Alexa’s 6th anniversary in India Resulted 200% increase in smart home devices

Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, has been available in India for six years. It is accessible on multiple devices like Echo smart speakers and Fire TV Stick. According to reports, customers across 99% of pin codes in India have purchased Alexa. It is available in both metro and non-metro cities, making it easily accessible to millions of users across the country.

Amazon has collaborated with various brands in India to expand the selection of compatible smart home appliances that work with Alexa. About 80% of Alexa’s smart home users have started their journey by purchasing an Echo smart speaker bundled with a smart bulb. These efforts have resulted in a 200% increase in smart home devices connected to Alexa in India over the last three years.

With a rise in connected devices, people have started using Alexa to control compatible smart home appliances like smart lights, plugs, fans, TVs, security cameras, ACs, water heaters, and air purifiers. You can conveniently ask Alexa in English, Hindi, or Hinglish to control the devices, such as “Alexa, turn on the geyser,” “Alexa, turn off AC after 15 minutes,” or “Alexa, dim the hall lights.” Asking Alexa to control the lights is one of the most common smart home requests.

Indian customers are also evolving in their smart home journeys, as the usage of Alexa to control smart fans and ACs increased by 37% in the last year, the highest amongst all smart home appliances. There are thousands of Alexa-compatible smart home appliances you can choose from. This selection has increased by 12% in the last year, with new products from brands such as Xiaomi, OnePlus, Hindware, and Atomberg.

To celebrate Alexa’s 6th anniversary, customers can visit www.amazon.in/alexaanniversary to enjoy discounts of up to 50% off on Echo smart speakers, Fire TV Stick, and Alexa smart home combos, including a flat 49% off on the Alexa smart home combo.

Unveiling the Streaming Habits of Indian Audiences

In a recent custom study conducted by NielsenIQ and commissioned by Amazon, the landscape of TV streaming trends in India has been brought to light, offering intriguing insights into the preferences of Indian audiences when it comes to streaming their favourite movies and shows. The study, conducted in December 2023, has shed light on various aspects, revealing a significant inclination towards streaming on televisions over other devices.

TV Streaming Preferences Unveiled

According to the findings, 78% of respondents preferred streaming online content on their TVs through streaming sticks, smart TVs, and set-top boxes. This preference was notably higher than alternatives such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The study also uncovered that 66% of respondents indulged in a generous five hours of streaming daily over the weekends, starkly contrasting the less-than-three-hour average during weekdays.

Prime Time Streaming and Family Bonding

One striking revelation from the study is the timing of streaming activities. A staggering 97% of respondents preferred to stream online content on TV around dinner time, with 74% enjoying this leisure activity with family, particularly spouses and children. The study underscored the significance of television as a central hub for family entertainment.

Genre Preferences in Indian Streaming Habits

Delving into the content preferences, the study ranked comedy as the most popular genre, closely followed by sports, thriller, romantic, horror, international TV shows, and news in order of preference. This insight reflects the diverse tastes of the Indian audience and the vast array of content consumed through streaming platforms.

Comfort and Quality Drive TV Streaming Choices

Beyond the convenience of an active broadband connection at home, respondents revealed that they favoured streaming on TV due to superior video and sound quality. The ergonomic benefits of maintaining a comfortable body posture while watching content on a larger screen also played a crucial role in this preference. This aligns with the desire to avoid the discomfort associated with holding a phone for extended periods.

Key Features That Matter to Indian Viewers

The study also delved into the features that matter most to Indian viewers when streaming on TV. Respondents preferred lag-free streaming (39%) and a wide range of OTT apps (24%). Additionally, the availability of voice assistants for content search and smart home control, along with the ability to stream online content and live TV shows from DTH channels on a single screen, were noted as crucial considerations.

Amazon’s Take on the Evolution of Streaming Habits

Parag Gupta, Director and Country Manager, Amazon Devices India, commented on the findings, stating, “Online video streaming has come a long way since its inception, and so has streaming habits of consumers. What has remained a constant is our preference to view content on the biggest screen in our homes – the television.”

He further highlighted the convenience of Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, emphasizing its ability to provide a faster streaming experience, simplified content discovery through Alexa’s universal voice search, and access to a vast library of 12,000+ apps across genres.

The NielsenIQ Seal of Approval for Fire TV

A separate study conducted by NielsenIQ in October 2023 underscored the position of Amazon’s Fire TV as the leading choice for consumers seeking the most advanced TV streaming experience. The device consistently garnered high ratings, earning the trust and favour of users in the dynamic Indian streaming landscape.

In conclusion, the December 2023 NielsenIQ study unravelled the evolving TV streaming habits of Indian audiences, shedding light on their preferences, prime-time rituals, and the pivotal role of television as a family entertainment hub. As streaming continues to shape the way we consume content, the findings provide valuable insights for content providers and streaming device manufacturers aiming to cater to the

Celebrate Independence Day by Saving Big at Amazon’s Great Freedom Festival

ALERT! Wait to shop anything online until 5th August as Amazon returns with a grand celebration in honour of Independence Day. The company is hosting the “Great Freedom Festival” from 5th August to 9th. So, indulge in a five-day extravaganza of incredible deals and discounts on a wide array of products, including the latest electronic gadgets that will leave you spellbound.

