Category: Tech

Samsung celebrates fifth glorious year of iconic Samsung Opera House, Bengaluru

What a turnaround it is! Bengaluru’s iconic Opera House was used for operas and cultural events during the British cantonment days back in the 1930s. The Opera House later became a movie theatre. Sadly, the iconic piece of architecture was shut for the longest time before Samsung decided to take it under its wing and revamp it entirely as Samsung’s largest experience centre. In 2023, The Samsung Opera House is a must-visit destination for Bengalurians, especially for Gen-Z and Millenials. The historic Opera House’s transformation into a futuristic Samsung experience center has completed its fifth glorious year!

Samsung Opera House Fifth Anniversary

The Samsung Opera House’s spectacular original appearance from the early 1900s is still present on its façade, but the interior is a contemporary experience area that makes heavy use of cutting-edge technology. Along with premier consumer electronics products, it features the entire lineup of Samsung smartphones and wearable technology. For those who want to use the Home office zone as their place of business, it also contains a fully functional customer service center and high-speed internet.

 

Samsung Opera House Experience Centre opened its doors back in 2018 and completed its fifth glorious year in 2023. It is a celebrated hub of innovation, entertainment, lifestyle, and culture in Bengaluru hosting multiple events across the years. Since its inception, more than 1K events have been organized at the experience centre. In the last four years, Samsung Opera house has hosted over 600 events that include product launches, live music, OTT Movie Premier, cultural performances, fashion shows, gaming tournaments, stand-up acts, and Galaxy workshops.

The events include Galaxy workshops on multiple creative avenues like photography, doodling, editing, Ted Talks, and much more. Baking workshops, movie screenings, and many more events have also taken place at the Opera House over the years. Samsung has focused on making the centre as an immersive experience by offering a wide range of products such as QLED TVs, Bespoke Refrigerators, The Frame TVs, Microwaves, and even activity zones at the Samsung Opera House.

Back in 2022, Samsung celebrated the fourth anniversary of the iconic experience centre by organizing a K-Fiesta where a large number of K-pop fans from across schools and colleges in Bengaluru gathered to celebrate K-pop. This year-round too, the K-Fiesta event will be making a return for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Korean music, cuisine, and culture at the Samsung Opera House!

 

Samsung Opera House is now not just a hub of Connected Living, Gaming Arena, Audio, Home Theatre, and Lifestyle TVs, showcasing multi-device connectivity with SmartThings but also has a brand-new Starbucks outlet.

Check out all the details about the upcoming K-Fiesta event at the Samsung Opera House – HERE!

How does Apple tempt you into its ecosystem?

Some people have taken the famous saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” quite literally. Being a 21st centurion, the only apple that comes to our mind, when someone says apple is the Apple from Cupertino. The brand has made such an effort in marketing and advertising that it is impossible to ignore its launch events. Whether you want to buy or not, you’re going to end up watching their events.

With their sleek and stylish iPhones, the cutting-edge MacBooks and the delightful Apple Watches, they have cast a spell on millions worldwide. Like others, it’s not just the products themselves that keep users hooked; it’s the entire experience – the ecosystem – that Apple offers. But how does it tempt us into its ecosystem, ensuring once you take that first bite, you’re forever hooked?

Seamless Integration

One of Apple’s most potent weapons is its seamless integration of all its devices and services. The moment you enter the ecosystem, you discover a world where your iPad, iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch, and even your HomePod communicate effortlessly with each other.  It’s like they’re all speaking the same language, and you’re the conductor of this symphony. For instance, the ease of transferring files, messages, and calls between your devices through iCloud or AirDrop is unparalleled. The continuity of experience is addictive – you can start a task on one device and effortlessly continue it on another without missing a beat.

The Apple Aesthetic

We can’t ignore the design philosophy of Apple – it’s legendary. Apple products exude sophistication and simplicity, be it their breathtakingly thin MacBook Air or the elegant curves of the iPhone, everything seems classy. Apple’s design aesthetic is not limited to hardware but also to its software. The clean, intuitive, and user-friendly interface of iOS and macOS makes every interaction a delight. It’s as if Apple products were designed not just to be used but to be admired, and the allure of owning these beautifully crafted gadgets is compelling.

