Tag: Listicle

Here Are The Top Smartphones Launching In September

The year 2019 has seen smartphone launches from almost every major manufacturer. But, a few months to the year still remain and some major releases are still left. As the month of August draws to an end, here are the top upcoming smartphones to look out for in the month of September.

Apple iPhone 11

The Apple iPhone 11 will be the twelveth major smartphone release in Apple’s product cycle and will be launched on the 10th of September. According to all the reports and leaks so far, at least three devices will be released which will be the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 11 Max. They will be the successors to the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max from last year. The upcoming smartphones are expected to retain the design language of their predecessors, with significant changes in the camera setup.

While the iPhone 11 will arrive with a dual-camera setup, the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 11 Pro Max will feature a triple camera layout. Apple is expected to debut some new cinematic shooting modes in its upcoming smartphones. Alongside the cameras, the iPhone 11 lineup will also run on the new Apple A13 chipset and will feature reverse wireless charging alongside a larger capacity battery. More details about the devices are expected to be revealed soon.

Nokia 9.1/7.2/6.2

HMD Global is expected to launch a slew of mobile devices at IFA next week. These will include the Nokia 6.2, Nokia 7.2 and the alleged Nokia 9.1 PureView. While the former two are expected to be a budget offering from the company, the latter will be a flagship device. Past leaks have revealed that the Nokia 6.2 will run on the Snapdragon 660 SoC, the 7.2 will feature the Snapdragon 710 chipset and the 9.1 PureView will have the Snapdragon 855 Plus inside.

Like other Nokia branded handsets, all three of the upcoming smartphones are expected to have the Android One branding. This means that they are guaranteed to receive major software updates for two years and security updates for three years. Pricing and availability details are expected to be provided at the time of launch

Samsung Galaxy Fold

First announced back in February this year, the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Fold has been delayed multiple times in the past. Due to some serious durability issues, the company kept pushing back the actual launch date of its first foldable handset. However, it announced a few weeks ago that the upcoming smartphone is almost ready for primetime. If leaks are to be believed, the Galaxy Fold may see the light of the day on the 6th of September.

To recall, the Samsung Galaxy Fold features an innovative folding mechanism which folds inwards. There is a 4.6-inch display on the outside and a 7.2-inch display inside. The smartphone runs on the Snapdragon 855 SoC combined with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Pricing for the handset remains the same, that is US$ 1980 (INR 1,42,000).

Huawei Mate 30 Series

Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei is also expected to hold a major launch event in September. It will be to announce the company’s upcoming smartphones, the Mate 30 and the Mate 30 Pro. Successors to the Mate 20 series launched last year, they will be a flagship offering by the company. Past leaks have revealed a similar design to their predecessors; with a new quad-camera layout on the back alongside a Xenon flash.

Both the Mate 30 and the Mate 30 Pro are expected to be kitted with the Kirin 985 SoC coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Like the Mate 20 Pro, the Mate 30 Pro may also feature the super-secure facial recognition technology; alongside an in-display fingerprint scanner. According to certain reports, they will be announced on the 19th of September. More details are expected to be unveiled in the following weeks.

OnePlus 7T/7T Pro

OnePlus broke its traditional cycle of launching one device at a time; with the launch of the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro earlier this year. The devices may already be getting their successors in the form of the OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro on the 26th September. According to previous leaks and reports, the upcoming smartphones will feature a similar design to their predecessors. The real upgrade will be in terms of specifications. Both handsets will run on the latest Snapdragon 855 Plus SoC.

Also read: What Is Pixel Binning In Smartphone Cameras? Here Is What You Should Know

The OnePlus 7T is also expected to get a camera upgrade, with the company adding a triple camera setup on the device. It may also feature a new display like the OnePlus 7 Pro. Unfortunately, pricing and other details of the smartphones are still a mystery. However, they are expected to be revealed as we move closer to the launch date.

August 31, 2019
Top Tech Best Budget Tech Gadgets and Accessories: August 2019

Another month, another Top Tech. It is the month of August and this time we will check out the best gadgets and accessories you can buy. These range from travel accessories to nifty gadgets that can be used in daily life. Check out the video and the detailed list of products for this month below.

Tantra Bluetooth Receiver

The first item on our top tech list is the Bluetooth Reciever from Tantra. As the name suggests, it is capable of making a non-Bluetooth capable device like a car stereo or a speaker, Bluetooth enabled. It plugs on to your existing device’s AUX port and is rechargeable. It may be just the right product for people looking to make their old audio devices Bluetooth enabled.

G20 Laptop Table

The laptop table from Gizga is an interesting piece of hardware. It is an adjustable laptop table which has wheels which make it easy to move around. With an adjustable height, Users can easily adjust it according to their comfort. It offers solid construction and good looking design, which is difficult to find in the price range.

Transparent USB 3.0 Hub

Aside from looking really cool, the transparent USB 3.0 hub is truly a top tech gadget. It has four USB 3.0 ports which can be used to extend your PC or laptop’s capability of supporting more devices. While it does not require any power source to work, a port is conveniently provided if and when needed.

Aluminium Laptop Dock

The laptop dock by Tarkan is the next top tech item in our list. It is built really well and can hold your laptop or tablet for easy docking. There are adjustable screws on the bottom which can be used to fit a device that is too thin or too thick. When not using it to hold your laptop, it can also function as a nifty book holder, fitting two thick books easily.

Bluetooth 5.0 Headphones

Bluetooth Headphones are all the rage these days and for good reason. With many smartphone manufacturers removing the 3.5mm headphone jack, the need for wireless audio is on the rise. The Torrent headphones on our top tech list are the most affordable to support Bluetooth 5.0. This gives them a more stable connection and wider range over older standards of Bluetooth. Aside from being future proof, the sound quality of the headphones is really good for the price, with deep bass and average highs.

Folio Laptop Sleeve

The Folio laptop sleeve by Tizum is the next item on our latest top tech list. As the name suggests, it is a laptop sleeve meant to protect your device from being scratched while travelling. It features a dual-tone design and looks fairly premium. The sleeve has soft-touch material on the inside to make sure your laptop stays protected while it is in there.

Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard

The foldable Bluetooth keyboard by Saco looks like something from a Sci-Fi movie. It features a triple folding designed which can be opened to reveal a full-sized Bluetooth keyboard with a trackpad. The foldable aspect of the device makes it very portable and frankly, a very cool gadget to travel with. Additionally, having a trackpad which supports multi-touch input and gestures makes it easier and more intuitive to work with. With a plethora of features and the cool foldable aspect, it is truly a top tech item.

NeverWet Water Repellent Spray

Its monsoon season and while there are many things to love about it, there is one major thing to hate too. If you like wearing fabric shoes, chances are you may be extra precautious in rains. The NeverWet spray by Rustoleum may be just the right product in our top tech list for you. We tried spraying it on fabric shoes and after it dried off, water just jumped right off the surface of the shoe. The hydrophobic coating on top of the fabric is claimed to last for a while, making it the perfect companion for the rains.

Sandisk USB 3.0 Pen Drive

Next up on our top tech list is a USB 3.0 pen drive by Sandisk. Claiming speeds of up to 150 Mbps, we managed to achieve close to 130 MBps, which is great for a drive of this price. It is also built really well, featuring a metal construction and a nimble size. In fact, we loved the pen drive so much that we have managed to make one of them a Windows Bootable drive to easily install Windows off it.

Bonus Items:

Sandisk USB 3.1 Pen Drive

If the speeds of the aforementioned pen drive by Sandisk are not enough for you, we have a better top tech product in-store. The Sandisk Extreme Go is a USB 3.1 pen drive which claims a maximum speed of up to 200 MBps. We managed to achieve almost 170-180 MBps in our testing which is impressive. There are multiple storage capacities offered for the drive and it is quite a small package too, making it a perfect storage option.

