lacked. The addition of the port will allow users to connect their smartphone to the speaker directly via an auxiliary cable. It will also bring the device in line to its competitor, the Amazon Echo Dot, which has the 3.5mm audio port since its launch in the year 2016. The upcoming smart speaker may also have some kind of proximity awareness, which is speculated to include certain motion sensors. These may be able to detect emergency situations like fire and smoke, or may just be used for directional audio features.

Also read: Upcoming PUBG Mobile Update Will Add Helicopters, RPGs And Combat Vehicles

Pricing for the Google Nest Mini is reported to stay the same, so the device, when launched may be priced at US$49 (INR 4,999 in India) just like its the Home Mini. The smart speakers are expected to launch alongside the Pixel 4 series of smartphones, which have historically been announced in October. If the aforementioned launch date turns out to be correct, which seems highly likely, we may not have to wait too long to confirm the details about the Nest Mini.

August 22, 2019
Oppo Has Revealed The Full Specs Of The Reno 2 Before Launch

Previously, Oppo had shared teasers and posters online regarding its upcoming second generation of Reno smartphones. It is a bold move considering the first iteration have been on the shelf for barely four months. We had covered multiple reports that shed some light regarding the upcoming series and now finally have confirmation for the Reno 2. In a surprising move, Oppo has revealed key features regarding the smartphone in a media statement.

Revealed Specs

Oppo Reno 2 will feature a 6.55 inch FHD+ AMOLED Panoramic display. The display has an aspect ratio of 20:9 with a 93.1% screen to body ratio. Its high ratio is achieved due to the front having no notches with minimum bezels owing to the shark-fin popup selfie camera. Notably, the device will have an in-display fingerprint scanner for security. The front of the smartphone is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 6 while the back has Gorilla Glass 5. Oppo Reno 2 features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 730G coupled with 8GB of RAM and a massive 256GB of internal storage.

Oppo Reno With Shark Fin Popup Camera

For gaming, the company is offering anti-cheat extensions and promises up to 25% bump in graphical performance. It also supports HDR10 Gaming support and Game Assistant among other functions. Oppo has revealed that the device will be powered by a large 4,000mAh battery which will support 20W VOOC 3.0 fast charging via a USB Type-C port. Additionally, the company also revealed more features such as Frame Boost 2.0, Touch Boost 2.0 and Link Boost. These will help aid connectivity and overall user experience of the customers.

What Else To Expect

Oppo is yet to confirm a lot of the finer details regarding the Reno 2. For example, the camera of the device will undoubtedly be one of its highlighting features. Hence, the company has probably intentionally left out the details for its launch announcement. However, the sensors are most likely to be a 48MP primary, 8MP wide angle lens, 2MP depth and a 13MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. Notably, the telephoto lens will capable of 20x hybrid zoom.

Also Read: Apple Will Launch A Stylus With iPhone 11, Suggests Luxury Casemaker

Oppo Reno 2 series is also rumoured to feature two more devices which are expected to be announced alongside the Reno 2. The smartphone is expected to launch in India in two colours, Ocean Blue and Luminous Black. For more information stay tuned for updates that should arrive at or prior to the launch event.

August 22, 2019
Apple Will Launch A Stylus With iPhone 11, Suggests Luxury Casemaker

Apple is about to launch the highly anticipated iPhone 11 lineup which allegedly consists of three devices like last year, 2. Several rumours about the design and features of the upcoming handsets have leaked in the past. Interested readers can read them here (1,2,3).

According to freshly listed cases on the MobileFun website, Apple will finally embrace a stylus for its smartphones. Apart from the triple rear cameras that the upcoming flagship iPhones are reported to have, this could be one of the biggest addition to one of the world’s most popular smartphone since its debut in the year 2007.

Apple iPhone 11 Case With Stylus

Noteworthy, the late Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs in the past had mocked companies like Microsoft who showcased the touch capabilities of Windows via a Stylus. Nonetheless, as previously seen with the latest generation iPad Pro, the possibility of Apple launching a smaller sized stylus or an Apple pencil for the iPhone could turn out true.

Besides, the listing does not reveal any other specifics of the stylus. Though as observed with the iPad Pro, it is assumed to be magnetically connected to the rear of the upcoming iPhone.

Apple iPhone 11 Mockup

As the device is currently unannounced, we can only make assumptions about the features it would offer. Similar to the newly launched S-Pen for the Galaxy Note 10, it might have a physical button which could toggle the camera shutter. Moreover, it might support air gesture to navigate between apps or switch between the front or rear camera.

