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Fossil Launches Gen 5 Premium Smartwatch That Runs Google Wear OS

Luxury watchmaker, Fossil has launched its Gen 5 smartwatch series which succeeds Gen 4 wearables from the year 2018. The newly launched lineup runs on Google developed Wear OS and they are compatible with devices running both Android or iOS.

Fossil Gen 5 Features

The front of the Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch sports a 1.28-inch circular touch screen display. Housed in a 44 mm case, the device has a thickness of 12 mm. The right side of the wearable features two push buttons and one circular crown.

The combination of the touchscreen and the physical button allows the smartwatch in a convenient manner. The device is offered in multiple strap and case finishes which include Stainless Steel, Silicone, Leather and Julianna HR Stainless Steel and Blush Leather.

The last two variants in the list have a feminine element and are targeted towards the female audience. Besides, the dial on these variants also has reflective stones embedded around the bezel which provide for an elegant look.

In terms of memory and storage, the Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of inbuilt storage which can be used to store media files like images and audio. Under the hood, the wearables feature the Snapdragon 3100 processor which is manufactured by Qualcomm.

The Fossil smartwatch also supports health-oriented features like Heart rate tracking, activity tracking which includes step counter and calorie meter.

Connectivity options on the Fossil Gen 5 include Bluetooth 4.2 and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, GPS and NFC. The built-in NFC sensor allows the smart wearable to make wireless payments from an e-wallet with the help of G Pay.

Noteworthy, the GPS on the device is untethered, therefore, users can navigate through maps without connecting to a smartphone with an internet connection.

Fossil claims that the smartwatch can offer upto week-long battery backup in clock mode, however, using features like NFC and fitness tracking brings down the battery back up to about 36 hours. The inbuilt battery can be replenished with the help of a proprietary magnetic USB charger which latches to the rear side.

As previously mentioned, Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch is compatible with both Android and iOS. Though, devices should be running on OS including or above Android 4.4 and iOS 9.3.

Fossil Gen 5 Price and Availability

Also Read: Realme 5 Confirmed With 64MP Quad Camera, May Feature Snapdragon 855

The Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch is currently available for purchase in the US, Europe and the Middle East while a wider release will follow on 26th of August. Regardless of the case or strap selection, all variants of the smartwatch cost US $ 298 (around Rs 21,000).

Readers who want to check the official listing can do so by clicking here.

August 7, 2019
Realme 5 Confirmed With 64MP Quad Camera, May Feature Snapdragon 855

Earlier this week, we had reported on news regarding an upcoming Realme smartphone. The device was distinctive due to its 64MP primary sensor in a quad-camera module. Unfortunately, the company had not unveiled any other details, besides the fact that a media briefing will be held on the 8th August 2019.

However, before the media event takes place, it has been confirmed that the upcoming smartphone will be the Realme 5.

Realme 3 Pro

Realme 5

Surprisingly, the company has not launched the Realme 4 and is jumping straight to 5. This is due to the fact that the number ‘4’ is considered unlucky in Chinese culture. Previously, OnePlus had also skipped the number as well jumping straight to the OnePlus 5 from the OnePlus 3.

Furthermore, Realme has a relatively simple nomenclature format in which models with just a cardinal number are generally the flagships. They are then followed by a Pro and Lite variants later down the road.

Realme 3i

To explain further, Realme 3 is the company’s primary flagship while the 3 Pro is an incremental update and Realme X is a standalone series. Previously, Realme’s CEO Madhav Sheth had changed his Twitter name to “Madhav X” prior to Realme X’s launch. Similarly, his current twitter handle is “Madhav ‘5’Quad” which confirms the name and inclusion of the 64MP quad-camera.

Just got hands on the world's first 64MP quad camera device that will be revealed this Thursday. Check how crazy the clarity is! Btw we don't believe in hype so this device will be the most practical choice at its price and it will be launched very soon. #StayTuned pic.twitter.com/4rM371St86
— Madhav Sheth (@MadhavSheth1) August 6, 2019

What We Know So Far

The upcoming Realme device is confirmed to feature a new 64MP quad-camera setup and is likely to be the worlds first. It will make its debut in India prior to a global launch.

