In an increasingly digitized world, protecting one’s privacy may, essentially, be an impossible task. It is no longer a mystery that we are being watched with every move we make on the internet. As small and accessible as our worlds are now, it comes at the cost of losing autonomy over who has access to our private information and what they do with it. So, how do you reap the benefits of a technologically advanced planet while ensuring that you are safeguarding sensitive information, sufficient downtime, and your sanity? WhatsApp is a popular internet-based text and voice messaging service with over two billion users worldwide. It is possible to use their privacy features to minimise visibility and disruptions.
Open WhatsApp, go to Settings, tap Account, and then Privacy to customize who has access to your ‘Last Seen’, ‘Status’ and who is allowed to add you to WhatsApp groups. You can block or report contacts by clicking on the contact name and scrolling all the way down and tapping BlockContact or ReportContact. Instagram is a popular social networking and photo-sharing app that allows you to connect with celebrities, brands, family and friends. There are multiple ways that you can be discreet on Instagram.
You can change the settings to make your account private thereby controlling who has access to your photos and videos. You can do this by going to Settings, Privacy and then tapping next to Private Account.You can block users by tapping on their username, scrolling all the way down and tapping on Block. If what you really need is a break from social media then you can temporarily disable your Instagram account by logging onto www.instagram.com, clicking on your profile and tapping on Edit Profile. You can scroll down and connect Temporarily Deactivate Account.
These privacy considerations are the bare minimum in times when the fear of losing oneself to the peculiar ways of the internet is looming large. As users become more vigilant, there will be a need for more intricate privacy settings such as time-specific visibility on social media and instant messaging applications.
The upcoming Nothing Phone(1)’s design was recently revealed to a private audience at Art Basel, finally lifting the covers on the long-anticipated unique transparent phone design. The phone is expected to come with the new Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 at the helm, with up to 8GB of RAM and a dual-camera setup on the back, housing a 50MP shooter with an ultrawide second camera with no confirmation on the lens or sensor. The device is expected to come with a centre hole punch design and a 6.55-inch 90hz FHD+ OLED panel. Interestingly enough, with the open back of the phone, wireless charging is confirmed, along with a standard USB C port. Lastly, the phone will come with Android 12 based on the all-new NothingOS.
The product is expected to launch in the under $500 (39k INR) range.
Realme GT Neo 3T 5G – July 7th [unofficial]
Realme’s latest instalment of the GT series, the Neo 3T 5G, will come with the Snapdragon 870 platform, with up to 8GB RAM, featuring a 6.62 inch 120hz AMOLED panel. On the back is a triple camera setup with a 64-megapixel primary shooter, 8-megapixel ultrawide and 2-megapixel Macro camera. With a whopping 80W charger, the phone is expected to top out the 5000mAh cell in 36 minutes.
The Realme GT Neo 3T 5G is expected to launch at about 36,599 INR.
Moto G62 5G – July 20th [unofficial]
The Moto G62 is a mid-range offering from the Lenovo-based brand for about 20k INR. The phone features a slightly upsetting Snapdragon 480+. The phone will feature up to 4GB of RAM, which is considerably less, slightly made up by the fact that the phone sports a 120hz IPS FHD+ panel. The product also comes with a 15W charger. The phone comes in two colourways – Midnight Gray and Frosted Blue, shipping with a close-to-stock Android 12 experience of Moto’s MyUX.
Oppo Reno 8 Pro [Early July]
After the success of the Reno 7 Pro, the 8 Pro carries heavy excitement, and so far, it seems to be delivered. Along with a unique curved class camera module design, the phone will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 8100 Max with up to 12GB of RAM onboard. Furthermore, the phone will be packed with a 4500 mAh cell with up to 80W of fast charging. The phone is expected to be priced at about 35K INR and ship with RealmeUI over Android 12.
Oppo Reno 8 [Early July]
The Oppo Reno 8 is the younger sibling of the aforementioned 8 Pro, featuring a slightly clunkier display, featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 1300 instead, and up to 8GB RAM, with a 50MP primary shooter, but a disappointing dual 2MP setup for the Macro and Depth cameras. The phone will feature a 4500 mAh cell with their VOOC standard charging for up to 80W going from 0-100 in 26 minutes. The price of this phone is expected to be around 25k INR, 10K less than its Pro variant.
