Xiaomi’s 360 Home Security Camera 2K, An Affordable Solution

Home surveillance is the need of the hour. Xiaomi has launched its latest smart surveillance camera – Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K. Equipped with a 3-megapixel camera and 2K HD video capability, the Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K is designed to address the unique yet affordable requirements of users, including new parents and pet parents.

Xiaomi’s latest smart surveillance camera comes with AI Human Detection for precise human alerts and reduces any false alarms due to pet movement. The 360-degree Panorama View captures every corner of the room, eliminating blind spots with its 6P lens. The Full-Color feature in low-light conditions enhances nighttime surveillance and provides vivid, detailed footage even in poor lighting conditions. The camera supports standard and inverted mounting to enable easy installation with 360-degree horizontal movement and 108-degree vertical movement, providing a wide range of coverage. It also features two-way audio, facilitating real-time communication through the camera.

The 2K resolution delivers sharper, more detailed video footage with clear zoomed-in visuals, surpassing standard HD quality, making it an ideal choice for users across small businesses, shops, garages, or monitoring homes. The Xiaomi Home App makes monitoring simple and seamless, and users can also playback captured footage from various devices, including smartphones, tablets and desktops, adjusting playback speed with optimised H.265 Video encoding that saves significant video storage space. It additionally has voice-controlled smart home functionality with seamless integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Price and Availability:

The Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K is retailing for INR 3299 exclusively from 13th January on the official Xiaomi website. Starting January 22nd, this affordable home security camera will also be available on Amazon and Flipkart

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.

pTron Announces New Jazz Series Soundbars

pTron has launched two new soundbars in its Jazz Series: the pTron Jazz 40 Watt Soundbar and the pTron Jazz Pro 120W Soundbar. These soundbars are developed to deliver robust and immersive audio, perfect for movies, music, and gaming.

pTron Jazz 40 Watt Soundbar: This 2.0 channel soundbar features powerful 50mm dual drivers and three equalizer modes, delivering a cinematic audio experience for small to mid-sized rooms. It also boasts Bluetooth 5.3, optical, AUX, USB, and HDMI ARC inputs for versatile connectivity.

pTron Jazz Pro 120W Soundbar: This 2.1-channel soundbar shows an even more immersive experience with its 50mm dual drivers and a 6-inch subwoofer. It also features the same connectivity options and equalizer modes as the Jazz 40-Watt Soundbar.

Both soundbars have a sleek and stylish design that complements home decor. They are also wall-mountable for added convenience. Additional features include:

  • Easily adjust the volume, switch between inputs, and control other settings.
  • Control the basics directly on the soundbar.
  • Soundbars have 10-meter wireless freedom and connect to your smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
  • Soundbars will come with 1-year manufacturer warranty

“We’re thrilled to unveil our Jazz & Jazz Pro soundbars, marking our latest innovation in the audio accessories domain,” said Ameen Khwaja, CEO of pTron. “These soundbars are designed to offer music lovers a more immersive experience at a modest price point, reflecting our dedication to prioritizing our customers.”

pTron Jazz 40 Watt Soundbar and pTron Jazz Pro 120W Soundbar are available on Amazon for Rs. 2799 and Rs. 4999.

In December, pTron will launch the pTron Jazz Pro X1 240W Soundbar with a Sub-Woofer. This 2.1-channel soundbar boasts 2.25-inch quad drivers and a 6.5-inch subwoofer speaker, perfect for large TVs and spacious rooms.

Nothing Ear (2) Review: Cool Looks & Balanced Sound

What is your criteria when it comes to buying a pair of TWS? For me, it will always be the comfort and sound quality. Over the years I’ve used a number of wireless earbuds that are barely comfortable to wear for an extended period of time while giving an optimum sound experience. Thus, my scepticism while trying out the latest Nothing Ear (2) was soaring high. Nothing’s new addition to its product lineup surely leaves an amazing first impression thanks to its futuristic looks but there’s more to everything than what meets the eye. So, how good is Nothing Ear (2)? let’s find out –

Design

The design arena is where Nothing Ear (2) marks its elegance. However, the design is ‘nothing’ to get excited about as it is heavily borrowed from the first iteration of the TWS with minor tweaks here and there. There is an addition of a tiny metal plate for pressure-sensitive controls along with the ‘Ear (2)’ branding which is new for this iteration. Besides that, the looks remain unchanged. The futuristic aesthetic coupled with a plain white form factor makes the Ear (2) stand out from its competitors in the design aspect.

While the design of the buds is top-notch, they do not tend to stick around in your ears during extended hours of music streaming or binge-watching. I had to plug the buds in from time to time while watching films as they would simply pop out which prompted me to not even risk working out while wearing them. The earbuds come with IP54 dust and water resistance which is an upgrade from the previous IPX4-rated Ear (1). The earbuds case is not any different from the first generation except for a slightly smaller form factor.