Additionally, Realme will address the new technology on 8th August in Delhi. Earlier this year, it was reported that Realme was planning on building a premium grade smartphone with top-notch specs; a smartphone that includes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 or 855 Plus.

Historically, the company has only launched smartphones under the sub 20k segment but Realme 5 could surpass the trend.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus

Also Read: Lenovo Z6 Pro Receives BIS Certification, May Launch In India Soon

Unfortunately, precise details regarding Realme 5 are currently unavailable. Nonetheless, what we can confirm is that the device is expected to arrive in September near Diwali. According to a past report, The smartphone will be announced on 15th August 2019. More information is expected to arrive soon, so stay tuned for updates on a later date.

August 7, 2019
Lenovo Z6 Pro Receives BIS Certification, May Launch In India Soon
Chinese smartphone maker Lenovo launched its latest flagship smartphone, the Z6 Pro in its home country back in the month of April. The device is the successor to the Z5 Pro GT launched last year and features notable improvements over its predecessor in terms of design and performance. While it was expected that Lenovo may introduce the handset in the Indian market soon, no announcement regarding it was made from the company. Now, the latest leak reveals that the Z6 Pro may be launched in India soon, as it has gained the mandatory BIS certification in the country.

About The Certification

The Bureau of India Standards (BIS) has certified the Lenovo Z6 Pro with the model number L78051. BIS is a national standard body of India which is responsible for providing certification to certain products. It is often seen as a means for providing a third-party guarantee of quality and reliability of the products. While the BIS certification is voluntary in nature, the government of India has made it mandatory for certain products citing public health hazards.

Lenovo Z6 Pro

The Lenovo Z6 Pro is the company’s first flagship smartphone of the year. It has a glass design on the front and back with an attractive gradient rear panel. The handset has a 6.39 inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 px and support for HDR10 standard of video technology. To maximise the screen real estate, it has a waterdrop notch on top of the display. For biometrics and security, the Z6 Pro has the sixth generation optical in-display fingerprint scanner and support for face unlock.

Under the hood, the Lenovo Z6 Pro runs on the Snapdragon 855 SoC which is manufactured using the 7nm fabrication process. The chipset is comprised of an octa-core CPU and the Adreno 640 GPU. For efficiently cooling the internals of the smartphone, the company has employed an advanced liquid cooling system. In terms of optics, the device has a quad rear camera setup comprising of an f/1.8 aperture equipped 48 MP sensor; combined with an f/1.9 aperture equipped 16 MP ultra-wide sensor; an f/2.4 aperture equipped 8 MP telephoto sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. For selfies, a 32 MP selfie camera is housed in the waterdrop notch on top of the display. The Z6 Pro may be available in the following storage variants when launched in India.
- 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM
- 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM
- 8GB RAM and 256GB ROM
- 12GB RAM and 512GB ROM
Also read: LG Teases An Upcoming Dual Screen Smartphone Ahead Of IFA 2019

The Lenovo Z6 Pro is powered by a 4000 mAh battery with support for 27W fast charging. It runs on the company’s current ZUI 11 on top of latest Android 9 Pie and supports Dolby audio to ensure better sound output from the smartphone. The device is available in two colours, namely Red and Blue. In terms of pricing, it is expected that the Z6 Pro will be priced similar to its Chinese counterparts when launched in India. This suggests a starting price of Rs. 30,000 which may go up to around Rs. 50,000 for the top-end variant.
August 6, 2019
Samsung Launches Three New Smart LED TVs In India
On the 6th of August, Samsung launched two new series of online exclusive smart TVs in India which are called the “Smart 7-in-1” and “Frame”. The former is targeted towards the budget segment and competes against the likes aggressively priced Smart TVs from Xioami.

On the other hand, Frame TV from Samsung is targeted towards the premium segment and its price affirms the same.

The Smart 7-in-1 LED TVs are available in two display sizes which include 32 inch and 40 inch, while the Frame LED TV has a 55 inch 4K display.

