When someone sends you a voicemail after dialling your number, it doesn’t show up as a ‘missed call’ on your phone. This is because the call did technically go through and the caller was able to reach you via voicemail. This can be quite a conundrum as some users prefer receiving missed call alerts for phone calls that they did not pick up. If you are one of them, you may want to consider discontinuing voicemail services on your phone. Today, we bring you the top 4 ways to turn off or deactivate voicemail on an iPhone.
Now that smartphones are heavily reliant on an internet connection, voice mails have become obsolete. If your phone is connected to the internet at all times, you don’t need a voicemail to receive important messages while you’re away. Most instant messaging apps, including iMessage, allow users to send voice messages. These messages are received instantly, given your phone has an active internet connection.
Some apps also allow users to send ephemeral voice notes. This means the voice notes self-destruct once the recipient has listened to them. If you don’t use an instant messenger, the caller can always contact you on social media platforms.
Use a dial code
The easiest way to turn off your voicemail is by using a dial code. Here’s how.
Step 1: Launch the Phone app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Switch to the Keypad tab.
Step 3: Enter #004#.
Step 4: Hit the Call button.
Step 5: Hit Dismiss in the popup box.
Fill up the mailbox
If you fill up your voicemail inbox with messages, no one else will be able to leave new messages on it. You will need another phone for this method.
Step 1: Put your iPhone in Airplane Mode using the Control Centre. This is done to ensure any incoming calls are directed to your voicemail.
Step 2: Using another phone, call your number.
Step 3: Start leaving voicemails until your inbox is full. Typically, it should take between 30-40 voicemails to fill up your inbox.
Once full, no one will be able to reach your voicemail.
Use an MMI code
Step 1: Launch the Phone app and switch to the keypad.
Step 2: Enter *#61# and hit Dial.
Step 3: Write down the mailbox number on a piece of paper and hit Dismiss.
Step 4: Go to Settings and select Phone.
Step 5: Tap on Call Forwarding.
Step 6: Turn on the toggle switch and tap on Forward To.
Step 7: Enter the mailbox number. Save the changes.
Step 8: Go back to the Phone app and switch to the Keypad tab.
Step 9: Enter ##004# and hit Dial.
Step 10: All voicemail services will be deactivated on your phone. Hit Dismiss.
Contact your network provider
If you don’t wanna go through the deactivation process on your phone, you can directly call your network provider and get them to cancel the voicemail service for your number. Here are the helpline numbers of the major network carriers.
Verizon: 1-800-922-0204
AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
T-Mobile: 1-800-937-8997
Xfinitiy: 1-888-936-4968
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I turn off voicemail on my iPhone?
The universal dial code for deactivating voicemail is #004#. If that doesn’t work, contact your network carrier.
How do I change my voicemail greeting on an iPhone?
To change your voicemail greeting, go to Phone>Voicemail>Greeting>Custom>Record and record the message. Hit ‘Save’ once you’re done.
How do I delete all voicemails at once?
Go to Phone>Voicemail>Edit, select all the messages one by one, and hit ‘Delete’.
These are the top 4 ways to turn off or deactivate voicemail on your iPhone. If you know of any other way to accomplish this task, let us know in the comments. While you’re here, check out this article to learn how to change your voicemail greeting on an iPhone. This article explains how to carry out the same process on your Android phone.
The Amazfit Active smartwatch will go on sale tomorrow.
The device supports BT calling and Alexa for hands-free control.
The wearable comes with 120+ sports modes.
Popular smart wearable brand focusing on health and fitness, Amazfit today announced the launch of the Amazfit Active smartwatch in India. The device features a 1.75-inch HD AMOLED display with a stainless-steel frame. In addition to this, it includes health monitoring features like 24-hour heart rate, SPO2 and stress monitoring. Additionally, it offers more than 120 sports modes along with 5 satellite positioning systems and route navigation.
In This Article
Amazfit Active price in India, sale details
Amazfit Active price in India is set at Rs 12,999. The smartwatch comes in three colour options of Lavender Purple, Midnight Black, and Petal Pink. Customers can purchase the Amazfit active on the company’s website, Amazon and select offline stores.
Amazfit Active specifications
Amazfit Active has a lightweight design and weighs only 24g though it has a robust aluminium alloy middle frame. It also has a smooth, skin-friendly silicone strap. The smartwatch features a 1.75-inch HD AMOLED display with 390 x 450 pixels of resolution, 341 ppi and 73% screen-to-body ratio. The device also supports an always-on display feature.
With its AI-powered personal coach, Zepp Coach users can benefit from customised exercises for all training backgrounds. The Zepp Coach introduces scientific training methods, evaluating the user’s physical fitness, fatigue level, and training status based on exercise intensity.
Whereas the innovative Readiness Score on the watch evaluates your level of physical readiness each morning based on information about heart rate, stress, sleep, heart rate variability, respiration, and temperature. The Readiness Score provides personalised suggestions for the day, contributing to overall well-being based on both mental and physical recovery.
Amazfit Active also includes health monitoring features like 24×7 heart rate, blood-oxygen saturation, and stress level monitors. Additionally, it supports over 120 sports modes. Moreover, it comes equipped with five satellite positioning systems that ensure precise navigation. The built-in microphone and speaker enable seamless communication. It also supports Bluetooth calling. Users can also take control of their phone’s music directly from the watch. The Amazfit Active comes with built-in Amazon Alexa, serving as a smart assistant on the wrist.
The Infinix Smart 8 features a 50MP dual-AI camera.
The device comes with a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a 90-Hz refresh rate.
The phone runs on Android 13 Go Edition-based XOS 13.
Infinix Smart 8 new variant has launched in India. At the time of launch in January, the company introduced it in a single 4GB RAM with 64GB of storage. But the firm has introduced a new 8GB RAM with 128GB storage option. Infinix Smart 8 is powered by MediaTek Helio G36 SoC and is shipped with Android 13 Go Edition-based XOS 13. The handset comes equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery.
Infinix Smart 8 new 8GB RAM with 128GB storage model has been introduced with a price tag of Rs Rs 7,999 in the country. The new model will be available via Flipkart in the country on February 8 at noon.
Infinix Smart 8 was launched in India last month after its global debut with 4GB of RAM with 64GB of storage variant priced at Rs 7,499. The handset is offered in Galaxy White, Rainbow Blue, Shiny Gold, and Timber Black colour options.
Infinix Smart 8 specifications
The Infinix Smart 8 comes with a 6.6-inch HD+ display with 1,612 x 720 pixels of resolution. The screen comes with a 90Hz refresh rate and a touch sampling rate of 180Hz. The panel supports 500 nits of peak brightness. It also features a Magic Ring feature akin to Apple’s dynamic island. The expandable notch feature enables functions such as face unlock, background call management, charging animations, and charge completion reminders, adding a layer of convenience and personalisation for users.
An octa-core Unisoc T606 SoC powers it with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. The smartphone also includes an expandable RAM feature, while the internal storage can be further expanded up to 2TB using a microSD card. The device operates on XOS 13 skinned over Android 13.
The mobile phone sports a 50-megapixel main sensor, an AI camera, and a quad-LED Ring flash for photos and videos. In terms of selfies, there is an 8-megapixel front-facing camera with an LED flash.
In terms of connectivity, there is dual 4G, nano SIM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, and a USB Type-C port. Additionally, the handset packs a 5,000mAh battery.
Last month, Infinix added another budget smartphone to its Smart 8 Series. Earlier, we reviewed the Smart 8 HD smartphone, which is currently priced at Rs 6,299. The new Smart 8 is priced slightly higher at Rs 7,099 and packs some important updates. Under the hood, it is powered by the MediaTek G36 chipset. While its design remains largely unchanged, the rear camera module gets a new 50MP primary shooter. The Smart 8 is also available in a 4GB RAM variant, with an 8GB RAM model about to launch soon. Keen to check out the new updates, we used the Infinix Smart 8 for a week, here is our in-depth review of the Infinix Smart 8 smartphone.
Inside the Infinix Smart 8 retail box, you get the smartphone, a 10W power adapter, a USB Type-C cable, a clear (hard) plastic case, a SIM ejector tool, a user manual, and a warranty card. There are four colour variants on offer – Galaxy White, Rainbow Blue, Shiny Gold, and Timber Black.
Infinix Smart 8 follows the design language of the ‘HD’ model, which was launched in December 2023. The two lenses and the ring LED flash at the back are aligned in a triangular formation, much like the newer crop of iPhones. Infinix has added a two-step camera panel to house the lenses and ring LED flash on the Smart 8 HD. We used the Rainbow Blue variant of the Infinix Smart 8 for this review. True to its name, it reflects a colourful pattern when light falls on the plastic back panel.
The right edge of the plastic frame houses the volume rocker key and the power button (that also doubles as a fingerprint scanner). On the left, you’ll find the hybrid SIM tray. The 3.5mm headphone jack, microphone, USB Type-C port, and speaker grille have been positioned at the bottom of the phone. There is no secondary microphone or speaker grille on the top edge.
Despite losing the ‘HD’ monicker, the Infinix Smart 8 has the same display panel as the Smart 8 HD. The 6.6-inch IPS LCD has a refresh rate of 90Hz and a peak brightness of 500 nits. This display is surrounded by sizeable bezels that get thicker around the chin. The selfie camera is housed in a punch-hole cutout, which Infinix calls the ‘Magic Ring’. This Magic Ring pops up with animations for Face Unlock, Background Call, Charging, Charge Completion, and Low Battery. It feels like a rudimentary form of Apple’s Dynamic Island. There is also a small LED notification light positioned above the top bezel.
The touch response offered by the 90Hz display is very fluid and smooth. The haptic feedback is sharper than what we’re used to seeing in this price range. The device does a good job of keeping up with the swipe gestures and doesn’t feel like it’s lagging. It is certainly one of the better displays we have played around with in this category. A peak brightness of 500 nits is fine if you’re using the phone indoors, however, under direct sunlight, you will need to cover the display with your palm to make it legible.
Watching video content on this 720 x 1,612p LCD panel is a fun experience. While it does not have Widevine L1 certification, the picture quality is just fine. The colours are punchy and the images are detailed. The primary speaker is loud albeit a bit tinny. You won’t feel the need to pull out your headphones while watching videos on the phone.
Infinix Smart 8: Performance and Cameras
Powering the Infinix Smart 8 is the MediaTek Helio G36 SoC, which is an improvement over the Unisoc T606 processor on the Smart 8 HD variant. The smartphone also packs 4GB RAM which is 1GB more than its ‘HD’ sibling. Both smartphones have an internal storage of 64GB. However, Infinix will launch the 8GB RAM + 128GB variant in India soon.
Being an entry-level smartphone, we didn’t expect the Smart 8 to excel at every task we threw at it. It takes a little time to load the apps, but there is no noticeable when they are running. Multitasking on the smartphone does not present any issues either unless you are crowding its memory with too many heavy tasks at once. Routine tasks like video and voice calling, social media browsing, media playback, and others are handled with ease.