Audio and ANC

The most important aspect of any TWS is how good they sound. Companies often get lost in the sauce of delivering visually appealing earbuds at the cost of losing out on sound quality. Nothing Ear (2) does not fall into that trap and only gets better from the previous iteration. The previous Nothing Ear TWS featured powerful bass but lacked mids and treble which resulted in a muffled sound experience. However, Nothing Ear (2) strikes a beautiful balance between the three bringing in a much improved sound experience. Ear (2) does not obsess with high bass and delivers clear mids and highs making up for an overall enhanced listening experience. It features LDHC 5.0 which is refreshing to see in midrange earbuds.

The ANC and EQ settings sit tight in the NothingX application which offers a number of personalization options to the user. My favourite feature of Nothing Ear (2) has to be its Personalised ANC option which calibrates the level of ANC based on the user’s hearing sensitivity. The app offers a hearing test for users and fine-tunes the sound profile of the earbuds based on the test. During my testing, the sound experience did get better once I switched to personalised ANC.

The noise cancellation features here are not beyond anything other earbuds offer at this price range. It is pretty much a standard ANC experience which neither overwhelms nor disappoints.

Performance

At its core, Nothing Ear (2) comes off as capable everyday listening earbuds. I wouldn’t recommend using them during extensive physical activities as they tend to fall off easily even if you’ve got an ‘Ear Tip Fit Test’ done through the NothingX app. The music experience is well-rounded here and the earbuds do a fantastic job of operating the highs, lows, and mids of any given track. They support hi-res audio with only a limited bunch of Android devices. The call quality is amazing here. However, one gripe with the earbuds has to be their battery life. Nothing Ear (2) does not come with an impressive battery performance as they lose out on a big chunk of power within just two hours of usage with ANC turned on. While the charging case offers an additional 18-20 hours of battery life with ANC turned on, it is still underwhelming.

Verdict

Nothing Ear (2) build upon a solid foundation laid out by its predecessor and excels where Nothing Ear (1) lacked plenty. The balanced sound quality coupled with futuristic looks make up for a solid overall package for your audio needs. If your smartphone device comes with Hi-res audio support then the deal becomes a little sweeter, however the same cannot be said for an universal experience with the Nothing Ear (2). Ultimately, Nothing Ear (2) is a balanced upgrade which can be considered for your audio needs.

Rating –

Nothing Ear (2) Vs Jabra Elite 5 – The TWS Battle

Right now, if you’re in the market to buy TWS earbuds then you’ll be shocked at the number of options you have on your palette. The wide variety of wireless earbuds ranges from as cheap as 500 to as expensive as 50K. However, when it comes to buying the perfect pair of TWS for people, the 10K to 15K price bracket brings a lot of value. Sure, some might consider it a big price to shell out to listen to music but the value for money aspect remains intact in that segment. Today, we have two capable TWS’ namely the Nothing Ear (2) which cost Rs 9,999 and the Jabra Elite 5 which costs around Rs 12K. So, which one of these two is the best one to go for? Let’s find out!

We’ll be judging these pairs of TWS on three basis – Design and fit, Audio quality, and ultimately the battery life. These three parameters basically cover everything when it comes to wireless earbuds. So let’s jump right into the design quality of the Nothing Ear (2) and the Jabra Elite 5 – 

Design 

When it comes to visual appeal, Nothing Ear (2) wins by a mile here. It features a futuristic look similar to its predecessor Nothing Ear (1). While on the other end, the Jabra Elite 5 remains low-key visually. The Elite 5 does not stand out and can be easily passed off as any other TWS available in the market. Whereas, Nothing Ear (2) comes with a distinctive design making it one of the best-looking earbuds in 2023 already. 

However, the aesthetics come with a price as Nothing Ear (2) only comes with an IP54 rating for the buds while the Elite 5 sport an IP55 rating. Where the Ear (2) excels in having pressure-sensitive controls on its stick whereas the Elite 5 uses physical buttons. The cases of the two earbuds are also widely different from one another with the Elite 5 having a simple flip-top case whereas the Nothing Ear (2) has a stylish white case which screams premium. Ultimately, Nothing Ear (2) wins in the design segment. 

Audio

Audio playback and ANC levels are subjective matters but what we see with these earbuds is a stark difference with one of the two being superior. Jabra is a brand which specializes predominantly in audio equipment, thus it is really easy to guess which earbuds win in this segment. 

The Jabra Elite 5 feature a flat sound out of the box, and the audio is clear with no bass exaggeration which was refreshing to hear at a time when companies just want to mess your ears up with heavy bass-sounding earbuds. On the other hand, Nothing Ear (2) falls into the trap of playing exaggerated sounds at the price of losing out on finer details. Sure, they are miles ahead of the Nothing Ear (1) which lacked all sorts of detail leading to muffled sound. But something felt missing with the sound quality of the Ear (2). 