The App Store

The App Store is the gateway to a world of apps and games seamlessly blending into the Apple ecosystem. It’s home to millions of apps, many of which are exclusively available to iOS and macOS users. Whether you’re a productivity enthusiast, a gamer, or a creative, there’s an app tailored to your needs. Moreover, the App Store is meticulously curated, ensuring that the apps you download are safe, secure, and of high quality. The convenience of having all your apps in one place, with automatic updates and backups, is a compelling reason to stay within the Apple ecosystem.

The Power of iCloud

iCloud, Apple’s cloud storage service, is another enticing aspect of the ecosystem. It syncs your photos, documents, contacts, and more across all your devices. The peace of mind knowing that your data is secure and accessible from anywhere is priceless. Furthermore, iCloud also powers services like Find My iPhone, which can be a lifesaver if your device gets lost or stolen. The interconnectedness of your devices through iCloud creates a safety net that’s difficult to leave behind.

Ecosystem-Exclusive Features

Apple entices users further with ecosystem-exclusive features. For instance, AirPods seamlessly connect to your iPhone and other Apple devices when you open their case. The Apple Watch pairs effortlessly with your iPhone and can be a robust health and fitness companion. These unique features are designed to keep you firmly within the ecosystem.

The Halo Effect

Apple’s marketing prowess is a force to be reckoned with. The company has mastered the art of creating a halo effect around its products. Owning an iPhone often leads to the purchase of a MacBook or iPad, and vice versa. Once you’re in, it’s hard to resist expanding your collection of Apple gadgets.

Apple’s ability to tempt users into its ecosystem is a testament to its ingenuity and understanding of human psychology. The seamless integration, unmatched design, and the allure of exclusive features create a web of temptation that’s hard to escape. Once you’ve taken that first bite of the Apple, you’re drawn into a world where going back is not on the list of options. So, the next time you’re tempted by Apple products, remember that you’re not just buying a device; you’re entering a world of seamless connectivity and timeless design that’s hard to resist.

The Benefits of Bridging the Digital and Physical World

The bridge between the virtual and the tangible has often felt impossible. However, as technology evolves astonishingly, bridging the digital and physical worlds is no longer a distant dream but a transformative reality. The fusion of the digital and physical realms holds immense promise, offering benefits that ripple across industries and reshape our daily lives.

Enhanced Customer Experiences

Imagine strolling through a mall where your smartphone becomes your personal shopping assistant. Thanks to augmented reality (AR) and geolocation technology, stores can send personalised recommendations to your device as you approach, helping you discover products that align with your preferences.

Retail giant Amazon’s “Amazon Go” stores employ a combination of computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning to eliminate the checkout process. Shoppers can walk in, pick up items, and simply walk out with their purchases automatically billed to their Amazon account. The thought of integrating digital data and the physical environment makes shopping an immersive, tailored experience.

Healthcare Revolution

The integration of digital technologies with healthcare has brought about a revolution in patient care. Wearable devices, for instance, can continuously monitor vital signs, detect irregularities, and transmit this data to healthcare providers in real-time. The instant connection between the physical body and digital health platforms enables early diagnosis and proactive treatment.

The Apple Watch 9 watches out for your heart by including features like ECG (similar to a single‑lead electrocardiogram) and blood oxygen monitoring, which allow users to track their health metrics and share the data with their doctors. The convergence of digital health monitoring with traditional medical care improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs.

Smart Cities for a Sustainable Future

The fusion of digital and physical worlds is propelling cities into the future. Smart city initiatives leverage data from sensors, cameras, and IoT devices to optimise traffic flow, reduce energy consumption, and enhance public safety. These advancements create urban environments that are more efficient, sustainable, and livable.

Singapore, often heralded as a model smart city, uses an extensive network of sensors to monitor everything from traffic and air quality to waste management. This data-driven approach enables the city to respond swiftly to issues and make informed urban planning and resource allocation decisions.