Prime Members, here’s an exclusive treat for you!

If you’re a Prime subscription on Amazon, you’ll get the VIP treatment with 24-hour early access to all these irresistible deals, giving you a head start on everyone else.

Apple’s iPhone 14, a true masterpiece of technology, will be offered at an astounding discount during this epic sale! But that’s not all; brace yourself for jaw-dropping offers on other fabulous smartphones like OnePlus Nord 3, Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, Realme Narzo 60 Pro, and more. And let us not forget the recently launched and highly anticipated Redmi 12 5G, which will also make its debut at the Great Freedom Festival.

But it’s not just phones that are stealing the spotlight – laptops and accessories are also having their moment in the limelight. Get your hands on the sleek and powerful HP 15s at an unbeatable price of just Rs 38,990 or the versatile Dell Vostro 3420, now at a reduced price of Rs 48,990. The savings are simply irresistible!

Hold on tight because there’s more! Embrace the future with smartwatches, TWS earbuds, Android tablets, and power banks, all available at discounted prices during the Amazon Great Freedom Festival 2023.

So, What are you waiting for? Mark your calendars, get ready to liberate yourself from high prices, and dive into a shopping spree like never before! Amazon’s Great Freedom Festival awaits, and it’s time to embrace freedom in its truest sense – the freedom to shop, the freedom to save, and the freedom to indulge in the best deals!

Top 5 Smartphones to Buy in the Amazon Prime Day Sale 2023

The highly anticipated Amazon Prime Day sale is scheduled for July 15 and July 16. The two-day extravaganza promises incredible deals on various products, ranging from fashion and gadgets to cutting-edge electronics and beyond. But that’s not all – brace yourselves for an exclusive glimpse into the world of smartphones as multiple new models from renowned brands like OnePlus, Samsung, Motorola, and more are set to make their grand debut during this extraordinary event. Without further ado, let’s dive into the fascinating lineup of smartphones that will take centre stage in the Amazon Prime Day Sale 2023.

OnePlus Nord 3 5G

With a starting price of just ₹33,999, the OnePlus Nord 3 5G is a true marvel of technology. The smartphone features a remarkable 6.74-inch Superfluid AMOLED display, sure to captivate your senses. Powered by the formidable MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset, it offers lightning-fast performance, complemented by a whopping 16GB of RAM. Equipped with a triple camera system on the back, this smartphone is poised to redefine your photography experience. With sleek colour options like Tempest Gray and Misty Green, the OnePlus Nord 3 5G will be available starting July 15.

Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

The Samsung Galaxy M34 5G is an exceptional smartphone priced at ₹16,999. Immerse yourself in its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display’s brilliance while enjoying the convenience of a powerful 6,000mAh battery. With 25W fast charging support, this device keeps up with your dynamic lifestyle. Capture stunning memories with its impressive 50MP primary camera and revel in the seamless performance of up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage capacity.

iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G

With a price tag of ₹34,999 for the base model, the iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G sets the stage for a remarkable smartphone experience. Boasting a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, this device indulges your visual senses. Powered by the high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, it delivers unrivalled speed and efficiency. Take advantage of up to 12GB of RAM while capturing professional-grade shots with the impressive 50MP primary camera featuring gimbal-level stabilization. Its 5,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging also keeps you powered up throughout the day.

Realme Narzo 60 and Narzo 60 Pro

Unleashing Your Style Recently launched in India, the Realme Narzo 60 and Narzo 60 Pro combine elegant design with powerful performance. Adorned with circular cameras and a vegan leather finish on the rear, these smartphones exude sophistication. The Realme Narzo 60 Pro, priced at ₹23,999 onwards, offers up to 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, while the Narzo 60, available from ₹17,999, provides impressive features at an affordable price point.

Motorola Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra

A Fusion of Elegance and Innovation Introducing the Motorola Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra, two cutting-edge smartphones priced at ₹54,999 and ₹84,999, respectively. These devices come equipped with Qualcomm processors, ensuring unparalleled performance. Boasting a magnificent 6.9-inch FlexView FHD+ main screen with a resolution of 2640×1080 pixels, they deliver an immersive visual experience. Avail yourself of exclusive launch offers, including up to ₹15,000 in benefits for Jio customers, along with ₹7,000 off (Razr 40 Ultra) and ₹5,000 off (Razr 40) when using ICICI bank cards.

10 Green-tech companies to watch out for the betterment of the environment

The world is currently facing a spectrum of environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. In response to these issues, many companies are now focusing on sustainability as a core part of their business strategy. Among these companies are several big tech firms leveraging their technological expertise and resources to create a more sustainable world. Here are the top 10 big tech companies that are leading the way in sustainability.

