Category: Tech

HP Envy x360 2-in-1: HP’s Obedient Middle Child

Ultrabooks aren’t new in the portable computing device game, and HP is constantly spoiling us with options. One such option is the new HP Envy 15 x360. It perfectly fits between the budget pavilion series and the flagship spectre series of laptops. It starts at ₹92,000, but let’s see if it can justify that hefty price and who it’s for. 

Design:

HP has always nailed design, if there’s anyone that competes with the Macbook’s design without blatantly copying them, it’s them. The Envy has a premium metallic finish on the chassis and a glossy screen supported by reassuring hinges. It also passed our 1 hand lift test. Unlike the competition, the included zenvo rechargeable pen fits snugly onto the right side of the frame in its dedicated space using magnets. From the trackpad placement to the tactile keyboard, everything is perfect. The keys are backlit and sized perfectly. Secondly, the 360 degree hinge allows for a lie flat usage scenario. The rechargeable pen is cherry on top for presentations and smooth scrolling. Port Selection is decent but could’ve been better, the only reason I say that is because the 2 type C thunderbolt ports are on the right side, which causes slight hindrance while plugging it in. You get USB-A, USB Type-C, 3.5mm jack, HDMI and an SD card reader.


Display:

4K is the new 1080p

The 15 inch 1080p display is enough but a 4K or atleast QHD offering would have helped set the Envy apart from its competition easily. You can however, get an AMOLED by paying more but then you end up in last year’s spectre territory. That being said, the IMAX Enhanced tuning really helps create an immersive content viewing experience when paired with the B&O speakers. Since the display is touch enabled and the hinge allows for a 360 rotation, the Envy also doubles up as a tablet. Speaking of using it as a tablet, the IR enabled webcam is really crisp, one of the best ones in a windows machine. HP also offers a physical shutter for the camera to create a sense of privacy. 

Performance:

This ultrabook does great at what ultrabooks are expected to do and this one even manages to perform decently at tasks that a high performance laptop does best. Essentially, the 13th gen Intel Evo i5-1335U is great at handling multitasking and processor intensive tasks but combined with the Iris Xe graphics I feel it’s not the best for gaming or video editing. The ideal workload for this machine is for apps that have high CPU and high RAM usage but low GPU usage, coding for instance or even the common 20+ tabs open at the same time while making a PPT whilst watching Netflix workload. The speakers deliver crisp and loud audio although no Windows laptop can ever compete with the Macbook’s speakers, which even manages to deliver decent bass with the aforementioned aspects. Allow me to knit-pick for a moment but ultrabooks are all about convenience and nothing screams convenience like a fingerprint scanner, which the Envy misses out on. However, windows hello face recognition partially makes up for this. Oh well, maybe next year’s model will have it.



Battery Life:

Best I’ve seen in an HP. Basic web browsing and content consumption can easily be done for 8-9 hours without plugging in. HP has managed to pack a 55 Wh battery in this slim chassis which makes it one of the few windows machines with exceptional battery life. It also supports fast charging via both thunderbolt ports so you can carry a lighter USB PD charger as an alternative to the bulky type-C 65W adapter that comes in the box.



Verdict:

Anybody who’s top 3 priorities from a work machine are: Portability, a touchscreen display with a pen and good battery life should keep the HP Envy 15 at the top of their list. For folks who want more in terms of performance, I suggest looking at other work horses. For everybody else including avid content watchers and college students, it doesn’t get better than this, unless of course you start looking at the Spectre series. 

 

Rating: ★★★★

The Smartphone Takeover – GSMA’s 4.3 Billion Milestone

The charming pages of the GSM Association’s Mobile Internet Connectivity Report for 2023 unfurls a resounding 4.3 billion individuals, a commanding 55% of our planet’s population, now cradle smartphones in their palms, traversing the digital landscape. The data echoes the footsteps of 4.6 billion mobile internet users, and an impressive four billion of them dance to the rhythm of this digital symphony through the screens of their smartphones.

