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Look at Realme UI 2.0 Features and Expected Timeline

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The recent months have been witnessing the massive unveiling of tech and smartphone plans and programs. Several big companies, from Apple to Oppo, have unraveled their projects which include online stores and new UI releases. Not wanting to be left far behind, Realme too has unveiled its latest Android 11-based UI named Realme UI 2.0. The UI focuses heavily on customization and comes packed with a slew of new features. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the Realme UI 2.0.

Realme Launching New OS

Realme’s UI 2.0 features options to customize your notification bar colors, several different dark modes, and comes with a Dual Music Share. The company is in the process of unraveling the update in steps, with the Realme X50 Pro being the first device to receive the upgrade. The phone had already received a preview version of the new OS and will be their first device to become available with the newest UI. Also, the company unveiled the UI 2.0 through an online event, which also led to the launch of the latest Realme Narzo 20 series. 

What’s New?

The Realme UI 2.0 allows users to pick colors for their interface, notification bar, shortcut button, and other interfaces. It also comes with a Global Theme Colour function which features five pre-set schemes and ten individual and unique single colors for users to choose from. The Always-on Display function also comes with five different themes, allowing users to customize their visual experience truly. The Realme X50 Pro was the first phone to receive a preview version of the OS, and will also be the first to the market with the new UI. A beta version of the device will release on Thursday (24th September), with the open market version hitting stores by late October. The stable version is expected to go on sale by the end of November after enough testing on the beta version.

The OS also brings to the table three different Dark Modes, namely Enhanced, Gentle, and Medium. The OS supports intelligent light adjustment, which leads to the screen, adjusting the contrast levels according to the amount of ambient light. The new OS also allows users to customize their icons and also provides them with a slew of font options. The UI enables third-party launching apps to access its desktop design providing further compatibility and customisability to users.

Image Source: rmupdate.com

Further Features

The Realme UI 2.0 also promotes digital wellbeing, including modules such as the Sleep Capsule which allows users to track their sleep cycle. Other features include a Floating Windows function which enables you to multitask, by allowing the usage of multiple windows. Hence, using the Realme UI 2.0, you can text your friends while watching videos on YouTube. The interface which the company will shop atop Android allows for better performance and higher efficiency. The company claims that its interface has led to a 45% improvement in resource utilization, leading to increased productivity. Furthermore, the OS also helps in increasing system speed by 32% and increasing the stability of frame rate rendering by 17%.

The new OS also comes packed with better security and privacy features, including a Deep Sea Privacy Plan.  This plan features a Security Shield, Invisible Door, and Private Space helping keep the user’s information safe and secure. To enable users to share links easily, the new system comes with a subtitle stitching feature. Other methods to share information and photos include the Dual Mode Music Share and Realme Share. Furthermore, the operating system also has additional features such as Bubble notifications, output switcher for media outlets, and media controls.

It is safe to say that these are exciting times for the smartphone manufacturer.  The company unveiled four phones and a new OS within hours via its two special virtual events. While the Realme C17 came first, a trio from the Narzo 20 Series followed suit, right after it unveiled the new Realme UI 2.0. It will be interesting to see whether the UI delivers with regards to its areas of improvement, which include sociability, productivity, and creativity.

While the addition of new colors and themes improve creativity by allowing users to express themselves, the company has also pushed sociability via its sharing options. The upgraded Realme Share feature allows for seamless file transfer over Wi-Fi, whereas the Dual Mode Music Share enables quick sharing of audio tracks, much to the delight of music-lovers. The sociability features also allow high levels of privacy with the help of security drawers which require PINs to open and functions like Call blocking and Pseudo Site blocking. The Realme UI shares a lot in common with the Oppo ColorOS, which recently launched a new version. It will be interesting to see how the Realme UI 2.0 stacks up against its competitor, and how much freshness this new OS can infuse into Realme devices.

Paytm

Google takes down Paytm from Play Store

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Earlier on 18th September 2020, Google took down Paytm, India’s most reliable and valuable digital payment app from Play Store. Google accused Paytm of violating the Play Store gambling policies and thus the app disappeared from the Play Store all of a sudden. Paytm has a monthly active user base of 50 million thus becoming Google Pay the biggest competitor in the country. Paytm accused Google of restricting the financial service app from adding new users. Let’s have a more detailed look into this.

Why Paytm has been taken down by Google?