As the name suggests, the Smart 7-in-1 brings seven remarkable features to the table which include the following:
- PC Mode: The Samsung TVs can be used to mirror a laptop or personal computer wirelessly. Therefore, one can easily watch video content stored on a PC or do productivity tasks like edit documents on a large screen display.
- Music System, Home Cloud: The TVs can be used as virtual music system with customisable visual skins so that the user can see what music is being played. The Home Cloud feature allows users to preview images and videos captured on their smartphones wirelessly on the large screen display.
- Live Cast, Screen Mirroring: The Samsung 7-in-1 TVs supports the functionality to stream live moments from any remote location over the internet from a smartphone. The screen mirroring feature allows previewing videos or images from a smartphone wirelessly.
- Content Guide: The Samsung 7-in-1 TV has a content guide which recommends content to watch based on previously watched content.
- Netflix, Prime Video & Zee5 Supported: To top it all, the Samsung TVs have these three video streaming applications built in to watch on-demand video content.
Talking about the Samsung Frame 55 inch TV, it has built-in Bixby and Google voice assistants which can be used to wirelessly control it.

It also supports AirPlay 2, so the user can wirelessly stream content from Apple devices including iPhone, iPad and Mac Computer.

Samsung TV Price

Also Read: LG Teases An Upcoming Dual Screen Smartphone Ahead Of IFA 2019

As previously mentioned, all three TVs launched by Samsung will be exclusively sold online. The 32 inch Samsung Smart 7-in-1 TV costs Rs 17,999 and can be purchased from Flipkart and the company’s online store.

The 40-inch Samsung Smart 7-in-1 TV will go on sale on Amazon and Samsung Shop in the fourth week of August at Rs. 33,900.

The Frame 55-inch 4K HDR TV will be available on Flipkart and Samsung’s official online store Samsung Shop at Rs. 1,19,999 starting August 12, 2019.
August 6, 2019
LG Teases An Upcoming Dual Screen Smartphone Ahead Of IFA 2019

IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) 2019 in Berlin, Germany is just around the corner kicking off on 6th September 2019. The event will have various OEMs showcase their technological innovations and speak of future endeavours. Korean electronics giant LG is known to make an appearance in the annual event and for its invitation, has shared a video which teases an upcoming dual-screen smartphone.

OEMs such as Samsung and Huawei are working towards a new trend which is foldable smartphones. These devices feature a bendable display which the companies use to minimize their large display footprint by folding onto themselves. On the other hand, LG is moving in an entirely different direction. The LG V50 ThinQ from 2018 released alongside an attachable display that gave it the same functionality as a foldable smartphone. The Dual Screen folio screen featured a 6.2-inch OLED panel and gave users an additional screen for multitasking, playing games or taking pictures.

LG V50 ThinQ Dual Display

Furthermore, LG’s shared video invitation prior to IFA 2019 showcases a similar technology being employed. The upcoming smartphone is probably the LG V60 ThinQ which will carry forward the attachable screen. In the video, it is visible that the second display appears to be identical in size to the display of the actual phone. It would be a significant upgrade over its past iteration which had thick bezels and a smaller size overall. Additionally, the Display Screen case will also feature a small outer display for notifications, date and time, giving the device a total of 3 screens.

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 Said To Feature 45W Fast Charging And 5G Networking

Unfortunately, LG did not reveal a lot of information in the teaser which leaves a lot of room for imagination. While the foldable concept sounds promising, the secondary attachable screen seems more practical in use currently. More information is expected to arrive soon, so stay tuned for more updates.

August 6, 2019
Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 Said To Feature 45W Fast Charging And 5G Networking

Xiaomi is one of the most renowned smartphone companies in the world. It is recognized for its diverse offerings in the affordable ranges with relatively low priced premium devices as well. The Mi Mix series is one such great examples of lucratively priced smartphones which offer industry-leading specifications. Now, a fresh report has pointed at the possibility of the Mi Mix 4 featuring 45W fast charging and 5G networking capabilities.

The China Compulsory Certificate (CCC) had been issued by the China National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) for an upcoming 5G Xiaomi smartphone. The yet unknown device bears the model number “M1908F1XE” according to the certification which also divulges a bit of information.