Google

Google has prioritised sustainability in its operations and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. In 2020, Google announced that it had eliminated its entire carbon legacy, meaning it has offset all of its emissions since its founding in 1998. The company has also committed to carbon-free by 2030 and pledged to use only carbon-free energy by 2030. The company has also invested in renewable energy, intending to reach 100% by 2030. The company has implemented various sustainable practices, including reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles.

Microsoft

Sustainability is a core value at Microsoft, and the company has made significant efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. In 2020, Microsoft announced its commitment to be carbon negative by 2030, meaning the company will remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. Microsoft is also working to be water positive, meaning it will replenish more water than it consumes and has committed to zero waste goals. Additionally, Microsoft is investing in renewable energy and has pledged to use 100% renewable energy by 2025.

Dell

Dell has implemented various initiatives to reduce environmental impact by setting goals like achieving 100% renewable energy for their global electricity use by 2040 and using 100 million pounds of recycled content in their products by 2030. Dell also focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their operations and supply chain, promoting responsible recycling practices, and designing their products with sustainability in mind. They have also partnered with NGOs and other organisations to advance sustainability in their industry and promote social responsibility.

Amazon

Sustainability is a key priority for Amazon, and the company has made significant progress in reducing its environmental impact. Amazon has set ambitious goals to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and to power its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025. The company is also working to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of its products and packaging. Amazon has launched several initiatives such as the Climate Pledge Fund, which invests in sustainable technologies and services, and the Sustainable Energy Program, which provides funding for renewable energy projects.

Apple

Apple is committed to sustainability across its operations, from its products to its supply chain and beyond. The company has set ambitious goals, such as achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its entire value chain by 2040 and using only recycled or renewable materials in its products. Apple also works closely with its suppliers to improve its environmental practices and reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, Apple has implemented various energy-efficient measures, such as powering its data centres with 100% renewable energy.

Tesla

Tesla has made sustainability a core part of its mission and business practices. The company’s primary objective is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by creating products that minimize the negative impact on the environment. Tesla’s electric vehicles are designed to be energy-efficient and emit zero emissions, reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. Moreover, Tesla’s solar products enable homeowners and businesses to generate electricity from renewable energy sources. Tesla also uses sustainable materials in their products, such as recycled materials in their battery cells and vegan leather in their car interiors.

IBM

IBM has a longstanding commitment to sustainability and has integrated it into its business strategy. The company has set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water resources, and minimize waste. IBM has also incorporated sustainability into their products and services, offering solutions that enable clients to reduce their environmental impact. IBM has also invested in renewable energy, with over 40% of its electricity coming from renewable sources. The company’s sustainability efforts have earned recognition from organisations such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the Carbon Disclosure Project.

HP

HP is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. One such initiative is the HP Sustainable Impact program, which aims to create a circular and low-carbon economy by designing products with recyclable materials, reducing waste and carbon emissions, and promoting responsible manufacturing practices. HP has also set ambitious goals, such as achieving 100% renewable electricity in their global operations by 2035 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from their global operations and supply chain by 60% by 2025.

Cisco

Cisco is a company that recognises the importance of sustainability and has made significant efforts to reduce its environmental impact. They have set ambitious goals by 2025, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% from their global operations and supply chain, achieving 100% renewable energy for their global electricity usage, and implementing circular economy principles in their product designs. The company also prioritise social responsibility, focusing on ethical business practices and working to bridge the digital divide through initiatives such as its Networking Academy program, which provides free IT training to underserved communities worldwide.

Intel

Intel recognises the importance of sustainability and has taken significant steps to reduce its environmental impact. They have set ambitious goals by 2030, including achieving net positive water use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60%, and achieving zero waste to landfill across their global manufacturing operations. Intel has also implemented sustainable product design practices, such as reducing the size of its packaging and using more energy-efficient technologies in its products.

CES 2023 – All the exciting products we discovered at the world’s biggest tech event (so far)

LG’s Wireless 97-Inch OLED TV

The world’s first truly wireless TV was announced a few months ago by a US-based brand Displace, and it debuted at CES 2023. However, LG has no different plans, as the brand unveiled the world’s first wireless OLED TV, and with its 97-inch screen, it’s probably the biggest one too. The wireless TV by LG is an upgrade to the company’s 97-inch OLED TV, which they unveiled last year.

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i

Lenovo has brought innovation to the next level after introducing Yoga Book 9i, the world’s first full-sized OLED dual-screen laptop, at CES 2023. When you look at it from the outside, the YogaBook 9i doesn’t look much different from a typical laptop, but as soon as you open it up, it greets you with two 13.3-inch 2.8K PureSight OLED displays that dominate the inside of the device. 

The beautiful dual-screen laptop defines a new chapter on what laptops should be. You can stack the laptop vertically or side-by-side to have a dual-monitor experience where you can run different programs simultaneously. The Yoga Book 9i is equipped with 13th-gen Intel Core i7 CPUs, up to 16GB of DDR5 RAM, 512GB of storage and arrives with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard, stylus pen, all-day battery backup, and folio stand.