To sum things up, the probability of Apple making a compact Pencil/stylus for iPhone 11 lineup are quite high. However, in order to confirm the leaks and rumours, we will have to wait for the official launch event. Going by past experiences, the future iPhone will be unveiled in the second week of September which is just around the corner.

Also Read: Xiaomi Announces Digital Drawing Tablets With 365 Days Battery Life

What do you think about Apple launching a stylus for smartphones? Do you think they offer any practical benefits or it is just a gimmick? Let us know in the comments below.

August 22, 2019
Redmi Note 8 And Note 8 Pro Will Feature Helio G90T Gaming SoC

Redmi, the Xiaomi subsidiary, has seen massive success across the Asian market with its smartphone offerings. The company was founded to penetrate markets with affordable devices that carried noteworthy specs. It holds true even in India where its Note series devices are one of the annual best selling smartphones. Now, its latest entry in the series, Note 8 and Note 8 Pro, have some of its rumours confirmed.

Alleged Note 8 Pro

Redmi Note 8 Series

Previously, we had reported on the Redmi Note 8 Pro sporting the gaming centric SoC named Helio G90T. But, the company has now confirmed that the entire Note 8 series will sport the new chipset. The MediaTek mobile CPU was announced back in July which a Redmi executive confirmed will be featured on an upcoming smartphone soon. Although the name wasn’t announced back then rumours had already pointed towards the new Note 8 series.

What We Know So Far

Earlier this month, we had also covered reports that have since been confirmed. The Redmi Note 8 Pro will feature a quad camera setup with a primary sensor being a 64MP camera. On the other hand, the base Note 8 will probably feature a 48MP sensor. The 64MP shooter on the Note 8 Pro is also confirmed to be Samsung’s ISOCELL GW1 sensor. The device will be one of the first to feature the newly unveiled camera module from the South Korean giant alongside Realme XT.

Also Read: Samsung Working On A Smartphone That Can Fold Both Ways

It is yet to be confirmed if the Note 8 series will house a fingerprint sensor on the back or an in-display scanner under an AMOLED panel. Furthermore, it is rumoured that NFC connectivity will finally arrive to the mid-range devices. Unfortunately, finer details like RAM, storage and other features are still a mystery so we will have to wait for an official announcement. The device will be unveiled on 29th August 2019 so stay tuned for more updates.

August 22, 2019
Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 To Launch Next Month With Quad Cameras & Snapdragon 855+ SoC

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi launched the first smartphone under its flagship MIX series back in 2016. Dubbed the Mi MIX, the device is believed to have kickstarted the modern trend of a bezel-less display in handsets. The series has since seen generation refreshes in the subsequent year, with the latest Mi MIX 3 being launched in 2018. Now, fresh reports claim that the company is ready for its successor, as the purported Mi MIX 4 is scheduled to launch next month with top-end specifications.

Mi MIX 4

Mi MIX 3

A post on the Chinese social media website Weibo has surfaced which claims to reveal key specifications of the upcoming Mi MIX 4. It has been mentioned in the post that the smartphone will have a curved 2K display. Exact size is not mentioned, but it is believed that the handset will have a bezel-less display; just like its predecessors and may employ a pop-up selfie camera or the front camera under the display to achieve it. Since its a flagship device, the leak also claims it will run on the latest 7nm Snapdragon 855+ SoC announced a few weeks ago. The chipset is comprised of an Octa-core CPU and an overclocked Adreno 640 GPU.

In terms of optics, the leak claims the Mi MIX 4 will have a quad camera setup. While it has been known that the primary lens will be a 108MP Samsung HMX sensor, announced a while ago. The secondary and tertiary lens will be a 16MP ultrawide and a 12MP lens. One of the main attractions will be the fourth sensor, which is rumoured to use a periscope mechanism to provide advanced zooming capabilities.

Mi MIX 2S

To ensure high speeds on the forthcoming Mi MIX 4, the leak claims it will support UFS 3.0 storage, like the Galaxy Note 10 series and the OnePlus 7 Pro. For memory and storage, the device may feature up to 12GB of RAM and internal storage of up to a whopping 1TB in capacity. The handset is claimed to be powered by a 4500mAh battery with support for 30W fast wired charging. Like the latest Samsung and Huawei flagship smartphones, the upcoming Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 will also support reverse wireless charging. To top it all off, the device may also very well be the first Xiaomi handset to run on the upcoming MIUI 11, which is speculated to deliver an improved user experience.