Furthermore, the listings portray Xiaomi planning on upgrading its current fast-charging solutions for its flagship range smartphones. Currently, smartphone-like Mi 9 and Redmi K20 Pro have the highest charging rates at 27W. The company is reportedly aiming at bumping the number to 45W with its latest generation of smartphones.

The higher charging technology brings Xiaomi a step closer to the incredibly fast 100W SuperCharge technology; it was first teased by the company via a video earlier this year on Weibo. In the video, Xiaomi fully charged a 4,000mAh battery using its 100W fast charge in about 17 minutes. Hence, even if the 45W isn’t as impressive would still yield a noticeable improvement over the preceding fast-charging solutions.

Mi Mix 3

Also Read: LG Also Patents A Smartphone With Invisible Selfie Camera, Could Launch Soon

It is not confirmed that the certified device is Mi Mix 4 as no official announcements have been made. However, going by past releases and update cycle, only the Mi Mix series is in line for a new launch. It is unlikely if Xiaomi unveils an entirely new range just for a new charging technology improvement. Additionally, since the Mi Mix 3 offered Snapdragon 855, the Mi Mix 4 will probably sport the Snapdragon 855+, the latest iteration. More information should arrive soon, stay tuned for updates.

August 6, 2019
Huawei Mate 30 Pro Design Revealed By Case Maker

Huawei is bracing for the launch its latest flagship smartphones, the Mate 30 lineup which will succeed the Mate 20 lineup from the year 2018. Going by previous launch cycles, the upcoming devices are expected to be unveiled in the month of October.

However, months before the official launch the alleged renders of both the Mate 30 and the Mate 30 Pro have been revealed by a case maker. Although the source cannot be verified, based on past claims, the leak looks legit.

Besides, case makers usually have design details for upcoming smartphones so that they can manufacture accessories in time, right before their demand skyrockets following the official announcement.

According to leaked images, both the Mate 30 and the Mate 30 Pro have a high screen to body ratio display on the front. Noteworthy, they also have a wide notch up top along with unconventionally tapered side edges which were previously revealed by its leaked screen protectors.

It is evident that the Mate 30 Pro sports a larger display in comparison to the standard variant. But details about the screen size of either device are currently unavailable.

The rear of both the Mate 30 and the Mate 30 Pro accommodate a triple camera setup which is housed in a circular module. Notably, the former has a circle-shaped LED flash while the latter has a square-shaped flash.

In addition, the upcoming smartphone duo from Huawei also has the company branding and what appears to be a loudspeaker grille on the rear.

The devices lack any visible fingerprint sensor, therefore, they are assumed to feature and an in-display fingerprint scanner which is slowly becoming a standard for mid-range and flagship devices.

Unfortunately, the source does not reveal any specifications of the Mate 30 smartphones. Nonetheless, they are expected to be kitted with the HiSilicon Kirin 985 SoC which will reportedly be manufactured by TSMC.

Also Read: LG Also Patents A Smartphone With Invisible Selfie Camera, Could Launch Soon

Apart from the leaked case renders, another source claims that the Huawei Mate 30 smartphones will be equipped with dual 40 MP rear cameras which will be an industry first.

Even though the current leaks seem correct and go in line with past revelations, we will have to wait until the devices are officially launched which is expected to happen in the month of October.

August 6, 2019
LG Also Patents A Smartphone With Invisible Selfie Camera, Could Launch Soon

Innovation in the field of smartphones is at an all-time high. In order to increase the screen-to-body ratio on handsets, OEMs have shrunken the bezels around the display. However, this move leads to the dilemma of finding a position to accommodate the selfie camera and the earpiece.

As seen on several smartphones, the manufactures have embedded the earpiece in the top bezel which is considerably easy to attain. Apart from this, companies like Samsung and Motorola have developed smartphones that have a punch hole in the display that houses the selfie camera.

Even though this strategy has allowed solving the original difficulty, a punch hole in the display is clearly an obstruction which has prevented users from across the globe to accept this as a mainstream design preference.

