Tag: technology

Flemish Scrollers Tracks Parliamentarians’ Smartphones Usage

Frank Underwood always used to have files on politicians on his Mac. But what if he gets to know that someone is tracking him. Well, one cannot change the storyline of “House of Cards,” but the way artificial intelligence is expanding its horizon, politicians do need to be scared. An AI model has come to the floor that can assess how anyone (especially politicians) is using their smartphones in the middle of the sessions. If you think you want privacy in the public domain, think again. Because AI can bamboozle your privacy for sure. So, next time be aware and vigilant in the meetings like the one who presides and convenes them can provide remarks for the same. This Exhibit article will satisfy the geek in you and let you know what artificial intelligence tool Flemish Scrollers is all about.

Artificial Intelligence Tool Flemish Scrollers

Italy may have broken many Belgian hearts in the Euro 2020, but Belgians never stop producing something that can be worth it. Flemish Scrollers is an artificial intelligence tool developed by a Belgian Developer, Dries Depoorter. This technique checks how much time a politician gets distracted by their small but most usable gadget – smartphone. The language used to make this methodology is Python. The tool, when it came live, has started to attract many eyes. The news about the same came out through Twitter, where it showcased a video of one of their parliamentarians, Bart Somers, thought to use in the middle of the session.

How does this tool work?

A nerd Python developer might have understood how things are going on. But if you don’t even know the ‘P’ of Python, here’s a chance for you to have a nag for technology and understand in the most layman manner. Basically, Senaat (Belgian Parliament) goes live on YouTube. Now, the Flemish Scrollers (a Python application) has inducted a YouTube API code. Through this code it tries to assess the live video feeds through small buffers. During this, this tool tries to track face recognition and hand movements. After training the tool for a long time, this AI model has learned what is in the hands of legislators. The amount of time of the video feed in which the legislators’ hands on their smartphones gets collected. Once evaluated, it can provide the time in percentage about the person who was using their smartphone.

The potential of Flemish Scrollers

In a nutshell, Depoorter’s new artificial intelligence tool, Flemish Scrollers, can become the new norm of working culture soon in the future. Gone were the days when people came out on the roads to ask for rights, among which one was privacy. Little Tommy has to understand that privacy will not be in their hands if this AI tool can enhance its scalability. Many businesses can induct this tool in their ERP and CRM applications to track their workers’ performance. Even during the meetings, this tool will help you to know who is showing that top-notch awareness. Hence, it will be too early to predict what Flemish Scrollers can achieve.

Audi and Nunam transform old laptop batteries to mobile power banks!

Everyone is aware of the wonders-on-wheels that Audi launches. However, what we don’t know is that the company has been trying to give back to the environment! Yes, since 2009, the Audi Environmental Foundation has been supporting innovative projects that strengthen environmental protection. Recently, the foundation is known to support the non-profit start-up company ‘Nunam’. The 29-year old German-Indian founder found a unique way to prevent premature recycling of electronic waste and provide a cheap alternative of electricity to the ones in need.

Have you ever thought about what happens to your used, but waste-laptops; the ones that you sell for recycling purposes? Nunam is just another stop in the supply chain of electronic waste, except it’s a more sustainable one. The company buys discarded laptop batteries from scrap dealers in the Indian state of Karnataka and uses their battery cells for stationary energy storage systems. The results are another source of power that can be used to supply electricity to items that consume small amounts of power such as smartphones, fans, or lamps. These power banks further serve as a power source for small vendors, fruit and vegetable merchants at a market and in rural parts of the country. 

By doing so, the start-up is aiming to overcome various challenges with a single solution. First, it saves energy by ensuring that the batteries are fully utilized. Those batteries are not produced, they’re reused. This conserves raw materials and energy in the production phase. Additionally, reusing the material reduces the amount of scrap that would otherwise end up in residual waste, landfills, or recycling. The resulting power banks are charged with solar energy and not with coal-based electricity, thus fostering cleaner energy systems. At last, they’re providing access to clean energy to ones in need, with a 20% reduction in cost. 