Nvidia X Hyundai –  A beginning of an in-car gaming revolution

GeForce Now, Nvidia’s on-demand cloud gaming service, has all the plans to spoil you as they’re expanding their GeForce Now service beyond phones, smart TVs and computers and into cars. The brand has fastened up with electric vehicle makers such as Hyundai, BYD and Polestar to help you kill time while in the car. If your car has a screen on its dash, you can play while it is parked, and if you have a screen behind the driver or passenger seats, you can play the games on the go.

Sony PlayStation VR 2 Headset

Sony has been delivering us with hits, including Walkman, PlayStation and Trinitron TVs, for decades. At CES 2023, the Japanese electronics giant announced that it will start selling the highly-anticipated PlayStation VR 2 headset on February 22 and promised that starting from this point forward, everyone who wants to buy a PS5 should have a much easier time finding it at retailers globally, means “No more PS5 shortage”. The high-end virtual reality headset will have more features than Meta’s Quest 2. The brand promised at least 30 games at the launch, including Gran Turismo 7 and a spinoff of Horizon.

Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola

The sweet-looking Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola sports a highly nostalgic design that takes you back to the 90s. The ThinkPhone is a business phone built around a 6.6-inch OLED display of 2400x1080px resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. The ThinkPhone boasts a special red key that’s customisable for different tasks and has a back panel designed with lightweight aramid fibre. 

The smartphone is powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, along with a choice of storage options like 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. With the Think 2 Think connectivity option, you can sync the ThinkPhone to your ThinkPad and transfer copied text, photos, documents, files etc. The ThinkPhone will be available for sale globally in the coming months.

The most advanced DOG collar

We’ve witnessed robo-pets in the previous editions of the CES, but deep down, we all know no one can replace the warmth of a real pet, especially in the case of dogs. We have smartwatches to catch up with our daily health, but what about our beloved dog? 

Well, French firm Invoxia has taken care of that as they unveiled a smart dog collar to track the heart activity of aAdog. The collar arrives with advanced heart-tracking technology and can detect and monitor a dog’s breathing and heartbeat using sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to help you with the dog’s well-being.

Alienware x14 – World’s thinnest 14-inch gaming laptop

Alienware, a well-known subsidiary of Dell, launched a slew of gaming laptops at CES 2023, but the one that grabbed our eyeballs is the Alienware x14, the thinnest gaming laptop in the world. The 14-inch laptop is powered by the 13th Gen Intel core CPUs and next-generation RTX GPUs from NVIDIA. Alienware x14 has a similar design and specification as the Alienware x16 and sports a 2,560×1,600-pixel display with a 165Hz refresh rate and will be available later in the year.

Amazon.com Inc’s Ring Car Cam & Peephole Cam

In the tech sector, Amazon is known for Alexa and a few other home security ventures. And now, after a delay of about 2 years, Amazon.com Inc’s Ring Division introduced its first car dashboard camera. The device is named Ring Car Cam and has smart sensors to detect certain events around and inside your vehicle. 

It also has sensors to detect motion within the vehicle and other disturbances. Along with the dashboard camera, Ring also announced the Ring Peephole Cam, a video doorbell that can be easily installed over an existing door peephole. The peephole cam arrives with a 1080p HD camera, night vision, Two-Way Talk, and Knock and Motion Detection.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

Samsung is known to play a vital role in the event and grabs the maximum attention every year. At CES 2023, the company unveiled the Odyssey Neo G9, a 57-inch mini-LED display sporting a 7680 × 2160 resolution equivalent to two 4K monitors in one. The massive and immersive desktop is going to be a paradise for every gamer as it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and a 1000R curved screen.

Amazon’s Hey Disney!

Amazon and Disney+ Hotstar are always in the race to provide the best of the entertainment world to us, but for the first time, Amazon and Disney have joined hands to launch an entirely new, Alexa-enabled experience for fans called Hey Disney! With first of its kind collaboration between these two giants, we will soon be able to experience the magic of Disney in a new way, both at home and in select Disney Resort hotel rooms. In short, with the new wake word Hey Disney, we can interact with these fan favourites like Mickey Mouse, Dory from Finding Nemo, and Olaf from Frozen.

Aiper Seagull Pro

When it comes to pools, no one wants to spend hours scrubbing the pool walls and floor and to save time and energy, Aiper, the company known for making cordless robotic pool cleaners, launched its most advanced product to date – the Seagull Pro. Alongside the Seagull Pro, the company also showcased the new Seagull Plus and the recently launched Seagull SE. The hassle-free Seagull Pro robotic cleaner is a CES 2023 Innovation Award Honoree and provides efficient cleaning with a battery life of up to 3 hours.

Race to the Top! – Companies Leading AI Research

Artificial Intelligence has surely become a growing force in the business industry today. Be it cloud computing or edge computing, AI is being used as a mix and match of technologies to exceed in several aspects of a business. AI-enabled solutions have become popular thanks to businesses now transforming digitally. The number of businesses now using AI services reportedly grew by 270% from 2015 to 2019, it is still rising as 2022 comes to a close and will only continue to grow more in the coming years. As of 2022, the AI services market is reportedly forecast to grow to US $62.5bn which is a considerable growth from US $19.4bn back in 2020. 

