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Samsung 2021 Soundbar Lineup

Samsung 2021 Soundbar Lineup, TicWatch GTH Smartwatch and Garmin Venue series recently launched in the market.

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Last week, multiple companies launched new product lineups including Samsung. Mobvoi, and Garmin. Samsung brings to you the new Samsung 2021 Soundbar lineup which includes the new Q, A, and S Series soundbars. This is the first time in the world that any company is bringing an 11.1.4 channel soundbar for a more exquisite experience. Next in the line is Mobvoi who has recently rolled out TicWatch GTH Smartwatch in India at a comparatively cheaper price than the rest of the world. Last but not the least, last week Garmin revealed Venu 2 and Venu 2S smartwatches which are designed to provide scientifically-based healthcare and fitness solutions. So, let’s have a look at these stunning gadgets that already made their way into the wishlist of millions of users.

Samsung 2021 Soundbar Lineup

The new Samsung 2021 Soundbar will  create a more immersive sound experience for the customers with an 11.1.4 channel soundbar. The soundbars of all the three series (Q, A, and S) are tuned perfectly at the Audio Lab of Samsung in Valencia, California such that it provides an authentic in-home rich entertainment experience. The Samsung 2021 Soundbar are designed to match every environment from watching movies with your family to devouring in fierce gaming battles.

Samsung 2021 Soundbar Lineup
Image source: icdn.digitaltrends.com

The new models of the Q-series soundbar supports Dolby Atmos/ DTS:X and are integrated with Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound Technology. This technology automatically detects the background and analyzes it to provide optimized quality audio experience. The soundbars have in-built Amazon Alexa which will allow full control over the audio experience. Moreover, the new models have a gaming mode which is automatically activated when you add a gaming device to it. The Q-series models are starting at Rs 43,990.

The new A-series soundbars support Dolby Atmos/ DTS Virtual:X and these models come with high wattage. It comes with a new feature called Bass Boot that allows the users to add “more boom” and feel the sound with every beat. The A-series also have Adaptive Sound Lite that analyzes the audio content for each show you watch and then optimizes sound for series, TV news, etc. The A-series soundbar models are starting at Rs 27,990.

The new S-series is equipped with side horn speakers and acoustic beam technology which will generate a more dynamic and panoramic music experience. The amplified sound produced by the horn speakers will dominate the room creating a party-like mood for the users. This S-series also has built-in Amazon Alexa and with the help of Tap Sound one can connect the mobile to the speakers and play music. Apart from the rich immersive sound experience, the S-series is also designed in a premium fabric which will enhance the look of your living room. The S-series has a single model which is priced at Rs 47,990. All these new models are available at retail stores and also on Samsung’s website.

TicWatch GTH by Mobvoi

Mobvoi launched the TicWatch GTH globally a few months back but it was rolled out in India last week. This is the second affordable smartwatch by the company after it launched the GTX model last year. The new TicWatch GTH smartwatch features a 1.55-inch LCD display which is rectangular in shape. There is a small button on the right side used for multiple operations.  The GTH model will run on RTOS platform and like any other smartwatches will actively play its role as a fitness assistant. This new smartwatch has health and sports mode tracking along with heart rate and SpO2 monitor.

TicWatch GTH by Mobvoi
Image source: www.xda-developers.com

There is an app in this smartwatch called “TicZen” that collects your heart rate data all day along and analyzes it to provide results of your stress level. When it comes to tracking activities, the watch can track 14 different sports including yoga and mountain climbing. The watch has a unique feature of skin temperature monitoring and it is also water resistant. TicWatch GTH is available as a special Amazon product and is priced at Rs 4,799.

