Category: Tips and Tricks

Top 3 Video Calling Apps

With the pandemic and the lockdown, so many new ways of working, working out, socializing and dating have emerged! Even though the way we do things have changed, our primary goal remains the same; no matter what ‘The Show Must Go On’. There are some really good guys that thought of some really good apps way before this pandemic was even a thing. These apps weren’t as much in use back then as they’re now. Thanks to the techies who had a vision of a solution when doomsday arrives. 

Here we go with 3 apps that you absolutely need for meetings and socializing to save yourself from the clutches of a gloomy lockdown! 

1. Zoom

Now there’s a very important meeting which can’t be postponed and the pandemic can be postponed too but Zoom is that place where there’s absolutely no need to postpone! It can be used for a call between friends and partners as much as it can for business meetings! It’s literally time to zoom in because the world is getting smaller more than ever. 

Why choose Zoom? 

  • It’s absolutely free to use. 
  • No complicated processes.
  • Can be used on your phone, tab or on your laptop. Supported by Windows and Mac, both.
  • The screen sharing feature lets you work while you talk! 
    Also allows local recording. 

Keep in mind that:

Calls on the basic plan can be no longer than 40 minutes. 

 

2.Skype

Here’s all the hype around Skype! 

Microsoft has always been ahead of the times and Skype has been around for so long that most of you were probably yet to hit teenage when it was rolled out. One of the very first to execute the concept of video calling and screen sharing, Skype is that forgotten hero that has risen from the ashes again! 

Why choose Skype?

  • Its been around for so long because of which the UI is familiar.
  • Available for up to 10-way calling!
  • Easy to connect and good video quality. 

Keep in mind that:

Most of the advanced features are only available if you’ve taken up a premium subscription.

 

3. Google Meet

Wait what? One word that was important just got dropped. The journey from Google Hangouts Meet to Google Meet has brought about some improvements but hangouts was a cool word. Don’t you think? 

Alright, so if you use a lot of Google apps (Most of us do), then this is going to be a cakewalk. You create a meeting in Google Calendar, your family, friends, colleagues or whoever was sent the email for this meeting gets the link. They only need to click the link and Voila! They’re on the screen! 

Why choose Google Meet?  

  • Its so well integrated with all your other Google apps that you won’t need to leave the call if you want to share a file from the drive or open an email while on call.
  • You can start a call directly from Gmail! 
  • There’s a live captioning feature!

Keep in mind that:

Your dream to see a seamless video experience with Google Meet without the glitches and ungraceful transitions in a bad network environment is still just that, a dream. So, if the video quality is a huge deal for you, you might not enjoy your meet on Meet. Just saying. 

 

Now all of these are good with minor shortcomings, of course. Which one you choose will depend on what’s your agenda, who the call is with and what you’re willing to compromise on when it comes to features. We are still in awe of how far technology has come. Look how we have touched the Sky(pe) and ZOOMed into a world beyond the world to (Google) MEET our goals. 

How to Install Android 11 on your Smartphone

The Android 11 Developer Preview is out and we can’t even! First things first. If you have a compatible pixel Smartphone then you can get it right now. You’re all excited and waiting for the steps involved but a word of caution here. This is a beta version so expect a lot of bugs and incomplete features. Also, if anything goes wrong, your device might go Kaput. So, while you have all the anticipation of the great stuff it has to offer, be also aware of the risks you’re taking. It is advisable to try this on your second device. We advise you against downloading android 11 on your main Smartphone. 

Which Android phones are compatible for Android 11?

  • Google Pixel 2
  • Google Pixel 2 XL
  • Google Pixel 3
  • Google Pixel 3 XL
  • Google Pixel 3a
  • Google Pixel 3a XL
  • Google Pixel 4
  • Google Pixel 4 XL

If you own any of these smartphones, you can go ahead with downloading Android 11. Here’s how you can do that. 

  1. Enable the developer options on your Pixel smartphone. How to do that? Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 10 times. This enables the developer options for your android phone.
  2. Go back and tap System > Advanced > Developer options. Enable OEM unlocking here. After that, scroll down and enable USB debugging.
  3. Now for the work on your computer. Open Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge version 79 or above, and visit the Android developer preview website.
  4. If you’re using a Windows 10 computer, download the Google USB Driver for Windows for the flashing process. No additional drivers are needed for Mac.
  5. Connect your phone to your computer and on the Android developer, preview website click on the Android Flash Tool Link next to your device name.
  6. Click OK on the pop-up page that asks for permission. On your android phone, tap ‘allow’ for USB debugging. This will authenticate your device and your smartphone is now connected. In case your phone isn’t connected, click on Add New Device > a pop-up will appear, click on your phone’s name > click Connect. Tap Allow on the pop-up on your android phone. Your phone is now connected.
  7. After your phone is connected, click on the box where your phone’s name appears. On the next page you’ll see the pencil icon that you need to click, next to Selected Build. Here you will be able to enable the Lock Bootloader option if you want to ensure that your phone’s bootloader is locked once the process is finished. And it’s finally time to hit install!
  8. You’ll now be asked to avoid interacting with your phone. Confirm and click ‘I Accept’.
  9. You’ll be asked to Factory reset your phone. Click ‘yes’ on your computer and Tap ‘Allow’ on your android phone.
  10. Your Smartphone will now reboot to its bootloader screen. You’ll also see the current status of your phone on your computer screen.
  11. While waiting you might see a pop-up on the computer screen asking you to reselect your device. This is a possibility if you’re flashing your phone for the first time. Click ‘Reselect device’. You’ll see another pop-up. Click Android > Connect > you’ll see one more pop-up asking you to unlock the bootloader, click Start.
  12. On your phone’s screen, navigate to unlock the bootloader with the volume keys and select it by hitting the power button. The Android 11 download will now start. You can track the progress on your computer’s screen.
  13. Once Android 11 is downloaded and finished installing, you’ll be asked to lock your phone’s bootloader. Click Start and select ‘Lock the Bootloader’ on your smartphone. Navigate with the volume keys and select by clicking the power button. Lastly, tap done on your computer’s screen.
  14. Now you have to wait till your phone reboots. Once this is done, your computer shows a message that reads ‘Software successfully updated’. (Yayyy!!) You can then start setting up your device and unplug it from the computer.

