Nokia may launch X-Series and G-Series smartphones on April 8, 2021

HMD Global Nokia Mobile recently sent invitations regarding a launch event to media houses. The event is expected to take place on April 8, 2021.

What is the event all about? 

According to the invitation, the launch event will begin at 3 PM as per the UK time (7:30 PM IST). The invitation does not say anything regarding the smartphones that shall be launched. However, reports say that Nokia will release its smartphones in the X-series and the G-series. In the X-series, the company may showcase Nokia X10 and Nokia X20. These smartphones will be 5G smartphones belonging to a budget range. Nokia’s G-series will consist of Nokia G10 and Nokia G20 smartphones.

What are the expected features of the Nokia G-series?

The Nokia G10 and Nokia G20 shall come loaded with features. Both smartphones will feature 6.38-inch HD+ displays and may run on the Android 11 operating system. Each device may arrive in 32GB and 64GB variants accompanied by 3GB or 4GB of RAM. You may also get the facility of memory expansion up to 512GB through microSD cards. Nokia G10 may be powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio P22 processor while Nokia G20 may house a MediaTek Helio G35 SoC. The G-series is expected to offer a quad rear camera setup with a 48MP primary lens, a 2MP depth lens, a 5MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. You may also get an 8MP front camera for clicking selfies. Each of the smartphones is reported to be powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging. The two devices are expected to sport Blue and Purple colours.
What are the expected features of the Nokia G-series?
What are the expected features of the upcoming Nokia smartphones?

What are the expected features of the Nokia X-series?

The Nokia X10 5G and Nokia X20 5G smartphones are expected to come with Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 SoC and may run the Android 11 operating system. The Nokia X10 5G may offer 32GB storage with 6GB RAM while the Nokia X20 5G may arrive with 128GB storage accompanied by 6GB RAM. While the Nokia X10 5G will be available in Green and White colours, the Nokia X20 5G will sport Blue and Sand shades. The Nokia X20 5G is reported to have a quad rear camera setup with a 48MP primary lens, a 5MP ultrawide sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. You may also get a 16MP front camera for taking selfies. The device will be powered by a 4,500mAh battery supported by 10W fast charging.

How much will the upcoming smartphones cost?

In India, the Nokia G10 and Nokia G20 are reported to arrive at the starting price of ₹11,999. In Europe, smartphones phones may cost around EUR 139 and EUR 169 respectively. The Nokia X10 5G is expected to cost around EUR 300 (approx ₹25,800) while the Nokia X20 5G is reported to be priced at EUR 349 (approx ₹30,000). For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

April 2 Flipkart Daily Trivia Quiz Answers: Answer to win exciting prizes

The e-commerce website Flipkart is hosting Daily Trivia Quiz. Every day it brings a bunch of new questions for its users. By answering them correctly you can win exciting prizes. The questionnaire is based on questions related to general knowledge. Also, the users can win free vouchers and super coins, among other offers via the daily quiz. April 2 Flipkart Daily Trivia Quiz Answers has already gone live on its platform. The participant should be at least 18 years old and should have a valid login ID. The Quiz is available on the mobile platform and not the web version. E-commerce conducts the quiz on daily basis and goes live at 12:00 AM IST and runs till 11:59 PM IST.  The winners are announced within 15 days from the date of participation that can be viewed under the Gems/Rewards section in the app.

How to participate in the Flipkart Daily Trivia Quiz

To participate download the Flipkart app on your phone. Then open the Flipkart app then head to Game Zone. Now click on the Daily Trivia Banner or search for Daily Trivia. Enter the game and answer all 5 questions with correct answers.

April 2 Flipkart Daily Trivia Quiz Answers 

Question 1: Sports ____ of India is the apex national sports body of India, established in 1984. Answer: Authority Question 2: With which of these sports is the Expedite System-associated? Answer: Table Tennis Question 3:  Which PBL team retained P. V. Sindhu for the maximum possible amount of 77 lakh? Answer: Hyderabad Hunters Question 4:Which bowler was nicknamed ‘Whispering Death’ by umpire Dickie Bird for his silent run-up? Answer: Michael Holding Question 5: Who is the first Indian spinner to take five-wicket hauls in all formats of cricket? Answer: Kuldeep Yadav
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April 2 Amazon Quiz: Answer all the questions to win Samsung Smart TV

Get ready to answer a new set of questions as the Amazon Quiz is live on its platform. The quiz can be played every day from 12 AM to 11:59 PM. Today you can stand a chance to win Samsung Smart TV. By participating in Amazon Quiz every day you can stand a chance to win prizes such as iPhone X, iPhone Xs, Seagate HDD, GoPro Hero 8 Camera, LG Smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S20, Air Purifier, Oppo smartphones, Amazon Pay Balance among other exciting free gifts. The E-commerce platform brings a daily quiz on its mobile platform which every day gives chances to millions of people across the country to win gadgets and goodies. The quiz goes live on the Amazon app but the quiz is not available for desktop users only app users can participate in the daily quiz. The quiz contains 5 questions based on general knowledge and current affairs to which the contestants have to answer all the questions correctly. Any wrong answer will eliminate you from the quiz. Further, your name will be selected for a lucky draw and the company will announce the results at the end of the month. We have updated all five questions with their correct answers below so that you can win Samsung Smart TV.

April 2 Amazon Quiz Answers

Question 1: Which city intends to have the first undersea tunnel of India by the year 2023? The answer is- Mumbai Question 2: Which country recently opened a National Ministry for Extraterrestrial Space Affairs, The Moon and Other Celestial Bodies?The answer is- Nicaragua Question 3: Who is the first woman to serve as the United States secretary of the treasury? The answer is- Janet Yellen Question 4: In the nursery rhyme “The Farmer in the Dell”, what did this domestic animal take? The answer is- Mouse Question 5:What recreational and competitive adventure sport is being performed by the man in the picture? The answer is- Paragliding
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Everything you need to know about Snapchat’s new AR glasses Spectacles 3 and drone

Snap Inc., an American camera and social media company could launch its Augmented Reality-enabled glasses and a drone soon. This will be the third AR glass designed by the company. Previously, the company launched two versions of glasses implementing Augmented Reality.

What will be the features of Snap’s new AR glasses?

The new AR glasses of Snap will be the third edition in the ‘Spectacle’ series of smart glasses by Snap. Besides new features, Snap’s Spectacles 3 will have some features from its predecessors. The new AR glasses of Snap may consist of a display to help the user directly view the Augmented Reality graphics without looking at his/her smartphone. The design of Snap’s AR glasses is yet to be revealed. The company may come out with an AR headset with head-mount cameras. The processing part may be carried out on smartphones or tablets.

What will be the features of Snap’s new drone?

While Snap’s Spectacles 3 has gained much popularity, there is not much official information related to the drone. Rumours suggest that the company has been constantly working on the drone. In this attempt, Snap acquired a drone-manufacturing company in 2017 and invested about USD20 million in a Chinese drone company. The release date of the drone is yet not clear. However, we may expect it to arrive soon as a priority has been set for the drone project. The gadget will be designed by Snap Lab, a hardware group of Snap.
What will be the features of Snap's new drone?
What will be the features of Snap’s new drone?