Yet, amid this spectacular global embrace of the digital age, the GSMA’s report paints a picture of contrasting landscapes. In North America, East Asia, and the Pacific, a remarkable 69% of smartphone owners wield 4G-enabled devices, while in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa, the majority of users still tether their digital aspirations to steadfast 3G connectivity. It’s a tapestry of access where the digital divide persists as a prominent thread.

This surge in mobile internet usage doesn’t come as a surprise, but it’s crucial to note that approximately 3.4 billion souls remain unconnected, yearning for their digital awakening. GSMA’s discerning eye spots a global quirk: 38% of the world’s population resides in areas graced with mobile broadband but chooses not to partake in the digital feast. The connectivity chasm yawns wider in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where 59% and 52% of the population have yet to set sail on the digital ocean.

A striking revelation from the report highlights the 600 million souls, a solid 8% of humanity, who still navigate the digital realm through the portals of feature phones, as if tethered to a bygone era. In this era of endless digital possibilities, the barriers that impede further expansion of this digital voyage include the challenges of digital skills, literacy, safety concerns, and the scarcity of pertinent content – all acting as invisible dams restraining the full potential of smartphone users.

As Mats Granryd, the visionary Director General of GSMA, boldly states, the deprivation of connectivity casts a long shadow, darkening the doors of billions and blocking access to vital services and pathways to economic prosperity. The impact is uneven, affecting the marginalized, the less educated, rural communities, and women with unequal force.

With the looming spectres of a cost-of-living crisis and the surge in climate-related emergencies, Mats Granryd raises a clarion call, urging the world to unite in accelerating digital inclusion, demolishing barriers, and halting the digital divide’s relentless expansion. The symphony of the digital age beckons all to partake, offering the promise of empowerment, equality, and enlightenment to all who heed its call.

Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell Service Offers Texting in 2024, Voice and Data in 2025

SpaceX’s Starlink is poised to revolutionize how we stay connected, as they’re venturing into the cosmic domain with its Direct to Cell satellite phone service. Scheduled for liftoff next year, the groundbreaking service promises seamless compatibility with your existing smartphones and, in the not-so-distant future, access to text, voice, and data services.

A dedicated page on the Starlink website outlines the grand vision, with Direct to Cell’s text messaging service set to debut in 2024, followed by the integration of voice and data capabilities in 2025. The prospect is nothing short of awe-inspiring, with Starlink envisioning “ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters.”

Furthermore, this innovative service will be pivotal in connecting many IoT (Internet of Things) devices, forging a bridge between technology and our daily lives. Starlink’s ambitious satellite communication venture first took flight last year in collaboration with T-Mobile US. Their initial goal was to establish coverage across the continental United States, Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico, and US territorial waters. Looking ahead, they plan to enlist global carriers as partners to expand their reach even further.

Today, their reciprocal global access partners list includes Rogers in Canada, Optus in Australia, One NZ in New Zealand, Salt in Switzerland, and KDDI in Japan. The Direct to Cell service is designed to seamlessly work with existing LTE phones, ensuring that no alterations to your phone hardware, firmware, or special applications are necessary for you to unlock access to text, voice, and data. While it remains uncertain whether “existing LTE phones” imply a 4G service, the prospect of 5G compatibility may be on the horizon.

Described as “a cellphone tower in space,” the service promises to integrate with partner networks much like a standard roaming agreement. This means that when you venture beyond the reach of your provider’s cell tower, you can seamlessly transition to the direct-to-cell service provided by your global partner network. As for the pricing details, Starlink has kept them under wraps for now.

Nevertheless, the world eagerly awaits the moment when this cosmic communication service will become a reality. Amidst the buzz surrounding satellite connectivity, driven in part by Apple’s satellite support in the iPhone 14, Starlink’s Direct to Cell venture is set to redefine the way we stay connected, both on Earth and beyond.