Orico Hard Drive Case

Also read: Realme 5 Is The Worlds First Quad Camera Smartphone Under INR 10K

The Orico Hard Drive Case, as the name suggests is a sturdy and durable case for your hard drives. Featuring a durable plastic construction, it is offered in multiple colours. While our unit was designed mainly for 3.5-inch drives, we found that even 2.5-inch drives can also be placed inside without much hassle, and it will offer a similar amount of protection.

August 16, 2019
Top 5 Failed Mobile Phones That Have Left A Mark On Technology History

Ever since the first mobile phone was created in the year 1973 by Motorola, the industry has seen significant technological advancement; which has led us to where we are today, in a world of super advanced smartphones. But, in all the innovation, there were many failures. And some were so remarkable that they are still talked about today, as they have left a considerable mark on technology history. Here are the top 5 mobile phones that have failed badly in the market because of many reasons, but are still remembered for a major reason.

Nokia N-Gage

The Nokia N-Gage was released back in the year 2003, when the company was at the pinnacle of mobile technology. Phones from Nokia were everywhere and for good reason, but then it unveiled the N-Gage. Featuring a weird design, the mobile phone was marketed as a phone, a portable media device and a gaming console. Unfortunately, the N-Gage failed to deliver on either of the promises. The sub-brand was subsequently shut down in 2009, and the mobile phone has been since known as the Taco Phone, because of the shape. The Nokia N-Gage has been honoured by being included in the (in)famous Museum of Failures in Sweden.

BlackBerry Z10

BlackBerry, like Nokia, was also a force to be reckoned with in the early 2000s. The brand has been credited for making some of the most iconic mobile phones of its time; most of which were really popular among businessmen and corporate because of the enterprise level security and the amazing keyboard. However, after the rise of the popularity of iOS and Android, the BlackBerryOS started to feel outdated and was also void of essential applications.

The company then tried rebranding itself and launched the Z10 running BBOS 10. It was a touchscreen smartphone running an overhauled user interface. What was enticing, is that it also supported Android apps, but the jarring interface and the poor touch support made the Z10 a commercial flop.BlackBerry, in a bid to stay relevant, kept supporting the BBOS10 until the year 2015. The company then kept losing revenue and finally succumbed to using Android in smartphones starting the BlackBerry Priv in 2015. The licensing rights to the iconic brand now belong to TCL which still makes Android smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7

It wasn’t so much that the Galaxy Note 7 from Samsung was a commercial flop, the smartphone failed as a product. When the company announced the device in the year 2016, the audience was wowed by all the impressive hardware and software features. It was such a hit product, that Samsung managed to sell millions of devices within days of release, and that’s where the problems started.

A lot of users reported that their Galaxy Note 7 started heating up, catching fire and then eventually blowing to smithereens. Samsung tried controlling the situation by recalling all the smartphones and fixing them. But even after the fix was supposedly put into place, more reports of Galaxy Note 7’s blowing up kept surfacing online. This led to the company eventually killing the product altogether.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was so infamous that memes about it are still popular today. It is also banned from being carried in most flights. The company and the customers have since moved away from the frightening experience, but the Galaxy Note 7 still remains in the memory of people.

HTC ChaCha

Despite its condition today, Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC was a popular company in the first five years of this decade. In the year 2011, the company announced ChaCha and Salsa in a collaboration with Facebook. Aside from being horribly named, these smartphones featured a dedicated Facebook button. And while the latter was not anything spectacular, the ChaCha got all the hate because of the awkward design with a keyboard and again, the Facebook button.

The HTC ChaCha ran Android 4.0 Jellybean and as mentioned above, featured a keyboard. Because of the not so pleasing name (It literally means uncle in Hindi!) and the useless interface, the ChaCha was a commercial and critical flop.

Red Hydrogen One

Red, the company behind some of the best cinematic quality available today, tried its hands at making a smartphone in 2018. Called the Red Hydrogen One, the device boasts of a few impressive specifications, including a 4D Holographic display, a sturdy and different design and the ability to attach future camera accessories to the handset. However, due to the eye watering price tag starting at about US$ 1300 for the base variant, the smartphone did not sell well. Add to the fact that the display did not work as advertised and the processor used was also from 2017, the Snapdragon 835.

Also read: Top Android And iOS Competitors That Got Lost In The Wheel Of Time

The Red Hydrogen One is a classic example of a company trying to do something they have no experience in, and failing badly. While it is all but confirmed that Red will not release a “Hydrogen Two” in the market, but the company is still expected to give the mobile phone business idea another try, hopefully in a different form.

July 13, 2019
5 Features That We Want In The iPhone 11
As we draw closer to the launch date of the iPhone 11 (iPhone XI), Apple fans are expecting a host of new features in the upcoming smartphone. The next generation iPhone is expected to be launched in the month of September 2019, alongside a new iteration of the Apple Watch. Triple rear camera set up in the device has already been revealed, thanks to countless leaks and rumours across the web. However, here are some upgrades that we are really looking forward to in the Apple iPhone 11.

More Internal Storage

iPhone XS

The memory requirements of smartphones are increasing with each new iteration since an upgraded camera and additional features imply that images will occupy a bigger chunk in the memory block. As mentioned before, the iPhone 11 will likely sport triple rear cameras, which is bound to result in larger-sized images. Moreover, with the introduction of native video editing in the iOS 13, users will tend to save videos on their device rather than the cloud. For the aforementioned reasons, it would be great if the company’s flagship smartphones feature 1 Terabyte of ROM. South Korean company Samsung was the first one to incorporate 1TB of internal storage in the Galaxy S10+ when it was launched in the month of February 2019.

Primary USB Type-C Port

iPhone X

It is expected that Apple will ship the iPhone 11 with a USB Type-C port instead of the Lightning port, which will improve the charging capabilities and unify connectivity across various devices. Apple’s MacBook Pro and iPad Pro both support charging via USB Type-C ports. As reported previously, the company may be planning a complete shift over to the USB Type-C environment. However, such a move may disrupt the sales of one of the highest selling Apple accessories, the USB-C to lighting cable adapter. Nonetheless, a Type-C port will be a nice and welcome addition to the new iPhones.

Faster Face ID

The announcement of iOS 13 brought forth a lot of exciting features, one of the prominent ones being a faster unlock speed via Face ID. The company claimed that Face ID authentication on the upcoming iPhone 11 will operate 30 percent faster than older devices. Apple is known for focusing on the performance statistics in all new iterations of operating systems. Hopefully, a combination of improved hardware (in the iPhone 11) and iOS 13 may result in even faster-unlocking speeds, which will be a delight for iPhone users.

Reverse Wireless Charging

iPhone XS Max

The presence of Reverse Wireless Charging (similar to the Galaxy S10+) in the iPhone 11 would be an added bonus for users. The feature will help users in charging their accessories with the help of their iPhones. For instance, the Apple Watch and the updated AirPods (with wireless charging) will be chargeable via Reverse Wireless Charging on the iPhone 11. Since the feature is hardware dependent, it will be exclusive to the new iPhones when they will be launched.

Smaller Notch

iPhone X

Multiple features of the iPhone X were welcomed warmly by users, except the wide notch up front on the display. Although Apple is justified in incorporating a large notch in the device (owing to the sheer number of sensors), it still affects the aesthetics of the handset. The iPhone X notch currently houses the following sensors
- IR Camera
- Flood Illuminator
- Proximity Sensor
- Ambient Light Sensor
- Speaker
- Microphone
- Front Camera
- Dot Projector
For this reason, it would be great if Apple reduces the size of the notch in the iPhone 11 by 10 to 15 percent, which would greatly improve the design factor of the next generation iPhones.

iPhone XR

Also Read: AMD Ryzen 9 3950X And Radeon RX 5700XT Leaked

The iPhone 11 is one of the most anticipated smartphones of 2019, and it would be really exciting to see if all the features mentioned above make their way to the device.
June 10, 2019
Top Smartphones Launch In India : June 2019

It is June already and many smartphone OEMs have announced that their handsets will launch in India this month. Amidst a sea of devices, we have compiled a list of all the top upcoming smartphones that are expected or have been confirmed to be launching in the Indian market in June.