Nunam co-founder Prodip Chatterjee says: “We are creating win-win situations: Old battery cells that would otherwise end up in residual waste are first reused and then disposed of properly. Scrap dealers earn money by reselling to us and Indian families and merchants benefit from affordable power banks. A five-year-old laptop can serve as a light source for Indian fruit and vegetable merchants at a market, can power a small fan, or can charge a mobile phone.”

The company takes care of the entire cycle of used battery system~ from procurement of used batteries to recollection from energy users and final recycling. They use real-time data, analytics, and cloud computing to help them track the whole process. Nunam has so far found that old laptop batteries have an average remaining capacity of approximately two thirds. It starts by testing the capacity and condition~ the ones with more than 60% residual capacity are assembled into new power banks, with approximately 1kWh; which eventually ends up charging smartphones or operating smaller household appliances for a day. These prototypes are connected to the Internet via SIM card and transmit data which ensures that the power banks are returned to Nunam again at the end of their service life. Nunam passes the ‘used-second-life’ batteries to a local battery recycling company. 

 “Technology is most environmentally friendly when it remains in use as long as possible. If we can do it for other purposes after their initial use, we can save energy and raw materials and reduce the amount of electronic waste. Effective cycles are an important lever for conserving resources,” said Rüdiger Recknagel, Managing Director of the Audi Environmental Foundation. The foundation therefore targets its support to projects for environmentally friendly use of technology under the “Greenovation” action area.

WOL3D launches ITouch 3D pen

The WOL3D (World of Lilliputs), pioneering in 3D printing technology in India since 2017 has recently launched the ITouch 3D pen in the Indian market. It has brought a development in the production of 3D technology— a change in the 3D printing market. Anticipate a situation where you’re thinking about an object; a prototype of something, and imagine having it right then. The ITouch 3D Pen is like the magic pencil from our favorite childhood show that all of us have wanted at some point in our lives! 

WOL3D is ISO, CE and ROHS certified with an extensive range of products like 3D prototyping services,3D Printers, 3D Filaments and 3D pens that showcase international quality standards. At present, they’re the No. 1 sellers on Amazon India for 3D printers, 3D pens and 3D filaments. ITouch 3D pen is another milestone that they have come up with; for children, for adults, for you! The perfect gift that will bring a smile on any kid’s face after they create their first project.  

In this era of practical knowledge, coupled up with the Covid-19 situation that restricts us from interacting with the outside world, ITouch 3D Pen is the magical pen that intends to improve children’s spatial thinking skills and encourage their creative imagination. A device that is easy to operate & maintain. Parents don’t have to worry about it being safe. The pen is equipped with a patented nozzle and thermal design that prevents burns. Also, if inactive for 5 minutes, it automatically shuts down. 

 The small ‘wonder-in-hand’ is manufactured prioritizing consumer’s safety. It’s user-friendly and anyone with a design in their mind, or on paper, can use it to design various products such as jewelry, toys, or basically anything. Various professionals, educators, artists use the device for modeling and developing various prototypes. It’s non-toxic and eco-friendly; just a heavier and bulkier version of a normal pen where the ink is replaced with filaments made of PLA (Polylactic acid) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), which are harmless to humans. PLA is biodegradable too. Also, the scientific program logic sets the non-blocking nozzle for smooth printing.  

This miraculous innovation works on USB charging. Also, the temperature and speed of the device are adjustable. It has an excellent extrusion speed, and you can create custom 3D objects without clogging and smooth graffiti. It comes with a USB charger, an adapter, a manual which explains all its usage, stencils that might help you get started and a pen holder, obviously! 

ITouch 3D Pen is one-step ahead of you while you’re working on your creativity. It garnishes the objects with extraordinary effects, adds a layer to your imagination and works like a glue gun too; can join two objects that are already created. You can definitely create objects bigger in size. Although, to accommodate every single detail of a large functioning prototype with numerous parts, you might need consultation from experts. Well, you always have YouTube to be thankful for this!

