If you are an Android user, there is no need to feel left out for not having the coolest iOS feature on your device. We are talking about the latest attention-grabbing iOS home screen feature introduced in the recently launched iPhone 14 series – “Dynamic Island.” To know how you can now get this exclusive iPhone feature on your android devices, continue reading.
What is “Dynamic Island”?
Well… this is how Apple, the world’s largest technology company, rolls innovation. Since the iPhone 14 series has hit the market, this pill-shaped notch that consolidates all notifications, activities and alerts in a single interactive space. Integrated with iOS 16, Apple has designed it to work with all apps and seamlessly change your homescreen as per your needs.
The notch smoothly expands to grab attention politely in case of incoming calls, when the user plays audio to get playback controls and when the options to answer or reject the call is required. This coolest feature comes with a versatile interface innovation too.
The purpose of Dynamic Island is to display significant information under one space on top of your homescreen. Animation of the island is very smooth thanks to the black sensors matching the pixels.
How to A Feature like “Dynamic Island” on Android Phones?
We have an app for everything, they said. And they were right. There’s nothing that we do not have an app for. The replication of iOS 16 coolest feature too is already available though the “DynamicSpot” app available on Android.
The app is otherwise free to download and use but some of the advanced features will need the activation of the Pro version. The DynamicSpot Pro version is available for a one-time payment of $5 and users can use both, the free or paid version based on their requirement.
Once installed, the app will require some permissions to be able to function in its full capability. DynamicSpot might ask for the access to your notifications, which is needed to display them on the Dynamic Island. It will also need permission upon installation to draw overlays on the Android interface. This permission is needed for DynamicSpot to create different-sized black shapes.
DynamicSpot has an advantage that even the iOS 16 feature might not be able to offer. It offers the option to customise. The app provides users the option to be able to configure the alerts and also the option to alter the appearance of the app. While altering the appearance of the app, users can alter location on the screen, size, and degree to which its corners are rounded. Moreover, DynamicSpot users will also have the option to get two popup alerts at the same time whenever new information is received.
Those Android users interested in downloading DynamicSpot to experience the Apple-like features on Android should note that the app is still in Beta stage. This means the app might have some bugs and will not be flawless. The two expected issues as per the developer would be in compatibility or the smoothness of the notch animations.
The stress of today’s aggressive lifestyle is pushing more and more people towards finding innovative ways to fight off. Technology somehow has come into play here as well. And why not, since our smartphones have become one of the most prized possessions, if not the most prized, it is natural to turn to your phone for help in every situation including stress.
In recent times, a large number of people are turning to White Noise for help. Call it the new fad but many people have been claiming that these audio compilations are helping them in dealing with anxiety, stress, work performance, sleep deprivation, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Not just White Noise, there is a significant number of people who are also finding solace in certain lesser-known alternatives such as Brown Noise or Pink Noise. But before we get into how your smartphone can be used to access them, let’s understand what exactly White , Brown or even Pink Noise does and how can they help you improve the quality of your life.
White Noise a sound that seem similar to radio and TV static but is actually a broad mix of various other audio frequencies. Although there is no scientific evidence to support the claim, many people have been vocal about the benefits of it on human brain. As per claims made, White Noise is great from reliving stress, relaxing body and boosting concentration amongst other positive impacts.
An alternative is Brown, lesser-known but deeper as compared to White Noise and resembles heavy rainfall sound. It also has a bigger brass kick. Then there is Pink Noise, which is a lot smoother, soothing and gentle. It is very similar to the sound of silent non-stop waterfall. Both Brown and Pink are not yet as popular as White Noise. However, those who consider it to be a bit too shrieky have found these other equally compelling options for similar benefits.
To play these sound frequencies on your smartphones, there are many applications available that can be easily downloaded. We have curated a list some of best such apps available.
Noisli
Noisli not only brings to you the sound frequency palette of White , Brown or Pink Noise, it also has a bunch of other sound frequency for your customised feed. Users can choose from rustling leaves to coffee shop chatter and create their own sound mix that suits their listening patterns. Noisli is available on both Android Playstory and iOS App Store at the minimal cost of just about $2. Noisli can also be accessed on the web for free but that doesn’t give you the convenience an app would do.
White Noise Generator is design to help you. The app starts with asking the right question for you to be able to set goals and take maximum benefits from the app. Users can set their goals to either Improve Sleep, or Better Focus and the app will suggest sounds based on that. It can be downloaded from Google for free. Ad removal from the app would, however, take $3 monthly.