Nonetheless, taking this innovation a step further, smartphone manufacturers have been developing invisible under-display camera. A handful of companies that already previewed devices with this feature include Oppo and Xiaomi.

Not long ago, Korean smartphone maker, LG had filed a patent with KIPO (Korean Intellectual Property Office) which indicates that it is also developing a smartphone with invisible selfie camera technology which sounds promising.

The patent granted to the company shows two different illustrations, out of which, the first one exhibits a smartphone with an edge to edge display without any punch hole. But the second illustration reveals when the camera application is toggled, the selfie camera manifests itself which stays concealed under the display.

Unfortunately, the patent granted to LG does not reveal any fine details like the features, name or specs of the handset. It is assumed that the technology that will be developed with this device will be incorporated in future smartphones made by LG.

In order to gain more details about the LG smartphone, we will have to wait patiently until the company publicises concrete information about it.

Also Read: Google To Use Recycled Materials In Its Future Hardware Products

Nonetheless, the company was granted the patent a couple of months ago, therefore, we believe that a commercially available handset from LG with this feature could launch soon.

What are your thoughts on a handset with an invisible selfie camera? Let us know in the comments below.

August 6, 2019
Google To Use Recycled Materials In Its Future Hardware Products

American technology giant Google started making hardware products under the Made By Google lineup back in the year 2016. These products include smart speakers under the Home range, smartphones under the Pixel lineup; plus other offerings like the Chromecast and Daydream VR Headset. Now, in a blog post by the company, a senior Google executive has promised to cut down on carbon footprints and use only recyclable materials in its hardware products in the future.

About Google’s Initiative

As mentioned above, Google has promised to cut down on its carbon footprints by using recycled materials for Made By Google lineup. These would include smartphones, smart displays and smart speakers among other offerings. To attain the goal set, it will make 100 percent of all shipments carbon neutral by the year 2020, which means they will be eco-friendly in terms of materials used. Also, by the year 2022, all of the Made by Google products will be manufactured with recycled materials to maximise the use of recycled content. While the materials used in the products will be recycled, the company has assured that they will go through necessary quality testing before being used in the devices.

Pixel 3XL

Also read: Realme To Launch Its 64MP Quad Camera Smartphone On 15th August

Google notes in its blog post that between the year 2017 and 2018, its carbon emmisions for hardware products decreased by a significant 40 percent. For bolstering this further, the company launched the Power Project, which aims at providing some families in the US with energy and cost efficient Nest thermostats. While only time will tell if Google is actually sucessful in achieving its goal, its seems like a great initiative on the company’s part. Other smartphone makers such as Samsung are also trying to cut down on carbon emmisions, as it has used recycled packaging materials for its handsets for the last few years.

August 6, 2019
Realme To Launch Its 64MP Quad Camera Smartphone On 15th August

Previously, Realme had teased a new smartphone that will make its debut in India before its global launch. The key feature that made it stand out from the crowd it’s extraordinarily high 64MP quad camera setup. The company has finally confirmed an official launch date for the smartphone.

Realme is hosting an event on 8th to discuss the new technology and will officially launch the upcoming smartphone on 15th August.

Realme X

Realme has yet to officially confirm the devices name or specifications. However, it is expected that the smartphone will feature a Samsung GW1 64MP with 1/1.72 sensor. The sensor can capture at a maximum resolution of 9216 x 6912 pixels. It will also be powered by Samsung’s 4 in 1 pixel binning technique called Tetracell technology.

Samsung’s 64MP GW1 sensor can capture upto 16MP resolution images even in low light scenarios. The poster below shows a poster of Realme Summer Video Technology Communication Meeting which will be held on 15th August. Furthermore, it also confirms the setup of the quad camera module.

The smartphone from Realme will directly compete with Redmi’s upcoming handset which will also feature a 64MP sensor and will be revealed on 7th August. Similar to Realme, even Redmi is yet to official unveil the name of its new handset. Additionally, Redmi has also confirmed the Redmi Note 8 series. So, it is still unclear if the device in question is Note 8, although, it is highly unlikely. It is claimed that Realme’s upcoming smartphone might be dubbed as Realme 5 Pro.