Both earbuds come with app support designed to enhance your hearing experience. While Ear (2) comes with the NothingX app, the Elite 5s come with Sound+. Both applications offer an extensive customization option for the earbuds based on your preference but the general ANC experience with both of them was pretty much underwhelming. When it comes to audio quality, the Jabra Elite 5 clearly wins. 

Battery

Nothing Ear (2) doesn’t improve upon the battery life of its predecessor. Using the earbuds for an extended period of time was pretty much underwhelming with the ANC turned on, the picture was completely different with the ANC turned off. At a stretch, Nothing Ear (2) works for around 4 hours with ANC turned on and about 22.5 hours with the case. On the flip side, it was almost like I couldn’t kill the Jabra Elite 5s even when I wanted to. The Elite 5 comes with 7 hours of battery life with the ANC turned on which is more than anyone expects from their TWS. Ultimately, Jabra Elite 5 wins in the battery arena. 

Verdict

The only aspect where Nothing Ear (2) excels in comparison to Jabra Elite 5 is the design and aesthetics. When it comes to sound performance and battery life, the Jabra Elite 5 are a clear winner. At an additional cost of Rs 2K, you get a priceless bump in performance with the Jabra Elite 5. 

Nothing Ear (2) Specifications

  • Battery Life – Around 4 hours with ANC on (buds)
  • Nose Cancellation – YES (Personalized) 
  • Bluetooth: 5.3 
  • Charging – Type-C and Wireless
  • Price – Rs 9,999 

Jabra Elite 5 specifications 

  • Battery Life:  
  • Noise Cancellation: YES (Personalized) 
  • Bluetooth: 5.2 
  • Charging: Type-C and Wireless 
  • Price – Rs 11,999

Five essential add-ons for your television

So you’ve finally brought home the television of your dreams, the one you’ve been eyeing for the longest time. Congratulations! However, just buying the Smart TV you’ve had on your radar is not entirely enough if you want to get the best viewing experience. But worry not as we have you covered, here are five essential add-ons for your television-

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Most Smart TVs in the market come equipped with Android features. However, the native OS experience may not be up to the mark for every user. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K comes at a price that challenges the competition by a big margin while offering top-notch features like 4K Ultra HD streaming with Dolby Vision for the best viewing experience.

Price – ₹ 4,999 – Buy Here

Sony HT-A3000 Soundbar

Who does not enjoy a crystal clear sound experience while watching content on their TV? The Sony HT-A3000 is not only a capable soundbar for loud and clear sound but also provides an immersive experience with its 3.1 channels. Users can also boost their surround sound experience by adding optional rear speakers and subwoofer respectively.

Price – ₹57,990 – Buy Here

Sony PlayStation 5

While everyone does not have the gaming bug, people interested in immersing in graphic-rich games cannot stay away from the best gaming consoles. Right now, the Sony PlayStation 5 holds that spot in the market. The PS5 comes with fast loading speeds thanks to an ultra-fast SSD. It also allows higher immersion with the help of haptic feedback and 3D audio.

Price – ₹49,900 – Buy Here

Nutcase Designer Wooden Remote Stand for Home

If you’re bumping your television up with a soundbar and/or the Amazon Fire TV Stick then I am sure you will have a lot of remotes to deal with. It is easy to misplace and lose your remotes when you have multiple of them to control multiple devices. This is where the Nutcase Designer Wooden Remote Stand for Home comes in handy.

Price – ₹599 – Buy Here

Daybetter TV LED Backlights

Smart LED TV backlights allow your television to get the smart party look. The lights come with a Bluetooth control and remote control both in order to ease its controls. However, the cherry on the top is the mic that syncs the lights with the music/films for an immersive experience.

Price – ₹4,999 – Buy Here

The Big Billion Days Sale: MAJOR Discounts on Electronics and Appliances

The Big Billion Dales Sale by Flipkart is all set to commence on September 23, in India and end on September 30, 2022. The scheduled online sale event is offering huge discounts on a number of brands. Users will also be able to make a token advantage by making an advance payment of just Rs 1. Users will be able to pre-book items from multiple categories like beauty, Lifestyle, Electronics, Merchandise, and much more. Below are some offers users can avail of in the upcoming Flipkart The Big Billion Days Sale:

Smartphones and Electronics

Well-known mobile brands like Motorola, Oppo and Realme will offer discounted rates for users. The best deal on an Oppo device comes for the Oppo Reno8 5g which is priced at Rs 26,999 instead of Rs 38,999. Motorola’s Edge 30 will also be priced at a discounted rate of 22,749. Motorola’s latest midrange flagship device, the Moto Edge 30 Fusion will be available at an introductory price of 39,999 only for The Big Billion Days sale. However, users need to note that the Moto Edge 30’s cut-down price of Rs 24,999 can be availed through multiple bank offers and other discount offers.

