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AMD

AMD Announces New Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 Processor Much to the Delight of Gamers

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AMD has taken the gaming world by storm by recently announcing a new line of next-gen processors for CPUs. The series, named Ryzen 5000 Series will work on a Zen 3 architecture framework.  This new series might just give rise to the world’s best gaming CPUs as per reports by experts. The processors offer a whopping 26% increase with regards to gaming performance. They also promise a 16% improvement in instruction cycles, when compared to AMD’s flagship Ryzen 3000XT. Here’s a quick look at everything you need to know about the new release, and why it will have an impact on the way we game.

AMD, The Future of Gaming!

AMD
Image Source: wccftech.com

AMD states that the new series will offer better single-core and multi-core performance. Furthermore, the Ryzen 5000 Series will provide drop-in compatibility with currently used 500-series motherboards once they undergo a BIOS update. As of now, the company has announced four new CPU models, which are as follows;

  • Ryzen 5 5600X
  • Ryzen 7 5800X
  • Ryzen 9 5900X
  • Ryzen 9 5950X

Top-End Model

Out of these, the Ryzen 9 5950X will be a top-end model that features 32 threads and 16 cores. This processor can handle base and boost speeds up to 3.4GHz and 4.9GHz while also having 72MB worth of cache memory. However, due to its immensely high-end specs, owning this model will set gamers back by a whopping $799 (Rs. 58,760 without taxes). AMD claims that this model features the best single-threaded performance of any gaming processor, making this chip every gamer’s dream come true. Since it also has more cores, it offers better multi-core performance as well, when compared to other desktop CPUs.

Other Models

  1. The Ryzen 9 5900X has 24-threads and 12-cores and runs at speeds between 3.7GHz and 4.8GHz. It too offers 70MB worth of cache memory and will cost owners $549 (Rs. 40,370). 
  • The Ryzen 7 5800X works on an 8-core, 16-thread system and offers cache storage worth 3MB. The processor boasts of base and boost speeds in the range of 3.8GHz and 4.7GHz respectively. This model will go on sale for $449 (Rs. 33,020). 
  • Lastly, the Ryzen 5 5600X features 12 threads and six cores, offering base and boost speeds of 3.7GHz and 4.6GHz. It houses a total cache memory worth 35MB and costs $299 (Rs. 21,990). 

Other Details

While all three of the Ryzen 9, and 7 models feature 105W TDPs, they will have a stock cooler. In contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600X offers a 65W rating and comes with the company’s signature Wraith Stealth cooler. AMD has always bundled their high-end models with their coolers. However, since a majority of gamers like fixing up higher-end heatsinks with their CPUs, this move might help the company. Most gamers rely on an expensive external heatsink or liquid-cooled thermal solution to prevent overheating while playing. 

Introduction of New Architecture

The new Zen 3 architecture allows the implementation of a unified 8-core CCX design. Not only does this reduce latency due to its direct access to L3 cache, but it also improves branch prediction. Furthermore, it allows for broader floating-point and integer engines and doubles the L3 cache per each core. The company also boasts of almost 2.8 times better battery efficiency when compared to Intel’s Core i9. However, in keeping with tradition, these new CPUs do not have interspersed graphics capacities.

While presenting the new models, Mark Papermaster, who serves as AMD’s CTO reinstated that the Zen 3 architecture is a revelation. He also claimed it was the most significant change or overhaul for CPU architecture since 2017’s Z architecture implementation. Furthermore, he stated that a new Zen 4 model was in development and will use a 5-nanometer processor.

Hitting the Market

AMD decided to forego few numbers and jumped directly from the 3000 series to the 5000. Doing this will help the company unify or standardize its naming scheme with regards to its desktop and mobile lines. As a result, their processor names across all markets will reflect its architectural generation. AMD announced that all four CPUs would hit the market on November 5th. Furthermore, people who purchase the following models between October 20th and December 31st will receive a copy of Far Cry 6 (Standard);

  1. Ryzen 7 model
  2. Ryzen 9 model 
  3. Ryzen 9 3950X
  4. Ryzen 9 3900XT 
  5. Ryzen 7 3800XT 

The presentation ended with Dr. Lisa Su, AMD’s CEO showcasing a preview of the RX 6000 GPU, which launches on October 28th. The GPU runs on a Ryzen 5900X CPU and could handle 61fps in Borderlands 3 on the Badass preset at 4K. The CPUs look to be top-end, and gamers will have a field day once it releases judging by the excitement the news of the release has caused. Intel, not wanting to be left behind teased information regarding its 11th Gen CPUs a day before AMD released its details. Intel’s next-gen CPUs will mostly hit the market early on in 2021, making this an excellent time to be a gamer!