Education Without Boundaries

The convergence of digital and physical realms is redefining education. Online learning platforms, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) are expanding the borders of traditional classrooms. Students can explore ancient civilisations in VR, collaborate on projects with peers worldwide, and receive personalised feedback from AI-driven tutors. When the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the education sector saw a surge in remote learning. Platforms like Zoom, Google Classroom and Byjus bridged the gap between teachers and students, proving the potential of digital-physical integration in education.

Industrial Efficiency and Automation

Industries are witnessing a digital transformation that enhances efficiency and productivity. Integrating sensors and IoT devices into manufacturing processes enables real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. Autonomous robots and machines work seamlessly alongside human workers, streamlining operations and reducing errors. Tesla’s Gigafactories employ various robotic systems and IoT devices to produce electric vehicles at scale. These factories showcase how the fusion of digital and physical elements can revolutionise manufacturing and drive the growth of sustainable industries.

The synergy between the digital and physical realms is not just a technological evolution; it’s a profound paradigm shift that promises a future in which our physical world is enhanced, empowered, and more interconnected than ever. As we continue exploring and expanding this convergence’s boundaries, we embark on a thrilling journey toward a more integrated and advanced world.

Infinix Zero 30 5G Long Term Review: Underrated Champion!

Infinix is not exactly the brand people consider when in the market to buy a new smartphone. I too am guilty of this prejudice however after using the Inifix Zero 30 5G as my daily driver for the past month, my opinions have drastically changed about the brand and its devices. Sure, Infinix delivers some of the best value devices in the Indian market at the budget segment but its latest Zero 30 5G has proven the company’s ability to compete in the mid-premium segment too. It’s not a perfect phone (none of them are) and there are some hiccups here and there but that does not take away from the fact that it delivers a value-for-money experience. Here’s my full review of the Infinix Zero 30 5G – 

Design

This is easily the best part of this device as it looks at par or even better than many premium devices. It is available in two colour options – Golden Hour and Rome Green. I used the Golden Hour variant which has an aesthetic appeal to it. The device is sure to grab some eyeballs as you walk around with it. The Rome Green variant comes with a vegan leather back which adds more value to your money. The phone stands slim at only 7.9mm and weighs light at 182 grams. The volume rocker and lock buttons placed on the right of the device also have a good click to them and feel tactile. You get an in-display fingerprint sensor which is quick and snappy. It has an IP53 rating protecting the device from dust and splashes of water. The camera cutout is HUGE on this device and looks good on the Golden Hour variant as the cutout is golden colour too. However, the cutout is golden even for the green variant which is a bold decision from Infinix. The main attraction of the device is the curved AMOLED display but the overall aesthetic design language supporting it makes up for a great-looking and feeling device. Infinix hits the ball out of the park with the Zero 30 5G design in the sub-25K price category. 

Display

The Infinix Zero 30 5G sports a premium-looking curved 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display. The bezel situation is pretty neat as they are slim on the sides and slightly thicker on top and bottom. It has a 144Hz refresh rate which can be switched between 60, 120, 144, and Auto options. The 144Hz refresh rate is addressed as ‘extreme’ in the phone settings and that’s exactly how I’d describe using the display, it’s extremely pleasing. The display produces some vibrant colours and it comes with Widevine L1 support so watching OTT in HD resolution will not be an issue. It has a peak brightness of 950 nits which means users will not have an issue in using the device under direct sunlight. 

Performance

Infinix Zero 30 5G sports a Dimensity 8020 SoC coupled with 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM which can be extended up to an additional 9GB of RAM (21GB total) using the virtual RAM option. I did not add up any virtual RAM during my testing of the device as 12GB is more than enough for SoC it houses. The device comes with 256GB of UFS3.1 storage which is standard across the 8GB and 12GB variants of the device. Having 256GB as the standard storage option across the lineup is applaudable, but having an expandable storage option would seal the deal entirely. We could talk about GeekBench and AnTuTu scorecards where the device definitely scores higher than the majority of the devices in the price category but I’d let readers know how the device performs on a daily basis. 

