Category: News

Vivo Promises to Provide 3-Years of Android OS Update in X-Series phones

Who doesn’t like to have time to time updates for their smartphones? With every software update, your phone gets better. Last year Samsung announced that it would provide three generations of Android OS updates to its devices and hand over a list of about 40 devices that are eligible under its three-year updates’ pledge. Later, in the past month, HMD Global promised to offer two years of Android OS updates and three years of security updates to its Nokia X phones. The client inclined decision by Samsung and HMD Global gathered attention, which helped them gain more buyers.

With that aim and target, Vivo recently announced in a press statement its plan to offer three years of major Android OS updates for the future X series smartphones, an excellent move by Vivo to attract buyers. The update cycle includes three major Android updates and minor security upgrades for select Vivo X smartphones launched after July 2021. The company said in a press statement, the update thread will comprise the European, Australian, and Indian markets.

“Featuring top-of-the-line hardware, the X series flagship phones are built to last and we want to make sure that our customers get software support that lives up to their expectations. We always innovate with the user in mind. With this pledge, we are making a promise to our customers that they will be able to enjoy a premium smartphone experience for an extended period and continue to benefit from the latest software features” Yujian Shi, Senior Vice President and CTO of Vivo, said in a press meet when asked about the latest move by the company.

However, Vivo hasn’t disclosed the complete list of eligible models for the extended software updates, but the non-eligible ones will continue to receive regular Android security updates as planned. Three years of OS updates is a major improvement over the previously designed standard updates of two years. All the top smartphone manufacturers could extend it as much as four years in the future to stay up in the market and enhance the competition.

The announcement will undoubtedly create pressure on Oppo and OnePlus to follow Vivo’s example as all three of these smartphone manufacturers yield massive competition to each other. Currently, the OnePlus policy offers two years of Android version upgrades and three years of security updates, while Oppo provides two years of security updates and two generations of Android OS updates.

Furthermore, Vivo is yet to reveal details about its new X series phones. Although, the rumours suggested that the Vivo X70 Pro+ could be one of the forthcoming models. The smartphone is rumoured to have a 1/1.28-inch sensor supported by Zeiss optics and include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC, the successor to the Snapdragon 865-series chipset.

Everything We Know About The iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 is expected to launch in the second half of 2021, and we can’t wait anymore. Like always, there are a number of rumours about what Apple has in store for us, which gives us an overall rough idea about what to expect from the upcoming iPhone 13.

Apple’s chief Tim Cook revealed that the iPhone 12 was the most sold and popular smartphone in the series so far, which unquestionably raises expectations for the iPhone 13. Last year’s iPhone 12 family brought 5G connectivity, a refreshed design and a new powerful chipset. We’ve heard from the rumours that iPhone 13 will feature a trimmed down notch design and an in-display fingerprint sensor as the company focuses on refining the design and improving the internals. Apart from these, Apple is supposed to bring more powerful cameras that capture sharper photos and a bigger battery.

There are possible chances that Apple could name the 2021 iPhone lineup either the iPhone 12s or iPhone 13, but till all these things befall to us officially, let’s call it iPhone 13 and here’s everything we’ve heard from all different types of sources about the forthcoming iPhone 13.

Design, Touch ID & Ports:

After a substantial number of changes to design and features in the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 will likely remain nearly the same, but we can expect changes like a shrunken notch and Touch ID-based in-display fingerprint scanner in Apple’s next flagship phone. According to the Japanese site Mac Otakara, Apple will continue offering four iPhones in 2021 with the same size structure as the iPhone 12 family, but the thickness and weight could increase a little due to larger batteries. 

We could see significant changes in the camera lens position, like lenses arranged diagonally instead of a vertical design, but the device will continue to offer the same Wide and Ultra-Wide lenses along with powerful updates. Leaked dimensions have also shown that iPhone 13’s rear camera system will be considerably larger. 

The iPhone 13 models could feature a different matte finish on the outside and come in a matte black colour and stainless steel coating that reduces fingerprints marks. 