OnePlus 7

Click here to buy the OnePlus 7 from Amazon

OnePlus has already announced its latest smartphone, the OnePlus 7 on the 14th of May. The company has now revealed it will go on sale starting on the 4th of June. It is the successor of the OnePlus 6T from last year and boasts of several improvements over its predecessor. In terms of specifications, the OnePlus 7 features a 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED display with a waterdrop notch. For biometric security and rapidly unlocking the device, it has an in display fingerprint scanner and support for face unlock technology.

Under the hood, it is kitted with the 7nm Snapdragon 855 SoC which is comprised of an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 640 GPU. For memory and storage, the OnePlus 7 has up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. In terms of optics, the handset has a dual 48MP + 5MP camera setup and a single 16 MP camera on the front. It is powered using a 3700 mAh battery with 20W fast charging support. The smartphone has been priced at Rs. 32,999 for the base variant with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage and Rs. 37,999 for the version with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard memory.

Samsung Galaxy M40

The Samsung Galaxy M40 will be the latest addition to the company’s online exclusive Galaxy M lineup. It has been announced that the smartphone will be launched on the 11th of June. While the specification of the device has not been confirmed yet, past leaks have revealed it will sport a 6.3 inch LCD display; with an Infinity O style hole punch on the top left corner of the display. The teasers have also exhibited the presence of a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner for efficiently accessing the handset.

Under the hood, the Galaxy M40 is expected to run on the 11nm Snapdragon 675 SoC; which is comprised of an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 612 GPU. In terms of optics, it is revealed to have a triple camera setup, details of which are not known yet. The device is also rumoured to feature up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of Internal storage. More details about the upcoming smartphone may be revealed as we move closer to its launch.

Samsung Galaxy A80

The Samsung Galaxy A80 was announced in the month of April and is the first smartphone from the company to feature a mechanical camera mechanism. It was introduced alongside the Galaxy A70 which has already gone on sale in India. In terms of specifications, the Galaxy A80 features a 6.7 inch Super AMOLED display with no notch or hole punch in sight. The device has an in display fingerprint scanner with support for face unlock.

Under the hood, the Galaxy A80 runs on the 8nm Snapdragon 730 SoC, which is comprised of an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 618 GPU. In terms of optics, the upcoming smartphone has a triple camera setup, which has a 48MP primary sensor, combined with an 8MP ultra wide sensor and a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor for capturing depth. The highlight feature of the device is the rotating camera mechanism, which allows the users to take selfies from the primary camera.

For memory and storage, the handset has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The Galaxy A80 is powered by a 3700 mAh battery with 25W fast charging. It is expected to be priced at around Rs. 45,000 when it launches in India later this month.

Asus ZenFone 6

Taiwanese electronics giant Asus introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the Zenfone 6 at an event on the 16th of May. It is expected to be launched in India on the 6th of June at a lucrative price tag. In terms of specifications, it has a 6.4 inch LCD display with no obstruction like a notch or hole punch. For quickly accessing the device, there is a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and also support for face unlock.

Under the hood, the Zenfone 6 is kitted with the 7nm Snapdragon 855 SoC; comprised of an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 640 GPU. In terms of optics, a dual camera setup is present on the flip camera mechanism on the back. This setup consists of a 48MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultra wide angle sensor which can be flipped to 180 degrees for taking selfies. For memory and storage, the device has up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The handset is powered by a mammoth 5000 mAh battery with 18W fast charging. It is expected to be priced around Rs. 40,000 range in India.

Nubia Red Magic 3

The Red Magic 3 is the latest gaming smartphone from ZTE’s subsidiary Nubia. It was announced in the month of April and features top tier hardware. In terms of specifications, the device has a 6.65-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. For quickly accessing the handset, a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor with support for face unlock is present.

Under the hood, the Nubia Red Magic 3 runs on the 7nm Snapdragon 855 SoC, comprised of an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 640 GPU. In terms of optics, it has a 48MP primary rear sensor with a 16MP selfie camera. For memory and storage, the device has up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. For efficiently cooling the upcoming smartphone under heavy gaming load, it has the company’s air and water cooling technology. The handset is powered by a 5000 mAh battery with 27W fast charging. It is expected to be priced around Rs. 35,000 price bracket in India.

Redmi K20 Series

Xiaomi introduced the Redmi K20 and K20 Pro last week. While the former is a mid-range offering, the latter is a flagship-grade device from the company, featuring top tier specifications at a competitive price. In terms of specifications, the smartphones have a 6.39 inch AMOLED display. For biometric security and unlocking the smartphones, the Redmi K20 series has an in display fingerprint scanner along with support for face unlock.

Under the hood, the Redmi K20 is kitted with the 8nm Snapdragon 730 SoC. The chipset is comprised of an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 618 GPU. The more premium Redmi K20 Pro runs on the flagship grade 7nm Snapdragon 855 SoC which has an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 640 GPU. In terms of optics, both smartphones have a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 48MP + 13MP ultra wide angle sensor + 8MP telephoto sensor. For selfies, a 32MP sensor is housed in the pop-up mechanism on top of the handsets.

Both the Redmi K20 and the K20 Pro are powered by a 4,000 mAh battery. However, the former supports 18 W fast charging while the latter supports 27 W fast charging. The Redmi K20 is expected to be priced around Rs. 20,000 while the K20 Pro might cost around Rs. 30,000 in India. Both the upcoming smartphones are one of the most anticipated in the country.

Honor 20 Series

Announced last month, the Honor 20 and 20 Pro are the latest flagship devices from the Huawei subsidiary. The company has announced the upcoming smartphones will be launched in India on the 11th of June. In terms of specifications, the handsets feature a 6.26 inch LCD display with a punch hole cutout on the top left corner. They have a side mounted fingerprint scanner for quickly accessing the device.

Under the hood, the smartphones pack the Kirin 980 SoC consists of an Octa-Core CPU and the Mali G76 GPU. The key highlight the Honor 20 and the Honor 20 Pro is the rear facing quad camera setup. Both smartphones have a 48 MP Sony IMX586 sensor, 16 MP wide angle sensor and 2 MP macro sensor. The fourth sensor on the Honor 20 is a 2 MP depth sensor whereas the Honor 20 Pro has an 8MP telephoto lens. For memory and storage, the handsets have up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

Also read: China Prepares A Counter-Strike On The Huawei Ban

In terms of battery, the Honor 20 is powered by a 3750 mAh battery whereas the Honor 20 Pro is powered by a 4,000 mAh. Both devices also support 22.5 W fast charging. They are expected to be priced around Rs. 35,000 in India.

June 1, 2019
AirPods For Rs. 899! Top Tech Under Rs. 1000: Gadgets and Accessories

Another month, another Top Tech. It is the month of May and this time we will check out the best gadgets and accessories you can buy under the budget of Rs. 1,000. These range from travel accessories to nifty gadgets that can be used in daily life. Check out the video and the detailed list of products for this month below.

Video:

List:

Leaf Bass Headphones

Leaf is slowly becoming a well-known brand in the budget audio segment. The Bass Headphones is a great buy for anyone looking for a good option under Rs. 1,000. It features a lightweight and comfortable design which makes it easy to be worn for longer periods. The controls for music and calls are placed on the earcup and the advertised battery life is around 10 hours. In terms of audio quality, the headset gets surprisingly loud and has a good amount of bass, hence the name. The Leaf Bass Headphones are truly one of the best Top Tech items under Rs. 1,000.

