WhatsApp gets a useful new feature; but you should avoid updating it
Whatsapp has been rolling out a number of features to make its app more user friendly. Last month saw Stickers coming to the messenger and it was reported that the company is also working on a vacation mode. And according to WABetaInfo, a Twitter account that tracks WhatsApp updates in the Beta version of the app, has said that the company has rolled out a new feature called Private Reply.
Currently available only in the Beta version of the app, the new feature lets users privately send messages to a participant in a group and other members of the same group don’t get to know about it. The feature can be found in WhatsApp’s Android app for Beta version 2.18.355.
It has been reported that the company had inadvertently rolled out the feature in December in a beta update for Windows Phone. Back then, there were speculations about the feature launching soon. However, after December, we have only spotted the Private Reply feature now.
We tried using the feature and we feel that it will be useful. Suppose your friend says something in a group and you want to send a reply that only they can read. Till now, you would have to open their personal chat and then type your message to them. But with the Private Reply feature, you only need to long press on their message, then press the three-dot icon on top right and select the option ‘Private Reply’. On pressing the option, the selected message will open in chat window of the sender. However, you would be able to send your message as a reply to what they said on the group, so their message will be visible too.
But even if you are a Beta tester do think that the feature is a useful one, you should probably not download the latest update because according to WABetaInfo, the app crashes when the user tries deleting media files from a group.
When we tried doing it, our app didn’t crash, so maybe it is a problem that is not being faced by all.
If you do wish to become a WhatsApp Beta tester to get its latest features and don’t know how you can, you only need to head to the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp Messenger, scroll down past similar apps till you reach a panel that says ‘Become a Beta tester.’ Press on ‘I’m in’ and when it asks you to confirm, select ‘Join’.
For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Honor 8X review: The almost perfect budget smartphone
The budget segment of the Indian smartphone market has seen some good additions this year like Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro and smartphones from Oppo’s Realme sub-brand. Joining them, is Huawei’s sub-brand’s Honor 8X smartphone that comes with AI photography and is powered by Huawei’s latest octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 710 processor. And according to Honor, it is the world’s first Rheinland certified eye protection mobile phone. We spent a few days with it to know if these features are really as attractive as they sound. Read the rest of our review to know if the device is worth a buy or not?
Although it looks great, like other smartphones that come with a glass back panel, it is prone to getting fingerprint smudges. But, since it is a issue that is common in all glass back smartphones, we are not counting it as a minus. However, be careful, as the device can get scratches rather quickly. Putting a case is an option to keep it safe, but then you’ll be missing out on its good looks. So you will have to make a choice between the two.
The back panel of the smartphone is where the fingerprint scanner also lies. The dual rear cameras of the device are also housed on the back panel, but unlike most other smartphones’ primary cameras, they are not in a module. The Honor branding and AI camera logos are also present, but you can only read them if you hold the smartphone in landscape mode.
While the right edge of Honor 8X has the power and volume buttons on it, the left edge sandwiches the SIM tray that can hold two SIM cards as well a microSD card.
A microUSB port, a speaker grille and a 3.5mm jack are present at the bottom and the top houses the secondary microphone. The build quality was reasonable, but it would have been better if the glass back panel would have been protected.
On flipping the device, you will see its 6.5-inch fullView display that comes with 2.5D Glass on it. The screen has an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and a screen-to-body ratio of 91%. In order to achieve this, Honor has made the notch on the top of display as small as it could. There were times when we felt that the smartphone is too big for one-handed usage. But, many people may not consider this a hindrance as most of us are used to having phones with big screens.
Speaking about the display of the smartphone, we really adored it. The colours were accurate and vibrant, and we really liked watching videos on YouTube because of the crisp quality if images. During our time with the smartphone, we found the images depicted and to be very clear. The viewing angles were good and sunlight readability was also decent. The company has touted the presence of Eye Comfort mode on the device. On enabling it, we observed a slightly warmer tint on the screen. According to Honor, the Eye Comfort mode filters out the blue light to relieve the users’ visual fatigue. You can also schedule the Eye Comfort mode to get enabled on its own.
To conclude, we would say that we really liked the design and display of the smartphone. The build could have been better and we would have really appreciated it if the back panel of the device would have been protected by glass. One can put on a case to avoid scratches but that would mean hiding the Honor 8X’s stunning looks.
There was some bloatware on the device, but not too much of it. And we didn’t even feel the need of deleting most apps. Besides the usual suite of Google apps, there was Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Netflix, Camera360, an SOS app and a gaming app called Lords Mobile. There is a Phone Manager app on the device that can be used to optimize its performance. It frees up RAM, keeps a track on data usage, checks the smartphone for any viruses and stops battery from draining. If you use some particular functions of the app too often, you can also create short cuts for them.
One can also use various gestures to perform tasks on the device like swiping inward from left or right of the screen to go back to the previous screen, swiping up from the bottom of the screen to go up, accessing Google Assistant by swiping up from the lower corners. Honor 8X mobile comes with Face recognition that worked accurately during our time with the smartphone, even during night.
We found Honor 8X’s software to be responsive and using it was a smooth experience. We faced no lag and multitasking was a cakewalk. We used a number of apps at the same time and there was no delay in either launching or switching between them. Call quality was mostly okay, but we sometimes did feel a problem in listening to what the person was saying. Maybe it’s because the small size of the earpiece. But then, we even managed to make calls from basement, so there is no problem with the reception of the device.
One aspect of the smartphone that was only decent was gaming. Like most other smartphones with glass body, Honor 8X warms up when it is used for gaming. Lightest of the games like Temple Run 2 and Odyssey ran very smoothly, but the smartphone could have performed better with games like Asphalt 9: Legends. The battery of the smartphone also drains quickly while playing games. In fact, the smartphone also warms up when used for navigation. But its negligible. It cannot be called as a heating issue.
Coming to the 20MP and 2MP dual rear cameras of Honor 8X, it left us with a bag of mixed emotions. The camera app of the smartphone comes with Aperture, Night, Portrait, Photo, and Video modes. It can also be used to make slo-mo and timelapse videos, take panorama shots, put watermarks on the photos, filters. There is also an AR lens that has some backgrounds and effects that Snapchat fans may like.
Most photographs were good in quality. The images were sharp. The colours were accurate. At least in well-lit conditions, mostly everything was good. Usual shots were just fine, although the clarity could have been a little more. But zoom in a bit and the problem begins there and then. We also took some shots using AI photography that the company spoke about so much during the launch. We thought that most pictures taken with the mode made pictures a little oversaturated.