Tech This Week: A Recap of Global Tech News for the Week

Tech fans from around the world are always looking for the latest updates and features that technology has to offer. Be it the launch of a new product or the update of an existing one, the excitement is the same either way. To quench your thirst for tech news and events here is a gist of all the major happenings from around the world:

Segment 1: Global Launches 

LG Velvet for the USA

  • LG’s Velvet just got launched in the US on 22nd July following its launch in South Korea and several European countries. It is now available in the US market for $599, from AT&T.
  • It has a striking new look for LG, complete with a 6.8-inch OLED screen and IP68-rated waterproofing. The Velvet will be offered in Aurora Gray, Aurora Silver, Aurora Red, and Pink White. There’s just a single configuration of the Velvet that has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage with microSD card support. 
  • It comes with the Snapdragon 765G, which has a built-in 5G modem, much like the new OnePlus Nord.

Oppo Reno 4 Global Launch Date Announced

  • The Oppo Reno4 & the Pro version has hit  China in June and in India has been announced as July 31, 12:30 pm. 
  • Meanwhile, a notable tipster has suggested that the Oppo Watch will likely arrive in India on the same day. However, the company is yet to confirm this development. 
  • Oppo tweeted that the Oppo Reno 4 Pro will come with a 6.5-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate and “3D borderless sense screen.” The display offers a near bezel-less experience with its 92.01 percent screen-to-body ratio. 
  • The Oppo Reno 4 Pro that was launched in China comes with a triple camera setup at the back with a 48-megapixel primary camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 13-megapixel telephoto camera. 
  • The phone has a 4,000mAh battery include an in-display fingerprint sensor, 5G, 32-megapixel selfie camera, is powered by Snapdragon 765G Chipset paired with up to 12GiG  of RAM and up to 256GB of storage.
  • The Oppo Reno 4 Pro will be available to purchase via Flipkart and Amazon. While you have to wait for the announcement in its pricing and availability details.

Segment 2: India Launches

HP Powerhouse Gaming Portfolio

    • HP unveiled its new OMEN Laptops and accessories on Wednesday. It also introduced the first 16” Pavilion Gaming laptop.
    •   It also made updates to the OMEN Command Center, all designed for today’s gamer to play their best while pushing the limits of what their devices can do. It offers “First of its kind” hardware technologies with unmatched power without any compromise.
  • OMEN 15 (Intel) is available at a starting price of Rs. 79,999 and OMEN 15 (AMD) is available at a starting price of Rs. 75,999.
  • Pavilion Gaming 16 (Intel) is available at a starting price of Rs. 70,999, while the pavilion gaming 16 (AMD) is available at a starting price of Rs. 59,999.

One Plus Nord

  • OnePlus just had a one-of-its-kind Augmented Reality launch for its much talked about –  OnePlus Nord which starts at Rs. 24,999 
  • The base model offers 6GB RAM and 64GB storage, while the 8GB RAM 128GB storage option carries a price tag of Rs. 27,999 and the top-end 12GB RAM 256GB storage model is priced at Rs. 29,999.
  • The Nord houses a quad-camera set-up on the back consisting of a 48MP main lens, along with 119-degree ultra-wide, depth, and macro lenses of 8MP, 5MP, and 2MP, respectively. 
  • It also has a 90 Hz Fluid Display for faster and more reactive touch and swipe and is  available in two colour variants – Gray and Blue
  • The phone will sport a 4100 mAh battery, and Warp Charge. The device also comes with 5G support and runs on the android 10-based OxygenOS.

Redmi Note 9

  • Redmi Note 9 has been launched in India as the latest affordable smartphone by Xiaomi. The new model is the third in the Redmi Note 9 series — after the Redmi Note 9 Pro and Redmi Note 9 Pro Max.
  •  The new member of Redmi family comes in three storage variants – 4GB + 64GB at Rs 11,999, 4GB + 128GB at Rs 13,499 and 6GB + 128GB at Rs 14,999.
  • It’s available in three colours – Pebble Grey, Arctic White, and Aqua Green.
  • The dual-SIM Redmi Note 9 runs on Android 10 with MIUI 11 on top.
  • It features a 6.53-inch full-HD+ Dot Display with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. 
  • Inside, the phone has an octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, coupled with up to 6Gig of RAM.
  • It has a quad rear camera set-up  With a 5,020mAh battery with a 22.5W fast charger in the box. The company claims a two-day battery life, 
  • Amid Indo-Sino border tension, the Chinese smartphone maker claims that the all-new Redmi Note 9 is  NOW  ‘Made In India’.

