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  • Huawei Patents A Smartphone With Unique Front Camera Placement

    Huawei Patents A Smartphone With Unique Front Camera Placement

    Chinese manufacturer Huawei has been making a lot of progress over the past years. The company is the second largest smartphone maker in the world after Samsung. Huawei’s latest flagship, the P30 Pro received positive reviews for its innovative camera system, which provides 5x Optical Zoom capabilities. Furthermore, the company is planning to release the Y9 Prime 2019 smartphone in the not-so-distant future. Huawei has patented a new smartphone which has a unique selfie camera design.

    About The Patent

    Huawei PatentThe patent reveals a device which does not feature a notch, yet has a full screen design. The aforementioned patent was first filed with the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office) in the month of March 2018 and was published on the 7th of May 2019. Interestingly, the depicted smartphone does not have a notch or a pop-up style camera. Instead, the patented handset is slightly rounded on the top, which is the real catch here. 

    The rounded top ensures that there is just enough space at the top to accommodate the front camera sensor and the earpiece. The patent addresses a major drawback in smartphones with pop-up cameras, stating that such devices cannot be deemed waterproof. However, with this new design, Huawei claims that its smartphone can be waterproof and fullscreen at the same time. 

    Huawei PatentAlso Read: Google Assistant Updated With Ton Of Revolutionary Features

    The rear panel of the Huawei device from the patent has a traditional layout. It sports a dual camera setup and an LED flash with a fingerprint scanner placed just below them. Bottom renders of the device suggest that it will also feature a 3.5mm headphone jack. Clearly, the dual cameras on the handset indicate that it is intended to be a budget smartphone. Since Huawei hasn’t hinted about such a device in the immediate past, chances are that it may be released in the early 2020s or late 2019. However, as of now, all this information should be taken with a grain of salt. 

  • Xiaomi To Soon Launch The Mi A3 And A3 Lite In India Hints Teaser

    Xiaomi To Soon Launch The Mi A3 And A3 Lite In India Hints Teaser

    After the phenomenal success of the Redmi Note 7 and the Note 7 Pro in the country. Xiaomi is gearing for the launch of another feature-rich device whose posters have been shared on the Mi community website. The said poster questions ‘Guess What’s Coming’ which is accompanied by a diagram. Closely inspecting the image suggests that the company might actually launch two smartphones instead of one.

    Xiaomi A3 Poster

    Apparently, the diagram from the poster is hinting the features of the upcoming handsets. Allegedly, the inner ring in the aforementioned diagram denotes the single selfie camera on upcoming devices. While the second ring denotes a double camera and a triple camera setup which the smartphones will feature. It is assumed that the upcoming smartphone duo includes the Mi A3 and the Mi A3 Lite. To further strengthen the claim, the company is long anticipated to unveil the successors of the Mi A2 and the Mi A2 Lite (aka Redmi 6 Pro) from last year. 

    Even though precise details about both the Mi A3 and the Mi A3 Lite are unavailable, key features can be drawn from their predecessor. Being members of Xiaomi’s A series, the Mi A3 and the Mi A3 Lite are destined to run a stock version of Android along with Android one certification. Late last month, Xioami India head, Manu Kumar Jain shared a Tweet which notified that the company will soon launch a smartphone with the Snapdragon 730 SoC. And the Mi A3 might be kitted with the said chipset.  

    Also Read: Google Assistant Updated With Ton Of Revolutionary Features

    Furthermore, smartphones in the Mi A lineup are recognised for their camera performance and the upcoming handsets are expected to follow suit. All in all, to get more details about the smartphones we will have to wait patiently until we hear next from the company. 

  • Google Assistant Updated With Ton Of Revolutionary Features

    Google Assistant Updated With Ton Of Revolutionary Features

    On the 7th of May 2019, Google held the I/O developers conference in Mountain View, California. As expected, it unveiled the long-anticipated Pixel 3a smartphone duo. The other notable product launched at the event was the Nest Hub Max which is the companies second-generation smart display. Other than the aforementioned hardware and software announcement, the company showcased new features for Google Assistant which are nothing short of groundbreaking. 

    Offline Centric Update

    With the latest update, Google has primarily focussed on providing the existing features of the Assistant application without the need for an active internet connection. The company states that the new update completely changes how the data processing on the assistant is achieved. Previously, the inputs provided to the assistant was computed on the company’s data centres. But, following the update, all the data will be processed locally on the device itself. Noteworthy, Google has managed to shrink 100 GB of speech recognition and language understanding data to a bite-size 0.5 GB. Therefore, it can be locally stored on a smartphone or tablet, resulting in a reduction of latency to a greater extent. 