However, Starlink has its cosmic competitors and potential regulatory challenges. AT&T has raised concerns about Starlink operating services using T-Mobile’s spectrum, citing possible interference with its terrestrial cellphone services. It seems that the race to the stars is on, and the future of connectivity promises to be out of this world.

Motorola Edge (2023) – Cutting-edge tech with Dimensity 7030, 144Hz Brilliance, and a 50MP Masterpiece

Motorola has graced the world with yet another masterpiece – the stunning Motorola Edge (2023). Following the footsteps of its acclaimed predecessor, the Edge+ (2023), this new addition is nothing short of an android enthusiast’s dream. Underneath its sleek exterior lies the formidable power of the Dimensity 7030 System-on-Chip, seamlessly paired with a generous 8GB of RAM and a capacious 256GB storage, leaving you with ample room for your digital life.

The smartphone comes to life with Android 13, but the enigmatic question of how many years of software updates it will receive remains unanswered, adding an air of mystery to its appeal. The centrepiece of this technological marvel is its dazzling 6.6-inch 144Hz pOLED display, offering a visual experience that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Boasting a mesmerizing 10-bit colour palette and HDR10+ support, every image comes to life with an explosion of vibrant hues.

Draped in elegance, the Motorola Edge (2023) boasts a sandblasted aluminium frame and a back cover made of soft vegan leather, striking a perfect balance between style and functionality. Offering a sleek Eclipse Black colour, it’s a sight to behold. With a breathtaking peak brightness of 1,200 nits, even the brightest of days won’t outshine your phone.

The 360Hz touch sampling rate ensures every touch is registered with precision, while a hidden fingerprint reader beneath the screen guarantees your data’s safety. If selfies are your passion, the 32MP selfie camera nestled in the centre punch-hole is ready to capture your best side, turning every click into a work of art.

However, the real magic happens on the back, where the Motorola Edge (2023) showcases its photography prowess. Armed with a 50MP primary camera, complete with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 13MP ultrawide camera offering a 120-degree field of view, your photos will be nothing short of breathtaking. And don’t forget the Macro Vision feature, allowing you to explore the world of extreme close-ups like never before.

Powered by a robust 4,400mAh battery, the Motorola Edge (2023) ensures you’re always connected. With 68W wired and 15W wireless charging, your phone will be ready to go in no time, keeping up with your fast-paced lifestyle. It also offers stereo speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience, NFC for seamless transactions, an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, and a trusty USB-C port to keep you connected.

Samsung Launches Premium Portable SSD T9

Samsung has introduced its latest external storage device, the Portable Solid-State Drive (SSD) T9. It offers storage options up to 4TB, delivering fast data transfer speed and ample storage capacity, all while ensuring the reliability and convenience that the users require.

Apart from the sleek design, the T9 is equipped with a lightning-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, delivering increased productivity with up to 2,000 MB/s read/write speeds. This makes T9 a worry-free choice for content creators, freeing up time for creativity.

 “In a high-resolution content landscape, the T9 is the answer for professionals seeking solutions for challenges such as data management, transferring large files, and durability and performance issues. Samsung’s Portable SSD T9 empowers modern content creators by addressing those data challenges and providing memory solutions that enhance their creative aspirations,” said Puneet Sethi, Vice President, Consumer Electronics Enterprise Business, Samsung India.

 Superior Performance and Massive Storage Capacity

With maximum sequential read/write speeds reaching 2,000 MB/s on the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, the T9 outpaces the former T7, by nearly double the speed. This means you can move a 4GB Full HD video in approximately two seconds.

Available in three different capacities – 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB – the T9 caters to the diverse needs of creators. It is designed for quick and frequent transfers while providing substantial storage space for large data volumes. T9’s sleek and credit-card-sized design lets users take their creative inspiration, wherever they go.

 Luxury Added to Ruggedness

The T9 delivers not only functional advantages but also unique design benefits under the concept of ‘luxury added to ruggedness’.