The shots taken at night could be much better than what it was. The photos taken were not as clear as the ones taken during the day, and AI photography mode doesn’t help much in it.
The 16MP selfie camera was better than the rear cameras of the device. We were happy with the shots we took in well-lit conditions, but the ones in lowly lit areas were no better than primary cameras’.
jumping to the battery life of the smartphone, we were really impressed by it. With one single charge, the smartphone lasted an entire day with heavy usage and more than a day with moderate usage.
We ran some benchmark tests on the device. It scored 1,608 and 5,612 in single and multi-core scores of Geekbench and 1,40,714 in Antutu.
In This Article
Honor 8X Design and Display
The Honor 8X smartphone comes with a glossy dual tone design and has a glass back panel that looks premium. The company has said that it has achieved the look by using multiple layers of glass and calls its the ‘visual grating effect’. We should say that it was totally worth it. Going just by the looks, Honor 8X hardly looks like a smartphone that is priced under Rs 15,000. We should mention that the smartphone is available in Black, Blue and Red colour variants and the unit that we got for review was dressed in Blue.
Although it looks great, like other smartphones that come with a glass back panel, it is prone to getting fingerprint smudges. But, since it is a issue that is common in all glass back smartphones, we are not counting it as a minus. However, be careful, as the device can get scratches rather quickly. Putting a case is an option to keep it safe, but then you’ll be missing out on its good looks. So you will have to make a choice between the two.
The back panel of the smartphone is where the fingerprint scanner also lies. The dual rear cameras of the device are also housed on the back panel, but unlike most other smartphones’ primary cameras, they are not in a module. The Honor branding and AI camera logos are also present, but you can only read them if you hold the smartphone in landscape mode.
While the right edge of Honor 8X has the power and volume buttons on it, the left edge sandwiches the SIM tray that can hold two SIM cards as well a microSD card.
A microUSB port, a speaker grille and a 3.5mm jack are present at the bottom and the top houses the secondary microphone. The build quality was reasonable, but it would have been better if the glass back panel would have been protected.
On flipping the device, you will see its 6.5-inch fullView display that comes with 2.5D Glass on it. The screen has an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and a screen-to-body ratio of 91%. In order to achieve this, Honor has made the notch on the top of display as small as it could. There were times when we felt that the smartphone is too big for one-handed usage. But, many people may not consider this a hindrance as most of us are used to having phones with big screens.
Speaking about the display of the smartphone, we really adored it. The colours were accurate and vibrant, and we really liked watching videos on YouTube because of the crisp quality if images. During our time with the smartphone, we found the images depicted and to be very clear. The viewing angles were good and sunlight readability was also decent. The company has touted the presence of Eye Comfort mode on the device. On enabling it, we observed a slightly warmer tint on the screen. According to Honor, the Eye Comfort mode filters out the blue light to relieve the users’ visual fatigue. You can also schedule the Eye Comfort mode to get enabled on its own.
To conclude, we would say that we really liked the design and display of the smartphone. The build could have been better and we would have really appreciated it if the back panel of the device would have been protected by glass. One can put on a case to avoid scratches but that would mean hiding the Honor 8X’s stunning looks.
Honor 8X Performance
Honor 8X is powered by HiSilicon Kirin 710 SoC, which is the latest processor by its parent company Huawei. The device is available in 4GB RAM/64GB storage, 6GB RAM/64GB storage and 6GB RAM/128GB storage options. It can also hold a microSD card of up to 400GB. We got the base model of the smartphone for review. The smartphone houses a 3,750mAh battery, which has support for 5V/2A (10W) charging and for imaging duties, it sports dual rear cameras with 20MP and 2MP sensors. There is also a 16MP fixed focus camera on the front panel for selfies. Honor 8X runs EMUI 8.2 based on Android 8.1 Oreo, and the company has promised an Android Pie update for the device.
There was some bloatware on the device, but not too much of it. And we didn’t even feel the need of deleting most apps. Besides the usual suite of Google apps, there was Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Netflix, Camera360, an SOS app and a gaming app called Lords Mobile. There is a Phone Manager app on the device that can be used to optimize its performance. It frees up RAM, keeps a track on data usage, checks the smartphone for any viruses and stops battery from draining. If you use some particular functions of the app too often, you can also create short cuts for them.
One can also use various gestures to perform tasks on the device like swiping inward from left or right of the screen to go back to the previous screen, swiping up from the bottom of the screen to go up, accessing Google Assistant by swiping up from the lower corners. Honor 8X mobile comes with Face recognition that worked accurately during our time with the smartphone, even during night.
We found Honor 8X’s software to be responsive and using it was a smooth experience. We faced no lag and multitasking was a cakewalk. We used a number of apps at the same time and there was no delay in either launching or switching between them. Call quality was mostly okay, but we sometimes did feel a problem in listening to what the person was saying. Maybe it’s because the small size of the earpiece. But then, we even managed to make calls from basement, so there is no problem with the reception of the device.
One aspect of the smartphone that was only decent was gaming. Like most other smartphones with glass body, Honor 8X warms up when it is used for gaming. Lightest of the games like Temple Run 2 and Odyssey ran very smoothly, but the smartphone could have performed better with games like Asphalt 9: Legends. The battery of the smartphone also drains quickly while playing games. In fact, the smartphone also warms up when used for navigation. But its negligible. It cannot be called as a heating issue.
Coming to the 20MP and 2MP dual rear cameras of Honor 8X, it left us with a bag of mixed emotions. The camera app of the smartphone comes with Aperture, Night, Portrait, Photo, and Video modes. It can also be used to make slo-mo and timelapse videos, take panorama shots, put watermarks on the photos, filters. There is also an AR lens that has some backgrounds and effects that Snapchat fans may like.
Most photographs were good in quality. The images were sharp. The colours were accurate. At least in well-lit conditions, mostly everything was good. Usual shots were just fine, although the clarity could have been a little more. But zoom in a bit and the problem begins there and then. We also took some shots using AI photography that the company spoke about so much during the launch. We thought that most pictures taken with the mode made pictures a little oversaturated.
The shots taken at night could be much better than what it was. The photos taken were not as clear as the ones taken during the day, and AI photography mode doesn’t help much in it.
The 16MP selfie camera was better than the rear cameras of the device. We were happy with the shots we took in well-lit conditions, but the ones in lowly lit areas were no better than primary cameras’.
jumping to the battery life of the smartphone, we were really impressed by it. With one single charge, the smartphone lasted an entire day with heavy usage and more than a day with moderate usage.
We ran some benchmark tests on the device. It scored 1,608 and 5,612 in single and multi-core scores of Geekbench and 1,40,714 in Antutu.