Now that your device is set up, you now have a Pixel phone that runs Android 11 along with the latest security patch!

These steps might look like they’re a lot of work but believe it or not, the whole process is really simple. Once you download Android 11, you can enjoy testing it out! Are there any bugs? Are the features good? We will be happy to know from you! After all, you’re the early birds to enjoy Android 11 right now. Throw some light on what can be expected. We are waiting! 

GoPro App Integrates Quik App to Enhance Mobile Editing Experience

GoPro’s new app update will now combine Quik, a free video-editing app into a single app structure. By this way, GoPro can help you view, edit and share it faster and fresher with its new GoPro app update. Previously GoPro distributes two separate apps for iOS and Android. The GoPro app connects with a GoPro action camera, while the Quik app can edit the video. The new update introduces a fresh visual design, improved storytelling tools and enhanced filter capabilities, all powered by a revving new software engine.

GoPro app users will immediately notice design updates, from a visual refresh and a more modern UI to a more intuitive navigation. The update also bring users the more than 20 filter options and the option to apply multiple filter types within the same multi-clip video.

The GoPro app update offers additional creative flex by removing draft limitations of the previous editing model. Now QuikStory video will remain in an always-editable format so changes can be done any time.

From today, GoPro app users can get the new update and experience the benefits of the merge with Quik. The GoPro’s roadmap for the one-app experience is rich with improvements, including single clip editing to unlock a full editing suite for single clips, new themes to make your photos and videos look more like the content that GoPro produces, and expanded platforms for integrating third-party content into GoPro edits.

 

Best Travel Cameras

With the innovation in technology, capturing photos has become our daily necessities. Any great camera can make an ideal companion, but there are certain factors to look that make camera ideal for travel. Sometimes depending on your smartphone camera for long-range shots is never a good idea. Therefore, cameras come in different forms, those include DSLRs, action camera, compact digital cameras. All of them offers a different type of features and capabilities for different types of environment.

>> SIZE AND PORTABILITY

Perhaps the size and portability are one of the most important features of a travel camera. No one likes to carry a bulky camera while on a travel. A bulky camera can be difficult to manage and there might be a great chance of damage. To tackle the issue, the compact camera form factor would be the ideal choice.

>> FLEXIBILITY/DURABILITY

Travel photography comes with its own challenges. Waterproof cameras that can capture underwater shots; shockproof cameras that can survive a drop from a cliff. But, those so-called travel cameras always sacrifice one of the important criteria, the image quality. Best cameras are those that are flexible enough to be used effectively in multiple situations with great image output.

>> MEGAPIXELS

It’s a common assumption that more megapixel can make the images looks better. This isn’t true, but that depends on size of the sensor. However more megapixels on a large sensor will give you the highest detail and allow you to crop without losing quality. The best travel cameras need to have great image quality for those once in a lifetime sights you see on a holiday

>> WIFI/BLUETOOTH SUPPORT

In today’s generation, sharing travel images becomes an important part of our social life. While most cameras can’t share images on your favourite social sites, but they do come equipped with Bluetooth and WiFi support, allowing you to transfer your photos instantly to your computer or smartphone.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO CAPTURE?

Before you invest on the best travel camera, you must first list down your requirements. Every camera has its own strengths and weakness. While some camera offers superzoom, other offers waterproof and rugged-proof. It’s all depends on your needs. I’ve tried to whittle down all the many choices out there to a few solid options, based on my real-world experience.

1. GOPRO HERO6 BLACK

The GoPro Hero 6 Black is undoubtedly the best action camera on the market and my personal favourite. GoPro can capture insane high-quality images even when you are a speeding motorbike, thanks to its Electronic Image Stabilization(EIS). This travel camera shoots insane ultra HD videos at 60 frames per second and has a huge range of accessories that can mount your GoPro to pretty much anything.

2. SONY RX100 MARK V

The Sony RX100 Mark V is my favourite point & shoot camera. This powerful compact camera can simply take sharp photos and video. We can also call it a “Professional” compact camera. The camera module has a built-in Zeiss lens with a f/1.8 aperture, allowing more light to enter into the sensor and no visual noise, even in extremely low-light situations. The camera is compact and lightweight, which is a big plus for travellers hiking up on a mountain or travel around a busy city street.

 

3. FUJIFILM X-E3

The Fujifilm X-E3 is lighter than many other mirrorless cameras. The X-E3 has a 24-megapixel APS-C X-Trans III sensor and the X-Processor Pro image signal processor. The 3.0-inch LCD monitor is touch-enabled which supports the conventional “Touch Shot”, “Touch AF” and “Focus Area Selection” capabilities. It can track moving subject and capable to record up to 4K video using the X series famous Film simulation modes.

 

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