Other such apps include White Noise HQ, White Deep Sleep Sounds, and Dark Noise.
Apple has announced the rollout of its new iPad 2022 with the most important design replacement among its competitors. The 10th gen Apple iPad comes with a 10.9-inch screen along with a fingerprint reader imbibed into the sleep/ wake button. It is incorporated with USB-C and a digital camera facilitated with a landscape-orientation selfie digital camera. The starting price of Rs 44,900 makes it an affordable buy for the new-gen tech lovers willing to purchase premium tech gadgets.
The new launch has arrived in the market coupled with a lot of doubts from buyers’ perspectives. Get answers to your doubts here:
How can I buy 10th gen iPad?
The 10th gen iPad is ready for pre-order and will be available in stores from October 28. The pre-order facility is available on Apple’s official store and other merchant websites as well.
The entry-level Wi-Fi enables 10th gen Apple iPad to come with an affordable price range along with 64GB storage. The buyers get other options depending on the price range and other specifications. Apple lovers can get 64 GB storage for Rs 44,900 and 256 GB storage iPad for Rs 59,900. The yellow and pink colors are in huge demand in the consumer market.
The new iPad (2022) comes in how many color options?
The new iPad comes in several color combinations- red, yellow, blue, and white. You can opt for silver if you are willing to stay neutral in color choice. The pink color iPad is proving to be a show-stopper among buyers. Apple has launched yellow color iPads as well for the first time.
What is the size of the display screen?
The new iPad comes with 10.9-inch screen and Liquid Retina Display. it is supported by True Tone technology and provides up to 500 nits of brightness. The iPad comes with modern features of edge-to-edge display and the viewers do not experience ugly borders surrounding the screen. Apple has used the same technology for iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro.
Which processor has been used in the new Apple iPad 2022?
The new iPad is backed by the A14 Bionic processor, the tech similar to that used in iPhone 12. The A14 software does not replicate the technology but is fast enough to execute a lot of real workings such as writing an assignment on Google Docs or playing the latest NBA 2K23 game.
Yes, the new iPad is compatible with a USB-C port for charging. It is built in alignment with the iPad Air and iPad Pro. The USB-C is a universal port and makes the iPad more usable without any specific requirement to use the tech gadget. It increases its user reach and exposes it to a deep stretch of tech gadget lovers.
How long does the battery of the iPad (2022) last?
The new iPad comes with all-day battery life. Apple confirms that the battery duration shall remain between 9 to 10 hours. Excess use of the iPad 2022 may create an impact on its battery life but it is expected to be somewhere between 9 to 10 hours. We will provide a detailed review of battery life in our later articles.
Apple has launched an improved version of cameras on the Apple iPad. For the first time, the users will get a front-facing camera resting on a horizontal edge for a landscape view. It enables the users to get improved and better natural angles during video calls. The new iPad gives you a better and improved version of a 12-megapixel wide rear camera for better photos and rich 4K video.
Is the new iPad(2022) compatible with Apple Pencil 2?
No, the new iPad is not compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil- which is chargeable on the side of the iPad Air. However, it supports Apple Pencil 1 which is helpful in taking notes, and sketching and enables you to use several note-taking apps.
Does the 10th gen iPad support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the iPad (2022) is compatible with 5G technology. For the first time, the entry-level iPad is all set to give a speed of up to 3.5Gbps in supported areas. Apple needs to update the iPad with a software update to use 5G connectivity.
Is the new iPad compatible with Magic Keyboard?
No, it is not compatible with the magic keyboard used in iPad Pro and iPad. However, the new iPad supports a Magic Keyboard Folio supported by a Kickstand, a trackpad supporting multitouch, and an automatically chargeable magnetic connector. The magic keyboard comes with a function row for easy access to brightness and volume controls. The only drawback is that this keyboard is not compatible with any iPad other than the 10th gen iPad 2022.
Theoretically, the new 10th gen Apple iPad comes with a plethora of features with a huge appeal to students and other buyers in its wide user base. This feature-rich tech gadget comes in an affordable price range of Rs 44,900. It is the best product for you if you crave modern design and looks.
Is ‘home button’ present in the new iPad(2022)
No, the iPad 10th generation does not come with a home button on the display screen used for contact ID. As an alternative, the new 10th gen iPad 2022 comes with a fingerprint sensor.