Verdict
Honor 8X does have the looks. And its display is amongst its best features. The battery life is also impressive. The Face Unlock and fingerprint sensor work well, too. So, in a nutshell, it can be termed as a good option that you can consider if you are buying a smartphone in the budget segment. But, we would have liked the phone so much better had the camera experience been better. You can go for the smartphone, but you can also consider Nokia 6.1 Plus, which is also a good budget smartphone. Pros Vibrant display, beautiful design, lasting battery Cons Average cameras, mediocre gaming experience, warms up with heavy usage. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel.14 things you can do to fix your slow Wi-Fi
Most of us are so used to be being connected to the internet at all times that even the thought of imagining the world without Wi-Fi is scary. It has become a necessity for all. No matter who you are and what you do, you know you wouldn’t be able to do without a Wi-Fi connection for long. Maybe that is why it is so frustrating when your Wi-Fi suddenly becomes slow. And unfortunately, it is not always easy to fix it because it is difficult to know what exactly is wrong with it.
Here, we have listed down a few things that can make your Wi-Fi slow, and what you can do to fix it. By reading on, you don’t only find out what may have gone wrong with your Wi-Fi router, but also issues that can arise because of your device that is connected to Wi-Fi. Check out our list of reasons and solutions now and fix slow Wi-Fi speeds:
Never underestimate the importance of correctly positioning your Wi-Fi. And the height at which your Wi-Fi router is kept makes a lot of difference. If you have placed your Wi-Fi router on the floor or behind other objects, in all probability, it is the reason behind its bad performance.
Solution: You need to place your router as high as you can in order to extend the broadcasting range of its radio waves. By doing this, you will also make sure that there no other objects placed around it.
There are certain materials that block Wi-Fi signals. And concrete and metals are among the biggest blockers. In fact, they are so effective that they can even protect you from RFID hacks. But obviously, you don’t want them anywhere near your Wi-Fi router. So if your router is placed in an area that is enclosed with concrete, or if there are some metallic objects between your device and Wi-Fi router, you should not be surprised by its slow speed.
Solution: Change the position of your Wi-Fi router and avoid keeping it in an area that is too closed. Make sure there is no concrete around it remove all metallic and other big objects to enhance its performance.
This can particularly happen if you live in a very big house. One thumbs rule you should always remember is that the further you go away from the router, the weaker will be the signals. So, if you have a designated area where you mostly use your devices, it’s better to place the router close to it. However, if that is not the case, place it at the centre of your home, as Wi-Fi broadcasts in all directions. However, if your router’s broadcast is particularly weak, you can also enhance it by changing the range of Wi-Fi waves.
Solution: You can use Wi-Fi extenders or repeaters that can be connected to the main router. These extenders basically repeat the signal of the router to cover a greater area.
Microwaves and ovens can interfere a lot with your Wi-Fi network. And this particularly happens if your router is an old one. The reason the microwaves affecting the Wi-Fi network is the fact that they have a frequency of 2.45GHz. And this frequency is extremely close to the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, which broadcasts between 2.412GHz and 2.472GHz. So the frequency from microwaves can overlap with the frequency of Wi-Fi, leading to disruption of the data that is transferred.
Solution: just make sure your microwave has proper shielding.
Bluetooth devices are just as commonly used as Wi-Fi routers. And they also have a frequency of 2.4GHz. A Bluetooth device that has been made properly must have shielding to make sure that interference does not occur in any way. ‘Frequency hopping’ is often used by Bluetooth manufacturers to avoid the situation of a frequency clash. And Bluetooth devices that are newly made can also identify networks that are being used currently to avoid those.
Solution: If you suspect that your Bluetooth device is interfering with your Wi-Fi router’s network, just make sure you keep them away. If you have any Bluetooth devices that are old, then you must close them down when you switch on your Wi-Fi.
Yes, you read that right. While most of us use fairy lights to decorate our houses on Diwali and Christmas, only very few know that they can slow down your Wi-Fi. These lights emit an electromagnetic field that interacts with your Wi-Fi band, which slows it down. And unfortunately, LED lights are no better.
Solution: If the effect is just negligible, you can live with it for a day or two till the time decorations are up. If it’s too bad, don’t put LED or fairy light in the area where your router is placed.
Today, almost every house has a Wi-Fi network, because it has become just so indispensable. However, there are times when this can create a channel overlap, particularly if you live in a housing complex or an apartment. Channel overlap mostly happens when the router can only broadcast at 2.4GHz or if you the devices around it can only receive a wireless signal of 2.4GHz. It is worth noticing that there are only 14 channels to transmit on, so if two routers are on the same channel and broadcast at the same frequency, there is a very high possibility of them interfering with each other.
Solution: While most modern routers can automatically choose a channel for you, it is also important to investigate yourself to find a good channel.
Is your neighbour using your Wi-Fi network, without keeping you informed? This is far more common than we think. There may be other people, mostly the ones who live very close to you, who may be using your Wi-Fi network without your knowledge. It not only slows down your Wi-Fi but can also lead to various security issues, so it must be stopped immediately.
Solution: The first and foremost solution for this is to have a very strong password. Avoid using your name, or other obvious information as your password, as those, can be cracked easily. Also, regularly check for any suspicious or unknown devices on your network.
If you or anyone else in your house has left a large download running on a device, it is very likely that it is contributing to the slow speed of the Wi-Fi. One just cannot underestimate how much downloading heavy files can degrade their Wi-Fi’s performance. While we really can’t do without updating our devices, we should pause the ones that are not too important.
Solution: Firstly, just make sure that none of the people who use your Wi-Fi is downloading heavy files, or binge-watching a series of Netflix. What you can also do is prioritize your network traffic. This can be done by going to your router’s settings to enable Quality of Service.
If you have been browsing the internet anonymously by using a VPN, then we are sure that this is the reason behind your slow internet speed. All VPNs, regardless of what they promise, slow down internet speed at least to an extent. VPNs encrypt and decrypt data in real-time, which slowed down processing as your internet requires more data.
Solution: either stop using the VPN or upgrade your internet package.
The problem is not always with the router. Your device may be responsible for slow internet speed too. If all your other devices are working fine apart from your laptop or PC, then you should check the Network Drivers. If the network drivers of your device are corrupt, then they are the reason why you are getting slow internet speed in spite of being connected to a Wi-Fi router that may have no problems.