Specifications of Garmin Venue 2 and Venue 2S

Garmin Venue 2 and Venue 2S
Image source: cdn.vox-cdn.com

Last week, Garmin India launched Venue 2 and Venue 2S smartwatches exclusively for providing better fitness solutions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These new smartwatches have in-built Health Snapshot feature which allows a 2-min session for all users helping to track statistics precisely. The tracking features of these smartwatches include heart rate monitoring, stress monitoring, Pulse Ox2 sensor, respiration tracking, menstrual cycle monitoring, etc. It also has an interesting feature powered by Firstbeat Analytics that will allow users to gain scores depending on the quality and quantity of sleep of the user. This new product lineup is available on Amazon, Flipkart, Tata CLiQ, Nykaa, and Synergizer, The Venue 2 smartwatch is priced at Rs 41,990 while the Venue 2S is priced at Rs 37,990.

Google's Play Store

Google’s Play Store becomes the victim of Antitrust Lawsuit filed by the Multiple States.

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It is not new that many nations have targeted big multinational companies like Google and Facebook earlier for their exceptional market power. Google has become the main target of many states this time for the offensive revolt against Big Tech. On 7th July, attorney generals from thirty-six states and the District of Columbia filed an antitrust lawsuit which targets Google’s Play Store. This is the fourth major antitrust lawsuit that the US government officials have charged Goggle with in the past ten months. The US states are targeting Play Store this time which is the power hub of any Android device in order to download applications.

Google’s Play Store
Image source: www.deccanherald.com

The Antitrust Lawsuit

The complaint launched against Google constitutes 144 pages and it was filed late on Wednesday. All the nations have filed the lawsuit together in a Northern California federal court against Google. Several attacks on a large tech conglomerate like Google will begin to form a stale relationship between the US nations and the company and most of the time common people become the victim of such battles. People are immensely dependent on the services and products provided by Google’s Play Store and any disruption of these services would cause a huge loss for the Android users and more.

Also, the lawsuit filed against Google also comes as a backdrop of proposed laws in Congress curated in a way that will either break up or undermine the massive power of the company (The Indian Express). Though the antitrust lawsuit of yesterday has been filed against Google, the target here is every giant tech company like Google, Apple, Amazon and Facebook that holds unfathomable power in the market. Each of these four companies have built a trillion-dollar market due to the huge popularity of their services and a huge fraction of the population using it.

Reason for Filing Lawsuit

The recent lawsuit resembles the one filed by Epic, mobile game maker voicing against both Google and Apple. Epic raised the concern about the control that Google exerts on the Play Store. It mentioned that Google collects commission for up to 30 percent for digital transactions taking place in these apps that are run on Android and installed by the users. And, these Android users accounts for almost 80 percent of the total smartphone market. Epic has filed against both Apple and Google but the trial with Google is still awaiting.

The commission charged by Google is similar to the terms of Apple but Google also allows its customers to download applications from other sites apart from Play Store. But, Apple users can strictly install apps only from its store and no other outlets. But, the lawsuit filed yesterday specifically mentions that it seems like Google’s android software is an open operating system but in real life it doesn’t allow customers with much choices.

Allegations Against Google’s Play Store

The complaint says that over the years Google has deployed many tactics to create unhealthy competition. Google made sure that it distributes more than 90 percent app on these Android devices which according to the nations is an illegal monopoly. The government officials says that it is hurting the developers of these apps who have less resources to innovate. Sean Reyes, Utah Attorney General has said that Google’s monopoly is creating a havoc in the marketplace as it is harming small businesses and consumers.

In response to all these allegations Google didn’t instantly respond to a request for a lawsuit. But, Google has been targeted by multiple nations in the past one year and it is defending itself confidently in each case. The concerns have grown against the dominant power of its search engine as well as its digital network that generates more than $100 billion revenue for Alphabet Inc. Previously in response to how small businesses were getting affected by 30 percent commission cut, Google reduced it to 15 percent for the first $1 million revenue. But, even after doing so the situation didn’t cool down and several nations are still trying to dilute the power of these four biggest companies.

Samsung Galaxy F22

Samsung India announced the rollout of #FullOnBlockbuster Galaxy F22 designed for Gen Z users

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Samsung is one of the most popular smartphone brands in India and across the globe.  Yesterday, the company announced the launch of another iconic Galaxy smartphone calling it #FullOnBlockbuster. According to Samsung, the new Samsung Galaxy F22 is designed for Gen Z and as well as millenial customers as it will provide all-around performance fulfilling the needs of every customer.