    The company claims that the updated Assistant can process requests up to 10 times faster. Furthermore, users can even multitask across different applications with the help of the voice assistant. The requirement for saying ‘Hey Google’ prefix before every command has also been eliminated. Consequently, users can have a human-like conversation with a virtual assistant. However, the next generation Assistant which rolls out later this year will only be limited to Pixel phones for an uncertain period. 

    Duplex Makes Its Way To The Web

    Last year Google introduced Duplex technology, which is intended towards simplifying tasks that are usually performed manually. Originally, it could make phone calls on behalf of the user which in itself is a praiseworthy feature. After the update, it will also be able to handle certain processes which are a common affair like buying movie tickets online or booking a taxi. Duplex is able to achieve the said tasks by auto-filling the details of the users which greatly reduce the effort and time that it normally requires. The updated abilities will make their way to the app later this year in the US and UK for Android devices.

    Assistant Becomes More Up CloseGoogle Assistant User Preferances

    As the title suggests, Google assistant, after the update will be able to provide answers or execute tasks based on the personal references of an individual. For example, if the assistant has been informed about a particular contact, the assistant can answer questions about events like birthday or other relevant events based on the provided information. Another reference could be asking whether details of a friend’s place. Given, the assistant is aware of their location.  

    Furthermore, the assistant can also recommend suggestions based on past choices and decisions. The newly launched ‘Nest Smart Hub’ with the help of updated assistant will provide personalized suggestions starting with recipes, events and podcasts. For example, If a user asks for dinner recommendations, the assistant would answer based on past choices. Therefore, would suggest food dishes from a particular cuisine if the user had previously ordered a particular dish. 

    Driving Mode Built Into The Assistant

    Even though driving mode has been available on Android devices for quite some time, its adaption has been rather limited. With the updated Google assistant, the company intends to change that. The driving mode built into the assistant can be easily toggled with the help of voice command “Hey Google, let’s drive”. The mode when turned on displays the on-screen content in a particular manner which custom tailored to the user.  

    Impressively, if a contact calls while driving, the assistant will speak aloud their details based on which the user can accept or decline the incoming call with a voice command. In addition, other tasks like messaging or asking for navigation can all be achieved with voice command, hands-free.

    Also Read: Google Announces New Features That Will Accompany Android Q

    Furthermore, the updated Google assistant can turn on the air conditioner in the user’s car before they reach, implied the vehicle supports the functionality. Last but not least, an ongoing alarm can be turned off via the ‘stop’ voice command. 

  • Motorola One Vision Leaks Exhibit A Punch Hole Selfie Camera

    Motorola One Vision Leaks Exhibit A Punch Hole Selfie Camera

    Lenovo owned technology company, Motorola is gearing up for the launch of the One Vision smartphone. Previous leaks and rumours have already divulged a major chunk of information regarding the device. The device is a part of the Android One program, which means that it is guaranteed to receive software updates for at least two years. Fresh leaks regarding the Moto One Vision suggest that it will be launched in two colours, and will sport a punch hole selfie camera. 

    Motorola One Vision: Specifications & Features

       As per reports, the Moto One Vision will feature a 6.2 inch FHD+ display with 21:9 aspect ratio. The smartphone has a glass sandwich design, and the glossy back panel of the device features a fingerprint scanner for biometric security, which is housed in the Motorola Logo. The design is different from Motorola’s conventional method, since this will be the first Motorola handset to feature a punch hole cutout. 

    Unlike other Motorola smartphones, the Moto One Vision will run on the 11nm Exynos 9610 SoC, which is manufactured by Samsung. The chipset comprises of an octa-core Cortex CPU (up to 2.3 GHz clock speed) and the Mali G72-MP3 GPU. It will be available in two storage variants: a 3GB RAM version and a 4GB one, which will be paired with either 32, 64 or 128GB of  internal storage. 

    In terms of optics, the Moto One Vision has a f/1.7 aperture equipped 48MP primary sensor, which will feature quad pixel technology and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), and a secondary 5MP depth sensor. For selfies, a 12MP camera will be housed in the aforementioned punch hole cutout. As per reports, the Moto One Vision will pack a 3500 mAh battery with 18W fast charging support. The bottom of the smartphone will accommodate the speaker grille and the USB Type-C port. The renders of the smartphone, however, do not exhibit the presence of the 3.5mm headphone jack on the device. 

    Expected Availability

    Also Read: Google Announces New Features That Will Accompany Android Q

    The Motorola One Vision is expected to be unveiled on May 15 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Noteworthy, the same device is speculated to be marketed as the Motorola P40 in China. It will be available in two colours as per reports, which are expected to be Gradient Blue and Gradient Brown. 