Solution: Press Windows+R and enter ‘devmgmt.msc’ on the dialogue box that opens on the bottom left of your PC or laptop’s screen to open the device manager. Click on Network Adapters in the list. If it appears with a yellow triangle along with an exclamation mark, it means that there is a problem with it. Right-click on Network Adapters and select ‘Update driver software. Post that, just follow the steps that are given to you to fix the issue. Once the issue is fixed, internet speed should be fine too.
Sometimes, background programs that are running on our device quietly use up the bandwidth, and you wouldn’t even get to know. Or you may have malware on your device which is slowing down the speed of the internet. And if you have recently installed a Windows update, then it is possible that some other updates got downloaded in the background, which may be taking up the bandwidth.
Solution: Go to Windows Task Manager and check for all active background programs. If there are which have not been downloaded by you, search for them online once, and if you think they are unnecessary, delete them. Also, get an antivirus program to make sure no that no malware in your device slows down the internet speed. Plus, it never hurts to have more security.
Often when our devices are on Power Saver mode, they slow down internet speeds to enhance the battery time. If you put your device on the mode at a time when you had less battery and then forgot to go and undo it, this may be the problem.
Solution: Head to the Control Panel, and select ‘System and Security’. Then, go to ‘Power Options’, and select ‘change plan settings’. When you are taken to the next screen, click on ‘Change advanced power settings’ to open up Power Options. Click on ‘Wireless Adaptor Settings’ and adjust it to ‘Maximum Performance’.
Can you download files from other websites with ease and it’s only one particular page or website that is causing a problem? If the answer is yes, then it’s not your internet’s fault. The problem is at the source website because download speeds don’t only depend on your router, but also on the download server.
Solution: There is nothing you can do apart from downloading files from some other website.
For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
[td_smart_list_end]
In This Article
Your Wi-Fi router is placed on the floor
Never underestimate the importance of correctly positioning your Wi-Fi. And the height at which your Wi-Fi router is kept makes a lot of difference. If you have placed your Wi-Fi router on the floor or behind other objects, in all probability, it is the reason behind its bad performance.
Solution: You need to place your router as high as you can in order to extend the broadcasting range of its radio waves. By doing this, you will also make sure that there no other objects placed around it.
Concrete or metal around your router
There are certain materials that block Wi-Fi signals. And concrete and metals are among the biggest blockers. In fact, they are so effective that they can even protect you from RFID hacks. But obviously, you don’t want them anywhere near your Wi-Fi router. So if your router is placed in an area that is enclosed with concrete, or if there are some metallic objects between your device and Wi-Fi router, you should not be surprised by its slow speed.
Solution: Change the position of your Wi-Fi router and avoid keeping it in an area that is too closed. Make sure there is no concrete around it remove all metallic and other big objects to enhance its performance.
Your Wi-Fi router is placed too far from you
This can particularly happen if you live in a very big house. One thumbs rule you should always remember is that the further you go away from the router, the weaker will be the signals. So, if you have a designated area where you mostly use your devices, it’s better to place the router close to it. However, if that is not the case, place it at the centre of your home, as Wi-Fi broadcasts in all directions. However, if your router’s broadcast is particularly weak, you can also enhance it by changing the range of Wi-Fi waves.
Solution: You can use Wi-Fi extenders or repeaters that can be connected to the main router. These extenders basically repeat the signal of the router to cover a greater area.
Your microwave maybe responsible
Microwaves and ovens can interfere a lot with your Wi-Fi network. And this particularly happens if your router is an old one. The reason the microwaves affecting the Wi-Fi network is the fact that they have a frequency of 2.45GHz. And this frequency is extremely close to the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, which broadcasts between 2.412GHz and 2.472GHz. So the frequency from microwaves can overlap with the frequency of Wi-Fi, leading to disruption of the data that is transferred.
Solution: just make sure your microwave has proper shielding.
Your Bluetooth device be interfering
Bluetooth devices are just as commonly used as Wi-Fi routers. And they also have a frequency of 2.4GHz. A Bluetooth device that has been made properly must have shielding to make sure that interference does not occur in any way. ‘Frequency hopping’ is often used by Bluetooth manufacturers to avoid the situation of a frequency clash. And Bluetooth devices that are newly made can also identify networks that are being used currently to avoid those.
Solution: If you suspect that your Bluetooth device is interfering with your Wi-Fi router’s network, just make sure you keep them away. If you have any Bluetooth devices that are old, then you must close them down when you switch on your Wi-Fi.
Diwali or Christmas lights
Yes, you read that right. While most of us use fairy lights to decorate our houses on Diwali and Christmas, only very few know that they can slow down your Wi-Fi. These lights emit an electromagnetic field that interacts with your Wi-Fi band, which slows it down. And unfortunately, LED lights are no better.
Solution: If the effect is just negligible, you can live with it for a day or two till the time decorations are up. If it’s too bad, don’t put LED or fairy light in the area where your router is placed.
Maybe it’s because of your neighbours
Today, almost every house has a Wi-Fi network, because it has become just so indispensable. However, there are times when this can create a channel overlap, particularly if you live in a housing complex or an apartment. Channel overlap mostly happens when the router can only broadcast at 2.4GHz or if you the devices around it can only receive a wireless signal of 2.4GHz. It is worth noticing that there are only 14 channels to transmit on, so if two routers are on the same channel and broadcast at the same frequency, there is a very high possibility of them interfering with each other.
Solution: While most modern routers can automatically choose a channel for you, it is also important to investigate yourself to find a good channel.
Other people may be using your Wi-Fi network
Is your neighbour using your Wi-Fi network, without keeping you informed? This is far more common than we think. There may be other people, mostly the ones who live very close to you, who may be using your Wi-Fi network without your knowledge. It not only slows down your Wi-Fi but can also lead to various security issues, so it must be stopped immediately.
Solution: The first and foremost solution for this is to have a very strong password. Avoid using your name, or other obvious information as your password, as those, can be cracked easily. Also, regularly check for any suspicious or unknown devices on your network.
Downloading large files
If you or anyone else in your house has left a large download running on a device, it is very likely that it is contributing to the slow speed of the Wi-Fi. One just cannot underestimate how much downloading heavy files can degrade their Wi-Fi’s performance. While we really can’t do without updating our devices, we should pause the ones that are not too important.
Solution: Firstly, just make sure that none of the people who use your Wi-Fi is downloading heavy files, or binge-watching a series of Netflix. What you can also do is prioritize your network traffic. This can be done by going to your router’s settings to enable Quality of Service.
Are you using a VPN?
If you have been browsing the internet anonymously by using a VPN, then we are sure that this is the reason behind your slow internet speed. All VPNs, regardless of what they promise, slow down internet speed at least to an extent. VPNs encrypt and decrypt data in real-time, which slowed down processing as your internet requires more data.