It combines style and durability, like a high-end wallet, with its elegant design and rugged build. The T9’s rubber exterior ensures a comfortable grip and guards against low-temperature burns.

 Unmatched Reliability and Thermal Control

Backed by a five-year limited warranty and resistant to drops from heights of up to three meters, the T9 guarantees the safety and security of your invaluable data. With this assurance, creators can fearlessly embark on their most ambitious projects.

This rugged drive comes with Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard technology that efficiently mitigates performance dips caused by overheating, ensuring consistent and speedy transfer rates. Additionally, the T9 complies with the international safety standard IEC 62368-1, making it the perfect choice for a wide array of demanding tasks with minimal heat generation.

 Manage T9 with Samsung Magician Software 8.0

The Samsung Magician software provides an enhanced experience for users through features such as performance benchmarks, security functions, firmware updates, and real-time health status checks.

Firmware update is a very important feature for memory products, and the Magician software is ready to solve any field issues that might occur. With the new 8.0 version released in September 2023, all Samsung software such as Data migration, PSSD software, and Card authentication tool will be integrated into the Magician software, and the OS support range will be expanded, for Windows, Mac, and Android user convenience.

 Seamless Compatibility

Samsung’s Portable SSD T9 is the result of the Company’s extensive experience in SSD technology. The T9 aligns perfectly with USB Type-C power specifications, ensuring it seamlessly integrates into the workflows of professional creators.

Also, its cross-platform compatibility extends to Windows, macOS, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and high-resolution cameras. Plus, the T9 package is complete with USB Type C-to-C and USB Type C-to-A cables.

 Maximize performance with a huge buffer size and sustained video shooting

The Samsung T9 guarantees uninterrupted high-resolution video recording with its exceptional sustained write performance. It can be directly connected to an 8K or 12K high-resolution camera for seamless use.

Its TurboWrite technology ensures fast speeds during data transfer, enhancing the overall user experience. With buffer sizes that are up to three times larger than those of its competitors, the T9 is specifically optimized for content creators.

 Price, Variants & Where to Buy

The Portable SSD T9 starts at a price of INR 12799 for the 1TB variant, going up to INR 33599 for the 4TB variant. It will be available at all Samsung retail stores, leading consumer electronics stores, and across online platforms.

 Warranty

Consumers will be offered a 5-year limited warranty on the Portable SSD T9.

October 2023 – Tech Launches of the Month

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Thanks to Google, almost half of the people already knew what the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were going to look like. The elder sibling from the 2023 Pixel smartphone series sports a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO 120Hz OLED Super Actua display with a topping of Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Pixel 8 Pro has a few exclusive features, such as a skin temperature sensor placed next to the main cameras and a Pro Controls feature. The smartphone has a polished aluminium frame, matte back glass and is powered by a new Google Tensor G3 chip, custom-designed with Google AI.

Specs:

Display – 6.7-inch QHD+

RAM/Storage – 12GB + 128GB

Battery – 5050 mAh with fast charging support

SoC – Google Tensor G3 and Titan M2 security coprocessor

Security and OS updates – 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates

Cameras – 50MP Octa-PD Main + 48MP Quad-PD ultrawide + 48MP Quad-PD telephoto

Google Pixel 8

Google Pixel 8 looks damn cutesy than every other smartphone available in the current market. The little Pixel is now 10g lighter, a bit smaller than its predecessor, and has a great display that can joggle between 60Hz and 120Hz. Just like its older sibling, the Pixel 8 offers crystal clear calls and can fix your photos with AI, even the ones from your older phones, be it an iPhone or Android. Both smartphones from the Pixel 8 series offer 6 months of Fitbit Premium,  6 months of Google One Premium up to 2 TB and 3 months of YouTube Premium free.

