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VR Motion Simulator Turns Your Living Room Into A Cockpit

The new 3 Degree of Freedom Virtual Reality Motion Simulator seems to be a dream for gaming enthusiasts. The simulator looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. The simulator is a hemispherical platform which houses various controls. It has an immersive 3-degree movement which brings the game to life with its movement and real life vibrations.

Virtual Reality Redefined:

The name of the device originates from its ability to move in three directions. Thus giving the user an ability to yaw, pitch and roll. For those not familiar with these terminologies, these are the basic three axis along which an aircraft moves. The cockpit style simulator is set on an array of omni wheels, therefore easing movement.

The simulator is mean to offer the experience of large motion simulator rigs in VR arcades, right in your home. The simulator’s has an ability to change direction quickly and thus offers agility. However, this is done very quietly. The extra verisimilitude, built-in tactile transducers add immersive surround vibration. All this gives you a very realistic experience of racing games or flight simulators.

According to the the creator, Mark Towner, it offers a proper Virtual Reality experience. VR is about the thrill and adventure of exploring another world and usually you only get half the experience, according to him. While other VR simulators offer great visuals and amazing sounds, the lack of proper movement can be a kill joy. Therefore, the extensive movement brought by this device ensures that you actually feel like you’re flying a plane or driving a car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feKgOiyqvpM

Thrill Of Adventure:

“Most motion simulators are ugly steel frames, noisy as hell, and insanely expensive “,Towner says. Another great feature is the modular design of the simulator which allows a user to switch the seat for special add-ons to fit the particular VR scenario.The Freedom Motion Virtual Reality Simulator targets a large section of gamers who enjoy racing and flying games but do not have the budget to buy a good simulator. You can find the device on the project’s kickstarter page, which is a crowdfunding website.

September 3, 2018
10 Shows To Binge Watch On Netflix This Weekend

The weekend is here and its a time to rejoice. While some of us may have bigger plans, most might just prefer to stay in and watch something good. So, whether its an immersive experience or just some light content you’re looking for, here’s a list of Top 10 shows on Netflix that are sure to make you go wow.

Altered Carbon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhFM8akm9a4

The Sci-Fi show is a Netflix original which is based 300 years in the future. The society has been transformed by technology, and death is no longer permanent. One can be brought back to life with the possibility of interchangeable bodies. The protagonist, Takeshi Kovacs is the only surviving soldier of an elite warrior force. They were defeated in an uprising against the new world order. For centuries, his mind had been imprisoned when he was given a chance to come back to life. However, he has to undertake an impossible task to do so. Based in the future and in a society which is overrun by technology, Altered Carbon is a visual treat. The narrative is fresh and original and will leave you wanting for more.

Peaky Blinders:

This is a must watch for anyone who loves The Crown or Sherlock. The show is set in post World War I England and follows the activities of a criminal gang. The gang soon comes under the scanner of Chester Campbell, a detective sent by Winston Churchill himself to clear out crime.The Show stars Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy among others and won the British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series this year.

Brooklyn nine nine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7kYqVCIHO8

Brooklyn Nine Nine is arguably one of the most popular comedy series out there right now. Having picked up a huge fan following over the past few years, it has now acquired a cult status. The show is based in a police precinct in New York, filled with weird and whacky officers of the law. The protagonist, Jake Peralta is played by Saturday Night Live star Andy Samberg and he is supported by other notable comedians such as Terry Crews. The series can be described as nothing short of a laugh riot and deserves to be watched right away.

Sacred Games:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28j8h0RRov4

Sacred Games has redefined Indian television and set a really high benchmark for the same. The story revolves around a Mumbai cop, Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan) and Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and their bitter contest. Sartaj is taken off Gaitonde’s case, however he still continues to pursue Gaitonde for the sake of justice. What follows is a series of crimes and a thrilling story which is sure to grip you with its beautiful narrative. Sacred Games also gives us a sense of pride as we see the Indian television industry matching up to be world class.

Lost in Space:

Lost in space is another Sci-Fi show which makes it to the list. The Human Race is facing a catastrophe which threatens its survival. To combat this, various missions are sent into space to colonise the Alpha Centauri star system. The story revolves around the Robinson family. The Robinson family is one of many who live on board the Resolute, the mother ship which is carrying all the human beings. However, an alien robot forces them to evacuate and land on a nearby planet. They must now try a way to combat the harsh conditions of the planet, ensuring their survival.

Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee:

Comedians in cars getting coffee is one of the most original ideas seen till date. The show has host and comedy star Jerry Seinfeld taking other famous comedians out for coffee, in amazing cars. Yes, each episode features a new comedian and a different car. The cars are usually vintage classics or supercars which are sure to make your jaw drop. We see the comedians involve in a candid conversation, giving us a closer look at our beloved stars. The show also maintains a balance between talking about the comedians and also giving us a detailed dose of the beautiful machines.