Solution: either stop using the VPN or upgrade your internet package.
Your PC’s or laptop’s Network Drivers may be corrupt
The problem is not always with the router. Your device may be responsible for slow internet speed too. If all your other devices are working fine apart from your laptop or PC, then you should check the Network Drivers. If the network drivers of your device are corrupt, then they are the reason why you are getting slow internet speed in spite of being connected to a Wi-Fi router that may have no problems.
Solution: Press Windows+R and enter ‘devmgmt.msc’ on the dialogue box that opens on the bottom left of your PC or laptop’s screen to open the device manager. Click on Network Adapters in the list. If it appears with a yellow triangle along with an exclamation mark, it means that there is a problem with it. Right-click on Network Adapters and select ‘Update driver software. Post that, just follow the steps that are given to you to fix the issue. Once the issue is fixed, internet speed should be fine too.
The background programs running on your device may be responsible
Sometimes, background programs that are running on our device quietly use up the bandwidth, and you wouldn’t even get to know. Or you may have malware on your device which is slowing down the speed of the internet. And if you have recently installed a Windows update, then it is possible that some other updates got downloaded in the background, which may be taking up the bandwidth.
Solution: Go to Windows Task Manager and check for all active background programs. If there are which have not been downloaded by you, search for them online once, and if you think they are unnecessary, delete them. Also, get an antivirus program to make sure no that no malware in your device slows down the internet speed. Plus, it never hurts to have more security.
Your device is in Power Saver mode
Often when our devices are on Power Saver mode, they slow down internet speeds to enhance the battery time. If you put your device on the mode at a time when you had less battery and then forgot to go and undo it, this may be the problem.
Solution: Head to the Control Panel, and select ‘System and Security’. Then, go to ‘Power Options’, and select ‘change plan settings’. When you are taken to the next screen, click on ‘Change advanced power settings’ to open up Power Options. Click on ‘Wireless Adaptor Settings’ and adjust it to ‘Maximum Performance’.
It can also be the website you are downloading from
Can you download files from other websites with ease and it’s only one particular page or website that is causing a problem? If the answer is yes, then it’s not your internet’s fault. The problem is at the source website because download speeds don’t only depend on your router, but also on the download server.
Solution: There is nothing you can do apart from downloading files from some other website.
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[td_smart_list_end] iPad Pro 2018 vs iPad Pro 2017: Comparison
At its event in Brooklyn yesterday, Apple unveiled the revamped iPad Pros, that start selling at $799. The new tablets by Apple come with Liquid Retina displays, are powered by the latest processor from the Cupertino based technology giant, their storage begins from 64GB and goes up to 1TB and they run iOS 12. The new iPad Pros are compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil that was launched by the technology giant yesterday too. If you have been planning to buy an iPad for yourself for a long time, but are confused between this year’s and last year’s iPad Pros, we are here to make your life simpler. Read our comparison of the the models launched this year and last year and decide which among them is the right pick for you:
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): 11-inch Liquid Retina display with 2,388 x 1,668-pixel resolution
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with 2,732 x 2,048-pixel resolution
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): 12.9-inch Retina display with 2,732 x 2,048-pixel resolution
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): 10.5-inch Retina display with 1,668-pixel resolution
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): A12X Bionic
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): A12X Bionic
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): Apple A10X Fusion
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): Apple A10X Fusion
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): 64/256/512GB/1TB
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): 64/256/512GB/1TB
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): 64/256/512GB
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): 64/256/512GB
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): iOS 12
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): iOS 12
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): iOS 11
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): iOS 11
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): 12 megapixel
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): 12 megapixel
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): 12 megapixel
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): 12 megapixel
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): 7 megapixel
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): 7 megapixel
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): 7 megapixel
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): 7 megapixel
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): Up to 10 hours strenuous use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): Up to 10 hours strenuous use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): Up to 10 hours strenuous use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): Up to 10 hours strenuous use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): Yes; 2nd generation
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): Yes; 2nd generation
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): Yes; original Apple Pencil
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): Yes; original Apple Pencil
For Wi-Fi
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): $799
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): $999
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): $799
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): $649
For LTE
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): $949
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): $1,149
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): $929
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): $779
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In This Article
Display
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): 11-inch Liquid Retina display with 2,388 x 1,668-pixel resolution
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with 2,732 x 2,048-pixel resolution
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): 12.9-inch Retina display with 2,732 x 2,048-pixel resolution
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): 10.5-inch Retina display with 1,668-pixel resolution
Processor
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): A12X Bionic
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): A12X Bionic
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): Apple A10X Fusion
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): Apple A10X Fusion
Storage
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): 64/256/512GB/1TB
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): 64/256/512GB/1TB
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): 64/256/512GB
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): 64/256/512GB
Operating system
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): iOS 12
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): iOS 12
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): iOS 11
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): iOS 11
Primary cameras
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): 12 megapixel
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): 12 megapixel
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): 12 megapixel
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): 12 megapixel
Selfie cameras
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): 7 megapixel
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): 7 megapixel
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): 7 megapixel
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): 7 megapixel
Battery
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): Up to 10 hours strenuous use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): Up to 10 hours strenuous use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): Up to 10 hours strenuous use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): Up to 10 hours strenuous use over Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours over cellular
Apple Pencil compatibility
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): Yes; 2nd generation
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): Yes; 2nd generation
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): Yes; original Apple Pencil
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): Yes; original Apple Pencil
Starting price
For Wi-Fi
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): $799
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): $999
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): $799
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): $649
For LTE
iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch): $949
iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): $1,149
iPad Pro 2017 (12.9-inch): $929
iPad Pro 2017 (10.5-inch): $779
For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. OnePlus 6T Unboxing, First Look and Camera Shots: Is it a worthy upgrade? [Video]
![OnePlus 6T Unboxing, First Look and Camera Shots: Is it a worthy upgrade? [Video]](https://www.gadgetbridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/maxresdefault-5-768x432.jpg "OnePlus 6T Unboxing, First Look and Camera Shots: Is it a worthy upgrade? [Video]")
OnePlus 6T is available in three storage variants in India. The base model – with 6GB of RAM and 128GGB storage – is priced at Rs 37,999. The 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant costs Rs 41,999 and the most high end model – with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage bears a price tag of Rs 45,999.
Besides the smartphone, the company also launched its OnePlus Type C Bullets earphones and OnePlus Explorer Bagpack. While the earphones cost Rs 1,490, the bag pack is priced at Rs 4,990.