Flame LED Speaker

The Flame LED Speakers is one of the best looking speakers you can buy for the price. Just look at those lights! There are multiple controls on the top of the device which lets the users control the music playback and adjust the light on the speakers. It also has a handle which lets users carry it with ease as the product is itself lightweight. In terms of sound quality, the Flame LED speaker gets really loud, with decent bass and mids. The lows are where it gets muddy, but the output and looks are enough to make it in the Top Tech items under Rs. 1,000.

Mini Tripod

Photographers assemble! The Mini tripod is one of the best gadgets under Rs. 1,000 if you’re into mobile photography. There are quite a few varieties of tripod available from the seller, which can be enough for every kind of photographer. The product is foldable and sturdy and can handle the weight of a typical smartphone with ease. It is a good product if you want to click hands-free selfies and some convenience added to your photography experience.

Cooling Gamepad

For all you PUBG Mobile gamers out there, the Cooling Gamepad was made for you. The device features an internal battery for charging your smartphone on the go. And for those long gaming sessions, it has an inbuilt fan for keeping the handset cool in case of overheating. The gamepad has a good grip and two shoulder buttons that can be used to trigger on-screen controls with ease. It makes playing PUBG Mobile a console-like experience and elevates your feeling of victory when you win a Chicken Dinner. It a good Top Tech product under the Rs. 1,000 budget.

Gadget Bag

The Gadget Bag by House of Quirk is a great product to keep all your important tech products organised. It features a plethora of pockets that can store various items of different sizes inside. The bag is also shockproof and waterproof, so you can use it without worrying. It is a great Top Tech item for gifting as well.

Magnet Holder

In life, a little organisation is always important. That’s where the Siltree magnet holder arrives into play. It features eight strong magnets which can be used to hold electronic devices like smartphones and tablets on a flat surface. Furthermore, it is also a great accessory for use inside a car, as a smartphone can easily be placed on top of it without the worry of it falling.

USB Fan

It is officially summer and the USB Fan is a perfect fit for the season. It features a portable and stylish design which blends into the environment perfectly. Furthermore, it has touch controls on the stand which can be used to turn the fan on or off or adjusting its speed. While the cooling is not perfect due to its small and compact form factor, but it is commendable and should be enough for occasional use.

Mi Laptop Backpack

The Xiaomi Mi Backpack, like other products from the company, is an affordable alternative in backpacks. It has a stylish design with a major pocket that can house laptops and notebooks with ease. The bag is also water resistant so it can survive a life in the real world. It is a great top tech product under the budget of Rs. 1,000.

I9 Truly Wireless Earphones

Want AirPods but are on a budget? The I9 Truly Wireless Earphones are here for you. It features a design reminiscent of the Apple AirPods which makes them look way more premium than they have any right to be. The case of the headsets is also similar to Apple’s offering, with a similar deisgn and size. It can be charged via a USB Type C port and the earphones themselves sound good for the price. They have a punchy bass and medium treble.

Claw A2 Retro Speaker

The cute little Claw A2 Retro Speaker is one of the best looking products in the price range. Besides providing a strong nostalgia of classic radio, the speakers feature a very compact and good looking design. It has all the control on the outside and has a 1000 mAh battery inside for a long listening time. In terms of sound quality, it sounds great for the price. The speakers have a loud and clear output, with a balanced sound altogether.

Also read: OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro Get Android Q Beta, How To Install Guide

Bonus Item: Screen Cleaner

In this day and age, an always clean smartphone, tablet or a laptop seems like a distant dream. The Hamsa Screen Cleaner makes that dream a little simpler to achieve. It ships with two microfiber cloth in the box and has a perfumed antibacterial inside the screen cleaning liquid. This helps it clean the device’s screen more effectively and also leaves it smelling good in the process.

May 21, 2019
Best Smartphones In India Under Rs 15,000; May 2019
Smartphones have gradually become the necessity of a modern man. Primarily, due to the reason it enables a user to perform certain simple tasks that would have been difficult without the presence of one. Talking about India, the market is densely populated by OEMs from all around the globe. Consequently, the simple process of selecting the right smartphone based on the needs of a given user can be highly overwhelming. This article will be of great help to users who plan to buy a sub 15,000 Re smartphone in the country.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro – Fan Favourite

Hands down, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro is one of the best mid-range smartphones that is currently on offer. The device made its global debut in India in the month of February and it created seismic waves accrediting to its value for money. It features a 6.3-inch FHD + display with a dot notch up top. The said notch houses the selfie camera that has a resolution of 13 MP. Under the hood, it features the Snapdragon 675 SoC which is both power efficient and powerful. The Redmi Note 7 Pro also has a dual camera setup which is comprised of a 48 MP sensor and a 5 MP sensor. It runs on the latest Android 9 Pie (MIUI 10) and is powered by a 4,000 mAh battery which supports 18 W fast charging. However, users need to separately purchase the fast charger. See full specs of the Redmi Note 7 here.
- Screen Size- 6.3 inch LCD, 2340 x 1080 px, 409 ppi
- Rear Camera- 48 MP (f/1.8) + 5 MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera- 13 MP
- Battery- 4,000 mAh, Upto 18 W, Fast Charger Sold Separately
- Chipset- Snapdragon 675
- Screen Protection- Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- SD Card Support- up to 256 GB (uses SIM 2 slot)
Price: Rs 13,999 (4 GB + 64 GB)

Click here to buy the Redmi Note 7 Pro

Realme 3 Pro – Balanced Offering

The Realme 3 Pro, as the name suggests, is the elder sibling of the Realme 3 and it was launched in the month of April. It offers a well-balanced package of features like a 6.3 inch display with FHD+ resolution and 20 W Vooc charging. Praiseworthy, the fast charger is shipped in the box with the handset which is disparate to numerous other OEMs. In terms of optics, the smartphone has a dual rear camera setup consisting of 16 MP + 5 MP sensor and a 25 MP front-facing selfie camera. Notably, the company claims the Realme 3 Pro can also capture 64 MP images which are achieved with the help of software processing. The smartphone is kitted with the Snapdragon 710 SoC and is powered by 4,045 mAh lithium battery. As previously mentioned it also supports 20 W fast charging. See full specs of the Realme 3 Pro here.
- Screen Size- 6.3 inch LCD, 2340 x 1080 px, 409 ppi
- Rear Camera- 16MP (f/1.7) + 5 MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera- 25 MP
- Battery- 4,045 mAh, 20 W Vooc Charge, In Box Fast Charger
- Chipset- Snapdragon 710
- Screen Protection- Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- SD Card Support- up to 256 GB (dedicated slot)
Price: Rs 13,999 (4 GB + 64 GB)

Click here to buy the Realme 3 Pro

Galaxy M30 – Best For Media Consumption

The Samsung Galaxy M30 has made its way to the list accrediting to its key highlighting features which include the 6.4 inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display and a mammoth 5,000 mAh battery. It also supports 15 W fast charging and thoughtfully Samsung ships the device with a fast charger. Furthermore, unlike any other offering in this list, the Galaxy M30 has a triple rear camera setup which consists of a 13 MP PDAF sensor, a 5 MP ultrawide sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. It also has a front camera with 16 MP resolution that is housed in the notch above the display. The smartphone features the Exynos 7904 chipset which might not be as capable as the Snapdragon 675 or the Snapdragon 710 in terms of gaming. However, it performs flawlessly while performing day to day tasks like watching videos online and navigating between apps. See full specs of the Samsung Galaxy M30 here.
- Screen Size- 6.4 inch Super AMOLED, 2340 x 1080 px, 394 ppi
- Rear Camera- 13 MP (f/1.9) + 5 MP (f/2.2) Ultrawide + 5 MP (f/2.2)
- Front Camera- 16 MP
- Battery- 5,000 mAh, Upto 15 W, In Box Fast Charger
- Chipset- Exynos 7904
- Screen Protection- N/A
- SD Card Support- up to 512 GB (dedicated slot)
Price: Rs 14,990 (4 GB + 64 GB)