  • Android Distribution Numbers Announced, Oreo The Most Used Version

    Android Distribution Numbers Announced, Oreo The Most Used Version

    Google released the Android operating system for mobile devices back in the year 2008. The latest version of the OS is Android 9 Pie, which is its ninth major release. Before the launch of its successor, dubbed Android 10 Q in the following months, Google has released the Android Distribution list on the software’s official website. The list showcases the statistic of how many devices are running a particular version, and if a new version has been successful or not. The company refreshes the list every six months and this time it revealed Android version 8, named Oreo, is most popular worldwide.

    The Result

    Android Distribution List: Oreo On Top

    As mentioned above, Google refreshes the Android Distribution list every six months; with it being updated previously in the month of November last year. The company claims it collected the data over a 7 day period ending May 7, 2019. It also notes the versions with less than 0.1 percent usage were not included in the list. The list reveals the Android versions 8.0 and 8.1, both referred to as the name Oreo, with a combined percentage of 28.3 %, are the most used OS by the company worldwide. It was originally released back in the year 2017. Noteworthy, in the last list that was released by Google, the version 7.0/7.1, named Nougat was the most used at the time.

    Android Distribution Chart

    Also read: EA Announces Apex Legends Will Be Released For Smartphones Later This Year

    The Android Distribution list is followed by version 7 Nougat, released in the year 2016 in the second place with a combined share of 18.4 %. In the third place is the Android 6 Marshmallow released in the year 2015 with a cut of 16.9 %. After version 5 Lollipop with a share of 14.5% in the fifth place, the latest Android 9 Pie makes an appearance with a percentage of 10.4%. The latest statistics from Google showcase the Android Fragmentation problem that has plagued the platform since the beginning. The terms refer to the disparity in the software’s versions running on devices currently in use. The company is expected to release the latest version of the mobile operating system later this year.

  • Google Announces New Features That Will Accompany Android Q

    Google Announces New Features That Will Accompany Android Q

    May 7 was the first day of the much-awaited Google I/O event, and Google introduced a variety of new features and devices, such as the Google Pixel 3a series , the Nest Hub Max Smart Display and the Live Caption feature, which is a part of Android Q. Talking about the aforementioned OS, Google plans to release the full version of Android Q by this fall (somewhere between September and November). However, the latest beta version of the 10th iteration of Android is available on multiple Google devices as of now. The American technology company introduced a host of new features that will accompany Android Q.

    Dark Theme

    The dark theme is being adopted by an increasing number of operating systems and applications across various devices. As announced at the event, the dark mode will be activated by simply pulling down the notification bar and choosing the “Dark Theme” option from the Quick Settings menu. The mode can also be activated by turning the battery saver on.

    Google stated that the dark theme will especially help in conserving battery on those devices which feature OLED displays, since only selected pixels on the screen are lit up during the operation of such panels. Further Google adds that all its first party apps will be dark theme compatible. This implies that Google Clock, Google Calendar and Google Photos will be able to take advantage of system-wide dark theme to preserve battery.

    Support For Foldable Devices

    As Google states, multiple OEMs will release foldable smartphones this year, and all of them will run on the latest Android OS. In a demo showcased by the company, the user was seamlessly able to switch from the game running on one screen to the foldable screen by simply unfolding the device. Supporting application continuity over the UI can help app developers work with APIs in a different way, Google says. 

    Gesture Navigation 

    Google is finally shifting away from the navigation bar and adopting a single white bar at the bottom of the screen. Users can swipe up to go to the home screen. To go into multitasking mode, users can swipe up and drag across the screen. If you swipe across the bar quickly, users can directly switch between adjacently running applications. Directly swiping up from the home screen can direct users towards the application drawer. Google further stated that animations across Android Q will be drastically improved in future updates. 

    Security Upgrades

    Google Android Q SecurityGoogle plans to integrate new security features into Android Q. The company will add a new “Privacy Section” under Settings, where users can adjust multiple security settings regarding their smartphones. The company states that users can now choose to share their location data with specific applications as per their requirements. Google will also add a feature to use the Android Q enabled device as a security key for logging into third party applications. The update system overhaul will ensure that users receive all the security patches and updates in the background, which will be installed without having to reboot the smartphone.

    Live Captions

    https://youtu.be/YL-8Xfx6S5o

    Also Read: Samsung Still Cannot Provide A Release Date For The Galaxy Fold

    Live Caption is another interesting feature that was brought to light. When the said feature is enabled, users will be able to see transcribed captions for the respective audio/video on the screen in real time. The feature is not just limited to Google application, instead, multiple media apps like YouTube and Instagram can make use of this feature. Furthermore, the feature also works with live video calling apps like Google Duo and Skype. Noteworthy, an internet connection is not required for Live Captions to function. 

    As mentioned before, Android Q will make its way to supported devices  somewhere between the months of September and November. Note that the beta version 3 of the same is already rolling out to 21 devices from 13 smartphone brands, including the Realme 3 Pro and Nokia 8.1.  