The global pandemic has triggered digitization at an unprecedented rate in India, with the country becoming a leading mobile-first consumer economy1. As smartphone prices cease to be prohibitive, the smartphone user base is expected to reach 829 million in 2022, accounting for 60% of the population,which will represent 38% of all networked devices in India this year2. Today, India ranks second in the world for the number of smartphone users.6
Smartphones are playing a pivotal role in bridging the divide between urban and rural India and improving digital literacy- they are offering access to education, healthcare, banking, and other vital services. In fact, during the most severe lockdowns, smartphones and internet access were central to keeping children connected and educated, especially in rural and remote parts of the country. People are turning to their phones both for enrichment as well as entertainment.
The Photographer in Us
Smartphones have dramatically changed our lifestyles and have become our go-to devices. People in India spend around five hours a day on these devices on average, and are one of the world’s highest data consumers per day—even surpassing China3. After all, digital natives turn to smartphones for work, play, and nurturing hobbies. Phone cameras offer rich 4K resolution today, and several new devices bring 8K video recording. These innovations have turned many people into amateur photographers and content creators, capturing and documenting our lives. However, at the same time, this means that unless we have the right level of storage, we have to make the debilitating decision of deleting our memories in order to create new ones.
Today, dedicated storage devices are developed especially for mobile content creators, such as SanDisk® Dual Drives, which can be used to enhance mobile storage by up to 1TB5 and offer ease of moving content between various compatible devices. Moreover, dedicated storage is available both for AndroidTM and iOS devices. This simple plug-and-play device allows us to continue the pursuit of the best picture and capture our precious moments without worrying about the lack of storage space. Other options are available too, such as microSDTM cards and external SSDs, that offer phenomenal transfer speed and can be plugged directly into smartphones that feature a card slot.
Thanks to the smartphone penetration in the country, mobile gaming has also become a mass phenomenon and is competing with other popular entertainment categories, such as short-form video, streaming services, and social networks for user attention. With one out of ten gamers across the globe being in India, it is the fifth-largest mobile gaming market globally4. Even an entry-level smartphone today comes packed with more power and features. As a result, affordable yet powerful smartphones are one of the critical enablers of this massive boom in mobile gaming. Additionally, easy access to various game titles has also aided the popularity of mobile gaming. For example, many casual games are ‘Pick Up and Play’, usually available as a free download and monetized by ads. These also attract casual gamers looking for no-obligation games to pass the time.
Hardcore gamers can easily access the games of their choice from almost unlimited title options and play immersive multiplayer games, which are gaining traction. While immersive and graphically taxing titles are becoming popular, these take up a lot of space on the device, which can hamper the gameplay in the absence of the right storage. The storage should be designed to avoid the lagging graphics that can slow the game down. For example, the microSDTM card, in addition to offering ample space, should also offer high-performance speeds to support demanding game graphics and 4K ultra-HD video.
Smartphones have changed our world and have become a crucial part of our lives. However, these devices will become inhibited without storage.
In the recent WWDC 2022 event on June 6, Apple inc finally announced its iOS 16 update, which will be released in September 2022. Although this is excellent news for all the tech followers and smartphone enthusiasts, this is also bad news for some previous iPhone users.
With iOS 16, Apple also announced that some devices wouldn’t be receiving these updates, specifically the iPhones starting from 7 Plus to the bottom will not be receiving these updates. The announcement shocked many people because the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were released in September 2016, which isn’t a long time for smartphones not to receive further updates.
Like the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, iOS 16 is not to be released for the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, among other devices. Following Apple’s WWDC event on June 6, iPhone 7 customers rushed to Twitter to voice their frustrations over the lack of an update for their phones.
OnePlus has always been a rulebreaking brand that dares to take a risk. Over the last few years, the brand has launched many high-end products at affordable prices and indirectly forced other brands to lower their costs. The brand recently launched OnePlus Nord Buds alongside the Nord CE 2 Lite and the OnePlus 10R in India but are they worth it?