When will Snap’s Spectacles 3 be released and at what price?

According to reports, Snap is designing AR glasses for developers rather than consumers. The primary purpose of the glasses will be to help developers create and analyse the functioning of smart glasses to deliver an improved experience to consumers. The price of the new Ar glasses of Snap is expected to be $380 (approx ₹28,000).

Which other companies are working in the fields of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)?

Tech giants like Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple are already competing against each other in designing smart glasses dealing with advanced technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). Mesh is one such technology, which was recently announced by Microsoft that will enable people located at different locations to meet in a shared mixed reality space. Regarding the Mesh, Alex Kipman, Microsoft technical fellow says, “This has been the dream for mixed reality, the idea from the very beginning. You can actually feel like you’re in the same place with someone sharing content or you can teleport from different mixed reality devices and be present with people even when you’re not physically together.” Apple is reportedly working on a new mixed-reality headset that might arrive in the markets by 2022. Apple wants to release a powerful headset capable of featuring 8K resolution for each eye with the implementation of technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. According to technological experts, Apple’s new headset could bring a shift in the paradigm that is currently dominated by smartphones.

What is the significance of Snap’s AR glasses?

Snap is primarily renowned as the developer of Snapchat, a multimedia messaging application. The Spectacles 3 will help the company explore the possibilities in the hardware domain. The company no longer wants to restrict its identity as a software developer. Instead, it wants to develop gadgets that shall have a far-reaching influence in day-to-day lives. Seeing the consistency in releasing its AR glasses, Snap is deemed to offer tough competition to the big companies in the near future. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

How to verify if your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar Number?

The deadline for linking the Permanent Account Number (PAN) to the Aadhaar number has been extended till June 30, 2021. You may verify your PAN-Aadhaar linking status on different platforms. According to the Income-tax Department, “Representations have been received from taxpayers that the last date for intimating the Aadhaar number may further be extended in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping in view the difficulties faced by the taxpayers, the central government has issued a notification today extending the last date for the intimation of the Aadhaar number and linking thereof with PAN to June 30, 2021”.

Why should you verify that your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar Number?

Section 139AA of the Income-tax Act has the following provisions:
  • Every Aadhaar-eligible person must quote the Aadhaar number in the income tax return and the PAN card application.
  • Also, a person has to link his PAN with Aadhar if he is eligible for obtaining an Aadhaar number and has been allotted PAN as of July 1, 2017.

What will happen if your PAN is not linked to your Aadhaar Number?

As per Section 234H of the Income-tax Act, not linking the PAN with the Aadhaar Number will have the following consequences.
  • The defaulter may have to pay a penalty of up to Rs 1,000.
  • The PAN card of the defaulter may be rendered invalid.
  • Taxpayer defaulters will have to pay higher TDS and TCS.
The PAN holder will not be able to file their income tax returns, make financial transactions requiring PAN, and avail of government benefits like LPG subsidy, pension, and scholarship. It must be noted that the deactivated PAN of a person will become active as soon as he gets it linked to the Aadhaar Number.

How to check if your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar Number using the official website?

To check if your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar Number using the official website, follow these steps.
  • Open a web browser on your PC or smartphone and go to the website of the Income Tax Department of the Government of India(incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/aadhaarstatus)
  • In the form, enter the required details i.e. your PAN and Aadhaar Number.
  • Click the ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’ button.
How to check if your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar Number using the official website?
How to check if your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar Number using the official website?

How to check if your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar Number through SMS?

To check if your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar Number through SMS, follow these steps.
  • On your registered mobile number, open the messages app and create a new message.
  • Type your UIDPAN, Aadhaar Number, and PAN.
  • Send the message to 567678 or 56161.
If your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar number, you will get the following message: “Aadhaar…is already associated with PAN..in ITD database. Thank you for using our services.” For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

The complete guide to link PAN with Aadhaar: Deadline extended till June 30, 2021

The deadline for linking the Permanent Account Number (PAN) to the Aadhaar number has been extended till June 30, 2021. According to the Income-tax Department, the relaxation in the deadline is given considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Income-tax Department, “Representations have been received from taxpayers that the last date for intimating the Aadhaar number may further be extended in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping in view the difficulties faced by the taxpayers, the central government has issued a notification today extending the last date for the intimation of the Aadhaar number and linking thereof with PAN to June 30, 2021”.

Why should you link your PAN with your Aadhaar Number?

Section 139AA of the Income-tax Act has the following provisions:
  • Every Aadhaar-eligible person must quote the Aadhaar number in the income tax return and the PAN card application.
  • Also, a person has to link his PAN with Aadhar if he is eligible for obtaining an Aadhaar number and has been allotted PAN as of July 1, 2017.

What happens if you don’t link PAN and Aadhaar Number?

As per Section 234H of the Income-tax Act, not linking the PAN to the Aadhaar Number will have the following consequences.
  • The defaulter may have to pay a penalty of up to Rs 1,000.
  • The PAN card of the defaulter may be rendered invalid.
  • Taxpayer defaulters will have to pay higher TDS and TCS.
  • The PAN holder will not be able to file their income tax returns, make financial transactions requiring PAN, and avail of government benefits like LPG subsidy, pension, and scholarship.
It must be noted that the deactivated PAN of a person will become active as soon as he gets it linked to the Aadhaar Number.

How to link your PAN with your Aadhaar Number using the official website?

To link your PAN with your Aadhaar Number using the official website, follow these steps.
  • Open a web browser on your PC or smartphone and go to the website of the Income Tax Department of Government of India(https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/home)
  • In the left menu, click the Link Aadhaar option.
  • In the form, enter the required details like your PAN, Aadhaar Number, and Name as per AADHAAR.
  • Enter the CAPTCHA and click the Link Aadhar button.
How to link your PAN with your Aadhaar Number using the official website?
How to link your PAN with your Aadhaar Number using the official website?
As soon as the Income Tax Department validates the information entered by you, your PAN will be linked to your Aadhaar Number.

How to link your PAN with your Aadhaar Number through SMS?

To link your PAN with your Aadhaar Number through SMS, follow these steps.
  • On your registered mobile number, open the messages app and create a new message.
  • Type your UIDPAN, PAN and Aadhaar Number.
  • Send the message to 567678 or 56161.

How to link your PAN with your Aadhaar Number manually?

To link your PAN with your Aadhaar Number through SMS, follow these steps.
  • Visit the nearest PAN Card service centre.
  • Fill the Annexure-I form.
  • Affix a copy of your PAN and Aadhaar cards to the form.
It must be noted that the manual method requires you to pay a certain amount of fee whereas the online method is absolutely free. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

How to use the camera of your Android device as a webcam?

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DroidCam is an application that enables you to use the camera of your Android device as a webcam. It works with a PC client to connect your Android device with your PC. Download DroidCam on the Play Store

Who needs to use an Android device as a webcam?