Specs:

Display – 6.2-inch FHD+

RAM/Storage – 8GB + 128GB

Battery – 4575 mAh with fast charging support

SoC – Google Tensor G3 and Titan M2 security coprocessor

Security and OS updates – 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates

Cameras – 50MP Octa-PD Main + 12MP ultrawide with autofocus + 10.5MP selfie camera

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

After skipping the Galaxy S22 FE in 2022, Samsung is back with an FE edition smartphone – the all-new Galaxy S23 FE. The 2023 fan edition smartphone features a flat 6.4” Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with FHD+ resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone has a timeless design adopted from the iconic design of the Galaxy S23 Series and is available in captivating 4 colour options – Mint, Graphite, Cream and Purple. The S23 FE arrives with a Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 shielding the front and back, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Specs:

Battery – 4500 mAh

Selfie Camera – 10 MP

SoC – Exynos 2200 (4 nm)

RAM/Storage – 8GB + 128GB

Cameras – 50.0 MP + 12.0 MP + 8.0 MP

Display – 6.4” Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with FHD+

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+

By launching the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, Samsung has expanded the already piled-up lineup of S9 tablets. The FE tablets come with Stylus support, run on Android 13, are powered by an octa-core Exynos 1380 chipset and are available in 4 colour options – Grey, Lavender, Mint and Silver. The S9 FE has a 10.9-inch display with 2304×1440 pixel resolution, and the S9 FE+ has a 12.4-inch display with 2560×1600 pixel resolution. The FE tablets come with dual speakers tuned by AKG, 45W fast charging support and have an IP68 rating, making them dust and water-resistant.

Specs: 
S9 FE / S9 FE+

SoC – Octa-core Exynos 1380

Battery – 8000mAh / 10090mAh

RAM/Storage – 6GB + 128GB / 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB

Cameras – 8MP main + 12MP front / 8MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 12MP front

Display – 10.9-inch with 2560×1600 / 12.4-inch with 2560×1600 pixels resolution

Google Pixel Watch 2

Along with two stunning and innovative smartphones, Google has also launched a smartwatch – Google Pixel Watch 2. The 41mm smartwatch is made to keep your health, safety, and productivity on point and offers an enhanced 24-hour battery with an always-on display and faster charging. The Pixel Watch 2 is loaded with lots of features, but the one that attracts the most is setting a timer when you’re heading out and the watch shares your location if the time expires. It also offers 6 months of Fitbit Premium and 1  month of YouTube Music Premium.

Specs

OS – Wear OS 4.0

IP68 water resistance

Battery – 306 mAh (typical)

Display – Custom 3D Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5

SoC – Qualcomm 5100 and Cortex M33 co-processor

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

Alongside the S23 FE smartphone and FE tablets, Samsung also launched the new TWS earbuds – Galaxy Buds FE. The earbuds feature a wingtip design, a single-driver audio system and a powerful bass. Buds FE boasts three microphones along with an AI-powered Deep Neural Network to bypass unwanted background noise during calls and offer you a great calling experience. The earbuds offer 30 hours of battery backup and are available in two colour options – graphite and white.

Eyes on the Moment – Meta and RayBan’s Smart Glasses Launched

Yesterday, at the exhilarating Meta Connect event, Meta unveiled a game-changing collaboration with EssilorLuxottica – the next-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses collection. With the launch, the company has revolutionised wearable technology, elevating every aspect of the original while introducing groundbreaking capabilities that redefine the smart glasses landscape.

With Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, you’re the director of your own story. The glasses empower you to seize the moment with a simple snap, effortlessly capturing photos and video clips from your unique perspective. But it’s not just about preserving memories; it’s about experiencing them in their fullest, most authentic form. 

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses invite you to relive these moments and genuinely revel in them as they unfold. These glasses aren’t just a device but your passport to truly live in the moment. The next generation of smart glasses from Meta and RayBan are more accessible and versatile than ever, but what makes these glasses groundbreaking?

