Sandesh Bhosle, Author at Exhibit Tech

Tecno’s Spark 20 Pro+ Set to Shimmer in January!

After the stellar launch of the Spark 20 series, which saw the debut of Spark 20C, Spark 20, and Spark 20 Pro, Tecno is ready to dazzle us once again with the upcoming Spark 20 Pro+ set to hit the markets this January.

The Spark 20 Pro+ promises a sleek and refined design, showcasing a curved AMOLED display with a mesmerizing 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The back of the device is adorned with a textured leather-like finish, housing a show-stopping circular camera ring featuring a powerhouse 108MP primary camera.

Meanwhile, on the front, a discreet punch hole cutout hosts an impressive 32MP selfie shooter. Under the hood, Tecno has something special in store – the Spark 20 Pro+ is armed with MediaTek’s cutting-edge Helio G99 chipset, ensuring a performance that matches its stunning aesthetics.

And for the software aesthetes, rest assured that the device will ship with HiOS, seamlessly integrated with the much-anticipated Android 14.
So, get ready to be captivated by the Spark 20 Pro+ as Tecno continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the smartphone arena.

The new Play Store update allows users to uninstall apps across devices remotely!

The latest Play Store version, 38.8, introduces a groundbreaking feature: remote app uninstallation for devices linked to the same Google account. In short, now you can have the convenience of managing your apps effortlessly across various platforms—PC, Auto, Phone, TV, and Wear.

Until now, you could only install apps on devices sharing your Google account, leaving you unable to remove them remotely. The Play Store’s newest update not only grants you the power to uninstall apps remotely but also presents a revamped user interface that organizes all your installed apps in a sleek, more manageable list.

Given their limited interfaces, the changing functionality proves especially handy when overseeing apps on Android TV, Android Auto, or Wear OS. Now, with a breeze, you can install and uninstall apps seamlessly from your desktop browser or Android phone.

While the latest version hasn’t rolled out to all users yet, keep your eyes peeled for this fantastic feature, as it may take a bit of time to reach everyone. Upgrade your app management experience with the Play Store’s cutting-edge update!

SHOCK THE WORLD – G-SHOCK’s 40th Anniversary Bash Lights Up Mumbai

The vibrant heart of Mumbai throbbed with anticipation as G-SHOCK, the epitome of unbreakable watches, joined forces with Vh1 India to unveil SHOCK THE WORLD on December 16th, 2023. Culminating a year of global events, this spectacle celebrated G-SHOCK’s 40-year legacy of resilience and innovation.

Led by Bollywood icon and G-SHOCK ambassador Vicky Kaushal, the event fused emerging youth street cultures with innovation, resilience, and style. It was a momentous experience for G-SHOCK loyalists, fans, and enthusiasts alike.

Founded by visionary Kikuo Ibe four decades ago, G-SHOCK has evolved into a global sensation, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with Japanese craftsmanship. It transcends being just a watch brand, resonating across fashion, sports, art, music, and more.

The event showcased Vicky Kaushal as the face of G-SHOCK, alongside Kikuo Ibe, Mr. Shigenori Itoh, and Mr. Hideki Imai. They engaged in a captivating dialogue, reflecting on G-SHOCK’s journey and unveiling TEAM G-SHOCK in India, featuring athletes and artists embodying ‘Absolute Toughness.’

SHOCK THE WORLD lived up to its name with jaw-dropping feats by Kikuo Ibe, displaying the rugged durability of G-SHOCK watches. The night continued with electrifying performances by TEAM G-SHOCK members, including a concert by KR$NA and DJ sets by Kayan and OG Shez.

Hideki Imai, Managing Director, Casio India, expressed enthusiasm, emphasizing G-SHOCK’s commitment to empowering youth culture globally. Vicky Kaushal echoed this sentiment, highlighting the brand’s impact on shaping global youth culture.

Kikuo Ibe, the Father of G-SHOCK, shared his excitement about the event, praising India’s dynamic youth. The event showcased G-SHOCK’s enduring legacy through Experiential Zones, featuring product history, innovations, and subculture inspirations.

The G-SHOCK VAULT displayed iconic models, including the first-ever DW-5000C, the thermo sensor-equipped DW-6100, and the tough solar DW-9300. Produced by Viacom 18 Live, SHOCK THE WORLD immersed attendees in G-SHOCK’s evolution, celebrating the brand’s toughness, authenticity, and differentiated experience.