Nowadays, devices like smartphones and tablets come equipped with high-quality cameras. Some premium phones can even deliver camera quality comparable to professional cameras. If you want to achieve a high video capturing quality, you should utilise the camera installed in your smartphone. Moreover, it saves the effort and cost of buying a piece of additional equipment.
Who needs to use an Android device as a webcam?
Who needs to use an Android device as a webcam?

How to use an Android device as a webcam with Droidcam?

To use your Android device as a webcam using the Droidcam app, follow these steps.
  • Download and install the free version of DroidCam from the Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dev47apps.droidcam&hl=en_IN&gl=US).
  • Now install the desktop version of the app on your computer. During installation, permit the app to install the required audio drivers.
  • As soon as the Windows app is running, you’ll see available options to connect your device, namely through USB or wirelessly.
  • In the box below the options, enter the IP Address of your Android device. To know the IP Address, launch the DroidCam application on your Android device.
  • In the desktop application, check the boxes for audio and video. The feature that you keep unchecked will be disabled.
  • In your Android application, launch the settings by tapping the three vertical dots located in the top-right
How to use an Android device as a webcam with Droidcam?
How to use an Android device as a webcam with Droidcam?
  • In the Camera section, choose between the rear or the selfie camera to use as the webcam. Leave the other settings as default.
  • Go to the desktop application and press Start to build the connection.
  • Start the desired video-conferencing application like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex.
  • Go to the video settings within the video-conferencing application and choose ‘DroidCam Source 2’ or ‘DroidCam Source 3’.
  • Likewise, go to the microphone section and select ‘DroidCam Virtual Audio’.
You must note that your Android device should be fixed firmly at an appropriate angle to clearly capture the video. The advantage of using DroidCam is that it’s totally free and offers unlimited video capturing without watermarks. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

Oppo F19 with 5,000mAh battery to launch in India on April 6

Oppo F19 series has been in the news for quite some time now. At that time the line-up was to include a new hybrid optical zoom technology allowing the user to capture photos with up to 10x zoom. However, the series did not launch at the time. But recently the company released two phones from the series Oppo F19 Pro+ and Oppo F19 Pro. Also, after the successful launch, Oppo today announced to launch Oppo F19 in the country. The device will be joining the other two siblings on April 6. Yes, Oppo today officially confirmed to launch Oppo F19 to its latest smartphone series which already includes Oppo F19 Pro+ and Oppo F19 Pro. To recall, both the smartphones were launch earlier last month and the company recently shared the news that OPPO has received over Rs 2,300 Crores sales for the Oppo F19 Pro in only three days of its availability in the market. After the success, the company will be launching the standard variant on April 6. Oppo said, “In line with the distinguished F series legacy of bringing in devices featuring sleek designs and lightweight, the leading global smart device brand is all set to introduce the sleekest** smartphone with 5000mAh battery, the all-new OPPO F19. OPPO has been constantly striving to innovate not only in terms of product but also in terms of launch events that reverberate with the soul of the young audience and highlight OPPO’s youthful brand ethos. The F19 launch will continue to mirror the F series’ spirit of ‘Flaunt’. To match the fast-paced lifestyle of today’s consumers and demonstrate the F19’s super sleek and fast features, OPPO will be hosting the Fastest Launch Event* with Zakir Khan, the famous stand-up comedian on April 6th, 2021.” The Oppo F19 specification is stated to include a massive 5,000mAh battery that’s paired with a 33W Flash Charge, which runs on a 11V3A solution. The phone is claimed to fully charge in 72 minutes and up to 54 percent in just 30 minutes. As per the company, with 5 minutes of charging you can enjoy 5.5 hours of calling and around 2 hours of YouTube use. It is confirmed to come with an AMOLED FHD+ punch-hole display with all-day eye care. The company has not revealed much about the device and has not shared the pricing of F19. But citing information from tipster Ishan Agarwal the upcoming Oppo smartphone is likely to be priced under Rs 20,000 in India for the base variant. The device has also been listed on the company’s Sri Lankan website suggesting a 6.43-inch full HD+ AMOLED display offering 800 nits’ peak brightness, 409ppi pixel density, and standard 60Hz refresh rate. As per the listing, the phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 SoC coupled with 6GB LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB internal storage. However, it is worth noting that both the elder siblings Oppo F19 Pro and Oppo F19 Pro Plus carry a MediaTek processor. In terms of cameras, F19 is listed to come with a triple rear camera setup that includes a 48-megapixel primary sensor. Additionally, there is a 2-megapixel depth sensor and a 2-megapixel macro camera. On the front, it sports a 16-megapixel selfie camera. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date using the Gadget Bridge Android App.

Google Meet shall continue to offer free unlimited calls until June 30, 2021

Google announced that users of its video-communication service, Google Meet, will be able to enjoy unlimited video calls until June 30, 2021. Last year, the company had set the deadline of March 31, 2021. The extended deadline will incentivise Google Meet users to carry out their tasks while at home during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Why did Google Meet offer free unlimited video calls?

A majority of organisations encouraged their employees to work from their homes in 2020 due to the rapid pace of the COVID-19 pandemic. Google had made an announcement in March 2020 regarding the extension of unlimited Google Meet calls. According to a tweet by the Google Workspace, “We’re continuing unlimited #GoogleMeet calls (up to 24 hours) in the free version through June 2021 for Gmail accounts → https://goo.gle/3fqLb7U” The extension of unlimited Google Meet calls offered several premium services to all G Suite customers. The users could carry out online meetings with up to 250 members. They could conduct live streaming and save their recordings in Google Drive. Gradually, other companies also extended free video calling support e.g., Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex.
Why did Google Meet offer free unlimited video calls?
Why did Google Meet offer free unlimited video calls?

What are the features of the latest extension?

In 2020, Google had announced to place a 60-minute limit for free virtual calls effective from September 30, 2020. Considering the rise in the COVID-19 cases, the company was left with no choice but to extend the deadline to March 31. Now, the deadline is further extended till June 30, 2021. The features of the unlimited Google Meet calls are as follows.
  • After the integration of Google Meet into Gmail accounts, several innovative features were added like noise cancellation and blur background.
  • With your free Gmail account, you can make virtual calls for up to 24 hours without paying any charges.
  • Each Google Meet call can include up to 100 participants.
  • Google Meet also offers the ability to schedule meetings and share your screen.
Once the deadline of June 30, 2021, comes to an end, each group call shall be restricted to a one-hour limit. To continue availing of the 24-hour group calling feature, users will have to upgrade to a paid plan. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