Realme U1

Also Read: Xiaomi Amazfit Verge Lite Smartwatch Launched In India

Conclusively, imminent launch of two new smartphones will kickstart a new tech race. The first 64MP camera will now set a new standard that all other smartphone OEMs will soon follow. It will create a lot more options for the consumers as well, which is always a good thing. Stay tuned for updates which are expected to arrive in the next few days.

August 6, 2019

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Launched

Korean electronics giant, Samsung is on a launch spree. Earlier this month, it launched the Galaxy Tab S6 which is a flagship-grade Android tablet. On the 7th of August, it will unveil the highly anticipated Galaxy Note 10 lineup which might be accompanied with the Galaxy Book S, a windows laptop.

Apart from the said launches, on the 5th of August, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch Active 2 which competes with the likes of the Apple Watch. As the name suggests, it succeeds the original Galaxy Watch Active which was launched earlier this year.

Talking about key differences, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is offered in two different screen sizes whereas the original device was offered in a single variant. It boasts of a bigger battery and has better connectivity options. However, to embrace all the additions, its side profile or depth has been increased from 10.5 mm to 10.9 mm.

Galaxy Watch Active 2 Design and Features

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Silcion Strap

In terms of design, the newly launched smartwatch is reminiscent of its predecessor with a circular screen on the front and interchangeable straps which the user can purchase separately.

Speaking of screen size, users can choose between 1.2 inch or a 1.4 inch display. Regardless of the display size, both variants use a Super AMOLED display that has a resolution of 360 x 360 px.

To safeguard the display against scratches, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass DX+. Moreover, the smart wearable is IP68 rated and certified 5 ATM underwater. In simpler words, it can be submerged upto 50 metres in depth for 10 minutes.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Front — Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

While the original Watch Active had an aluminium case, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is offered in either aluminium or stainless steel option which varies with screen size.

The right side of the smartwatch has two buttons which can be used to control its different functionalities. Besides, the edge around its display is touch-sensitive and can be used to navigate through menus and different applications.

Under the hood, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 features the dual-core Exynos 9110 SoC and has 4 GB of inbuilt storage. In terms of volatile memory, the Wi-Fi version has 768 MB of RAM while the LTE variant has 1.5 GB of RAM.

Living upto the “Active” suffix, the smartwatch offers several features that are targeted towards the overall well being of the wearer. Like the original Watch Active, the latest offering from Samsung supports HRM (Heart Rate Monitoring). However, the new watch has twice the number of LED sensors.

Similar to the original device, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 also supports features like step counting, sleep tracking and total distance travelled. All the data gathered by the smart wearable can be synced on the Samsung Health App which can also be reviewed later.

Besides, it also has an improved accelerometer which can measure upto 32G’s of force. In comparison, its predecessor could only measure upto 16G.

As previously mentioned, the battery on the Galaxy Watch 2 has been bumped up in contrast to its preceding device. It features either a 247 mAh or 340 mAh, depending upon the display size, which is larger than 240 mAh on the last-gen wearable.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Vs Watch Active 1

	Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2	Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
Display size	1.2 inch/1.4 inch	1.1 inch
Body size	40mm: 40 x 40 x 10.9 mm 44mm: 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm	40mm: 39.5 x 39.5 x 10.5 mm
Resolution	360 x 360 pixels	360 x 360 pixels
Touchscreen	40mm: 1.2 inch Super AMOLED display 44mm: 1.4 inch Super AMOLED display	1.1 inch Super AMOLED
Wireless interface	Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, NFC, LTE	Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, GPS, NFC
Depth	10.9mm	10.5mm
Accelerometer	Yes	Yes
Gyroscope	Yes	Yes
Ambient light sensor	Yes	Yes
Heart rate sensor	Yes	Yes
Barometer	Yes	Yes
GPS	Yes	Yes
Water-resistant	Yes	Yes
Battery life	247mAh/340mAh	230mAh
Price	From $280	From $200

Also Read: 2021 Apple iPhone Said To Feature An In-Display Fingerprint Sensor

All in all, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor due to the introduction of features like LTE and bigger sized display.