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Nokia 6.1 starts receiving the stable update of Android 9.0 Pie
One among the best things about Nokia smartphones we have seen recently is the fact that they are all enrolled under Google’s Android One program, which promises timely Android updates and security patches for two and three years respectively. Earlier this month at the launch of Nokia 7, HMD Global had announced Android Pie updates for Nokia 6.1, Nokia 6.1 Plus, Nokia 8 and Nokia 8 Sirocco.
And the company seems to be keeping its promise as Nokia 6.1 has now received the stable update of Android 9.0 Pie. It is worth noticing that Nokia 6.1 is the second smartphone by the company to receive the Android Pie update. The first smartphone to get it was Nokia 7 Plus, which got the final update of the Android version in September.
Since HMD Global is keeping its promise, we can expect an update to come to Nokia 6.1 Plus in the next few days too. According to the company’s announcement, the update for Nokia 6.1 and Nokia 6.1 Plus was scheduled for October, and that for Nokia 8 and Nokia 8 Sirocco is due in November. However, there are no clear dates that we look forward to, but seeing the company’s recent history, we know that it will be prompt in rolling out the latest Android updates.
As we mentioned earlier, the prompt updates and security patches that Nokia smartphones have started getting since they have been enrolled in Google’s Android One program, are one among their biggest strengths.
To recall, Nokia 6.1 mobile sports a 5.5-inch full-HD IPS LCD display that has an aspect ratio of 16:9. The device is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor that is clubbed with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM. The device has either 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage. Users can get more storage by installing a microSD card of up to 128GB. Nokia 6.1 packs a 3,000mAh battery and sports a 16MP primary camera and an 8MP selfie camera.
The smartphone was launched in India in August this year and prior to that, it was launched globally at MWC 2018 and its China launch happened in January.
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Xiaomi’s Poco F1 smartphone will be getting Android Pie and Android Q updates
If OnePlus was known to pack premium features at a relatively affordable price in its smartphones, Xiaomi has left its rival far behind in race with its smartphone Poco F1. When launched, Xiaomi’s Poco F1 used to run Android 8.1 Oreo skinned with MIUI 9.6 and was powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor. In September, it got an MIUI 10 global Beta update followed by a stable upgrade this week.
And now, Xiaomi’s Poco Head Jai Mani has confirmed that the smartphone’s internals will get better going forward as the POCO F1 will surely get the Android Pie and Android Q updates. This means that Xiaomi will be following the two-year software support program that other OEMs also offer. But beyond that, the company is making no promises.
The company has already confirmed that Poco F1 mobile will be getting the latest Android update in Q4 this year. And as for Android Q, we can only pose this question once Google unveils its new operating system next year.
Mani is known to be very active on Twitter and spoke about Poco F1 getting the two updates in a response to a query asked by a user. We should say that we feel that after this announcement, we feel that Xiaomi Poco F1 is an even better buy than it was earlier.
Poco has also been a regular with updates and is doing its bit to fix issues that they hear in customer feedback. For instance, the compatibility issues that were reported with the PUBG Mobile recently have now been fixed. The company has also confirmed that it intends to fix the lack of Widevine L1 certification, that prevents the device from playing HD video during certain video streaming. A beta update for this will be released in the fourth quarter of this year too.
To recall, the smartphone was launched with 6.18-inch touchscreen display, 2.8GHz octa-core processor, 6GB RAM/64GB onboard storage, and a 4000mAh battery. For imaging duties, there is a dual rear camera setup with 12MP and 5MP sensors and the smartphone also houses a 20MP front facing snapper that can be used for selfies and video calls.
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Top 15 smartphones that were launched in India this month
October was an exciting month for the world of technology. OnePlus launched its much awaited flagship smartphone, Apple’s ‘affordable’ iPhone became available in 50 countries, and Google unveiled its Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. So the month saw three technology giants refreshing their flagship lineup and a number of other launches. Here, we bring to you 15 smartphones that were launched in the month of October:
OnePlus has always managed to create a stir when it launches new products. And OnePlus 6T was no exception. After months of rumours and speculations, the OnePlus 6T smartphone was launched on October 30 in India. The smartphone is available in 6GB RAM/128GB storage, 8GB RAM/128GB storage and 8GB RAM/256GB storage variants that are priced at Rs 37,999, Rs 41,999 and Rs 45,999. OnePlus 6T retains a number of specifications from OnePlus 6. The differences include an in-display fingerprint sensor, a waterdrop shaped notch, a bigger 3,700mAh battery and the presence of Android 9.0 Pie. The device has also replaced the 3.5mm headphone jack with a Type-C port.
Apple’s ‘affordable’ iPhone XR, went on pre-orders in India on October 19 and its sale began last week on October 26. Most of the specifications of the smartphone are the same as that of iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Speaking of differences, unlike iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max which feature OLED screens, iPhone XR sports a 6.1-inch LCD screen with 1,792×828-pixel resolution. Also, it does not support dual rear cameras on its back panel. Instead, it comes with a 12MP wide angle rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization. Also, it doesn’t come with an IP68 rating, but does have an IP67 one. The price of iPhone XR begins at Rs 76,900 and it is available in six colour options including blue, coral, yellow, white, black, and Project Red.
The month also saw the launch of Google’s flagship devices of the year – Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. The two smartphones share most of the specifications. Both the smartphones sport a dual front camera setup with 8MP+8MP sensors and feature a 12.2MP camera on the back panel. They are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 clubbed with Adreno 630 GPU and 4GB of RAM. Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL also come with Pixel Visual core, Titan M Security Module and comes with IP68 dust and water resistance. They devices run Android 9.0 Pie out of the box. they only in terms of battery and display. While Google Pixel 3 sports a 5.5-inch FHD+ flexible OLED display and houses a 2915mAh battery, Google Pixel 3 XL features a 6.3-inch QHD+ flexible OLED display and packs a 3430mAh battery. In India, Google Pixel 3’s price starts at
HMD global updated its budget lineup in India this month with the launch of Nokia 3.1 Plus. The device comes with a 6-inch HD+ IPS display and is powered by MediaTek HelioP22 processor clubbed with 3GB RAM. The smartphone runs Android Oreo out of the box and has 32GB of storage on board. It houses a 3500mAh battery and has a dual rear camera setup with 13MP and 5MP sensors. In India, the price of Nokia 3.1 Plus is Rs 11, 499.
We were so happy to see the Matrix phone come to India. The revamped version of the iconic Nokia 8110 – Nokia 8110 4G smart feature phone sports 2.45-inch QVGA curved screen display, runs KaiOS and is powered by 1.1GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 processor. It has 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. There is also a 2MP rear camera and a 1,500mAh battery on board. Nokia 8110 4G is priced at Rs 5,999.