Sports betting is banned in India. But, escaping the strong vigilance, many online sites arrange sports betting illegally. According to Google, Play Store doesn’t allow online casinos in its list and other gambling apps that promote and welcome users for sports betting in India. TechCrunch was informed by two unnamed people that Paytm has introduced a fantasy sports service (Paytm First Games) in its marquee app that violated many times the policies of the Play Store. 

The Android-maker also maintains similar guidelines around gambling. There are many apps made by Indian companies that lead the users to an external website where one can participate in paid tournaments and betting related to sports in India. And, all such apps violet the policies of Google Play Store thus bringing doom on themselves. Suzanne Frey, VP, Product, Android Security, and Privacy, wrote in a blog post that the rules are made to protect users from potential harm that can be caused by these misleading apps. She also further mentioned that even after warning the developer if the app is not brought into compliance it might also result in permanently terminating the Google Play Developers account.

After Paytm was taken down by Google, Paytm tweeted addressing all its users that the app is temporarily unavailable and it will be back soon. The company also assured that all the money is safe and they don’t need to worry.

Paytm
Image Source: blog.paytm.com

Sports betting in India

Google taking down Paytm accused of illegal sports betting might be a loud and clear message to all developers across the country. Since India is a country with a huge base of cricket lovers and IPL that started on 19th September, it might be a gentle warning. Google wanted to warn everyone that the betting policies of the Play Store should be taken seriously. The previous seasons of IPL have witnessed the interest of millions of Indians in such apps where they can participate in sports betting.

Apart from Paytm, Google has also asked Disney+ Hotstar to display a warning before showing ads of fantasy sports app.  

Paytm accused Google

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, co-founder and CEO of Paytm in response to this accusation by Google said that Google is not allowing Paytm to acquire new users. Google took down the app of Paytm hours after it rolled out cricket-themed scratch cards for cashback. He said that though Google has previously raised concern about Paytm First Games, this time it was about “nothing but” provided cashback to the users. He further said if cashback is the issue, the same rule should apply for Google Pay and PhonePe as well. The company has pulled the new feature and revised the app’s current version.

In response to Google taking down Paytm, FIFS (Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports) said that it has launched a complaint to Google about allowing some big companies like Paytm to launch and promote cash contest. The FIFS said that the guidelines of Google regarding Fantasy Sports should be imposed on everyone equally.

Is it back on the Play Store again?

The app was taken down from Play Store on Friday morning. It was back again in the evening after the company submitted its regulated version of the app to Play Store. The app was banned as the company rolled out a new feature called “Paytm Cricket League”, a day before IPL. The CEO of the company said the feature was cricket-themed cashback for users but Google said it violated policies against “simulated gambling content”. Though Google says Paytm violated policies, some industry experts are looking at it as a potential conflict of interest as Paytm is Google Pay’s biggest rival in the country.

Apple

Apple launching its online store in India on September 23.

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There’s some good news coming the way of Apple fanatics in India! The tech giant announced today that it would be unveiling an Apple Store in India on the 23rd of September via online means.  The online store will feature a slew of Apple products. While Apple products mostly sell online in India via Amazon and Flipkart, Bloomberg reported that the company was planning on establishing a unique store in time for Diwali. Furthermore, for the first time, the store will offer customers directly to clients throughout the country. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the announcement, and why Apple fans are excited.

Apple Online Store in India

Apple’s online store will go live on 23rd September and will offer its full range of products. The store will offer all clients the premium experience that clients around the world receive. The model will try to replicate the service delivered at Apple stores worldwide with the help of an experienced online team. Deirdre O’Brien, who serves as the VP of Apple Retail and People, said that the company is proud to be expanding in India. He also said that the team is looking forward to serving its Indian customers in the best way possible. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has left everyone relying heavily on technology, the company felt it was the right time to make the transition. Brien said that the team hopes bringing the Apple Store to India would help their customers during such a vital time.

Apple Online Store
Image Source: techcrunch.com

Digital Transformation

The Apple online store will serve as a convenient one-stop shopping destination for all fans of the American tech company. The shop will have Apple Specialists in place to help customers with choosing the right products and explaining technical details. They will also help customers with configuring their devices and setting up newly bought ones to suit their requirements. The store will also help customers get advice, learn about new products, and receive guidance on a variety of matters in both Hindi and English. 