Mi 11 Ultra to hit the stores in India on April 23, Xiaomi confirms

Xiaomi’s newest premium model Mi 11 Ultra is all set to make its way to the Indian market later this year. The Chinese tech firm confirmed the arrival and the launch date is set for April 23 for India. The company launched the smartphone on Monday this week featuring a pro-grade camera set up consisting of a massive, 50-megapixel primary Samsung GN2 sensor nearly alike 1-inch sensor available on Sony’s RX cameras. The phone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC paired with Adreno 660 GPU. Soon after the grand and successful launch of Mi 11 Ultra in China, Xiaomi today officially announced the arrival of Mi 11 Ultra, the newest premium model in the Indian market. Like said, the company has declared to launch the device on April 23 in the country. Xiaomi said, “Block your date for the most exciting and awaited launch of the year. In the world of flagships, we’re here pushing further. The only #SuperPhone, launching on 23.04.2021. Stay tuned to our social media channels for more updates. Exciting times ahead!”   Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Ultra has recently achieved the top rank in the camera phone category surpassing the Huawei Mate 40 Pro+ to become the latest number one smartphone on DxOMark. The device has achieved 100 points in the zoom test, 17 for video and 148 scores for its still photography. As for the specifications, Mi 11 Ultra comes with a quad-curved 6.81-inch 2K WQHD+ E4 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate panel with a 240Hz touch sampling rate support. It backed with HDR10+ as well as Dolby Vision. There is an additional secondary 1.1-inch AMOLED touch screen with 126×294 pixels of resolution. On the software front, it runs MIUI 12 on top of Android 11. Under the hood, there is Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC paired with Adreno 660 GPU. It packs up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, and up to 512GB UFS 3.1 storage.  Mi 11 Ultra features a triple rear camera setup with a multi-functional secondary display for notifications, battery level, and weather alerts. It consists of a 50-megapixel Samsung GN2 primary wide-angle sensor with f/1.95 aperture and OIS support, which is close to a 1-inch sensor available on Sony’s RX cameras.  Moreover, there are two 48-megapixel Sony IMX586 ultra-wide-angle and tele-macro sensors (5x optical and 120x digital zoom) onboard. All three sensors support 8K video recording at 24fps. Upfront, there is a 20-megapixel sensor for taking selfies and video calling. Besides this, there is a 5,000mAh battery, which has support for 67W wired and wireless fast charging tech along with a 10W reverse wireless charging facility. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date using the Gadget Bridge Android App.

April Fool’s Day 2021 pranks by big companies: Google cancelled its pranks plan

April Fool’s Day is an annual convention of playing pranks and revealing them by uttering “April Fool!” at the people who were subjected to the prank. Interestingly, it not only an occasion for individuals. Some big companies including tech firms have played April Fool’s Day pranks. They try to create hoaxes by making stories around over-optimistic concepts. Some brands make fake announcements about launching a product or a service that will exist only in future. Here are the pranks played by big tech companies on April Fool’s Day 2021.

Has Ola Air Pro actually arrived?

One of the distinguished April Fool’s Day prank is being played by Ola Cabs, an Indian multinational ride-sharing company. The company has released a video boasting that the concept of air ride-sharing is now active and customers can avail of the service right away. Although the company didn’t reveal the prank, experienced followers and customers of Ola Cabs are perceiving it as a prank. In 2015, Ola Cabs played a similar prank. Back then, the company used the term ‘Ola Air’ to mesmerise the viewers. Later, it was found that the company is indeed working on the project but it shall take time to accomplish.

Will Amazefit’s smartwatch really have a tablet-sized screen? 

Amazefit also rose to the occasion and released a video announcing a smartwatch with the biggest display ever existed on a smartwatch. The smartwatch was showed with self-disintegration capability. The video appears just like a standard product announcement video unless the video greets with the message, “Just kidding… Disintegrate? Come on… April Fools!”. Viewers found the video quite interesting as the company itself revealed the prank in the video.

Is Volkswagen actually renamed “Voltswagen”?

The German motor vehicle manufacturer, Volkswagen posted an unfinished press release announcing the name change of the company. According to the press release, the company is planning to rebrand itself as “Voltswagen” to encourage electric vehicles and e-mobility. As per a tweet by Volkswagen on March 30, 2021, “We know, 66 is an unusual age to change your name, but we’ve always been young at heart. Introducing Voltswagen. Similar to Volkswagen, but with a renewed focus on electric driving. Starting with our all-new, all-electric SUV the ID.4 – available today.”
Is Volkswagen really renamed "Voltswagen"?
Is Volkswagen really renamed “Voltswagen”?
Since the information was released two days before April Fool’s Day, it brought chaos to the media worldwide causing the prank to backfire. According to the award-winning business reporter for USA Today, Nathan Bomey, “Dear Volkswagen: You lied to me. You lied to AP, CNBC, Reuters and various trade pubs. This was not a joke. It was deception. In case you hadn’t noticed, we have a misinformation problem in this country. Now you’re part of it. Why should anyone trust you again? ”

Why did Google cancel the April Fools prank consecutively the second time?

Google has dropped the idea to play the April Fool’s Day prank consecutively the second time. The company doesn’t want to indulge in a pranks plan. Instead, it is committed to focusing to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

Skullcandy Dime True Wireless Earbuds with 12 hours of total playback time launched in India

The US-based company, Skullcandy, announced the launch of new wireless earbuds in India. The audio brand has launched the Skullcandy Dime True Wireless Earbuds under Rs 5,000 price segment. With the launch of the product, the company aims to take on other companies such as Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo and more that offer TWS devices at budget-friendly costs. Dime offers up to 12 hours of playback though it lacks touch controls instead it equips physical controls on each earbud. “Despite being the fastest-growing segment in stereo headphones, true wireless earbuds still account for less than half of the market,” said Amlan Bhattacharjya, CEO, Brand Eyes, Distributor of Skullcandy in India, referring to 2020 NPD Unit Share data. “Our all-new Dime True Wireless Earbuds are intent on changing that. Offering stellar sound and unmatched simplicity at a price that makes it possible to throw a pair in every bag, Dime breaks down all barriers formerly associated with true wireless.” Skullcandy Dime True Wireless Earbuds with 12 hours of total playback time launched in India Skullcandy Dime True Wireless Earbuds price and availability details Skullcandy Dime True Wireless Earbuds comes with a price tag of Rs 2,249. It will be available in three colour options of Dark Blue/ Green, Light Grey/ Blue, and True Black colours. Those interested can purchase via Skullcandy’s official website in India starting April 4. Skullcandy Dime True Wireless Earbuds specifications Speaking of the specifications and features, the Skullcandy Dime True Wireless Earbuds comes with a full suite of media controls to take calls, change tracks, adjust volume controls and activate native device assistants (Google, Siri, etc.) without ever touching a phone. The TWS device features 6mm drivers with a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz. Each earphone consists of microphones so you can use an earphone solo. With Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity, the earphones have a quick pairing ability and it automatically turns on and pairs with the last device used. The Skullcandy Dime True Wireless Earbuds embraces a noise-isolating fit and IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance. Integrated with a Lanyard, the charging case and buds stay protected from accidental drops. In addition to this, the charging case is equipped with a Micro-USB port for charging. The Skullcandy earbuds offer up to 12 hours of battery life with each earbud delivering 3.5 hours of black and 8.5 hours in the charging case. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date using the Gadget Bridge Android App.