We also saw Lenovo’s comeback this month with its K9 and A5 smartphones. Both fall in the budget segment, with Lenovo K9 priced at Rs 8,999 and Lenovo A5 bearing price tag of Rs 5,999. Lenovo K9’s specifications include a 5.7-inch HD+ display, 2.0GHz MediaTek MT6762 octa-core processor, 13MP+5MP dual rear cameras and a dual selfie camera with the same sensors. Furthermore, it packs a 3,000mAh battery and runs Android 8.1 Oreo. Coming to Lenovo A5, it comes with 5.45-inch HD+ IPS display, 1.5GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6739 processor and is available in 16GB and 32GB storage options.
If you still love BlackBerry, then the next smartphone on our list is definitely something you would like. BlackBerry launched its KEY2 LE smartphone in India this month which is priced at Rs 29,990. BlackBerry KEY2 LE comes with a 4.5-inch full-HD+ IPS LCD display, octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor, Android 8.1 Oreo, 3,000mAh battery and 13MP+5MP dual rear cameras.
Honor 8X got launched in India this month in 4GB RAM/64GB storage, 6GB RAM/64GB storage and 6GB RAM/128GB storage variants. The smartphone models cost Rs 14,999, Rs 16,999 and Rs 18,999 respectively. The specifications of Honor 8X include a 6.5-inch fullView display, octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 710 processor, dual AI camera setup on its back panel, and a 3,750mAh battery.
A number of specifications in Asus Zen fone Max M1 and Asus Zenfone Lite L1smartphones are the same. Both of them come with a 5.45-inch LCD screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor, 13MP primary snapper and Android Oreo with ZenUI on to. Talking about the differences, Asus ZenFone Max M1 comes in 3GB RAM/32GB onboard storage, while the ZenFone Lite L1 has 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage. Both pack a 4,000mAh and 3,000mAh battery respectively. While ZenFone Max M1 sports an 8MP selfie snapper, the ZenFone Lite L1 features a 5MP front shooter. The smartphones were priced at Rs 8,999 and Rs 6,999 respectively and are available at Rs 7,499 and Rs 5,999 as a part of an introductory offer.
The key features of Coolpad Note 8 include a 5.99-inch Full-HD+ display, 1.5GHz MediaTek MTK6750T quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM,64GB of internal storage, Android 8.0 and a 4,000mAh battery. For imaging duties, the smartphone comes with 16MP and 0.3MP dual rear cameras and an 8MP selfie camera. Coolpad Note 8 bears a price tag of Rs 9,999 in India.
Priced at Rs 9,999 in India, Infinix Hot S3X comes with a 6.2-inch HD+ LCD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor, 32GB of onboard storage, and a 13MP+2MP dual rear cameras. The smartphone runs Android 8.1 Oreo and houses a 4,000mAh battery.
Panasonic Eluga Ray 600 costs Rs 7,999 in India and its key specifications include a 5.99-inch HD+ IPS display, 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6739WA quad-core processor, Android 8.1 Oreo and a 13MP primary camera.
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[td_smart_list_end]
In This Article
OnePlus 6T
OnePlus has always managed to create a stir when it launches new products. And OnePlus 6T was no exception. After months of rumours and speculations, the OnePlus 6T smartphone was launched on October 30 in India. The smartphone is available in 6GB RAM/128GB storage, 8GB RAM/128GB storage and 8GB RAM/256GB storage variants that are priced at Rs 37,999, Rs 41,999 and Rs 45,999. OnePlus 6T retains a number of specifications from OnePlus 6. The differences include an in-display fingerprint sensor, a waterdrop shaped notch, a bigger 3,700mAh battery and the presence of Android 9.0 Pie. The device has also replaced the 3.5mm headphone jack with a Type-C port.
Apple iPhone XR
Apple’s ‘affordable’ iPhone XR, went on pre-orders in India on October 19 and its sale began last week on October 26. Most of the specifications of the smartphone are the same as that of iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Speaking of differences, unlike iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max which feature OLED screens, iPhone XR sports a 6.1-inch LCD screen with 1,792×828-pixel resolution. Also, it does not support dual rear cameras on its back panel. Instead, it comes with a 12MP wide angle rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization. Also, it doesn’t come with an IP68 rating, but does have an IP67 one. The price of iPhone XR begins at Rs 76,900 and it is available in six colour options including blue, coral, yellow, white, black, and Project Red.
Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL
The month also saw the launch of Google’s flagship devices of the year – Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. The two smartphones share most of the specifications. Both the smartphones sport a dual front camera setup with 8MP+8MP sensors and feature a 12.2MP camera on the back panel. They are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 clubbed with Adreno 630 GPU and 4GB of RAM. Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL also come with Pixel Visual core, Titan M Security Module and comes with IP68 dust and water resistance. They devices run Android 9.0 Pie out of the box. they only in terms of battery and display. While Google Pixel 3 sports a 5.5-inch FHD+ flexible OLED display and houses a 2915mAh battery, Google Pixel 3 XL features a 6.3-inch QHD+ flexible OLED display and packs a 3430mAh battery. In India, Google Pixel 3’s price starts at
Nokia 3.1 Plus
HMD global updated its budget lineup in India this month with the launch of Nokia 3.1 Plus. The device comes with a 6-inch HD+ IPS display and is powered by MediaTek HelioP22 processor clubbed with 3GB RAM. The smartphone runs Android Oreo out of the box and has 32GB of storage on board. It houses a 3500mAh battery and has a dual rear camera setup with 13MP and 5MP sensors. In India, the price of Nokia 3.1 Plus is Rs 11, 499.
Nokia 8110 4G ‘Banana’ phone
We were so happy to see the Matrix phone come to India. The revamped version of the iconic Nokia 8110 – Nokia 8110 4G smart feature phone sports 2.45-inch QVGA curved screen display, runs KaiOS and is powered by 1.1GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 processor. It has 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. There is also a 2MP rear camera and a 1,500mAh battery on board. Nokia 8110 4G is priced at Rs 5,999.
Lenovo K9 and Lenovo A5
We also saw Lenovo’s comeback this month with its K9 and A5 smartphones. Both fall in the budget segment, with Lenovo K9 priced at Rs 8,999 and Lenovo A5 bearing price tag of Rs 5,999. Lenovo K9’s specifications include a 5.7-inch HD+ display, 2.0GHz MediaTek MT6762 octa-core processor, 13MP+5MP dual rear cameras and a dual selfie camera with the same sensors. Furthermore, it packs a 3,000mAh battery and runs Android 8.1 Oreo. Coming to Lenovo A5, it comes with 5.45-inch HD+ IPS display, 1.5GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6739 processor and is available in 16GB and 32GB storage options.