Firstly, they aim to redefine how you experience audio. Imagine a world where your headphones are replaced by a stylish pair of glasses. The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses introduce a personal audio system akin to Amazon’s Echo Frames and the Bose Tempo series, delivering music and audio experiences only you can hear. 

The auditory immersion is complemented by a substantial microphone upgrade, featuring five microphones, including one ingeniously embedded in the nose bridge. These enhancements ensure crystal-clear calls and voice commands, even in noisy or windy conditions – a significant improvement from the previous model, which often faltered.

They also moonlight as a high-quality camera. Small camera lenses adorn the right temple, capturing 12-megapixel photos and 1080p videos – a substantial leap from their predecessors. With a generous 32GB of internal storage, you can store approximately 500 photos and up to 100 30-second videos. All your media syncs seamlessly through the Meta View app, providing effortless sharing across Meta’s expansive ecosystem of platforms.

The boldest addition to these glasses is the capability to start live streams on Facebook or Instagram with a couple of taps on the stem. A pulsating white light around the lens signals you’re recording, offering unprecedented ease in sharing your world with your friends and followers. However, this feature amplifies the already pressing privacy concerns accompanying such technology.

Meta’s vision for these smart glasses is clear – they’re not just a messaging tool but a creative instrument. They empower you to engage in two-handed activities, from cooking to playing musical instruments, while capturing your perspective. They are available in various stylish colours, like rebel black, shiny black, jeans and caramel, along with multiple lens options.

The next-generation glasses are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor, boasting “on-glass AI” in a remarkably efficient package. They also offer an impressive battery life, with four to six hours of active use and up to 36 hours with a charging case. The sleek and innovative eyewear is available for pre-order now and will hit the shelves on October 17th, with prices starting at an enticing $299 – roughly ₹24,999.

25 Years of Google

Have you seen today’s Google Doodle? The trailblazing brainchild of two visionaries, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, is celebrating its monumental 25th anniversary today. Besides being the most popular search engine, Google is known to all as the creative genius behind Android, the omnipotent Search, the mesmerising Pixel phones, and the indispensable Workspace services.

Google was born in a cluttered Stanford University dorm room in 1998 as a small research project that aimed to organise a vast amount of information on the Internet. Little did Page and Brin know that their endeavour would soon reshape the digital landscape. Fast forward to today, we can’t survive a day without searching for something on Google.

Google’s 25-year journey is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of technology to transform our lives. From a humble search engine to a global tech giant, Google has introduced countless products and services that have reshaped how we live, work, and play in the digital age. Let’s have a brief look at them.

Google Search

Google is the most loved and preferred search engine. It’s not just a tool; it’s a window to the world. It has revolutionised how we access information, granting us the ability to learn, discover, and explore with unprecedented ease. The algorithm’s evolution has been a relentless pursuit of relevance, delivering precise results amidst the ever-expanding sea of data.

Gmail

In 2004, to make our lives easier, Google gifted us with Gmail. It was an email service that wasn’t just a mode of communication; it was an ecosystem. With generous storage space, intuitive features, and a brilliant spam filter, Gmail became the undisputed leader in email services. Today, for numerous people, Gmail is a gateway to productivity and organisation.

Google Maps

Losing your way became a thing of the past when Google Maps made its debut in 2005. It turned every smartphone into a GPS device, guiding us through labyrinthine city streets, less-explored shortcuts, and uncharted territories. Whether you’re exploring the Grand Canyon or finding your way home, Google Maps is your trusty cartographer.

YouTube

Google’s acquisition of YouTube in 2006 transformed how we consume video content. From viral cat videos to in-depth tutorials, YouTube has become an integral part of our entertainment and education. With features like getting your channel monetised, YouTube has become a resourceful platform for content creators.

Android – The Mobile Revolution

In 2007, Google ventured into the mobile realm with Android and the rest of history. Today, it powers billions of smartphones worldwide. Its open-source nature has fostered innovation, creating a diverse ecosystem of devices and applications. Android changed the whole landscape of the tech world by revolutionising how we connect, work, and play on the go.