The Samsung Galaxy F22 has been designed keeping in mind how young generation and their choices are evolving. Though the Galaxy F series already became a big hit in the market, this new #FullOnBlockbuster smartphone will take the legacy of Samsung smartphone to greater heights. Samsung Galaxy F22 is featuring a stunning 6.4 inch HD+ sAMOLED display providing a refresh rate of 90Hz. It also has a massive battery life, Android 11 OS, and impressive camera system to keep up with the lifestyle trends of today’s kids.

Features and Specifications of Samsung Galaxy F22

The new Samsung Galaxy F22 has some impressive new and upgraded features which mainly focuses on enhancing smooth user experience while multitasking. So, let’s have a look at the specifications of the latest model in the Galaxy F series.

Samsung Galaxy F22
Image Source: news.samsung.com

The Super AMOLED Display

Samsung Galaxy F22 has introduced an upgraded display as it features Super AMOLED Infinity U-Screen. Providing refresh rate of 90Hz, it is the perfect smartphone for the bingewatchers as they can avoid any of stutter while watching. Samsung Galaxy F22 also has Dolby Atmos support enhancing your bingewatching experinece with quality audio. Moreover, the smooth display will allow the users to scroll their feeds on social media uninterrupted. The screen of this smartphone is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to minimize the chances of scratches or crack lines on the screen. The highest brightness peak in Samsung Galaxy F22 is 600 nits which will allow a better viewing experience even under direct sunlight. 

Long battery life of Samsung Galaxy F22

As mentioned earlier, the new #FullOnBlockbuster smartphone has a massive battery life of 6000mAh and it comes with a USB-C type fast charger. According to Samsung, the new smartphone is capable of delivering 120+ hours of music playback, 20+ hours of video playback, and much more.

The long life battery paired with the Advanced Octa-Core Mediatek Helios G80 processor will assure high productivity from Samsung Galaxy F22. The new smartphone will provide optimized performance and most importantly one can enjoy the ease of smooth multitasking without worrying much about frequent charging the phone. The Gen Z kids are always switching apps from browsing to Netflix several times a day, and this smartphone is the perfect solution for managing multiple apps.

The #FullOnBlockbuster Camera

The camera quality is one of the most important element in today’s smartphone as it works just fine as replacement of a heavy gear. The craze for uploading “aesthetic” pictures in social media has increased the demand for good camera quality in today’s smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy F22 is featuring a True 48MP Quad Camera setup embedded with ISOCELL Plus Technology. One will be able to capture high quality shots with visible minute details with the help of GM2 sensor. Along with the 48MP sensor, the camera system has a 8MP ultra-wide lens with 123 degrees field of view. One can also try in hands in macro photography with the 2MP sensor which also macro live focus feature in it. This will allow you to take stunning portrait shots just from a smartphone. Along with this rear camera system, the Samsung Galaxy F22 has a 13MP front camera to capture hood quality selfies. Different camera modes like Pro mode, Food Mode, Hyperlapse, etc are also available for creating stunning content for your Instagram page.

Price and Availability

Samsung Galaxy F22 is coming in the market at a very affordable price rate. The starting price of the phone is Rs 12,499 which is for 4GB+64GB variant and the price for 6GB+128GB variant is Rs 14,499. You can start booking your #FullOnBlockbuster phone either on the Samsung online store or Flipkart starting on 13th July. The models will be available on two colors – Denim Blue and Denim Black.

Nokia G20

Nokia G20 with MediaTek Helio G35 SoC and Quad-Rear Cameras is now available in India.

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HMD Global has announced the release of its latest low-cost smartphone, the Nokia G20, in India. Continue reading to find out if the device is right for you. The smartphone has a 5,000mAh battery and is available in two color options i.e. Night and Glacier. According to Nokia, the smartphone can last up to three days on a single charge. Everything you need to know about the Nokia G20 is right here.