Instagram released Reels Remix, a feature similar to TikTok’s Duet

Instagram has officially released a new feature named ‘Remix’ that will allow a user to post a video alongside another user’s video. This feature is similar to TikTok’s Duet that enabled users to interact with the other person’s content. Instagram’s Remix is undergoing public testing so some users might have found the feature in their app. According to Instagram, “Now you can use the Remix feature in Reels to create your own reel next to one that already exists. Whether you’re capturing your reaction, responding to friends or bringing your own magic to trends, Remix is another way to collab on Instagram.”

What are the features of Instagram’s Remix?

The Remix feature will be available within the Reels section of Instagram. It will let the users add another person’s Reels to his/her own video. For example, if a person has posted a Reels video related to the moonwalk dance step with a background song, another user can add his/her video of the same dance step alongside the original video. Instagram’s Remix is an effective way to collaborate with other users and create unique content. The feature lets the user decide if he/she wants others to remix their content. If you wish to prevent other users from making a remix of your videos, you can do that in the settings. It must be noted that you can remix only the newly posted reels. To remix your older reels, you will need to manually enable the Remix on it or upload it once again.

How to use Instagram’s Remix feature?

To use Instagram’s Remix feature, follow these steps.
  • Go to a reel and tap the three dots.
  • Select the ‘Remix this Reel’ option.
  • The screen will then split into two halves. The first half displays the original reels that you want to remix. The other half is where you can record your own video or upload a recorded one.
  • You can modify the volume of the original reel as well as yours. The feature also allows you to include a voiceover.
Once you are ready with the video, you may post the Remix.
How to use Instagram's Remix feature?
How to use Instagram’s Remix feature?

What led Instagram and Snapchat to launch features similar to TikTok?

Instagram was released to allow users to share their pictures and videos with other users. However, it has evolved with time and adopted several features from other applications that enhance the social media experience. TikTok, a video-sharing social networking service owned by Chinese company ByteDance, was quite popular in India until the government’s step to ban several Chinese applications in 2020. This opportunity was utilised by Instagram that introduced Reels on its platform that resembles TikTok’s short-video sharing ability. Unlike TikTok, Reels is not a standalone application rather integrated with other features of Instagram. Snapchat, an American multimedia messaging app, also introduced a feature similar to TikTok’s Duet. However, Snapchat’s Remix feature can only be applied to Stories shared among friends. As the feature will grow, the users will be able to remix other Stories as well. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

Noise Buds Play with up to 25 hours of playtime launched in India with a special launch price of Rs 2,999

Indian lifestyle brand Noise has announced the launch of its new TWS earphones in India. The company has introduced Noise Buds Play specially designed for the music enthusiasts that feature noise-cancelling tech at a much affordable price tag. The TWS earphones are powered by Tru Bass technology that gives the best experience of bass sound. The device is claimed to offer up to 25 hours of playtime and also comes incorporated with an in-ear detection feature. Speaking on the launch, Gaurav Khatri, Co-Founder, Noise said, “Our motive is to offer a frictionless experience to the Noisemakers who are looking to revel into better things every day. The Tru Bass technology and Google Fast Pair make it smooth and uncomplicated for Noisemakers to connect with the world of sound and music because this is exactly how India likes to play. Buds Play not only promises the best bass-driven sound for an outstanding musical experience but a wide range of features for an uninterrupted experience in one device that they can use every day. With our wide range of playful devices, we are aiming to connect with the modern Noisemakers who are smart and quick, just the way they like their gadgets to be.” Noise Buds Play price and availability The Noise Buds Play has been launched in India with a price tag of Rs 3,499. But the company is offering it at a special launch price of Rs 2,999. The device will be offered in three stylish colour options namely Pearl White, Onyx Black and Celeste Blue. These can be purchased via the company’s official website in the country. Noise Buds Play with up to 25 hours of playtime launched in India with a special launch price of Rs 2,999 Noise Buds Play features Noise Buds Play features a 10mm speaker-driver paired with TruBassTM technology. While the quad microphone support enables clear and crisp audio. One can also switch to its integrated ENC mode that cancels external sound to keep your audio locked in and clear. It cancels all environmental noise up to -25 dB so that you can hear and be heard even in the busiest of areas. For instant connections the Noise Buds Play comes with Hyper Sync technology, simply open up your charging case and the earbuds intuitively connect to your smartphone even before you insert them in-ear. As per the company the same technology helps to conserve power by automatically turning off the earphones when placed back in their case. Noise Buds Play with up to 25 hours of playtime launched in India with a special launch price of Rs 2,999 The earbuds offer a total of 25 hours of playback combined with the charging case. The earbuds themselves provide 5 hours of runtime backed by 4 additional 5-hour charges from the portable charging case. While the auto in-ear detection lets the device intuitively play and pause music when you put in and take off the Buds Play. Simply put on the TWS earbuds as they automatically play audio – picking up from where you last left off.  The Noise Buds Play comes with full touch control and can be seamlessly operated without any physical buttons. Only a few light taps is all that is needed to control playback, regulate volume and trigger the voice assistant. It also includes the IPX4 rating With USB Type-C support, you can completely charge the earphones in a little over an hour. With Bluetooth 5.0 it stays connected up to a 10-metre range of coverage for Lag-free and consistent sound. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date using the Gadget Bridge Android App.

Samsung TV Plus app service now accessible for Samsung smart TV and smartphone users in India

Samsung has launched its Samsung TV Plus app that allows free Live TV for its smart TV and smartphone users in India. This app allows the users of the Samsung products to watch select TV channels without having to pay anything. Including India, this free TV service was already available for other regions in the world. Besides allowing free live TV channels to its users the Samsung TV Plus app also covers on-demand content. Reshma Prasad Virmani, Director, Services, Samsung India, said, “Over the last one year, consumers have been spending more time at home. Their television sets and smartphones have become the centres of their lives, for both entertainments as well as information. We also noticed that consumers now immensely value great media content, reason why we chose to introduce Samsung TV Plus in India. Over the next few months, we expect to scale TV Plus to add more channels and content.” This service offers consumers Samsung Smart televisions free TV content with no additional device such as a set-top box. The service will also include ad-supported select live channels and on-demand videos. According to the company, the service is accessible to all the users having Samsung Smart TV (2017 model onwards) and an internet connection. Apart from Samsung Smart TVs, the Samsung TV Plus service will also be available on most Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablet devices with O OS or higher software version. The services for Galaxy smartphones are slated to be accessible from this month only. To access one can download the Samsung TV Plus app either from Samsung Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.  Samsung TV Plus lets you access top news, sports, entertainment, and more. It’s 100% free and doesn’t require any downloads, sign-ups, credit cards, subscriptions or additional devices. It has a Guide option which allows you to see what’s on now and what’s coming up next. You can access the Guide by pressing in on CH on a Samsung Smart Remote, or by pressing GUIDE on a standard remote. With the launch in India, Samsung TV Plus is now available in 14 countries including the US, Canada, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, UK, Italy, France, Spain, Australia, Brazil and Mexico. In India, Samsung TV Plus will immediately be live across all Smart TV models from 2017 to 2021 and users will be able to access 27 global and local channels. The company also confirms that more partners will be on-boarded soon to make the service more robust. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date using the Gadget Bridge Android App.