While machine learning leads the pack in the AI revolution, businesses are expanding their technological reach with the help of other technologies like predictive analysis, business intelligence, data warehouse tools, and deep learning. These technologies enable big business giants to alleviate several industrial obstructions with ease. Surely, entire industries are being reshaped with AI right now. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) companies have now swiftly changed their platforms to AI, whereas AI in healthcare has also proven to be a boon in patient healthcare. 

Several companies have showcased a great interest in AI during the pandemic to better the customer experience in a variety of areas. In our AI special we wanted to have a look at all the companies currently leading the race of AI and Machine Learning through the integration of their technologies into apps and systems. Check them out right now – 

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS clearly takes the cake when it comes to being the leader in cloud computing. The company offers both consumer and business-related AI products and services. A number of its AI services build into end-consumer products. Let’s take Amazon Echo as an example, this little speaker brings AI right into your home through your personal voice assistant, Alexa. While Alexa is known as Amazon’s AI, its primary AI service is called ‘Lex’. It is an Alexa variant that is exclusive to businesses. There is also Polly which turns text into speech and Rekognition which is an image recognition service. Besides AWS, Amazon has a number of products based on AI. 

There’s the SageMaker Data Wrangler, a new service that is meant to accelerate the data preparation for machine learning and AI applications. Amazon Codeguru is another service by Amazon which allows coders to enhance their code quality with the help of Ai-powered code suggestions. Finally, Amazon also has Kendra which is an AI and machine learning-powered search tool meant for corporate purposes. 

Google 

I am sure you’re not surprised to Google on this list as it is among the top AI companies right now. While there are several ways Google integrates AI in its business, one notable AI innovation by the company is the Multitask Unified Model famously known as MUM. This technology is aimed to enhance the Google search experience amongst users. MUM is used to better link the information that a web searcher is looking for with precise accuracy. Google has been on a massive AI acquisition binge as it is deeply invested in the integration of AI into our daily lives. Google Cloud itself sells a number of AI and machine learning services to companies around the world. The industry-leading TensorFlow software project and its very own Tensor AI chip project are known around the world. 

Microsoft 

Microsoft is a juggernaut when it comes to the betterment of AI technology. The company not only provides technology but also funds and experiences to organizations working on AI to tackle global issues. Microsoft AI has the potential to enable anyone be it an individual or an organization to study, develop, and innovate in the field. Back in 2020, Microsoft unveiled Project Bonsai, a platform for designing industrial control systems. The company had also launched Project Moab which was an experimental platform designed to introduce engineers and developers to Bonsai. Microsoft also build the Specktacom which was geared toward cricketers. Speckatacom was a technology dedicated to collecting data on speed, quality, twists, and the swing of a cricket bat using a tiny sensor attached to the bat. It used wireless technology and cloud analytics to collect the data. 

Alibaba Cloud 

Alibaba Cloud is the leading cloud platform in Asia. It offers its clients a top-notch machine-learning platform for AI. The company has managed to make AI easy for users with the help of a visually pleasing interface. Companies using Alibaba Cloud’s platform can simply drag and drop data components into a canvas in order to assemble their AI functionality. On the platform, users can also find the scores of algorithm components that can handle a number of different tasks. This enables businesses to use pre-built solutions for their tasks without the hassle of building one which can be time consuming. One can surely expect Alibaba to show significant improvement and growth in the AI sector in the coming years.

Amazon’s Third Gen Fire TV Cube & Alexa Remote Launched

E-commerce giant Amazon recently launched the third generation of the Amazon Fire TV Cube and the Amazon Remote Pro. The Fire TV Cube will soon be making its way to the Indian market and offers a number of features at a reasonable price. However, the Alexa Remote Pro is now available to pre-order on Amazon’s official website. Check out all details about the upcoming entertainment-centric devices from Amazon:

Amazon Fire TV Cube

The Fire TV Cube is Amazon’s latest Fire TV streaming player with an improved octa-core processor and Wi-Fi 6 support. The device comes with cinematic 4K Ultra HD, HDR, immersive Dolby Atmos audio, and more to ensure the best audio and video output for your entertainment. It comes with an HDMI input port and Super Resolution upscaling which automatically upscales content with lower resolution for a better viewing experience. The new processor is claimed by the company to have 20% more power than the previous generation. Besides Wi-Fi 6 support, it also comes with an additional ethernet port if users need to rely on a wired connection. The Fire TV Cube comes with the support of Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) which allows users to directly connect with compatible Bluetooth hearing aids. The third generation Fire TV Cube comes at a price of Rs 13,999. Check out the official product page for The Amazon Fire TV Cube HERE.