Also read: Realme XT Confirmed To Arrive Before Diwali With A 64MP Quad Camera

While the leaked specifications of the Xiaomi Mi MIX 4 are in line with a top tier flagship smartphone in 2019, it is recommended to take the leak with a grain of salt. Since the information arrives from a new source, it may very well be false. However, in the case it turns out to be true, the Mi MIX 4 has the potential to be one of the best flagship smartphones of the year. The device launches next month according to the source, so we may not have to wait too long to confirm our suspicions.

August 22, 2019
Xiaomi Announces Digital Drawing Tablets With 365 Days Battery Life
Except for smartphones and televisions, Xiaomi offers a wide variety of products ranging from electric scooters to shavers. The company has freshly announced a Digital Drawing tablet under its Mijia brand which is currently being crowdfunded in China.

The new device is developed to reduce paper waste and is aimed towards replacing a conventional paper notebook which cannot be reused.

Xiaomi Mijia Digital Drawing Tablet Features

The new device is offered in two different screen sizes which include 10-inch and 13.5-inch. While the former weighs just 195 g, the latter is a considerably hefty and it weighs 345 g. Just to clarify, they don’t feature a conventional display found on smartphones instead it has an LCD made out of ABS which can only show one colour that is green.

Noteworthy, both models of the Mijia LCD Blackboard have a display that does not emit any sort of blue light which can lead to visual fatigue during prolonged usage. Therefore, they make an appropriate choice of children who are starting to learn drawing and writing.

Equally important, they ship with a plastic stylus that resembles a pencil and they have a circular button in the bottom bezel which can be used to clear the illustrations or writings on the display.

Both the variants of the Mijia drawing tablet are powered by a button cell which can easily be replaced once they have been exhausted. Notably, Xiaomi claims that it can provide a backup of 365 days if the clear function is used 100 times every day.

Xiaomi Mijia Digital Drawing Tablet Price

Also Read: Samsung Working On A Smartphone That Can Fold Both Ways

As previously mentioned, both the variants are currently offered on a crowdfunding website that is operated by Xiaomi. The price of the two variants is as follows:
- 10 inch- CNY 49 (around Rs 500)
- 13.5 inch- CNY 79 (around Rs 800)
What are your thoughts on the latest offerings from Xiaomi? Would you buy it the company launches them in India? Let us know in the comments below.
August 22, 2019
Samsung Working On A Smartphone That Can Fold Both Ways

Korean electronics giant Samsung unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold back in the month of February. While the device was claimed to be ready for prime time, just before its launch, problems with its durability started surfacing online. Due to this, the company had to recall the review units of the handsets and postponed the Galaxy Fold’s launch date to several months. While the world is still waiting to see the smartphone in action, latest patent filings by Samsung reveal it is ready with another foldable handset, the latest of which folds both ways.

Samsung Foldable Smartphone Patents

Samsung filed a patent back in the month of January this year at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It was for a foldable device and the method for controlling it. The patent was finally published on the 8th of August and has been included in the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) database, which means that Samsung holds the right to the patent worldwide. Noteworthy, it is just a utility patent and not a design one. This suggests that the design aspects provided by the source can still change. That being said, the design reflected in the renders of the Samsung Galaxy Foldable handset has a bi-directional slide mechanism. This is like the Motorola Razr foldable device concept renders, with the addition of the latest one being able to fold in both directions.

Also read: Realme XT Confirmed To Arrive Before Diwali With A 64MP Quad Camera

The patents and the image provided in it also indicate a single camera cutout on the back. The hinge or the mechanism that makes the folding possible is a huge strip on the middle of the device. This reminds of the hinge present on the Royole FlexPai, the world’s first foldable smartphone. As the patent images show that the Samsung handset can be folded both sides, this would make it easier to protect the display, thus increasing durability. While it is not certain when the dual foldable smartphone will hit the markets if at all, but if it does see the light of the day, it looks like a viable competitor to the likes of the Huawei Mate X and the Motorola Razr.

August 21, 2019
Realme XT Confirmed To Arrive Before Diwali With A 64MP Quad Camera
On 20th of August 2019, Realme unveiled its Realme 5 series of smartphones which will debut in India. The event saw details regarding the devices and gave us a slight glimpse of what to expect in the near future. Previously, we had reported about an upcoming Realme smartphone with 64MP quad camera setup. Now, it has been confirmed by the company that the device will be called Realme XT.