Qualcomm

Qualcomm is developing its gaming smartphone in partnership with Asus

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Many companies have launched excellent gaming phones in the last few years. Some of the best gaming phones to date are launched by Apple, Asus, Samsung, Sony, Black Shark, Nubia, etc. But, now it seems the leading company in the sphere of telecommunication and wireless networks is also entering the realm of a gaming smartphone. So, sit tight as Qualcomm in collaboration with Asus is going to launch a gaming smartphone as early as the end of this year.

The source of this news is Digitimes, a Taiwanese tech outlet. Though we still don’t have a name yet, the outlet has also mentioned that these gaming phones will be Qualcomm-branded. Both the companies are planning on designing more than one gaming smartphone and at least one of them will run by the Snapdragon 875 processor. The details about both the system integration and the outlook design are quite vague till now. But, Qualcomm has announced an event on 1st December 2020 to introduce the Snapdragon 875 SoC. It is expected that the company might mention further details about these gaming smartphones at the event.

Qualcomm and Asus Work distribution 

Till now Qualcomm and Asus have only made the collaboration public but nothing about these smartphones. But, it is expected that Qualcomm-branded gaming phones will also bear the mark of the Republic of Gamers as the company is partnering with Asus. These gaming smartphones are also expected to run in the latest Snapdragon processor, have a better display, and a comparatively larger battery. The model might also have a shoulder button but all these are just predictions and nothing can be certain until 1st December. We also know that Qualcomm traditionally rolls out its new flagship product in December. So, there are high chances that these gaming gadgets will be in our hands by the Q1 of 2021.

In terms of which company will be looking after which field of product development, Asus is going with the hardware part thus responsible for both designing and developing while Qualcomm has the responsibility of industrial design and “software integration optimizing its Snapdragon 875 platform”. The Snapdragon 875 SoC is most likely to have an Ardeno series GPU. Now, the question is which one will be better, the upgraded Ardeno GPU or GeForce mobile GPU.

Qualcomm
Image Source: pocketnow.com

A joint partnership of Qualcomm and Asus

Not only the company is building the product together but also buying the components together as well. Sources have informed Digitimes that the agreements between Qualcomm and Asus also clearly mention the joint purchasing of components required for making these gaming smartphones (both Asus ROG gaming phones and Qualcomm gaming phones). The electronic devices that are mentioned in the agreement are screens, memory, camera modules, cooling solutions, and batteries.

Buying the components together is a very smart tactic to reduce the production cost and thus maximize the profit. Moreover, it is Asus that has created the entire series of ROG mobile gaming phones that have kept on impressing the users consistently. So, through the joint cost of purchasing Asus might have better bargaining power on this agreement later to boost its line of production. Also, we might find some analogous relationship between the core design of Qualcomm gaming smartphones and ROG as well as the later is monitoring the entire hardware development.

Production

After the joint partnership, both Qualcomm and Asus expect to produce a million units of the gaming smartphones annually. Out of the expected one million smartphones, half of the gaming phones will be launched from Asus as ROG gaming phones and the other half will be Qualcomm branded gaming smartphones. If you are planning to buy a gaming phone you might just want to wait for this one. Because with Asus’s designing which sells one of the best gaming smartphones and laptops, the technology of this new Qualcomm’s gaming phone is going to be exciting as well.

Apart from the upcoming Qualcomm’s smartphones designed for gaming, some of the best gaming phones of this year are Honor 9X Pro, Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max, OnePlus 8 Pro, etc. So, after the launch of this product, you can compare the phones and make the choice yourself.

Tech Giants

American Tech Giants Called Out for Their Monopoly Power

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Around the world, we are witnessing governments coming down heavily on tech giants. Recently, the EU commanded social media giants to be warier about the flow of misinformation and fake news. Now the American government, which till now has been very lax seems to be doing the same. Yesterday, a group of Democratic lawyers pushed Congress to make such companies more accountable for the power they yield. Here’s a look at how the monopoly power of these companies, and how lawmakers are planning on changing it.

Tech Giants Ongoing Investigation

A list of recommendations and appeals came at the end of a 16-month investigation into such tech giants. Companies, such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple came under Congressional radar in the last few years. Since then, lawmakers have been asking for more accountability and the spreading of power. The lawmakers mentioned yesterday that such companies enjoyed too much power, resulting in numerous unfair practices. They also called for a reining in of such power to help level the playing field within the tech industry. However, as expected, the Republicans disagreed with this outlook, with Jim Jordan dismissing the report as partisan. He also claimed the report was radical, saying it was an attempt by the far left to refashion American anti-trust laws.