Amazon Remote Pro

The second product launched at the Amazon global event was the Alexa Voice Remote Pro priced under Rs 3K. The device has been built to allow users to spend more time streaming and less time searching for the remote. The device is compatible with most Fire TV streaming players and Smart TVs with Fire TV built-in. The key feature of this remote is that it comes with a feature to find misplaced remotes easily. Users will need to simply say “Alexa, find my remote” or use the dedicated ‘Remote Finder” button in the Fire TV app. The Alexa Voice Remote Pro’s built-in speaker will then emit an audible ring to attract the user’s attention.

 

16 Tech Gadgets to Gift Your Loved Ones this Christmas or New Year

Bose Frames – Price: ₹21,900

 

Since the last couple of years, we have witnessed many top-notch companies launching their audio sunglasses, which ultimately helped the audio sunglasses section to grow and have a category of their own. The original Bose Frames delivered surprisingly pure sound, and with the arrival of three new models, Tempo, Tenor, and Soprano, Bose stands tall in the audio sunglasses market. Bose Tempo is a sporty looking gadget, while the other two, Rectangular shaped Tenor and Cat Eye shaped Soprano, are best for everyday use. The company has done a lot to improve the sound quality, which helps the sunglasses to deliver crisp and clear sound. The audio sunglasses are the best gift option for the person who likes listening to music while riding a bike, resting by the pool/beach, walking, running, or hiking.

Apple MagSafe Battery Pack – Price: ₹10,900

Apple is one of the top-ranked smartphone manufacturing companies in the world, but at the same time, it is infamous for its battery backup. However, the company has understood the issue and has come up with a solution in the form of an Apple MagSafe battery pack. The rectangle-shaped and white coloured MagSafe battery pack fits perfectly on the back and is compatible with iPhone 12 series and iPhone 13 series. The slim and sturdy battery pack is small enough to slide into a pocket or bag. The MagSafe Battery Pack offers a 1,460mAh capacity which sounds low, but the numbers are deceiving as the battery pack easily adds a few hours of use to your iPhone. If you have experienced frequent cries related to battery backup from your loved one who uses an iPhone, then the MagSafe battery pack is a must-buy gift option.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) – Price: ₹13,999

Amazon has been a leading company in manufacturing smart speaker displays over the years, and its recent launch, the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen), is the best smart display in the lineup. The 2nd gen Echo Show 8 offers a superior  13-megapixel wide-angle camera for enhanced video calls along with a faster processor and an auto-framing feature, which lets the device pan and zoom automatically to adjust the frame while making video calls. The Echo Show 8’s sound output is way better than the top trim Echo Show 10, but the flagship smart home device Echo Show 10 steals the show when it comes to other features. If the person you’re planning to gift this Christmas is a newcomer to the smart home space, then Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) would be a great gift choice.

Ember Mug² – 

Price: Various options available from 16,000* on amazon.in or get it from ember.com for $129.95 USD

 

The winter is coming, and all we need to survive the chilliness is a cup of hot tea or coffee by the table, but every time we plan to enjoy the hot drink, it turns cold before we finish it and ruins our mood. Well, if you know someone who is a big-time hot tea or coffee lover, then gift them the Ember Mug² temperature control smart mug, and it will never let their tea or coffee go cold again, at least for up to 1.5 hours with Ember Mug² 10 oz and up to 80 minutes with the Ember Mug² 14 oz. The smart mug is designed for home or office use, and it allows you to set an exact drinking temperature so your coffee is never too hot or cold. The washable smart mug allows you to set and control your prefered temperature with your smartphone via the dedicated Ember app.

Beats Studio Buds Wireless Earbuds – Price: ₹14,499

Apple purchased Beats in 2014, and since then, every product Beats launched was somehow tied up with the Apple ecosystem. Then Beats decided to ditch the traditional Apple H1 and W1 chips and launched Studio Buds Wireless Earbuds with MediaTek chipset. The change in the chip helped Beats to go beyond its competitors and suit Android phones along with Apple devices. The Beats Studio Buds are Beats’ smallest earbuds to date and the best-sounding earbuds Beats has ever manufactured. The wireless noise-cancelling earbuds fit perfectly in the ear, and the solid grip makes sure they’ll not fall out even during intense workouts. So, if you’re looking for a gadget to gift your gym-addict friend, then these stand-out earbuds are the perfect little thing.

GoPro Hero10 Black Action Camera – Price: ₹54,500

GoPro recently launched the new Hero10 Black, with a new faster custom processor. The Hero10 Black sports a 2.27-inch touch screen main display on the back and a 1.4-inch display on the front. It arrives with Incredible video stabilization and a new GP2 chipset, enabling new slow-motion frame rates, faster transfer speeds, and improved image quality. The camera can record smoother videos up to 5.3K @ 60fps, and for slow-mo videos, it can go up to 4K @ 120fps and 2.7K @ 240fps. The waterproof Hero 10 Black is powered by a GP2 sensor and packs a 1,720mAh battery. The GoPro Hero10 Black could be the best gift option if your loved ones are travel enthusiasts, vloggers or into adventure sports.