OnePlus has attended all the classes on how to lure customers with the attractive packaging, and with the Nord Buds, they’ve done a great job. The Nord Buds box has a cute little packaging of blue and black colour combination. Inside the box, it contains a charging case along with earbuds, brand sticker, charging cable, 4 ear tips, and a red cable welcome card.
Design & Comfort
The shape of the OnePlus Nord Buds is quite traditional and ordinary, but you can’t expect something extraordinary from a ₹2,799 earbuds. The earbuds and the case look premium at first but they are made up of cheap plastic. The buds feature connect button in the back and an indicator light in the front. The buds we received for the review were white (marble) in colour.
The boxy ergonomic case of the earbuds is prone to scratches, while the earbuds are inclined to store a little dirt in between the hubs. The outer circular layer doubles as the touch surface for controls. The buds are not the ones you carry along easily due to their shape. The buds weigh under 5 grams a piece but don’t offer the best comfort, especially during long use.
Image Credit – Divesh Vyas
Sound Quality
The water and dust resistant earbuds don’t disappoint you when it comes to sound quality but if you’re an audiophile or into the business of music for a long time then you might not like the output. The buds are packed with 12.4mm titanium drivers, and looking at the price, they deliver a pretty decent sound. The sound of the earbuds will leak out, once you cross the 80% of the volume level.
I thoroughly enjoyed the earbuds, especially while watching the content, as the earbuds have 12.4mm Titanium audio drivers and Dolby Atmos support for deeper bass and clearer sound. The earbuds have 4 microphones for filtering out the noise while taking calls, but they only deliver an okayish calling experience. The earbuds have many software issues which the brand has to resolve in the future.
Battery
The earbuds are advertised to have about 7-hours of battery life and another 30-hours with the case, and we couldn’t agree more. The cable offers ultra-fast charging resulting in 5-hours of listening time in 10 minutes of charge. The OnePlus Nord Buds last for at least 5-hours when charged to the core and play the role of your buddy while you’re on the go.
Verdict
The OnePlus Nord Buds have various rivals at the price point, but the Nord Buds stand apart as they’re a dealbreaker for people looking for TWS earbuds under 3000. I loved them while listening to the songs and watching content as I’m more into low volume decks, but if you desire the best audio experience, please invest a few more thousand and get something extraordinary.
Don’t we all love large displays, why else would we want to watch movies on those large crisp projections in a movie theatre? LCD, and OLED displays as good as they may be and as large as they get, might not be the optimal solution when it comes to viewing content on a large canvas especially while saving some bucks. Do you know how much a 55-inch television with 4K HDR 120Hz refresh rate costs in India? You might want to google search and see for yourself! This is exactly why movie theatres use projectors rather than large AMOLED displays. Today, we have an alternative to something as large as a 300-inch crisp 4k HDR 120Hz display, powered by something so small, that we could carry it around. Meet the Optoma GT1080HDR DLP Projector.
Simply Optoma:
Design is simple yet lightweight and installation on a table or ceiling is easy. The front-facing projector is about a foot wide with 12.4-inches, 4.5-inches tall and 9.5-inches in length. The remote has all the necessary buttons and every button is illuminated. There’s also a lens cover that covers the short throw lens neat and complete.
More value than money:
Being DLP this projector is virtually maintenance-free, has better picture quality, wider colour range and greater contrast while also being capable of displaying up to 3800 Lumens of vibrant bright projection. Do not go by its name of GT1080HDR as the projector is able to project up to 4K HDR at 120Hz refresh rate. Optoma has packed the GT1080HDR DLP Projector with multiple I/O when it comes to connectivity. HDMI 2.0, HDMI 1.4a, VGA in and out, USB power in and out, audio in and out, RS 232 port, AC power and Kensington lock.
Projector distance can be adjusted from as low as 1.3 feet to 11.3 feet. Being a short-throw projector the Optoma GT1080HDR DLP Projector can produce a crisp 4K 120inch display from a mere 4 feet. The remote is illuminated, a clever trick especially for a projector. Active and passive 3D is offered with the right content and glasses at a rapid refresh rate of 144Hz, mighty impressive for a product that costs less than a 55inch 4k television with similar specs. The contrast is 50000:1 and thanks to DLP, the projector lamp is easily replaceable by a claimed viewing time of 10 years as per normal usage of 4 hours per day. If all of this wasn’t enough, Optoma has loaded a 10-watt speaker inside the projector to have an audio and video experience right out of the box.