Apple is working on a Touch ID-based in-display fingerprint scanner, which would be made available in addition to Face ID, a convenient option for iPhone users who struggle to unlock their iPhones with facial recognition while wearing masks. Also, there were reports that Apple would introduce a portless iPhone in 2021 with no external ports or buttons, but it looks like that’s not going to happen very soon, as future iPhones are expected to continue the conventional lightning ports.

Display:

Multiple rumours suggested that the iPhone 13 lineup could feature a 120 HZ display, but only on two of the four iPhone 13 models. The two models with 120 Hz are expected to be the Pro models, which are the ones that are claimed to adopt ProMotion technology. 

The rumours also said that Samsung and LG would be the suppliers of LTPO OLED displays that will permit Apple to implement the 120Hz refresh rate in the 2021 iPhone models. Another major rumour in the pipeline is that the iPhone 13 screen might feature an Always-On display that will show a clock and battery charge level on a lock screen.

Chipset & Storage:

We can expect an A15 chip in the upcoming iPhone lineup, a successor to the very powerful A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12. The A15 chip will boost the overall performance and efficiency of the phone. On the storage front, we can expect the iPhone 13 to range from 64GB and 512GB, though some rumours suggested that Apple might skip the 64GB storage option in the iPhone 13 lineup and upgrade the maximum storage from 512 GB to 1 TB. Furthermore, the iPhone 13 is tipped to come with Wi-Fi 6E, an upgrade on the Wi-Fi 6 standard that will support even faster wireless speeds.

Price:

Current leaks do not provide any information about the iPhone 13 pricing, but it may come at a starting price of around Rs. 80,000, a slight increase compared to its predecessor. The second half of 2021 is yet to come, so expect many more leaks about the new iPhone until its launch.

Dogefather Elon Musk’s SpaceX Accepts Dogecoin, Names DOGE-1 As Upcoming Satellite

When CEO and founder of Tesla Motors, Elon Musk, appeared and hosted an episode of a television show Saturday Night Live last weekend, he joked about various things, from his son’s name to his strange tweets, but the one thing that affected the most to the world was his anticipation of the cryptocurrency, as he joked about Dogecoin being a hustle. Due to one short segment, the cryptocurrency crashed overnight and everybody owning a crypto investment got worried, but within 24 hours, Musk tweeted SpaceX launching a Dogecoin-funded satellite to the Moon, and now, everybody is in awe.

Elon Musk, who holds a history of strange tweets, has been tweeting about the SpaceX mission and Dogecoin, but most people considered and treated it as a meme, and now for the first time, he mentioned the commercial rocket company accepting the meme-inspired cryptocurrency dogecoin as payment.

The mastermind behind the design of SpaceX said the satellite DOGE-1 would be the first crypto and the first meme in space. The DOGE-1 is a CubeSat intended to acquire ‘Lunar-spatial intelligence’ using onboard cameras and sensors. It’s being sent and paid for by a Geometric Energy Corporation company, and it’ll fly beyond the earth on a Falcon 9 rocket in the first quarter of 2022.

Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that started off as a goofy meme, is invented by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, who determined to create a payment system that is fun and free from traditional banking fees.

Elon Musk-led Electric carmaker Tesla Inc bought $1.5 billion worth of bitcoin in February and would soon accept it as a form of payment for its electric cars. After vouching for Bitcoin, Elon Musk now supports Dogecoin cryptocurrency, and he’s been tweeting about Dogecoin memes and referring to himself as the Dogefather.

Earlier, right after Musk describes Dogecoin as a hustle in Saturday Night Live show, the value of Dogecoin crashed severely, but when he tweeted late on Sunday about SpaceX is now accepting the cryptocurrency Dogecoin to launch an upcoming satellite named DOGE-1 to the Moon, caused the price of Dogecoin to grow by more than 30 percent immediately. Previously this year, Elon Musk tweeted ‘a literal dogecoin on the literal moon’, which also created a buzz and the price shoot up briefly.

Other details on the DOGE-1 mission, including exactly what it will do in lunar orbit, have not yet been released. However, about the Dogecoin cryptocurrency, what started as a joke is now anything but nearly 113 billion mined coins.