Special Features

The Apple Store also features various financing and trade-in programs, helping make their products more affordable. For instance, students can shop for iPads and Macs at exceptional prices, and also receive discounts on AppleCare+ plans and other accessories. By October, clients can expect the store to start free Today at Apple sessions online. The sessions will be led by Creative Pros from local areas and will focus on music and photography. Also, the store will make gift wrapping options and personalized engraving available by the festive season. Engravings on AirPods will be available in the following languages;

  • English
  • Hindi
  • Marathi
  • Kannada
  • Gujarati
  • Bengali,
  • Tamil
  • Telugu

For engraving on the iPad and Apple Pencil, the language available will be English for now. To keep with modern requirements of health and safety regulations, the Apple team will enable contactless delivery for all services. Orders which do not need a signature to complete will be left at the door, while the ones that do will be completed via verbal confirmation. BlueDart will handle the delivery fulfillment within 24 to 72 hours of order placement by following all the required safety protocols.

Other Efforts and Investments

Apple has been a presence in India for over two decades now. The American tech giant has invested in creating and sustaining over 900,000 jobs across the country. Furthermore, Apple’s App Design and Development Accelerator provides frequent support to local developers in Bengaluru. Indian apps have become crucial now, with ones like AI-based Wysa helping provide mental wellness support to millions. Similarly, YogiFi has become quite popular due to its innovative use of computer vision to help with posture-correction. The app also makes use of Machine Learning to curate personalized yoga plans and programs, helping and encouraging people to stay fit during this pandemic.

While the COVID-19 threat looms over the country, Apple is doing all it can to provide local support to organizations promoting remote learning. It will be interesting to see how big a hit this store becomes as Indians will now get a taste of the exemplary Apple service for the first time. Also, with reports stating that the tech giant plans on unveiling physical stores in Mumbai and Bengaluru from next year, this will act as a test to see whether the idea holds true.

GoPro Hero 9

GoPro launches Hero 9 Black action camera with 5K video recording, dual screens, and more

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After GoPro Hero 8 Black, the company has launched GoPro Hero 9 Black with added features and modification. If you are a photographer or a videographer, this is a must-have and you should add it to your list. GoPro Hero 9 Black is mainly designed for shooting adventurous video clips but you can shoot other clips as well. Though the GoPro Hero Series camera is famous among vloggers, the Hero 9 Black will be the biggest hit of this year. 

The GoPro Hero 9 Black is the flagship action camera of the company for this year. Some of the highlighted features of this new gadget are a high-resolution sensor, removable lens cover, front-facing color LCD, etc. The Hero 9 Black model will be compatible with GoPro Mods which will include a new max lens mod. Let’s have a descriptive look at this new action camera. 

GoPro Hero 9 Price and Availability 

The high resolution 23.6 megapixel Hero 9 Black will be available in the market from late October. The price of this model is Rs 49,500 in India. GoPro will also launch a Media Mod, especially for the Hero 9 Black in the upcoming months. The company claims that it will offer a much better microphone which will come with a foam cover. The foam cover will help in suppressing the noise thus being an excellent noise absorber and also a weather-resistant product.

After Hero 9 Black is made available on the market, Hero 7 Black will become the entry-level model while Hero 8 will continue to sell but maybe at a dropped price. GoPro also has a GoPro Max, that is, the only 360-degree camera offering of the company. But, it won’t be updated this year.

Specifications and Features

The most important feature of this action camera is the 23.6-megapixel image sensor. This is the biggest upgrade of the model as the previous one had a 12-megapixel sensor. The video shooting capability of the Hero 9 Black is up to 5k video at 30fps. For the still images, the quality will be 20 megapixels. The company has also upgraded the rear touchscreen by making it a bit broader. The rear screen measures 2.27 inches to be precise diagonally. The company has also added a new front-facing color display to the model.

GoPro Hero 9
Image Source: techradar.com

There is also a 1.4 inch LCD that works at its best when pointed at yourself. One can also use the front display for framing the shot using it as a monitor. This product will boost the feed of the recent Instagrammers and YouTubers once it hits the market. For people who love traveling, this model is a pure blessing.

Hero 9 Black has a battery of 1,720mAh which makes it slightly bigger and heavier than the previous models. The removable lens cover of the Hero 9 Black is of great advantage as you can swap it with a new one if it is damaged. You can replace it with a new Max lens mod as well which has a wider field of view and you can use Max HyperSmooth stabilization. One can also with horizontal lock software settings with this new accessory.