What To Expect
- A 64MP Quad Camera Setup:
  Realme has already confirmed that the Realme XT will feature a quad camera setup with the primary camera being a 64MP sensor. Samsung launched the ISOCELL Bright GW1 sensor is the only sensor that fits the criteria. Hence, it is quite possible that Realme XT will feature this sensor. Unfortunately, it is not known what purpose the other three cameras serve. However, since Realme 5 Pro features an 8MP wide angle lens alongside a 2MP macro camera and 2MP depth sensor, similar sensors might also be found on the XT. Additionally, the smartphone may also house a popup selfie camera similar to its sibling, the Realme X.
Realme X Spiderman Edition
- AMOLED Display:
  Earlier this year, Realme X was launched with a 6.53 inch AMOLED display. Furthermore, since the upcoming Realme XT is a beefed up variant of the same series, it is likely to sport an AMOLED panel. Notably, the company had teased a silhouette of the Realme XT which did not reveal a rear mounted fingerprint scanner. Thus, an in display sensor which is also present on the Realme X may make a reappearance.
- Better Internals:
  The exact specifications of the Realme XT is currently a mystery. However, there is a high chance of it being a premium grade flagship smartphone. A Snapdragon 855+ device from Realme is expected to arrive soon and it might be the XT since Realme X was launched with Snapdragon 710 and was an upper mid range smartphone.
Also Read: What Is Raspberry Pi? How To Use It? All Questions Answered

Price & Availability

Realme XT is likely to be priced higher than existing members of the series. The reason for this is likely due to its bumped up camera specs and numbers alongside better internals. Lastly, the company had confirmed that the device will arrive right before Diwali. It means that we can expect a September-October launch date.
August 21, 2019
Redmi Note 8 Pro Launch Date Revealed, Live Images Also Leaked

In the month of January, Xiaomi turned its Redmi smartphone lineup into a separate sub brand. Following the seperation, the first handset it launched was the Redmi Note 7. A couple of months after, it also launched the Pro variant of the smarpthone which has beefed up camera sensors and a better chipset.

Due to the value these handsets offer, they have become a global sensation. According to Xiaomi until now it has sold 20 million units of the Redmi Note 7 lineup worldwide which is a remarkable feat. A company official had previously revealed that the successors of these devices are in the pipeline.

Redmi Note 8 Pro Launch Date

On the 21st of August, the official Redmi account on the Chinese social media website, Weibo was populated with a teaser of the upcoming smartphone. According to which the Redmi Note 8 duo will be unveiled on the 29th of August which is just a week away.

The teaser also boasts of a ’64 MP’ camera sensor that the Pro variant will feature on the rear. In addition the rear panel also houses three additional camera sensors, an LED flash and a fingerprint scanner.

Redmi Note 8 Pro Features

Noteworthy, a real life image of the upcoming smartphone was already leaked online which had revealed its key specifications. The Redmi Note 8 Pro will feature the MediaTek Helio G90T SoC which was unveiled last month. Although the image is not very clear, the smartphone is expected to be powered by a 5,000 mAh battery that the alleged Redmi 8A will also have.

Details about the display of Redmi Note 8 lineup are currently unavailable but it is assumed to have a display atleast as big as it predecessor that features a 6.3 inch display.

Also Read: What Is Raspberry Pi? How To Use It? All Questions Answered

In order to confirm all the leaks and rumours about the Redmi Note 8 lineup we will have to wait until its official launch which is set for the 29th of August.

August 21, 2019

What Is Raspberry Pi? How To Use It? All Questions Answered

You have heard the term Raspberry Pi at several occasions and are curious to know what’s the deal with this palm-sized PCB (printed circuit board). Worry not, after reading this comprehensive article you will know the basics, features and applications (uses) of this modern marvel that has had a major impact on the world of computers.

To begin with, we will answer the question ‘ What is Raspberry Pi? ‘. In simplest terms, it is a single-board computer that can run a variety of operating systems ranging from Windows to Linux. You must be thinking that’s it, Yes it literally is. Notwithstanding, now you are confused about what is a single-board computer. Here you go, this is some brief information about this fancy keyword that you have just stumbled upon.

A single-board computer including the Raspberry has all the necessary components that a conventional PC or notebook computer has, which incorporates a RAM, ROM, CPU and I/O Ports (Input/Output). However, all of these are soldered onto just one PCB rather than being spread in a CPU enclosure.

You might be thinking there must be several other single-board computers in the market but why is Raspberry Pi is so popular. The concise answer to the question is that it was developed to be affordable and this factor alone is one of its biggest success mantras. Besides, there are several other reasons as well which will discuss later in this article.