While the MediaTek G36 processor is not meant for heavy gaming, it can handle titles like Garena Free Fire fairly well. The touch reception isn’t on par with the gaming smartphones in the category above and the phone does lose a few frames now and then, but the overall performance is passable. We used the smartphone during the winter, so it didn’t overheat easily. After 30 minutes of gaming, the internal temperature of the smartphone did rise slightly but it did not have any real effect on the performance.
One of our favourite things about Infinix’s budget smartphones is the software experience. Unlike other devices in this category, the software experience is very clean. There are a couple of bloatware apps on the device, but they can be removed with ease. The Android-13-based XOS 13 is easy on the eyes and very accessible to use. The gesture controls offered by XOS bring a new level of accessibility to the smartphone. You can assign special functions to gestures like swiping up and down with 2 fingers, pinching in and out, clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation with 2 fingers, and more.
The 5,000 mAh battery pack can power the smartphone for an entire day. Our daily usage consisted of watching video content, sending and receiving emails, social media browsing, video calling, and gaming. On average, we were left with 10-15% at the end of the day. With 10W charging support, the Infinix Smart 8 can be fully charged in 3 hours. The smartphone also supports reverse-wired charging.
One of the bigger highlights of the Infinix Smart 8 is its 50MP camera, which we thoroughly used during the review period. This main sensor puts up a good performance in outdoor daylight conditions. The images produced are sharp and rich in colour. We were happy with the details that the 50MP sensor managed to capture. The contrast level in the images is certainly bumped up in the photoprocessing stage and the end results are ‘social media ready’ instead of being neutral, but that isn’t something we can hold against an entry-level smartphone.
The quality of the images takes a hit in limited lighting conditions. The Night Mode kicks in automatically in darker conditions but the images produced are soft and grainy. The camera app also has a Portrait Mode that does a good job of focussing on the object but doesn’t apply the optimum amount of blur in the background.
Selfies taken with the 8MP camera are a tag overprocessed. The smartphone applies a skin-smoothening effect to the selfies. On the bright side, you can use the LED notification light as a flash or fill light to take selfies at night. The camera app also has some fun face filters. The front and rear cameras can record 1080p and 720p videos at 30fps.
At Rs 7,099 (Flipkart), the Infinix Smart 8 is a great deal. The MediaTek Helio G36 chipset is a big improvement over the Unisoc processors we usually see in this price range. On top of that, a refined design and an updated camera lens are well worth paying an extra Rs 800 over the Smart 8 HD variant. Compared to other smartphones in this price bracket, Smart 8’s punch-hole cutout, LED notification light (which also acts as a front flash), and super-fast side-mounted fingerprint camera make it a very easy smartphone to recommend.
Over the last few years, mobile gaming has really taken off. FPS games like Fortnite, PUBG, and Call of Duty Mobile have been a huge success on the two major mobile platforms. While most of the big gaming titles are available on both platforms, there are some exclusive games that can only be played on Android. If you recently made the switch to an iPhone and can’t find your favourite game on the App Store, here are 5 methods that will help you download and play Android games on iOS.
Is it possible to run Android apps and games on iOS?
Android emulators for iPhones make it possible to run Android apps and games on iOS. Earlier, the only way to go about running an emulator on your iPhone was by jailbreaking the device. This deterred a lot of people as jailbreaking your iPhone voids its warranty. Depending on your location, jailbreaking may lie in a legally grey area.
However, most modern emulators do not require you to jailbreak your device. While you cannot download them directly, you can find them on third-party stores like Cydia and AltStore. Once installed, emulators can reproduce the Android environment on your iPhone. You may still face some lags and unexpected crashes while running the more demanding gaming titles, but the lighter games will run without any hiccups.
GBA4iOS
Game Boy Advance and Nintendo enthusiasts may have heard of the GBA4iOS emulator for iPhones and other iOS devices. The good news is that it can also support Android games for the iOS platform. Once you install the app on your device, you need to download the game’s ROM from Safari. The ROM can be directly loaded on the GBA4iOS app. iPhones running iOS 8 or below can directly download the emulator from the GBA4iOS website. Newer iOS versions need BuildStore to download the emulator. One of the advantages of using GBA4iOS is that you don’t need to jailbreak your device. The gameplay is smooth and you will rarely experience any lags or jitters.
Appetize
Appetize is another great emulator that lets you run Android apps and games on iPhone. This emulator runs the app on your iPhone’s web browser, so its functionality may be limited. However, it is still good for certain games and apps. One of the advantages of using Appetize is that you don’t need to download the Android app on your iPhone. First, you need to download Appetize from its official website and make an account on the platform. Once that’s done, hit ‘Upload’ to upload your Android file. Enter your email address upon opening the file. You will receive a link in your email inbox, using which you can run the app on your iPhone’s web browser.
Android
One of the popular Android emulators around, iAndroid makes it easy to play Android games on your iPhone. To get iAndroid on your iPhone, you need to download the Cydia app (from the official website). Once the app is downloaded, open it and go to Manage>Sources. Search for iAndroid and download it on your iPhone. Once iAndroid has been installed on your device, you can use it to simulate the Android OS experience and even download any app of your choice. You may face the odd jitter, but overall, this app works pretty well.
Dalvik Emulator
Dalvik is another emulator you can download from the Cydia Store to run Android games on your iPhone. This emulator works great on iPads as well. The process to download the Dalvik emulator is the same as iAndroid. Download Cydia from its official website, launch the app, and go to Manage>Sources. Search for Dalvik and install the emulator on your iPhone. Dalvik runs smoothly and does not cause a lot of crashes on your device. You can download unmodified versions of Android apps using this emulator.
iNDS Emulator
Popular for being one of the best Nintendo DS emulators for iOS, the iNDS emulator also lets you play some Android games on your iPhone. The good news is that you don’t need to jailbreak your iPhone to run this emulator. The app efficiently runs ROM files from a number of sources. The graphics are clean and smooth, pushing the gameplay to the optimum level. To get iNDS on your iPhone you need to download the Tweakbox app first. Once Tweakbox has been installed, launch it, go to the Menu, search for iNDS, and install it on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I play Android games on my iPhone?
Download the iAndroid emulator using the Cydia app to run Android apps and games on your iPhone. iAndroid is free to use and does not require any subscription to function.
How do I play Game Boy Advance games on my iPhone?
Apps like GBA4iOS, Happy Chick, Delta Emulator, and Provenance let you play games across all the major retro platforms on your iPhone. Read this article to learn more.
How do I play SNES games on my iPhone?
To play Super Nintendo games on your iPhone, download the Delta Emulator using AltStore. Read this article for a step-by-step walkthrough.
This is how you can download and play Android games on your iPhone. Most Android games offer cross-platform compatibility, meaning you can download them from the App Store on your iPhone and log in using your registered account so as to not lose any progress. If you know any other way to play Android games on your iOS device, let us know in the comments!
Rufus is being rolled out to select users in the US.
Rufus generates answers using relevant information from across Amazon and the web.
The AI chatbot can also do a comparison.
Amazon has finally joined the generative artificial intelligence (AI) competition, proving that it’s better late than never. The e-commerce platform has introduced Rufus, an AI-powered shopping assistant. The AI chatbot will handle recommendations and questions for you, making shopping even more convenient and easy. Rufus also allows for product comparisons.
Rufus will be your new shopping assistant on Amazon. After Alexa, the popular voice assistant the e-commerce platform will support the new generative artificial intelligence (AI) assistant. Rufus will be limited to the beta version of the Amazon mobile app in the US as it is under the testing phase. Once it is free from any bugs or difficulties the AI chatbot will be rolled out to all the users across the globe. “Rufus will progressively roll out to additional U.S. customers in the coming weeks,” the firm said.
According to the tech giant, Rufus is an expert shopping assistant who has been trained on both the Amazon product catalogue and information from across the web to answer customer questions on shopping needs, products, and comparisons, make recommendations based on this context, and facilitate product discovery in the same Amazon shopping experience customers use regularly.
The blog post says, ” Rufus is a generative AI-powered expert shopping assistant trained on Amazon’s extensive product catalogue, customer reviews, community Q&As, and information from across the web to answer customer questions on a variety of shopping needs and products, provide comparisons, and make recommendations based on conversational context.”
Rufus is said to improve the shopping experience on Amazon by helping them find and discover the finest products to match their needs.
With Rufus, customers can learn what to look for while shopping product categories by conducting more general product research on Amazon. They can ask questions to the AI chatbot like “What to consider when buying headphones?”, “what to consider when detailing my car at home?”, or “What are clean beauty products?” to get better results. The Amazon AI Assistant can also help you shop for occasion or purpose. Rufus suggests shoppable product categories when you ask questions such as “What do I need for cold weather golf?” or “I want to start an indoor garden.”
Users can also make comparisons by asking “What’s the difference between lip gloss and lip oil?” or “Compare drip to pour-over coffee makers”
As mentioned earlier Rufus is currently under beta and will be available in the US to select users. Beta users of the Amazon Shopping app simply start typing or speaking their questions into the search bar in Amazon’s mobile app and a Rufus chat dialog box will appear at the bottom of their screen.
Consumers can tap on suggested questions, and ask follow-up questions by expanding the chat dialogue window. They can also swipe down to send the chatbot chat dialogue box back to the bottom of their screen to dismiss.
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 has launched in India.
The device comes in two variants Enterprise and a Standard Edition.
The smartphone has Gorilla Glass Victus protection and can withstand severe weather or similar hazards.
Samsung has officially announced the launch of its new rugged smartphone in India- Galaxy XCover 7. Prior to the launch the handset was listed on the device support page in India. The new device can withstand severe weather or similar hazards. The phone’s display is responsive when used while wearing gloves and features Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front panel. It comes with an IP68-certified build and military-grade (MIL-STD-810H) durability. Besides this it has a 50-megapixel camera on its rear.
In This Article
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 price in India, sale details
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 price in India starts at Rs 27,208 for the Standard Edition. Whereas the Enterprise Edition price is set at Rs 27,530. The new rugged phone comes in a single configuration of 6GB RAM with 128GB storage.
As per the company it will offer two years of warranty on the Enterprise Edition and one year on the Standard Edition. Additionally the firm will also offer a subscription for 12-months for Knox Suite on the more expensive Enterprise model.
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 specifications
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 sports a 6.6-inch full-HD+ TFT display with 1,080 x 2,408 pixels of resolution. The screen comes with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. The device displays also allow for adjustments to touch sensitivity, making them easy to use for workers wearing gloves. As per the company it has been extensively tested for use with sanitizers.
The device is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance and includes military-grade (MIL-STD-810H) durability. It is designed to be shock-resistant to drops of up to 1.5m.
In terms of software, the phone operates on Android 14 out of the box. Under its hood, there is a 6nm octa-core, believed to be a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 SoC with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 1TB via a microSD card.
For photos and videos, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 features a single 50-megapixel camera with an f/1.8 aperture. In terms of selfies, there is a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The rugged phone includes a customisable XCover key to enable shortcuts and improved productivity, as well as barcode scanning with Knox Capture. In addition to this, the speakers get Dolby Atmos audio support.
For connectivity, there is a USB Type-C port with Pogo pin connectors, 5G, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The sensors on the phone include an accelerometer, proximity sensor, geomagnetic sensor, gyro sensor, and proximity sensor.