Vikings:

Vikings is a must watch show for history and action lovers. Based on Nordic stories, it is about a farmer who rises up to his call and emerges as one of the most fearless warriors. The series revolves around the stories of Ragnar Lothbrock and how he eventually becomes a king. Vikings stars Travis Fimmel and is sure to leave you awestruck with its rawness and intensity.

Mind Hunter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gZCfRD_zWE

Mindhunter is a crime based drama, and it is sure worth a watch. The story revolves around two FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, who try to understand serial killers in order to catch them. This has them go through many killers and cases, but along the way they develop what is the modern day serial killer profiling method. Along with intense acting, the series is backed by Oscar-nominated director David Fincher and Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron as the show’s executive producers. The show might just redefine crime for us as we know it.

Ghoul:

Another Indian TV series to make this list, Ghoul is nothing short of a masterpiece. It is a fantasy horror drama, starring Radhika Apte. The story is set in a ‘totalitarian near-future India’ and involves a mysterious prisoner being brought in to a top secret army facility. The interrogating offers soon realise to their horror that the prisoner has the power to unleash a demon from Arabic folklore, which exposes their deepest secrets. Ghoul has redefined what horror means when it comes to India and has set a standard, apart from the terrible attempts at horror in the past.

Disenchantment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp_RnJcb8Ig

Disecnhantment is an animated comedy series by Netflix. The story is based in medieval times and revolves around a princess. The twist however, is that the princess breaks every convention of being one. She continues to wreak havoc in her father’s kingdom along with her elf friends. The show is a dig at the same old structure of a fairy tale and offers a good deal of laughs as one goes along. While it may seem to be just another animated comedy on the surface, the creators have subtly sown satire into the story which takes a jab at our modern society too.

These TV shows are not ranked in any particular order and cannot be compared as they cover different spectrums. Whatever your pick, a good time is guaranteed!

September 1, 2018
Huawei Mate 20 & Mate 20 Pro With Kirin 980 Launching On 16 October

Huawei has confirmed that the Huawei Mate 20 and Huawei Mate 20 Pro Smartphones will be launching on 16th October. After revealing the date during the IFA 2018, Huawei said that the devices will be running the latest flagship processor, the HiSilicon Kirin 980.

Huawei Mate 20 & Mate 20 Pro:

Huawei has not revealed any more information about the device. However,numerous ‘leaks’ and spy shots give us a fair idea about the smartphones. Earlier leaks and renders reveal that the devices sport a ‘water drop notch’. The notch is smaller than the notches we can see on other phones. The devices supposedly have a triple camera setup, which is quite unique to look at.

Renders Via XDA

The devices reportedly have 6+ inch screens and a massive 4200 mAh battery.

Renders Via XDA

Most recently, a Spanish technology blog ‘spotted’ a Mate 20 device at the IFA 2018. The device is apparently in the hands of a Huawei employee and is protected by a thick back cover. The cover prevents one from getting a better view at the device. But the unique camera setup which matches the renders of the device makes a compelling case. The price of the devices will be known in October.

Also Read: Google Pixel 3 & Pixel 3 XL ,All You Need To Know

P 20 ‘spotted’ at IFA. Via teknofilo

Kirin 980:

The Huawei HiSilicon Kirin 980 is the company’s latest flagship processor. The processor will be used in all upcoming Huawei flagship devices, according to the company. The chipset is the first production SoC to have used the 7nm for its manufacturing. The 7nm manufacturing process makes a chipset more power efficient. It is designed around the ARM’s Cortex-A76 CPU and the Mali-G76 GPU, which are new designs. According to the company, the Kirin 980 has 6.9 billion transistors running on it. Comparatively, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 has 4.3 billion.

Huawei also says that the octa-core Kirin 980 utilises two cores for ‘turbo performance’ and two for long term performance. The other four are used to maximise power efficiency. Normally, a CPU uses a combination of only high performance and high efficiency cores. Therefore, making this a step away from conventional design.

For increased Ai performance, the Kirin 980 has a dual NPU ( Neural Processing Unit). This performs AI assisted image recognition tasks at a rate of 4500 images per minute, according to Huawei. Comparatively, Apple’s A11 bionic chip identifies 2371 images and the Snapdragon 845 recognises 1458, the company added.

Huawei believes that the Kirin 980 is far better than the Snapdragon 845, which has already been out for some months now. The Kirin 980 is set to launch in October, while Qualcomm is working on the successor to the Snapdragon 845. It will be exciting to see how many of Huawei’s claims come true after the launch of the Kirin 980.

September 1, 2018
Motorola One With Android One Announced

Motorola announced the launch of its new Motorola One smartphone. This announcement was made alongside the announcement of the Motorola One Power which is exclusively for India. the announcement was made by Motorola through a blog post, unlike a typical launch. The device runs on Android One and will be one of the first devices to receive the Android 9.0 update.