Indian Motorcycle to bring Chief Line up in India

 

In 1921, Indian Motorcycle unveiled the iconic Indian Chief, one of the most historic and influential motorcycles. Now, in celebration of 100 years, America’s first motorcycle company is all set to bring an entirely new line-up of Chief in India.

Combining iconic, American V-twin style with modern performance and technology, Indian Motorcycle has designed the new Chief with a simplistic and mechanical aesthetic that pays homage to the glory days of American motorcycling. Indian motorcycle’s iconic Chief is expected to make its debut in the 2nd quarter of 2021 and capture the Indian market with its looks and performance.

All the models are based on a timeless, simplistic steel-tube frame powered by Indian Motorcycle’s powerful Thunderstroke motor; the new Indian Chief, Indian Chief Bobber and Indian Super Chief will offer three unique takes the classic American V-twin, each appealing to a slightly different rider.

Speaking about the new lineup, Mr Lalit Sharma, Country Manager, Polaris India Pvt. Ltd. said, “What could be the best way to celebrate the 100 iconic years of the Indian Chief than to introduce our iconic new lineup of Chief in India?” We look forward to bringing in a new lineup of motorcycles for Indian bike lovers. We are very optimistic that the new lineup will be a huge success for our Indian range of motorcycles.”

The new Indian Chief lineup marks the intersection of simplicity and power. Mechanical and simple; Chief models are based on a classic steel welded tube frame. The lineup features a four-gallon fuel tank, bobbed rear fender, dual outboard preload-adjustable rear shocks, dual exhaust, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and Pirelli Night Dragon tyres. Along with cruise control, Chief riders can adjust their throttle response by choosing three ride modes: sport, standard or tour.

Featuring a short wheelbase of 64-inches, a low seat height of 26-inches and a wet weight as low as 670 pounds, the Indian Chief lineup inspires confidence and is approachable for any rider. The Chief’s conventional 46mm front forks with 5.2-inches of travel, 28.5-degree lean angle, and comfortable ergonomics, create a capable machine for even the most technical ride routes.

Top riders will have access to over 80 accessories, including parts designed explicitly for Chief models, as well as several existing pieces available for Scout and Thunderstroke models. Indian Motorcycle’s accessory line has been designed to enhance performance, personalise the style and add rider comfort.

Ducati India updates Scrambler family with new, BSVI models

Ducati India today announced the launch of the all-new Ducati  Scramblers in India. The MY21 Scrambler range for India now includes Scrambler Icon, Icon Dark and 1100 Dark Pro at Rs 8.49 Lakh, Rs 7.99 Lakh, and Rs 10.99 Lakh respectively (Ex-Showroom Pan India) respectively. The new series is more contemporary, comfortable, and safer, and further enriches and completes the Scrambler ‘Land of  Joy’ in India.

The Ducati Scrambler Joyvolution continues with the arrival of three new versions: Scrambler Icon, which is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, Scrambler Icon Dark, which represents the ideal gateway “800”  range, and Scrambler 1100 Dark Pro, which is elegant, pure and an utterly customisable bike. For MY21, all the bikes in the Ducati Scrambler family become compliant with BS6 norms.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India, said, “The Scrambler range has always been a favourite amongst our customers and is the bestselling model range in India. It’s easy riding nature,  oodles of character, and accessible everyday performance make it a great bike for beginners and enthusiasts.  Scrambler Icon and Icon Dark, which are now BS6 compliant, also get a retuned suspension setup which makes it ideal for daily use. I am certain that the new as well as seasoned riders will appreciate these changes. For the purists, we are also launching the Scrambler 1100 Dark Pro, which takes the elements that make the Scrambler range such a joy to ride, a notch above. The reinforced chassis and the Dark Stealth paint job makes the 1100 Dark Pro as good to look at as it is to ride. We can’t wait for people to try our first offerings for 2021 that are meant to be ridden hard, and ridden far!”