Garena Free Fire is a battle royale game with regular awards and tournaments to keep players interested. If you play Garena Free Fire, you should be aware of the redeem codes that are released on a daily basis. However, because the battle royale game is banned in India, players from other countries can use the Free Fire Redeem codes daily. If you’re unfamiliar with the Garena Free Fire redeem codes or don’t know how to get them, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you redeem them. Check out Garena Free Fire Redeem Codes for 7 February 2024.
The Free Fire redeem codes are a great way to get free stuff. These are 12-digit codes that contain alphabets and numbers, as well as an expiration date and time. Because the Garena FF redeem codes cannot be used more than once, you should hurry to the redemption page to claim your free reward before someone else does. To get a free reward, all you have to do is go to reward.ff.garena.com/en, which is the official redemption page. Also, keep an eye on this space for daily updates on Garena Free Fire redemption codes and rewards.
In the fast-evolving world of online gambling, the year 2024 marks a significant milestone, especially in the realm of Esports betting. This dynamic and rapidly growing segment has transformed from a niche interest into a global phenomenon, capturing the attention of millions and reshaping the landscape of online casinos.
In This Article
The Current State of Esports iGaming
The global esports betting market, once valued at USD 0.9 billion in 2020, has witnessed a substantial surge, reaching USD 1.7 billion in 2022. This remarkable growth trajectory underscores the increasing influence of Esports as a major player in the online gambling sector. Key titles like NBA 2K, the FC Series, and NHL have become focal points for betting, creating a rich ecosystem for wagers and engagement.
The Integration of Technology in Online Casinos
The integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR and AR), and blockchain is revolutionizing online casinos. AI is increasingly used to personalize gaming experiences and analyze player behavior. VR and AR are enhancing the immersion of live dealer games, bringing a more realistic experience to online gambling. Blockchain technology, notably through cryptocurrencies, is gaining ground for its security and transparency advantages, leading to an increase in crypto-focused casinos.
Mobile Gaming: The New Frontier
The trend towards mobile-first design in online casinos is undeniable. The focus on mobile-friendly gameplay caters to the growing number of users who prefer the convenience of playing on their smartphones. This shift has led to innovations in game selection and user interface, making mobile gaming a key area of growth in the online casino industry.
The Expansion of Live Dealer and Skill-Based Games
Live dealer games have bridged the gap between land-based and online casinos, offering real-time interaction with live dealers. This sector is set to grow, with more innovative game formats being added. Similarly, skill-based games are on the rise, attracting players who enjoy a competitive aspect in their gaming experience. This aligns with the preferences of younger generations, broadening the player demographic.
Esports Betting: The New Mainstay
Esports betting is expected to continue its upward trajectory in 2024. This sector offers diverse betting options, from match-win bets to complex accumulators, catering to a wide range of strategies. The market is diversifying with more betting markets and options, particularly in competitive video game tournaments. This growth is not just limited to traditional Esports titles but is also expanding into virtual sports betting, providing alternatives to traditional sports betting.
The Ethical and Legal Landscape
As Esports betting grows, so do the ethical and legal challenges. Issues such as match-fixing, underage gambling, and addiction are of concern, necessitating strict policies and procedures to maintain integrity and protect individuals. The legal landscape varies globally, with some regions fully legalizing and regulating Esports betting, while others remain in a gray area.
The Future Outlook
The future of Esports betting in online casinos looks promising. With technological innovations, responsible gambling practices, and a focus on sustainability and security, the industry is poised for continued growth. The dynamic blend of gaming and betting is evolving into a significant segment of the gambling industry, offering an engaging way for fans to interact with their favorite games and teams.
In conclusion, 2024 is set to be an exciting year for the iGaming industry, with Esports betting at the forefront. This segment of online gambling is not just a passing trend but a significant, evolving part of the industry, set to provide thrilling experiences for players and bettors alike.
WhatsApp may be the most popular instant messenger around, but Telegram is by far the more feature-laden messaging app. The instant messaging app allows you to save messages and media from any chat into one easily accessible folder. In its newest update, the platform has made changes to this folder, making it more accessible. You don’t need to scroll all the way to the top to find a message anymore. Here is how you can use Saved Messages 2.0 on Telegram. Make sure you update the app to gain access to the newest set of features.
Telegram’s newest update brings new features for regular and premium users. The biggest of them all is ‘Saved Messages 2.0’ which now lets you sort your saved messages by chat. This makes it incredibly easy to locate old saved messages. The saved messages folder also has a ‘Shared Media’ tab that lets you view all the saved videos, pictures, and documents in one place. Premium subscribers can add emojis as tags to saved messages to categorise them even further.
The new update also lets you pause video messages and voice notes while sending them to a user. You can lock the record button and hit the pause icon to gather your thoughts before hitting play and continuing your message. You can also tap on the ‘view-once’ icon to make sure the message self-destructs after the recipient has viewed it. On top of that, you can view the exact time your message was read by the recipient simply by tapping on it.
How to Save a message on Telegram?
Step 1:Launch the Telegram app on your smartphone.
Step 2: Go to the chat containing the message that you want to save.
Step 3:Long-press the message and hit the forward icon at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 4: Select Saved Messages as the destination folder.
How to access and use Saved Messages 2.0 on Telegram?
Step 1:Launch the Telegram on your phone and hit the hamburger menu at the top left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Select Saved Messages.
Step 3: All the messages you have saved from different chats will appear in one list-like pattern.
Step 4: You can send a message to this chat to save it as a note.
Step 5: To sort the messages by their respective chats, hit the ellipses at the top right corner of the screen and select View as Chats. You can also hit the banner to achieve the same result.
Step 6: Tap on a chat to view all the saved messages from it.
Step 7: Switch to the Media tab to view all the saved media files in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I save a message on Telegram?
Long-press the message, hit the forward sign, and select Saved Messages as the destination folder to save a message on Telegram.
Can I add tags to saved messages on Telegram?
Only Premium subscribers can add emojis as tags to their saved messages. These tags can be accessed by tapping the Search symbol in the saved messages folder.
How do I send a one-time voice recording on Telegram?
To send a one-time voice or video message on Telegram, press and hold its icon, lock it, and hit the view-once icon before sending.
This is how you can use the newly updated ‘Saved Messages 2.0’ feature on Telegram. You can use saved messages to send messages, documents, voice notes, video messages, and more to yourself. You don’t need to send a message to someone else in order to save it. Simply go to the saved messages folder and send the things you want to save.
One of the best aspects of buying from Apple is that you get reliable and quick assistance from the customer support staff whenever necessary. If your iPhone’s screen gets broken, you can get it repaired within a day from the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store. The only catch is that you need to make a reservation beforehand. If you walk into the store without one, you may have to wait for the current appointments to be over before getting your device checked. Today, we show you how to make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store in the USA or UK.
Is something wrong with your Apple device? Here are your options
Not every problem with your device necessitates visiting the Apple Store Genius Bar. You can resolve most software issues at home with a little bit of troubleshooting and looking up help online. You may want to check out our ‘How To’ section for an answer to your problem. You can also use Apple’s customer helplines if you’re facing issues with one of the services.
US Helpline Numbers
1-800-275-2273: For general issues related to your device.
1-800-800-2775: For help related to Educational Devices.
1-877-204-3930: For help with issues related to Apple’s accessibility tools.
1-877-233-8552: For help with Apple Cash.
1-866-752-7753: For Enterprise customers.
UK Helpline Numbers
08000480408: Contact Apple Online Store.
08001076285: Contact Apple Customer Support.
08000582222: Contact Apple Store forBusiness.
08000480408: Contact Apple Store for Education.
However, if you’re facing a hardware-related problem on your device, you will need to visit an Apple Store or an Apple-authorised service centre to get it fixed. The process of making an appointment is very simple.
How to make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store
Step 2: Select the device for which you are seeking support.
Step 3: Select the problem you are facing with your device.
Step 4: Hit Continue.
Step 5: Click on Find Location in the ‘Schedule a Repair’ section.
Step 6: Click on Schedule a Visit.
Step 7: Scroll down and select the Apple Store nearest to your location. If there are no Apple Stores near you, select an authorised repair centre.
Step 8: Pick the day of your visit and click on Store’s local time to select the appointment time.
Step 9: You may enter your phone number to receive appointment notifications. This is entirely optional. Hit Continue.
Step 10: On the following page, click on Reserve Now.
Your appointment at the Genius Bar will be reserved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I book an appointment at Apple’s Genius Bar?
Go to the Apple Support Page, select your device and the problem you are facing with it, choose an Apple Store near you, and schedule a visit.
How do I get my iPhone repaired if there are no Apple Stores in my area?
If there are no Apple Stores in your area, you can use the Apple Support Page to schedule a visit to an Apple-authorised repair centre.
How much does AppleCare+ for iPhone cost in the US?
Prices for iPhone 15’s Apple Care+ package start at $11.49 monthly or $219 for 2-year coverage. For the Pro models, buyers have to spend $13.49 monthly or $269 for 2-year coverage.
This is how you can book an appointment at Apple’s Genius Bar in the USA or UK. If you know any other way to get this done, let us know in the comments! Also, check out this article to learn how you can contact Apple Support to get help for Apple devices.
The HP Spectre x360 laptop features 2.8K OLED screens.
The display supports up to 120Hz refresh rate.
The laptops come with smart AI-enhanced features.
HP Spectre x360 16, HP Spectre x360 14 laptops launched in India today. The 14-inch and 16-inch laptops are powered by Intel Core Ultra 7 processors with RTX 4050 GPUs integrated. The new Spectre laptops feature smart AI enhancements. Notably, they represent HP’s inaugural consumer portfolio integrating a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for efficient AI workload management.
In This Article
HP Spectre x360 16, HP Spectre x360 14 price in India, sale details
HP Spectre x360 16 price in India starts at Rs 1,79,999. It is available in Nightfall Black colour. On the other hand, the Spectre x360 14 pricing begins at Rs 1,64,999. It is available in Nightfall Black and Slate Blue colours. The new laptops can be purchased via HP World stores, HP Online store, and at all leading retail counters.
HP Spectre x360 16, HP Spectre x360 14 specifications
The HP Spectre x360 14-inch and 16-inch laptops feature 2.8K OLED screens with a 16:10 aspect ratio and the refresh rate can adjust from 48 Hz to 120 Hz based on the type of content being viewed. The display comes with IMAX Enhanced Certification for watching movies. The HP Spectre x360 16-inch has the world’s largest haptic touchpad for a Windows-based 16-inch PC.
Under the chassis, there are Intel Core Ultra 7 processors. The smart AI-enhanced features of the new x360 are said to improve security, performance, and collaboration. Furthermore, HP’s Spectre laptops are the company’s first consumer lineup to have a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI workloads. The machine includes three engine machines (CPU, GPU, and NPU) and NVIDIA Studio with RTX 4050 GFX to facilitate expedited video editing and enhanced productivity and content creation. The device also offers built-in security features including wake-on-approach, walk-away lock, and privacy alerts that warn users of prying eyes.
