In This Article
Samsung Galaxy M10, Galaxy M20 set to launch in India today: Expected price and specifications
South Korean technology giant Samsung is expected to unveil its Galaxy M Series in India today with the launch of its much-talked-about smartphones – Galaxy M10 and Galaxy M20. With its Galaxy M series, Samsung will be replacing its Galaxy On series, J series and C series. According to Samsung, the ‘India-first’ smartphones are aimed at ‘young millennials’ and will sport Infinity-V displays and house powerful batteries. Here’s a look at the launch details, expected pricing and specifications of the Samsung Galaxy M10 and Galaxy M20 smartphones:
Google I/O 2019 dates and venue are now official
Technology giant Google has announced its I/O 2019 event confirming its date and venue. Although the details about the Google I/O 2019 are scare, they directly come from CEO Sundar Pichai, who took to Twitter announce about the event.
This year, Google I/O is set to begin on May 7 and will go on till May 9. The event will be held at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, California.
It is worth noticing that Google I//O is being held at the same venue for three years now. While it was easy to guess the venue of the event even before the announcement, it’s slightly harder to guess what the technology giant has up its sleeve for the I/O 2019.
First and foremost, the company will be announcing its new mobile platform – Android Q – at the Google I/O 2019. We should mention that a recent report that had surfaced online gave us the first glimpse into the upcoming operating system. The images of the beta build that were shared with the report show a system-wide dark theme, a revamped permissions model and a number of other changes. Google usually announced its latest operating system at the I/O event every year and this year should be no different. We are also waiting eagerly to know what Google will name its Android version this time. Any desert names starting with Q you know of? Moving on, it’s too early to expect the Pixel 4 smartphones. And the company anyway has a tradition of announcing its smartphones at its October event. Although we have no hopes of seeing the Pixel 4 handset, we expect Google to unveil its mid-range smartphones Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 XL Lite. A number of reports have been circulating about the two smartphones online. So, we wouldn’t be wrong to expect Google to use its I/O event to announce the two. Another device by the company – ‘Google Coral’ – has been spotted at various benchmark sites over the last few months. The device runs Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 855 processor clubbed with Android Q. While not much has been said about the device, it has been speculated that Google Coral is actually a tablet that the company is planning to launch. However, until there is an official word on the device, we would take this information with a pinch of salt. 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.Glad the transmission was received:) See you at Shoreline Amphitheatre May 7-9 for this year's I/O! #io19 pic.twitter.com/CXWpQR4Eza
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) January 25, 2019
Facebook Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp might get integrated
In a new move made by Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg is planning to integrate Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram together. This is going to happen by end-to-end encryption of all three apps. This move, as Mark Zuckerberg puts it, will protect messages from being viewed by anyone other than the participants in a conversation. However, the three social media platforms are going to act as stand-alone apps. After this has been implemented, a Facebook user will reportedly be able to send an encrypted message to a user who is not on Facebook, but WhatsApp or Instagram.
Though this has been targeted towards user safety, the technology won’t always conceal metadata. Researchers speculate that information about who is interacting with whom might be leaked. The probability of metadata integration to let Facebook learn more about users is high.
Basic information like phone numbers, email addresses just might be shared. And this data might be used by Facebook to charge more for advertising and targeted services. Messenger lets strangers contact people without sharing their phone numbers and so, stalking cases might not be curbed. Facebook accounts that have phone numbers will be given additional privacy concerns as government and other entities can easily extract location information from such sources.
Some do feel positively about the end-to end encryption of the apps, albeit admitting its precarious nature. This could help stop terrorism from happening in all these platforms, which Facebook is not taking seriously. There have been reports in the past that terrorists and cyber attackers might use non-secure messaging services. With ETEE the chances of using these platforms will go down considerably.
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.
Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2019) launched in Korea, will come to India soon
The new Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2019) has just been launched in South Korea. From what we know, its main highlights are that it comes with an Infinity-O-Display and a triple rear camera setup. It is said that the Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2019) is a variant of the Samsung Galaxy A8s. However, in what sense has this been said is still a mystery to us. The smartphone has been launched with a price tag of KRW 5,99,000 that is roughly Rs 37,800. It is said to launch in India in the midst of the MWC, that is on February 28.
The Infinity-O Display with a hole is located at the top left edge of the screen for the selfie camera sensor. The triple rear camera setup is located at the back side of the phone where a fingerprint scanner is also located. At the bottom, there is a USB Type-C port, a speaker grille and a microphone. At the right edge you can find the power and volume buttons, and on the left, a Bixby button. When it comes to specifications, the Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2019), the screen sports an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. It has a single RAM variant of 6GB that comes with 128GB internal storage.
The Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2019) packs a 3,400mAh battery. The triple rear camera setup consists of a 24MP main sensor, 10MP telephoto sensor and another 5MP sensor. The 10MP telephoto sensor offers 2X optical zoom and the 5MP sensor has been incorporated for more depth in photos. If the device is indeed a variant of a Samsung Galaxy A8s, then it is expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 processor, 6.4-inch display and offer NFC support. To recall, the Samsung Galaxy A8s sports a 6.4-inch 1080×2340 display with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9.