April 1 Flipkart Daily Trivia Quiz Answers: Answer to win exciting prizes

The e-commerce website Flipkart is hosting Daily Trivia Quiz. Every day it brings a bunch of new questions for its users. By answering them correctly you can win exciting prizes. The questionnaire is based on questions related to general knowledge. Also, the users can win free vouchers and super coins, among other offers via the daily quiz. April 1 Flipkart Daily Trivia Quiz Answers has already gone live on its platform.

April 1 Amazon Quiz: Today you can win Rs 15,000 Amazon Pay Balance

The e-commerce website Amazon continues to keep its customers entertained and in high spirits through their daily quizzes. April 1 Amazon Quiz has gone live now in its mobile app platform. The daily quiz contest conducted by the company brings an opportunity for the consumers to win exciting prizes. In today’s quiz, you can win the Rs 15,000 Amazon Pay Balance by answering all the questions correctly. Every day Amazon brings a fresh set of questions for its customers that contains five easy questions based on general knowledge and current affairs. The quiz can be played on the Amazon app from 12 AM to 11:59 PM. You have to answer all the questions correctly; one wrong answer can make you eliminate from the quiz. By answering all the questions correctly, you will be shortlisted for a lucky draw. The results for the lucky draw will be announced at the end of the month. By participating in the quiz, you can win free products ranging from smartphones, other gadgets and Amazon Pay balance. Check out today’s quiz questions and answers to win April 1 Amazon Quiz: Today you can win Rs 15,000 Amazon Pay Balance.

April 1 Amazon Quiz Answers

Question: Kalanamak rice, cultivated since the Buddhist period, comes from which Indian state? Question 2: What rare mineral with links to Mars has recently been found in the deep ice core of the white continent Antarctica? The answer is- Jarosite Question 3: Which of these countries recently opened military recruitment to women? The answer is- Saudi Arabia Question 4: What is the white ball called in this sport? The answer is- Cue ball Question 5: The name of this, is also the name of an aircraft in which of these airlines? The answer is- Spicejet

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G launched in India, now available at an introductory price of Rs 47,999 

Samsung has today officially launch its 5G variant of the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. To recall, the device was launched in the US last year in September, in both 4G and 5G variants but only the 4G variant of the phone could make it to the Indian market in the month of October 2020. Now that the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G has been introduced in the country. Read on how the 5G variant is different from the 4G version in addition to its pricing and availability details. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G price and availability details The all-new Samsung Galaxy S20 FE can now be purchased in India in a single 8GB RAM with 128GB storage variant. The smartphone is retailed at Rs 55,999, which is a bit on the higher side as it the 5G variant and comes with a Qualcomm processor instead of the Exynos 990 SoC (that drives on 4G). However, Samsung (as an introductory offer) is now giving it at Rs 47,999 starting today via Samsung.com, Amazon.in, Samsung Exclusive Stores and leading retail outlets. This mobile phone will be offered in Cloud Lavender, Cloud Mint, and Cloud Navy colour options. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G specifications The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G comes with a 6.5-inch full-HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-O Display offering 2,400×1,080 pixels of resolution with an aspect ratio of 84.8 percent and a pixel density of 407ppi. At its heart, there is an octa-core Snapdragon 865 SoCpaired with 8GB RAM with 128GB storage, which can be expanded up to 1TB using a microSD card. The software front of the device runs on Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI 3.0 on top.  The Galaxy S20 FE 5G features a triple rear camera set up that includes a primary 12-megapixel wide-angle lens with f/1.8 aperture, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens with 123-degree field of view (FoV) and f/2.2 aperture and lastly an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with f/2.0 aperture. The rear cameras support 3x Optical Zoom, up to 30x Super-Resolution Zoom, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and Tracking AF. While on the front, there will be a 32-megapixel selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture along with autofocus support. The device is backed by a 4,500mAh battery along with wireless fast charging 2.0 and supports 25W Super-Fast charging. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G ensures end-to-end hardware and software security with enhanced Knox Security. It is IP68 certified which makes it dust and water-resistant. In terms of connectivity there is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS/ A-GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C port, but lacks a 3.5mm audio jack. The sensors onboard include an accelerometer, compass, fingerprint sensor, gyro sensor, hall sensor, light sensor, and a proximity sensor. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date using the Gadget Bridge Android App.

How to save your favourite places on Google Maps to revisit them later?

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Google Maps is an online mapping service owned by Google. It is one of the most widely used mapping applications across different platforms. Google Maps presents features like satellite images, street maps, and interactive panoramic views. It is a handy app that tells you about traffic conditions and the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for various means of transport.

Why would you mark a location as ‘favourite’ on Google Maps? 

Google Maps allows you to save the searched location into the following three categories.
  • Want to go: This is the list of the places in the world you wish to visit.
  • Favourites: The list keeps the location of your favourite restaurants, hotels, or parks.
  • Starred: This list saves the places that you can revisit inside the application.
When you label your places into one of the above categories, they will be saved in the respective lists maintained by the app. This will save the time and effort of searching the desired place every time you wish to explore it. You can save as many places as favourites as your want.

How to save your favourite places on Google Maps using an Android or an iOS device?

To save your favourite places on Google Maps using an Android or an iOS device, follow these steps.
  • Launch the Google Maps app on your Android or iOS device.
  • On the search bar, type the location you want to save as your favourite location.
  • Tap on the location to get a list of the following options.
    • Directions
    • Save
    • Label
    • Share
    • Download
  • Tap the Save option.
  • Now, you’ll get another list of the following categories.
    • Favourites
    • Want To Go
    • Starred Places
  • Select the Favourites option
  • Tap the ‘X’ located on the top right corner to get back to the start screen.
You may access that list of your favourite places on Google Maps just by launching the app and going to the Saved section.
How to save your favourite places on Google Maps using an Android or an iOS device?
How to save your favourite places on Google Maps using an Android or an iOS device?

How to save your favourite places on Google Maps website?

To save your favourite places on Google Maps website, follow these steps.
  • Launch a web browser go to the Google Maps website (https://www.google.com/maps).
  • On the search bar, type the location you want to save as your favourite location.
  • Click on the desired location in the search results.
  • You’ll get a list of the following options.
    • Directions
    • Save
    • Nearby
    • Save to your phone
    • Share
  • Click the Save option.
  • Now, you’ll get another list of the following categories.
    • Favourites
    • Want To Go
    • Starred Places
    • New List
  • Select the Favourites option
You may access that list of your favourite places on Google Maps in a few steps. Click the hamburger menu locates in the top left. Now go to Your Places > Saved > Favourites.
How to save your favourite places on Google Maps website?
How to save your favourite places on Google Maps website?
For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

LinkedIn is working on a ClubHouse-like platform: Facebook, Twitter, and Spotify are contenders

LinkedIn, an American business and employment-oriented online service, recently announced that it will feature an audio-only set up on its platform. This revelation has brought LinkedIn into the race among other social platforms for developing social audio media platforms.

Why social media companies competing against Clubhouse?  