Jabra Elite 45h

  • Danish wearable gadget-maker Jabra launched the Elite 45h on-ear headphones on Wednesday. The headphones aim to offer a long battery life of up to 50 hours and claim to offer up to 10 hours of battery life within just 15 minutes. They are priced around Rs 10,000.
  • The device features Jabra MySound to optimize and personalize sound experiences based on individual hearing profiles.
  • It has an on-ear form factor and features ear cushions made of PU leather material. There is also the single-fold design that lets the headphones lie flat and fit easily into a bag. 
  • The speakers enable music to be delivered while the dual-mic design removes noise around so one can enjoy crystal clear calls. 

Nikon Z5 Camera

  • The Nikon Z5 entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera has just been launched in India. This is currently Nikon’s most affordable Z-series camera with a full-frame sensor.
  • The new camera fills an all-important void between the Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Z50. With this lens, the Z5 will be available at a bundled price of Rs. 1,36,995.
  • The Nikon Z5  has a five-axis stabilizer and all feature a new, 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that is not a backlit unit.

 You get a 3.6 million dot resolution electronic viewfinder and a tilting rear 3.2-inch LCD display with touch support.

Samsung to launch 5 new devices on August 5

  • Samsung is all set to host its Galaxy Unpacked event on August 5 and has now confirmed that it will unveil as many as five products at the event next month.
  • the company, via a recent teaser, has already confirmed that the Galaxy Fold 2 will launch at the event. 
  • There may be three variants in the Galaxy Note 20 series this time around – the Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 20+, and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. 

Vivo S7 price and specs leaked

  • Vivo S7 price and specifications have been leaked online. While the Chinese company is yet to officially confirm the existence of the device, a tipster has leaked the specifications of the alleged Vivo S7 device on Weibo.
  • The source claims that the Vivo S7 will launch with a price label of approximately Rs. 32,100. This price will reportedly be for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The company is also said to offer the 256GB storage option, which will be available for roughly Rs. 35,300).
  • As per the leaked details, the new Vivo phone will have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset and dual selfie cameras. It is also likely to feature an in-display fingerprint sensor. 
  • If rumors and leaks are to be believed, the Vivo S7 will launch with a 44-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL GH1 primary selfie sensor. It will be assisted by an 8-megapixel secondary sensor along with a super-wide-angle lens. The upcoming Vivo S7 smartphone might be a successor to the current Vivo S6 phone.

Smartphone Shipments drop, Xiaomi worst affected 

  • Smartphone shipments have seen a drastic fall in the April-June period due to the coronavirus lockdown. Phone shipments fell 48 percent on the year, as mentioned in a report by Canalys. 
  • Around 17.3 million smartphones were shipped in the quarter, as compared to 33 million in the previous year. 
  • market leader Xiaomi saw a dramatic fall as its shipments fell 48 percent 

In a mess due to CES 2021? We can sort you out!

How wonderful is it to be the first person to know about something that is going to bring a huge difference to the world? Every year, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) hosts the largest tech show in the entire universe (assuming aliens don’t exist), with more than 4500 exhibiting companies that represent the entire consumer technology ecosystem. It is called the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and it is the platform where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace and thus, attract a lot of attention from the world media. Each year, tech enthusiasts travel across continents to Las Vegas, only to experience innovation that might revolutionize the entire tech industry.

An event “where innovation does business”, will definitely be held physically despite the pandemic keeping in mind the necessity of social distancing. However, with pandemic limiting travel, the products will be showcased digitally as well. Last year with 175,000 attendees, the event was held at The Las Vegas Convention, which is the primary venue for the event. With companies redefining technology by re-launching their products at CES, the event is known to attract an enormous number of exhibitors every year. 

 Also, with the successful GamesBeat Summit 2020, the exhibitors and attendees definitely expect the event to be held digitally. Without having to worry about the travel expenses, sanitization facilities, social distancing and the pandemic, the attendees can attend the event from the comfort of their home. Also, a larger number of attendees are interested to know how the event might actually turn out digitally. New advancements in technology might happen only to acknowledge and overcome the difficulties in hosting the event successfully on a digital platform—something every tech enthusiast is looking forward to. It is a challenge for the organizers though, considering that they host the largest tech show in the entire world.  