Specifications for the Nokia G20

The Nokia G20 has dimensions of 164.976.0×9.2mm and weighs 197 grams. The device has a notch and a 6.5-inch HD+ screen with a 20:9 aspect ratio. The octa-core MediaTek Helio G35 SoC, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage power the dual SIM smartphone. MicroSD cards can be used to expand the storage (up to 512GB). The Nokia G20 runs Android 11, with the company promising two years of updates.

Nokia G20
Image Source: financialexpress.com

In terms of cameras, the smartphone features a triple quad rear camera setup led by a 48MP primary sensor with an f/1.79 lens. A 5MP ultra-wide shooter, a 2MP macro shooter, and a 2MP depth sensor are also onboard. The phone has an 8MP front-facing camera for selfies. The Nokia G20 has a 5,050mAh battery that supports 10W charging.

Wi-Fi, 4G, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C charging port are among the device’s connectivity options. There is also a fingerprint scanner on the side. The smartphone has an IPX2 rating.

Nokia G20 Cost in India

The Nokia G20 will be priced at Rs 12,999 for the single 4GB RAM + 64GB storage configuration. The smartphone is available in two colors: Glacier and Night. Beginning July 15, the device will be available for purchase through the Nokia India website and Amazon India. Pre-ordering will begin on Amazon and the Nokia website on July 7 at 12 p.m.

Environmental Profile of Nokia G20

Materials and Substances used:

According to Nokia Technologies, it is free of brominated and chlorinated compounds, as well as antimony trioxide. It is on the Substance List for 2016. It is also PVC-free. The product’s surface is devoid of nickel.

Packaging and Recycling:

The Nokia G20 is made from renewable resources. It is made up of up to 91 percent recycled material. The packaging is completely recyclable. Nokia has made every effort to keep the G20’s packaging to a minimum. All device materials can be recovered as materials, with a device material recoverability rate of up to 82 percent.

Other Features:

The user guide is designed and printed with 4 color printing. To improve energy efficiency, The Nokia G20 comes with a unplug charger reminder.

About Nokia

Nokia develops technology that enables the world to act in concert. The world is facing major challenges. The planet is under increasing strain, productivity is stagnating, and access to opportunity remains stubbornly unequal. The solution relies heavily on technology.

They provide critical networks to help address global issues by leveraging technology leadership and trusted partnerships. They have the ability to connect the world’s people, machines, and devices, sensing and acting on a massive scale in real-time. Their critical networks go beyond connectivity to enable self-optimizing, intelligent systems that operate both locally and globally. Nokia delivers solutions with their customers that respond to climate change by more efficient use and re-use of the world’s resources, restore productivity growth by bringing digital to physical industries where it has not yet reached, and provide more inclusive access to work, healthcare, and education globally. They foster meaningful interactions in order to propel human progress.

OxygenOS

OnePlus Combines OxygenOS And Oppo’s ColorOS In Order To ‘improve’ User Experience.

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OnePlus has announced the merger of its OxygenOS and Oppo’s ColorOS in order to “improve efficiency and standardize the software experience” across devices. The Chinese company’s latest move comes just a few weeks after it announced its formal operational merger with Oppo. OnePlus and Oppo, both owned by the Guangdong-based conglomerate BBK Electronics, have been collaborating for quite some time. However, after integrating their research and development (R&D) resources, the companies decided to make their collaboration public.

Merging OxygenOS and Oppo’s ColorOS

OnePlus announced the merger of OxygenOS and ColorOS in a forum post, emphasizing that the change will occur at the codebase level. This means that, for the time being, end users are unlikely to notice any significant changes. “OxygenOS remains the OS for global OnePlus users as always,” the company said, “but now built on a more stable and stronger platform.”

OxygenOS
Image Source: xda-developers.com and wallpapertodays.net

OnePlus also stated that the update will be applied to new devices in the future while existing devices that are still on the maintenance schedule will receive the codebase-level integration between OxygenOS and ColorOS via an over-the-air (OTA) update alongside Android 12.