I’ve been using the device as my daily work phone for the past month which means attending constant calls, virtual meetings, approving video content, working on Google apps and much more. I was taken aback by how flawlessly the device took over all the tasks without any hiccups. I’ve been using the OnePlus Nord CE3 5G along with the Zero 30 5G which are comparable devices in many arenas, the latter always emerged better in both performance and user experience. Playing games like BGMI for extended periods of time was not an issue but the device did heat up considerably during my testing. 

The UI experience is certainly improved from the previous Infinix devices I’ve used in the past. The experience is much more refined and visually pleasing. Yes, there are some bloatware and third-party applications here but not as annoying as some phones in this price category. What could be a deal breaker for many is that the company only provides one major Android update and 2 years of security patches. 

It features a big 5,000 mAh battery with 68W fast charging support. You can get a day out of this battery easily and charge it up in nearly 50 minutes which is not bad by any standards.

Camera

Inifnix Zero 30 5G boasts a decent camera setup. You get a 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM6 primary camera with IOS, a 13Mp ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens which I thoroughly believe brands should omit. There is a Samsung 50MP ISOCELL JN1 sensor which is capable of shooting crisp selfies. It is an AI-enhanced camera setup which is capable of shooting 4K at 60FPS on both the front and rear. The front camera is accompanied by a flash which is a surprising addition. It works well only if you can manage to not get blindsided by the front flash! Overall, it is a decent camera setup which is reliable under well-lit conditions and loses its ground under darker settings. 

50MP Selfie
Selfie with front flash on
108MP Standard
3X Lossless Zoom
10X Zoom
Standard AI Cam

Verdict

The Infinix Zero 30 5G is a competitive mid-range smartphone that is definitely worth the money. The standout design coupled with a curved AMOLED display makes up for a good package itself. However, the cherry on the top is it being a well-performing and dependable device. Low light camera performance can be improved but besides that, it is a solid device!

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (G733P) Review: Amazing Performance with Minor Complaints

Let’s get real for a second here, the gaming laptop market is beyond oversaturated! There is a plethora of options for people to consider before they get their hands on their gaming companion. However, it becomes easier to choose a laptop when it packs top-end specifications. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 laptop goes all out with the latest and fastest AMD and Nvidia silicon which simply puts it on top of the gaming laptop food chain. So, should the Strix Scar 17 be your gaming machine in the near future? Find out below –

Design: A Familiar Touch 

Asus has focused predominantly on the internal components of the Strix series thus we pretty much get a similar design from the 2022 variant. The highlight of this design has to be the popping LED trim which runs at the front base of the laptop which tenfolds the aesthetic appeal of the laptop. Sadly some flex can be experienced around the keyboard deck which is not a major issue but isn’t acceptable for a laptop at this price.

While the laptop looks sleek, it packs in heavy at nearly 3Kgs coupled with a  power brick that is also thick! Hence, carrying it around from office to home was a hassle for me. While we have ample port selection over here, it can only be defined as awkward. Here’s why – you get two USB-A ports coupled with a 3.5mm port on the left whereas all the other ports are placed on the back. There is not a single port on the right side of the laptop which could have been used to at least have a single type-c port. The keyboard here is good consisting of individually backlit keys. The overall build quality here is just passable. It’s basically made entirely of plastic if we exclude the lid which sports an aluminium cover. The keyboard has a flex to it and the display has a little wiggle.

Screen: Visual Treat!

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 rocks a 17.3-inch IPS LCD panel clocked at 2560 x 1440 resolution at a 16:9 aspect ratio. What’s impressive is the high refresh rate of 240Hz which even Asus’ recently introduced Nebula displays lack at this point. The screen is anti-reflective and also supports the Nvidia G-Sync technology and Dolby Vision. Watching films and playing games on this laptop is no less than a visual treat as it is capable of producing some punchy colours. What sits on top of the display is an underwhelming 720P webcam which

Users will enjoy the display the most while playing cinematic games like The Last of Us or Detroit: Become Human. It’s not the brightest of the displays out there having a peak brightness of 330 nits. Thus using the laptop under direct sunlight won’t be a pleasant experience, though this is not the kind of machine one would use outside! Overall, there’s not much to complain about the screen here and users get an immersive display with perfect colour calibration.