Nokia 6.1 Plus – Great User Experience

The Nokia 6.1 Plus made its debut in the month of August last year and has been a popular choice amongst consumers. The unique selling point of the Nokia 6.1 Plus is its butter smooth user experience which is as good as a flagship-grade smartphone. Distinctively, it runs on the stock version of Android OS which provides it with the said user experience. Furthermore, it is Android One certified which ensures the device will receive the latest Android updates for at least two years. The smartphone sports a 5.8 inch display that has a pixel density of 432 ppi. Like most modern smartphones, it also has a wide notch above the display which accommodates the earpiece and a 16 MP selfie camera. Talking about rear cameras, it sports two sensors that have a resolution of 16 MP and 5 MP. The Nokia 6.1 Plus packs a 3,060 mAh battery which supports 18 W quick charge 3.0. The device is kitted with the Snapdragon 636 SoC which is definitely not the most powerful but the bloat-free stock Android provides for stutter-free user experience. See full specs of the Nokia 6.1 Plus here.
- Screen Size- 5.8 inch LCD, 2280 x 1080 px, 432 ppi
- Rear Camera- 16 MP (f/2.0) + 5 MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera- 16 MP
- Battery- 3,060 mAh, Upto 18 W, Fast Charger Sold Separately
- Chipset- Snapdragon 636
- Screen Protection- Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- SD Card Support- up to 400 GB (Uses SIM 2 slot)
Price: Rs 14,999 (4 GB + 64 GB)

Click here to buy the Nokia 6.1 Plus

Honor Play- Wild Card Entry

After a surprising price cut of more than Rs 5,000, the Honor Play has become a lucrative option in the sub 15K price bracket. Predominantly, due to the Kirin 970 which is a flagship-grade SoC, also present on the high-end P20 and P20 Pro from Huawei. Additionally, it sports a 6.3 inch LCD display that has a pixel density of 409 ppi. Similar to several options from this list, the Honor Play has a dual camera setup consisting of 16 MP + 2 MP sensor and a 16 MP selfie camera. It is powered by a 3,750 mAh battery which also support 18 W fast charging. The previously mentioned Kirin 970 chipset is manufactured using 10 nm fabrication process which makes it highly power efficient. The processing prowess of the SoC can mostly be noticed in resource hungry applications which include games, especially PUBG Mobile. See full specs of the Honor Play here.

Price Rs: 13,999 (4 GB + 64 GB)
- Screen Size- 6.3 inch LCD, 2340 x 1080 px, 409 ppi
- Rear Camera- 16 MP (f/2.2) + 2 MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera- 16 MP
- Battery- 3,750 mAh, Upto 18 W, In Box Fast Charger
- Chipset- Kirin 970
- Screen Protection- N/A
- SD Card Support- up to 256 GB (uses SIM 2 slot)
May 11, 2019
Top Tech: Truly Wireless Earphones Under Rs 2,500 Available In India, May 2019

As an increasing number of Smartphone OEMs eliminate the 3.5mm headphone jack from their devices, the demand for wireless headsets has risen subsequently. However, a pair of Bluetooth enabled wireless headset is comparatively expensive than its wired counterpart. If you are on the hunt for a pair of affordable truly wireless earphones, we have made the choice easier for you. Here are the best truly wireless earphones available in India under Rs. 2,500.

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List:

X1T Wireless Earbuds

The X1T truly wireless earbuds are available from a range of different manufacturers, each at a different price. The package contains two earbuds which don’t ship with a charging case and instead use an old Nokia style charging port. There is a different version with a charging case available, but it is slightly expensive. If you’re ready to overlook this negative, the pairing mechanism is quick and easy. There are additional eartips inside the box which should make them comfortable to wear for most people. The manufacturer claims a battery life of around 5 hours but in our testing, the music playback time was found to be around 2.5 hours. The sound quality of the earphones is surprisingly good, with balanced sound output and not so punchy bass.

Noise Shots

Noise is a renowned Indian company that makes affordable wearable products. The Noise Shots are the company’s most affordable truly wireless earphones. They ship with a metal charging case that can charge the earphones by connecting magnetically. Each earbud is well built, with metal and plastic design. Noise claims a battery life of 2.5 hours on continuous use of the Shots with an additional 10 hours with the charging case. The earbuds are also IPX4 rated, which makes them a good companion for fitness enthusiasts as they are sweat proof. Additional eartips are provided in the box to maximise comfort while wearing the headsets. Talking about the sound quality, the Noise Shots can push out extremely loud volumes, bass and treble. The clarity is also quite impressive for the price.

Pebble Wireless Earbuds

Next up on our list are the Pebble Wireless Earbuds. Each earbud features a glossy design and is lightweight. Unique in the price range, the Pebble Truly Wireless Earphones have touch controls on each earbud which can be used to control music and calls. The earbuds ship with a charging case which can provide around seven full charges to the headsets. There are interchangeable eartips inside the box adjusting the fit accordingly. In terms of sound quality, the Pebble wireless earphones have a balanced sound output and can get pretty loud at maximum volumes.

Boult Tru5ive

The Boult Tru5ive is a great option for anyone looking to buy truly wireless earphones under Rs. 2,500 for many reasons. They are the only ones on the list to feature Bluetooth 5.0, which should provide better range and connectivity. For a better and comfortable fit, the earbuds have a lot of earhooks, wing tips and eartips in the box. The user can easily maximise the comfort by attaching the size which fits them the best. Due to a good fit and sweat resistance, the Tru5ive truly wireless earphones are a great buy for fitness enthusiasts. In terms of battery, the headsets last about 5 hours on music playback with an additional 3 charges that can be provided with the bundled charging case. In terms of sound quality, the Tru5ive has a good amount of bass and treble.

May 6, 2019

Top Gaming Laptops Available In India Under Rs 70,000

Accrediting to the rising popularity of E-sports, the demand for gaming laptops has also risen. The market has boatloads of options which can be both confusing and overwhelming for a consumer. Adding further to the dilemma is a long list of technical jargon, due to which the customers can end up buying a device which might not offer the best value for money. Even worse, they could pick up a gaming laptop that has older generation components like ageing CPUs which seem better due to their model number. This guide will help you select the best gaming laptops with noteworthy recommendations across the most popular price bracket which happens to be Rs 50,000 and Rs 70,000.

ASUS TUF FX504 – Most Feature Rich

The ASUS TUF FX504 is exactly what a gaming laptop should look like. It has a chic design with Asus branding on the lid with a tactile keyboard and a whole host of connectivity options. The ASUS TUF FX504 is the most expensive option in this list and it is loaded with features. Even though other options in this list have the same CPU and alike display. It has a certain edge over them. The ASUS TUF FX504 has 128 GB SSD in addition to the 1 TB hard drive which significantly reduces the loading time of games.

CPU	Intel i5 8300h, Quad Core, 14 nm
GPU	GTX 1050, 4 GB GDDR5
RAM	8 GB, DDR4
Storage	1 TB HDD 5400 RPM + 128 GB SSD
Screen Size	15.6 inch, 1920 x 1080 px resolution
Battery Capacity	48 Wh
Operating System	Windows 10
Weight	2.3 kg

MSI GF63 – Most Light Weight

The MSI GF63 also has a plastic construction with company branding on the lid and 15.6 inch that is surrounded with minimal bezels. Despite being a full-fledged gaming laptop it only weighs in at 1.86 kg which makes it the lightest device in this list. Even though the MSI GF63 misses out on an SSD, it has a 7200 rpm HDD which tries to compensate for the former. Also, it has a 51 Wh battery which is only second to the next option.