“We will showcase our exhibitors’ products, technology breakthroughs and ideas to the world, both physically in Las Vegas and digitally,” Consumer Technology Association, which produces CES, said in a statement.  “You can expect to see a wider selection of live-streamed CES content, along with many other engaging digital and virtual opportunities, enabling you to connect with the world’s leading technology innovators, thought leaders and policymakers,” the statement added. CES is marketed to exhibitors on the strengths of its large pool of attendees and massive scope. 

To understand advancements in technology, one should know where its previous benchmark was. If you are intrigued by what CES 2021 has in store, look for the best in 2020. BMW launched its i3 Urban Suite: one that includes perks like a hanger for coats, heated cup holders, and a literal desk lamp. There are also some pleasant privacy-centric features like simulated acoustic sealing and a display that supports smartphone mirroring when you need a second screen. All could be accommodated by removing a few seats.  

In the accessibility category, the Phonak Virto Black: a discreet hearing aid that takes the form of wireless earbuds. The device is quite versatile with Bluetooth streaming.  

Last year, Dell introduced the concept of PC gaming on the go with Intel-powered Alienware Concept UFO. The portable Windows PC, which mirrors the form factor of the Nintendo Switch, features an 8-inch display, kickstand, detachable controllers, and support for external devices like displays or a keyboard and mouse. The device was conceptual, although they might’ve come up with something this year. Samsung’s 49-inch Odyssey G9 monitor — a treat for the gamers, has a 1440p resolution, a 1 millisecond response time, and supports refresh rates up to 240Hz. It also supports AMD’s FreeSync 2 and Nvidia’s G-Sync for better gameplay.  

CES has something for everyone and everything for the ones who are uncertain about their requirements. For artists and creators, Acer’s ConceptD 7 Ezel is a laptop with a 15.6-inch 4K display & multiple configurations. Could there be a better version of the already-launched product? Only CES can say.

The dramatics of hosting the event digitally might seem highly unrealistic at this point, but one can never know of the possibilities it might bring into the real world. Technology gives you the freedom to travel to a different dimension altogether from the mere comfort of your home. Just imagine how wonderful it will be to be virtually present at a physical event without compromising any sort of experience. With greater challenges comes better solutions. Covid-19 is the worst thing that could’ve happened but it has challenged technology in ways nothing else has ever could. CES 2021 is surely expected to surprise us, yet again and as always!

 

 

Home sweet automated Home!

 

Over the years, the definition of a household has changed drastically. What began as a small dwelling for early humans to take shelter from the natural elements has now become a full-fledged accessory of life. Heck, having a well-furnished and well-equipped home is not only stylish, but it has also become necessary. With technology advancing in leaps and bounds and automation spreading its roots in every sector, home automation has also become a common sight.

Right from opening the garage when you arrive from office to giving you a goodnight sleep, from your morning alarms to cooking delicious dinners, from reading a book quietly in your room to dancing your heart out on your favorite song that Alexa has just played; There is practically nothing that a smart home can’t do for you. It is a home that understands your needs more than you do. A place that’ll listen to your problems and give you an environment to come up with the best solutions one can possibly find. An abode that you’ll fall in love with!

Technology has evolved in ways that you wouldn’t have imagined a few years ago. At times like these, when things can be controlled at the tip of your fingers, you don’t have to worry about whether you shut your garage door before leaving the house or not. Systems such as Garage Smarts 101, Chamberlain MYQ Smart Garage Hub, Garadget or Alcidae Garager 2 can be installed which can be easily controlled with controllers such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit and can be used for opening garages and various other activities. 

Use Smart locks to lock your fort of goodies with a single tap on the phone or either ask Siri to do it for you. Using the perks that GPS and Bluetooth provides, Siri is smart enough to unlock your house if your friends visit! The smart home technology extends itself way beyond your imagination. The tech revolution has changed your way of living with single taps or mere your voices. You can now control your television or home theatres merely by asking Siri to do it for you. 