During the sale, Realme will be offering its Realme 9 4G at an effective price of 12,999. Whereas, the Realme 9 pro will start at 14,999. Electronics are accessories are expected to receive up to 80% off during The Big Billion Sale on Flipkart. One of the biggest discounts comes to the Noise ColorFit Vision 2 Buzz Smartwatch. The device will be available at a price of Rs3,499 which is marginally lower than its original Rs7,999 price. The OnePlus Nord Buds CE are available at a price of Rs 2,299.

Home Appliances

The Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale is expected to include up to 70% off on top-selling televisions. Whereas, top-selling refrigerators are also expected to get 50% discounts. Kitchen appliances from top brands are expected to be starting at Rs 299. Bank offers from AXIS, ICICI, and more will also be valid on home appliances.

2022 Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event 

2022 Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event 

Samsung launches 5 new products – Fold 4, Flip 4, Watch 5, Watch 5 Pro and Buds Pro 2

 

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event witnessed the launch of 5 new products from the house of Samsung. An iterative update to the existing line-up of foldable devices, the new Galaxy Fold 4 and Galaxy Flip 4 have improved to match performance and style as per consumer demand. Samsung also announced the updated Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and an exciting take on rugged watches for outdoor use, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Alongside these launches was an improved and innovative Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2. Let’s take a quick look at what has improved compared to their predecessors.

 

Samsung Galaxy Fold 4

The Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 was well received after their Note series feature, the S-Pen, was introduced as a part of the package. The Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 improves over the Fold 3 in many more minor iterative changes. The most significant change is the reduction in the overall weight of Fold 4, weighing 263 gms compared to 271 gms of Fold 3.

This is Samsung’s lightest Fold series phone since its inception in 2019. The outer construction is aircraft-grade aluminum, while the glass sandwich now consists of Gorilla glass Victus and 18% stronger ultra-thin glass. The dimensions and form factor largely remain identical to the Fold 3, while the hardware leaps in terms of processor, display, camera and software. Running on Android 12 over an improved Samsung One UI, the Fold gets an interesting taskbar with multi-window support and flex mode. 

Starting with the processor, the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 gets the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor improving the NPU required to post-process images and videos to a new level. The camera setup is now identical to the Samsung S22 series, and a new 50MP camera with 2.0-micron pixels improves over the Fold 3’s 1.8-micron pixel allowing more light capture. The optical zoom has been enhanced from 2x to 3x, while a digital zoom of 30x improves the Fold 4’s zoom capabilities from 10x on the Fold 3. This also enables Galaxy S22 series Nightography to capture 23% brighter images in low light conditions. The triple-camera setup is further aided by improved NPU enabling AI ISP, OIS and VDIS. With a Veritas certificate of 200K folds, the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 improves on the durability of its hinge. An adaptive S-AMOLED display now features a 1-120Hz refresh rate with a maximum brightness of 1300 nits. The Fold 4 continues with a hidden in-display front camera, and wireless and reverse wireless charging. 

Galaxy Z Fold4
Display Main Screen 7.6-inch QXGA+*
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Infinity Flex Display (2176 x 1812, 21.6:18)
120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)*Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold4’s Main Screen size is 7.6-inch in the full rectangle and 7.4-inch with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.
Cover Screen 6.2-inch HD+
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display(2316 x 904, 23.1:9)120Hz adaptive refresh rate (48~120Hz)*Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold4’s Cover Screen size is 6.2-inch in a full rectangle and 6.1-inch accounting for the rounded corners. The actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
Dimension & Weight Folded 67.1 x 155.1 x 15.8mm(Hinge) ~ 14.2mm(Sagging)
Unfolded 130.1 x 155.1 x 6.3mm
Weight 263g
Camera Cover Camera 10MP Selfie Camera

F2.2, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 85˚

Under display camera 4MP Under Display Camera
F1.8, Pixel size: 2.0μm, FOV: 80˚
Rear Triple Camera 12MP Ultra Wide Camera
F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 123˚50MP Wide-angle Camera
Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 85˚10MP Telephoto Camera
PDAF, F2.4, OIS, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 36˚*30X Space Zoom includes 3x Optical Zoom and 30x digital zoom with AI Super Resolution technology. Zooming in past 3x may cause some image deterioration
AP 4㎚ Octa-Core Processor
Memory 12GB RAM with 1TB internal storage
12GB RAM with 512GB internal storage
12GB RAM with 256GB internal storage

*Availability may vary by market or channel. Actual storage space may vary by market, model, file size and format.
Battery 4,400mAh (typical) dual battery*

*Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4275mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

Charging Super Fast Charging* : Up to 50% charge in around 30mins with 25W adapter** or higher
Fast wireless charging 2.0***
Wireless PowerShare*****Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFC. Results from internal Samsung lab tests, conducted with 25W Travel Adapter while it has 0% of power remaining, with all the services, features and screen turned off. Actual charging speed may vary depending on the actual usage, charging conditions and other factors. **25W Power Adapter sold separately. Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables.
***Wireless charging compatible with WPC
****Wireless PowerShare is limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with WPC Qi wireless charging, such as Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S22 series, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip3 5G, S21 FE 5G, S21 series, Z Fold2, Note20 series, S20 series, Z Flip, Note10 series, S10 series, S9 series, S8 series, S7 series, S6 series, Note9, Note8, Note FE, Note5, and wearables such as Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds2, Buds Pro, Buds Live, Watch5, Watch5 Pro, Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch3, Watch Active2, Watch Active, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Buds. May not work with certain accessories, covers, or other brand devices. May affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment.
Water Resistance IPX8

*IPX8 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Not dust-resistant.