  • EA Announces Apex Legends Will Be Released For Smartphones Later This Year

    EA Announces Apex Legends Will Be Released For Smartphones Later This Year

    Renowned video game company EA surprised the world by launching Apex Legends; a battle royale game developed by Respawn Entertainment in the month of February. The game was originally launched for Personal Computers (PCs) and major gaming consoles including the Xbox One and PlayStation 4/4 Pro. The game primarily competes with PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) and Fortnite which are two very popular titles in the battle royale genre. While both the aforementioned games have been available on Android and iOS OS since last year, it was expected EA will also make Apex Legends available on the said platforms soon. Now, in the quarterly earnings announcement from the company, it has been revealed the game will soon be launched for mobile platforms as well.

    Apex Legends Mobile

    In the quarterly earnings report for EA, the publisher announced it is looking forward to bringing the Respawn developed game, Apex Legends to mobile platforms to countries like South Korea and China. While the specific details about which mobile platforms will be supported have not been revealed, it is reported the title will be available across the two most popular mobile operating systems, Android and iOS. Noteworthy, both the aforementioned OS run on more than 90 percent of the smartphones and tablets globally. Reports also state the upcoming mobile version will essentially be the same as the version already available on PC and gaming consoles. However, the non-mobile versions are graphically intensive which may be toned down to reduce the size of the game for portable devices.

    Also read: Google Launches The Nest Hub Max Smart Display

    Apex Legends since its launch on the 4th of February earlier this year has seen unprecedented success. The game acquired more than 25 million players within a span of one week of release, which set a new record. Apex Legends is based on the Titanfall universe, which is a popular game series by Respawn Entertainment. Unfortunately, neither EA or Respawn have provided a launch date for the upcoming Apex Legends Mobile, but it is believed the company will launch it soon, to keep the early momentum of the title’s success going. 

  • Google Launches The Nest Hub Max Smart Display

    Google Launches The Nest Hub Max Smart Display

    At the Google I/O 2019 developers conference, the company showcased a variety of new services(1) and the long-anticipated Pixel 3a smartphone duo. Additionally, it launched the Nest Hub Max smart display which succeeds the Home Hub launched last year. The company has announced the products under the home category that will be branded in the Nest lineup starting with the new Nest Hub Max.

    Nest Hub Max

    The new Google Nest Hub Max is a smart display with a built-in speaker and Google Assistant. Unlike the previously launch Home Hub, the device features a front facing camera which can be used to make video calls via the company owned Duo video calling service. The camera uses a wide-angle Sony IMX277 sensor which combined with software algorithms can track and keep faces in the centre of the frame during video calls. Notably, this is the same sensor present on the GoPro Hero 7 Black action camera. The key highlight of the product is the 10 inch LCD display with an HD resolution; which is significantly larger than the 7-inch one found in its predecessor.

    Google Nest Hub Max Smart Display

    The Nest Hub Max also supports gesture recognition which can be used to play/pause the music or video without the need of speaking out a command. It also has a switch on the back which can be toggled to disable both the camera and the dual microphones on the device. The company has implemented the feature to address the ever-increasing security concerns of installing a microphone and a camera in a household gadget. Additionally, the Nest Hub can play videos via YouTube and is capable of recognizing individuals in a family. The device can then give out individually specific briefing relevant to the person interacting with it.

    Pricing and Availability

    Google Nest Hub Max

    Also read: Google Launches The Pixel 3a & Pixel 3a XL Smartphones

    The Nest Hub Max will be available for purchase in the US, UK and Australia later this summer. It has been priced at US$ 229 (Rs. 15,900) and can be purchased from the official Google Store. Furthermore, the company is also launching the last generation Home Hub in 12 new countries including India. The device has been discounted to US$ 129 (Rs. 9,000), down from its original price of US$ 149 (Rs. 10,400).

  • Google Introduces Live Caption Feature To Audios And Videos On Android Q

    Google Introduces Live Caption Feature To Audios And Videos On Android Q

    Google’s I/O 2019 isn’t all about the new Pixel devices. The American Multinational Company added a new feature to Android Q, which is called Live Caption. When the said feature is enabled, users will be able to see transcribed captions for the respective audio/video on the screen in real time. The feature is not just limited to Google application, instead, multiple media apps like YouTube and Instagram can make use of this feature. Furthermore, the feature also works with live video calling apps like Google Duo and Skype.  As per Google, around 500 million people around the world are either deaf or have some forms of hearing problems. Such a feature may help in making content more accessible and easily available to hearing impaired people. Google CEO Sundar Pichai further stated that the company is constantly working on products that enable a multitude of people to access Google services along with others.

    An interesting feature of the same is the ability to work offline. As per the demo showcased at the event, Live Captions are powered via on-device machine learning. As per Google, no data is sent regarding the user’s activity while he/she is using the feature. The text transcription appears in a box that can be moved around the screen, just like any pop-up video player.