The Motorola One has a 5.9 inch FHD+ display. The display also has a distinct notch and a chin. It has a 19:9 aspect ratio and a native resolution of 1520 x 720 pixels. The device has a dual camera setup at the back with a 14 MP sensor. The camera has extensive AI integration according to Motorola and can shoot 4K videos at 30 fps.

Also Read: OnePlus 6T Confirmed,Design and Specifications

Running on the Snapdragon 625 octa core processor, the device has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The Motorola One has a 3000 mAh battery and also has TurboPower capability for faster charging. The device also comes with Android One which means that it will be one of the first to receive all Android updates. This will also give the device a clean stock android experience and rid it of any unnecessary pre-installed apps, according to Motorola.

The Motorola One is priced at €299 and will be soon available globally, according to Motorola.

August 31, 2018
Motorola One Power Launched : Exclusively For India

Motorola has announced the Motorola One power. However, it is set to release only in India. The Android One based smartphone will be released in India in October. There has been no talk about it being launched anywhere else as of now.

The Motorola One Power sports a 6.2 inch FHD+ display. The display has a 19:9 aspect ratio and a native resolution of 2246×1080 pixels . However, also present on the display is a notch and a chin at the bottom. The device has a dual camera setup on the back . It has a 16 MP+ 5 MP sensor, according to reports. The Motorola One Power might have an AI powered camera like the Motorola One.

Also Read: Apple iPhone 9 ,Everything We Know So Far

Under the hood, the device packs a Snapdragon 636 Octa core processor. It has an internal storage of 64 GB. The Motorola One Power supposedly packs a 5000 mAh battery. Motorola claims the device has great battery life and is supported by Turbo Power. The device also comes with Android One. This means that it will be one of the first to receive all Android updates. This will also give the device a clean stock android experience. It will also rid it of any unnecessary pre-installed apps, according to Motorola.

The launch of the Motorola One Power is scheduled for October in India. The price and further specifications of the device have not been disclosed.

August 31, 2018
Google Pixel 3 Finally Leaked

The few weeks have been filled with extensive leaks of the Google Pixel 3 XL. Unboxing videos, benchmark scores and camera samples have made it seem like the XL variant is already out. However, nothing much was available about the smaller Google Pixel 3, until now. The latest leak has given us elaborate images of what the user claims to be the Google Pixel 3.

Display:

The latest images of the alleged Google Pixel 3 confirm that the device will not sport a notch, unlike the bigger Pixel 3 XL. The device has a 5.5 inch display, an upgrade from the 5 inch screen of the Pixel 2. Despite the bezels, the device has a 18:9 aspect ratio and a native resolution of 2160 x 1080 pixels which gives it a pixel density of 440 ppi.

Also Read: Google Pixel 3 & Pixel 3 XL : All You Need To Know

Processor:

Taking a look under the hood, we get to see that the device runs on a Snapdragon 845 chipset with an Adreno 630 GPU. The device will offer 4 GB of RAM. These specs are almost the same as what we had reported earlier.

Screenshots from the leaked device.

Battery:

Google has apparently given the smartphone a 2915 mAh battery, an upgrade from the Pixel 2’s 2700 mAh battery. The 2915 mAh battery is pretty good to provide the Pixel 3 with a better performance. This is not the case with the Google Pixel 3 XL. The XL variant reportedly carries a 3430 mAh battery, which might be underpowered for such a massive display. Reports also suggest that the Pixel 3 will have wireless charging capability.

Camera:

Clearly visible from the image, the device has a single rear camera. It is reported to be a 12 MP sensor. However, considering the Pixel’s past performance, the camera performance is expected to be top notch. The leaks also confirm to us that it has dual front cameras. The two front cameras are both equipped with 8 MP sensors and an aperture of f/1.8. The two front facing camera might provide the smartphone with better selfies with a wide-angle portrait. It is rumoured that they will also be used for the face recognition feature the device might carry.

The device also has a stereo speaker setup in the front, according to reports. Further details such as the availability and pricing has not been revealed yet. With such frequent and detailed leaks, we are curious to see what new features Google will unveil at the launch event.

August 31, 2018
Honor Magic 2 Teased At IFA 2018

The time is here for the notch to move aside, probably. The hottest trend in the smartphone market is now a sliding camera with a completely bezel less display. Honor has given us a glimpse of its Magic 2 smartphone which will feature a truly bezel less and notch free screen.

Earlier this year, Vivo had introduced its NEX S concept, which it soon made available in the market. The device has a pop-up camera which hides inside the phone, removing the need for a notch. Soon after this, Oppo launched the Find X, which adapted this feature in a more creative way. The device features a sliding part on the top which houses the front camera, a sensor and also the primary cameras on the back.