WD My Passport Go Portable SSD – Price: ₹11,469* (for 1TB on flipkart.com)

SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster and more power-efficient than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), and that’s the reason they’re always in demand. WD is one of the most popular SSD and HDD-making companies globally, and their recent addition, WD My Passport Go portable SSD, is one in a million kinds of devices. The My Passport Go portable drive has a shock-absorbing rubber bumper and no moving parts, making it drop-resistant up to 2 meters. The square-shaped, rugged SSD is 2 times faster than typical portable hard disk drives and compatible with both Windows PC and Mac computers. The Pocket-sized drive has a built-in cable for convenient portability and is available in three variants, 500GB, 1TB and 2TB. You can gift the SSD to the person who never feels satisfied with the in-built storage of their respective devices.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro – Price: ₹10,990*

Samsung has tasted success with the launch of exceptionally built Galaxy Buds Plus and failure with the launch of not so excellent Galaxy Buds Live, which helped the South Korean tech giant analyse the segment well and come back hard with the Galaxy Buds Pro, the best true wireless earbuds that the company has ever made. The Buds Pro includes active noise cancellation, wireless charging, speech detection mode, and support for the Scalable advanced Bluetooth codec. When paired with a Samsung smartphone or tablet, the earbuds offer the best sound quality and go beyond these key features. The Buds Pro also offers IPX7 water and sweat resistance features along with improved mic performance. So, if you’ve someone who owns a Samsung smartphone or tablet and likes to play along with music and calls, then go for these earbuds and make your loved ones happy.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (10th Gen) – Price: ₹10,999

E-book readers are reliable and handy instead of the traditional paper-based books because e-book readers offer thousands of books in one gadget, and when it comes to choosing the best e-book reader in the market, you’ll never find anything better than Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (10th Gen). The waterproof e-reader has a 6-inch e-ink display, and it is available in different variants that range from 8GB to 32GB of storage. The Kindle Paperwhite is one of the most popular e-readers on the market with good battery life, and if you have someone in your friend circle who’s an avid book reader, then this 10th Gen Kindle Paperwhite could easily replace your place in your friend’s life.

Budget Gifts (Below ₹10,000)

 

LG XBOOM Go PL2 Water Resistant Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Price: ₹7,990

The LG XBOOM Go PL2 is the smallest and least expensive portable Bluetooth speaker from the PL range of speakers. The IPX5 water-resistant portable speaker offers a Sound Boost mode, USB-C charging, stereo pairing, and up to 10 hours of battery life. The PL2 speaker can be controlled with your smartphone’s voice assistant and can make any party fun in no time. The rounded design, compact and lightweight speaker has a good build quality and is best suited for travel enthusiasts. If you know someone who is a travel addict and likes to do weekend campaigning by the lake or hill, then LG XBOOM Go PL2 portable speakers can be a good companion for such personalities.

Oral-B Pro 2 2000N Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush – Price: 4,199

Technology has evolved our daily needs from smart home devices to electric toothbrushes. A decade ago, Oral-B was making regular manual toothbrushes, but then the company decided to take a look at the big picture and started manufacturing electric toothbrushes to cope up with the new age of connected tech. The Oral-B Pro 2 2000 electric rechargeable toothbrush offers only the necessary features for your dental health and works without any app support. The electric toothbrush helps you to remove more plaque and leave gums healthier than a manual toothbrush. The Oral-B Pro 2 200 electric toothbrush features two brushing modes and a pressure sensor, making it the simplest yet elegant electric toothbrush. It can be an excellent gift for people with sensitive teeth who have never experimented with an electric toothbrush.

Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller – Price: ₹9,321* on amazon.in

Everyone has their own choice, and not all people want a regular PlayStation or Xbox controller. Some people go beyond the ordinary world and prefer exciting gadgets such as Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller, which offers a seemingly lag-free gaming experience on the phone. The go-to mobile gaming controller has a split apart design, and it can connect directly through the USB-C charging port. The Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller fits most smartphone devices and offers a solid grip that lets the gamer have great control over a device. If you’re friends with someone who follows mobile gaming like a devotion, in that case, you should consider gifting Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller to them this Christmas as this killer gadget will not only please them mentally but will permanently change their mobile gaming experience.

Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device with Alexa Voice Remote – Price: ₹5,999

Amazon has acquired almost all crucial markets, from online shopping to smart house gadgets to streaming services and even streaming devices. The business strategies and tough competition in the market have made consumers’ lives easy as many widgets are available at affordable prices, and the list includes 4K streaming devices. Since the Fire TV Stick 4K launch, Amazon has emerged in this market, and the latest Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K includes the Alexa voice remote in the box. The latest 4K stick offers improved performance and is slightly larger than the standard Fire TV Stick but has the same colour and texture. The latest 4K stick features a guide button that can quickly take you to live TV and offer Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG like the standard stick. If you’re looking for a budget gift this Christmas, then the Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with Alexa Voice Remote could be a perfect one.