Performance: BEAST!

Everything boils down to the performance when it comes to laptops in this segment. I am genuinely not surprised that the Asus Strix Scar 17 2023 performs the way it does. I tested out games like Marvel’s Spider-Man, Detroit: Become Human, The Last of Us, and Red Dead Redemption 2 while testing this one out. As expected, I faced no performance issues while testing these games out. Our review unit was maxed out with the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX SoC coupled with 32GB of DDR5 RAM. In the graphics arena, the laptop sports a GeForce Nvidia RTX 4090 which takes the graphics performance of this laptop to the next level. In the current performance standards, this gaming laptop gives performance output that is at par with any modern gaming desktop.

While pushing the laptop to play graphic-intensive games, the laptop does not get too loud. It is undoubtedly quieter than most of the gaming laptops in the market thanks to Asus’ updated Arc Flow Fans. Asus uses a vapor chamber design for heat dissipation which works just alright. On the software side, users get ample customization and Asus Armory Crate remains the best centralized control software for any gaming laptop in the market.

Verdict

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 gaming laptop is one of the best gaming laptops you can buy right now. It comes with the best hardware specifications coupled with high-end performance and a sleek design making a complete package. The 720P webcam and overuse of plastic stains the otherwise premium gaming machine, however, these nitpicks can be easily overlooked due to its heavy-duty performance.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Noise announced Noise Junior – a dedicated smartwatch category for kids in India

Noise, India’s No.1 smartwatch brand, has debuted Noise Junior, the brand’s dedicated smartwatch category for kids. Being one of the first to identify the need for smart wearables for kids, Noise unveiled this new tailor-made category, keeping the children’s and their guardians’ lifestyle needs in mind. Targeted at parents who want to keep their children safe and connected, Noise Junior smartwatches will serve as reliable yet playful companions for children while packaging an array of technologies that boost cognitive competence in a compact design.

By creating a dedicated space for kids, Noise Junior aims to provide children with innovation that fosters exploration, imagination, and a sense of comfort while allowing parents to inculcate healthy habits and keep track of their children’s activities. This category will include Noise’s celebrated products like the Noise Champ series and Noise Scout. As a step towards ramping up the portfolio, Noise also launched the Noise Explorer smartwatch today.

The latest smart wearable comes with built-in features like Live GPS tracking, 2-way video calling and safe zone alert setting, ensuring safety and seamless connectivity. As a step towards ramping up the category, the Noise Junior’s latest smartwatch, Noise Explorer, reinforces the brand’s endeavour to reimagine the physical safety, psychological well-being, and connectedness of young explorers, making it a perfect choice for working parents concerned about their kids’ whereabouts.

Built with precision and care, the smartwatch features advanced outdoor position-tracking capabilities. Its built-in GPS, geo-fencing, GSN, AGPS, mobile data, and base station adoption ensures accurate location tracking. Parents can now keep tabs on their child’s location history and set up safe zone alerts as well. Ensuring guardians are always connected with the children, a nano SIM card slot supporting 4G/3G/2G bands across all major Indian carrier providers, including JIO, Airtel, Vodafone, and BSNL, allowing seamless video calling has been built into the device.

Its two-way video calling feature and SOS emergency button empower kids to stay connected and seek help whenever needed. The smartwatch also packs a 2MP front camera for children to capture and store images in the smartwatch’s photo gallery, which can be further used as watch faces. It also allows parents to store contacts and maintain a phonebook for kids.

Noise Explorer is specially designed to keep up with the active lifestyle of kids. Hence, it comes with a 680 mAh battery allowing up to 3 days of usage, IP68 water and dust resistance, a 1.4-inch TFT display, various utility features like a step counter, alarm, stopwatch, timer, calculator, and even a school mode for healthy habit building.