On the Scrambler Icon, modern yet authentic materials are combined to perfection. The Scrambler Icon version incorporates the new aesthetics. It is loaded with features including a BS6 803 cc air-cooled L-twin engine, steel teardrop fuel tank with interchangeable aluminium side panels, softer-feel hydraulic clutch control, all-new DRL (Daytime Running Light) headlight which boosts bike visibility in traffic and ergonomic switchgear which makes it easier for the rider to scroll through the menu.

The Ducati Scrambler’s wide handlebars, flat seats and renewed suspension set-up merge to provide a more comfortable and relaxed riding position. The new Cornering ABS maximises active safety while braking, ensuring riders get full-on riding fun.

Riders will also appreciate the new Multimedia System which lets you ride while listening to your favourite music,  answer incoming calls or chat with the passenger on the intercom. The Ducati Scrambler Icon is now available in  “Ducati Red” paint scheme alongside the classic “62 yellow” colour with black frame and black seat.

The Scrambler Icon Dark represents the essentiality of this iconic family of motorcycles: two wheels, wide handlebars, a simple engine and lots and lots of fun. Scrambler Icon Dark is the perfect gateway to the “800”  range, as well as the ideal starting point for creating a personal version of your Ducati Scrambler experience. The  Scrambler Icon Dark is now available in “Matt Black” paint scheme with black frame and black seat with grey trim.

Furthermore, the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Dark PRO represents the entry model to the “Land of Joy” 1100 range. An elegant, pure and utterly customisable bike, characterised by the “Dark Stealth” livery, combined with a tubular steel frame and rear subframe in aluminium, both black. The 1100 Dark PRO has the same iconic and original design as the other two models in the range. Still, it differs from its “big brothers,” in the form of a matt black colour with parts in natural anodised aluminium and rear-view mirrors of classic style. Made to fully transmit some typical elements of the Ducati Scrambler brand, such as purity, essentiality and a sense of freedom, the 1100 Dark  PRO is the right bike to get on the saddle and conquer every road with oodles of style and character.

The Scrambler 1100 Dark PRO incorporates a 1,079 cc engine characterised by a generous torque available from low revs and a 15-litre tank that allows you to tackle even the longest journeys with comfort. In terms of electronics, the new entry of the “Land of Joy” is equipped with Ducati Traction Control (DTC), specially calibrated for this model, and Cornering ABS, which guarantees maximum safety and agility in all types of turns. In addition to that, the three standard Riding Modes (Active, Journey and City) help less experienced motorcyclists to find the right balance in the use of electronic components, choosing their riding style.

While the 2021 models offer a solid starting point, the original Ducati accessories will further enhance the Ducati Scrambler’s creative spirit, which is available at Ducati stores. The Scrambler range also comes with a new apparel line-up which ranges from jackets to t-shirts and ensures that the new motorcycles are enjoyed in style.  Based on the Scrambler line-up, Ducati India already sells the Scrambler 1100 Pro and Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro in India.

Considering the need for the hour, Ducati also started the Ducati Cares Program to welcome customers again to the dealerships and ensure that all safety protocols related to COVID are met at its stores. Bookings for the new Scramblers are now open across all Ducati dealerships in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad,  Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kochi, Kolkata and Chennai and deliveries will begin by 28th January 2021.

Mercedes-Benz launches the 2021 GLC in India

Mercedes-Benz today launched the 2021 GLC in India with updates to connected car technology and better comfort and driving assistance. The ‘Mercedes me connect’ technology gets a host of additional feature enrichment. These feature enhancements in the 2021 GLC will help maintain its lead in the mid-size luxury SUV  segment and offer customers a compelling choice in the form of a fully loaded, connected luxury  SUV.

The 2021 GLC is available in both GLC 200 and GLC 220d variants and combines outstanding on and off-road driving characteristics with spaciousness, practicality and comfort. It is an illustration of excellent artisanship of high-quality materials, in combination with a classy and authentic design that attracts immediate attention. Targeted towards tech-savvy urban dwellers and adrenaline seekers, the GLC is one of the most suitable products for them. With 2021 GLC, Mercedes-Benz is introducing two new shades in the GLC colour palette. They are ‘Brilliant Blue’ and ‘High Tech Silver’.