The wearable is currently available for purchase in the US, however, its specific launch details are yet to be publicised. Nonetheless, it is expected to launch in the country in the coming months.

What are your thoughts on the latest and greatest wearable from Samsung? Let us know in the comments below.

August 6, 2019

Xiaomi Amazfit Verge Lite Smartwatch Launched In India
Earlier this year, Huami launched the Amazfit Verge series of smartwatches. The company is a relatively lesser-known name in India but is backed by the smartphone giant Xiaomi. Now, an affordable version of its previously launched smartwatch has been launched in India dubbed Amazfit Verge Lite.

Features

Similar to its predecessor, Huami’s Amazfit Verge Lite features a 1.3 inch AMOLED screen which has several sports modes. It includes Outdoor Running, Treadmill, Walking, Outdoor Cycling, Indoor Cycling, Elliptical Trainer, Excercise and more. The smartwatch is rated with IP68 for water resistance during an intense workout or outdoor activities. However, the Lite version does not sport a microphone or a speaker, so users can’t take calls.

Click here to buy the Amazfit Verge Lite

The Amazfit Verge Lite is also equipped with GPS + GLONASS which helps in precisely tracking users physical and sports activities. Notably, the smartwatch promises a large battery life up to 20 days. Unfortunately, it loses out on other critical features like Gyroscope, Geomagnetic sensors and the Air Pressure sensor present on the Verge.

Amazfit Verge Lite Specs
- 1.3 inch (360 x 360px) AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- IP68 Water and Dust Resistance
- Bluetooth 5.0 and GPS + GLONASS
- Android 4.4 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher compatibility
- Smart Notifications for Calls, Text, Calendar, Email and Other Apps
- Sleep Monitoring, Music Controls, Silent Alarms with Customizable Vibrations, & Even Reminder
- Sports Tracking: Outdoor Running, Treadmill, Walking, Outdoor Cycling, Indoor Cycling, Elliptical Trainer, Excercise and more
- Optical heart rate monitor (PPG)
- Sensors: 3 Multi-Axis acceleration sensor, Ambient Light sensor
- 390mAh battery with up to 20 days of battery life
Also Read: 2021 Apple iPhone Said To Feature An In Display Fingerprint Sensor

Price & Availability

Huami’s Amazfit Verge Lite is offered in Shark Grey and Snowcap White colours with matching silicone straps. It is currently available on Flipkart and carries a price tag of INR 6,999. The smartwatch offers some great features at an affordable price so prospective buyers can click the link down below.

Click here to buy the Amazfit Verge Lite
August 6, 2019
2021 Apple iPhone Said To Feature An In Display Fingerprint Sensor

Apple had bid farewell to its Touch ID fingerprint security solution since the launch of the iPhone X. The feature of fingerprint for protection was first introduced in iPhone 5S and had been a staple for the next couple of generations. Now, Apple has seen a shift towards Face ID for its primary source of security and has been incorporated in its flagships. According to a new report, Apple might reintroduce Touch ID with an in-display fingerprint scanner with its 2021 iPhone.

The new technology will reportedly be available with Apple’s facial recognition solution in two years. In-display fingerprint sensors are not new by any means but the tech giant has yet to incorporate the technology. Previously, Apple was reported to have been working on the technology since 2017 according to patents but has held off from its induction. The reason for this could probably be blamed on the technology itself. Currently, in-display sensors are bulky module sizes and draw more power than conventional fingerprint scanners.

According to analysts, the problems that current-gen smartphones face should be dealt with within the next two years. It would allow for a hassle-free introduction of the technology. Furthermore, Apple iPhones have also rumoured to likely use an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. The relatively new technology is also seemingly a better match for the Apple Watch for security purposes. The Apple Watch does not feature any form of biometric security as of right now, hence, the potential of this is far-reaching. Additionally, Touch ID and Face ID security systems being used together for future two-factor authentication can make the systems highly secure and less vulnerable to hacking.