Vivo Nex Camera

Also Read: Vivo Nex Officially Launched In India For Rs. 44,990

Honor showed us a glimpse of the Honor Magic 2 while on stage during the IFA in Berlin. Demonstrating the sliding mechanism on stage, he appeared to manually push the back of the phone to reveal the sliding part housing the front camera. This is quite different from what we have seen earlier, as the Oppo Find X and Vivo NEX do the same mechanically.

The device will feature the second generation of its 40 W fast charging mode which was first introduced with the Honor Magic last year. Honor has also gone through various steps to ensure safety in this new technology. The phone has a 15 layer protection. This will not let the mechanism start until the phone identifies the charger, cable and battery as safe.

Not too much about the Honor Magic 2 was revealed at the event by the company. Honor wanted to announce the product prior to launch, as copycat devices were expected out of China soon. Just a few hours later, Xiaomi announced their upcoming Mi Mix 3 device with a sliding mechanism.

Mi Mix 3

The Honor Magic 2 is expected to release in December this year, which is when we will find out the full specifications, availability and price. It is also rumoured to run the new flagship Kirin 980 processor, hinting that this will be a flagship device. We are not sure if this device will make it to India and other parts of the world. But here is hoping.

August 31, 2018
Google Pixel 3 & Pixel 3 XL : All You Need To Know

The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are two upcoming flagship devices which we will see from Google. The Pixel device has been known to set the standard for what an Android device is capable of. The building anticipation to see what the new devices will bring has led to a lot of rumours. Most of these rumours are fuelled by extensive leaks that happened recenlty. So lets get straight into it.

Via @Wylsacom

Launch:

The devices are expected to launch at Google’s annual ‘Made By Google’ event. Reports suggest that this would be around 9th October, falling in line with the date for the last year’s launch event. It is expected that Google will launch both the devices on the same day itself.

Via @Wylsacom

Design:

What the new Pixel devices will look like has been a hot topic for discussion throughout the year. The beginning of the year had most people believing that the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will feature fully edge to edge display. This would make the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL the third device to feature a full display, after the Vivo NEX and Oppo Find X. However, an extensive leak of the pre-production samples made it very clear as to what the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL could look like.

Via Rozetked

The alleged devices sport two very different looks. The bigger Pixel 3 XL has a notch, following up with the latest trend in the smartphone market. This is astonishing as Google is known to never follow trends, as it prefers to set them. However, the Notch is much bigger than what we have seen on other devices. The notch will also house two front cameras and an Infrared Scanner. The Infrared scanner might help in aiding the face recognition feature rumoured to be in the device according to leaks.

Via Rozetked

The Pixel 3 on the other hand has a completely traditional design with bezels on the top and bottom of the screen and thin bezels on the sides and rounded edges. Both the devices have identical backs which house the circular fingerprint sensor and a single camera setup. The Pixel 3 XL reportedly has a 6.7 inch screen with a native resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels.

Also Read: Apple iPhone 9, Everything We Know So Far

Processor and Operating System:

Reports suggest that the Google Pixel 3 XL will run a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with the Adreno 630 GPU. The device is rumoured having 6 GB of RAM and upto 512 GB of internal storage. This is what is expected form a flagship device in 2018, however, if a leak by a twitter user is to be believed, you sure will be disappointed.

Google Pixel 3 XL?4GB RAM?SDM845?Android 9.0. pic.twitter.com/G4cj6LLoPR

— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) August 3, 2018

According to this leak, the Pixel device will only run with 4 GB of RAM, which is not a defining standard in these times. The chipset still stands to be a Snapdragon 845. However a smooth experience can be expected as the Pixel devices run the best stock android.

The devices are expected to run the latest Android 9.0 Pie out of the box. Google might have fine tuned the Pixel to gel with the best features of the new OS such as improved gesture control, according to experts.

Battery:

Based on the leaks, the Pixel 3 XL is equipped with a 3430 mAh battery. This is a slight downgrade from the 3520 mAh battery that the Pixel 2 XL has. This might however, not necessarily mean a diminished battery life. Google might have worked on optimising the OS and apps to ensure better performance, according to experts.

https://twitter.com/khoroshev/status/1032245675990441985

A video displaying the wireless charging capability of the alleged Pixel 3 XL surfaced online recently. This is an exciting new feature added to the device.

Camera:

The Pixel devices have been known to set a standard for when it comes to cameras. With the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL launched last year, Googled proved that the number of cameras isn’t what dictates the quality of the image. Taking the leaks into consideration, we will see a similar single rear camera setup for both the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.

Image claimed to be taken by a Pixel 3 XL ( Via @Khoroshev)

The rear camera is reported to have a 12.2 MP sensor. The front notch will also house a dual camera setup with at least one 8 MP sensor. The sensor might be used for the face recognition technology, according to reports.