We played a couple of games at a 4K HDR high refresh rate and the projector pleasantly surprised us. Colours and contrast are amazing in games and games look more immersive with naturally punchy colours. The speaker too performs decently for a built-in speaker and no complaints here. The built-in fan is relatively silent and never audible. Next, we tried a couple of movies, youtube songs and the audio-video experience left us mesmerised. Optoma colour reproduction is one of the best when it comes to projections. Colour tones are natural throughout ECO and ECO+ modes. HDR performance was at par with expensive projectors and overall, the Optoma GT1080HDR DLP projector seems to have more value than money for what it provides.
Verdict:
If you are looking for a capable 4K display and own a new-gen console like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, definitely consider auditioning the Optoma GT1080HDR DLP Projector. With the right panel, proper sources and innate capabilities like impressive colour tones, passive 3D, and keystone correction with +/- 40 degrees, this Optoma projector is definitely a great value addition to your display arsenal.
Rating – 4.5/5
Good – Short-throw projection, display customisation
Bad – Manual keystone correction, old UI
Ugly – Bright mode distorts colours
Projection – Upto 300inch 4K Signal / HDR Compatible
Shorter installation distance with short throw lens design
Bright 1080p projector – 3,800 ANSI Lumens
High contrast outcome – 50,000:1
Easy connectivity – HDMI, VGA, R232, 10W speaker
Low ownership costs – up to 15,000 hours of lamp life (Eco+ Mode)
Motorola has been on a launching spree ever since it promised to deliver a new smartphone every month last year. This time around, it is the Motorola Edge 30, and Motorola claims this to be the slimmest and lightest 5G smartphone in India. We tested the brand claims and the phone only to witness surprised by our findings.
Display – POLED goodness
Motorola has retained the FHD+ pOLED panel from its predecessor, the Edge 20, with one of the fastest refresh rates at 144Hz on Edge 30. This display is bright, has punchy colours and has an extended edge to edge design, making the bezels as narrow as physically possible in 2022. The display also gets 10-bit HDR10 capabilities and content support for the same. There’s a fast in-display fingerprint sensor, and a hole punch camera makes this look amazing, especially at the starting price of 27999.
Is it the slimmest and lightest 5G phone as per Motorola claims?
Motorola has taken inspiration from the new generation of iPhones, which is visible in the design. Buttons are on the RHS ends, and despite the lack of a headphone jack, this time around, the phone features a Dolby Atmos algorithm on dual stereo speakers. Acrylic back and sides and a pOLED panel make the Edge 30 feel lighter than its visual appeal. At 155gms, this is one of the most lightweight phones available in India.
Specs – Balanced performer
Snapdragon 778+ 5G SOC is one of the most balanced SOCs made by Snapdragon. It easily handles the Android 12 based UI; scrolling is super smooth and fast and supports 13 5G bands, with none available to test. Overall, the WiFi 6E capable SOC with the latest Bluetooth 5.2 and support for multiple bands with carrier aggregation make this a good phone for a connected lifestyle. We played a couple of games, and the processor handled them all at the highest graphic settings with smooth gameplay at 360Hz touch sampling. Also, the standby time on Snapdragon 778, including this plus variant phone, is one of the best in Android smartphones.
Cameras – A decent pair of shooters
Motorola has included a 50MP OIS primary with 50MP ultra-wide sensor and a 2MP depth sensor for aiding camera algorithms. The shots from this phone are decent, and the best part is the colour consistency between cameras. Low light photography, too, has improved many folds compared to its predecessor, the Edge 20. The ultrawide sensor doubles as the macro shooter. The front 32MP camera is above average. All the sensors support 4K video recording, making it future proof and great for content creation.
Battery – Lasts long, really long.
Edge 30 comes with a 4020mAh battery coupled with a 33W fast charger inside the box. The best part is that Snapdragon 778+ is a very balanced SOC and thereby provides good performance and pairs it with good efficiency. This phone can last a heavy usage day with ease, thanks to the efficient SOC onboard.