The convertible laptops come equipped with a 9 MP camera that can be adjusted for low light using hardware. Additionally, it offers adaptive screen adjustments like a screen dimmer when the user looks away to save power and variable refresh rate for immersive performance and power efficiency.
The automatic performance optimization also adjusts fan noise and temperatures based on applications being used, placement of the laptop, and battery status. Moreover, users can improve video and calls with Windows Studio effects which offload AI features like automatic framing, background blur, and the ability to maintain eye contact onto the NPU for engaging connections.
NoiseFit Grace smartwatch supports Bluetooth Calling with Noise Tru Sync technology
The wearable comes with multiple sports modes.
It is IP67 water and dust resistance rated.
The smartwatch also supports 100+ watch faces.
Indian tech brand Noise has expanded its smartwatch portfolio with the launch of the NoiseFit Grace smartwatch. The newly launched tracker sports a cut dial design and sleeker size with a metallic build and link strap specially designed for women. In addition to this, it comes with essential health metrics such as heart rate, SpO2, and more. The device is said to provide 4 days of battery life on a single charge.
In This Article
Noisefit Grace price in India and availability
Noisefit Grace has been launched in India with a price tag of Rs 2,999. The device will be available in three colour options of Rose Gold, Metal Silver, and Jet Black. It can be purchased via Flipkart, and the brand’s website, gonoise.com
Noisefit Grace specifications
Noisefit Grace sports a 1.1-inch AMOLED with 360 x 360 pixels of resolution. The screen supports Always on and comes with 600 nits of peak brightness. Additionally, it has a cut dial design and a sleeker size with a metallic build and link strap. Along with Bluetooth calling the fitness tracker includes an AI voice assistant and an in-built calendar. Customers can also benefit from more than 100 watch faces and sports modes, as well as a seamless pairing experience with the NoiseFit App.
Noisefit Grace is IP67-rated for water and dust resistance. The smartwatch enables quick access to the dial pad and recent call logs with storage for up to 10 contacts for quick calling. It also includes a wide range of functions for tracking health and productivity. Women may efficiently track vital health indicators including heart rate, SpO2, sleep patterns, and stress levels, among others, with the help of Noise Health Suite. On the other hand, the integrated Productivity Suite keeps daily reminders and weather forecasts easily accessible. Along with weather updates and a notification display, it offers an Alarm, camera control, music control, and calculator.
We have been testing the OnePlus 12 since its introduction last week in India. So this is our in-depth review of OnePlus 12. Given that the design is quite similar to the OnePlus 11 from the previous year, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages as well as what has changed. It costs about Rs 64,999 in India and includes the top Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC processor for 2024. The device is the successor to last year’s OnePlus 11, but still lacks the IP68 certification; however, it does come with a wireless charging capability this time. Let’s discuss it further in the review of the OnePlus 12 below.
In This Article
OnePlus 12 Review: Design and Display
Many of the features from the previous generation are still present in OnePlus. Actually, the design has remained the same and has a striking resemblance to the OnePlus 11 (as said). Despite having a similar appearance, the design has been improved. A few design modifications have been made, particularly to the weight and thickness. The smartphone now has a larger battery capacity, which undoubtedly makes it heavier and thicker.
Looking at the design language, OnePlus has continued to use the previous generation’s style. Again, the camera device is circular. Within the module, the Hasselblad logo sits on a glossy marble finish module housing four camera lenses. We also observed some gorgeous glitter in it that gives the appearance of the brightness of the night stars. There are two colour options for the OnePlus 12: Silky Black and Flowy Emerald.
For the review, we got the Flowy Emerald colour variant, which has a matte finish and a marble-like design that actually looks pretty fantastic. According to the company it is inspired by the magnificent sight of New Zealand’s braided Dart River, where emerald ribbons pulse with vivid energy. Flowy Emerald captures the essence of natural wonders and uses cutting-edge AG technology along with a precise etching process to give the phone’s glass back cover a premium texture with exquisite dynamism.
Take note that Corning Gorilla 5 protects the back panel.
Despite having a matte appearance, the back feels a little slick to the touch. Therefore, we advise you to put a silicon case on it to prevent accidental drops or slips from your hand. Using a back cover will safeguard the glass-made rear panel and provide you with a firm grip. And yes, the back cover is present inside the box, so need to purchase a new one, unless you want a different appearance.
The phone is undoubtedly heavier due to its larger battery and the usage of glass and metal materials. But despite this, you don’t feel like it’s a very heavy handset.
In addition, the edges have rounded corners and a curved finish. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection has been added to the display. The bezels are kept to a minimum, which looks pretty good. In addition, it has a high-quality appearance and feel thanks to the metal frame and the soft curves on both sides. Our small hands could comfortably use the phone with one hand because it is not overly broad. The gadget is not waterproof, but it does have an IP65 classification for dust and splash resistance.
The alert slider is on the left side of the frame, and the power and volume buttons are on the right. It includes an IR blaster on top, a dual SIM card slot and a USB Type C port speaker unit at the bottom.
Let’s proceed to the display next. The main feature of the OnePlus 12 is its 6.82-inch quad-HD+ LTPO OLED screen, which boasts a resolution of 1,440 x 3,168 pixels. The variable refresh rate of the front panel spans from 1Hz to 120Hz. Furthermore supported is a screen brightness of 4,500 nits. Keep in mind that this OnePlus smartphone’s screen is the brightest we’ve ever seen.
It provides incredibly smooth and lifelike images for an excellent viewing experience. Additionally, TÜV Rheinland certifies it for Intelligent Eye Care because of its capacity to efficiently decrease blue light output and intelligently modify the colour temperature in response to varying ambient conditions.
Because it is an LTPO panel, the display can automatically transition between a refresh rate of 1Hz to 120Hz while maintaining a relatively low power consumption, depending on user preferences and particular usage conditions. On the other hand, Dolby Vision is also supported, enhancing the visual experience overall with incredibly bright colours, sharp contrast, and showcasing well even the minutest details.
The touch response of the display functions perfectly. Sweaty hands and mishaps during both intense gameplay and regular use are greatly reduced thanks to the Aqua Touch’s ability to detect moist fingers and water droplets on the screen and adjust accordingly. Dolby Atoms is supported by the dual speaker setup and dedicated spatial audio, which provides high-quality audio with less acoustic resonance even without headphones. We quite loved it.
OnePlus 12 Review: Performance and cameras
Qualcomm’s 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, one of the most potent chipsets for Android premium phones, powers the device underneath. The device supports up to 512GB of UFS 4 internal storage in addition to up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM.
The OnePlus 12 offers good performance in all areas, including gaming and daily use. With almost no lag or glitches, the OxygenOS optimisation made for an excellent experience.
The whole experience is powerful and quite positive even in terms of gaming. In terms of regular use, there is very little temperature rise and you also receive Vapor Chamber cooling. Thus, we would conclude that it is highly optimised for gaming.
Because this phone has the most powerful chipset available, it can play high-end games very well. Playing games and multitasking on this device is quite effortless. Call of Duty Mobile, Asphalt 9, PUBG New State, BGMI, and other games all functioned flawlessly without any lags or frame dips.
Based on Android 14, OxygenOS 14 powers the OnePlus 12. The shelf has improved because you can configure the toggles and several currently available widgets; the previous shelf was not that large. You can change the backgrounds, style, support for AOD themes, colour, fingerprint animation, and edge lighting for notifications have been added.
Numerous additional developments are included, such as enhanced memory management, software, and performance optimisations.
The device walks in with five years of security patches and four years of Android upgrades, but with the most recent Galaxy S24 Series, Samsung is delivering seven years of software updates. Maybe OnePlus will also do that with the next version? Maybe.
What makes the OnePlus 12 a heavy lifter is its latest Trinity Engine that is a software-based feature, which is claimed to handle multitasking, offer smoother performance and also power efficiency. It does this by utilising six different technologies: CPU-Vitalization, ROM-Vitalization, RAM-Vitalization, HyperBoost, HyperRendering and HyperTouch.
Thus, the optimal performance is determined by the CPU Vitalization. It improves the device’s efficiency and smoothness. Then there is ROM vitalization, which is associated with storage usage and refers to providing you with optimal storage experiences through efficient storage utilisation. RAM vitalization works to speed up RAM access if an application requires more RAM than the engine can supply.
And also the Hyper Boost, a crucial feature for gamers that gives you extra power to play with improved performance. For more realistic, immersive gaming, hyperrendering reduces latency and battery consumption while enhancing frame interpolation. Last but not least, the HyperTouch offers end-to-end touch control that guarantees accuracy or mis-touch protection for responsiveness and stability that win games.
Aside from this, there are no call dropouts and the call quality is generally decent. The fingerprint sensor is also working fine for us since the day we set up the device.
Now let’s talk about the cameras, the camera setup is quite similar to the OnePlus Open so let’s see how good the camera experience is on the flagship device. OnePlus 12’s standout feature is its triple rear camera setup powered by Hasselblad. It includes a Sony LYT-808 sensor with a 50-megapixel primary camera (OIS, and f/1.6 aperture), a 64-megapixel telephoto secondary lens (OIS, 3X optical zoom and f/2.6 aperture) and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens (114-degree field-of-view). The 32-megapixel front-facing camera (f/2.4 aperture) is provided for video calling and selfies. So that’s the camera aspect so let’s go straight into the camera samples to see how it performs.
Speaking of the daylight pictures, you can get excellent details and rich, beautiful colours there as well. The photographs have excellent overall quality and a very natural appearance. In actuality, the colours are rich in tones without being overly saturated, and the dynamic range is pleasant and broad. You can see that the details are good by zooming in.
The 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens produced remarkably similar images, and the colour reproduction was accurate once more. We would describe it as being roughly comparable to the main camera. The dynamic range appears mostly acceptable, and the sharpness levels are fairly good. It’s really useful to have an ultra-wide-angle camera.
With the ability to zoom 3x optically, the telephoto lenses can now capture a wealth of information. Additionally consistent are the colour and dynamic range. It performs well in this case as well in terms of sharpness levels.
Let’s move on to the close-up photographs, where you can see even more vibrant colours and excellent overall image quality. Also, the backdrop blur looks fantastic. Keep in mind that the telephoto lens, which handles the macro department, provides an abundance of details and has performed an excellent job with macros.
You will be able to take pictures in 1x, 2x, and 3x for portraits. The telephoto lens handles 3x, while the primary camera handles 1x and 2x. The skin tones appear rather realistic, the results are good, and there are no saturation problems. The telephoto lens has some edge detection issues, but overall quality is good and edge detection is acceptable at 1x and 2x zoom. In actuality, it is not that crisp, and in certain instances, the edges were not very good.
There are plenty of details under artificial indoor light, and the night mode provides decent details outdoors as well. It does not overexpose or over-brighten, but the details and dynamic range are excellent. In a dim light, we also observed a few lens flare incidents. Regarding selfies, the 32-megapixel front-facing camera performs nicely; we particularly enjoyed the colour tones. The dynamic range is lovely, and the skin tones seem natural. The selfies don’t feature any beauty effects on the face, but the edge detection in the portrait selfies gives the images an unnatural appearance.