CPU	Intel i5 8300h, Quad Core, 14 nm
GPU	GTX 1050, 4 GB GDDR5
RAM	8 GB, DDR4
Storage	1 TB HDD 7200 RPM
Screen Size	15.6 inch, 1920 x 1080 px resolution
Battery Capacity	51 Wh
Operating System	Windows 10
Weight	1.86 kg

HP bc406TX – Largest Battery

The HP bc406TX is the third most expensive gaming laptop in this list. Like the ASUS TUF FX504 and the MSI GF63, it also features a 15.6 inch display, Intel i5 8300h CPU and the GTX 1050 GPU with 4 GB of RAM. As previously mentioned, the Hp bc406TX gaming laptop has the largest battery pack out of all the devices in this list which is rated at 52.5 WHr. However, it is one of the heaviest options in this list and it weighs a hefty 2.7 kg.

CPU	Intel i5 8300h, Quad Core, 14 nm
GPU	GTX 1050, 4 GB GDDR5
RAM	8 GB, DDR4
Storage	1 TB HDD 5400 RPM
Screen Size	15.6 inch, 1920 x 1080 px resolution
Battery Capacity	52.5 Wh
Operating System	Windows 10
Weight	2.17 kg

ASUS TUF FX505DY – Largest Display

The ASUS TUF FX505DY is the second gaming laptop from ASUS and has made its way into this list as it has the largest display. It sports a 17.3 inch display that has 1920 x 1080 px Full HD resolution. The ASUS TUF FX505DY also packs completely different CPU and GPU. The gaming laptop is kitted with the AMD Ryzen 5 3550H processor and the AMD Radeon RX 560X graphics card. Even though AMD is a less known brand for the selection of a GPU, it surely provides great value for money especially with the Ryzen lineup. Furthermore, the RX 560X GPU is also powerful enough to compete GTX 1050 found on the offerings which are listed above.

CPU	Ryzen 5 3550H, Quad Core, 12 nm
GPU	AMD RX 560X, 4 GB GDDR5
RAM	8 GB, DDR4
Storage	1 TB HDD 5400 RPM
Screen Size	17.3 inch, 1920 x 1080 px resolution
Battery Capacity	48 Wh
Operating System	Windows 10
Weight	2.7 kg

Acer Nitro 5 AN515 42 – Value For Money

The Acer Nitro Acer Nitro 5 AN515 42 is the most affordable option in this list, however, it provides excellent value for money. The gaming laptop is kitted with the Ryzen 2500U CPU which is nothing short of powerful and can easily handle non AAA gaming titles. Like the ASUS TUF FX505DY, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515 42 packs the AMD Radeon 560X GPU which has 4 GB of RAM. One shortfalling of this gaming laptop is its 37 Wh battery which, however, is not a major deal breaker.

Also Read: Sony WH XB700 Wireless Headphones Review

CPU	Ryzen 5 2500U, Quad Core, 14 nm
GPU	AMD RX 560X, 4 GB GDDR5
RAM	8 GB, DDR4
Storage	1 TB HDD 5400 RPM
Screen Size	15.6 inch, 1920 x 1080 px resolution
Battery Capacity	37 Wh
Operating System	Windows 10
Weight	2.7 kg

May 2, 2019

These Monitors Are Great For Gaming

Monitors are probably the only part of your gaming setup which will serve you the longest, considering that a lot of users prefer upgrading the graphics, CPUs or peripherals of the system. The gaming monitor segment was once dominated by panels which guaranteed 4K video quality and 60 frames per second (fps). Instead, the gaming monitors of today offer almost 3 times the features found in conventional monitors. Since newer graphics cards pump out more juice than before, an equally capable gaming monitor becomes an absolute necessity to experience top-tier graphics

Given below is a list of 5 performance gaming monitors, which will change the way you look at games, literally.

ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q

Since the beginning, gamers have been confused regarding their monitors. Should it sport an IPS panel, or should it feature a high refresh rate for a smoother gaming experience? The ASUS PG279Q features a 27-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 px, but at the same time, the monitor sports a refresh rate of 144Hz (which is further overclockable to 165Hz), making it a “best-of-both-worlds” experience. Furthermore, the monitor features G-Sync, which allows you to switch between your refresh rates only if you are using an NVIDIA graphics card. However, the monitor is slightly expensive, and it will set you back by US$ 800 or INR 83,999.

Acer Predator X27

The Acer Predator X27 is a fantastic gaming monitor, which suffers a bit owing just to the price of the same. The monitor features an IPS panel, which is topped out a refresh rate of 144Hz. It supports 4K video playback, and a resolution of 3840 x 2160 px. The monitor supports VisionCare technology, which claims to reduce eye strain during long gameplay sessions. Moreover, G-Sync allows for a variable refresh rate in the monitor, making it the perfect fit for NVIDIA’s graphics cards. The Acer Predator X27 has a multitude of ports on both sides, including a total of 4 USB 3.0 ports as well as an HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. The real downside is the price, which tunes in at around US$ 2,000 (~INR 1,40,000), making it one of the most expensive gaming monitors in this list.

BenQ EL2870U

BenQ EL2870U does most of the things right, one of them being at the perfect price point. It is a 28-inch gaming monitor that won’t make you bankrupt, and at the same time, provides a host of features that fulfil almost ever major need of yours. It has a 3840 x 2160p resolution, enabling you to enjoy games in crisp 4K resolution. With a response time 1ms, the monitor even has an integrated pair of 2W speakers that might just come in handy. Moreover it sports a 3.5mm headphone jack which enhances convenience a lot. Since it’s an HDR monitor, it features a HDR button which can be used to hot-toggle the High Dynamic Range setting. On top of that, it is available at a price of INR 27,000, which is bound to turn heads.

AOC Agon AG273QCG

Few monitors in this list cater to just eSports players, and AOC AG273QCG is definitely one of them.The monitor ticks all the boxes if you’re are an avid eSports player and need a professional grade monitor to play on. It has a 27-inch screen with 1440p resolution and on top of that, it supports NVIDIA G-Sync in one variant and AMD FreeSync in the other. The monitor has a curved design and features a high refresh rate of 165Hz. Furthermore, AOC AG273QCG has a vibrance scale that has received rave reviews from a lot of users, making it the perfect pick if you’re into that thing.

Acer Predator XB271HU

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Fit e Spotted on Albanian Website Ahead Of Launch

The only widescreen gaming monitor on our list, the Acer XB271HU is an amazing deal if you’re willing to go for a gaming monitor that provides aesthetic value as well. It features a WQHD IPS panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 px. The monitor equipped with NVIDIA G-Sync and flicker-less technology, claiming to reduce annoying screen flickering that can cause eye strain when viewing the monitor for long periods of time. It has a refresh rate of of 144Hz, which can be overclocked to 165Hz. The 27 inch panel of the monitor is gorgeous to look at. It is priced at INR 47,899, which is a good deal for the features it offers.

April 27, 2019
Top Bluetooth Speakers In India Under Rs 2000

Bluetooth speakers come in all shapes and sizes in a varied price range. The market is full of these audio devices which can be overwhelming for the consumer. Based on high demand we have compiled a list of top Bluetooth speakers under the Rs 2,000 price bracket which includes the following options:

Sony Wireless Speaker SRS-XB01

Sony is a company that is renowned for its quality products and the SRS XB01 is no exception. Noteworthy, the XB suffix in the speakers model number stands for extra bass which boasts of its worthy sound output. The Sony XB01 has a compact size and it only weighs 200 grams. The speaker has an inbuilt battery which lasts up to 6 hours and can be charged via the side mounted micro USB port. It also has a built-in microphone which allows for hands-free calling. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, it also supports audio playback through the 3.5 mm auxiliary port. The Sony XB01 also has water resistance and is available in a variety of colours including Green, Black, White, Blue, Yello and Red.