    Also Read: Google Launches The Pixel 3a & Pixel 3a XL Smartphones

    The demo also exhibited the ability of the feature to analyze the video/audio source even when the audio was muted. The feature can be used in a multitude of scenarios, for instance, in meetings. Users can access the Live Captions by pressing any volume rocker on the device. The feature has to be switched on via the accessibility settings in order to show up though. The Live Captions feature can prove to be useful to hearing-impaired people in the long run.

  • Google Launches The Pixel 3a & Pixel 3a XL Smartphones

    Google Launches The Pixel 3a & Pixel 3a XL Smartphones

    After much leaks and speculations, American technology giant Google has launched the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL smartphones. Both devices are the watered down variants of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL flagship smartphones respectively which were launched last year. The handsets feature a modern design with competitive specifications at a lucrative price.

    Specifications:

    Google Pixel 3a XL

    The Pixel 3a and 3a XL are the first mid range smartphones from Google. In terms of design, both smartphones are reminiscent of their elder siblings but instead feature a polycarbonate construction instead of metal and glass found in the more premium Pixel 3/3XL. While the Pixel 3a has a 5.6 inch OLED display with a resolution of 2220 x 1080 px, the larger variant has a bigger 6.0 inch OLED display with a 2160 x 1080 px resolution. The smartphones have a considerable bezel on the top and bottom of the display. For biometric security and swiftly unlocking the smartphones, there is a rear mounted fingerprint scanner on both handsets.

    Google Pixel 3a XL Camera

    Under the hood, the Google Pixel 3a series is kitted with the 10nm Snapdragon 670 SoC which is comprised of an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 615 GPU. In terms of optics, the devices feature a single rear camera which is an f/1.8 aperture equipped 12 MP sensor and is the same one found in their elder siblings. For selfies, an f/2.0 aperture equipped 8 MP front camera is present on top of the display. Like the Pixel 3/3XL, both the smartphones have innovative software features on the camera including Night Sight, Super Res Zoom and Optical Image Stablisation (OIS). For memory and storage, both devices will be available with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage.

    Google Pixel 3a XL Colours

    In terms of battery capacity, the Google Pixel 3a is powered by a 3000 mAh cell while the larger variant is fueled by a 3700 mAh battery. Both devices support 18W fast wired charging with the bottom mounted USB Type-C port. Surprisingly, the handsets mark the comeback of the 3.5mm headphone jack, which was removed starting the Pixel 2 lineup back in the year 2017. The handsets will be available in three colours, Just Black, Clearly White and Purple-ish.

    Pricing & Availability

    Google Pixel 3a XL Front

    Also read: Nokia 4.2 Review: The Best Budget Smartphone?

    The Google Pixel 3a series has been launched in a total of fifteen countries globally where it will be available starting May 8th (IST). The smartphone will be available in India starting the 15th of May exclusively on Flipkart. The price of the Pixel 3a is US$ 399 (Rs. 27,700) while the Pixel 3a XL will cost US$ 479 (Rs. 33,300).

  • Nokia 4.2 Review: The Best Budget Smartphone?

    Nokia 4.2 Review: The Best Budget Smartphone?

    HMD Global has launched the Nokia 4.2, its latest budget smartphone in the Indian market on the 7th of May. At a price of Rs. 10,990, it goes head to head against the proven champion of the segment, the Redmi Note 7. With a legendary name behind it and a clean build of Android, is it the budget smartphone to buy in 2019?

    We find out in our Nokia 4.2 Review

    What’s In The Box?

    • Nokia 4.2
    • Power Adapter
    • MicroUSB Cable
    • Earphones
    • SIM Card Ejector
    • Quick Start Guide
    • Warranty Card

    Build Quality & Design

    As far as the build quality and design is concerned, Nokia has not strayed far in taking inspiration for the Nokia 4.2. It features glass on both sides with a polycarbonate frame for reinforcement. The design makes it look a lot like the Nokia 6.1 Plus which was launched last year. The front of the smartphone is dominated by a 5.7-inch display with a waterdrop notch on top of it.

    The right side of the Nokia 4.2 houses the volume rockers and the power button. Interestingly, the power button also features the notification LED, which as the name suggests lights up whenever the device receives a new notification. Unconventionally, the left side of the smartphone has a dedicated Google Assistant button which can be used to summon the voice assistant. This side houses the Hybrid SIM card tray which can either accept two nano SIM cards or one SIM card and a memory card up to 400 GB. While the top of the handset accommodates the secondary noise cancellation microphone and the 3.5mm headphone jack, the bottom has the microphone, micro USB port and the speaker grille lined up together.

