Author: Sandesh Bhosle

Top 5 Tech-Trends We Witnessed In The First Half Of 2021

The first half of 2021 is gone like a hurricane, and after a year full of rules and regulations, now people are breathing openly and planning to spend another half of the year like the good old days, thanks to all the researchers, doctors and scientists who invented the Covid-19 vaccines. But have you ever thought about how these things became possible in a short period? Yes, it all happened because of advanced technology; otherwise, the world would have lost billions of lives by now.

Technology plays a vital role in our lives; from electric cars to Artificial Intelligence, humans are surrounded by technological inventions. Day-by-day, it is developing rapidly, resulting in a digital revolution taking place all over the world and here’s a list of top tech trends we witnessed in the first half of 2021.

5G Network:

5G belongs to networks that use cutting-edge technology, including augmented reality and virtual reality. The term 5G has been in trending topics for the last couple of years. Though no one directly owns it, several telecommunications operators worldwide are contributing to bringing 5G to life. The top 12 5G companies supervising the research are Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, LG, Ericsson, Qualcomm, ZTE, Orange, Verizon, AT&T, NEC Corporation, and Cisco.

South Korea, China, and the United States are among the first countries who lead the world in building 5G technology. One of the most remarkable achievements of 5G will be its speed which is expected to hit 20 GB/s. In India, the department of telecom (DoT) has allowed telecom operators to start 5G trials in the country, but it’ll take another year to launch it for all. According to some reports, India’s 5G network is slated for commercial launch by August 15 next year on the country’s 75th anniversary of Independence.

Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality:

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are two of the exceptional and trending technologies that have emerged in recent days and are expected to integrate into our lives in the coming future. Virtual reality adopts computer modelling and simulation to create a similar or completely different environment from the real world. VR benefits people in looking around the artificial world, moving around in it, and interacting with virtual features or items. 

While Augmented Reality is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is more concerned with any technology that ‘augments’ the user’s visual perception of their environment using computer-generated elements. Unlike Virtual Reality, where a computer generates everything a user sees, Augmented Reality keeps the real-world focus.

Internet of Things:

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a promising technology that represents the network of physical objects (things) implanted with sensors, software, and other technologies to collect and exchange data with other devices and systems over a wireless network without human intervention. The Internet of Things (IoT) is concerned with businesses using data and insights to influence and follow customer behaviour and use the Internet of Behaviour (IoB) to benefit their respective channels. 

The purpose behind the Internet of Things is to have devices that self-report in real-time and bring important information to the user more quickly than a system depending on human interference. A health-tracking app that collects information about your physical activity routine, diet, sleep, and other habits is one of the examples of the Internet of Behaviour. Along with the health-tracking app, thermostats, cars, lights, refrigerators, and more appliances can all be connected to the IoT.

Blockchain:

What most people state about Blockchain is a false presumption; the technology is not only for Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, it is way beyond that. The year 2020 marks the entry of many applications that use the latest blockchain technology, and 2021 brought it into the trending technologies. Blockchain is a method of storing information to make it difficult or impossible to change, hack, or cheat the system.

The platform is used in various other fields such as healthcare, supply chain, logistics, advertising and more. Blockchain’s amount of protection and transparency benefits the various businesses to build top-level business strategies, and that’s the primary reason most companies are looking for Blockchain platforms, which ultimately helps Blockchain gain an enormous rise in demand.

Quantum Computing:

Quantum computing is the next noteworthy technology trend involved in preventing the spread of the coronavirus and inventing potential vaccines, thanks to its ability to monitor, analyze and act on data, regardless of the source. David Deutsch pioneered quantum computation by forming a description for a quantum Turing machine and specifying an algorithm designed to run on a quantum computer, which is why he is called the Father of Quantum Computing. It harnesses the phenomena of quantum mechanics to achieve a giant leap forward in computation to solve specific enigmas. Quantum Computing also plays a vital role in the banking and finance field, where it manages credit risk for high-frequency trading and fraud detection.

Mi 67W Charger Set To Launch In India On 12th July

Every time we pack for a trip, we wonder what if one charger works for all of our devices? If it happens, then our backpack would become a little light, and we don’t have to double-check on the chargers before leaving for a trip. Xiaomi has listened to our problem and came forward to fulfil our long-pending wish as the company is all set to launch the 67W charger on 12th July.

The Chinese smartphone making company teased the device’s arrival through a tweet showing glimpses of its design and labelled the upcoming charger as our most powerful charger yet, which charges anything and everything, including phones, laptops, Type-C compatible devices, headphones, MI bands, and even superphones.

Xiaomi has also mentioned a dedicated link to know more about the yet to be launched 67W charger, which takes you to the countdown running event page. The micro page reveals a few key features and specifications of the charger. The white-coloured charger features a small compact design with a two-prong plug and supports the Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 feature for universal fast charging.