Amazon alleges many TV hardware vendors have refused to a partnership with the company fearing retaliation from Google, one the world’s biggest tech companies. According to the revelation, multiple original equipment manufacturers have expressed an inability to enter into an association with the e-commerce company because of their contractual constraints to Google, which either block or limit them from doing business with Amazon.
The e-commerce company made the statements in front of the Competition Commission of India or CCI during the watchdog’s years-long investigation into Google. CCI has been investigating Google since many industry players accused the internet giant of abusing its dominant power in the market.
The anti-trust watchdog has recently slapped a “monetary penalty of Rs 1337.76 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android Mobile device ecosystem.” CCI, last Friday, released the details of the investigation carried out by them including Amazon’s allegation in a 293-page penalty order.
While CCI tried speaking to many dominant industry players, however, Amazon’s unit was probably the only representative of any company that spoke freely to the investigators.
What Amazon revealed to CCI during their investigative discussions
“Amazon has explored working with mobile OEMs/ODMs/CMs who also manufacture non-mobile smart media devices, such as smart TVs, to enable those manufacturers to distribute non-mobile smart media devices (including smart TVs) running the Fire OS (e.g., Fire TV Edition (FTVE) for smart TVs).
In these discussions with OEMs, at least seven OEMs have indicated that their ability to enter into a manufacturing relationship of this kind with Amazon is either blocked entirely or significantly limited (e.g., in terms of geographic scope) by their contractual commitments to Google and the concern that Google would retaliate against another of the OEM’s businesses that produce Android devices.”
According to the CCI report, Amazon has said that manufacturers openly expressed their desire to work with the e-commerce company but they couldn’t because of Google’s fear. Amazon unit further revealed, “In others, the OEM has tried and failed to obtain “permission” from Google. For example, such discussions occurred with Skyworth, TPV (with respect to the Philips brand), UMC (with respect to the Sharp brand), Foxconn (with respect to the Sharp brand), and Panasonic. Panasonic also shared concerns about possible retaliation by Google against its automotive and aviation businesses if it proceeded with FTVE installation on smart TVs.”
Aside from many other allegations made during the investigation, Amazon also revealed how the creation and growth of their own mobile browser “Slik” were negatively impacted by Google’s direct or indirect intimidation of many vendors against working with others including Amazon.
The CCI report briefly mentions this allegation made by Amazon while imposing the monetary penalty on Google. The report says, “This impacted Amazon Silk adoption because Amazon’s research at the time showed that the default browser was used by 58% of users, leaving Amazon Silk to compete with other web browsers such as Opera, Firefox, and UC for the minority of users not using the default browser.”
Regional cinema is winning hearts all the way and rightly so! This time it is a Kannada film Kantara that has been creating havoc amongst both critics and audiences. Written, Directed and Starred by Rishab Shetty, Kantara is now expected to become the highest grossing films of Kannada film industry. If you are also reading some great reviews of the film on social media and wondering when is the film going to see an OTT release, we have news for you. The negotiations between Kantara’s makers and one of country’s leading streaming platforms are on and the film is eyeing an OTT release very soon.
As per the buzz in the media, Kantara can get an OTT release as soon as November 4, 2022 via the leading streaming platform, Amazon Prime Video. The streaming platform is also expected to release another successful venture, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Ponniyin Selvan on the same day.
Although an official announcement is yet to be made, the slightest news related to the OTT release of the film is getting all the attention. It is understandable why the makers would want to keep the release date under the wrap at the moment. The film is having a great theatrical run country wide and any news about the film releasing on OTT can harm any potential business.
Kantara in recent days have received great word of mouth from every film goer across the country for its story and exceptional presentation. Online the film has garnered many praises from netizens, which has been significant in increasing the film’s reach.
Popularity of the film has been such that while the makers initially released the film only in Kannada with English subtitles, they soon had to dub the film in other languages. The Kannada version with English subtitles hit the theatres on September 30th 2022. Thanks to the overwhelming response from the audience and a wide demand raised through many platforms, the other language dubbed versions were also released in theatres on October 14th 2022.
Kantara has already been dubbed in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam. The Malayalam version is schedule to hit the cinemas this week. This move of quickly dubbing the film in other languages has also shown a terrific upward trend on the box office with numbers rising dramatically. The film has already crossed Rs 100 crore globally and is expected to soon become the highest grossing films to come out of Kannada film industry.