    We reviewed the Black coloured variant of the Nokia 4.2 which looks subtle and premium. The back of the smartphone houses the vertical dual camera setup with the flash. The fingerprint scanner and the Nokia logo is also present on the rear of the device. Overall, the Nokia 4.2 features a solid build quality known to the company’s devices and the smartphone feels robust in the hand. The small and compact form factor of the smartphone ensures it is easy to use with one hand. However, we recommend using a case as it can easily slip out of your palm owing to the glass back. Also, the case will prevent the fingerprints which the device easily attracts. 

    Display

    The Nokia 4.2 has a 5.7-inch display with a resolution of 1520 x 720 px. The sides of the device have thin bezels while there is a significant chin at the bottom. To maximise the screen real estate, the company has implemented a waterdrop style notch on the smartphone, which is becoming increasingly common in the segment.

    In terms of quality, the TFT display of the Nokia 4.2 offers good colour reproduction and average contrast levels. Being a TFT display, you will not get deep blacks or saturation like seen in the Galaxy A20 which incorporates an AMOLED panel. However, the display should be fine for daily use and media consumption, even though we would have preferred a panel with higher brightness levels that facilitate outdoor usage. Given the smartphone competes with the likes of the Redmi Note 7 which has a FullHD display, the display is not the strong suit of the Nokia 4.2.

    Hardware & Performance

    The Nokia 4.2 features the Snapdragon 439 SoC coupled with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of Internal Storage. In terms of day to day usage, the smartphone performed well and we faced zero lags while switching between applications with several apps running in the background. The humble amount of RAM is enough for keeping light applications in memory.

    While the general performance was fine, gaming on the Nokia 4.2 is another territory altogether. While playing PUBG Mobile, the game chose low settings by default and medium frame rates when opened for the first time. The gameplay was average, with minor frame drops and stutters. The next game we tried was Asphalt 9 Legends racing game, which selected the lowest graphics setting by default. Its gameplay was smooth, with playable frame rates and zero stutters. Overall, the performance on the Nokia 4.2 is below average, but gaming on the smartphone is an underwhelming experience.

    Using benchmarking applications like Antutu and Geekbench on the Nokia 4.2 does not tell a different story either. While testing the Antutu benchmark, we got a score of 80,061 which is significantly lower than the competition including the Galaxy A20 or the Redmi Note 7. In Geekbench, the device registered a single core score of 898 points and a multi-core score of 3322 points. As is evident from the numbers, the handset should be fine for day to day usage but is not made for performance enthusiasts.

    Software, UI & Multimedia

    The Nokia 4.2 runs a stock build of Android 9 Pie with Android One Certification. This essentially implies the smartphone will get guaranteed updates to major Android versions for at least two years and security updates for three years. As this is a stock build of the OS, there is no bloatware or customisation from Nokia, which is appreciated. 

    The Nokia 4.2 supports the basic Android navigation gestures which are bundled with Android 9 Pie. These let users go back with the dedicated back button on the left, a single tap on the centre pill takes you home and a swipe up on it brings out the multitasking menu. Dragging the pill to the right lets users scroll across various applications open in the background.

    In terms of sound quality, the Nokia 4.2 has a single bottom firing speaker which has decent sound output. One downside of the setup is how easy it is to block the speaker grille while holding the device in landscape mode. Audio output via the Bluetooth is above average which provides for a good listening experience.

    Camera

    While the Nokia 4.2 ships without any customisations out of the box, the company has bundled its homegrown camera app. The application is similar to ones found in other Nokia devices. All the major controls are laid out thoughtfully which provide for easy with one hand. There is also a Pro mode, which can be accessed by swiping up on the shutter button. This mode lets users select image properties like shutter speed and ISO manually.

    The Nokia 4.2 has a dual rear camera setup consisting of an f/2.2 aperture equipped 13MP sensor paired with an f/2.2 aperture equipped 2MP depth sensor. Images captured in daylight from the smartphone are above average, with decent contrast and natural colours. One gripe we have about the camera is that it can be a little slow to process the images. Images captured in low light are below average, with softer colours and a visible loss of detail.

    Like most modern smartphones, there is a Bokeh mode which is dicey on the Nokia 4.2. While the subject separation is good and the device does a decent job of recognising depth, the colours in the result look very artificial. This effect is most prevalent in the day and with good lighting. 

    For selfies, the Nokia 4.2 has an f/2.0 aperture equipped 8MP sensor housed in the notch on top of the display. Images from the front camera are generally great, with accurate colours and good detail. There is a live bokeh mode which also works well. The results are far from what the best can churn out but are worthy enough to be shared on social media.

    Battery and Connectivity

    The Nokia 4.2 is powered by a 3000mAh battery which can be charged using the bottom mounted micro USB port. Frankly, we would’ve prefered a USB Type C port and faster charging than the provided 5 W charger can offer. The battery life of the device is also average, with us getting a screen on time of about four to five hours on medium usage. The low-resolution screen, combined with stock Android provides the smartphone with acceptable battery life.