A month ago, Xiaomi launched a 200W HyperCharge fast charging technology that accomplishes the benchmark of 100% charging within 8 minutes with a custom-built Mi 11 Pro and before a couple of months ago, Xiaomi introduced the Mi 11 Ultra with a number of the highest-end parts, which includes support for 67W fast charging. 

Unfortunately, the company didn’t ship the 67W charger along with the box; instead, they shipped the 55W charger due to regulations and assured us of bringing the 67W Sonic charger soon, which they’re about to launch on Monday, 12th July. 

The upcoming charger can deliver 67W output, and it comes with a USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable included in the box; also, it has inbuilt surge protection with BIS certification. The company will reveal more details about the charger, pricing and availability on the day of its launch.

Microsoft Office With A Freshly Designed UI, Now Available For Office Insiders

Microsoft recently launched its latest operating system Windows 11, with a completely new user interface, and to make it more exciting, the software maker has now started testing its Microsoft Office with a fresh UI redesign. Though the newly designed office update is only available to office insiders, for now, it will soon be available for all users later this year.

The company has promised to make Windows 11 a free upgrade, as long as you have Windows 10 and the minimum system requirements. The new OS includes a new Start menu and an updated Start button, along with rounded corners similar to Android and iOS. Microsoft is trying something familiar on the lines with the new office UI, which includes a new rounder look to the office ribbon bar, with some retouched buttons across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 

Previously, the company teased users with more dramatic changes to its Office UI, but to match it up with Windows 11’s aesthetics, they are going with the collapsable ribbon interface for now. However, Microsoft is gradually bringing subtle changes to its Office design, and according to the recent reports, it will keep updating the office before the final release.

The new office update will deliver a simple and more coherent experience across the Office apps, along with adaptable themes of Windows 11 and dark mode for Microsoft Word. With customizable ribbon, now you’re allowed to add shortcuts to the Office items you use the most. Also, the new office design enables you to collaborate with your teams and colleagues seamlessly to see edits in real-time.

The software maker is planning to replace the ribbon interface soon with an undocked toolbar interface, and the changes will first appear on the web and mobile versions of the office. The Office design makeover will be available immediately to all Office Insiders, even if they’re using Windows 10. If you can’t wait to see the newly designed office, then join the insider community now.

Xiaomi Rolled Out MIUI 12.5 Update To Limited POCO X3 Pro Users

The newest version of Xiaomi’s custom skin MIUI 12.5 update is now rolling out for Poco X3 Pro, but as of now the latest software update is available only for limited devices. POCO X3 Pro is the first POCO device to receive the MIUI 12.5 update and we can expect other devices such as POCO M3 Pro 5G, POCO X3, and others will soon receive the update in the coming weeks.

POCO India, Country Director, Mr. Anuj Sharma has confirmed that if everything works fine without perceiving any big issue, the update will soon roll out for all the Poco X3 Pro phones. The Chinese tech giant Xiaomi first unveiled the MIUI 12.5 update in late 2020, and since then, the update is being rolled out for various devices of Redmi, Mi, and POCO phones. Recently, it was made available for the Mi 10T, Mi 10T Pro, and MI 11. 

POCO X3 Pro was launched in India in March, and since then it is competing with other devices like Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G, Samsung Galaxy F62, Realme X7 5G, and Vivo V20 2021. The phone packs a 6.67-inch LCD 120Hz panel, Snapdragon 860 SoC, up to 8GB RAM, 256GB, quad cameras, and a 5,160mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. 

The new build is specified as MIUI 12.5.3.0.RJUINXM, and it weighs 830 MB. The firmware update is said to be lighter, faster, and more durable. In terms of computing power, it has 20 times more rendering power now. The update includes the June 2021 security patches, refreshed UI animations for a more seamless experience., and it comes with fewer and uninstallable system apps, which is one of the most notable parts of the update. 

Additionally, the Notes app has received a tremendous update with support for a gesture shortcut, and new tools for doodling and sketching. So, if you own a POCO X3 Pro then go ahead and check for the new firmware update, if you’re one of the lucky users you’ll get it, otherwise wait for a few more weeks!

Garmin Launched Two More Venu 2 Lineup Smartwatches In India

Garmin India added 2 more top-notch smartwatches to its Venu series with Garmin Venu 2 and Garmin Venu 2s. The American technology company is popular for producing activity trackers and sports watches; most devices are created by aiming at activities such as running, watersports, golf, cycling, and swimming.

The company said that the new Venu series comes with a comprehensive health monitoring feature such as a body battery energy monitor, pulse Ox sensor, health report, stress tracking, sleep monitoring, pregnancy, and menstrual cycle monitoring, along with an improved interface design. The displays of both the smartwatches are covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection and offer an optional always-on mode.