Motorola features
Speakers are decently loud at this price range, and they sound richer than the competition. Moto Gametime allows for overclocking the processor when you play games and some optimised software settings to aid gaming on this phone. Motorola secures your data on the phone with Thinkshield technology, a gift from its parent company Lenovo. Motorola also equips the Edge 30 with ready for functionality, allowing straightforward phone content sharing with TV, computers and other devices. The whole package is available in two RAM trims and two colours of your choice. There’s quite a bit of functionality provided by Motorola for the price alongside the usual moto gestures.
Verdict – A good mid-range smartphone.
Motorola Edge 30 is one of India’s lightest, if not the slimmest 5G smartphone. Overall ad-free UI, capable low-light cameras, lightweight construction, and pOLED goodness powered by one of Snapdragon’s best SOC make the Motorola Edge 30 a good recommendation for anyone who wants the best of all worlds in the Android smartphone universe.
After launching POCO M4 5G in the Indian markets, the brand is all set to launch the smartphone in the global markets. As per the reports, POCO M4 5G might not be the only phone that the brand is gearing up to launch globally. Two new POCO smartphones with model numbers 22041216G and 22041216UGwere spotted on the FCC certification database.
On having a closer look at the documents, the model numbers are rebranded as Redmi Note 11T and the Redmi Note 11T Pro. The FCC certification database also reveals some specifications of the product.
The new smartphone comes with an MIUI 13 for POCO along with an 8GB and 12GB RAM option with 256GB internal storage.
The new POCO smartphones will have 5G, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity options. An expectation of a 4300 mAh battery with 120W fast charging is set as Redmi Note 11T was seen with exact battery details on the 3C certification website.
Another record implies that Xiaomi hopes to sell the 22041216UG in Europe and the US. A launch date for each smartphone has now no longer surfaced yet, although a confidentiality record indicates that the pair should be with us by the end of October at the latest. In all likelihood, Xiaomi will announce 22041216UG and 22041216G in the subsequent month or two.
It’s April 2022, the start of the financial year, and any new start is a great start. Temperatures are at an all-time high in India, and the spirits of Exhibit as a whole. After a thrilling BBC TopGear Magazine India Awards 2022 and driving exotics back to back to decide winners, read on to wish for a french lifestyle we can only dream about in reality. Fact is, our truth is more fascinating than fantasies. Imagine flying in and beyond Indian shores and driving exotic sports cars and SUVs along with the petrolhead Ranveer Singh. This has been a happening month! My team had a tech-savvy time reviewing products with the best phone launches, from Samsung, OnePlus, iQOO, Realme, etc., to excellent new laptops. Technology has witnessed RTX graphics in an Acer thin and light Swift X. Speaking of multiple phones, phone companies have lost it. The first quarter of the year has already confused smartphone buyers with the number of launches. They’re almost uncountable! Speaking of all the phones, we also explored the return of colours in smartphones. Who doesn’t like a little colour in their lives? A new aspect of the world is emerging in the form of NFTs. Knowledge is wasted if not shared.
Our cover features the gorgeous and brilliant Miss World 2017, Manushi Chillar, debuting in Prithviraj, opposite Akshay Kumar this June. We wish her all the best. Our team also conversed with someone I have known for a long time, an automotive social media influencer, Mumbiker Nikhil, and his passion turned profession. Talking about influencing, our Influencex – Indias’ first Influencer awards are in its 3rd season, and voting has just begun if you see the exhibit.tech/voting tripping it’s because of the insane fans coming and voting for their favourite across the 40 categories that we stack them on. It all concludes with 100 of the Top Influencers flying with us in Kerala to celebrate the best of the best content creators in India.