OS Android 12L
One UI 4.1.1
Network and Connectivity 5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 6E*** 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth® v5.2

*5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.
**Availability of LTE model varies by country and carrier. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.
***Wi-Fi 6E network availability may vary by market, network provider and user environment. Requires optimal connection. Will require a Wi-Fi 6E router.

Sensors Capacitive Fingerprint sensor (side), Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Light sensor
Security Samsung Knox, Samsung Knox Vault
SIM Card Up to two Nano SIM* and one eSIM**

*SIM card sold separately. Availability may vary depending on market and carrier.
**eSIM availability may vary depending on software version, region and carrier. Check with your carrier if your mobile network plan supports eSIM.

Colors Graygreen, Phantom Black, Beige
[Samsung.com Exclusive] Burgundy* Availability may vary by market.

Samsung Galaxy Flip 4

The teaser site images created an illusion of flat sides on the Samsung Galaxy Flip 4. In-person, the sides are curved and feel more ergonomic to hold. Like the Fold 4, the Samsung Galaxy Flip 4 gets the newer improved Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and an enhanced Samsung One UI running over Android 12. The Flip 4 also gets an improved display with 18% strengthened ultra-thin glass featuring a brighter 900 nits display with dynamic S-AMOLED switching between 1-120Hz refresh rate. The glass sandwich now features a Haze glass finish for improved ergonomics. A robust set of Samsung Galaxy S21 FE cameras are implemented on the Galaxy Flip 4, significantly improving overall camera performance with 65% brightness in images and videos. Night-photography also comes included on the bold new camera deco. It also gets improved AI ISP, OIS and VDIS. 

The hinges have been reduced by 1.2mm, an engineering marvel from Samsung engineers. The battery capacity has improved to 3700 mAh, a 10% improvement from its predecessor Flip 3. The ultra-thin glass too has improved in strength by 18%. The new Galaxy Flip 4 also gets intuitive multi-angle capture, seamless vlogging mode and a hands-free camera experience. The cover screen gets unique customisations with improved One UI and AI responses. 

Galaxy Z Flip4
Display Main Screen 6.7-inch FHD+*
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Infinity Flex Display (2640 x 1080, 22:9)
120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)*Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Flip4’s Main Screen size is 6.7-inch in the full rectangle and 6.6-inch with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
Cover Screen 1.9-inch Super AMOLED Display*
260 x 512*Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Flip4’s Cover Screen size is 1.9-inch in the full rectangle and 1.8″ with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.
Dimension & Weight Folded 71.9 x 84.9 x 17.1mm (Hinge) – 15.9mm (Sagging)
Unfolded 71.9 x 165.2 x 6.9mm

*The thickness of Galaxy Z Flip4 when unfolded does not include the frame of the Main Screen.

Weight 187g
Camera Front Camera 10MP Selfie Camera
F2.4, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 80˚
Rear Dual Camera 12MP Ultra Wide Camera

F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 123˚

12MP Wide-angle Camera
Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.8μm, FOV: 83˚
AP 4㎚ Octa-Core Processor
Memory 8GB RAM with 512GB internal storage
8GB RAM with 256GB internal storage
8GB RAM with 128GB internal storage

*Availability may vary by market or channel. Actual storage space may vary by market, model, file size and format.
Battery 3,700 mAh (typical) dual battery

*Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 3595mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

Charging Super Fast Charging*: Up to  50% charge in around 30mins with 25W adapter** or higher
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0***
Wireless PowerShare*****Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFC. Results from internal Samsung lab tests, conducted with 25W Travel Adapter while it has 0% of power remaining, with all the services, features and screen turned off. Actual charging speed may vary depending on the actual usage, charging conditions and other factors. **25W Power Adapter sold separately. Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables.
***Wireless charging compatible with WPC
****Wireless PowerShare is limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with WPC Qi wireless charging, such as Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S22 series, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip3 5G, S21 FE 5G, S21 series, Z Fold2, Note20 series, S20 series, Z Flip, Note10 series, S10 series, S9 series, S8 series, S7 series, S6 series, Note9, Note8, Note FE, Note5, and wearables such as Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds2, Buds Pro, Buds Live, Watch5, Watch5 Pro, Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch3, Watch Active2, Watch Active, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Buds. May not work with certain accessories, covers, or other brand devices. May affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment.
Water Resistance IPX8

*IPX8 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Not dust-resistant.