Price:

Most reports and analysts expect the Pixel 3 to be priced around $650 and the Pixel 3 XL around $ 750. This sure does seem to be a low estimate as most flagship phones are available at the $ 1000 mark these days. This could be a strategic placement, according to experts.

Via Rozetked

Know More:

Pixel devices are known to get Android updates first, ensuring that devices are up to date. The phone is said to use a USB type-C charger which was present in the box in a leaked image. Along with this we can see earphones, provided by Google for the very first time. More images show that the Pixel 3 XL will continue to support the Active Edge feature. This activates the Google Assistant when the phone is squeezed.

With new leaks, images and tests surfacing almost everyday, we will keep updating this article to ensure you get the latest about the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. So keep watching this space to know everything about the upcoming flagship device from Google.

August 30, 2018
‘Apple Glass’ Could Be A Reality Soon As Apple Buys AR Centric Longmont

Apple has confirmed the acquisition of a startup that ‘focuses’ on making lenses for Augmented Reality glasses. Reports of the deal had been around for a while, however a Senior Apple Executive confirmed it on Wednesday. The move strengthens recent rumours about an upcoming ‘Apple Glass’ similar to the Google Glass.

Apple acquired Longmont and Colorado-based Akonia Holographics. “The technology allows for thin, transparent smart glasses that display vibrant, full- colour, wide field-of-view images.”, according to Akonia. The news entirely hints at the fact that the tech giant is planning to enter the domain of wearable AR devices which enhance daily experiences. The company Akonia, also has more than 200 patents related to holographic systems, according to its website.

Also Read: HMD Global Acquires PureView Trademark

Augmented Reality:

Augmented Reality superimposes images on real-world scenarios, making it more interactive and informative. This was seen in the immensely popular game Pokemon GO which used AR extensively. Similarly, Apple might be planning to use Akonia’s holographic technology to project information on to the lenses of wearable glasses.

Apple’s Big Move :

This isn’t the first time it has acquired a smaller company. Back in 2013, it bought a small Israeli company which specialised in making 3D sensors. The Face ID feature in the iPhone X launched last year, used similar technology and 3D sensors. Apple does pick up smaller firms which showcase promising technology and takes that technology to the testing grounds. Many of the features available in various Apple products could have been at on point of time, the prime focus of a small company.

However, the purchase of the company doesn’t really confirm the development of a new device. According to a senior executive at Apple, “Apple buys smaller companies from time to time, and we generally don’t discuss our purpose or plans”. Regardless, most analysts point out the fact that an ‘Apple Glass’ is actually in development and we could see it for ourselves by the year 2020.

August 30, 2018
Iron Fist Season 2 Trailer Packs A Solid Punch

The second season of Marvel’s Iron Fist is right around the corner and we can’t be more excited. The trailer to season 2 of the Netflix original provides insights into the great improvements made this time. Improved action choreography, addition of characters and costumes and a new action coordinator has fans and critics excited the same. Iron Fist is the story of a young boy who was the lone survivor of a place crash which killed his parents. Found by a group of warrior monks, they trained him in the city of K’un-Lun to be a fierce warrior. He then returns to New York to claim his right to his fathers company and destroy the evil plaguing the city.

Supposed to be one of the greatest martial artists in the Marvel Universe, the first season of Iron Fist was kind of a let down in that sense. Instead of using his great powers to sail through any fight, each encounter was a bit of a struggle. This made the sequences pretty plain, boring and repetitive. With the great power of the Iron Fist, he should have been portrayed as more of a superhero rather than a street fighter, critics argue.

Netflix has finally found a way to address that issue. The addition of action choreographer Clayton Barber is a welcome change. He brings along experience from Creed and Marvel’s critically acclaimed Black Panther. Along with this, the actors have reportedly been training for extended periods of time. The lead, Finn Jones had been specially training months prior to the principal photography on the second season began. This will allow the actors to have a ‘flow’ in their movements, which will seem more natural.

Releasing on September 7th on Netflix, the second season also brings along new elements. What looks like a costume and the ‘Iron Fist Mask’ is something that will add to the identity of the protagonist. This season will also mark the entry of the villain Typhoid Mary played by Alice Eve. Watch the trailer for the second season below.

August 30, 2018
Huawei Crosses Apple, Becomes Number 2 Smartphone Maker Worldwide

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei has surpassed Apple to grab the second position in the smartphone market. A report by Gartner revealed the sales made by each company in the second quarter of 2018. According to the report, Huawei sold 49,846 units in Q2 2018 compared to 35,964 units in Q2 2017. At the same time, Apple sold only 44,715 Units in Q2 2018.