There is a 6GB RAM and an 8GB RAM variant, both of which bring a 128GB internal storage. One thing, that we know is common between the Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2019) and Samsung A8s is the triple rear camera setup. Even the Samsung Galaxy A8s has a 24MP, 10MP and 5MP sensor on the rear.
Image courtesy: Tenna
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.
Confirmed: Apple to introduce iPad Mini and entry level iPad soon
Apple is about to launch two gadgets—an entry level iPad and an iPad Mini soon. It has registered in the Eurasian Economic Commission database for the same. The new iPad Mini 5 is going to be a very different model that users will come across. And the entry level iPad is going to be an updated version of the previous models that we were earlier introduced to. From the EEC report we have come to know that it consists of two filings, both of which talk about new tablets that will launch in future and run iOS 12.
The first filing mentions five different models, whereas the second filing talks about two different models. This news is in sync with a previous tip off that an iPad mini and an entry level iPad is about to hit the market. It is expected that the Apple iPad mini will sport a 7.9-inch display. To look back, the device hasn’t been updated for quite some time now and users started to believe that Apple might discontinue the product. However, this does not turn out to be so and especially for the ones who are interested in the form factor, the iPad mini is worth a try.
Talking about the normal size iPad, it was last updated during March, 2018, where a 9.7-inch display was incorporated. The device costs $329 that is roughly Rs 23,000. The screen has a resolution of 1,536×2,048 pixels and an aspect ratio of 4:3. The Apple iPad 9.7-inch is powered by Quad-core 2.34GHz CPU. There is a single RAM variant of 2GB that brings two onboard storage options—32GB and 128GB. In terms of camera, the iPad 9.7-inch has a single rear camera that consists of an 8MP sensor. On the other side, the camera meant for taking selfies is powered by a 1.2MP.
Connectivity options include WiFi 802.11, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS and USB 2.0. Sensors of the Apple device include fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, compass and barometer.
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.
Reliance Jio introduces Rs 594 and Rs 297 recharge plans: Here is everything you need to know
Reliance Jio has announced two new recharge plans for Jio Phone users. These plans include the Rs 594 and Rs 297 recharge plans. The former has a validity of 168 days and latter has 84 days, corresponding to 6 and 3 monthly recharge cycles. Both the plans offer 0.5GB high speed data per day for its feature phone users, total of 84GB and 42GB respectively. Also, they come with 300 text messages (SMS) for every 28 days. In total, you will get 1800 and 900 text messages respectively. One notable feature includes unlimited voice calls.
The 0.5GB of high speed in the Rs 297 Jio Plan calculates up to 42GB throughout the 84-day validity. It also includes complimentary subscriptions to the telco’s own content apps. The Rs 594 recharge plan, on the other hand brings a total of 84GB data for the entire validity period. Just like the Rs 297 plan, the Rs 594 plan also includes 300 SMS messages per recharge plans with a total of 1800 text messages. Another common thing between these plans is that both of them are featuring unlimited voice calling benefits.
Recharge options of Rs 49, Rs 99 and Rs 153 come with a validity of 28 days. The telco is positioning these recharge options as an extension of the Jio Phone Monsoon Hungama offer. To recall, the Jio Phone Monsoon Hungama exchange offer was launched in July last year at the Reliance Industries Annual General Meeting (AGM). This was launched with an intention to upgrade to the Jio Phone. As part of this offer, you can own the upgraded Jio phone by exchanging an old feature phone.
Speaking of the Monsoon Hungama offer, it brings down the price of Jio phone from Rs 1,500 to Rs 501. To talk about recent events surrounding Reliance Jio, it started offering information about the Kumbh Mela on Jio Phone. With this, feature phone users will get information of the entire event, travel information of special trains and buses, and route maps etc.
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.
Apple may be manufacturing its own batteries: Report
Cupertino-based technology giant Apple is reportedly planning to produce its own batteries. The smartphone giant has hired Soonho Ahn, who previously worked at Samsung SDI for over four years. Once this happened, speculative reports started circulating that Apple is working on its own line of batteries.
While this is not a very prominent sign of the company manufacturing its own batteries, a recent report in Bloomberg also said that Apple has started sourcing cobalt from miners, which adds credibility to the fact that the technology giant is indeed working on its own batteries.
It is worth noticing that cobalt is a key material that is required in manufacturing Lithium-ion batteries. We should also mention that until now, Apple used batteries from third-party suppliers in its iPhones and other products.
However, it should also be added that even now, Apple is far more involved in designing batteries than most other companies. For instance, Apple especially got customised L-shaped batteries for the iPhone XS in order to save space on their devices.
But from what it seems like, Apple is looking to have full control over its batteries and not just be partially involved in the process. Making its own batteries from the scratch may also see the Cupertino-based smartphone company innovate its core battery technology. For a very long time, the innovation of rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries has been as less as it could have been. There has only been a marginal increase in battery density and there hasn’t been much change in the electrolytes that enhance the battery’s standby times and fastens its charging standards.