While testing, our review unit also received its first OTA update. After updating the OnePlus 12’s camera app got support for the ProXDR feature in the Google Photos app which wasn’t available before the software update landed. It is essentially a kind of display technology that uses atomization to brighten the dark areas in images.
There is also one major upgrade, which is now the OnePlus 12 has received – the Master Mode. It is basically a camera feature by Hasselblad for colour tuning. And trust us, this is the main USP of the device. If you prefer more candid shots, you will definitely adore this option. We simply can’t get enough of using this ability to snap photos. The outcomes were, in fact, remarkably close to what our eyes saw even in low light conditions. The Master Mode is visible just next to Video mode that was home to Pro mode earlier. Don’t fret the Pro mode is still there. Just tap on the Mater mode and you will see two options on the extreme left Auto and Pro.
Master ModeNight PortaitMaster Mode
The OnePlus 12 has good video quality when recording in 8K at 24 frames per second, although there are some noticeable issues with contrast and white balance. Additionally, the gadget can record in 4K at 60 frames per second, where the colour appears rather natural. The OIS + EIS combination stabilisation system performs wonderfully, and the overall video quality is excellent. The other video quality is also quite high; even when walking, the stabilisation is strong, and the colours and dynamic range also seem fantastic.
While the white balance appears slightly amiss in videos taken with telephoto lenses, overall we would say the telephoto lens performed well with OIS in terms of stabilisation. Films in 4K at 60 frames per second can also be captured by the ultrawide lens. You can take 4K 30 frames per second selfie videos with the front-facing camera.
The battery capacity is arguably among the best that we have seen in the flagship category or pricing range. The battery has a very long lifespan. You can easily obtain up to two days of battery life with casual to regular usage.
However, if you use the device heavily, the battery life may still last up to one and a half days, or perhaps just one day if you play a lot of games. These results are based on our testing, which involved utilising the camera, social media apps, browsing, and other apps while making a few calls.
The smartphone can be charged at 100W rapid speed in roughly 23 minutes. Additionally, it comes with built-in compatibility for 50W wireless charging which needs to be bought separately. And yes, unlike some smartphones, this one carried the charger within the box.
Verdict
In terms of build quality, the OnePlus 12 is a good gadget. Overall, the design is rather appealing and has a high-end feel about it. The display, an OLED LTPO panel with excellent colour reproduction, is incredibly vibrant and vivid. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ compatibility mean that this panel is jam-packed with the greatest features available. Furthermore, the HDR option allows for a brightness increase of up to 4,500 nits.
Everything has been handled by the Trinity Engine, including app opening times, response times, and memory management. From a software and performance standpoint, it’s a good device.
Despite having an IP certification, the product is not waterproof. In this price range, IP68 certification is required, therefore OnePlus should have offered it, however, it’s missing.
The OnePlus 12 cameras perform incredibly well in daylight conditions, particularly in colour and dynamic range. Overall, the image processing is excellent. The telephoto and ultra wide-angle lenses perform nicely. The phone doesn’t overheat, however playing games for extended periods warms the phone, particularly the area surrounding the camera module.
In conclusion, the OnePlus 12 is a very good package, particularly considering its camera sensors. It might not have the finest photography performance available in this price range, but it won’t let you down in any way. We think OnePlus’s pricing is also really good. We wholeheartedly endorse the OnePlus 12 as a great all-around flagship device based on user experience.
Even though instant messaging is the norm these days, sometimes you may want to send a good old-fashioned SMS to someone who doesn’t use iMessage or any other IM app. SMS charges are deducted from your phone’s talk time. Most network carriers offer unlimited text messages along with their data packs, so you don’t have to worry about any additional charges while sending a quick SMS. Sometimes, a text message may fail to go through and throw up a weird error message. Today, we bring you the top 14 ways to fix the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error on your iPhone.
Why am I getting the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error message on my iPhone?
The answer lies in the message. If a number is blocked in any capacity, either by your phone or network carrier, the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error will pop up on your phone’s screen. Nine times out of ten, this happens due to the number being discontinued by the network provider. This is typically the case when the user has not recharged their number in a long time. Dormant numbers either get discontinued or assigned to someone else.
You may also receive this message upon entering the incorrect number in the ‘message recipient’ field. If the incorrect number belongs to someone else, the message will easily go through. However, if it is an unavailable number, you will get the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ message on the screen. The numbers that you have blocked on your phone can trigger the same message. Here are some possible fixes.
Make sure the recipient’s number is correct
If you’re trying to send a message to a number that is no longer registered, you will get the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error message on your iPhone. Make sure you have entered the correct number in the recipient field. Network providers are known to pull services from unused numbers, so make sure the contact’s phone number is updated on your iPhone.
Check your cellular balance
If your cellular balance is lower than the amount needed to send an SMS, the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error message may pop up on your iPhone. Make sure there is an active SMS plan on your phone numbers. Network providers typically offer free SMS and talk time with their internet data packages.
Turn on ‘Send as SMS’
Step 1: Go to Settings and tap on Messages.
Step 2: Turn on the toggle switch next to Send as SMS.
Check if the contact is blocked on your iPhone
Blocking someone is a two-way street. While the blocked user will not be able to contact you, you won’t be able to call or text them either. Sending a text to a blocked user prompts the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error on your iPhone. To unblock someone, go to Settings>Phone>Blocked Contacts>Edit and hit the red minus sign next to the contact.
Text someone else
It is possible that the issue lies with the recipient’s network service. To confirm whether this is the case, text someone else in your contact list. If the message goes through, there is no issue on your end. If you’re still encountering the ‘message blocking is active’ error, move on to the other fixes in this list.
Re-insert the SIM card
Lack of proper network coverage can keep you from sending text messages. If limited coverage is unusual in your area, you may want to check your SIM card. Physical SIM cards are known to collect dust and moisture over time. Use a SIM ejector tool to pop out the SIM tray and give everything a thorough wipe. Reinsert the SIM card and make sure your phone is receiving a full signal. If your network coverage is still limited, you may want to buy a duplicate SIM card. If you use an e-SIM on your iPhone, you can skip this method and move on to the next fix.
Restart iPhone
If the error is caused by a background software glitch, a simple restart can handle it. Press and hold the side button and any volume key to access the power menu on your iPhone. Swipe the power slider to turn off your device. Wait for a few seconds and long-press the side button again to restart your device.
Disable iMessage
To make sure the iMessage app doesn’t meddle with regular SMS services, disable it and try sending the text again. Here’s how.
Incorrect date and time on your iPhone can cause messaging services to halt unexpectedly. Here’s how you can correct this problem.
Step 1: Go to Settings and select General.
Step 2: Tap on Date and Time.
Step 3: Turn on the toggle switch for Set Automatically.
Update Carrier Settings
Typically, carrier settings are updated automatically on your iPhone. But here’s how you can make sure there are no pending updates.
Step 1: Go to Settings and select General.
Step 2: Tap on About.
Step 3: A popup box will appear, asking you to update the carrier settings. Hit Update.
Reset Network Settings
Step 1: Go to Settings and select General.
Step 2: Tap on Transfer or Reset Device.
Step 3: Hit Reset.
Step 4: Select Reset Network Settings.
Update iOS
Step 1: Make sure your iPhone is connected to a WiFi network and plug in its charger.
Step 2: Go to Settings and select General.
Step 3: Select Software Update.
Step 4: Tap on Download and Install.
Contact the network provider
If you are still getting the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error on your iPhone after trying the fixes mentioned above, you may want to contact your network provider. Try dialling the helpline number or pay a visit to the local customer support office. Once you are connected to the customer support staff, the issue should not take a long time to resolve.
Factory reset your iPhone
If the methods mentioned above didn’t work, try performing a factory reset on your iPhone. Make sure to backup your data as this procedure will erase all the contents of your device.
Step 1: Go to Settings and select General.
Step 2: Tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Step 3: Hit Erase All Content And Settings.
Step 4: Tap on Continue and enter the passcode to reset your iPhone to its factory settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why am I getting the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error on my iPhone?
This error message usually pops up when you are trying to reach a number that is no longer active. This means either the user has discontinued their number or you have entered the wrong number in the message drafting page.
How do I fix the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error on my iPhone?
Make sure you are sending the message to the correct number. Make sure the contact isn’t on your blocklist. Your phone number must have the appropriate balance to send the message. Give your phone a quick restart if the problem persists.
How do I update carrier settings on my iPhone?
Carrier settings are updated automatically on your iPhone as soon as they are pushed by the network provider. To manually update them, go to Settings>General>About and hit Update.
How do I set my iPhone to ‘Send as SMS’?
Go to Settings>Apps>Messages and turn on the toggle switch next to ‘Send as SMS’.
How do I unblock someone on my iPhone?
Go to Settings>Phone>Blocked Contacts>Edit and hit the minus sign next to the contact you wish to unblock.
These are the top 14 ways to fix the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error on your iPhone. Before you reset the network settings on your iPhone, make sure you save the passwords of connected WiFi networks in the Notes app. After resetting the network settings, the connected WiFi networks and Bluetooth devices are unpaired and forgotten from your device. If you know any other way to fix this issue, let us know in the comments!
There is no need to splurge like crazy on a flagship smartphone if all you want from your device is efficient performance and a good primary camera. Premium smartphones may have powerful telephoto cameras and other flashy features, but a price tag of over $1,500 is rarely ever worth it. The sub-$750 category is where you’ll find the best pound-for-pound smartphones in the market. These smartphones perfectly bridge the divide between flagship specs and affordable pricing. So, let’s jump into our list of the top 10 smartphones priced under $750 in the USA.
Now that the iPhone 16 Series is finally here, Apple has slashed the prices for last year’s iPhone 15. The vanilla variant of the iPhone 15 is priced at $699 while the Plus variant fetches $799. The smartphone flaunts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. Under the hood, the iPhone 15 is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic chipset. Its camera sensors comprise a 48MP primary shooter and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Up front, it gets a 12MP selfie sensor housed inside the pill-shaped Dynamic Island. If you’re an iPhone loyalist, this is one of the best smartphones you can buy in the USA, now that Apple has discontinued its Pro variants.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 series was launched last month, which means 2023’s Galaxy S23 series can now be purchased at a reduced price. The base variant of the Galaxy S23 is priced at $699, making it an excellent deal. The smartphone gets a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. The triple camera module at the back of the smartphone consists of a 50MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto sensor. Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance.
Pixels are all about impressive cameras and clever software. The newest Pixel 8 series upholds that reputation. The non-Pro Pixel 8 is priced modestly (as far as flagships go) at $549. Powered by Google’s in-house Tensor G3 chipset, the Pixel 8 replicates a similar performance as its Pro sibling. The signature Pixel camera band at the back of the smartphone houses a 50MP primary shooter and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Up front, the 10.5MP selfie camera is contained in a punch-hole cutout. Google Pixel 8 is equipped with interesting features like Best Take, Magic Editor, and more. Read our review of the smartphone to learn more.