As per the rumours, the film had already sold it digital and satellite rights before the release on big screen.
The applause for Kantara hasn’t been limited to critics or audience, a lot of well known faces from entertainment industry has also publicly appreciated the film.
Popular Tamil star Dhanush recently tweeted after watching the films and all the words of praise fell short. He tweeted, “Kantara .. Mind blowing !! A must watch .. Rishab Shetty , you should be very proud of yourself. Congratulations hombale films.. keep pushing the boundaries. A big hug to all the actors and technicians of the film. God bless.”
Actor Rana Daggubati also showered praises on the film as the actor tweeted, “Kannada’s @shetty_rishab and @hombalefilms are on *fire emoji* what an extraordinary film #Kantara is!! Congratulations to each and everyone who was part of the film! @shetty_rishab truly inspired!!”
Recently Bollywood Actress Kangana Ranaut also did not shy away from displaying her genuine reaction after watching the film. The actress, who has been banned from Twitter last year for posting hateful content, rather took to Instagram for sharing her views. Ranaut said in an Intagram story, “I feel #Kantara should be India’s entry to Oscar next year, I know year is yet to end and there may be better films coming, but more than Oscar India needs the right representation globally… this land of mysteries and Mystics one can’t understand one can only embrace it …. India is like a miracle… if you try and make sense of it you will only get frustrated but if you surrender to the miracle you can also be one …. Kantara is an experiential reality which world must experience .. @rishabshetty77.”
Kantara is a action-thriller with a storyline full of drama and action. This is village story where the director Rishab Shetty himself is playing the lead role of Shiva.
It is about a fictional village Kantara of Dakshina Kannnada well protected by the Demigods. All these Demigods are believed to be the Guardians and protectors of the Kantara. The village is full of traditional culture of Kambla and Bhootha Kola.
What begins as an ego battle in the start of the film soon winds up as a battle between the villagers and the evil officers. Shiva (Rishab Shetty) leads the village as the protagonist and also leads the battle on the behalf of the villagers. The story soon centres on how to protect the village at all cost.
All the dialogues, the story and the screenplay of the film is also penned by directory & actor Rishab Shetty himself. To call is a one man show won’t be all wrong. The film also has actress Sapthami Gowda in the female lead role. Other actors such as Kishore, Achuth Kumar, Pramod Shetty, and Vinay Biddappa can be in pivotal supporting roles in the film.
The film is produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the banner Hombale Films. B Ajaneesh Loknath is the music composer while Arvind S Kashyap handled the exceptional cinematography. Pratheek Shetty and K M Prakash have been credited for editing the film.
There was a time when movies and cricket were the two biggest forms of entertainment in India and the trend continues to this day. Theatre going was a unique experience where viewers went to watch their favourite heroes perform superhuman feats on the big screen.
Going to the theatre and watching a movie has been a surreal experience for nearly a century as Indian Cinema, and cinema in general, is more than 120 years old, that continues to grow with each passing day, and none more so than India.
While movies and movie stars are revered like demigods in India, theatres are slowly becoming a thing of the past with the advent of over-the-top (OTT) services. Sacred Games was the first web-series that ushered in the OTT revolution in the country, thereby paving way for many shows of its kind, along with different genres.
Covid-19 has also played a huge role in the public losing interest in going to theatres as they were confined to their homes for nearly a year due to the pandemic and discovered the power of OTT, and discovering the content from other film industries in India and the rest of the world.
2022 has been a unique year for Indian Cinema as only big budget action adventures laden with fantasy and over the top performances have become hits, with RRR and KGF: Chapter 2 leading the pack.
People are no longer interested in going to theatres unless it’s a film akin to the two mentioned above, which is a big reason why many other flicks have bitten the dust at the box office, and are far more comfortable sitting at home and waiting for the new releases to come up on OTT platforms.
OTT is defined as a streaming media service that is offered directly to viewers via the internet that bypasses the cable, satellite, and broadcast television platforms. Due to the aforementioned pandemic, filmmakers are now releasing their movies on OTT platforms, by selling the rights for a huge sum.