The monopoly power of Tech Giants

The size and power that tech companies yield has been a constant topic of debate in Washington in recent years. This ongoing investigation came up through the House Judiciary Committee to probe into the working of these firms. The final 449-page report the committee staff submitted accuses these companies of engaging in unfair means. For instance, they found that such large tech firms charge high fees and force smaller companies into unfavorable deals. Further acquisitions involve using killer acquisitions to finish off rivals and retain their monopoly. In effect, the underdog start-ups of yesteryears have grown into monopolies that resemble old-time oil barons and railroad and air tycoons.

Tech Giants
Image Source: news.yahoo.com

Changes Proposed

Some of the changes proposed by the Council are as follows;

  1. More vigorous enforcement of competition laws which already exist
  2. Limit the nature and area of business
  3. Prevent companies from playing in fields where they are a dominant infrastructure builder
  4. Shifting the burden of anti-competition to proof for acquisitions to make buying out competition more challenging
  5. Consider separating online platforms and other businesses
  6. Force the breakup of such Big Tech firms into smaller components
  7. Add nondiscrimination laws to prevent firms from prioritizing their products

As you can see, these changes will have a massive impact on the future functioning of Big Tech. While the report does not define the actual and exact legislation needed, it does give a direction for Congress to take things forward.

Replies by Big Tech

In the hearing in July, most of these significant players hit back at the allegations, calling them fringe notions. Amazon, on Tuesday, defended its actions through a blog post saying it never did anything that breaches present anti-trust laws. It also noted that the Amazon marketplace has been a successful venture for third-party sellers and that there were no unfair deals in the background. Facebook too defended its acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram, saying it celebrated competition. It also mentioned that regulators went through all the laws and deals to ensure there was nothing illegal or corrupt behind it. 

Political Issue

The report many have said seems to be heavily Democratic. As a result, it faced severe criticism from the Republican party. For instance, the Republicans wanted a section on the anti-conservative bias of social media in the report. However, such a move did not go down well with the Democrats who blocked it, calling it an allegation and conspiracy theory. However, several Republicans do seem to agree on the fact that anti-trust laws need to be more fool-proof. For instance, Ken Buck supported a slew of recommendations, such as shifts in law that make it challenging to acquire competition. Most experts believe that there will be no legislative proposals until after the election. 

But one thing seems to be clear. Big Tech will undergo massive changes in policy and operations, following this election no matter who wins! Will this be the end of Big Tech? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Paytm

Paytm launches its own Mini App Store

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Last week, Indians witnessed chaos between Paytm and Google when the latter took down the Paytm app from Google Play Store. With the Indian Premier League starting a few weeks back, many companies and their respective apps have unlocked new features and cricket-themed prizes. Paytm also launched such cricket-themed cashback for its customers which led Google to accuse it of sports betting. After the Paytm app was back again in the Play Store, the current CEO and co-founder of Paytm, Vijay Shekhar Sharma accused Google of being biased and it was just a move put resistance to Paytm’s new user growth.

Paytm has given Google a very bold comeback yesterday by launching its own Mini App Store. The company decided to open its app store to help and grow Indian developers giving them a lot of scopes to establish their business and grow. Vijay further said that they are proud to create such an amazing opportunity for every Indian developer. It will be a good experience for both the developers and Paytm users.

Paytm big move

Before last week, Google has accused Paytm a few times of sports betting and not going by the guidelines. But, after what happened the last time, Vijay has not taken the accusation lightly. Currently, the two companies are on a battlefield and yesterday Paytm played its big move. Paytm launched its Android mini app store for the Indian developers. In this time of such an economic crisis, every person should try and make the best of the time and try to stabilize the economy. Given that the new start-ups and small businesses are significant contributors to GDP, this is a well-played move indeed.

Paytm
Image Source: thequint.com

Advantages for the Indian developers 

According to the company, these mini-apps can be made using HTML and JavaScript and run within two weeks only. Two developers can complete the integration of the web within a small period. The company also says that these apps will act more like websites for the time being and not full-fledged apps. The mini-apps will also help users save their memory and data as well. For the Paytm users, they don’t need to download an additional app to access these new mini-apps.  

Regarding the payment options, the Paytm Wallet, Paytm Payments Bank, and UPI are already incorporated in the system. To use these payment systems, zero percent fees are charged which is a huge advantage for the developers. There is also an option for payment with a credit card, debit card, and net banking but a 2% along with GST will be added. Using this platform of Paytm’s the young developers can reach out to more people and also take the advantage of leveraging Paytm’s payment system.