    In terms of connectivity, the Nokia 4.2 has WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 and also supports 4G VoLTE. The smartphone faced no problems in latching on to Wi-Fi networks and performed as expected. Call quality on the device was excellent, with the earpiece producing loud, crisp audio. The handset was able to perform equivalent to its rivals when it is about network and connectivity. Notably, the SAR value of the Nokia 4.2 is 0.79 W/Kg which is well in the safe limit set according to the Indian standards.

    Other Features

    The Nokia 4.2 has a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and supports the ever popular face unlock technology. In our usage, we found the fingerprint scanner to be a little slow in unlocking the smartphone. As the biometric sensor is placed on the rear, it is inaccessible when placed on a flat surface. For those occasions, the face unlock is a handy feature. Interestingly, there are two ways to set up facial recognition on the Nokia 4.2. The first one takes a while to unlock the smartphone but is a lot safer. The second option, which can be turned on in settings, unlocks the handset much faster but the security aspect of it takes a backseat.

    The dedicated Google Assistant button is one of the key highlights of the Nokia 4.2. Like mentioned above, the button can be pressed to summon the digital voice assistant. With the smartphone, three individual functions have been mapped to the button. Pressing it once will bring up the Google Assistant which can be used to input commands. Clicking the button twice brings up the Assistant dashboard to glance through updates, while a long press on the button turns on the microphone until the key is pressed. This function works like a walkie talkie and is a good addition for quick or longer commands.

    Verdict

    The Nokia 4.2 is a smartphone in a completely new lineup for the company. While it offers a solid build, premium design, stock Android with Android One and the Google Assistant button, its performance and cameras leave a lot to be desired. In a segment where versatile cameras like in the Galaxy A20 and great performance like seen in the Redmi Note 7 is a thing; the Nokia 4.2 doesn’t have a lot of features to justify its asking price. 

    Nevertheless, if you want a smartphone from a brand offering a good after-sales service and software experience, the Nokia 4.2 might just work out for you. However, the Redmi Note 7 has proven itself as a complete package and is an excellent value for money device. We found the Nokia 4.2 to be an underwhelming offering from the company; and recommend you also check out smartphones like Samsung’s Galaxy M20, the Galaxy A20, the Redmi Note 7 or the company’s own Nokia 5.1 Plus if you’re looking for a great budget device.

    Check out the Galaxy A20 on Flipkart

    Check out the Redmi Note 7 On Flipkart

  • The Nervous System Can Be Regenerated With The Help Of Skin-Related Stem Cells

    The Nervous System Can Be Regenerated With The Help Of Skin-Related Stem Cells

    In a world where Neurogenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide, there is no significant cure that that can effectively help battle such diseases. In India alone, Multiple Sclerosis affects almost 1 million people yearly. As per latest news, Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) have discovered a skin-related stem cell that can be used in the regeneration of myelin sheaths, which is an integral part of the human nervous system. 

    Research performed on mice yielded positive results. Restoration of myelin sheaths in mice led them to believe that stem cells could be a much simpler alternative to using embryonic stem cells. Since the human skin stem cells can be isolated, expanded and used therapeutically, they can possibly improve the chances of functional recovery in case of any injury to the neurons in the nervous system. Dr Thomas J. Hornyak, the lead investigator in the research plans to expand research into the aforementioned area using collected data. 

    Isolation And Growth Of Melanocyte Stem Cells

    Dr Hornyak and his team of researchers implemented a mouse model to identify a specific version of the melanocyte stem cell. As the name suggests, the cells produce melanin (the pigment that determines the colour of skin and hair) and are present in the hair follicles and skin. These cells have a very unique ability – they can divide limitlessly. In fact, this ability is so unique that it is not present in any other cell in the human body. These stem cells can further develop different types of cells, which depends entirely upon the type of signal provided to them. 

    Also Read: Playing Pokémon May Have Hardwired Your Brain As A Kid

    Dr Hornyak’s Team grew melanocyte stem cells with mice-isolated neurons that could not make myelin. These stem cells acted like glial cells (insulating cells), and eventually formed a myelin sheath around the healthy nerve cells/neurons. Researchers further state that this study holds a lot of potential for those who have very serious neurogenerative diseases. With the development of such a technique, scientists can develop cures for many more nervous disorders which involve the degradation of neurons in the nervous system. 

  • Samsung Still Cannot Provide A Release Date For The Galaxy Fold

    Samsung Still Cannot Provide A Release Date For The Galaxy Fold

    Samsung unveiled the company’s first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold at the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 20, 2019. The device features two screens and is the first phone in the world to manage such a feat. The global rollout of the Galaxy Fold was scheduled on April 26 2019, but shortly before the same, some reviewers started experiencing issues with the hinge of the smartphone, which became a cause of worry for those who had pre-ordered the device. While users are were still eager for the news of any further developments from the company, Samsung has sent out emails to select customers who pre-ordered the Galaxy Fold. 