Price: Rs 2,000

JBL GO

One of the most popular Bluetooth speaker in this list, the JBL GO has a compact footprint with powerful sound output. It has a cuboidal shape that measures 8.4 x 3.3 x 6.9 cm and weighs in at 132 grams. The speaker has top mounted control buttons and side-mounted USB port and 3.5 audio in jack. Notably, the JBL Go also supports voice-guided commands including Ok Google for Android and Hey Siri for Apple devices. It features 3 watt speakers and promises battery back up of up to 5 hours. Like the Sony speaker, it is also available in numerous colour options including Blue, Red, Green Black and more.

Price: Rs 1,599

Click here to buy JBL GO

Mi Basic 2

Similar to Xiaomi smartphones, the Mi Basic 2 Bluetooth speaker also has a sturdy feel with metal and plastic construction. The portable speaker accommodates a passive radiator and dual speakers that have a combined output of 5 watts. The Mi Basic 2 also has an integrated microphone which also to wireless answer phone calls. The top side of the speaker harbours the power button, volume button and play/pause button. While the rear side of the Mi Basic 2 is occupied the 3.5 mm aux in and micro USB charging port. It packs a 1200 mAh battery which Xiaomi claims to offers a back up of 10 hours at 40 percent volume.

Price: Rs 1,799

Click Here To Buy Mi Basic 2

Philips BT114

The Philips BT114 has a unique design with a metal mesh on the front and injection moulded soft rubber on the back. Unlike any other speaker in the list, the Philip BT114, instead of a landscape stance has a vertical stance. It has dual speakers which produce 12 watts of maximum sound output. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the Philips BT114 also supports playing music directly via a thumb drive, 3.5 audio in. Notably, it also supports FM radio which could the prominent option somebody opts for this speaker. It also has an inbuilt lanyard which makes it very convenient to carry. The Philips BT114 has top mounted control options and an inbuilt rechargeable battery.

Price: Rs 1,850

Click Here To Buy Philips BT114

LG PH2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Also Read: Galaxy S10 Lineup Receives Temporary Price Cut Of Up To Rs 15,000

The LG PH2 is the only Ipx4 splash-proof speaker in this list which makes it the perfect companion for people who regularly indulged in outdoor activities like rafting and camping. It has an elegant build with a circular body and thick fabric mesh on the front. The LG PH2 also has an LED strip that runs across the circumference which indicates the selected mode. The speaker has a wide strap attached to its body which allows it to hung to carabiner clips or branches of a tree. It has a thick rubber flap on the side which protects the micro USB port and 3.5 audio in port from water.

Price: Rs 1,899

April 27, 2019
Top Android And iOS Competitors That Got Lost In The Wheel Of Time

Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS are the most popular and the most used mobile Operating Systems worldwide. While their success is unprecedented and doesn’t seem like it can be beaten; there was a time when many companies were close. Here is the list of all the once-promising competitors to the hulking giants in the smartphone OS market. Most of them have been forgotten in the wheel of time.

Windows Phone

Windows Phone first debuted in the early 2000s and ran on QWERTY based mobile phones. After the ever increasing hold of Android and iOS on the consumer market, Microsoft shifted its strategy and named it Windows Phone in 2010. With support for touchscreen devices and partnership with renowned smartphone OEMs like Nokia, HTC and Samsung; it was a refreshing take on Operating System for mobile phones. Alas, due to the poor app support and partners backing out of the project, the company officially shut down the Windows Phone two years ago. While the loyalists would still swear by its fluidity and colourful UI; the Windows Phone is still the closest any competitor ever arrived at beating Android and iOS.

Symbian

Symbian OS was developed by Symbian Limited and was launched in the year 1998. While it was earlier designed for Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), many major phone makers adopted the OS. The most prominent one of them was Nokia. The king of mobile phone OEM at the time also used a User Interface (UI) called S60. But, due to the ever increasing adoption of Android and iOS and Nokia’s foray into Windows Phone, Symbian also had to meet its ill-fated end. The legendary Nokia 808 PureView released in the year 2012 was the last phone to run SymbianOS from Nokia.

Sailfish OS

Sailfish is developed by Jolla after the MeeGo interface by Nokia in its smartphone, the N9. While the latter was soon discontinued after its release, the former still receives consistent updates. Sailfish was designed to be a replacement for Android, promising better and safer software integration. To appeal to its investors, the company even had to release its own smartphone, called Jolla Phone. But, due to issues with various part suppliers, the company failed miserably and announced bankruptcy. However, software updates to the OS are still delivered quite regularly.

BlackBerry OS

Blackberry, the Canadian smartphone maker was once the most popular brand amongst businessmen and college goers. Remember when all the cool kids had access to BBM? This was due to the BlackBerry OS inside the devices. It was a secure operating system that was capable of supporting touch screen and QWERTY input. Although, like most entries in this list the BBOS also fell flat to its competition over the lack of apps and a dated UI design. While the company tried fixing it by allowing the installation of Android apps on the devices. But, BlackBerry eventually gave up and launched the Priv, a smartphone running Android OS in the year 2015.

FirefoxOS

One of the biggest names in web browsers, Mozilla’s foray into the mobile OS business is nothing to write home about. First shown in the year 2012, it was designed for entry-level smartphones. But again, due to a sluggish adoption and lack of app support made the company discontinue Firefox OS in the year 2016. While it didn’t have a good run, the OS is credited for the birth of KaiOS. It is the latest software to power feature phones to make them smarter.

Tizen

Also read: Huawei Working On Smartphone With 16MP Pop-Up Camera And 4,000 mAh Battery

Tizen is an open source Operating System mainly embraced by Samsung in its Z series. It was mainly intended to run on entry-level budget smartphones and as a replacement to Android. The Tizen OS promised a faster UI with future support for popular applications. All the promises fell flat, however as these premises were met with no results. Tizen was last seen in the Samsung Z4 in the year 2017.

April 25, 2019
Best Wired Headphones In India Under Rs. 1,000 For April 2019

Apple removed the 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models in the year 2017. Since then, many more smartphone OEMs like Huawei, HTC and Sony have expelled the ill-fated headphone jack from their devices. But, the option of listening to music from wired headphones still remains very popular today. Buying the perfect pair can be a daunting task because of the sheer number of options available today. To make the choice easier, we have combined the five best headphones available in the market today for under Rs 1,000.

Boat Rockers 900

Boat is a well-known brand when it is about audio products and the Rockers 900 are no different. Featuring a lightweight and compact design, the headphones are very comfortable to wear and easy to carry which make them an ideal choice for frequent travellers. The in-line microphone and controls are intuitive and provide easy command over the music and calls over the headset. In terms of sound quality, the headphones have a punchy bass, which is common for the company’s products and have decent mids and lows.

Sony MDR-ZX110A Wired Headphones

Sony products are generally known for their great audio performance and the MDR-ZX110A continue the legacy. The ridiculous name aside, the fit and finish of the headphones are comfortable and snug. A major downside of them is the lack of any microphone or any inline control of any sort. The sound output of the headphones is typical Sony, with balanced audio with a focus on trebles and the lack of any overpowering bass. Their association with a renowned brand, along with a good audio output make them one of the best choices under Rs. 1,000.