OS Android 12
One UI 4.1.1
Network and Connectivity 5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth® v5.2

*5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.
**Availability of LTE model varies by country and carrier. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.

Sensors Capacitive Fingerprint sensor(side), Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Light sensor
Security Samsung Knox, Samsung Knox Vault
SIM Card One Nano SIM* and one eSIM**

*SIM card sold separately. Availability may vary depending on market and carrier.
**eSIM availability may vary depending on software version, region and carrier. Check with your carrier if your mobile network plan supports eSIM.

Colors Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold, Blue
[Bespoke Edition] Front/Back(Yellow, White, Navy, Khaki, Red), Frame(Silver/Black/Gold)* Availability may vary by market.

Samsung Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro

Samsung Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro get a new sensor design, and Samsung promises increased durability. Software enhancements include a digital wheel that acts like a physical wheel and responds to touch on the outer circular bezels. Watch 5 is tuned for all, while the Watch 5 Pro aims to target rough usage outdoors.

A new design also brings curvature and precise body composition tracking. There’s advanced sleep coaching, multi-device experience with other Samsung devices, holistic sleep analysis, advanced sleep coaching and personalised programs on the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro. Samsung has improved the battery life on the Watch 5 by adding a 13% bigger battery with fast-charge capabilities charging the Watch 5 30% faster than the Watch 4. Both these watches are now protected with Sapphire crystal, the second hardest transparent material after diamonds. 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro features additional functionality with outdoor data tracking. It also gets an innovative D-buckle strap and a titanium body. Users can share route details, import route files, and enjoy turn-by-turn navigation and trackback functions on the Watch 5 Pro. With 590 mAh, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro battery life claims to last 3 days on normal use and 20 hours with GPS functionality turned on. 

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2

Samsung makes impressive audio solutions with their TWS. Improving their line-up, they introduced the Galaxy Buds Pro 2, a 15% smaller size compared to the Buds Pro. The ANC levels have improved by 1.4 times on the new pair. Multi-device connectivity enables auto-switch functionality. The added 360-degree sound enabled by Dolby Atmos and tuned by AKG makes this an apt solution for Dolby Atmos-enabled content. The most considerable improvement has come in the form of 24-bit audio inputs transmitted as 24-bit audio outputs. This brings a massive leap in wireless connectivity for music lovers and improves the overall listening experience by a huge margin. The overall battery sits at 515 mAh with the case, while the earbuds get 61 mAh for operations. They can be powered by a USB Type-C port and also support wireless charging. 

Galaxy Buds2 Pro Product Specifications
Color Graphite, White, Bora Purple

*Available colors may vary by market, carrier or retailer.

Dimensions & Weight Earbud: 19.9 x 21.6 x 18.7 mm, 5.5g

Charging Case: 50.1 x 50.2 x 27.7 mm, 43.4g

Speaker Custom Coaxial 2-way (Tweeter + Woofer) peaker
Sound Quality 24bit Hi-Fi*

360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel**

*24-bit Hi-Fi sound requires Samsung Galaxy devices running OneUI 4.0 or higher and Galaxy Buds2 Pro. 24-bit Hi-Fi sound support may vary depending on the application.

**Direct Multi-channel is supported with Android One UI version 4.1.1 or later, 360 Audio Supports One UI 3.1 or later.

ANC & Ambient Sound ANC*+High SNR Microphone (2 outer + 1 inner)**
Ambient Sound
Voice Detect*****With 3 high SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) microphones, Galaxy Buds2 Pro can eliminate small noises by capturing lower level sounds.***Galaxy Buds2 Pro can distinguish between noise and human voices. When you speak, it switches temporarily to Ambient mode and reduces media volume so that you can hear conversations without taking out your earbuds.
Battery Capacity Earbuds: 61mAh (typical)

Charging Case: 515mAh (typical)

 

** The typical capacity has been tested under third party laboratory conditions. The typical capacity is the estimated average capacity considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under the IEC 61960-3 standard. The rated capacity is 58mAh (earbuds), 500mAh (charging case). Actual battery life may vary depending on the network environment, usage patterns, and other factors.

Play Time Up to 5 hours / Total up to 18 hours (ANC on)

Up to 8 hours / Total up to 29 hours (ANC off)

 

*Earbuds provide up to 5hrs play time with ANC on (up to 8 hrs with ANC off), while the case provides up to 18 hours of battery life (up to 29 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing. Audio playback time tested by pairing a pre-production Galaxy Buds2 Pro to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings** including ANC on. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors

** Default setting refers to the original setting for the Galaxy Buds2 Pro when it was first released, simply with the power turned on.

Talk Time Up to 3.5 hours / Total up to 14h (ANC on)

Up to 4.0 hours / Total up to 15h (ANC off)

 

*Earbuds provide up to 3.5hrs voice call time with ANC on (up to 4 hrs with ANC off), while the case provides up to 14 hours of battery life (up to 15 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing.  Voice call time tested by pairing pre-production Galaxy Buds2 Pro to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings including ANC on. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors.