The newly launched Motorola Edge 2024 retains its signature eco-leather back and packs a number of important upgrades. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC. It is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance. The 6.6-inch P-OLED display on the smartphone has a refresh rate of 144Hz and peak brightness of 1,300 nits. The dual camera panel at the back comprises a 50MP primary shooter and a 13MP ultrawide lens. The 5,000mAh battery on the Edge 2024 can easily last a day. There’s support for 68W wired and 15W wireless charging.
Released alongside the flagship OnePlus 12, the 12R could very well be one of the best midrange smartphones of 2024. It is powered by last year’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and flaunts a 6.82-inch LTPO4 AMOLED display. OnePlus 12R matches the design of the flagship unit but manages to stay in the affordable price bracket by ditching features like wireless charging. Its rear camera module replaces the telephoto lens from the flagship with a 2MP macro sensor. Other than that, you get a 50MP primary camera and an 8MP ultrawide lens.
One of the best compact smartphones around, the Asus Zenfone is also one of the best smartphones you can buy for under $750 in the USA. It features a 5.92-inch Super AMOLED display and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. The two rear cameras are housed in individual cutouts. The 50MP primary camera can record 8K videos at 24fps. The 13MP ultrawide camera is a nice addition to the camera module as well. Up front, the 32MP selfie camera is placed inside a punch-hole cutout on the display. Due to its small size, the Zenfone 10 only has a 4,300 mAh battery but it can easily last you an entire day.
Samsung’s S24 series has finally received a ‘Fan Edition’. The crowd favourite is certainly one of the best smartphones you can buy under $750 in the USA. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE flaunts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,900 nits of peak brightness. The device is powered by the Exynos 2400e processor. It is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance. Its rear triple camera setup comprises a 50MP primary shooter, an 8MP telephoto sensor, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The smartphone can record 8K videos at 30fps. Its 4,700mAh battery pack lasts an entire day on a full charge.
Powered by the updated Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2, the Nubia Z50S Pro is an all-round performer. Its rear camera dial houses a 50MP primary shooter, another 50MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens. Up front, the 16MP selfie camera is housed in a punch-hole cutout. The primary shooter can record 8K videos at 30fps. However, the selfie camera’s recording resolution is capped at 1080p (30fps). The smartphone gets a silicone polymer (eco-leather) back with dual-tone colour schemes. There’s support for 80W wired charging. The Z50S ships with a power adapter inside the box. Easily one of the best smartphones you can buy for under $750 in the USA.
One of our favourite foldable smartphones, the Motorola Razr+, is next on the list. This folding phone packs the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and runs stock Android 13 OS out of the box (upgradeable to Android 14). The 3.6-inch AMOLED cover display ensures you don’t have to flip the phone open to check notifications, respond to messages, or carry out other quick tasks. The inner 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display is superfluid, owing to its 165Hz refresh rate. The 3,800 mAh battery pack on the smartphone can provide a day’s worth of charge on normal usage. The Razr+ supports 30W wired charging and 5W wireless charging.
If you’re looking for a rugged phone, the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is one of the best ones around. This sturdy smartphone is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance and is MIL-STD-810H compliant. It can easily take a fall from 1.5 metres. Talking about the specs, the XCover6 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 778G SoC and is upgradeable to Android 14. While it is only available with 128GB of internal storage, it has a memory card slot for expandable storage. The rear camera unit of the smartphone houses a 50MP primary shooter which can record 4K videos and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The 13MP selfie camera is housed inside a waterdrop notch and can record 1080p videos.
Gaming specialist Redmagic 9 Pro has a perfectly flat form factor, with no camera bumps jutting out of the rear panel. To maximise the gaming experience the smartphone offers a ‘true fullscreen’ display, meaning the selfie camera is tucked under the AMOLED panel. This diminishes the quality of the selfies, but if your main priority is getting a distraction-free display for gaming, you will relish this smartphone. The ICE 13.0 cooling system with a built-in cooling fan keeps the internal temperature of the device in check. Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is an excellent choice for this smartphone. For gaming enthusiasts, the Redmagic 9 Pro is one of the best smartphones in the USA priced under $750.
The Fan Edition variant of the Samsung Galaxy S23 series has all the makings of a great smartphone. It is one of the best smartphones you can buy for under $750 in the USA. The US version of the S23 FE holds a massive advantage in the form of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset powering the device. International models of the smartphone are powered by Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2200 SoC which pales in comparison to Qualcomm’s 2022 chipset. The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display works like a charm and is practically flagship grade. The vertical camera array comprising a 50MP primary shooter, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide sensor produces great results as well. Read our full review of the smartphone to learn more.
After bursting onto the scene with its debut smartphone in 2022, British tech outfit Nothing followed it up with the rock-solid Phone 2. Refining the Glyph design of the smartphone, Nothing added more functionality to it, letting users track their cab and other orders on the LED strip. Powering the smartphone is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display is a great choice for the midrange device. Nothing also upped its software game on the Phone (2) with the release of the Nothing OS 2.5. Check out our full review of the smartphone here.
These are the top 10 smartphones you can buy for under $750 in the USA. If you are willing to expand your budget to $799, you can get the newest iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy S24. Think we missed out on a smartphone that deserves to be on this list? Let us know in the comments!
Telegram users will be able to save bookmarks, media, and links efficiently in Saved Messages.
Users can also see a list of private chats, groups, and channels from which you’ve forwarded messages in the new View as Chats mode.
View-Once setting is now available for voice and video messages.
Instant messaging platform Telegram has rolled out a new update. The latest Telegram update has added 10 new features such as Saved Messages 2.0, One-Time Voice Messages and 8 more functionalities. The update is available for both iOS and Android users.
The Telegram app got an upgrade that brought additional functionality to the platform. Saved Messages 2.0 is one of the more important features that the messaging service has received. All Telegram users have a chat called Saved Messages where they have notes, reminders, and messages that have been forwarded from other chats. But with the update, the users will be able to save bookmarks, media, and links in an efficient manner in Saved Messages. Additionally, users will be able to use the new ‘Saved’ option in Shared Media to access messages saved from any specific chat, see saved messages by chat or as a short list, and tag them.
Users can also see a list of private chats, groups, and channels from which you’ve forwarded messages in the new View as Chats mode. Users can pin any of these chats to the top.
To switch views, simply tap the title in your Saved Messages. You can also tap ⋮ / ⋯ and select ‘View as Messages’ or ‘View as Chats’ – in this case, Saved Messages will be shown in the selected mode the next time you open them.
The Telegram Update has also added Tags to Saved Messages that will allow you to add several tags. By doing this one can swiftly filter them in Search, for even more organisation. You can add several tags to your Saved Messages, which will allow you to swiftly filter them in Search, for even more organisation.
According to the company, adding a tag is as simple as adding a reaction because tags are based on emoji, tags can also have names. Already, all Telegram Premium users have access to tags. To search in your Saved Messages, tap the 🔍 icon in the top corner. Your tags will appear under the search bar – simply tap to filter your search by that tag.
You can quickly access images, links, music, and more in chats, groups, and channels in the shared media section. But as per the new Telegram update any messages from that chat that you’ve forwarded to your Saved Messages are also included in the new “Saved” tab.
The upgrade has also improved searching in all chats, and now it’s easier to navigate your search results and view them as a compact list. Moreover, the View-Once setting is now available for voice and video messages. To record a view-once message, hold down and then swipe up to lock recording, then tap the view-once icon before sending.
Telegram has also enabled the ability to pause and then resume recording later – instead of sending multiple messages while recording any voice or video message. To pause, swipe up to lock recording and tap the pause ⏸️ button. To resume recording, simply tap the microphone or camera icon again.
Telegram has also enabled Read Time in private chats allowing users to see the exact time when your message was opened. Users have the option to hide the read status in the Privacy Settings. To protect privacy, read times in private chats are only visible for 7 days before being deleted – just like in groups. Besides this when your last seen or read time is hidden from someone also hides theirs from you. However, you may still view the last seen and read times of people who share them with you if you have Telegram Premium.
With the latest Telegram update, Premium users can choose between having ‘Everyone’ or ‘My Contacts and Premium Users’ send them messages. When enabled, users without Premium or who are not in your contacts cannot initiate chats with you, but they can respond if you message them first.
OnePlus 12R will go on sale via the OnePlus India website and Amazon India.
The company has announced exciting launch offers on the purchase of the phone.
The customers will also get OnePlus Buds Z2 worth Rs 4,999.
The OnePlus 12R is the new smartphone that the company has introduced in India recently alongside OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Buds 3 in India. The device is a gaming smartphone that is scheduled to go on sale in the country for the first time today. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC powered the phone. It features a 1.5K AMOLED screen that supports up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Additionally, the device houses a 5,500mAh battery with 100W SuperVOOC fast charging support.
In This Article
OnePlus 12R price in India, sale details
The latest gaming-centric phone- the OnePlus 12R will be available for purchase from today onwards. The device’s sale will open at noon. OnePlus India website and Amazon India will sell this phone. The OnePlus 12R has been launched at a starting price of Rs 39,999 for the 8GB RAM with 128GB storage and Rs 45,999 for the 16GB RAM with 256GB storage. The handset will be available in two colourways Iron Gray and Cool Blue.
Customers who buy this smartphone during the sale will also receive a significant discount. The buyers are eligible to receive a Rs 1,000 discount when purchasing OnePlus 12R via ICICI Credit Card or OneCard.
Apart from this those who place their orders for the device within the first 12 hours of its sale will receive the OnePlus Buds Z2 valued at Rs 4,999. Customers purchasing the 12R can avail of benefits worth INR 2,250 on Jio Plus. Buyers will get a free trial of Google One for 6 months & YouTube Premium for 3 months. Consumers can also buy the OnePlus 12R with OnePlus Easy Upgrades and get 35% assured value at the end of the 24 months. Shoppers can also avail of a 6-month no-cost EMI through ICICI credit/debit card EMI and OneCard EMI. The device can also be bought with OnePlus Easy Upgrades and get 35% assured value at the end of the 24 months.
The OnePlus 12R features a 6.78-inch Oriental AMOLED LTPO display with 1,264×2,780 pixels of resolution. The OLED screen supports up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 360Hz touch sampling rate and 2160Hz instant touch sampling rate. The display also has 4,500 nits peak brightness and comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. Under the hood, there is an octa-core 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, along with an Adreno 740 GPU. The device comes with up to 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM options and 256TB UFS 4.0 storage.
The triple rear camera setup on the phone includes a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS, an 8-megapixel ultra wide-angle sensor with f/2.2 aperture and a 2-megapixel macro camera with f/2.4 aperture. The device sports a 16-megapixel front-facing camera with f/2.4 aperture for taking selfies.
In terms of connectivity, there is 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, Beidou, GLONASS, Galileo, GPS, and NFC. Additionally, there is an accelerometer, e-compass, gyroscope, gravity sensor, geomagnetic sensor, IR control, light sensor, colour temperature sensor, proximity sensor, and X-axis linear motor.
The stereo speaker setup on the phone supports Dolby Atmos.
OnePlus 12R is backed by a 5,500mAh battery with 100W SuperVOOC fast charging support. The OnePlus 12R has the iconic OnePlus Alert Slider in its new home on the phone’s left.