Apart from the new main software HyperSmooth 3.0, TimeWarp 3.0 has also been installed. TimeWarp 3.0 always instantly to switch the video speed of the hyper-lapse to either real-time or half-speed. The new model can also perform horizontal leveling with the camera instead of relying on the GoPro app. It has a Type C charging with a single microSD card.

Scheduled capture is one of the best features of the Hero 9 Black model. You can fix the timing of the shoot and along with that schedule the duration for the time it will shoot ranging from 15 seconds to 3 hours. And, after capturing the video, the camera will turn itself off immediately.

Hero 8 Black vs. Hero 9 Black

Hero 8 Black weighs 126g and Hero 9 Black weighs 158gm. The new Hero 9 Black is waterproof up to 10m and the rugged body is similar to that of Hero 8 Black. Hero 8 Black is compatible with the Media Mod whereas for Hero 9 GoPro will launch a new Media Mod. The battery of the new GoPro Hero 9 Black is also better (1720mAh) as compared to Hero 8 Black (1220mAh).

Oppo ColorOS 11

Look at the Key Features and Expected Timeline of the OPPO ColorOS 11

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The beginning of this month saw Google rolling out its newest Android version- Android 11. Now wanting to be left behind, Oppo too recently announced that it would be releasing its new OS shortly. Soon after, the smartphone maker launched the ColorOS 11 on a few of its flagship models on a testing basis. With this new OS, Oppo wants to provide its users with the best of both worlds by merging the traditional and modern. While the ColorOS retains a conventional outlook of older Android OSs while delivering a cleaner and more efficient performance. Here’s a quick look at everything you need to know about the ColorOS features and the expected timeline for release.

Customization is Key

According to Lynn Ni, who serves as the Design Leader for the OPPO ColorOS 11, the UI focuses a lot of customization. Since users want a more personalized user experience, the UI promises to deliver the same. Furthermore, it offers a unique experience by catering to the varying desires and needs of the customer. The team took customer feedback to improve their customization further, allowing the UI to encompass a large variety of features. Ni says that this allows their users to demonstrate their creativity and build a user interface they enjoy working on.

Oppo ColorOS 11
Image Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Key features of the OPPO ColorOS 11

  1. OPPO provides further enhancements with regards to performance through the ColorOS 11. This combines the Quantum Animation feature, which helps reduce lag and RAM usage by 45% with a feature to improve the response rate by over 32%. Furthermore, the enhancements also help in improving the frame rate by 17%.
  2. The OS allows for significant customization, with users having the choice to enable the Dark Mode and customize their display. They can also set their own wallpapers, fonts, themes, and icons as usual, while also creating their unique white mix. The mix will feature a combination of sounds and audio clips from cities across the world. 
  3. An India-only feature allows users to mass-text a specific number of contacts in their current location when their battery falls below 15%. 
  4. The OS significantly favors and improves multitasking by allowing users to watch videos and text at the same time. They also get to pick out six apps that should run even when the battery is low to enhance the phone’s overall battery utilization.
  5. OPPO has also added more security features and privacy measures, allowing users to lock apps. The OS also features fingerprint scanners, facial recognition support, and more control over what apps can access their data.

The new features that have been added are a part of OPPO’s Make Life Flow concept. The OS also introduces unique contrast and color schemes, helping enhance the Dark mode.  Furthermore, OPPO is working on a three-finger capture mechanism for screenshots, and collaborating with Google on a translation capability for their OS. The new update will allow users to translate texts within screenshots with the help of Google Lens. The OS also comes with a feature called Flexdrop to allow users extended multitasking capabilities. Also, the new OS enables users to switch between their smart home devices with the help of a new Device Control menu. The Battery Guard feature also enables users to stop the charging of their phones when it reaches 80% at night to prevent the damages caused due to overcharging. After waking up the next day, the charging will start again till it reaches 100%.

Expected Timeline

Here’s a brief look at the anticipated release of the ColorOS for various OPPO phones.