History Of Raspberry Pi

The original Raspberry Pi was released in the year 2012 by a UK based charity funded organisation called the Raspberry Pi Foundation. According to its founders, it was designed and developed to promote the teaching of basic computer science in schools and in developing nations which it has been highly successful at.

Not only that, but it has also become the go-to choice for DIY enthusiasts who need a robust solution for their electronics projects. Over the last 7 years, the organisation’s foundation has launched numerous generations of this tiny computer which are listed below.

Raspberry Pi Generations And Price

Family

Model

Form Factor

Ethernet

Wireless

Released

Price

Raspberry Pi 1

Standard

(85.60 × 56.5 mm)

Yes

2012

US$35

A+

Compact

(65 × 56.5 mm)

2014

US$20

Raspberry Pi 2

(65 × 30 mm)

Yes

2015

US$35

Raspberry Pi Zero

Zero

(65 × 30 mm)

2015

US$5

W/WH

Yes

2017

US$10

Raspberry Pi 3

Standard

Yes

2016

US$35

A+

Compact

2018

US$25

B+

Standard

Yes

2018

US$35

Raspberry Pi 4

B (1 GB)

B (2 GB)

B (4 GB)

Standard

Yes

2019

US$35

US$45

US$55

Raspberry Pi 4 Specifications

While the previous generations were worthwhile, the latest Raspberry Pi 4 has lifted the bar to another level which is reflected by its specifications.

Broadcom BCM2711, Quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC, 1.5GHz
1GB, 2GB or 4GB LPDDR4-2400 SDRAM
2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, BLE
Gigabit Ethernet
2 USB 3.0 ports; 2 USB 2.0 ports.
Micro-SD card slot for loading operating system and data storage
Raspberry Pi standard 40 pin GPIO header
2 × micro-HDMI ports (up to 4kp60 supported)
2-lane MIPI DSI display port
2-lane MIPI CSI camera port
4-pole stereo audio and composite video port
H.265 (4kp60 decode), H264 (1080p60 decode, 1080p30 encode)
OpenGL ES 3.0 graphics

Due to RAM capacities as high as 4 GB and powerful CPU it even supports dual 4K output.

Raspberry Pi Uses

Desktop Replacement: Right of the bat, the Raspberry can be used to run a full-fledged operating system that can perform all the basic computing tasks like browsing the web, watching videos or editing documents. As previously mentioned, it can run operating systems like Windows and Linux. However, running a certain OS like Windows 10 on models like the tiny Raspberry Pi zero or some of the older generations could turn into an unenjoyable experience.

Nevertheless, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has developed its very own OS called ‘Raspian’. It is a lightweight operating system which is optimised to run smoothly on the ARM-based architecture. Noteworthy, the credit card-sized computer does not have inbuilt storage therefore, device owners must use a microSD card with a pre-installed operating system installed.
Media Center/ HTPC (Home Theater PC): Although smart TVs are all the rage nowadays, users need to shell a considerable sum of money to purchase them. Besides, dealing with an existing TV could be another challenge. A Raspberry Pi with the help of softwares like OSMC and Kodi media player can easily convert any LED or LCD display into a full-fledged media centre.

Besides playing media from a thumb drive or hard drive, users can also stream content from popular services like Amazon Prime or Netflix.
Robotics and Home Automation: Being an affordable computer which supports a wide variety of input/output ports and pins. This single board computer has become a preferred choice of engineers and DIY enthusiasts who are incorporating into Robots and smart home devices.

Mentioned above are just a handful of uses of this tiny marvel. While its applications and uses are endless.

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi A3 Android One Smartphone Launched In India

To wrap things up, next time somebody questions you ‘What is the Raspberry Pi and What are its uses?’. You will be equipped with all the details.

However, if there are any questions or details we might have missed out, you can ask them in the comments below.

August 21, 2019

Motorola Razr Smartphone With Foldable Display To Launch In December
Earlier this year, we had covered multiple reports regarding Motorola’s Razr foldable smartphone. The device is the successor to the original Razr flip phones and will seek to revive the iconic series. The thing that sets it apart from its past generation is the foldable display in the form factor of a flip phone. It was confirmed by the company that the device was under development and we now have reports claiming it will launch in December alongside alleged pricing.