Via Videoblocks

Another report, published by IDC a month ago had also put Huawei at the no 2 spot, ahead of Apple. However, as this report ranked the manufacturers according to shipments made rather than sales, it didn’t paint quite a clear picture. The rise of sales for Huawei can be entirely credited to its fast growing Honor sub-brand. Huawei continues to bring innovative features into its smartphones and expand its smartphone portfolio to cover larger consumer segments.

Huawei is growing at such a fast pace as it continues to bring innovative features which the customers like. It is also constantly working to expand its smartphone portfolio, covering larger customer segments, according to executives at Gartner.

Also Read: Apple iPhone 9 : Everything We Know So Far

The rankings were different back in May this year with Apple holding 14.1 % share in the smartphone market and Huawei with 10.1 %. The dynamic has reversed now, with Huawei holding 13.3 % of the market share and Apple down to 11.9 %. Samsung still holds the top spot in the market share, however its market share has actually declined. With 20.8 % market share in Q1 of 2018, Samsung has dropped to 19.3 % in Q2 of 2018. Regardless, it still holds the top spot by a great margin.

Apple has seen quite a downfall with Q2 of 2018. The interest generated by iPhone X and the iPhone 8 seemed to be short-lived and didn’t help much in terms of sales. Xiamo and Oppo come in at 3rd and 4th place respectively, this quarter. Xiaomi, who flew past Oppo this quarter, has also shown tremendous growth with the implementation of its online and retail strategy.

The report also shows the share held by iOS and Android devices in the market. Android still dominates the market share at 88 % while iOS makes a slight mark with 11.9%.

August 30, 2018
Samsung Launches X5 Portable SSD Equipped With Thunderbolt 3

Samsung has unveiled its latest portable SSD device, the X5. An SSD offers greater speeds over a conventional HDD as it doesn’t not contain any moving parts and directly writes information on to the chip. The new Samsung X5 portable SSD is equipped with NVMe technology and uses Thunderbolt 3 to deliver lightening fast speeds. The NVMe technology delivers higher speeds because it accelerates the transfer of data between a system and an SSD.

With a blazing fast read speed of 2800 MB/s and write speed of 2300 MB/s, it might as well set your system on fire. However that is not possible as the SSD also comes with a Thermal Management technology, ensuring that the device stays cool. So lets dive straight into it.

Price:

It is not just the speed that might shake you up, have a look at the price. The 2 TB variant of the Samsung X5 portable SSD costs US$ 1400. If you’re looking for something with a little less storage capability and a smaller price tag, there are two more variants of the X5 portable SSD. The 1 TB model sells at $700 while the 500 Gb model is priced at $ 400. The device will go on sale from September 3rd.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S10 To Have In Display Fingerprint Reader

Build:

The Samsung X5 is protected by a solid built. Most importantly, the body has no moving parts and is manufactured using magnesium alloy. According to Samsung, this can help the X5 withstand a 6 ft drop as well. The device has a Dynamic Thermal Guard and a heat sink. Therefore, it helps the X5 keep the temperature below 45 degrees celsius at all times. The device is also good looking with Samsung saying that it has been inspired by the design of a supercar. The ridged surface at the bottom, therefore preventing it from slipping. The device is also password protected and Samsung offers a extended 3 year warranty on the same.

The need for speed:

Terrifically high read/write speeds which can transfer a 20 GB 4K video in less than 12 seconds, makes the X5 portable SSD a powerhouse. With the Samsung X5 portable SSD, content creators and professionals can work through anything, without having to stop to think about it.

The Samsung X5 is a successor to the Samsung T5 portable SSD. The Samsung T5 provides transfer speeds up to 540 MB/s according to Samsung. For more details about the T5, check out our video below.

August 29, 2018
Apple iPhone 9 Could Have Quality Concerns, May Be Delayed

Numerous leaks over the past few weeks have given a fair idea as to what we can expect from the upcoming iPhone 9. However, one of the most latest leaks talks extensively about what could be serious issues with the upcoming phone.

In what seems to be a very detailed report, famous apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo talks about the iPhone 9’s daunting issues. According to him, the ‘affordable’ version of the iPhone 9 will be cutting quite a few corners. This could mean that while the device could be cheaper, it might not live up to the expectations placed by consumers.

Here are all the problems that the report talks about:

Display:

It was reported that the cheaper variant would carry an LCD display. Apparently, a decrease in quality is also to be expected. According to the report, the device will carry a comparitively low resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. This is very low compared to the iPhone X’s display of 2436 x 1125 pixels. While it can be called a downgrade from the more expensive models, it is also not offering any competition to the Android devices around the same price bracket. The device is also rumoured to be having a 6+ inch display. This would make for a poor display with the given resolution. Most of the devices in this price and size range offer an average of over 2200 x 1200 pixels

Performance:

Kuo also says that the cheaper variant of the iPhone 9 will be restricted to just 3 GB of RAM and a maximum of 256 GB of internal storage. This is lower than what the other two variants will have to offer, according to reports.