Bellroy 3 Card iPhone Wallet Case – Price: from $68 to $88 (including $9 express shipping charges)

We often see people, mainly Indians having a 50 or 100 rupees/dollars note on the back of their smartphone cover. Some even put their credit or debit cards on the back of their smartphone cover, and when asked, they defend themselves in the name of emergency needs. Well, Australian accessories making brand Bellroy decided to provide a stylish look to the regular habit and created a multi-functional smartphone wallet case that holds up to 3 cards, slots devoted to a SIM tool and SIM card. The professional-looking case has a smooth, barely textured premium leather sheath covering the back panel, and you can even use the card compartment door as a kickstand to watch videos. So, if you know someone who prefers a luxury lifestyle and owns an iPhone from 12-series or 13-series, then Bellroy 3 Card iPhone Wallet Case will be a great gift and add a style statement to their life. Though the case is only available on the official website of Bellroy, if you want to purchase one, hurry up because it will take a few days or even a week to ship in India.

Noise ColorFit Pro 3 – Price: ₹3,999

Noise, India’s homegrown brand, has already acquired the top position in India’s wearables market. The budget smartwatch, Noise Colorfit 3 Pro, comes with many features and specifications, such as a SpO2 monitor for blood oxygen monitoring, a stress level monitor, and a bigger-better display. The lightweight smartwatch sports a 1.5-inch HD touchscreen colour display and follows the subtle design language like an Apple watch. The water-resistant smartwatch features about 14 workout modes, including Outdoor Walking, Outdoor Running, Outdoor Cycling, Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Cricket, Hiking, Yoga and Workout. The Noise Colorfit Pro 3 comes in 6 colours and offers several high-end features, which we usually find on Apple & Samsung smartwatches. So, if you’re looking for a budget Christmas or new year gift, then Noise Colorfit 3 Pro could do the math.

Wagr’s GPS & Fitness Tracker for Dogs – Price: ₹3,499

The world is getting smarter with smart wearables, and along with us, our very canine best friend also needs smart wearables because about 6 lacs dogs get lost every year in India. The pain of losing our pooch friend can cause severe sickness to dog parents, and this thought made IIT alumnus Advaith Mohan and two of his friends, Siddharth Darbha and Ajith Kochery, come up with a solution. The trio created a dog wearable Wagr, India’s first GPS tracker for dogs which tracks the dog using high-precision GPS and even allows you to create safe zones. Once you attach the Wagr tracker to your pup’s collar, it will help you track your dog’s activity, walks, safe zones, and it will also alert you when they leave the safe zone you’ve created. If you have a dog of your own or someone from your friend’s circle who owns a dog, then Wagr’s location & fitness tracker is a must-have gadget.

These Five Amazon Prime Series Are a MUST WATCH!

A few days back, we covered an article on the best Netflix shows you can watch to chill on your weekends. People do not get enough of the shows that they can enjoy to either kill their boredom or watch it with their friends and loved ones. 

We are stuck in the age of binge-watching now more than ever. When you run out of shows on one platform, a list of another set of shows should be ready before you in order to not break the binge. Today, we are covering the five best Amazon Prime series that you should definitely give a watch if you haven’t already. 

Mirzapur

Also referred to as AmazonPrime’s strong response to Netflix’s Sacred Games, Mirzapur has all the essential elements of a perfect crime thriller. 

Though it is not an unknown fact that Mirzapur is arguably the best crime series that has been produced to date, I still included this series in my list since not everyone has given it a watch. 

The show revolves around Kaleen Bhaiya, played by Pankaj Tripathi, who binds other multiple characters in the town of Mirzapur who have somewhat similar ambitions to command the city. 

The beauty of this show lies in how the director manages to run parallelly multiple plots while coming up with occasional twists.  

Laakhon Me Ek

This show has been written and directed by Biswa Kalyan Rath who brings us a gem of an Indian series focusing on the topic of parental pressure in choosing a profession that the child doesn’t likely want to pursue.

The show has two disconnected seasons played by two separate characters. Season one is about Aakash Gupta, played by Ritwik Sahore, who aspires to be an online content creator but faces resistance from his father who wants him to pursue Engineering.

This show goes deep into the hearts of millions of students who face somewhat similar situations sooner or later in their lives.

Invincible

Invincible is a superhero comedy based on a comic book of the same name written by Robert Kirkman, who is also the co-creator of The Walking Dead comic. 

After Mark’s 17th birthday, he starts to develop his own powers – but his father is there to help him learn how to handle them. The ensemble voice cast also includes Sandra Oh, Mark Hamill, and Seth Rogen.

You can watch this on some days who want to watch some light comedy-superhero classic.

Paatal Lok

Paatal Lok is a crime suspense thriller show by MAazon Prime starring Jaideep Ahlawat in the lead role. This is a series about just another Delhi police inspector Hathiram Choudhary. 

He stumbles upon a high profile case by accident, but as he uncovers the case, he gets to know the dark secrets of really powerful people. This is definitely a must-watch and has been rated quite highly and has also been praised by critics.  

The Boys

The show is about the supervillains, or at least, villains who think of themselves as heroes. The Boys is set in a world where superheroes are revered as celebrities and work for a giant corporation, but outside of saving the world, most are abusing their powers and are pretty bad people. 

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