Connectivity Bluetooth® 5.3, Auto Switching

Codec: Samsung Seamless Codec HiFi (Samsung Proprietary)

AAC, SBC

Sensor Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Hall, Touch, Voice Pickup Unit (VPU)
Compatibility Android 8.0 or higher with more than 1.5GB of RAM

 

*Some features may not be available on non-Samsung devices. Availability may vary by market, operator or connected device.

Water Resistance IPX7

 

*IPX7 is based on laboratory test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Charging case is not water resistant. If the earbuds are damaged, they are not guaranteed to be water resistant. If the earbuds or your hands are wet, they must be dried thoroughly prior to handling or placing into the charging case.

 

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked brings improvements to the entire line-up of current generation Fold 4 and Flip 4. The Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro with Sapphire Crystal are almost 90% stronger and more durable than their predecessor. Software enhancements charm these devices, making them a perfect blend of suitable hardware and better software. With a smaller size, better audio latency and bit rate, the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 promises a significant leap in audio nirvana. What are your thoughts on these launches? Let us know in the comments below. 

 

Most expensive audio systems in the world!

 

It is said that money can’t buy you happiness, but we’re sure that if anyone had all the money in the world to spend upon high end sound setup, you probably would. Most of us rely on the poor sound quality of their flat-screen television, or, if they’re feeling extravagant, they may spend few grands on upgrading.

However, there are people out there mostly, musicians, sound engineers, and possibly billionaires with money to blow extravagantly – that are willing to spend a large sum of money on the most high-end or most expensive audio systems. But believe it or not there are numerous systems on the market that are priced well over an exorbitant amount of money. Though, if you’re an audiophile, you know that you cannot put a price tag on good sound.

So, which are the most expensive stereo systems and just how expensive can they get?

 

Home theatre

Building up the perfect sound system can be an expensive endeavour out of which speakers are one of the most important components an audiophile needs to work upon to achieve the ultimate sound. If money is no object, the the possibilities are endless. 

Hart Audio D&W Aural Pleasure – Rs.40 Crore approx

Priced at $5 million, the Hart Audio D&W Aural Pleasure speakers are the true definition of luxury. The 76 cm cabinet of this speaker has been crafted from solid 24-carat gold.

This incredible earbud like design was created by Hart’s Audio, a loudspeaker brand which has been in the business since 2003. 

Believe it or not but Hart’s Audio only made a single set of these luxury speakers and hence it is viable to say even the richest audiophiles won’t be getting their hands on these ultra-expensive sound machines.

Beyond their extravagantly expensive materials, these speakers offer a well-balanced & clean and clear audio.” The system runs on three speaker drive units packaged inside a 110-pound body which gives the design the needed sound production for all audio levels.

Ceasaro Horn Acoustics Omega with Bass Horns – Rs.9.5 Crore approx

Costing near about at $1 million, the Ceasaro Horn Acoustics Omega 1 Bass Horns are exquisite, ultra-luxurious speakers which look like a fine sculpture.The astonishing transducers promote sound that can fill absolutely any space. Perfect for large spaces , one can be sure that the music is crystal clear with the Ceasaro Horn Acoustics Omega 1 Bass Horns.

Kharma Grand Enigma – Rs.8 Crore approx

Made by a high-end Dutch manufacturer, the Kharma Grand is an exquisite sound system which has been designed in a massive cellar to ensure that total concentration is maintained while perfecting its performance and its body. Costing around $1 million, only 25 pairs of these wonderfully robust speakers were ever made.

It all starts with the imposing setup which features a wall of audio equipment where in each channel really looks more like huge tower than a speaker system! Next up is an array of impressive tech that makes listening to music sound like a live concert.

 

Headphones

Whether listening to your favourite podcasts while travelling or working out while listening to some head-banger music, a good set of headphones has become a must-have accessory:

With a range of headphones out there, we jot down the most expensive ones you can get your hands on. And while some headphones are made for comfort, others offer superior performance and wearability, these are insanely exquisite. 

Focal Utopia by Tournaire – Rs. 95 lakhs approx

Designed and manufactured in France, and featuring exclusive Focal technologies, a sleek design and high-end materials, these exceptional headphones soon made them a reference of luxury in the global audiophile headphones market.

The design of these exceptionally classy looking headphones was customised by a jeweller. The result is that of a unique product with new aesthetics designed and crafted by jeweller father and son, Philippe and Mathieu Tournaire. It bears the mark of the Trilogy, the symbol of Tournaire jewellers which represents the evolution of life.

Onkyo H900M with 20-carat diamonds – Rs.79 lakhs approx

The Onkyo Diamond Headphones are pair of headphones that are meant to be worn by the truly elite. Unveiled at CES 2017, it was apparent from the fact that they are made out of diamonds. Noticeably, the driving design philosophy here is of “making a statement.” Specifically, a statement about the fact that you can afford a truly spectacular pair of $100,000 diamond studded headphone jewellery.