The event marked a milestone in G-SHOCK’s history, bridging its past, present, and future. Since its inception in 2008, SHOCK THE WORLD has evolved into an eagerly awaited street culture spectacle. In Mumbai, it reached new heights, affirming G-SHOCK’s 40-year legacy of innovation and resilience, inspiring and redefining the world of timekeeping.

Quick Chat with Mr. Hideki Imai – Managing Director, Casio India

Ex. Could you provide an overview of Casio India’s recent growth trajectory?

Hideki: Overall, from April to November, we’ve witnessed a 29% increase in recent times and being specific about G-SHOCK, we’ve witnessed 49% growth, and even the consolidated profit is in double digits.

Ex. With the impressive selection of Shubman Gill and now Vicky Kaushal as G-SHOCK brand ambassadors in India, could you shed light on what led Casio India to select them as the brand ambassador for G-SHOCK in India?

Hideki: The reason behind selecting Shubman Gill and now Vicky Kaushal as the brand ambassador for G-SHOCK is simple. They’re physically and mentally very tough, which syncs with our brand, the DNA of G-SHOCK.

Ex. What does Casio India envision for the future?

Hideki: India is poised to contribute to the growth of various sectors. We aspire to enrich people’s lives and actively contribute to social and cultural development. Through these initiatives, we aim to expand our business. Currently, we are focusing on three key strategic pillars. The first is local manufacturing; this year, we commenced local manufacturing for metal and watch categories, with plans to expand further in the future. The second pillar involves G-SHOCK expansion, where we seek to enhance and strengthen G-SHOCK’s brand equity. Lastly, our third pillar is the expansion of retail, specifically through exclusive brand outlets. Presently, we have a total of 60 exclusive brand outlets, and our goal is to increase this number to 250 within the next three years. This expansion will enable us to deliver a rich brand experience to our target consumers.

Elista’s Fitness Announced the SmartRist E-Series, A Trio of Power-Packed Smartwatches

Elista, India’s premier electronics manufacturer, is excited to unveil its latest SmartRist E-Series Smartwatches, tailored for Gen Z. Boasting a sleek metal casing and vibrant Always-On colour touch-screens, these wearables effortlessly elevate style and support fitness journeys.

These ‘Made in India’ smartwatches offer Advanced Bluetooth calling, ensuring seamless connectivity with both Android and iOS devices. Packed with utility features and a comprehensive health package, the SmartRist E-Series promotes a healthy lifestyle effortlessly.

CEO Mr Pawan Kumar expresses the company’s commitment to democratising cutting-edge wearable technology in India. The Elista SmartRist E-Series combines striking features with captivating aesthetics, harmonising style and functionality. With advanced health and fitness capabilities, the aim is to empower users with valuable insights and motivation to achieve wellness goals. The series includes three feature-packed models: Elista SmartRist E-1, E-2, and E-4, designed for continuous health monitoring. Features include SpO2 Monitoring, Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Pressure Monitor, Sleep Monitor, and a Pedometer.

Beyond health, these smartwatches integrate Voice Assistant, Do not disturb mode, Weather Updates, Music control, Stopwatch, Password lock, Calculator, Flashlight, and Call Record functionalities. With Cloud-based watch faces and an Always-On display mode, convenience is paramount.

SmartRist E-1 and E-2 boast a 51.05mm IPS Display, supporting wireless charging and offering 15 days of battery life on one full charge. Water-resistant and elegantly designed, these wearables are not just functional but also stylish accessories suitable for any occasion. The new range of SmartRist E-Series smartwatches will be available through Amazon.in and Elista’s extensive retail network.

The pricing is competitive and accessible:

Elista SmartRist E-1 – ₹1799 (Black, Blue, and Pink)
Elista SmartRist E-2 – ₹1799 (Black, Blue and Orange)
Elista SmartRist E-4 – ₹1299 (Black, and Grey)

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE’s Snapdragon Variant Teases Its Indian Premiere!

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 FE, they stated the tech marvel would be offered in two powerhouse versions. Released in October, this smartphone sensation boasts either the Exynos 2200 SoC or the formidable Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, the latter initially exclusive to the US. However, the anticipation is building as whispers suggest that the Snapdragon variant is about to make its grand entrance into India.