The Shifts Expected Along With This Collaboration

The change is expected to assist OnePlus in delivering stable and timely software updates, which the company desperately needs to focus on given the issues it introduced with previous updates and the time it takes to update older hardware.

OnePlus has also announced an improved software maintenance schedule in which it will provide three major Android updates and four years of security updates to flagship phones such as the T and R models, as well as the OnePlus 8 and newer phones. However, in the case of the original OnePlus Nord and subsequent Nord models, as well as the OnePlus Nord CE 5G, the company has decided to provide two major Android updates and three years of security updates.

Importantly, OnePlus’s improved maintenance schedule will not apply to its previous flagship devices, which will continue to follow the original timeline, which included two major Android updates and three years of security updates. OnePlus replaced its native HydrogenOS with Oppo’s ColorOS for all Chinese variants of its flagship models earlier this year. This came months after OnePlus and Oppo had more deeply integrated their R&D resources.

It is currently unknown where OnePlus will take OxygenOS and how long it will remain distinct from ColorOS. The latest integration also calls into question OnePlus’s long-promoted independence, despite the fact that it is a subsidiary of BBK Electronics and shares resources with Oppo.

OnePlus Integrating With Oppo

OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has announced a “new journey” for the company, which includes plans to “further integrate our organization with Oppo.” It appears to be a bold move for OnePlus. OnePlus rose to prominence through rebellious marketing and hype-driven online retail strategies, positioning itself as a smarter alternative to larger smartphone brands.

However, it remained a private company with ownership ties to Oppo and the shadowy BBK Electronics empire, and it was clear from OnePlus’ phones that there were still some ties to Oppo. Components such as display panels appeared to be identical, and even ostensibly proprietary technology such as the Dash fast-charging system was cross-compatible with Oppo.

OnePlus, according to Lau, will continue to operate independently despite further integration with Oppo. However, he has not specified what will be integrated, and given the existing similarities between the two brands’ products, it is unclear what this will actually mean for consumers. Lau says OnePlus will continue to run its own events and customer feedback channels, but that Oppo’s larger resources will allow OnePlus to be more efficient with software updates.

If you’re a fan of OnePlus, however, there’s no reason to think the closer ties are a bad thing. The company has long abandoned its “flagship killer” roots, now competing at the high end with expensive “Pro” phones while offering a range of lower-to-mid-range Nord devices. Oppo, on the other hand, releases far more phones per year (mostly in Asia), but its high-end flagships are every bit as good. So far, my favorite phone of the year is the Find X3 Pro.

Whether OnePlus would admit it or not, the company has long been associated with Oppo. The biggest difference here is that OnePlus is now saying it out loud — while tightening the relationship even more.

Realme

Realme DIZO GOPods D Launched Alongside DIZO WIRELESS, Realme Buds 2 Neo, Trimmer, and Hair Dryer.

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Realme has introduced two new audio-based products under the DIZO brand. DIZO GoPods D and DIZO Wireless are two examples. The DIZO GoPods D are TWS earbuds with a 10mm driver and a Bass Boost+ algorithm that are said to last up to 20 hours.

The DIZO Wireless has a neckband design, 11.2mm Driver with Bass Boost+ Algorithm, and is said to have a battery life of up to 17 hours. Here’s everything you need to know about DIZO’s new devices.

DIZO GOPods D Specifications

DIZO GOPods D weigh 4.1g and have a Radial Metallic Texture. The earbuds feature a 10mm driver and a Bass Boost+ algorithm-tuned sound. The TWS earbuds include a 40mAh battery for each earbud as well as a 400mAh charging case. According to the company, when used with the charging case, the earbuds can provide up to 20 hours of music playback and 5 hours of music playback when used alone. Furthermore, after a 10-minute charge, the device is said to provide 120 minutes of playback time.