Some of the best OTT Platforms in India are as follows:
Netflix
We’ll start with the most popular one that showcased Sacred Games and offers four subscription plans viz. Standard, Basic, Mobile, and Premium, that cost Rs.499, Rs.199, Rs.199, and Rs.649, respectively
It was launched in India in 2016 and comes in the conversations of the best top 5 platforms in the country, where you can watch movies and shows in six Indian languages, with Amazon Prime Music joining the fray in February 2018. You can get an annual membership for Rs.1499, while monthly plan is for Rs.199, and 3 month plan is Rs.459
It is a subsidiary of Disney’s Star India where you can avail two subscription plans, which are VIP and Premium, where the former focuses on sports and domestic programmes, and the latter focuses on international movies and series (HBO, Showtime, among others). There are three plans available- Mobile Plan for Rs.499, Super Plan for Rs.899, and Premium plan for Rs.1499, which are valid for a year but all have different benefits
It is a subsidiary of Zee Entertainment Enterprises run by Essel Group that was launched on February 14, 2018, in India with content in 12 Indian languages and three plans- 12 month plan for Rs.499 as limited period offer, while the plan is for Rs.999, while you get 3 screens for a yearly plan
A subsidiary of Sony Pictures Networks India, Sony LIV has three subscription offers for its subscribers- Rs.299 per month, Rs.699 for six months, and Rs.999 per year where the LIV Special Subscription is for Rs.199 in a year while LIV Special+ is for Rs.399 a year
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has vocally registered its disagreement with the proposition of regulating OTT (Over the Top) telecommunication services. According to recent media reports, the TRAI communicated its decision to the Department of Telecommunication recently during the draft bill consultation session.
It all started with the release of draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022. As per the draft bill, the DoT has introduced the idea of extending the reach of telecommunication services in order to include OTT services.
TRAI back in 2020 had also communicated its opposition saying that OTT apps such as Whatsapp don’t require any regulatory intervention at the moment. A TRAI official at that was quoted, “We had suggested a relook at the issue may be attempted later on, especially after more clarity in international jurisdictions emerged. This was based on how the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was studying the issue on a global scale.”
The TRAI official in 2020 revealed the ITU was yet to make any suggestion in regards to the idea of regulating the sector. Since then, the recent telecommunication bill has made such proposal.
As per media reports, TRAI had advocated an issue-based approach to policymaking for OTTs instead of bringing OTTs under the same regulatory ambit.
For example, the discussion happened on two different points of consideration; one was based on the impact of OTT services on traditional telecom service providers. While the second point on contention was the economic and security implications of such services.
According to the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022, the Department of Telecommunication recently proposed extending the scope of the term telecommunication services. The bill outlines that the word “telecommunication” should include OTT communication apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram. The draft bill has also presented the concept of a license that all the OTT communication apps like Whatsapp or Telegram has to avail from the government.
In other news, the Minister of Telecommunication Ashwini Vaishnaw has clarified the Department of Telecommunication’s position. While speaking to the media, Vaishnaw reminded all concerns parities that the daft telecommunication bill 2022 is still at the drafting stage and any changes based on the suggestions made by the industry will be incorporated.
The minister also said that the government is only in favour of bringing “light-touch regulations” only in order to keep the customer interest in place. The primary thought behind the proposal of introducing regulation has been to keep issues of cyber fraud in check. He also indicated that the government is planning on coming up with “a series of procedural reforms.”
“The industry has shared its inputs on the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill 2022. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s concerns are being addressed,” Telecommunication Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the media personnel during an interaction. These were the minister’s first comments on the matter and also the first time any government authority acknowledging the regulator’s worries.
“The department has taken a careful approach, but it’s a draft anyway. And once we have a new Telecommunications Act in place, we will also come up with licensing reforms,” the minister added.
As for the timeline to share inputs on the bill, the government has extended the deadline for industry to submit their comments on the proposal draft bill. It was earlier set at 20th October 2022, which now has been extended till 30th October. The decision was taken after many stakeholders from the industry expressed their stance and requested for an extension.
A Department of Telecommunication notification read, “In response to requests received from several stakeholders, the ministry has decided to extend the last date for receipt of comments till October 30.”
About the Draft Indian Telecommunication Bill 2022
The Ministry of Communications last month released a draft of the Indian Telecommunication Bill 2022 inviting comments from public and stakeholders. The bill has been introduced to replace and update the extant regulatory framework to keep pace with the ever-evolving advancements and challenges in the sector. However, the introduction of the drafts bill has invited a large number of suggestions since its introduction. Many stakeholders have suggested various changes while the industry has been visible apprehensive about the development.