To make the experience more meaningful for parents, the brand has specially created the Noise Amigo app that allows them to manage their children’s devices remotely while monitoring their activities responsibly. The app offers a range of functions, including watch call monitoring, remote camera view, remote voice monitoring, and many more. Noise Explorer is priced at INR 5,999 and is available in two playful colours, Wonder Pink and Phantom Blue, on Amazon and gonoise.com.

iPhone 15 series launched with USB-C & Dynamic Island across the entire lineup

The much anticipated iPhone 15 lineup is here and as expected trollers have started having a field day on the internet complaining about how there haven’t been major upgrades from the previous years. If you ask me, the inclusion of the Dynamic Island features on the standard iPhone 15 & 15 Plus is a crucial upgrade. Goodbye to the classic iPhone notch, hope we never see you again! The entire iPhone 15 lineup includes – iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Check out all the details about the iPhone 15 lineup below –

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models bid farewell to the classic broad iPhone notch and replaced it with the Dynamic Island. Another major upgrade is finally the adoption of the USB-C port on the iPhone series. RIP Lightning Port! There’s a total of five colour variants – Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Black. The latest iPhones come in a textured matte finish and a ceramic shield.

Talking about the display, the standard variant features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel. Whereas, the Plus model has a larger 6.7-inch form factor. The displays can go up to 2000 nits peak brightness. It is sad to see Apple stick to a 60Hz refresh rate for the 15 & 15 Plus models in 2023 where even $200 phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate. The devices are powered by the A16 Bionic chip which currently powers the iPhone 14 Pro & Pro Max. The camera department features a dual set-up with a 48MP primary and a 12MP telephoto lens capable of 2X zoom. The selfie camera sports a 12MP lens. The iPhone 15 is priced at Rs 79,900 In the Indian market and the 15 Plus at Rs 89,900.

iPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max

Apple also introduced its flagship-grade smartphones the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max during the Wonderlust event. Sadly, there was no iPhone 15 Ultra as many fans were anticipating. During the presentation, Tim Cook called the latest Pro iPhones to be the “most pro lineup” Apple has ever created and we cannot agree any more!

Both models feature an all-new Grade 5 Titanium Frame with brushed texture for improved durability. The devices run on the latest A17 Pro chipset based on the 3nm architecture. The iPhone 14 Pro sports a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with 2,556 × 1,179 pixels resolution, 120Hz ProMotion, HDR, True Tone, Dynamic Island, Always-On display, and Ceramic Shield protection. Whereas, The Pro Max version has a 6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with 2,796 × 1,290 pixels, HDR, True Tone, Dynamic Island, Always-On display, 120Hz ProMotion technology, and Ceramic Shield protection. The latest Pro iPhones come with a triple camera setup featuring a primary 48MP wide-angle lens coupled with a 12MP ultrawide and 12MP telephoto sensor. The front camera here is a 12MP lens. iPhone 15 Pro is priced starting at Rs 1,34,900 for the base 128GB storage model, Rs 1,44,900 for 256GB, Rs 164,900 for 512GB, and Rs 1,84,900 for the 1TB model. iPhone 15 Pro Max costs Rs 1,59,900 for the base 256GB storage model, Rs 1,79,900 for 512GB, and a cool Rs 1,99,900 for the 1TB version.

Apple introduces Apple Watch Series 9 & Watch Ultra 2

If you were not living under a rock for the past month then you know the hype around the latest Apple products. The tech giant recently held its mega ‘Wonderlust’ event where it introduced a slew of new products ranging from the Apple Watch Series 9 and the iPhone 15 series. The latest Apple Watch Series 9 showcases impressive upgrades from the previous version including a new ‘Double Tap’ which simply hints that the future is here! Apple also introduced its all-new Apple Watch Ultra 2 at the Wonderlust event. Check all the details about the Apple Watch Series 9 & Apple Watch Ultra 2 below –

Apple Watch Series 9

The latest Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by the latest S9 chip. It has a CPU boasting 5.6 billion transistors and a 60 per cent increase as compared to the series 8 GPU. Apple claims that the Watch Series 9 is 30% faster than its predecessor and rocks an 18-hour battery life. The precision-location-based features have also seen an upgrade as Series 9 comes with ultra wideband chip. The same chipset also enables users to control the music playback on their HomePod with just a simple tap.