Phillips SHP1900/10

The Phillips wired headphones are a big set of headsets. They feature unusually large earcups, which make sure they provide good noise isolation. The headsets also have a comfortable fit, which makes them easy to wear for a longer period of time. The sound quality of the headphones is great for the price, with a punchy treble and lows. All the above points make them one of the best choices for people looking to buy a headset under Rs. 1,000.

Leaf Rock Wired Headphones

Leaf has quickly become a brand to watch out for in quality audio products. The Leaf Rock wired headphones are arguably one of the best looking ones in the price range. Along with the looks, they have a comfortable fit which lets them be worn for a longer period of time. The sound quality is great for the price, with great bass, quality treble and lows.

Panasonic RP-HF100M-K

Available in four eye-popping colours, the wired headphones by Panasonic are also a great looking pair of headsets. They feature a comfortable fit, which can be folded for easy portability. The sound quality of the headphones is good for the price, with great clarity, good midrange and trebles. Although the bass is not as punchy as some people would like, the more balanced approach should be fine for most users. The plethora of features offered by the headphones makes it one of the best deals under Rs. 1,000.

Check out Panasonic RP-HF100M-K on Amazon

April 24, 2019
Best Fitness Trackers Available In India Under Rs. 3,000

Fitness has become an important factor for most people in today’s day and age. Because of this, the trend of fitness trackers has increased drastically over the past few years. If you’re in the market to buy a good smart wearable for tracking your fitness needs, the existing options can be daunting, to say the least. To make the choice easier, we have compiled a list of best fitness trackers that are available in India under the Rs. 3,000 price bracket.

Mi Band 3

Xiaomi is undoubtedly one of the most well-known brands when it is about affordable electronics. The Mi Band 3 is one of the best fitness trackers for the price. It has an 0.78-inch OLED touchscreen, a heart rate sensor and pedometer on board. Furthermore, the smart band has 5ATM water resistance, support notifications from a smartphone and has a claimed battery life of up to 20 days. With all the above features, the Mi Band 3 is available at a very competitive price, which makes it a very viable option.

Lenovo HW01

The Lenovo HW01 smart band is a great option for anyone looking for a good fitness wearable under Rs. 3,000. It has a heart rate sensor, step counter and an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. The smart band is for people who are looking for bare essentials and has a claimed battery life of 10 days on a single charge.

Noise ColorFit Pro

The ColorFit Pro is one of the best looking smart wearables in the price range. Retailing for just under Rs, 3,000, it has a 1.22 inch LCD display and the body is built out of metal. While having the looks of a traditional smartwatch, it has the features of a smart band too. These include a heart rate sensor, blood oxygen levels and a sleep tracker. The company claims a battery life of 3 days with normal usage. Furthermore, there is support for notifications and a remote camera button. With a plethora of features and bigger than usual display, the Noise Colorfit Pro is one of the best fitness trackers for the price.

Honor Band 4

Honor Band 4 is another great option for people looking to buy a fitness band under Rs. 3,000. It has a 0.95 inch AMOLED display which also supports touch input. Like many traditional wearables, it has a heart rate monitor, a sleep tracker and 5ATM rating for water resistance. The smart band also supports intense sports activity tracking. These include running, cycling, pool swim and training. With the swarm of features, Honor Band 4 is a great option for people who take fitness seriously.

Fastrack Reflex 2.0

Also read: Apple Watch Saves Another 23-Year Old’s Life

Fastrack is a known brand in making affordable products for the younger generation. The Reflex 2.0 is an example of the company’s efforts in the smart wearable segment. It features a display with a touch button which allows you to scroll between the different menus. For fitness tracking, there is support for step tracking and the band measures the calories burned. What’s more, the wearable has a battery life of up to 10 days on a single charge. The Fastrack Reflex 2.0 is thus one of the best options for people looking for a good smart band under Rs. 3,000.

April 8, 2019
Interesting Facts About PUBG That You Probably Did Not Know

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds or PUBG has become a worldwide sensation since its launch in the year 2017. The game has seen an exponential amount of exposure which further increased when it was announced for smartphones. PUBG Mobile was launched last year for iOS and Android devices and has since transcended into a pop culture icon. But despite being so popular, some interesting facts about the game are still a mystery. So here are interesting facts about PUBG that even most hardcore fans don’t know.

Creator of PUBG

Brendan Greene

We all know the game, but do we know the man behind it? Brendan Greene is credited as the creator of PUBG. The Irish born game developer got the idea of the game after reading the Hunger Games books. It is said Greene did not know anything about programming and learning it in order to develop the game. In recent news, Greene has said that the sequel to the game, purportedly PUBG 2 is not in the schedule and might never get released as he is done with Battle Royale as a whole.

The Reason Behind The Name

The full form of PUBG is PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds as mentioned above. The name is pretty weird and not exactly relevant, and there is a good reason behind it. It is because the creator of the game Brendan Greene was also an avid gamer, and the name he used for his player in the games he played was Player Unknown. All of it makes so much more sense now.

The Rarest Item In The Game

The Virtual Red Bandana is one of the rarest items in PUBG. When the game was launched in 2017, the pre-orders were bundled with the item and was available in loot boxes. After a while, the boxes stopped or rarely featured the bandana so its rarity increased manifolds. Kotaku reported the same year that a user bought the in-game item for as high as US$ 1000 (Rs. 69,000).

Most Simultaneously Played Game

PUBG holds the world record for the most simultaneously played game of all time. In December 2017, the game hit 3,106,358 people playing the game simultaneously. Interestingly, the game broke its own record it made in September the same year. Even today, PUBG is in the top five most played game by current count.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

We all crave for the phrase “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner’ to appear on our screens, announcing our triumph in PUBG. But the phrase wasn’t invented by the game or its creator. It is said during the great depression, a period in the 1930s of economic crisis when people used to gamble. If they played with money and won, they could afford a chicken for dinner. With time, the phrase caught on and became what it is today. Fortunately, we don’t have to gamble to get the chicken dinner for ourselves.

How Erangel Got Its Name

Erangel is the most recognised and the primary map in PUBG. But does the name mean anything or is it just fictionary? The name Erangel was inspired by the creator Brendan Greene’s daughter Eryn. So combining ‘Eryn’ with ‘Angel’ gives us one of the most recognisable places by any gamer who has played PUBG.

Bots In PUBG Mobile

If you’ve been playing PUBG Mobile for a while now, you would know that the game has bots in places. They are AI generated players that are purposely bad at shooting. But why introduce them in the first place when there is no lack of players in the game? It is said to ease new players to the game, they are made to play in a game with mostly or all bots. This is said to be done until level 10. It is subjective, but many people still think bots ruin the intense, action-packed gaming experience that it so promises.

PUBG Advertisements

The parent company of PUBG for PC and consoles, Bluehole corporation didn’t spend any money on advertising the game. It is claimed to be because the word of mouth was so strong that they didn’t need to. On the other hand, PUBG Mobile is one of the first mobile games to have its advertisements broadcasted on television in India. This should give you an idea of how popular the game really is.

Pochinki Is Real!

Real Life Pochinki In Russia

If you’ve played the Erangel map in PUBG enough, there is no need to introduce what Pochinki is. The location on the map has become famous due to it being in the middle and having good hiding spots. But did you know there are several rural localities in Russia named Pochinki? And that Yasnaya Polyana, another famous spot on the map is a writer’s house museum, and also the former house of famous author Leo Tolstoy. Guess there is more to reality than is to fiction in PUBG.

PUBG Can Ban You For 100 Years!

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Cheating is never tolerated anywhere in the world. PUBG is the same, as many people, who allegedly cheated in the game have been banned for as much as a 100 years! According to the company, cheating is defined as using inappropriate programs, bug abuse, etc and can result in a permanent ban. So if you get banned for 100 years, make sure your grandchild takes home the chicken dinner for you.

April 6, 2019