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to the trend of online meetings. Applications like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Zoon Video Communications have kept people connected even during lockdowns when conventional meetings can’t be conducted. Social interaction through online conversation was popularised by Clubhouse. The Clubhouse is an invitation-only OS application that promotes communication in a group of individuals via audio chats. Initially, the Clubhouse had a limited number of users as well as features. Earlier, people could join a group by either accepting an invitation or by getting endorsed by other users. The COVID-19 pandemic led people to use Clubhouse as a means of social interaction. This prompted other social media platforms to produce their versions application featuring audio-chats.
Why social media companies competing against Clubhouse?  
Why social media companies competing against Clubhouse?

How does LinkedIn’s audio-only feature help professionals?

Linked is different from other social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. It is dedicated to promoting connections among professionals. Owing to the increasing popularity of the Clubhouse application, LinkedIn wants to bring an audio-only set up on its platform soon. The audio-only set up of LinkedIn would consolidate the communication among professionals by the use of social audio media elements. The company recently added new features to the platform for a better experience such as Stories and live broadcast feature. The new audio-only setup would further help people to interact with each other and probably in their preferred languages.

Which companies have started competing with Clubhouse?

The chain reaction of featuring an audio-only setup has already started. This is evident because major social media and streaming platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Spotify are replicating the live-audio feature that was popularised by Clubhouse. The Spaces from Twitter has gained much popularity since its release on the Android platform. But now, the iOS version enables the users to join, speak, and listen in an audio conversation. Twitter permits up to 11 people to speak in a Space at any given time. The host can decide who will speak from the following three categories:
  • Everyone
  • People you follow
  • Only people you invite to speak
Which companies have started competing with Clubhouse?
Which companies have started competing with Clubhouse?
Spotify, a Swedish audio streaming and media services provider, is planning to release live audio recordings. The platform is already renowned as a music and podcast streaming service. Spotify recently revealed to acquire Betty Labs, the developer of the well-known sports audio application ‘Locker Room’. Other major companies that have announced their audio conversations set up are Facebook, Telegram, Spotify, and Discord. Their versions of audio-only set up are in the development phase and may arrive in the coming months. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

Everything you need to know about Bluetooth codec: How to change it on Android devices?

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Bluetooth technology has made a significant advancement in recent years. It has enabled users to get a high-quality listening experience via wireless sound systems.

What is a Bluetooth codec?

A Bluetooth audio codec plays a critical role in providing high-quality sound through your wireless earphones. Unlike wired earphones, the transmission of audio signals takes place through electromagnetic signals. For successful data transmission with a minimum loss, the codec compresses the audio signals produced by your Android device. The compressed data is transmitted wirelessly to an audio device such as an earphone. The codec again decompresses the data to render it as a natural sound.

Why do we use a Bluetooth codec?

A human ear can perceive sounds of frequencies ranging between 20HZ and 20KHz. Premium wireless audio devices like high-quality earphones and headphones are able to produce crystal-clear sound in the audible frequency range. However, a majority of less expensive earphones or headphones miss out on few frequencies. A Bluetooth codec ensures that the hardware of the wireless earphones is utilised to an optimised level to offer an enhanced sound quality. When you enable a codec or switch to a better codec version, the sound quality is automatically improved. The support for Bluetooth codec was first introduced with the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system.

Why would you change the Bluetooth codec on your Android device?

There are several kinds of Bluetooth codec including LDAC, SBC, and aptX HD. The quality delivered may differ across codecs of different brands. To ensure best-quality audio, your Android device spontaneously gets paired with the best-quality codec supported by your earphone. Sometimes, the audio quality rendered by the selected codec is not up to the mark. You may want to switch to another Bluetooth codec. The android operating system permits you to select a codec of your choice provided it is compatible with your earphones.
Why would you change the Bluetooth codec on your Android device?
Why would you change the Bluetooth codec on your Android device?

How to enable or change the Bluetooth codec on your Android device?

To activate or modify the Bluetooth codec on your Android device, follow these steps.
  • Launch the Settings application on your device.
  • Click the About Phone option. This will display the details about the hardware and software like Phone Name, Network, and Battery.
  • Tap on the Build Number repeatedly seven times to activate the Developer Options.
  • Scroll down and select the desired Bluetooth audio codec.
Before you elect any Bluetooth audio codec, ensure that your earphone or headphone is compatible with the Bluetooth audio codec provided by your Android device. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

PayPal will permit US users to make payments in cryptocurrencies worldwide

PayPal, an American online payments firm, recently announced that it shall permit the use of cryptocurrency in the US for making payments at several online merchants worldwide.

What is the new feature of PayPal?

The new feature of PayPal is called ‘Checkout with Crypto’ that was rolled out today and is an extension to the current facility provided to US users. Till now, the platform enabled users to buy and sell cryptocurrency straightaway via their accounts. With the ‘Checkout with Crypto’, the users will not only be able to make transactions but also immediately change their Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, or Litecoin to US dollars. According to Dan Schulman, President and CEO of PayPal, “This is the first time you can seamlessly use cryptocurrencies in the same way as a credit card or a debit card inside your PayPal wallet”. PayPal wants to encourage people to use cryptocurrency as a significant mode of payment. As a result, the company will not charge any intermediate fee for making transactions in cryptocurrencies. Moreover, the fiat conversions will occur as per the standard PayPal conversion rates.

How to use the new ‘Checkout with Crypto’ feature?

The users in the US can find the new ‘Checkout with Crypto’ feature in their PayPal wallet. It must be noted that the feature will only appear if the user has a minimum cryptocurrency balance for making an eligible purchase. The app will display the crypto balances for kinds of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin. According to PayPal, the user will be allowed to use only one type of cryptocurrency for making a purchase.
How to use the new 'Checkout with Crypto' feature?
How to use the new ‘Checkout with Crypto’ feature?

What is the significance of the new ‘Checkout with Crypto’ feature for PayPal and Tesla?

PayPal is one of the most preferred digital platforms across the globe. The new ‘Checkout with Crypto’ feature is expected to make the company a reliable cryptocurrency exchange medium as well. According to Dan Schulman, President and CEO of PayPal, “Enabling cryptocurrencies to make purchases at businesses around the world is the next chapter in driving the ubiquity and mass acceptance of digital currencies”. PayPal’s new feature will also open new payment options for the associated brand Tesla. PayPal announced the new feature only a week after Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO revealed that people can make payments in bitcoins for buying Tesla cars. The electric vehicle company even bought $1.5 billion worth of cryptocurrency to show that it is interested in offering flexibility and diversity in the investments and returns. However, this will not be valid in many countries such as India. The Indian Government or banks do not recognise cryptocurrencies. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

Google Maps will get new features for indoor navigation and eco-friendly transportation

Google announced a set of new features for its web mapping service named Google Maps. The new features include indoor navigation and eco-friendly driving route suggestions. The company may release the features in batches rather than all in a single update. Also, not all features are expected to be available in all countries.

What are the new upcoming features of Google Maps?

The following are the new features of Google Maps that may be released in the upcoming application updates.