Another major upgrade with the Series 9 is that Siri is now processed in the Watch itself resulting in a 25% accuracy bump in the feature. There is also a new Siri-enabled feature called ‘Siri Plus Health’ which enables users to get their health metric updates easily via Siri. Series 9 also features a peak brightness of 2000 Nits and can go as down as 1 nit of brightness. The peak brightness is double that of its predecessor. The Apple Watch Series 9 is the company’s first-ever carbon-neutral device. Apple took a big chunk of the event to note down all the work it is doing to give back to nature. However, relaying important information via a self-indulgent comedy sketch was not the route I expected them to take.

Undoubtedly, the most interesting new feature introduced by Apple in the Watch Series 9 is the ‘Double-Tap’ feature. This function allows users to answer phone calls simply by tapping their index finger and thumb together. The same double-tap feature can be used for various other options in the Series 9 watch. Users get a wide number of options to choose from in the aesthetic arena. The aluminium model is available in the all-new pink colour coupled with starlight, silver, midnight, and product red. Whereas, the stainless steel versions will be available in gold, silver, and graphite versions. It starts at a price of $399 for the GPS variant and $499 for the GPS + Cellular variant.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 

Apple also announced its flagship smartwatch i.e. Apple Watch Ultra 2 at the Wonderlust event. Ultra 2’s design is not much of a departure from the previous iteration and remains the same as the first generation. The Ultra 2 sports a similar Apple S9 chipset as the Series 9.

However, the biggest upgrade on the Apple Watch 2 Ultra has to be the display which can now go up to 3000 nits. This is the brightest display Apple has ever made. Low power mode will allow users to get 72 hours of power out of the watch as per Apple’s claims. The double-tap gesture has also made its way to the Ultra 2. Apple’s flagship rugged watch can be pre-ordered for $799!

 

Apple Event 2023: iPhone 15 Series and Apple Watch Ultra 2 launched!

After months of anticipation, the latest iPhone 15 series and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have finally launched! 

We all know you guys have been waiting for these new devices for the longest time now and thought why not have some fun and add fuel to the fire? The Apple iPhone 15 has not yet been released and will be announced tonight during the Apple event at 10:30 PM IST!

I know right now you want to track down my social media and send some not-so-pleasant DMs for the prank I just pulled on you but wait, I do have some scoops of what will be launching in a matter of few hours. Check it out below –

What to expect from the Apple Event tonight?

iPhone 15 Series: The latest iPhone series is expected to be the biggest highlight of the Apple Wonderlust event. The iPhone 15, 15 plus and 15 Pro Max are most likely to launch today. There were also some rumours about the iPhone 15 Ultra, it’ll be interesting to see if this device is actually announced tonight. This year, the standard iPhone 15 variant will also feature a Dynamic Island according to reports on the internet.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Leaks suggest that Apple might unveil the second generation of its Apple Watch Ultra series. The rugged watch is expected to feature a S9 chip based on the A15 Bionic SoC. It is also expected to be available in two colours this year.

Apple Watch Series 9: Apple’s next-gen standard Watch is expected to launch with minor upgrades. It will feature a new S9 chip with new health features. It will also feature a new Electrodermal Activity (EDA) sensor and a new pink colour variant.

AirPods Pro 2: Apple’s latest AirPods Pro 2 might get a new USB Type-C variant tonight. AirPods Pro 2 were initially announced last year with the USB-C variant getting introduced this year.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Review: A True Companion

2023 is definitely the year where Samsung does not bring in any major upgrades to its existing lineup. First were the Galaxy Flip and Fold 5 which refined the design factor with the devices finally closing without a gap in between. Now, Samsung’s Watch 6 is the latest device to hop on the minor update trend and redefine what the best of Android smartwatch looks and feels like. We’ve been testing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 44mm LTE (SM-R945F) for nearly a week now and it graciously falls into the ‘Easy To Recommend’ category of devices. This might not be a monumental upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 5 but it undoubtedly is one of the best smartwatches you can buy right now! Jump right in for the full review of the Galaxy Watch 6 – 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Design