To make it clear, those are real diamonds, not Swarovski crystal or glass. Each pair contains 20 carats of diamonds, which are rated between G-H on GIA’s colour scale (nearly colourless) and between VVS-VS for clarity.

Sennheiser Orpheus/HE 1 – Rs.48 lakhs approx

Sennheiser is known for making top-quality headphones. But these take it to a different level. 

Equipped with unique features and state-of-the-art technology, these headphones transform music from something you listen to, into something you live in. The HE 1 supports the audio transfer protocol ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output) for native playback of high-resolution audio files. 

They come with their own valve amplification. The chassis is made from Carrara marble, the same type Michaelangelo used for his sculptures. The build quality alone would have been worth it, but the headphones are also some of the best available right now. But be ready to pay $68,000 for these.

 

Portable speaker

Devialet Gold Phantom Opera de Paris – Rs.5 lakhs approx

Implosive, you don’t get that much of an adjective in wireless speakers. The Devialet Phantom Gold wireless speaker has a 22-carat Rose Gold finish. It looks exclusive and is just worth its price. This intelligently-made speaker is made in France. It produces a sound quality that’s optimised in a revolutionary process by Devialet’s brilliant engineers. Imagine a 4500-watt of power and a 108 dB physical compact with zero distortion. You’ll feel you’re inside a concert venue when playing music from this speaker. 

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 4th Gen Wireless Multiroom Speaker – Rs.3 lakhs approx

Another expensive wireless speaker from Bang & Olufsen is the Beoplay A9 wireless home speaker. It’s delicately crafted like a piece of furniture in your home to add to its interior design. Let it stand in one corner or mount it on a wall. The premium fabric delivers acoustic transparency and superior aesthetics.

The Beoplay A9 has everything in it. Beautiful design, excellent craftsmanship, and incredible audio performance in one package. It features a 480-watt amplifier system. It has separate amps for every five built-in speaker units. You can hear every audio detail the way your favourite artists want you to listen to it. The sound production automatically changes according to its position in your room.

JL Audio Gotham g213v2 – Dual 13.5inch Powered Subwoofer – Rs 18 lakhs approx

The Gotham v2 is the epitome, unfettered expression of JL Audio’s deep commitments to beautiful design, exceptional build quality and truly great audio.

The Gotham® v2’s massive fibreglass-composite enclosure is hand-finished in luxurious gloss black and complemented by machined aluminium and stainless steel accents.  It amplifies a mind-numbing 4,500 watts of crystal clear, controlled power, while a completely new signal processing system employs DSP for all functions. This particular system includes a more powerful, digital version of our automatic room optimization technology, with 18 bands of response correction to flawlessly integrate the Gotham® v2 into your room’s acoustics.

 

JBL Launches Tune 230NC and Tune 130NC Earbuds

JBL has just released a new Tune collection of TWS earbuds in India. The new earbuds are the JBL Tune 230NCand Tune 130NC, which includes active noise cancellation (ANC) and provide up to 40 hours of battery life. 

“The all new True Wireless JBL Tune 230 NC and JBL 130 NC are the ideal customer delight earbuds, designed to mold into different needs and moods of the listener. JBL’s 75 years of legacy of creating unmatched customer experience intertwined with our innovative sound engineering adoption has inspired us to come up with these beauties. You want style, quality, convenience, noise cancellation, customization, attractive pricing. We have it all covered with JBL Tune 230 NC and JBL 130 NC,” said Vikram Kher, Vice President, Lifestyle, HARMAN India.

JBL Tune 230NC

  • Active noise cancelling and Smart Ambient with Ambient Aware and Talk Through features
  • 40 hours of playtime
  • Fast charge
  • IPX4 water and sweat resistant
  • JBL Pure Bass sound with making your very own Equalizer
  • TWS stick shape
  • 4-mic technology for crisp, clear calls
  • Voice assistant with built-in Google and Alexa voice assistants
  • Bluetooth 5.2 with Fast Pair enabled by Google
  • Dual Connect + Sync
  • Touch sensor

JBL Tune 130NC

  • Active noise cancelling and Smart Ambient with Ambient Aware and Talk Through features
  • 40 hours of playtime
  • Fast charge
  • IPX4 water and sweat resistant 
  • JBL Pure Bass sound with making your Equalizer characteristic
  • JBL Headphones App TWS bud shape 
  • 4-mic technology for crisp, clear calls 
  • Voice assistant with built-in Hey Google and Alexa
  • Bluetooth 5.2 with Fast Pai enabled through Google
  • Dual Connect + Sync
  • Touch sensor

The JBL Tune 130NC JBL Tune 230NC is priced at an inaugural offer of Rs.4,999 and Rs. 5,999. The three colour options available are Blue, Black and White. The sale started on May 3 across HARMAN brand stores, jbl.com and significant retail and online stores.

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