Also Read: Redmi Note 8 Confirmed, Will Be A Lot More Powerful Than Note 7

Conclusively, these are still analytical speculations and, although highly likely, is yet to be confirmed by any official channels. Apple 2021 iPhone is two years away so drawing concrete conclusion is difficult. It is still unconfirmed if the 2019 iPhone won’t feature Touch ID of any form. Hence, readers are advised to not be hopeful if the feature makes it to 2019 iPhone. More information is expected to available in the arriving months, stay tuned for updates.

August 5, 2019
French Inventor Flies Over English Channel On A Self Made Hoverboard

Scientists and inventors from around the globe have been working to develop new forms of transportation that include the likes of electric cars and Hyperloop One.

Franky Zapata flying over the English Channel

Frank Zapata, an inventor hailing from France had developed a Flyboard which is essentially a jet-powered hoverboard. The inventor was previously seen riding the Flyboard a couple of stories high which is nothing short of remarkable.

However, on the 4th of August, 2019, he marked a revolutionary feat as he was able to successfully fly over the English Channel which is 21 miles long. The inventor began his journey from Sangatte, France and landed in England about 20 minutes later.

While airborne, the inventor was able to reach speeds of upto 106 miles per hour. However, the whole journey was not covered in a single flight session.

Noteworthy, the inventor had to make a pit stop halfway in order to refuel. As he could only carry fuel worth 10 minutes of flight.

Apart from inventing the Flyboard Air, Franky Zapata had previously invented the similar machine which goes airborne by propelling water out of high-pressure water jets.

Except for Zapata, an English inventor named Richard Browning has also developed jet-powered personal transportation that uses six turbo engines.

Also Read: Redmi Note 8 Confirmed, Will Be A Lot More Powerful Than Note 7

To sum it up, the technology is years away from commercial availability, nonetheless, this is a worthwhile achievement in the field of personal transportation which will see rapid growth in the coming future.

What are your thoughts on the Flyboard? Does the technology excite you? Let us know in the comments below.

August 5, 2019
Redmi Note 8 Confirmed, Will Be A Lot More Powerful Than Note 7

Xiaomi to better penetrate the Indian smartphone market had operated alongside its subsidiary Redmi. The latter focused on the low to mid ranges of handset devices. A couple of years since its first introduction, the Note series has seen explosive success in India. Furthermore, Redmi Note 7 series is one of the highest-selling smartphones with 5 million units sold. Now, the General Manager of Redmi has confirmed the Redmi Note 8 which will be significantly more powerful than the current-gen Note 7.

Rumoured Specs

The top executive after confirming the existence of Redmi Note 8 which was rumoured in the past. It confirms that the company has already started working on the successors of the Note 7, Note 7 Pro and Note 7S. Additionally, the GM also claimed that the Note 8 will be noticeably more powerful than its past iterations. Currently, information regarding the upcoming Note device is still a mystery. However, rumours have pointed at the Note 8 being equipped with MediaTek Helio G90T SoC. It is a chipset that has been tuned for gaming and high performance.

Redmi Note 7S

Furthermore, Redmi is gearing up for the launch of a smartphone with 64MP camera. The event on 7th August will have the company discussing the new technology. It is possible yet unlikely at the same time that the Note 8 might feature the same sensor. Furthermore, Xiaomi was also rumoured to be working on an in-display punch hole selfie shooter as well. It would be a first for the company and the popular Note series could be a great platform to unveil the new setup.

Redmi Note 7 Pro

Expected Price & Availability

Redmi Note 8 series is speculated to arrive in the year-end of 2019. It is an educated guess after looking at the company’s release schedule considering no announcements have yet been made. In terms of price, the Note series, in general, have been priced relatively similar since the past few generations. So, it won’t be a surprise if the Note 8 also starts somewhere close to INR 13,000 to 15,000.

Redmi Note 6

Also Read: Xiaomi India Announces Open Sale For Redmi K20 Series Smartphones

The upcoming Redmi Note 8 can prove to be a notable upgrade over its predecessors. The company can improve on many features like a bigger 4,500mAh battery over the 4,000mAh one of the previous gen. A metal frame could surround the sides for a more robust build. It also may have features which are new and innovative. Unfortunately, we still don’t have a lot to work with currently. So stay tuned for more updates after more information is available.

August 5, 2019