Battery:

The higher variants could have batteries ranging up to 3400 mAh, leaks suggest. It is said that the lower variant of the iPhone 9 might be restricted to just a 2700 mAh one. Battery performance has always been an issue for Apple. However, it was expected to have improved with the new iPhone 9 according to leaks. The reportedly large size of the phone coupled with the less efficient LCD display might stand to be an issue. This would offer a decreased battery life to the users.

Camera:

Via Hans India

While leaks about a single camera for the lower variant of the iPhone 9 are already doing rounds, the report adds strength to this claim. A single camera would mean a lesser experience for users who might miss out on the depth offered by a dual camera setup.

Wi-Fi:

According to leaks, the lower variant of the iPhone 9 will have a 2×2 MIMO setup for Wi-Fi. It’s known to have many drawbacks and leads to deadspots in your connection at various places. However, the other two variants are said to be upgraded to the 4×4 MIMO 802.11ac setup, offering better connectivity.

Also Read: iPhone 6.1 Inch Specs Leaked Ahead of September Launch

Release:

Kuo also goes on to say that due to manufacturing issues, the launch of the cheaper variant of the iPhone 9 will be delayed. This means that the device might not be available along with the other two, higher variants. For those who were looking to go in for the cheaper alternative on the new iPhone 9 might have to wait a little longer.

Via cnet

What’s More:

The new iPhone 9 is rumoured to be available in three variants, possibly around $699, $ 999 and $ 1199. The alleged downgrade of various features could lead to a disappointing performance and a backlash in sales.

August 29, 2018
Apple iPhone 9 : Everything We Know So Far

It’s that time of the year again. One of the most anticipated events is right around the corner and yes we’re talking about the launch of the new iPhone. With numerous rumours, speculations and an equal number of eager fans, we take you through everything you need to know about the upcoming iPhone 9.

It has been rumoured for a very long time that Apple will introduce three new variants of the iPhone this year. Reports say that we will see a 5.8 inch screen device which will be the successor to the iPhone X. This will be supplemented by a 6.5 inch version of the same and a 6.1 inch model which is said to be the cheapest, owing to its lower specifications.

via MKBHD

Launch:

Starting with the iPhone 5, Apple has never broken tradition and strayed away from the date of 12th September. Other than the off-timed release of the iPhone SE, all the iPhones have been launched on this day. Therefore, we can expect Apple to launch the new iPhone 9 on 12th September this year as well.

Also Read: iPhone 6.1 Inch Specs Leaked Ahead of September Launch

Name:

A lot of speculations regarding the nomenclature of the new iPhone are doing the rounds. With various analysts and experts putting out what they think will be the name, we think Apple might stick to calling it the iPhone 9. While many will argue that it could be called the iPhone 11, doing so might just add to the complexity. With naming it the iPhone 9, Apple can complete the numbers loop and move on to a much simpler system for nomenclature. The iPhone could then possibly drop the numbers and just be identified by the year it was launched in.

However, speculations do suggest other names such as the iPhone XS or the iPhone X2. Some analysts also suggest the name iPhone 11 and a possible successor to the iPhone SE.

Design:

Reports suggest that the new iPhone 9 will be based on the design of the iPhone X. This means that Apple will be getting rid of Touch ID and embracing the Face ID technology completely. If this is true, Apple will implement the glass body, dual camera setup design along with the notch on the new iPhone 9.

Along with this, the iPhone 9 is expected to be available in various colours. Another interesting addition to this would be the fact that the aluminium frame in the lower variant will supposedly not be matching the colour of the glass body. Whatever, the rumours be, we expect to see a fresh array of colours on the iPhone 9.

Display:

The iPhone 9 and its plus version will reportedly have OLED screens complete with a glass body and Stainless Steel casing. The lower variant of the upcoming iPhone 9 will have a slightly different design due to its price bracket, according to experts. It might be packing an LCD panel along with its Glass body which probably will be encased by Aluminium instead os Stainless Steel, helping to cut down on production cost. It is also very likely that the new iPhone 9 will not have Apple Pen Stylus support, according to sources.

Via Hronika

3D Touch

Analysts claim that Apple might discontinue the 3D Touch with the new iPhone 9. This might happen due to two reason; the added difficulty in the manufacturing process it causes and the fact that no one is actually finding it useful. This could be true as most iPhone users do not use 3D touch extensively and some do not even know of its existence.

Touch ID

With the design of the iPhone X, the fingerprint scanner could have become outdated for Apple which might now bank on the Face ID feature for its security. However, latest reports talking about a Patent Apple has, might hint at it making a comeback. The patent refers to an in-display fingerprint scanner. This might be a game changer for Apple if it is ever introduced.