Garena Free Fire is a battle royale game with regular awards and tournaments to keep players interested. If you play Garena Free Fire, you should be aware of the redeem codes that are released on a daily basis. However, because the battle royale game is banned in India, players from other countries can use the Free Fire Redeem codes daily. If you’re unfamiliar with the Garena Free Fire redeem codes or don’t know how to get them, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you redeem them. Check out Garena Free Fire Redeem Codes for 6 February 2024.
The Free Fire redeem codes are a great way to get free stuff. These are 12-digit codes that contain alphabets and numbers, as well as an expiration date and time. Because the Garena FF redeem codes cannot be used more than once, you should hurry to the redemption page to claim your free reward before someone else does. To get a free reward, all you have to do is go to reward.ff.garena.com/en, which is the official redemption page. Also, keep an eye on this space for daily updates on Garena Free Fire redemption codes and rewards.
Call forwarding works pretty much the same on Android and iOS devices. You can turn it on from dialer settings or by sending a code to the network provider. If you’re embarking on a trip where you expect your phone to be out of service, you may want to forward your calls to another phone number. But what happens when you come back and want your phone number to receive calls again? Here are the top 5 ways to stop call forwarding on Android and iPhone.
Conditional Forwarding vs Unconditional Forwarding: What’s the difference?
Before you disable it, you need to know the kind of call forwarding that is activated on your number. Call forwarding can belong to one of two categories – Conditional and Unconditional. As the name suggests, conditional forwarding works selectively, only when the underlying conditions are met. Phone calls to your number will be forwarded to another number only when your line is busy, unavailable, or unanswered. If you’re about to catch a flight, you may want to enable conditional forwarding for your number.
Conversely, unconditional forwarding relays incoming calls to another number without taking your line’s status into consideration. Even if your phone is switched on and receiving optimum network coverage, unconditional forwarding will connect the calls to another number. You should use this when you are away from your phone and want the calls to be relayed to someone else’s number.
Stop Unconditional Call Forwarding on iPhone
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Phone.
Step 2: Tap on Call Forwarding.
Step 3: Turn off the toggle switch.
Stop Unconditional Call Forwarding on Android
Step 1: Launch the dialer app on your smartphone.
Step 2: Hit the ellipses at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on Settings.
Step 4: Scroll down and select Supplementary services.
Step 5: Tap on Call forwarding.
Step 6: Tap on Always forward and select Never.
Stop Call Forwarding using the Google Dialer on Android
If you use the Google Dialer on your smartphone, follow these steps to disable call forwarding.
Step 1: Launch the Google Dialer on your phone and hit the ellipses at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Tap on Settings.
Step 3: Select Calling accounts.
Step 4: Select the SIM for which you want to disable call forwarding.
Step 5: Tap on Call forwarding.
Step 6: Tap on Always forward and select Off. To turn off conditional forwarding, disable the other options as well.
Stop Conditional Call Forwarding using dialer code (iPhone and Android)
Step 1: Launch the dialer app on your smartphone.
Step 2: Dial ##004#. This code may vary among different network providers.
Step 3: Hit the Call button.
Conditional call forwarding will be disabled for your number.
Bonus Tip: Stop Call Forwarding on a Xiaomi smartphone
Step 1: Launch the native dialer app and hit the Settings icon at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Tap on Call-forwarding settings.
Step 3: Tap on Always forward and select Off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I turn on Call Forwarding for my Airtel number?
Dial **21* followed by the phone number to which you want to forward your calls. You will receive a confirmation message after a few seconds.
How do I turn off call forwarding on Android?
Go to Phone>Settings>Supplementary services>Call forwarding and select ‘Never’ to turn it off.
How do I turn off call forwarding on my iPhone?
Go to Settings>Phone>Call forwarding and turn off its toggle switch to disable it.
These are the top 5 ways to stop call forwarding on Android and iPhone. Make sure you are using the default dialer on your phone while carrying out this process. If you know any other way to accomplish this task, let us know in the comments! Check out this article to learn how to change your voicemail greeting on Android. This article lists 2 ways to do the same on an iPhone.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 will succeed the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 that were launched last year.
The device will come with a revamped design.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 will debut in India soon. According to a new leak the device has bagged BIS certification. Previously CAD renders of the TWS earphones were also leaked. According to rumours, the audio device will come with a new design. The earphones’ half-in-ear form and the charging case’s oval shape are suggested by the renders.
According to a report, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 has been listed on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website. The listing suggests that the device will be coming to India soon. It bears model number E512A.
The company has not yet disclosed the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 earphones launch date, but before the announcement the audio device’s CAD renders also appeared on the web. The purported render displays the charging case and black earphones. The design reveals an oval-shaped earphone case with the OnePlus logo on the front. The cover seems to have a matte finish on the remaining side and a glossy lid on top. The earphone features a half-in-ear design rumoured to have touch controls for controlling music, volume, answering and rejecting calls, and more.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 will succeed the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 which was launched last year in April.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 has a capsule-shaped charging case and the design and in-ear design earbuds are touch sensitive and offer customisable controls and shortcuts that can be controlled via the HeyMelody app. The earphones are IP55-rated for dust and water resistance.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are equipped with 12mm drivers with a master equalizer with choices for balanced, serenade, bold, and bass modes to deliver user-specific audio output. The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 comes with Bluetooth 5.3 which supports both SBC and AAC codecs.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 also offers Active Noise Cancellation with 25dB depth and a dual-core processor that cancels out unwanted environmental noises. The dual mic system and the Enhanced Clear Call function on these TWS work together to amplify speech sounds during an audio or video call.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 comes with a price tag of Rs 2,999. It comes in two colour options of Lightning White and Thunder Gray. The device is available for purchase via both the OnePlus store and Amazon in the country.
Vivo T2 5G, and Vivo Y27 4G are now available in India at reduced pricing.
Both the phones have received a price cut.
Vivo T2 5G, and Vivo Y27 4G have become affordable. Now both smartphones are seeing a price cut. The former was launched in April while the latter one in July last year. Vivo T2 5G comes with a 6.38-inch AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Snapdragon 695 SoC. On the other hand, Vivo Y27 includes an FHD+ sunlight display along with a 2.5D glass body design.
Vivo T2 5G is currently selling at a reduced price of Rs 15,999 and Rs 17,999 for the 6GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with 128GB storage variants respectively. On the other hand Vivo Y27 4G is currently available at Rs 11,999 for the 6GB RAM with 128GB storage variant after a price cut. The company is also offering a cashback of up to Rs 1,000 if the transaction is made via SBI, Yes Bank, IDFC First Bank, Bank of Baroda, DBS Bank, Federal Bank, and IndusInd Bank cards.
In This Article
Vivo T2 5G specifications
Vivo T2 5G runs on Android 13-based Funtouch OS 13. It features a 6.38-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 90Hz and a 360Hz touch sampling rate. It is powered by a Snapdragon 695 SoC. The device includes a dual rear camera setup that includes a 64-megapixel primary sensor and a 16-megapixel sensor. The phone packs a 4500mAh battery, with 44W fast charging support.
Vivo Y27 specifications
The Vivo Y27 has a 6.64-inch FHD+ LCD Sunlight display with a resolution of 2388 1080 pixels. The screen’s maximum brightness is 600 nits. It runs on FunTouch OS 13 based on the Android 13 operating system. A MediaTek Helio G85 chipset and its Extended RAM 3.0 functionality, which adds 6 GB of RAM powers the phone.
The smartphone features dual rear cameras: a 50 MP primary camera and a 2 MP bokeh camera. It has a variety of camera functions, including Bokeh Flare Portrait, Super Night Mode, and Super Night Selfie Mode. It has an 8 MP front camera with the Aura Screen Light function for selfies, ensuring sharp, high-resolution selfies in any setting.
A side fingerprint scanner is included with the Vivo Y27 for improved security and quick unlocking. It includes a 5000mAh battery and a quick 44W FlashCharge. With fast charging capabilities, thorough 24-dimension Security Protection, and anti-scald protection, the vivo Y27’s AI-powered safe charging avoids overcharging, increases battery life, and ensures worry-free nighttime charging.
The Nothing Phone 2 is expected to launch in India later this month.
The device will feature a dual rear camera setup.
The phone is expected to be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC.
Recently Nothing confirmed about its next product launch which is Phone 2a. The device is also confirmed to launch in India. To tease the India launch the event page went live on its India website. Now the company has revealed the availability details of Nothing Phone 2a. Also, the phone’s renders have been leaked ahead of the official launch.
Nothing has officially teased the availability of Nothing Phone 2a by listing it on Flipkart. The dedicated microsite has confirmed India’s availability which says coming soon. In addition to this, the listing is carrying a Nothing community update video featuring co-founder and marketing lead Akis Evangelidis. The exact launch date, time and other key details are not mentioned on the home page. The company will be hosting a Nothing to See event that will take place on February 27 during the MWC 2024 where it is expected to launch the Nothing Phone 2a.
Besides this tipster, Abhishek Yadav has shared Nothing Phone 2A hands-on images via Reddit user. The pictures, which display the phone’s front and back with a privacy cover suggest a distinct design aesthetic from that of existing Nothing Phones. The black colour variant has been leaked with a dual rear camera setup. The rear cameras are positioned horizontally at the centre. The front panel with a hole punch camera in the middle of the display.
Earlier Nothing Phone 2a was spotted listed on the TUV certification website with model number A142. The listing suggests, the Nothing Phone 2a will come with a 45W charging speed. It will also get USB Power Delivery (PD) standard support, which means that the Nothing Phone 2a should be able to be charged using any USB PD-compliant charger. Earlier the upcoming handset also appeared listed on the Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS) site.
As per a leak, the Phone 2a is likely to come in Black and White colour options and in two different configurations: 8GB of RAM with 128GB storage and 12GB RAM with 256GB of storage. The phone’s price is speculated below EUR 400 (approx Rs 36,800).
Reportedly the handset is speculated to feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display manufactured by BOE and Visionox under the product number rm692h5. The screen is expected to have 1,084 x 2,412 pixels of resolution. The display may also support a refresh rate of 120Hz. The phone is slated to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset.
Additionally, the mobile is rumoured to come with a dual rear camera setup that may include a 50-megapixel Samsung S5KNG9 1/1.5-inch main sensor and the 50-megapixel Samsung S5KJN1 1/2.76-inch ultrawide lens. The phone is anticipated to feature a 32-megapixel Sony IMX615 sensor on the front.
Last month, we reviewed the Poco X6 Pro and were highly impressed by its power-packed performance, clean design, and immaculate display. Now, we turn our attention to its non-Pro sibling, which is currently priced at Rs 22,000. There is a Rs 5,000 difference between the two variants. This brings up the most obvious question – is it worth paying the extra Rs 5,000 and going for the Pro variant? On paper, the biggest difference between the two smartphones is the chipset. The Poco X6 is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 SoC while the Pro model houses MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra. The latter proved to be a solid chipset that delivered a fast, snappy performance (read the full review here). Hoping to get a similar performance out of the Snapdragon chipset, we used the Poco X6 as our daily driver for a week – here is our review of the smartphone.