Disappointed in Google’s action

It is clearly understood that even if Paytm wasn’t planning to launch its mini play store or maybe not anytime soon, Google triggered the decision. But, with the gambling policies enforced on the apps present in Google Play Store, many other companies are also disappointed with Google’s action. The new guidelines from Google have also resulted in withdrawing sport-based cashback offers from Zomato and Swiggy. India is a land of cricket lovers and this new offer brought in many fresh customers especially due to IPL. But, unfortunately, the offer has now been taken off the websites leading to a decrease in new users.

High potential success 

It is time to focus on what the future awaits. The company expects the rolling out of the Paytm mini app store to be a big hit. Indian developers should see this as a humungous opportunity as it also falls under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission drive. It would be a huge benefit for both the local business and the Indian economy if every small start-up goes digital. Moreover, Indians are also showing interesting in buying from local retailers thus supporting small businesses. Paytm already has around 300 mini-apps in the Paytm and soon the numbers will increase. Some of the apps include Ola, Rapido, Domino’s, NetMeds, etc.

Since this is a new feature rolled out by Paytm, it will hold a conference on 8th October 2020 to help understand the developers how this works. Now, let us just wait and watch how far it can give a tough competition to Google.

Flipkart Big Billion Day 2020

All You Need to Know About Flipkart Big Billion Day 2020

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India’s biggest online sale is back, and it’s here right in time for your Diwali Shopping. Over the last few years, Flipkart has been gaining a large following in India due to its mega shopping bonanza known as the Big Billion sale. This annual online shopping extravaganza features mind-blowing offers on a variety of products. Flipkart recently released updates regarding the dates of the sale, and what offers users can expect this time around. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the Big Billion sale, and the deals that come with it.

When is Flipkart Big Billion Sale?

Flipkart finally published dates for its annual shopping bonanza – the Big Billion Sale. This year, the sale will go live between October 16th and 21st. During the course of these six days, the e-commerce giant will offer huge savings plans and deals to shoppers. The sale will feature massive price-cuts and savings schemes on a variety of products from different categories. While the sale officially starts on October 16th, Flipkart Plus members will receive early access. As per the announcement, Plus members can begin their shopping from 8 PM on October 15th, getting first preference on a slew of products. Since their sale goes live roughly four hours before it does for others, they will be able to make the most of the e-commerce sale. Furthermore, Flipkart Great Indian Festival sale will also kick off shortly, making this a great time for shoppers across the country.  

What deals can users expect?

Flipkart live page suggests that users will receive an extra 10% instant discount if they leverage SBI debit and credit cards. Furthermore, shoppers will also be eligible for cashback on purchases made using Paytm. Users will also be able to access several no-cost EMI plans for those who use Bajaj Finserv. Several other deals will also be made available for shoppers who use ICICI, HDFC, and SBI banks. Electronic devices will see a maximum discount of 80%, whereas laptops will feature a 60% price-cut. Additionally, appliances such as TVs will have a 75% discount, along with several exchange offers and no-cost EMI options. 

Flipkart Big Billion Day 2020
Image Source: trak.in

Clothes and other accessories will feature discounts between 60% and 80%, giving users a chance to update their wardrobe. Everything from men’s wear to women’s ethnic wear will be available on these discounts. Day one of the Big Billion sale will introduce an extra 10% discount, giving users an incentive to finish their shopping early. Another highlight of the sale will be the discounts that Flipkart provides on its own products. Various appliances, furniture, and other accessories will have 60% price-cuts. The e-commerce giant will introduce new deals every day, with home appliances having discounts between 50% and 80%.

Other Deals to Watch Out For

Flipkart also announced that new deals would be out every eight hours, much to the delight of online shoppers. The Walmart-owned e-commerce giant will be offering mind-blowing deals on everything from mobiles to sports shoes from October 16th. New deals will come out at 12 AM, 8 AM, and 4 PM during the days of the sale. Furthermore, Flipkart will offer even better deals through its SuperCoins. The e-commerce platform announced that it would be offering over 2000 SuperCoins as a part of several riveting and exciting deals.  