Google Chrome

With the introduction of Google Chrome in 2008, browsing the web became a whole lot faster and more efficient. Chrome’s minimalist design and lightning-fast performance have made it the browser of choice for millions. It is one of the safest and most secure browsers available on the market today.

Google Drive

In 2012, Google Drive made our digital lives simpler by offering storage and collaboration tools in the cloud. It wasn’t just a place to store files; it was a platform for teams to work together seamlessly, transforming the way we manage and share information.

Google Photos

Launched in 2015, Google Photos became our digital photo album. Its ability to store, organise, and search through an unlimited number of photos made it a cherished tool for preserving memories. With innovative features and edits, Google Photos always makes sure to bring back a smile on your face.

Google Assistant

With the arrival of Google Assistant in 2016, the future of AI-powered personal assistants became a reality. It’s not just about answering questions; it’s about anticipating your needs, controlling your smart home, and making your life easier, one voice command at a time.

Google Earth

Google Earth, launched in 2005, brought the entire world to our screens. It’s a tool for exploration, education, and understanding the planet we call home. Google Earth takes satellite pics, snaps from the sky, and data wizardry and slaps it onto a 3D Earth. You can play detective and check out cities and landscapes from every possible angle.

What lies ahead in the next 25 years of Google’s journey? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Google will continue to lead the way in innovation, shaping the future of technology and our digital world. Cheers to the next chapter in the Google Odyssey!

ViewSonic Omni VX2728J Gaming Monitor Review: Great Visuals and Budget Pricing!

If you’re in the market to build a capable gaming desktop PC then you end up spending a bomb. There are multiple components involved in building a powerhouse PC and one of the most important part of the setup is having a good monitor. Sure, you can spend as much as over a lakh for a good display but what if you can find a capable display at just ₹16,499? This is where the ViewSonic Omni VX2728J gaming monitor comes into the picture. Check out the full review of this efficient monitor below –

ViewSonic Omni VX2728J Gaming Monitor Design

The design of the VX2728J is pretty much a standard affair. It is a simple and effective design packed and parcelled under a sleek form factor. There’s not much to complain about the design of this monitor except for the clicking buttons placed at the bottom right. The buttons and the OSD interface that pops on clicking them will remind you of yesteryear monitors. However, the design truly screams premium with a solid build quality. The minimalistic design factor of the monitor works really well. It sports a flat-screen display at 27 inches coupled with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Setting up the monitor was not an issue as it comes with a simple VESA mount. The metal arm and stand the monitor rests on are sturdy. The overall bezels of this monitor are slim barring the bottom bezel which is slightly thicker. I wish there was a better cable management option here as the clip provided to the metal arm is not really effective.

ViewSonic Omni VX2728J Gaming Monitor Performance

Gaming monitors are expected to be 2K or 4K in the current scenario given how far PC gaming has come. However, the ViewSonic Omni VX2728J is a 1080P display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. It has a high refresh rate of 165Hz and peak brightness of 250 nits coupled with a quick response time of 0.5ms. Even at 1080P resolution, the monitor is capable of producing some immersive visuals.

The monitor sports the AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA Adaptive Sync technologies which collaborate to make up a lag-free gaming experience. The lack of 4K resolution is salvaged by the presence of AMD FreeSync and VESA Adaptive Sync but if you’re a pro gamer then this monitor will leave you asking for more, a higher resolution would have made this display an easy recommendation. Even with limitations, the VX2728J performs with flying colors. While we’re talking about colors, this display sports a wide color gamut and supports a wide range of 16.7 million colors. The color production of this monitor is a treat to look at.

I spent a big chunk of my time testing this monitor binge-watching shows on Netflix and the monitor did not disappoint when it comes to picture quality. There are a few color profiles you can choose from through settings but I found myself sticking to the ‘Standard’ mode by default. What disappoints is the speaker setup. The monitor comes with a 2×2-watt integrated speaker setup which is definitely better than some of the monitors I’ve tested recently but still underwhelming. The support for HDR10 is appreciated given the price range.