A way to protect your homes from thefts; the technology of motion sensors can identify the difference between burglars & pets & sends you an alert each time an activity happens around your house! Cameras that can track your home’s exterior even if it’s pitch black outside! Smart lights are another perk in smart homes. Change the color, switch them on & off, dim it from the comfort of your bed without having your spouse disturbed. 

Create sunrise and sunset effects with large-yet-smart watches without having to step outside of your house. Use Smart Shades to cut the lights down. Level the brightness inside your house according to your requirement at a single tap. It’s like having a friend or a housekeeper who’d do anything for you without a question! 

Use smart dining tables & seating that maximize the area in your rooms, making the place an open one to live. 

Designing a smart home is not as easy as you might think. However, it is not rocket science either. Have a specific set of requirements & everything will be on board before you even know it. Home automation has revolutionized human lives and will continue to improve the standard of living. . Smart Homes are easily compatible with all your needs. Don’t hesitate. We’re sure that Siri and Alexa would be glad to help you!  

 

Mars to get a new visitor soon, from the United Arab Emirates!

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up to join the ranks of those few countries around the world, who have extended their reach to infinity and beyond! After six years of extensive research and development, the Middle Eastern country will launch its first interplanetary mission to Mars. 

It is called the Emirates Mars Mission and the satellite will be launched on April 17, on top of a Japanese rocket. This will be the beginning of several other missions to Mars, including China’s orbiter, rover and lander launches on July 23. NASA is also in hot pursuit with its preparation to launch the Perseverance, its next rover. All these missions have a very small window of time, when  Earth and Mars come closest to one another on their orbits around the Sun. This planetary alignment only happens once every two years, so if any of these missions can’t launch this summer, they’ll have to wait until 2022 to try again.

The Emirates Mars Mission is especially important for the country, as it is viewed as a part of a celebration for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UAE, which is in December 2021. It was first announced in 2013 by UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, when he asked the nation’s top space engineers to pull off the ambitious space mission by 2021 to commemorate the occasion. 

The spacecraft is called Hope and aims to complement other studies going on about Mars. It is expected to give scientists a clearer picture of Mars’ lower atmosphere, which will help them understand the annual weather patterns. The UAE calls Hope “Mars’ first weather satellite” since it will monitor the weather throughout the day in as many locations as possible on Mars.

With a tight budget of just $200 million, the UAE had a tough job completing Hope on its own. To overcome this, The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, which built the Hope spacecraft, teamed up with the University of Colorado at Boulder — a college that’s been designing Martian instruments since the 1960s. It also received guidance from researchers at Arizona State University and the University of California, Berkeley throughout the course of the spacecraft’s development. NASA has also enabled communications with Hope for the Emirates, using its Deep Space Network (an existing network of antennas spread around the world).

The live counter for the launch of this spacecraft can be tracked on the official website of the Emirates Mars Mission. It is slated to be launched in the early morning hours on top of a Japanese H-IIA rocket out of the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan.

Want a laptop as good as a Macbook? Check these out!

Apple’s MacBook has set some definitions in the world of laptops. Nevertheless, major tech giants around the world have risen to the challenge and have produced some of the best laptops in the market. If you are looking for a quality laptop but don’t want to opt for a MacBook, check out these alternatives:

1. Dell XPS 13

Dell wanted to create a laptop that will not only match the MacBook’s aesthetics, but pose a serious competition with its performance. Enter the XPS 13. It is based on tenth-gen Core i5 and i7 processors, unlike the MacBook Pro. It also gets a lighter screen than the MacBook, with the same 13.3-inch resolution. Hardware includes 16GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage. It also gets features that MacBook misses on, such as two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a microSD card slot and a 3.5mm audio jack. However, it carries a suitable price tag of Rs 1 lakh+, while offering a weight of 1.2 kg.

2. ThinkPad X1 Carbon

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon offers more than the MacBook Pro as it comes with a larger screen than the current 13.3-inch MacBook Pro and is available in seven set configurations. Buyers can choose from eighth and tenth generation Intel CPUs combined with IPS screens with Full HD, QHD or UHD resolutions. Compared to that, the MacBook Pro offers a maximum resolution of 2880×1800 pixels. Its price depends on the model selected also falls in the Rs 1 lakh+ range.