The need for such a bill has been felt from long time now considering the all the main legistations of the industry are noticeably inadequate to match the pace of modern times. The three laws currently supporting the sector are the Indian Telegraph Act enacted in 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act enacted in 1933 and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful) Possession Act in 1950. The fact that out of all the three current legislation the latest one is no less than 70 years old demonstrates the problem itself.
In case the readers are wondering how a telecommunication bill effects OTT services, it is worth noting that the Over-the-top (OTT) communication services is basically offering real time person-to-person telecommunication services.
Some of the famous OTT communication service providers include Whatsapp, Telegram, Signal, Messenger, Duo, and Google Meet etc. These services facilitate person-to-person communication with the use of internet completely bypassing the traditional satellite network calls.
The OTT communication service providers on one hand use the network infrastructure of telecom service providers such as Airtel, Vodafone and Jio and on the hand they provide telecommunication services that hamper their business.
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have often complaint about the disruption this causes in their business and how OTT communication has taken a major bite into their revenue source. This is why the need to have a regulation for such telecommunication service providers has been felt for a long time now.
What are your expectations for the latest Vivo V series model? Do you think V25 Pro is a worthy option? What are your thoughts on its features and specifications?
In Brief
When it comes to choosing the best electronic gadgets, we’re all spoiled for choice and our preferences entirely depend on which is the best brand in our eyes. Some might prefer Apple, some would go for Samsung, and yet there are some that are partial to the likes of Sony and Vivo.
They all are massive tech giants that have given their customers a reason to smile and rejoice with their extraordinary (to the customers) gadgets that are successful in catering to the tastes of every new generation.
Vivo is a Chinese tech brand that has rolled out some of the best smartphones, along with several other gadgets for many years. 2022 has been no different as all tech giants have given the best they have to offer, as of late, whether it is Apple with their iPhone 14 series smartphones, or Google with their new Pixel series of smartphones that were launched on October 7, 2022.
The latest is Vivo V25 Pro that was launched in India on August 17, 2022, with much anticipation as users were anxiously waiting for the smartphone to hit the market as many of them wanted to see whether it matches the expectations of its predecessors like Vivo V23 Pro, which was a mid-range model where the main laser focus was on its design.
It was V23 that first introduced the colour changing panel as its USP for the V series, apart from the usual surge in its price that was higher than Vivo V20 Pro, its predecessor while this V23 came at Rs.38,990.
Vivo V25 Pro comes in a grey coloured rectangular box with ‘V25 Pro emblazoned at the top with the company’s title ‘Vivo’ at the bottom right. The imprinting is quite unique as the font is larger than what you usually get for other brands.
The box is slightly heavy to hold as you can feel the weight of its contents inside and, sure enough, on opening it, I found the smartphone kept in a transparent plastic sheet through which the device, of blue colour, was visible.
The plastic sheet, in question, was a UV glue tempered glass screen protector, whose job is to protect the side buttons and receiver parts so as to prevent the glue from tampering the device in any way possible.
V25 Pro model was encased in a plastic backcover kept in the opening, which I immediately took out and examined the phone. The device is quite light with a backscreen that was blue in colour, as mentioned above, and had a triple camera setup where it was given ‘TRIPLE-CAM’ and, right below, was 1:1.89-2-4/16-25 OIS (acronym for Optical Image Stabilization).
I then explored the box even further and found the handset’s manual and a guide labelled ‘V2158’ Quick Start Guide, where it provided a brief intro on how to set up the phone and use its main features.
The manual contained safety instructions on how and how not to operate the device, apart from the necessary details regarding its maintenance, warranty card, smartphone usage, along with the regular instructions.
At the bottom of the box, was the charger encased in its opening with the USB Type-C port adjacent to it, which finally completed the entire picture of the box and its array of contents that made up the device.
I held the smartphone in each hand for a few seconds very delicately as though I was holding an expensive painting made of glass that was worth billions. I was careful to handle the handset properly and found many of its features and specifics quite similar to V23 Pro and was slightly disappointed, even though the new model is quite good.
Its software performance is quite fluid for multitasking as I didn’t feel any kind of stuttering or lag, which was due to the 120Hz refresh rate display, while the pOLED display is good for bright outdoors and produces saturated colours at default standard screen setting.
Features & Specifications of Vivo V25 Pro
The device, as mentioned, is similar in design to V23 Pro, although while the latter was quite slim and a little chubby, V25 is not as much because it has a thickness of 8.62mm, while the mid-frame is chrome finished and comes with a glossy texture.