As a casual gamer and a film addict, the ViewSonic Omni VX2728J Gaming Monitor is beyond just a usable monitor. It’s capable of producing good picture quality with vibrant colors. There are some screen bleeding issues but it’s not out of the ordinary for monitors in this price category.

Verdict

One of the few complaints I could find about the ViewSonic Omni VX2728J Gaming Monitor has to be its display resolution. 1080P resolution on a 27-inch monitor does not really work even when the display is capable of producing punchy colors. However, if you can look past the resolution limitation then ViewSonic Omni VX2728J Gaming Monitor is one of the best monitors you can right now. It is a sound choice for people who do not wish to spend over 20K on their gaming monitor. The AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA Adaptive Sync technologies make this monitor a well-performing all-rounder.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐ ½

BenQ PD2725U Monitor Review: A Boon for Creative Professionals

Be it projectors or monitors, BenQ is a trustworthy name when it comes to digital solutions. This was the very first time I got to try a BenQ monitor and it surprised me in various aspects. The BenQ PD2725U is touted as a monitor for creators i.e. for graphic designers, video editors, and more. As someone who is neither of the two, I got my hands on the monitor with some scepticism as I feared I wouldn’t be able to tap into the entire potential of this monitor. The solution – I handed it to my video editor who plugged it in using a Mac Mini and took his initial thoughts on it. Additionally, I tested the monitor as my daily driver for writing content, watching videos, playing games, etc. Here is the detailed review of the BenQ PD2725U Designer Monitor –

Design

benQ PD2725U’s design is perhaps one of its best features. The base of this monitor is exceptionally large and takes up a lot of space. However, the form factor of this base is thin so users can place their desktop companions like an action figure or more making that space usable. The monitor sports a minimal design which makes it a treat to look at, it definitely is aesthetically pleasing. The screen bezels are neither criminally big nor exceptionally slim. The screen real estate here is well-balanced for this 27-inch monitor.

One issue that I’ve witnessed in the past while reviewing monitors is the lack of connectivity options. Luckily, the PD2725U does not have any such issues providing a wide option of connectivity ports. There are two HDMI ports, and a USB 3.0 hub, coupled with a 3.5 mm jack. You also get the convenience of Thunderbolt 3 here which sure is appreciable but Thunderbolt 4 would’ve been better. One of my favourite features of this monitor has to be the external hotkey puck which allows users to simply switch between features and manage the brightness.

Performance

The BenQ PD2725U is powered by an IPS-grade panel with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160. It’s got the support of 100% sRGB/Rec. 709 and 95% DCI-P3 colour gamuts coupled with a vast colour palette of 1.07 billion colours. All the technical jargon basically translates to the monitor delivering solid visuals and colour accuracy. It is equipped with a 4ms response time which ensures that there are minimal inaccuracies in the colour reproduction.

It sports a peak brightness of 300 nits using DR10 VESA display technology. It is capable of producing some sharply contrasted images and deep details. During our video editing test of the monitor, our in-house editor was impressed with the colour accuracy of the display vowing it to be one of the best displays he’s worked on. The display is capable of producing some immersive visuals which can be easily adjusted thanks to the hotkey puck and the buttons placed under the bottom bezel. It is important to note that this monitor comes with an in-built speaker which is beyond underwhelming. It is not a substitute for your desktop speakers in any shape or form given its low sound output. The speakers and the absence of a Thunderbolt 4 port are some of the biggest weaknesses of this monitor which is placed at the premium ₹ 67,990.00 price.

Verdict

BenQ PD2725U is definitely one of the best monitors you can buy right now. It exceeded expectations for an IPS-grade monitor during our testing when it comes to producing a crisp and immersive visual experience. it provides an extensive connectivity hub which eases the job for creative professionals. The lack of a good speaker output leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐½

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