The clues are all there, strategically placed by the Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart in its “Upcoming Launch” section. The compelling image, already used to tease the S23 FE’s Indian debut in October, bears the intriguing text, “The New Epic” and “Coming soon.” While the image doesn’t explicitly name the Snapdragon model, logic dictates that, with the Exynos version already gracing Indian shores, the Snapdragon variant is poised to steal the spotlight.

Beyond the chip disparity, both iterations of the Galaxy S23 FE promise a futuristic experience, featuring a 6.4″ 120Hz FullHD+ Dynamic AMOLED screen, a robust 4,500 mAh battery with 25W charging, and an IP68 rating for durability. Capture life’s moments effortlessly with the four-camera setup, comprising a 50MP primary lens, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto, and a 10MP selfie camera. Your journey into the future of smartphones awaits, where power and style converge seamlessly.

OnePlus 12 and 12R Global Launch Locked In for January 23!

Tech enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The highly anticipated global debut of the OnePlus 12 is set for January 23, following its exclusive release in China. Brace yourselves for a double treat as the midrange marvel, OnePlus 12R, is also slated to dazzle alongside its flagship counterpart.

The unveiling spectacle will kick off in India at 19:30 IST (2 PM UTC), promising an immersive experience for tech fanatics worldwide. OnePlus, known for its expansive online reach, will offer multiple streaming options, ensuring everyone can witness the grand event through platforms like YouTube and X.com.

What sets the OnePlus 12 apart? Well, the flagship smartphone from OnePlus features the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, an astounding 24GB RAM, and a capacious 1TB storage. The camera setup is equally impressive, boasting a 50MP primary lens, a 64MP telephoto with 3x zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide lens.

The visual feast continues with a flagship-worthy 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display, boasting a crystal-clear 1,440 x 3,168px resolution. Adaptability is key with a 1-120 Hz refresh rate, while the display dazzles with up to 4,500 nits peak brightness for HDR content (1,600 nits in regular use). So, get yourself together to be swept away by the OnePlus 12’s technological prowess!

Pixie, Google’s Gemini-Infused AI, Steals the Spotlight; Expected to Arrive with Pixel 9

Pixel devices, driven by the Android OS, carve out a distinctive niche in the dynamic realm of smartphones. Google orchestrates this differentiation through a pioneering strategy, marked by the periodic Pixel Feature Drops and the swift rollout of monthly security updates, setting the Pixel apart from its counterparts. In a strategic move to widen this technological chasm, Google is gearing up to introduce a groundbreaking feature.

As per revelations from The Information (via 9to5google), Google is on the brink of infusing the prowess of the Gemini AI model into a novel AI assistant dubbed “Pixie,” set to be an exclusive asset to Pixel devices. This revelation holds promise, as Pixie is anticipated to deviate from the conventional Google Assistant, breathing life into a distinct narrative within the Android landscape.

Distinguishing itself further, Pixie is projected to harness the intelligence gleaned from Gmail, Maps, and other Google products, sculpting a profoundly personalized iteration of the Google Assistant. The move comes hot on the heels of Google’s announcement regarding the integration of Gemini Nano’s AI capabilities into the Pixel 8 Pro, ushering in features like Summarise in the Recorder app and Smart Reply in Gboard.

Rumours abound that Pixie might make its grand debut alongside the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, potentially shouldering tasks that the ubiquitous Google Assistant finds elusive. This exclusivity sets Pixel apart and serves as a persuasive nudge for consumers to opt for Pixel over rival Android brands.

Furthermore, Google’s strategic deployment of Tensor processors, engineered explicitly for on-device AI tasks and machine learning, indicates a broader ambition to extend these AI features beyond flagship models to encompass lower-end phones and wearable devices. The unfolding narrative suggests that Google is poised to redefine the landscape of AI-infused smartphone experiences.

Beyond Gaming – ASUS Teases Spectacular ROG Phone 8 Unveiling at CES 2024

ASUS, the trailblazing Taiwanese electronics maestro, is gearing up to unveil its highly anticipated next-gen gaming smartphone – the ASUS ROG Phone 8. Anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as tech enthusiasts eagerly await the grand revelation at the prestigious Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in the dazzling city of Las Vegas, USA. Mark your calendars for January 8, as the official announcement is set to electrify the gaming community.