Processor:

Reports say that the new iPhone 9 will operate using the A12 bionic chipset from Apple. The A12 will manage to offer a better experience than the existing, powerful A11 due to its manufacturing process. The A12 is reportedly made using the 7nm process as opposed to the A11’s 10nm process. This is expected to offer 1.6x the logic density along with a 20% speed improvement and 40% power reduction.

The A12 reportedly offers an increase in multi-core usability, supposed to bring up multi-core performance by 25-30%. The GPU performance is reported to have an even higher increment at 40%. This might not directly translate to gaming performance, according to experts. Analysts predict a real time number of around 25%.

With some reports even suggesting that the iPhone 9 may run on the older A10 chipset, the possibilities are endless. However it is expected that Apple will run with something that will ensure the iPhones performance is far greater than any existing Android device.

Battery:

The new iPhone 9 will supposedly have an improved battery, putting an end to any woes users had. The plus variant of the iPhone 9 might house the biggest battery of the three, owing to its size. Reports about the A12 chipset don’t stop at performance and tell us about the improved battery life as well. The new chipset is said to optimise battery life and ensure longevity. Apple is also said to have worked on increasing the idle battery life of the iPhone 9. The idle battery life is an impressive part of the present set of iPhones. An improvement with the iPhone 9 might just take things to the next level.

It is also rumoured that the new iPhone 9 might have a dual sim slot. This would be a welcome change for iPhone Users.

Camera:

An improved camera experience with regard to the new iPhone 9 is highly anticipated. It is rumoured that the top variant of the iPhone 9 will sport a triple camera setup. This would possibly increase the rear zoom capability of the iPhone 9, according to reports. the triple camera setup could possibly offer other advantages such as better low light performance.

However, some say that this might not be coming with the iPhone 9, making us wait till 2019 for it. 2019 however might be the year for a triple camera setup if not this year. The three cameras would help in generating a depth map which could help Apple in the field of Augmented Reality, something Apple is really crazy about at the moment.

As of now, we have all sorts of combinations popping up when it comes to what we can expect. A triple camera setup for the top model, a single camera for the cheaper version or even a dual camera setup all three. The most common one however, is a dual camera setup for the iPhone 9 and the iPhone 9 Plus while the cheaper variant get a single camera. Regardless, it is safe to expect that we will see a big upgrade in the camera department. This is with regard to both software and hardware.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S10 To Have In Display Fingerprint Reader

Availability:

If you were planning to get yourself the cheaper variant of the iPhone 9, you might have to hold on for a little while. Well known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that the cheapest variant of the iPhone 9 might be available only in October, owing to delays in its production schedule. The other two variants will be available in September, according to him.

Coming Full Circle:

The iPhone 9 will be crucial for Apple in all aspects. At a time when Apple is under threat from numerous manufacturers taking the smartphone market by storm, this will be a decisive product. Apple needs to ensure that it stays on top of the innovation race in this fast-tech driven world. Every month or so, we see a ground breaking smartphone emerge. Apple needs to ensure that the iPhone 9 will be competent enough to not only take on its current competition but stay relevant till 12th September 2019.

August 29, 2018
Samsung Galaxy S10 To Have In Display Fingerprint Reader

The Samsung Galaxy S10 will mark the 10 year anniversary of Samsung’s flagship smartphone. This time, Samsung will reportedly launch three models of the S10. What is more surprising is that they might be planning to put an in-display fingerprint reader in all three.

The Samsung Galaxy S10 is reportedly launching in three variants. A phablet sized S10 Plus, an S10 and an entry-level S10 Mini. The three variants might have different features, which will lead to varied pricing. With this, Samsung aims to maximise the market for the Galaxy S10. However, despite reports that the S10 Mini will be cheaper, Samsung might ensure it has an in-display fingerprint scanner as well.

While it is rumoured that the S10 and the S10 Plus will use in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner , the S10 Mini is may use an optical fingerprint reader for the same.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ Details Leaked

Samsung has reportedly partnered with Qualcomm for the technology. According to Qualcomm, their Fingerprint Sensors ultrasonic technology is state of the art in the smartphone market. It works by using ultrasonic waves which directly penetrate the skin. Then the system maps the most intricate parts of your fingerprint. This includes details such as ridge endings and sweat pores. The technology can work through OLED, glass and aluminium surfaces.

It also works while in contact with sweat, oil and water. According to Qualcomm, it provides upto 6x more accurate biometric performance. With added security, it also ensures lower power consumption.

The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner costs around three times more than an optical one. This explains why Samsung is reportedly not providing it in the S10 Mini. An in display fingerprint scanner in all three variants is a great move, if reports are to be believed. This doesn’t force buyers to go in for the top model just to get all the features. The Samsung Galaxy S10 will be launching in February 2019, according to reports.

August 28, 2018