Martin Schwenk, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The GLC has remained a key pillar of our SUV offence and has been the single highest-selling SUV in our portfolio last year. With 2021 GLC, we now offer a technology superior, feature enriched fully loaded mid-size SUV, which has raised the benchmark for tech, comfort and convenience in the segment significantly. The new intuitive Mmc technology, MBUX Telematics with Hey  Mercedes and new features create a comfortable and best-in car experience. As a customer-centric brand, it remains our endeavour to constantly offer new products and technology that benefit the customers and create a delightful ownership experience. We are confident, with the  technology and feature enrichment, the GLC will continue its customer preference and extend  its lead in the premium mid-size SUV segment.”

Key feature and technology enrichments of the 2021 GLC:

All-digital Instrument Display:

The digital instrument display with a choice of styles like “Classic”, “Progressive” and “Sporty”  provides information, which is important to the driver. The 31.2 cm (12.3-inch) display delivers a pin-sharp image, which is very easy to read in all light conditions. In all styles, the instrument display is divided into different areas. In each case, the driver can adjust these individually to suit their requirements using the various settings options. In this way, they always have a  precise view of what is important to them while they are driving.

Front massage seats:

Introducing in its product portfolio, front massage seats make the journey all the more pleasant. Individually adjustable air chambers adjust just like a tailor-made suit. When you adjust the backrest bolsters so that they are particularly firm, it improves lateral support for sporty driving manoeuvres. The air chambers in the lumbar area can also alternately inflate and deflate, giving a massage with a pulsating effect. The massage functions are adjustable via the media display.

Parking Package with 360° camera:

Parking Assist with 360° camera makes it easier for the driver to manoeuvre effortlessly and park with precision. Thanks to the 360° camera the driver can have a view from every angle around the vehicle. The virtual bird’s-eye view is a smart way to show where the car stands. The combination of the reversing camera and three additional cameras provides the driver with all-round visibility: so you can see the surroundings in front of, alongside and behind your vehicle, on the media display.

Remote Engine Start

With the “Mercedes me” app on the phone, the customers can remotely start the engine, for air-conditioning before the start of their journey. Customers will also be able to track the location of the vehicle, remotely lock or unlock, remotely flash the headlamps, and use the horn to find it in the parking lot. Customers can also open or close windows and sunroof remotely from the app, set speed alerts for other users and enjoy a plethora of other connected services.

Featuring 2021 Mercedes me connect with Alexa, Google Home integration and Parking  location on navigation system

Any conversation with Alexa promises to be more fun as the systems connect with customers  Mercedes Benz via the cloud and provide a real-time update. This feature can be used from an Alexa Echo device set up at the home, office or also from phone’s Alexa App. Some examples that you can  command, “Alexa, Ask Mercedes to lock the car” or “Alexa, Ask Mercedes to start the engine.” Or  “Alexa, Ask Mercedes when is my service due?”

Google Home users can also use Google Home voice assistance with Mercedes me connect. Similarly, once the Mercedes me connect is linked to Google Home, you can start issuing  commands like “Hey Google, ask Mercedes where is my car” or “Ok Google, ask Mercedes to remind  me to buy flowers”

Another introduction is the new Parking solution POIs (Points of interest) across different parts of the cities. One can easily spot a parking lot with the help of the vehicle’s navigation system or even with the maps section on the Mercedes me App.

ViewSonic India and Ingram Micro boost Indian LCD technology

ViewSonic Corp. recently collaborated with Ingram Micro for the exclusive distribution of ViewSonic’s LCD monitors in the Indian market.

The LCD monitor business in India is at a matured state and high-end professionals and gaming professionals have been the key players in fostering its growth. Mr Eric Wei – Senior Director, Asia Pacific ViewSonic said, “We are glad to cooperate with Ingram Micro, a reputed national distributor, to jointly develop business in India. With Ingram’s strength and ViewSonic’s advantage, I believe we can create the value and share the value with partners and customers. Then eventually make life more convenient and make business more efficient.”