3. Asus VivoBook 14

Asus has created one of the most affordable alternatives to the MacBook, with the VivoBook 14. It is priced under Rs 50,000 and offers an ultra-thin 14-inch display. It is powered by an 8th gen Intel Core i5 procesor and gets 8GB of ram and 512GB Solid State Drive (SSD). It also gets a microSD card reader, a USB Type C connector, two full-size USB ports, and one HDMI.

4. HP Envy 13

The HP Envy 13 has a 1.5cm thickness and a weight of just 1.2 kg, making it a considerable alternative to the sleek MacBook. The Envy 13 gets Intel’s 8th gen Core i5 processor, along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD. It is also equipped with three full-size USB connectors, one USB Type C connector, a microSD card slot, and a micro SD card reader. HP has priced the Envy 13 at a reasonable Rs 70,000 price range.

5. Surface Laptop 2

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 2 is probably the most potent competitor to the Apple MacBook. It is exquisitely designed with unique colours and gets a premium Alcantara textile finish around the keyboard and trackpad. It gets a 13.5-inch display that has a resolution of 2256×1504. The display also has a 10-point multi-touch input options, giving it a significant upper hand over the MacBook. The laptop runs on an Intel 8th gen Core i5 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage and is priced around Rs 75,000.

Evolution of Marketing in Tech during COVID

All of us have been constantly talking about the impact of COVID in various industries. In this post, let’s read about the evolution of marketing in tech during the COVID-19 era. All we have seen are adverse effects albeit a few industries like online education, e-commerce, mobile apps and social media platforms have seen a growth. When we talk about tech, we know that’s the future and the good thing is that we already are in the future! With artificial intelligence slowly taking centre stage, being under control of our businesses is becoming easier. With all of this, there’s one thing where we want to spend the money right now and at the same time we don’t want to. Marketing. We need recall more than ever but do we have the funds? If we have the funds and if marketing is the priority, do we have the right ways, channels, communication methods to do it? 

Not only the world has changed in terms of the economy and health but also in mindset and behaviour. How do you present yourself in front of someone who has no intention to buy right now, especially if you don’t fall under the category of ‘essential goods’. While so many tech brands suffer from figuring out the right way to communicate at the moment, some others have taken this opportunity to gain a new set of audience and to build more credibility. Honestly, it’s the way you perceive the situation and build a strategy on it. Let’s take a look at some of the tech brands and what have they been doing in the last few months to stay in their people’s minds. 

1. Amazon

For years Amazon has been responsible for changing a buyer’s mindset, thereby changing their behaviour when it comes to online shopping. While for regular things such as books, household items, etc it was always the ‘go to’ app, lately it’s focus on groceries has given fruitful results. Initially where customers were apprehensive of buying grains and pulses from an app that has never done so before, today they’re not only buying groceries but are also trusting the giant for long term usage for the same. Insane. Isn’t it? They’ve also been focussing on promoting sellers who provide health and fitness products or services. After all, our well-being is of utmost importance in such times. We’d say, Amazon has been quick to make this happen and the communication to the consumer has been effective. 

Take a look at how Amazon has been doing this via their social media platforms:

As you can see the introduction of ‘Wow Wednesdays’ is a great idea. Promoting OZiva that deals in natural and herbal products and focusing on wellbeing via special IG TV episodes has helped Amazon Garner attention. While these sessions also help the brand OZiva, at times like these, Amazon is in a complete win-win situation. Topics like fitness and mental health are sure to keep the customers interested for a long time to come and choosing social media to run ‘episodes’ that revolve around the same will keep the audience coming back. 

Right. Now, it is best to make the most use of social media for all kinds of marketing. The benefits as we know are:

  1. You already have an audience.
  2. Lesser spends give you more reach. 
  3. That’s where everyone is spending the most time right now. 

Not only has Amazon picked the right channel but also the right products and messaging. The subject of wellness and fitness is something that is a universal favourite at the moment. 

Here’s a few other essentials they’ve been focussing on and all the focus is on the things you can do at home right now. 

We think this is a great way to communicate not only with your audience but also an opportunity to showcase all the essential products and services you offer to them during a phase like this. Directly shoving your products in the customer’s face right now is of no use. This is an ‘authentic’ way to show you care. 