  1. Starting from September 14: Oppo Find X2, X2 Pro, and the Lamborghini Edition
  2. Starting from September 30: Reno 3 and 3 Pro along with the Oppo F17 Pro
  3. Starting from October: Reno4 Pro 5G
  4. Starting from November: Reno4 5G
  5. Starting from December: 
    1. Reno4 4G
    2. F11, 11 Pro, and the Pro Marvel’s Avengers Edition
    3. A Series- A9, A92, A72, A52
  6. Starting from 2021 first quarter:
    1. Reno10x Zoom,
    2. Reno2, 2 F and 2 Z
    3. Reno3 Pro 5G
    4. A91
    5. F15
  7. Starting from 2021 second quarter:
    1. Reno and Reno Z
    2. A5 2020
    3. A9 2020

The new OS seems to be the real deal, helping users retain their privacy and offering optimum performance. The ColorOS 11 has already gone into beta-testing on a few new phones on a batch-rotation basis. The new update will start hitting smartphones on a large scale from the end of this month onwards as stated above. It will be interesting to see how fans and users react to this new OS and what further updates the company will bring into force.

Google

Google Sets an Unprecedented Goal to Tap Only on Renewable Power by 2030.

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With our world on the verge of destruction as we are running out of non-renewable resources, green energy is the need of the hour. Fuels like natural gas and coal are in high demand around the world because many industries are consuming it and they are present in a limited amount. Many countries and the R&D department of many companies are carrying out research to make green energy more accessible and affordable. Because once we find a strong source of renewable energy we can put a stop to the use of limited resources. Till then we should consume power from natural non-renewable resources judiciously.

Speaking of consuming energy judiciously, Google is aiming to use 100% clean energy by 2030. The chief executive officer of Google, Sundar Pichai told Reuters yesterday that they will ditch consuming power generated from coal and natural gas and completely depend on renewable sources of energy.

Google “stretch” goal

Alphabet Inc’s Google is planning to use only carbon-free electricity to power all its offices and data centers by 2030. Google is a multinational company trying to become completely dependent on renewable energy sources and if they succeed it will become the first company to ditch non-renewable sources of energy.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, has described it as a “stretch” goal as it will force the company to push itself beyond the technical norms of offsetting carbon emissions. He also said that to achieve this goal they also need to make a major technological and political breakthrough. The initiative taken by the company is appreciated as this will set an example for many industries around the world to pursue an alternative option. Someone had to start it and Google is helping others find solutions like it is doing for itself.

Climatic change limits the resources

Though we are receiving alert messages about how rapidly our limited resources are declining, how global warming is gradually becoming a nightmare for the Arctic and Antarctic region, this year triggered the situation. The high rate of wildfire in 2020 has led to the destruction of many natural resources with climate change at its peak. The western part of the United States has witnessed damage to wildfire and Google wants to draw people’s attention to this via its new goal and product feature.

Google
Image Source: nasdaq.com

It’s been many years that Google has inclined towards the renewable sources of energy and a part of Google’s offices and data centers run on it. Almost 61% of the total Google’s hourly electricity usage at a global level is fueled by renewable sources like wind, solar power, etc. So, more than half of Google’s energy consumption comes from green sources which are a very big success for the company. But, the consumption of green energy is not equally distributed. For example, in Google’s Oklahoma data center 96% of the total hourly energy required is met by carbon-free resources while in the gas-reliant Singapore operation only 3% is met. So, Google’s new goal will establish uniformity as well.

Sundar also said that to fuel all the offices and data centers 24/7 with carbon-free resources is pretty challenging. So, they spent the entire last year coming up with a practical model and hence confident about reaching the goal by 2030. He didn’t reveal any cost of the new system yet.

Other companies 

Other big companies like Amazon and Microsoft are also trying to eradicate carbon emissions from the environment. But, it is only Google that publicly announced their goal to be fulfilled by 2030. Every company should try its best to start producing green energy in-house as scientists say that by 2030 global warming will take a huge toll on our planet.

Stop pollution 

Jennifer Layke, the global director of the World Resources Institute (funded by Google) said that the action of Google has inspired many in America and Europe over the last decade. Google trying to ditch carbon-containing sources of energy is nothing new, the only difference is now it will look onto nations with crucial polluting regions like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China. Jennifer also said that if we are unable to ditch carbon, we will suffer in the hands of natural disasters like drought and firestorms.

Google has remained carbon-neutral since 2007 thus focusing more on planting trees, funding projects concerning green energy, etc. The carbon fuel electricity usage for Google is going now as compared to the early 2000s.