“We are excited to expand our offerings from ViewSonic to their LCD business. This partnership further strengthens the relationship between the two organizations and gives an opportunity to offer LCD monitors to our channel partners. It complements our existing portfolio. The best-in-class products from ViewSonic and Ingram Micro’s wide channel footprint will be mutually beneficial to both the organizations in advancing the business”, said Mr Sanjay Achawal, Executive Director, Ingram Micro India.

Commenting on the association with Ingram Micro, Mr Sanjoy Bhattacharya, IT Business Head, ViewSonic India said, “We are happy to welcome Ingram Micro as National distributor for ViewSonic range of LCD monitors in India. Ingram Micro is India’s largest distributor, and they have a vast product portfolio of computer peripherals/hardware, with ViewSonic monitor they have completed the basket.”

He also added, “ViewSonic is a global leading display brand with a futuristic product line up. I am sure this association will do wonders and together we give the best display solution to the Indian consumer & commercial customers.”

The exclusive distribution partnership with Ingram Micro will strengthen ViewSonic’s LCD business in India. The company has been steady in developing ergonomically designed LCDs in pursuit with the latest technology and best in class smart features for its end users. In this year, ViewSonic will be adding new and innovative products in its portfolio compelling with its end customers. This sole partner will ease the distribution process benefiting both. Ingram Micro has commenced its business with ViewSonic from 1st January 2021.

BLADE India helicopters set to soar Karnataka skies with their charter services

BLADE India, a pioneer in urban air mobility, today announced the launch of its services in Karnataka. After a hugely successful launch of its by-the-seat services in Maharashtra (Mumbai-Pune-Shirdi) and its personalised charter service, BLADE Anywhere, the company is all set to expand its unique and differentiated urban air mobility offerings in the Karnataka region. With air travel reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and travellers increasingly sceptical of crowded spaces, BLADE’s personalised charter services address the need of the hour by providing a more exclusive, hassle-free and convenient travelling option for consumers.

BLADE will currently offer charter services anywhere within Karnataka to both leisure and religious destinations such as Coorg, Kabini, Chikmagalur and Hampi, and will gradually move towards ‘by-the-seat’ offerings as well.

A joint venture between USA’s BLADE Urban Air Mobility, Inc. and Hunch Ventures, BLADE India’s precision-engineered crafts and refined services are a natural extension of its international pedigree of success, style, and safety.  BLADE’s expansion into the South India market is well-timed with consumers emerging out of a lull in travel and at the same time grappling with concerns over safety and hygiene issues related to flying.

On entering the Karnataka market Karanpal Singh, Founder, Hunch Ventures and BLADE India says, “BLADE is an urban air mobility company designed to connect locations more efficiently. BLADE Anywhere is our personalised charter service that will allow customers to fly safely and conveniently. Going forward, we are working with the relevant stakeholders to bring in our by-the-seat services to various locations in and around Karnataka.”

BLADE operates from a network of vertiports (helipads and lounges) out of several city centres in India. Initially, it started charter services from various pickup locations within Bengaluru to places such as the Evolve Back, Coorg and The Serai.

“It is wonderful to hear about “BLADE Anywhere” in Karnataka and we at Evolve Back eagerly look forward to the launch. There is a definite need from our high-end clientele for these short-haul helicopter services and will definitely be a big boost for tourism (both Domestic and Foreign) to our destinations at Coorg, Kabini & Hampi,” says Thomas Emmanuel Ramapuram, Joint Director – Sales at Evolve Back.

The company flies from strategically located vertiports from multiple locations connecting them as part of the solution.  It currently offers charter flight options and will soon begin by-the-seat option as well to various destinations in Karnataka as well as Intra-City flights in Bengaluru to reduce daily friction from traffic and in turn improve quality of life.  BLADE has implemented industry-leading health and safety protocols designed by BLADE USA, keeping in mind safety and sensitisation as its priority. Contactless temperature checks, staff to wear masks and gloves during travel and the fleet being electrostatically decontaminated using an airline-grade fogging system before take-off and after landing are few measures taken.

Flight schedules, rosters and various other BLADE services are accessible on the BLADE India website upon signing up and their mobile application BLADE; available for iOS and Android.