It comes with a 6.56 inch full HD+ AMOLED display with a thin and uniform bezel all around that curves on the right and left sides, which gives the smartphone a premium and regal look.
It also comes with two storage variants- 8GB RAM + 128GB internal configuration, and 12GB RAM + 256GB internal configuration, while the display itself is HDR10+ certified and content too is quite strong.
A disappointing thing about the device is that it has no IP Rating, which means that it might get damaged if exposed too much to water, dust, and storm, while the stereo speakers too are conspicuous by their absence.
I was quite happy to see that V25 Pro disposed of the display notch that looked quite dated on V23 Pro and it has been replaced by the new hole-punch cavity that is essential for selfie cameras and does not interfere with the viewing experience of the user.
Also, I was quite satisfied with the handset’s gaming performance as most of them ran at a smooth pace at default settings and that too without the device heating up, like for example Call of Duty: Mobile that ran at the ‘very high’ frame rate and graphics settings.
Vivo V25 Pro is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 1300 SoC, which is quite common for mid-range handsets and uses UFS 3.1 Storage and LPDDR4X RAM, although there isn’t any storage expansion to look forward to.
It runs on the company’s FunTouch OS12 based on Android 12, while Vivo has also added a new colour palette picker that allows users to pick between a basic preset colour or a multi-colour theme, which is based on applied wallpaper.
The UI Colour changes in the Settings App and keyboard, while the widget colours failed to do so and required to restart the device to take effect. The handset is replete with pre-installed apps, which was surprising considering its premium price, which could be uninstalled with ease.
V25 Pro also comes with the issue of spammy notifications, along with those from the native browser app, despite me not using it since unboxing the handset. I found that the software experience needs a little improvement given its price at Rs.35,999, like switching to Android 13.
The battery capacity is 4,830mAh units that comes with an 80W fast charging support, along with a transparent TPU Case, and Type-C to Type-A USB port, while NFC support is negligible while 66W is all the charging speed is limited to, which is actually quite fast enough to charge the handset from 0 to 100% within an hour.
As mentioned above, V25 Pro comes with a triple rear camera setup, with a 64 megapixel primary camera with OIS, 8 megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and 2 megapixel fixed-focus macro-camera, and 32 megapixel front-facing camera meant for taking selfies.
The photos taken in broad daylight are quite sharp with detailed range of dynamics while the colours resemble oversaturated filters, while portrait photos taken outdoors by the rear camera too are sharp and soft when taken indoors.
However, the videos are quite average in terms of quality, along with good dynamic range in broad daylight, while the recorded videos too look oversaturated. HDR videos are good with numerous resolutions, while 4K 30fps videos are excellent.
Conclusion
All in all, it does have a few drawbacks here and there, but Vivo V 25 Pro has come with many excellent improvements when compared to V 23 Pro. Its pricing and strategy might need reconsidering but the display that is curved-edge gives it a premium and regal look.
It is a considerable option for users to try out and much better than its predecessors even though you can get good alternatives. My rating is 3 out of 5 stars.
The pandemic induced an unconventional modern-era culture in every sphere of life. The disruption was not limited to our work lives or the way we interact with each other, it even changed the way we consume content. This, certainly, includes the way we now watch movies, TV and other forms of mass entertainment. Unless you are living under a rock chances are that you must have already heard, used or read about OTT. The Over The Top (OTT) technology, though existed much before the pandemic, was definitely accelerated further after the lockdown. The question is, what is OTT? Let’s understand.
OTT is the term used for the delivery of content, such as movies, TV shows, or other video content, directly to the audience over the internet. This is the modern way of bypassing cable or any other traditional satellite service provider. Also popularly known as video streaming services, OTT content is available through multiple devices including mobile phones, gaming consoles, tablets, computers and television sets with internet connectivity. Some of the well-known OTT or streaming platforms include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney +, Hulu, and Apple TV.
As a viewer, it is imperative not to get confused between OTT and video streaming services. Both terms, while sound and seem the same, are quite different in terms of experience and technology. Video streaming is when videos are streamed on different devices such as mobile phones, tablets or computers. A popular example of this is YouTube. OTT, on the other hand, is an on-demand video content platform where users pay for a subscription or particular content and stream it on different devices. The OOT service providers create their own apps and websites to reach their audience.