Realme DIZO GOPods D
Image Source: fdn.gsmarena.com

The DIZO GoPods D also includes a Game Mode with 110ms Super Low Latency for improved audio sync while gaming. There’s also the Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) algorithm, which is supposed to help block out ambient noises during calls. The TWS earbuds are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, and there is a Realme Link App that can be used to customize the earbuds. The IPX4 rated earbuds also include Touch Controls, allowing you to control the device by tapping on the earbuds.

The DIZO GoPods D will come in two color options: black and white. From July 14, 2021 12:00 PM onwards, the DIZO GoPods D will be available on Flipkart for Rs 1,599. According to the company, the device will be available soon at select offline retail locations. DIZO GoPods D will be available at a special price of Rs 1,399 as part of the first sale offer.

DIZO Wireless Specifications

The DIZO Wireless weighs 23.1g and features an 11.2mm driver with Bass Boost+ Algorithm tuned sound. The device includes features such as Game Mode, Environmental Noise Cancellation, and Magnetic Fast Pairing (MFP). Users will be able to separate the buds to play the song track and clip them together to disconnect using the MFP.

Realme DIZO Wireless
Image Source: cdn.vnexplorer.net

The wireless earphones include a 150mAh high-capacity battery that is said to provide 17 hours of playback time on a single charge. According to the company, the device can be fully charged in 2 hours. Furthermore, after a 10-minute charge, the device is said to provide 120 minutes of playback time. Using the Realme Link App, you can personalize the device. For improved water resistance, the device is IPX4 rated.

The DIZO Wireless will be available in four different colors: orange, black, blue, and green. The device, which costs Rs 1,499 will be available on Flipkart beginning July 7, 2021 at 12:00 PM and soon at select offline retail stores. The DIZO Wireless will be available for Rs 1,299 as a first-sale item.

Specifications of the Realme Buds 2 Neo

Realme has expanded its AIoT lineup in India with the release of a beard trimmer series, a hairdryer, and Realme Buds 2 Neo wired earphones. Realme Beard Trimmer and Realme Beard Trimmer Plus are the two products in the beard trimmer series. According to the Chinese company, these are the first-ever products from ‘DIZO,’ the first brand in the Realme TechLife ecosystem. Furthermore, the company differentiated its entry into the AIoT 2.0 development phase with a ‘1+5+T’ strategy as opposed to its previous ‘1+4+N’ strategy.

Realme Buds 2 Neo
Image Source: lbimg.in.com/

Realme Buds 2 Neo have 11.2mm dynamic drivers that can produce a rich and deep bass. The music and calling functions are controlled by an in-line button. Customers will receive a 3.5mm jack angled at 90 degrees as well as a high-definition inbuilt microphone for a clear calling experience. Realme Buds 2 Neo costs Rs 499 and is now available for purchase on Realme.com, Flipkart, Amazon, and offline channels.

Specifications of the Realme Beard Trimmer

As previously stated, the Realme Beard Trimmer and Realme Beard Trimmer Plus are the two products in the Realme Beard Trimmer series. The Realme Beard Trimmer has a 10mm comb, 20 length settings, and is claimed to have 0.5mm precision. Stainless steel is used to make the blades. Meanwhile, the Realme Beard Trimmer Plus comes with 10mm and 20mm combs, 40 length settings, and 0.5mm precision. It has two stainless-steel blades and is water-resistant to IPX7 standards.

Realme Beard Trimmer
Image Source: cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net

Both the Realme Beard Trimmer and Realme Beard Trimmer Plus come with an 800mAh efficiency battery that can last up to 120 minutes. The trimmers also have a battery-level LED indicator. In terms of design, the beard trimmers are made of ABS materials, have USB Type-C ports, and come with a Travel Lock.

Specifications of the Realme Hair Dryer

Realme Hair Dryer
Image Source: assets.mspimages.in

The Realme Hair Dryer has a 1,400W power output and a motor that spins at up to 19,000rpm. It provides users with the option of selecting between two wind speed levels. According to Realme, the hairdryer has advanced negative ion technology that generates 20 million negative ions per cubic centimeter. It is made of V-0 flame retardant ABS and PC high-grade insulation material.