The Garmin Venu 2 has a 1.3″ AMOLED display with a screen resolution of 416 x 416 pixels while Garmin Venu 2S has a 1.1″ AMOLED display with a screen resolution of 360 x 360 pixels. Garmin Venu 2 lasts up to 11 days in a smartwatch mode and up to 8 hours in GPS mode, while Garmin Venu 2S lasts up to 10 days in a smartwatch mode and up to 7 hours in GPS mode.

The Venu 2 lineup comes with BLE and Wi-Fi connectivity support. It is pre-packed with more than 25 sports-oriented apps for high-intensity workouts, animated cardio, yoga, strength, pilates, along with the feature of LiveTrack. Other features include a built-in music library,  calendar reminders, incoming calls, and more.

The Garmin Venu 2 is available at Rs 41,990 in Silver Bezel with Granite Blue Case and Slate Bezel with Black Case. At the same time, a slightly larger model Venu 2S is available at Rs 37,990 in Slaze Bazel with Graphite case and Rose Gold Bazel with white case. Both the smartwatches come with a Silicone Band.

The newly launched smartwatches are available online on Amazon, Flipkart, Tata CLiQ and Nykaa. If you want to purchase them offline, then you can walk into the nearest Garmin Brand stores, Helios – The Watch Store, Just in Time, Lifestyle Stores, and other leading multi-brand watch stores.

How WhatsApp’s Yet To Be Launch Feature View Once Works?

Technology has helped humans to cross the boundaries of the planet, but at the same time, it emerges as a curse to humanity; most of the credit belongs to the people who use technology as a widget tool to leak someone’s confidential data. 

Sharing someone’s personal images and videos was not a reliable option to exert an act of revenge, but people won’t understand it due to their small mindsets. Well, WhatsApp has introduced a new feature for you on the lines.

The latest feature, View Once, will help you to stay more secure after sharing your images and videos with someone. WhatsApp beta testers are currently testing the feature that enables users to send images or videos that the receivers can only view once. The feature is very similar to the one’s already available on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

The View Once feature from WhatsApp will enable the sender to see if the recipient has opened the media or not. Also, it permits the receiver to open the image or video only once, and it gets deleted after being opened, which plays a crucial role in terms of security, but the View Once feature is not completely secured; it comes with a few drawbacks. 

One can take a screenshot of the received media on WhatsApp, and the sender will never know about it; but in contrast to what WhatsApp is offering, a similar feature in Snapchat even notifies you when the recipient took a screenshot of the image. The new View Once feature is available in group chats too, but the flaw is blocked contacts can still see single-use attachments, which raises an eye over its safety concern.

The feature will be soon available for all Android users if it performs well during the beta testing as it is being monitored for blemishes, but there’s no word on when the feature will roll out to iOS and desktop.

All You Need To Know About Battlegrounds Mobile India Launch

One of the top-rated and breathtaking battle royale games in the world, PUBG Mobile has arrived back in India in a newly designed avatar and with a new name, Battlegrounds Mobile India. The official version of the app was launched in India by Krafton on 2nd July, and if you’ve already downloaded the early access version, then it’s time to update the app.

The early access version of the game has been made available for beta players since 17th June and has earned over 40 million downloads. It could have been more, but unfortunately, the game is currently available only for Android users; hard luck for iOS device users, but soon the company will launch the game on the iOS platform.

Earlier, PUBG mobile app was banned in India along with hundreds of other apps due to their connections with Chinese companies. The game is owned by a South Korean company Krafton, and as promised, they developed and relaunched a customised version of the game for their Indian fan base, which comes with the green blood and a new account system.

One of the most notable features about Battlegrounds Mobile India is that it allows transferring the data from PUBG Mobile to BGMI, but it will be available to transfer only until 6th July. So, scoot up and transfer your data from PUBG mobile before the deadline kicks in. Krafton has also affirmed that users who have moved their data will receive pre-registration rewards.

Krafton is yet to release the desktop version of the game, but if you can’t control your urges for the game, then you can download the game on PC or laptop, be it Windows or Mac, just by downloading Android emulators like Bluestacks, LDPlayer, NoxPlayer which runs Android 7.1 Nougat and other Android apps including Battlegrounds Mobile India.

SpaceX’s Satellite Internet Network Starlink Is Expected To Hit 5,00,000 Users By August 2022

Dogefather Elon Musk, who is popular for making daring statements and optimistic assurances, hit again with another statement linked to SpaceX’s Starlink internet service while speaking virtually at the Mobile World Congress trade show held in Barcelona, Spain.