The focus on OTT has rather increased in the past year with many industry experts positioning it as a threat to traditional ways of theatres or cable TV. The instances of cord-cutting are believed to be on the rise giving another reason to worry. Cord-cutting is when viewers completely reject the traditional ways of viewing content by cancelling their subscription to satellite or cable service providers. This audience segment dedicatedly switches to streaming services for content or entertainment.
Let’s understand more about OTT.
How is OTT Delivered to the end consumer?
OTT is all about streaming content on-the-go. The easy access that comes with OTT makes it popular amongst the young generation. The only requirement to stream OTT content is high-speed internet and a smart device. Viewers can then consume any content from any corner of the world at their own convenient time. If you are a smartphone or tablet user, all you need to do is download the streaming platform application. For personal computer users, content can be easily accessible through desktop applications or web browsers. The third option is to use any connected TV device or game console.
Like mentioned before, unless you are living under a rock chances are that you are already using some OTT service. Even then some of the popular names of OTT services include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Zee5, SonyLiv, and Apple TV. However, the credit to make OTT a household name and completely take over the market of online entertainment somewhere goes to Netflix.
Netflix, undisputedly, has been the leader and should be credited for establishing an entire industry on its back. The company started their streaming media and video on demand services as early as 2007 and while many at that time wouldn’t have believed in the idea, Netflix carved a niche in no time. The success has been surprising for many including the earlier DVD rental giant Netflix. The CEO of Netflix, mentions in the popular book No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention, “what did [Netflix] possibly have to offer that [Blockbuster] couldn’t do more effectively themselves?”
What are the advantages of OTT Over Traditional Satellite or Other Service Providers?
While we have already mentioned some of the biggest pluses of OTT, below are some major benefits discussed in a brief.
The audience, through OTT, gets a variety of content and gets access to content from all across the world
There is great freedom associated with OTT for the viewers. Rather than getting exposed to what the service providers want you to watch, here you can choose your source of entertainment from a gazillion of options.
Simple content delivery systems with no hassles on how, where or when an audience can consume the content.
The affordability of these streaming platforms is one of the major driving forces for many medium-earning people to go for them instead of buying a movie ticket or getting a poorly managed monthly cable subscription.
OTT service provides unprecedented data transparency that otherwise traditional sources of entertainment could never manage. It is one of the reasons why many content producers are also willing to release their products on these platforms because they get to know the potential of their content well in advance through the streaming service’s willingness to share data.
The way people watch Television or Movies has seen drastic shifts in the past decade. Entertainment is no longer a dinner table pass time or weekend family getaway. People have now learned to enjoy content on their own and most of the young generation even prefer it that way. OTT has been a game-changer in this regard. Having said that, the quality of content is where the buck is going to stop.
Netflix is no more the sole player and stale content is no longer going to get you more eyeballs. The audience will no longer watch something just because the content provider is streaming it, something that was the case with old-school television. The future of these OTT platforms completely depends on the quality of their content.
Google is one of the biggest tech giants in the world that has acquired a stature that is near impossible to match and has sustained that position for more than two decades, which is no mean feat either.
It is impertinent for any tech giant to know how to change with times so as to cater to the tastes of the new generation. Google has rolled out many outstanding devices since the past many years likes smartphones, laptops, earbuds, airpods, along with many others.
The tech giant has been quite competent with applications as well and has added another one to its illustrious list. Google has come out with a unique Artificial Intelligence (AI) system, which is under trial and only three scenarios as of now.
Google LAMDA (Language Model for Dialogue Applications) is the name of the app, which currently has a UK version, although those using the app cannot teach any new tricks or features of the trade.
Google has already clarified that this is a new age technology designed to power chatbots that is incapable of thoughts and feelings of its own. In order to use Google LAMDA, users need to have a Google account, either on Apple or Android device, and download/register for the AI Test Kitchen app, where they need to join a waiting list to play it.
The US version of LAMDA was launched in August 2022, due to which there were thousands of sign ups that day. It is not very often that you get to see any tech giant open up chatbots to the public and Google has learned from past experiences to know better as Microsoft’s Tay is considered the most notorious one as it taught users on how to swear and offend.
Conclusion
Google LAMDA has been very successful in both UK and US version as people are considering it a powerful tool even though Google doesn’t seem to want being taken seriously as yet.
Many users have expressed their desire to interact with the tool and continue to enquire to do so. All in all, it is a worthy enough chat tech tool that has become popular amongst users.