Live Augmented Reality

This feature is one of the major announcements regarding the Google Maps updates. Using Live Augmented Reality, the app will provide directions to various places including airports, shopping malls, and transit stations. In the Augmented Reality view, you will see icons indicating the directions. The feature earlier worked only in the outdoor environments. Now, it will show directions in an indoor location consisting of multiple floors.

New interface for Transport Options

Google Maps will get a new interface for route directions and modes of transportation. The company will turn its tabs view into a scroll view so that users can easily see the details about various transport options. Based on the traffic situations in different cities, Google Maps will prioritise the suitable modes of transportation for each city. The new interface will be available in the next few months.

Optimised Driving Route Suggestions

To make optimise transportation, the Google Map will prioritise different routes as per the fuel consumption. Currently, the application suggests the route with the minimum travelling time. The new update will, by default, recommend the most fuel-efficient route. This feature will be released globally on Android and iOS platforms.
What are the new upcoming features of Google Maps?
What are the new upcoming features of Google Maps?

Low-emissions Zones Alert

Google is planning to initially release this feature in countries having regulations of emissions like the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. As soon as you enter a low-emission zone, the app will automatically send you an alert to check your vehicle emissions. This feature conforms to the regulations that don’t permit vehicles beyond a certain level of emissions.

Weather and Air Quality information

Weather and air-quality information are searched quite frequently by people who are moving from one place to another. Google Maps will get new layers of air-quality indices in countries like the US, India, Australia, and Australia. These are countries usually have one of the highest values of air quality indices. The weather layer will be added in the Google maps globally on Android and iOS platforms.

Grocery Pickup Tool 

This tool will ensure a fast and hassle-free grocery buying experience. This feature will initially be rolled out in selected grocery shops in selected parts of the world. Using the grocery pickup tool, the users will be able to share their location and the estimated time of arrival (ETA). As a result, the grocer will keep your order ready beforehand saving time and inconvenience. Google Maps already provides dozens of features that make travel from place to place convenient and fast. The above features will expand the reach of the app to indoor levels and make your travel eco-friendly. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.

Mi Laptop Pro 14 and Mi Laptop Pro 15 with 11th-Gen Intel Core processor and GeForce MX450 graphics card launched

On the second day of the Xiaomi Mega Launch event, the Chinese tech firm made two major announcements. The company first introduced its first foldable smartphone Mi MIX Fold to the world then it launched its most premium laptops, Mi Laptop Pro 2021. There will be two variants, a 14-inch and a 15-inch model, which look identical to Apple MacBook Pro. Check out its pricing, specs and availability details below. Starting with the specifications and design, Mi Laptop Pro 14 and Mi Laptop Pro 15 come with a metal unibody design built of 600 series aviation-grade aluminium alloy. The former one is slimmer while the latter one is thicker in size.
Mi Laptop Pro 14
Mi Laptop Pro 14
As the name suggests the Mi Laptop Pro 14 features a 14-inch display with a resolution of 2.5K. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate panel with TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification and an aspect ratio of 16:10. On the other hand the Mi Laptop Pro 15 sports a 15-inch OLED display with 3.5K resolution protected with Corning Gorilla Glass, TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification with SGS Eye Care display and DC dimming. It offers 100 percent DCI-P3 colour gamut, 600 nits peak brightness, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and a 93% screen-to-body ratio. Both the laptops are powered by an 11th Generation Intel Core processor, paired with a GeForce MX450 for graphics. It packs 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD. In this, you will get two versions an i5 variant with and without NVIDIA GeForce MX450 GPU and the other one is the i7 variant.  Besides this, there is a backlit keyboard and a large touchpad in addition to a fingerprint sensor. The Mi laptop runs Microsoft Windows 10 operating system assisted by MIUI+, Xiaomi voice assistant and an HD webcam. The Mi Laptop Pro 14 is backed by a 56WHr battery with 100W fast charging support. While the Mi Laptop Pro 15 houses a 66Whr battery with 100W fast charging support. 
Mi Laptop Pro 15
Mi Laptop Pro 15
For connectivity, there are four Thunderbolt ports, WIFI 6 wireless LANan  Driver and a dual USB Type-C port. Mi Laptop Pro 14 and Mi Laptop Pro 15 Price and availability The Mi Laptop Pro 14 price starts at CYN 5,299 that translates to Rs 59,216. Whereas the  Mi Laptop Pro 15 will be available with a starting price of CNY 6,499 that translates to Rs 72,626. Both the device will be available in China in two colour options of black and silver. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date using the Gadget Bridge Android App.

Spotify acquired Betty Labs and will release its own Clubhouse competitor

Spotify, a Swedish audio streaming and media services provider, is planning to release live audio recordings. The platform is already renowned as a music and podcast streaming service. Spotify recently revealed to acquire Betty Labs, the developer of the well-known sports audio application ‘Locker Room’.

How will the acquisition of Betty Labs benefit Spotify?

The Chief Research and Development officer at Spotify, Gustav Söderström believes that the acquisition of Betty Labs shall enhance the reach and capabilities of Spotify. Now the platform will be able to give a tough competition to the existing live audio applications including Twitter Spaces, Clubhouse, and Discord. According to Gustav Söderström, chief R&D officer at Spotify, “But who knows, maybe we’ll integrate some of these features or all of these features in the future”.

What new features will Spotify get after acquiring Betty Labs?

Despite the acquisition of Betty Labs, the ‘Locker Room’ application will remain in the App Store rebranded a different name. The company is also planning to extend the ‘Locker Room’ application to the Android platform. The audio application shall primarily focus on topics like sports, music, and culture. According to Spotify, anyone interested shall be able to host conversations and not just approved creators. The live audio service will work perfectly for creators who need a wider audience in real-time to promote their new music album or wish to deliver a social networking strategy. The company will also try various monetisation features bringing some paid chats pertaining to the exclusive content.

How will the new features of Spotify benefit live audio-streamers?

According to Gustav Söderström, chief R&D officer at Spotify, the new features of Spotify will not be new to the live audio-streamers. They are already used to recording and uploading their chats on platforms like Spaces and Clubhouse. Spotify will offer a much convenient and popular platform to them. He further added, “We might want to make that more seamless”.
Clubhouse
Spotify may give a tough competition to Clubhouse.
Download Clubhouse on the App Store

Why does Spotify want to release a live-audio application? 

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also given a boost to the podcast industry. People have learnt to utilise the power of the internet and podcast are one of the most significant means in this direction. Podcasts are convenient to use and are a rich source of information. As soon as you subscribe to a podcast feed, new content is automatically saved on your computer based on availability. Recently, podcast streaming has become quite popular with big firms investing in live audio as well as podcast content. Last year, Amazon, an American multinational technology company, acquired a podcast network named Wondery. Facebook, the leading social media tech company, is also planning to design a live audio feature. Although Spotify mainly focuses on music streaming and podcasts, it has begun to promote live audio recording as well. Bringing different formats will help the company attract a wider and more diverse pool of listeners. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date with the Gadget Bridge Android App.