Motorola Razr

Motorola Razr is a refresh to the legendary lineup of sleek and compact flip phones that were extremely popular almost a decade ago. However, the 2019 Razr brings in a lot more than just better hardware and OS. The key feature is most definitely its folding screen that allows the device to have a very small physical footprint. In other words, it is compact and is minute compared to the large smartphone like the Galaxy Note 10. The handset also houses a small secondary display which was also seen in the previous iterations. Notably, the images are seen so far only showcase a single camera being present on the device.

Expected Specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 SoC
- RAM: 4/6GB
- Storage: 64/128GB
- Battery: 2,730mAh
- Display: 6.2 inch (2142 x 876px)
- Secondary Display: 800 x 600px
Also Read: Oppo Reno 2 Has Its Key Features And Specifications Leaked

Price & Availability

Motorola Razr 2019 is expected to arrive in Europe in December and will carry a hefty price tag of EUR 1,500 and USD 1,500 in the US. In Indian Rupee, it translates to the device being priced anywhere between INR 1,07,000 to INR 1,19,000. However, an Indian release has yet to be revealed. Furthermore, it is expected to be a mid-range smartphone with weaker specs in comparison to Galaxy Fold or Huawei Mate X but may still be more affordable than its competitors.
August 21, 2019
Xiaomi Mi A3 Unboxing And Hands On
On the 21st of August, Xiaomi launched the Mi A3 smartphone in India which succeeds the Mi A2 from last year. Falling into the footsteps of its predecessor, the newly launched device is a part of the Android One program and runs on the stock version of Android which provides for a smooth and bloatware-free experience.

What’s In The Box?
- Xiaomi Mi A3
- Quick Start Guide
- USB Type C Cable
- Power Adapter
- SIM Ejector
- Protective Case
Design and Display

The front of the Xiaomi Mi A3 accommodates a 6.08 inch Super AMOLED display that features a waterdrop notch up top. The display panel has an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and has an HD+ resolution of 1560 x 720 pixel. The display also features an in-display fingerprint sensor which allows to safely and securely bypass the lock screen.

The rear of the Xiaomi Mi A3 is made out of glass which houses a vertically mounted triple camera setup, Android One logo and the company branding. The rear glass panel has a 3D design which reflects the light falling on it. Overall, the Mi A3 has a solid build and looks elegant at first glance.

Camera

The Mi A3 features a 32 MP selfie camera which is housed in the waterdrop notch above the display. Noteworthy, it also supports Panorama Selfie and Palm shutter. As the name suggests, a user can toggle the shutter button by waving there hand in front of the camera. While the Panorama selfie allows to capture a wide picture from the front camera which is ideal when there are multiple people in front of the lens.

The rear camera setup of the Xiaomi Mi A3 consists of an f/1.8 aperture equipped 48 MP sensor, 8 MP wide-angle lens and a 2 MP depth sensor which is accompanied by an LED Flash. The device can also capture 4K videos at 30 fps from the rear camera while video capturing from the selfie sensor is capped to 1080p @ 30fps.

Chipset

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Mi A3 packs the Snapdragon 665 SoC which is also found on the newly launched Realme 5. The chipset is manufactured using 11 nm FinFET process and it consists of an Octa Core CPU along with the Adreno 610 GPU.

As per our initial impressions, the Xiaomi Mi A3 can smoothly perform day to day tasks like navigating between apps and menus. While the device can handle light-weight games like a champ, it is not built to run games like PubG on high or extreme settings.

Battery, Connectivity Options and Other Features

The Xiaomi Mi A3 is powered by a 4,030 mAh battery which also supports fast charging upto 18 W. However, the device is shipped with a standard 10 W charger and users need to separately buy a compatible fast charger.

Connectivity options on the latest Xiaomi smartphone include Dual 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, 3.5 mm headphone jack and bottom-mounted USB C port which can be used for charging and data transfer.

Staple to most Xiaomi smartphones, the Mi A3 also has an IR blaster which can be used to wirelessly control home appliances or electronics like TVs or air conditioners. The device also has a P2i nanocoating which allows it to survive accidental liquid spillage or unexpected drizzles.

Price and Availability

Also Read: Oppo Reno 2 Has Its Key Features And Specifications Leaked

The Xiaomi Mi A3 is offered in three colour options which include Kind of Grey, Not just Blue and More than White. Like its preceding device, the smartphone will be sold via Amazon.in and the official Mi website. It is available in two storage variants for which the price is as follows:
- 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM: INR 12,999
- 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM: INR 15,999
In addition to the built-in storage, it also supports memory expansion upto 256 GB via a microSD card. The device will go on sale for the first time on 23rd of August starting 12 PM(IST).
August 21, 2019