The global excitement extends beyond borders, as ASUS has revealed that the ROG Phone 8 will make its debut in China on January 16, 2024. A sneak peek on the Chinese social media giant Weibo unveils a tantalizing teaser, hinting at a larger-than-life display and razor-thin bezels, promising an immersive visual spectacle.

The mystique surrounding the ROG Phone 8 deepens with recent glimpses of its design, showcasing a sophisticated triple-camera setup and an illuminated ASUS ROG logo on the rear. ASUS announced the smartphone with a teaser saying “Beyond Gaming,” teasing that this iteration of the ROG Phone series will transcend conventional gaming boundaries, promising significant enhancements in various aspects, including camera prowess.

Under the hood, the ROG Phone 8 is rumoured to be powered by the formidable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, with the vanilla model boasting up to 16GB RAM and the Ultimate edition pushing boundaries with a staggering 24GB RAM. Fueling the gaming powerhouse is a 65W fast-charging system reminiscent of its predecessor.

The device is poised to debut with Android 14 out-of-the-box, seamlessly integrated with the ROG UI, adorned with an array of gaming-centric features. The countdown has begun, and ASUS enthusiasts worldwide are on the edge of their seats, ready to embrace the next evolution in gaming excellence.

Realme C67 5G Steals the Spotlight with Dimensity 6100+ and 50MP Camera Awesomeness

Realme introduced the eagerly anticipated Realme C67 5G, the latest addition to the dynamic C-series lineup. Boasting the formidable MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, a 50MP flagship camera, and a robust 5,000 mAh battery featuring swift 33W charging, this midrange powerhouse sets the bar high.

The smartphone arrives with an expansive 6.72-inch IPS LCD display with FHD+ resolution and an exhilarating 120Hz refresh rate. The front showcases an 8MP selfie camera housed in a discreet punch-hole cutout, complemented by Realme’s innovative Mini Capsule 2.0 overlay, an elegant pill-shaped display that artfully conveys system status information and notifications.

On the rear, the spotlight is on the impressive 50MP primary camera with an f/1.8 aperture, enhanced by 4-in-1 pixel binning. Accompanying it is a 2MP portrait module for capturing artistic shots. Running on Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13, the C67 5G delivers a seamless user experience.

Crafted for durability, this device boasts IP54 dust and splash resistance, along with convenient features like a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and a cherished 3.5mm headphone jack. With enticing colour options, Sunny Oasis and Dark Purple, the Realme C67 5G starts at ₹13,999 for the 4/128GB variant and ₹14,999 for the 6/128GB version. Mark your calendars for the open sales on December 20, or seize early access discounts of up to ₹2,000 on December 16, exclusively at Realme.com and authorized retailers in India.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Prices Hold Firm, Satellite Feature Confirmed!

The South Korean tech giant Samsung has yet to make an official announcement about the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S24 series, but leaks and renders have set the tech community abuzz with excitement. Speculations point towards an imminent debut in January of the upcoming flagship trio – Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra.

It is rumoured that Samsung intends to maintain the pricing strategy of its predecessor, the Galaxy S23 series, which is a compelling development. The expected pricing for the base models stands at an attractive $799 for the Galaxy S24, $999 for the Galaxy S24+, and $1199 for the premium Galaxy S24 Ultra in the US market. This echoes the company’s commitment to affordability and consumer satisfaction.

Furthermore, whispers in the tech corridors suggest that Samsung’s strategic move to equip the Galaxy S24 Ultra with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and the Galaxy S24/S24 Plus with the Exynos 2400 chip in select markets is a critical element in preserving these competitive price points. With a sales target set at an ambitious 33 million units, Samsung aims to achieve a remarkable 10% increase over the Galaxy S23 series.

Adding another layer of intrigue, reports hint at a groundbreaking feature in the Galaxy S24 series – an emergency satellite texting capability. Leaked screenshots from a Galaxy phone showcase the functionality labelled as ‘Emergency texts via satellite.’ This feature empowers users to dispatch emergency texts utilizing satellite connectivity, ensuring communication in remote areas or during network unavailability.

While Apple pioneered satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14, Samsung’s foray into this realm is eagerly awaited. The Galaxy S24 series is shrouded in anticipation, with an expected unveiling on January 17, promising a blend of cutting-edge technology and innovative features that will undoubtedly set a new standard in the smartphone landscape.