Currently, SpaceX’s satellite internet network Starlink has close to 70,000 active users, and the service is available in 12 countries at the moment. While speaking at the event, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he’s expecting massive growth in the next 12 months as the service is about to hit globally in August, and soon it will clock about 5 lakh users globally for his ambitious satellite internet network Starlink, which indicates Starlink has to sign about 430,000 users by the end of August 2022.

Starlink is one of his most ambitious projects, which builds an interconnected internet network with thousands of satellites, known in the space industry as a constellation, which typically means stars and these satellites designed to deliver high-speed internet to consumers anywhere around the globe. Elon Musk is expected to launch all 72 orbital planes that will provide worldwide coverage, except for the polar regions.

Starlink is a satellite internet network under Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Currently, it is the world’s largest satellite constellation, with above 1,500 Starlink satellites launched to orbit to date. The satellite internet network is routed through low-Earth orbit satellites and is expected to provide download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps. 

The subscription fee prices for the service are set to $99 per month, along with a $499 Starlink kit containing a dish and the WiFi router, which means it will cost around ₹7,000 per month and is expected to reach India by 2022. While talking about the hefty kit prices, Elon said the company is looking to lower the prices in future with next-gen terminals. Furthermore, he added that SpaceX would launch version two of the satellite next year, which will be more capable and updated.

LG Firmware Update Unlocks Dolby Vision HDR At 4K 120Hz Gaming Support In 2021 C1 & G1 OLED TVs

LG has stated that it’s the first manufacturer who’s rolling out a firmware update that unlocks Dolby Vision HDR at 4K 120Hz gaming on some of its TVs. The South Korean company claims that the update is being rolled out on the latest 2021 C1 and G1 series OLED models. Additionally, according to some of the reports, the update will also support last year’s CX and BX models.

The firmware version 03.15.27 enables the feature Dolby Vision HDR at 4K 120Hz gaming on C1 and G1 2021 OLED TVs. The update will hit on other 2021 premium models, including the OLED Z1 series, QNED Mini LED QNED99 series and NanoCell NANO99 series TVs, in July. Along with these models, the company is testing 2021 and 2020 TV models for Dolby Vision gaming at either 60Hz or 120Hz.

When Microsoft launched Xbox Series X and Series S consoles with the 4K Dolby Vision support at 120 Hz, Gamers were happy, but their TV sets popped up with an error message when they tried to cherish the moment. At that time, there were no TVs available in the market that supported all of these things at once, but now, LG has conquered all the barricades with the launch of firmware version 03.15.27.

The new firmware also brings the Game Optimizer in the Game Dashboard and a floating menu that helps LG OLED TV owners optimize settings and allows gamers to quickly see the TV’s settings and switch between different genres – Standard, FPS, RPG or RTS.

LG has launched the firmware update, which supports Dolby Vision HDR at 4K 120Hz gaming, but unfortunately, there are currently no games that work fluently with 4K 120Hz Dolby Vision. The day they arrive, gamers will be able to enjoy brighter images, improved contrast, and more vibrant colours while playing, quite like the Dolby Vision-encoded movies and TV series.

Xbox Cloud Gaming Rolls Out For iOS & Desktop Through The Browser

Microsoft officially launched the public and open beta of its new Xbox Cloud Gaming Platform for iPhone and iPad, which means you can finally stream Xbox games through the Apple Safari on iOS devices. Along with iOS devices, the cloud gaming platform is also launched for Windows 10 and 11 PCs, where you can play Xbox games through browsers like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. 

The Xbox Cloud Gaming Service is now available to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members across 22 countries. The members can log in to xbox.com/play on Safari, Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome on PCs or mobile devices to start playing over 100 high-quality console games from the Xbox Game Pass library with the help of a compatible controller.

Catherine Gluckstein, Vice President & Head of Product, Xbox Cloud Gaming, said in a statement reported by IANS, “With billions of active Windows 10 PCs, iOS devices and Android phones, we want you to have new opportunities to play the deepest, most immersive games whenever and wherever you choose. To make it more simple, we’re bringing the Xbox experience directly to the devices you use most.”

The cloud gaming on Xbox.com is supported on iPhone and iPad devices running iOS 14.4 or higher. Along with these requirements, users must have at least a 10Mbps internet connection and a Bluetooth or USB controller. iPhone users can purchase Backbone One switch-style game controllers explicitly designed for mobile gaming and enjoy a similar physical experience to the Nintendo Switch and the Razer Kishi.

The Backbone One Gamepad is compatible with all iPhones running iOS 13 or later; it uses a similar layout to Microsoft’s own Xbox controllers. An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription will cost you ₹ 699 per month, but you can get the best value pack for the first three months for ₹ 50 as part of a limited-time offer.

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