BlackBerry KEY2 LE
If you still love BlackBerry, then the next smartphone on our list is definitely something you would like. BlackBerry launched its KEY2 LE smartphone in India this month which is priced at Rs 29,990. BlackBerry KEY2 LE comes with a 4.5-inch full-HD+ IPS LCD display, octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor, Android 8.1 Oreo, 3,000mAh battery and 13MP+5MP dual rear cameras.
Honor 8X
Honor 8X got launched in India this month in 4GB RAM/64GB storage, 6GB RAM/64GB storage and 6GB RAM/128GB storage variants. The smartphone models cost Rs 14,999, Rs 16,999 and Rs 18,999 respectively. The specifications of Honor 8X include a 6.5-inch fullView display, octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 710 processor, dual AI camera setup on its back panel, and a 3,750mAh battery.
Asus Zenfone Max M1 and Asus Zenfone Lite L1
A number of specifications in Asus Zen fone Max M1 and Asus Zenfone Lite L1smartphones are the same. Both of them come with a 5.45-inch LCD screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor, 13MP primary snapper and Android Oreo with ZenUI on to. Talking about the differences, Asus ZenFone Max M1 comes in 3GB RAM/32GB onboard storage, while the ZenFone Lite L1 has 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage. Both pack a 4,000mAh and 3,000mAh battery respectively. While ZenFone Max M1 sports an 8MP selfie snapper, the ZenFone Lite L1 features a 5MP front shooter. The smartphones were priced at Rs 8,999 and Rs 6,999 respectively and are available at Rs 7,499 and Rs 5,999 as a part of an introductory offer.
Coolpad Note 8
The key features of Coolpad Note 8 include a 5.99-inch Full-HD+ display, 1.5GHz MediaTek MTK6750T quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM,64GB of internal storage, Android 8.0 and a 4,000mAh battery. For imaging duties, the smartphone comes with 16MP and 0.3MP dual rear cameras and an 8MP selfie camera. Coolpad Note 8 bears a price tag of Rs 9,999 in India.
Infinix Hot S3X
Priced at Rs 9,999 in India, Infinix Hot S3X comes with a 6.2-inch HD+ LCD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor, 32GB of onboard storage, and a 13MP+2MP dual rear cameras. The smartphone runs Android 8.1 Oreo and houses a 4,000mAh battery.
Panasonic Eluga Ray 600
Panasonic Eluga Ray 600 costs Rs 7,999 in India and its key specifications include a 5.99-inch HD+ IPS display, 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6739WA quad-core processor, Android 8.1 Oreo and a 13MP primary camera.
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[td_smart_list_end] Apple unveils the new, updated iPad Pro
Apple has taken wraps off its upgraded iPad Pro at its event in Brooklyn today. According to the company, the new iPad Pro is more powerful than 92% of laptops and it can transform into a kind of a laptop with a keyboard that can be attached or even into s desktop provided its clubbed with an external monitor.
The new Apple iPad Pro comes with thinner bezels than its predecessor and is available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models. Both the versions come with a super-sharp Liquid Retina display and has rounded corners. The device had to let go of a Touch ID sensor and only comes with a Face ID. The company has done this in order to thin down the bezels of the device.
The ProMotion displays used in the device have the ability to render content at 120 frames per second. They can also sense your fingers or the Apple Pencil at 120GHz.
The upgraded Apple Pencil can charge wireless as soon as it attaches to the tablet with magnets.
Apple’s new iPad Pro is powered by an A12X Bionic chipset and, according to the company, you get a 35% faster single-core and 90% faster multi-core performance compared to that of its predecessors. Coming to the GPU, it is said to be as fast as X Box One S’.
The new Apple iPad Pro runs the full-blown versions of Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk AutoCAD. The device comes with a Folio keyboard that can be attached via magnet.
The base model of the new iPad Pro comes with 64GB storage, and the most high-end one has 1TB. The other two storage variants are 256GB and 512GB.
The new iPad Pros have gone up on pre-orders and will go on sale on November 7. There are two versions – Wi-Fi only and LTE (with nanoSIM and eSIM). Both the models come with a 18W charger.
Coming to the pricing, the 11-inch variant costs $800 for the 64GB storage version. For the 1TB variant in the same screen size, you would have to pay $1,550. Speaking of the 12.9-inch version, its pricing begins at $1,000 and goes up to $1,750 for the 1TB storage model. These were all the prices of the Wi-Fi versions. If you wish to buy the LTE models, you would have to pay $150 more. You would have to buy the Smart Folio separately at $180 for 11-inch model and $200 for the 12.9-inch one. The new Apple Pencil can be bought for $130.
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Apple announces its updated Mac mini: All that you need to know
Apple not only upgraded its MacBook Air laptop today, but also refreshed its Mac mini. We saw the last model of the mini desktop computer four years back. And the new one comes with a number of updates.
The new Mac mini comes with improved cooling and can therefore support hardware that are more powerful. Like the MacBook Air, it is also made entirely of 100% recyclable aluminium. Apple’s Mac mini’s configurations start from Intel’s 8th Generation quad-core Core i3 processors and go up to 3.2 GHz/4.6 GHzsix-core Core i7 chips. However, these are not mobile processors.
Apple Mac mini is comes with enhanced graphics performance and is claimed to be 60% more powerful than its predecessor when it comes to performing tasks that are graphically-intensive.
Apple Mac Mini has a memory of up to 64GB that is provided to it by 2,666 MHz SO-DIMM sticks and this means that upgrading the device is simple. The storage of the device starts from 128GB and goes up to 2TB. The only option that are available for storage are SSDs.
According to Apple, these changes result in 5 times better performance than the previous device. However, we must not forget that the current model is being compared to a device that was launched four years back.
For connectivity, Apple Mac Mini comes with 10Gbps-capable Ethernet port, full-sized HDMI 2.0, 2x USB-A, 4x Thunderbolt 3 connectors and a 3.5mm jack.
Apple’s own T2 security chip is present in the device and it is worth noticing that Mac mini can be paired to the MacBook.
The pre-orders of Apple Mac mini begin on October 31 and the device will go on sale on November 7. The device is available in Space Gray colour and its base model, that comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage, is priced at $799 and the most high-end model bears a price tag of $4,199. The previous Mac mini that we saw four years ago, was far less in price and costed $499. But then, four years is a long time and the new model does come with a number of updates.
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