HP introduces esports scholarship at OMEN FanFest 2020

 

HP India today announced the inaugural ‘esports Gold Quest’ scholarships at the OMEN FanFest 2020, in support of the rise of PC Gaming culture in India. The ‘esports Gold Quest” scholarship is a program that will provide gamers with the necessary financial support, equipment, skills, and exposure to help them in their quest to compete on the global stage and become future esports stars. 

With esports becoming a global phenomenon, HP recognizes the need to provide Indian talent with the right set of tools and guidance to compete at the world stage and bring the country its recognition in esports. The esports Gold Quest scholarships will select three applicants and will offer them an annual scholarship worth Rs 12 lacs each, which will include a full esports kit from OMEN, a monthly salary of 50k and an international training stint. 

The scholarship will be open to Indian applicants in the 16 – 20-year age group. The nationwide talent hunt program for selection will roll out in Jan 2021 with final selections in June 2021.

With gaming breaking down boundaries and merging seamlessly with popular culture, a platform was needed to showcase its rise. The OMEN FanFest accomplishes this by bringing together influential figures in the world of esports, contemporary culture and gaming enthusiasts on a common stage, and celebrates PC gaming in a manner never seen before. 

Ketan Patel – Managing Director, HP India Market said, “Gaming and esports are among the fastest-growing competitive pursuits in India and globally. It is a stage on which Indian talent has the potential to compete with the best in the globe. As a market leader, we are working towards making the gaming ecosystem more inclusive for everyone, fueling the passion for gaming, and providing a launchpad for budding esports talent in the country. The scholarship program announced today is in line with our philosophy of ‘Play to Progress’ and we hope to see champions at the world stage from India soon.”

As a confluence of gaming and popular culture, the OMEN FanFest will bring together some of the biggest names in the world of esports and entertainment. These include Tirth Mehta, India’s first esports medalist; Ulrich Schulze, SVP, Product  Management at ESL; Akshat Rathee, MD & Founder, NODWIN gaming, Abish Mathew- Standup Comic and other enthusiast gamers among many more. 

The OMEN FanFest will also feature a contest that will offer participants the chance to become the fifth member of the HP OMEN Squad – which brings together people of diverse origins with one unifying goal to merge gaming with mainstream culture. Current members of the OMEN Squad include esports pro gamer Hellranger, professional live streamer Manasvini, gamer and content creator Ocean Sharma and stand-up comic Abish Mathew.

To further enhance the gaming ecosystem, HP is also announcing the ‘OMEN Crib’ – an entire gaming setup designed for the ultimate gameplay experience. The OMEN Crib comprises a dual monitor desk, keyboard, headset, mouse, mousepad, speakers and the OMEN gaming chair – all in a minimalist but stylish package. 

Gamers stand a chance to win one OMEN Crib every week through a contest all through December exclusively on Flipkart.

The OMEN FanFest follows the recent unveiling of the brand-new range of OMEN laptops and accessories, updates to OMEN Command Center, and the HP Pavilion gaming 16. The OMEN range offers “First of its kind” hardware technologies in the industry enabling Gameplay experience to the next level and offers unmatched power without any compromise. OMEN and Pavilion PCs, and accessories provide an immersive experience to the gamers helping them stay connected, relaxed, and entertained while at home.

Government of India bans PUBG Mobile along with 118 other Chinese apps

In a bid to further restrict Chinese influence over India, the Indian government has banned 118 apps along with the popular massively online battle royale game, PUBG Mobile. This move has also been taken in light of the fresh tension over China’s provocation in Ladakh.

Some reports suggest that there are close to 33 million active PUBG players in India, along with 13 million daily users. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has banned the mobile game and other apps under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act on grounds that  “they are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, the security of the state and public order.”

There are also many other popular games and apps on the list of banned apps. These include Cyber Hunter, Knives Out, LifeAfter, APUS launcher, Baidu, AppLock, and Alipay. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs has also sent an exhaustive recommendation for blocking these malicious apps. Likewise, there have been similar bipartisan concerns, flagged by various public representatives, both outside and inside the Parliament of India. There has been a strong chorus in the public space to take strict action against apps that harm India’s sovereignty as well as the privacy of citizens.

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