It’s all about the set and the setting. Hence, we explore 10 incredible roads trips you must take across India. Once a runner up at Exhibit Top 500 Tech Startups almost half a decade ago, we explore Haptik and its founder’s insight on his business as they tie up with JIO, a Reliance property. Ever wondered how big is the dating industry fuelled by desires? A coin with the same sides is unique but unfair. Drive along and witness the madness of an EV and the grandeur of a Porsche mashing insanely in stunning beauty, Taycan. Never has the world witnessed these many amounts of EV and ICE automobile launches as the year 2022. Other countries have already decided on their EV commitment, but India is a developing country and changes though slow, are steady. We have three of the newest midsize SUVs covering several hundred kilometres across cities. Volkswagen, Skoda, and MG all crave the new mid-size buyer’s attention. Oh, did I mention Arjun Kapoor and I went on a drive in the Volvo XC90? He owns one and drives too, but unlike most of us, he is a vampire of the night. Arjun shares his insights about ownership and comfort as we move along Mumbai streets unnoticed by the paparazzi. Overall, we have a packed issue with celebs, reviews, beautiful automobiles and much more; read at your heart’s content.
On August 6, 1991, one of the most significant pieces of technology was launched. The Internet “World Wide Web” was introduced to the public about 21 years ago. People and business entities did not immediately take to the Internet. It was quite a task to bring an Internet connection into a building. An Internet service provider had to run a cable from the mainline to the inside of the building. From here, an Ethernet cable was utilized to create a connection between the Internet service and router. Another Ethernet cable was needed to connect the Internet router to a computer. This complex process is still utilized today but is no longer viewed as a hassle.
As time went on, more private networks were created. It did not take long before everyone was hooked and eventually reliant on the Internet. Today, there are approximately 5.16 billion Internet users across the globe. When you break down these Internet users, you see people, businesses, government entities, nonprofit agencies, and public institutions.
Financial Industry And Internet
One industry majorly impacted by the Internet is the financial sector. Long gone are the days of spending precious time waiting in line to cash a check. While some financial institutions continue to see some foot traffic, the volume has drastically decreased, thanks to the Internet.
Commercial banks, asset management firms, credit unions, insurance companies, check-cashing firms, payment processors, finance companies, payment processors, stock brokerage firms, and asset management firms are reliant on the Internet.
The Internet is so commonplace in the financial sector. Everyone from the consumer to the small business to the large corporation conducts business with at least one financial institution.
Mobile Banking
Mobile banking is one of the most notable finance technologies. Thanks to this amazing piece of technology, consumers can conduct most of their financial activities online. Instead of spending hours in line at a bank, consumers can cash their checks online. This includes both payroll, cashiers, and personal checks.
Nearly every small and large financial institution utilizes software for its mobile banking services. The account holder must download their bank app to their desktop computer, laptop, or smartphone. Some people tend to download their bank apps to all their mobile devices and desktop computer. So, they have quick and easy access to their personal bank account at home and on the go.
Other financial services available through most bank apps include check cancellation, wire transfer from one account to another, bill pay, and balance inquiry.
Digital Currencies
Cash was the go-to payment before the public discovered the Internet. Modern banking systems hold a specific level of capital in hopes of avoiding economic stress. Digital money is stored electronically to streamline the existing financial infrastructure.
Electronic money transactions are much simpler and quicker than physical cash. Financial institutions can transfer money from one account to another in what seems like nanoseconds. For example, an account holder enrolls in a เว็บสล็อตเว็บตรง service. The initial deposit takes less than 15 minutes. The process involves removing electronic money from a bank account to the service provider’s bank account. The balance is then recorded in the player’s personal account.
Email
Nearly all financial institutions utilize email for various tasks and processes. Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions incorporate email into their marketing strategies. Email marketing allows financial entities to build their customer bases, promote their lending services, communicate with their customers and other consumers, share time-sensitive information, and employee-to-employee communications.
Email marketing is an effective technique that has proven itself over time. Just ask any financier how they feel about email. They will all agree it has improved their every financial process in every way possible.
Video And Audio Chat
Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, financial institutions are no longer forced to host traditional meetings. Hosting a traditional financial meeting is never easy, especially when your employees, partners, and investors live across the globe. Fortunately, this is no longer the case, with video and audio chat technologies.
Virtual meetings can be held without a moment’s notice. To set up a virtual meeting requires a computer or smartphone, video & audio capabilities as well as an Internet connection.
Some banks even do one better by utilizing special virtual meeting software. They encourage their employees to keep the app downloaded to their smartphones, so they can be reached at all times.