Although the battery stamina has increased, other factors, like how much space smartphones’ batteries take has remained largely unchanged.
Apple’s latest hiring may be an indication that this is exactly what the company is planning to do with its own batteries. It would not only change the battery’s shape but also better utilise the space inside iPhones. This would also enable Apple to add some improved features to its mobile phone lineup. However, as of now, Apple is being tight-lipped about its battery manufacturing plans and currently, there is no other information available about it. We’ll update you as we get to know more.
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.
How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Android
People who are planning to switch from an iPhone to an Android device (which is becoming more common these days), transferring of contacts might trouble some. So, if you have to transfer your contacts from iPhone to Android without losing any data, we have introduced three methods that can help you with the same. The first method is to transfer your contacts via iCloud. Here is how to do it:
- On your iPhone, go to Settings>[your name]>iCloud>turn on iCloud service for contacts.
- A pop-up video will appear where you’ll find ‘Merge’, Press that.
- On your computer, open iCloud and log in with you Apple ID
- Now select the contacts on your iPhone> Export vCard. At this point, your iPhone contacts will be transferred to your computer
- Now connect your Android phone to your computer via USB. Copy the file containing the contacts, and import them to your android device and populate.
- Login to your Gmail account.
- Click the Gmail logo, and select your contacts on iPhone like you did earlier.
- After this, select More in the drop-down menu, click on Import.
- Import the file downloaded from iCloud, and your contacts will automatically be synced to the Android device.
- Launch iTunes on your computer
- Connect your iPhone with it
- On iTunes, click on the device icon and choose info
- Now, check ‘Sync Contacts With’ and then select Google Contacts. Type the username of your account contact, and password and click on Apply
Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 highlight: Super Night Scene Mode to feature in this phone
The MIUI team had recently announced that the Redmi Note 7 is going to get a Super Night Scene Mode in the upcoming software update. Well, this turns out to be true. Xiaomi confirmed that this update will be rolled out to all Redmi Note 7 users very soon. To look back, the original Super Night Scene camera mode was incorporated in the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 last year. And subsequently, the Super Night Scene Mode was brought to the Xiaomi Mi 8 and the Mi Mix 2S. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is the latest smartphone to receive this update.
Weibo also confirmed through a post that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is about to receive the Super Night Scene Mode. This feature helps users to click HDR pictures in low-light areas. Xiaomi started with this feature after being inspired from Google’s Night Scene Mode. Mi Mix 3 received this feature last year during November as a part of MIUI 10 8.11.7 update. Then during the same month, this was released for the Mi 8 and the Mi Mix 2S as a part of MIUI 10.8.11.8 update. To recall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 was launched in China and yesterday we got to know that it is also about to launch in India.
To talk about its specifications, the dimensions of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 are 159.2×75.2×8.1mm and it weighs 186 grams. The smartphone sports a 6.3-inch 1,080×2,340 display with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. It is powered by Qualcomm’s SDM660 Snapdragon 660 SoC. The RAM variants include 3GB, 4GB and 6GB. The 4GB and 6GB variant brings a 64GB internal storage whereas the 3GB variant comes with 32GB storage. The main camera consists of a 5MP sensor and a 48MP sensor. On the other hand, selfie camera which is on the front consists of a 13MP sensor.
Connectivity options include WiFi 802.11, dual-band, WiFi Direct, hotspot, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, Infrared port, FM Radio and USB 2.0. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 packs a large 4,000mAh battery. Sensors include fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity and compass.
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.
Facebook is closing down its Moments app
Social networking giant Facebook launched its Moments app back in 2015 saying that it was a way of managing pictures of you and your friends by uploading them to the app. With Moments, Facebook’s facial recognition software identified images of the user’s friends and enabled him to share the photos with them.
However, it seems like the idea behind Facebook‘s app never became a hit with people and maybe that’s why the company has today announced that it will be closing down the app on February 25.
The report about Facebook closing down its Moments app first appeared on CNET, which quoted Rushabh Doshi, director of product management for Moments saying, “We’re ending support for the Moments app, which we originally launched as a place for people to save their photos. We know the photos people share are important to them so we will continue offering ways to save memories within the Facebook app.”
While Moments was initially thought of as an interesting attempt by Facebook to create a photo-sharing app, it probably would have worked better had the images uploaded on the app actually linked to the social platform too. Most users just found it easier to directly upload their photos on Facebook instead of separately uploading them on Moments and Facebook to ultimately share with the same set of people.
According to Facebook, the main reason behind closing down Moments is that not enough people are using the photo-sharing app. But then, it’s also fair to point out that the social networking giant never really pushed its users to get on the app. It never tried to popularise the existing features of the app, and never rolled out new interesting features to get more people onboard.
However, we’ll just thank Facebook for one thing: That it didn’t force us to download the Moments app as it did with Messenger.
Coming back to Moments, if you were one among the few people who used the app which is on the verge of being closed down, you would be able to get all your photos via a tool that Facebook has created. You can do this by either creating a private album on your Facebook account or download all the photos on your device. You have until May to download and transfer these photos.
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.