    The aforementioned emails affirm that a new Galaxy Fold release date cannot be provided by the company immediately. Instead, the customers who pre-ordered a unit of the smartphone will get their complete payments refunded. As per reports, the South Korean technology giant states that it’s experiencing success in the process of enhancing the design of the foldable smartphone. Samsung further added that it wants the updated Galaxy Fold to meet the high standards that customers expect from it. 

    Also Read: Twitter’s New Feature Lets Users Retweet With GIFs And Images

    Noteworthy, Samsung says that it will have more specific shipping information to share in upcoming days, which is quite vague. Nonetheless, the company says that it is making solid progress with the Galaxy Fold’s schematics, which may be worth it for the customers who are eagerly waiting for the new date of availability. As per reports, the company will update their customers regarding the developments by May 31 2019. The customers who are interested to retain their spot even after the date mentioned above can notify Samsung regarding their decision to do so. Moreover, the customers can cancel their pre-orders anytime, but note that they won’t be able to get back on the list once they withdraw from the same. 

  • Twitter’s New Feature Lets Users Retweet With GIFs And Images

    Twitter’s New Feature Lets Users Retweet With GIFs And Images

    Micro-blogging website Twitter is known for introducing features that caters to the need of their users. The latest update from the company brings the ability to Retweet posts with a twist. Over 326 million Twitter users can now add images, GIFs and videos to their retweets. This feature has already been rolled out to both Android and iOS users, and is available on the mobile website as well. 

    As per Twitter support, users can express themselves better with the help of GIFs and images, which would enhance their reactions to a specific tweet. To do the same, users need to click on the “retweet with comment” option and then choose the respective image or GIF to go along with the tweet. Even though this is a small addition to the micro-blogging app, Twitter stated that the service was quite cumbersome to incorporate in the mobile application, since a lot of GIFs and images can make the Twitter timeline look cluttered. 

    https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1125477601219416065

    Also Read: Playing Pokémon May Have Hardwired Your Brain As A Kid

    Twitter spokesperson reported that the layout of the new retweet design resembles that of a stack. For the ease of users, the original tweet will be included in a smaller rectangular box alongside the user’s avatar, and all of it will be topped off by the GIF/image. Some creators are already making use of the new retweet functionality, which may not look the same on desktop websites, but will work just fine on the mobile application for both Android and iOS platforms. 

  • Nokia 4.2 Budget Smartphone Launched In India

    Nokia 4.2 Budget Smartphone Launched In India

    Nokia, at an event in New Delhi on the 7th of May, has launched the Nokia 4.2. It is the latest smartphone in the company’s budget lineup and was first announced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2019 in Barcelona Spain back in the month of February. The Nokia 4.2 features a modern design, with competitive specifications at a lucrative price.

    Nokia 4.2

    Nokia 4.2 is a budget offering by Nokia which features in a completely new lineup. The smartphone features an all-glass design on the front and back with a polycarbonate frame for reinforcement. It has a 5.71 inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 1520 x 720 px. The display has a pixel density of 270ppi and features a waterdrop notch on top to maximise the screen real estate. For biometric security and rapidly unlocking the handset, there is a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner with support for face unlock technology.

    Under the hood, the Nokia 4.2 runs on a Snapdragon 439 SoC which is manufactured using the 12nm fabrication process. It has an Octa-core CPU and Adreno 505 GPU. In terms of optics, the handset has a dual rear camera setup. This consists of an f/2.2 aperture equipped 13MP f/2.2 sensor paired with an f/2.2 aperture equipped 2MP f/2.2 depth sensor. For selfies, the device has an f/2.0 aperture equipped 8MP sensor housed in the notch on top of the display. For memory and storage, it features 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. 

    Nokia 4.2 is powered by a 3000mAh battery which can be charged using the MicroUSB port on the bottom of the smartphone. The highlight of the device is the dedicated Google Assistant button which is present on the left side of the device. It can be used to summon Google Assistant, Android’s digital voice assistant. The handset runs on Android 9 Pie and is also Android One certified; which suggests that it will receive Android updates for two years and monthly security updates for three years.

    Pricing & Availability

    Also read: Microsoft Working On An Xbox Controller For Visually Impaired Gamers

    The Nokia 4.2 has been priced at Rs. 10,990 in India and will be available exclusively starting today from Nokia’s official website for a 7-day period. The smartphone will also be available at select retail outlets including Croma and Reliance starting 14th May across the country. The initial buyers of the Nokia 4.2 will get a one-time screen replacement for six months and a discount of Rs. 500 till the 10th of June. 

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