Read about Facebook Shops

2. Audi

We know that the automobile industry has been negatively impacted but Audi’s communication to the audience is simple, concise and effective. While they can’t change the fact that the whole industry is going downhill, they’ve made sure that the message they give is positive and reassuring; focussing on the ‘journey’ ahead. They’re not losing hope and are holding on to their audience with comforting communication. 

Take a look. 

Their quick thinking drove them to create the MyAudi Connect App that lets you book services, know your trip history, get fuel updates and more! 

The same Audi with a different messaging, offering an ‘app’ experience to all the customers. Very evolutionary and very quick. 

3. Apple

Hasn’t Apple always done something unique that touches people’s lives and hearts? It has always had an ‘inclusive’ culture where it always has made efforts to be a part of its own community. With a human touch, Apple has never failed to impress it’s audience, despite all the controversies it has been a part of. With the lockdown during the pandemic, it’s no different. Here’s how they’ve been working on keeping everyone together and connected during ‘COVID times’. 

#TheAtHomeSeries is the hashtag they’ve added to #ShotoniPhone when people are sharing their images. This, along with sharing the stories associated with those images is intriguing and uses ‘storytelling’ to captivate it’s audience. 

Storytelling can never go wrong, especially in times like these where everyone is seeking a more authentic human connection. Marrying the art of storytelling that involves ‘at home’ activities with the impeccable quality images shot on iPhone is a brilliant idea. The images become a part of the story and build the much needed empathy and connection. 

While all of these are just a few examples of how tech brands are perceiving the pandemic and using the opportunity to showcase a different kind of messaging, there are many who are trying their best to keep up with the times. However, survival will belong to those who ‘evolve’ with the times. 

Why Anand Mahindra’s $1 Million in Hapramp makes sense

So many social networking startups! Isn’t the world already so full of social media platforms? Why another? And why the investment? While many thoughts might come to your mind after reading that headline, let us talk about Hapramp and why it is actually so unique and worth it. 

Hapramp facts:

  1. Founded by 5 young people in 2018 – Shubhendra Vikram, Pratyush Singh, Mofid Ansari, Ankit Kumar and Rajat Dangi  
  2. Based in Gurugram
  3. Combines tech, creativity and data security 

The Timeline 

Just like most startups, the idea of Hapramp came to life in a hostel room! The founders made time for creating the tech startup by doing freelance jobs. It was a risk they were willing to take in order to build something valuable. 

While most of you might not be aware of 1Ramp.io, it was one of their first startups based on Steem Blockchain. It has a similar concept – social media for creators where users could earn cryptocurrency basis the upvotes on their content. We think it’s a very cool concept! While 1Ramp.io had become very popular and was presented in two Blockchain events in Thailand and Poland,the challenges the team faced with the user experience was something they wanted to fix. 

In 2019, they created GoSocial which was again, a platform for creators and also, Asteria Protocol which is the tech that takes care of data security, privacy and monetisation. Hapramp is an upgrade to that – a platform with better data security from the learnings of 1Ramp.io. 

Starting out with GoSocial 

Content creators are at the heart of every project that the founders work on. This is because content creators are the ones who build the highest value on the internet today. However, their efforts aren’t monetised fairly most of the time and this is what the focus of Hapramp is.

They were focussed on the problem their platforms solve and the benefit that the users get. GoSocial began with photographers and expanded to having artists and writers too. 

A Step by Step Research Model:

  • Internet Age – how long a person has been using the internet.
  • Stages of a Creator’s Journey – discovery (beginners), learning, professional (experts)
  • Self-challenges – All that the creators do to make creative ritual
  • Importance of validation

Using this research and experimenting based on data and learnings, they started building an experience that helps budding creators to learn photography, art and writing in a social context directly from expert creators. 

GoSocial has a unique way of building a relationship between the creator and the creation. Expert creators host creative challenges and the users take those challenges! Unique and interesting. GoSocial team’s focus is to work on tools that can help experts monetize their expertise and content. 

The Multiple concepts at play here are:

  • Vertical communities
  • P2P exchange of value
  • Personal growth. 

 

Exit mobile version