Inside the Poco X6 retail package, you get the smartphone, a 67W power adapter, a USB Type-C cable, an opaque plastic cover, a SIM ejector tool, and a quick start guide. The smartphone is available in two colour variants – Mirror Black and Snowstorm White.
There are some key differences in the design of the two X6 variants. On the Pro model, the top portion of the back panel has a rectangular plastic panel for the camera module. The standard Poco X6 has a square panel. The Poco branding can be found to the right of this panel, surrounded by a black shade. The primary lens and ultrawide sensor are enclosed in big circular cutouts. The macro lens has a small plastic ring around it while the LED flash is integrated into the panel without a cutout.
Poco X6 vs Poco X6 Pro
We used the black colour variant of the Poco X6 for this review. The camera section of the rear panel is a darker shade of black. This dual-tone scheme on the Snowstorm White colour variant also looks very appealing. We liked the feel of the curved ‘glasstic’ back panel on the Pro variant, but the standard panel has a flat back which feels like ordinary plastic. It is extremely glossy and a fingerprint magnet like its elder sibling. The in-hand feel of the device is significantly diminished by the choice of materials and the flat design.
On the right edge of the plastic frame, you will find the volume rocker keys and the power button. The SIM tray, primary microphone, USB Type-C port, and primary speaker grille are located on the bottom edge. Up top lie the 3.5mm headphone jack (missing on the Pro variant), a secondary speaker grille, a secondary microphone, and an IR blaster.
Moving on, the 6.67-inch AMOLED display on the Poco X6 is surrounded by slim bezels on all four sides. These bezels get every so slightly thicker at the top and the bottom. The selfie camera is housed in a punch-hole cutout at the centre of the display. In direct sunlight, this panel can reach a peak brightness of 1,800 nits, as claimed by Poco. We did not face any issues while using the phone outdoors. The display was legible and offered optimum brightness under different conditions.
The content viewing experience on the Poco X6 is also a delight. A screen resolution of 1,220 x 2,712p and Widevide L1 certification ensure that you can stream HD videos on the device across all the major OTT platforms. The colours produced by the display are vibrant and punchy. The images are bright and super detailed, leaving no stone unturned in bringing the ideal viewing experience. While the display has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, the media playback rate is capped at 60Hz.
An IP54 rating for dust and water resistance means the Poco X6 can handle minor splashes of water but may face damage upon submersion. We did use the smartphone under light rainfall, and it was completely unfazed.
Under the hood, the Poco X6 packs the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 SoC. It is available in two RAM and storage variants – 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB. The latter variant is priced at Rs 25,000. In the Geekbench 6 app, the smartphone scored 1,022 points in the single-core test and 2,995 points in the multi-core test. In comparison, the Poco X6 Pro scored 1,445 and 4,506 points respectively.
For daily usage, the Poco X6 is a decent smartphone. We did not face any issues with multitasking or other power-intensive tasks. However, the Pro variant is marginally faster than the regular model. Even though the difference is minimal, it is noticeable. We tried loading the same apps on the two smartphones and the Pro variant (which is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra) beat the Poco X6 every time. This is something we expected from the faster chipset.
Taking the Pro model out of the picture, the Poco X6 is a fine smartphone in its segment. Its amazing display offers a very fluid touch reception, making it very easy to browse through the apps and stay on top of your tasks. This smooth experience is something we enjoyed a lot on the smartphone. Even with half a dozen apps open in the background, the X6 does not miss a step in performance.
We even tried a bit of gaming on the device and were pleasantly surprised by how well it handled titles like Call of Duty Mobile, BGMI, and EA Sports FC. After adjusting the graphics to a level below the highest settings, the gameplay was smooth and lag-free. There weren’t any unwanted jitters of any kind and the internal temperature of the smartphone did not rise to a concerning level even after 40 minutes of continuous gameplay.
OS duties on Poco X6 are handled by MIUI 14. Its Pro sibling ships with HyperOS out of the box, which the standard model will also get in a future update. At the time of writing this review, HyperOS has not arrived for the X6 yet, but you can check out how it performed in our review of the Pro model. MIUI 14 is not our favourite Android skin, but there are certain aspects of the software experience where it rises among its peers. We like Xiaomi’s clever way of separating the notification shade and the quick settings menu. A swipe-down gesture from the left side of the screen pulls down the notification shades while a similar gesture from the right side reveals the quick setting menu. You can also swipe on either panel to access the other one.
MIUI 14 also has a decent set of customisation options, although they are much more refined on HyperOS. The lock screen layouts and customisation options are very limited on MIUI 14. But what we do like is the integration of the hidden apps folder in the app drawer. Swiping twice on the app drawer lets you access all the hidden apps. One of the bigger letdowns of the OS is the tremendous volume of bloatware that comes with it. You’ll need to set aside some time to delete all the apps you don’t need on your device.
The battery capacity of the X6 is slightly larger than the Pro model. The 5,100 mAh battery pack can be charged in under 50 minutes using the 67W power adapter provided in the box. During the review period, our daily usage consisted of tasks like instant messaging, voice and video calling, web browsing, navigation, media playback, and gaming, which left us with a 15-20% at the end of the day on the Poco X6.
The rear camera panel on the Poco X6 houses a 64MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. Images taken with the primary camera in outdoor daylight were vivid and detailed. We were happy with the depth and tone of the colours produced in the images. The dynamic range is close to ideal, and the phone does a good job of processing the contrast in the images. The quick shutter speed and efficient autofocus make the photography experience quite fun.
In low-light conditions, the pictures can be a hit or miss depending upon the intensity of surrounding light. The night mode does a decent job of limiting the grain and noise in the images, but it is far from ideal. What we can say about this smartphone is that you won’t hesitate to take it out to take pictures at night. The quality of pictures exceeds the baseline expectation one might have from a phone in this price range.
Ultrawide shot
The ultrawide camera also produces good results in daylight conditions. While there is a little softness to the pictures, we like that the colours were tuned very well. Typically, ultrawide sensors in this price range produce washed images. That is not the case here. However, in limited lighting, we would suggest sticking with the primary sensor.
Ultrawide shot
The camera app also has a Portrait Mode which produces good results. The camera does a good job of separating the subject from the background and applying the appropriate blur. The edge detection can be a hit or miss and you may have to take multiple shots before landing on the result you want.
Portrait Mode
The 16MP selfie camera takes good images in optimum lighting. We would have preferred if the images were a little more detailed and sharper. The good thing is that the phone doesn’t overcorrect the skin tone of the subject. This front-facing camera can record 1080p videos at 30/60fps. Meanwhile, the primary camera at the back can record 4K videos at 30fps.
During our time with the device, Poco X6 proved to be a gritty performer that delivers on every front. Its stunning AMOLED display with ultra-slim bezels is great for watching video content across the board – be it movies or live sports. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 SoC handles everyday tasks without any hiccups. The primary camera is fun to play with, producing detailed images in a wide range of lighting conditions. At Rs 22,000 the X6 is a great deal. However, we can’t help but compare it to its Pro sibling. Splurging an extra Rs 5,000 fetches you a superior back panel and a snappier chipset, which is well worth the money.
One of the more underrated features of modern Android smartphones is notification management. Commercial apps are notorious for pushing promotional content disguised as notifications on your phone. Not only does this contribute to spam, but it can also be very distracting. What you can do is allow only certain categories of important notifications to filter through. If you want to focus on a particular task without being distracted, you can set up custom notification sounds for the most important apps on your phone. This makes it easier to ignore the notifications that don’t deserve your immediate attention. Today, we bring you the top 6 ways to set different notification sounds for apps on Android.
The great thing about using an Android device is the level of control you get over every aspect of your device. Every Android phone has an alert tone library that you can use to customise the notification sounds of any app. On top of that, you can install a third-party app like Zedge to explore more tones. Most of the tones on Zedge are free to download. If you’ve got a melody or hook stuck in your head, you can record it and set it as a notification alert tone as well!
You can use the voice recorder app to capture a sample sound. If you want a cleaner cut, use a synthesiser or guitar simulator app to create the tone. Once the sample sound has been created, save it to your device’s library. To set it as a notification sound, you will need to edit it to the ideal length. You don’t want the alert tones on your phone to be longer than 2 seconds. Download the Ringtone Maker: Music Cutter app to trim the tone. Once it has been saved on your device, you can use it as a notification sound for any app on your device.
Set a different notification sound for apps using Settings
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Apps.
Step 2: Select the app for which you want to change the notification sound.
Step 3: Tap on Notifications.
Step 4: Make sure the toggle switch for Show notifications is turned on and tap on Notification categories.
Step 5: Notification categories will contain the kinds of notifications that the app pushes on your device. For a messaging app, this may be incoming texts, group texts, incoming calls, and more. Tap on the category for which you want to change the notification sound.
Step 6: Tap on Sound.
Step 7: Pick a tone from the list.
Set a different notification sound for WhatsApp using in-app settings
Step 1: Launch WhatsApp and tap the ellipses at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Tap on Settings.
Step 3: Select Notifications.
Step 4: Tap on Notification Tone under Messages.
Step 5: Select a tone from the list. Similarly, you can change the notification sound for calls and group notifications.
Set a different notification sound for Telegram using in-app settings
Step 1: Launch Telegram and tap the hamburger menu at the top left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Tap on Settings.
Step 3: Select Notifications and Sounds.
Step 4: Tap on the category for which you want to change the notification sound.
Step 5: Tap on Sound and select a tone.
Change the default notification sound
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Sounds and vibration.
Step 2: Tap on Notification ringtone.
Step 3: Select a tone from the list.
Set a different notification sound for Instagram using in-app settings
Step 1:Launch the Instagram app on your phone and go to your profile.
Step 2: Hit the hamburger menu in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on Notifications.
Step 4: Select a category.
Step 5: Scroll down and select Additional options in system settings.
Step 6: Select the category again.
Step 7: Tap on Ring.
Step 8: Choose a ringtone.
Bonus Tip: Set different app notification sounds on Xiaomi
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Apps.
Step 2: Tap on Manage apps.
Step 3: Select the app for which you want to change the notification sound.
Step 4: Tap on Notifications.
Step 5: Select the category for which you want to change the notification sound.
Step 6: Tap on Sound and select a tone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I set up custom notifications for an app on Android?
Go to Settings>Apps and select the app for which you want to change the notification sound. Now, go to Notifications>Notification category and pick a type. Finally, hit ‘Sound’ and select a tone.
How do I assign a custom ringtone to a particular contact on my phone?
Go to contacts and tap on the name of the person for whom you want to set up a custom ringtone. Hit ‘Edit’ and tap on ‘View more’. Select the ringtone category and pick a tone.
How do I mute call notifications on WhatsApp?
Go to Settings>Apps>WhatsApp>Notifications>Notification categories and turn off the toggle switch for ‘Calls’.
These are the top 6 ways to set different notification sounds for apps on Android. Every Android OEM has a specific set of unique tones that can be used across all third-party apps. If you want to expand your options, apps like Zedge contain vast libraries of ringtones, alert tones, and other notification tones to customise your phone. If you know any other way to change the notification sounds for an app on Android, let us know in the comments!