The Galaxy Watch 6 pretty much keeps the same design as last year’s Galaxy Watch 5. There’s the staple two size options here – 40 & 44 mm. I tested out the 44 mm LTE version of the watch with a silver strap. The Watch 6 also gets an interesting Gold colour variant which screams extravagance. Samsung might not have made major changes to the design of the Galaxy Watch 6 but there really is nothing to complain about it either. It is a known form factor which works well & is also comfortable. Even with the 44mm size, users will not feel the watch to be bulky or heavy on their wrists. A good indication of a comfortable smartwatch is when I do not have to remove it while typing my hours away at work, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 excels in that arena. The in-box silicon strap looks premium and feels comfortable. 

While the design factor remains the same, Samsung has now introduced a ‘One-Click’ solution to swap the strap. Users just need to hold the button placed at the base of the band and pull it to remove the strap.  While the general user will most likely not swap the silicon bands often, it is a welcome addition to the smartwatch lineup. 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Display

Smartwatch displays are pretty much a standard affair. The pack and parcel of the smaller displays include users having to cover the screen with their hands in order to see the finer details under direct sunlight. Samsung fixes this issue and goes miles ahead by 2,000 nits of peak brightness with the Watch 6. The previous iteration only featured 1,000 nits of peak brightness making the Watch 6 a notable upgrade in that aspect. Mumbai’s September bipolar weather sports both heavy rains & bright sunny days; I did not witness any issues while using the watch outdoors in either of those weather conditions.

The Galaxy Watch 6 series uses a Super AMOLED panel across the lineup. However, the size and resolution of these displays are not the same. The 44mm model sports a 1.5-inch 480 x 480 screen whereas the smaller 40mm model rocks a 432 x 432 screen at 1.3-inch. There is nothing but a small 0.1-inch difference between the Watch 5 and Watch 6 but it makes a bigger difference when it comes to a small display. You can scroll around the bezels of the smartwatch which will never NOT be cool! 

Performance & Health Features

There is a plethora of health features on the Galaxy Watch 6. Samsung uses an activity tracking UI which is similar to Apple. Three rings which count your steps, active time, and calories close up every day, and in all honesty, it is fun and simple to follow. Samsung has gone all out when it comes to health features of the Watch 6, including a temperature sensor which automatically measures your skin temperature while you sleep. I tested out the sleep features more than the fitness tracking features on this watch as I am at least consistent with sleeping as opposed to hitting the gym. 

The Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor allows users to scan their skeletal muscle, body water & fat, BMI, basal metabolic rate, and fat mass. It is crazy how far technology has come where we can find complex information about our bodies with just a few clicks on a smartwatch. The automatic workout detection feature remains my favourite feature of this watch. Besides this, Watch 6 offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring, cycle tracking, blood oxygen tracking, ECG, and much more. Samsung Health application allows us to streamline all these features really well. 

It runs on the Exynos W930 dual-core processor clocking in with 1.4GHz speed. The performance here is reliable without any lags or jitters. It is running on Wear OS 4.0 with the prowess of Samsung’s One UI 5.0 layered on top of it. I did not face any problems in the overall UI experience of the Watch 6. Be it notifications or the vibration motor, everything works as expected. Receiving and making calls on the Watch 6 is also smooth sailing. Users can also pair their Galaxy devices with the smartwatch to get a preview of their camera, a feature which came in handy for me while clicking a picture of my dog without alarming her! 

The Galaxy Watch 6 has an exceptionally good battery life for a device which packs in this many features. I am not entirely a fan of always on display on smartwatches as they tend to become a distraction. However, the AOD on the Watch 6 is subtle and does not beg for your attention all the time. I was easily able to get through the day with the AOD feature with 30-40% battery remaining. The watch was connected to my Galaxy S23 throughout the entire testing period and the battery life was simply dependable. The charging experience is also a smooth sail. Ultimately, there is a lot to love and virtually nothing to complain about the Galaxy Watch 6. 

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best smartwatch for Android users right now. Its extensive health features and simple design make it an easy pick. 

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

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