Flipkart Big Billion Days 2020 Schedule

  1. Offer Period                                       October 16th – 21st October 2020
  2. Plus Members                          October 15th, 8.00 PM 
  3. Other users                                       October 16th, 12.00 AM (Midnight)
  4. Mobile Offers for Plus Members     October 17th, 8.00 PM 
  5. Mobile Offers Others                        October 18th, 12.00 AM (Midnight)

Flipkart Big Billion Sale Deals

  1. Fashion                                                60%-80%
  2. Home and Kitchen                              50%-90% 
  3. Televisions and Appliances                 Up to 80%
  4. Beauty and Baby care                         Starting at INR 79
  5. Mobiles                                               Up to 90%
  6. Electronics Sale                                   Up to 80% 
  7. Gaming Laptops                                 40% Off
  8. High-Performance Laptops                 20%-30% 
  9. Trimmers and Personal Care               Up to 80% 
  10. Power Banks                                       50% to 80% 
  11. Headphones                                        Up to 50%
  12. Bluetooth Speakers                             Up to 50% 
  13. Pen drives                                           Up to 80% 
  14. Data Storage Device                           Up to 80% 

Everyone planning to upgrade their laptop or smartphone should mark their calendar for the Big Billion sale. Every product, from mobiles to apparels, will be available at never-before-seen prices and will be up for grabs for all users. So, are you ready for Flipkart’s Big Billion Sale? Let us know what category of products you are most excited to see on sale in the comments below!

Google

Google partners with Zoho, Instamojo, and many others to help SMBs go digital.

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The current economic situation caused due to the outburst of COVID-19 has brought heavy losses for many new and small businesses. Though the global economy is suffering, the SMBs are facing the hardest of challenges. They can neither repair the damage eventually like big companies nor then can shut it down. So, Google has decided to help support these SMBs to build their business, have a strong digital presence, and combat the economic sinister.

Yesterday, Google announced that it has partnered with Zoho, Instamojo, and many other companies to provide a better and a digital presence for the SMBs. Since the lockdown, every operation as far as possible has been conducted virtually. So, this might be the right time to take your business online as a part of “the new normal”. This new initiative will help consumers discover such small businesses in Google Maps and Search. These new features will be available on Grow with Google Small Business hub in India.

Google partnered with a few companies 

Apart from collaborating with Zoho and Instamojo, Google has also partnered with Dunzo and Swiggy. These companies will provide their platforms to the businesses which will help the business operate in many ways. Zoho is providing its inventory to these businesses that will be able to create a website for their service and also sell their product online through Zoho Commerce. Also, Zoho is providing these services for free till 31st March 2021. Though we are amidst a pandemic and tough financial mayhem, the SMBs are getting much support through this initiative.

Instamojo is also offering a six-month free subscription to its ‘Premium Online Store Solution’ for the SMBs. To ensure a fast and efficient onboarding process and hassle-free online orders, Google partnered with Dunzo and Swiggy. Dunzo will provide 24X7 merchant supports to these businesses for free. Moreover, Dunzo is also not charging anything for singing up and instant registration. The SMBs can also use Swiggy’s seven days ‘Fast track Onboarding’.

SMBs go digital with Google
Image Source: legal.economictimes.indiatimes.com

Apart from partnering with these companies, Google will soon launch a new show in partnership with Doordarshan called Namaste Digital. This will be a learning show for SMBs on how to grow their business in a digital world.

Google-Kantar small business tracker research

In July, Google has conducted Google-Kantar small business tracker research. And, this new initiative is solely taken based on the feedback from the SMBs and the challenges they are facing. The report showed that 92% of small businesses face customer-related challenges which are the biggest problem of such businesses. Apart from this, revenue loss due to low demand also caused the downfall or dormancy of such businesses. They eventually understood that it will be profitable for their businesses to go digital and hence the numbers are increasing eventually. This is a very strong contribution towards digital India as the unprivileged needs more attention than those who have resources.

What are experts saying?

Shalini Girish, Customer Solutions Director at Google India, in response to this new initiative said that there are millions of small businesses established in a diversified field in India. And, in this time of economic crisis, we need to do everything in our power to support and transform these businesses digitally. Google has also launched a nationwide campaign called ‘Make Small Strong’ to help grow consumer demand for local small businesses. Customers can buy from a local vendor, leave ratings, and thus help the local businesses grow.

Anand Nergunam Sr, VP of Revenue Management, and Growth at Zoho said that the company owes its very existence to SMBs. From the very beginning, Zoho has always focused on supporting and helping small businesses grow and with this collaboration with Google, they will ensure that the small local business community comes out of this economic crisis stronger. Each local business needs to have a digital presence and due to the pandemic, the customer preference towards e-commerce has increased rapidly.

Akash Gehani, the co-founder of Instamojo, said that the SMBs are the backbone of the Indian company and a big contributor to India’s GDP. Currently, Instamojo helps around 1.3 million MSMEs to start and establish their business online. Moreover, in this current situation, it is necessary to unleash the full potential of businesses from startups to SMBs in terms of digital growth.