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iQOO expands its after sales network: 600-plus service centers across India

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With a focus to provide enhanced customer experience, iQOO has announced expansion of the after sales network in country, taking the service centre count to over 600. All these service outlets are company owned and operated providing high-quality services to its valued consumers, it said in a statement.

Gagan Arora, Director-Marketing – iQOO India, said, “iQOO has been at the forefront of providing performance-oriented devices. Besides focusing on customer-centric innovations, we want to provide equally smooth after-sales experience. With the new additions to our existing offline service touchpoints, we intend to reaffirm our customer-first approach by proving exemplary service to our customers that is easily accessible across the country.”

Also Read: iQOO Z3 Review: A solid performer in mid-range segment

All the stores stringently follow proper hygiene and social distancing measures to provide a stress-free environment for consumers, iQOO said.

iQOO entered the Indian market in 2019 with the launch iQOO 3, which received a great response from India. This year, the brand introduced iQOO7 series and the #FullyLoaded iQOO Z3 to provide unparalleled performance to the Gen-Z consumers. iQOO will soon launch the Z5 in India.

Tech NewsWrap: Amazon unveils Billie Eilish Limited-Edition Echo Studio… and more

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Amazon unveils Billie Eilish Limited-Edition Echo Studio

Amazon has partnered with Global Pop icon Billie Eilish to launch a limited-edition echo studio speaker variant. It features the cover art of the artist’s latest album – Happier Than Ever. The album which was released on July 30, 2021 debuted atop the Billboard 200 as Eilish’s second number-one album in the US, and also topped the charts in 20 other countries. The new Billie Eilish Limited-Edition Echo Studio is Amazon’s best-ever Echo as it automatically senses the acoustics of its location and is then fine-tuned to enhance audio playback for an optimal sound performance. It is available from September 22 on pre-order for $230.

Realme is now the 4th largest Chinese smartphone brand

Realme, on September 22, held a product launch conference, in which it announced a new smartphone – GT Neo 2. During the event, the company also revealed that it had become the 4th largest smartphone brand from China and has even managed to reach the 6th spot in the global rankings, right behind Oppo at number 4 and vivo at number 5. Realme had a meteoric rise – it got its start in 2018, quickly broke into the Top 10 in 2019, and is now knocking on the door of the Top 5 global smartphone brands.

iQOO Z5 with Snapdragon 778G SoC launched

iQOO has launched the iQOO Z5 5G smartphone in China as the successor to the Snapdragon 768G powered iQOO Z3 5G. The major highlights of the latest device include a 6.67-inch display, 120Hz display, a more powerful Snapdragon 7-series chipset, a 5,000mAh battery, and a 64-megapixel triple camera unit. In China, iQOO Z5 5G price is RMB 1899 (approx Rs 21,600) for the 8GB + 128GB model, RMB 2099 (approx Rs 23,900) for the 12GB + 256GB version, and RMB 2299 (approx Rs 26,200) for the 12GB + 256GB variant. Its price in India is expected to be around Rs 25,000.

Realme Dizo Buds Z True Wireless Earbuds launched in India

Dizo has expanded its audio portfolio with the launch of its new true wireless earbuds – Dizo Buds Z – in India. The new TWS earbuds feature 10mm dynamic drivers with Bass Boost+ algorithm. It also has ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) technology that is activated during calls. Apart from that, the latest earbuds claim to offer 16 hours of battery life. Customers can purchase the Dizo Buds Z at Rs 1,299 during the upcoming Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale 2021.

Samsung Galaxy F42 5G to launch in India

Samsung Galaxy F42 5G is all set to launch in India on September 29. It will be available on official website of Samsung, Flipkart and select retail outlets. The latest device will be equipped with powerful MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor to ensure optimized performance, smooth multi-tasking and reduced power consumption even while browsing and using multiple apps. Galaxy F42 5G will be Samsung’s 5th smartphone in Galaxy F Series in 2021 and the first 5G smartphone in the F series portfolio to launch in the country.

Also Read: Esri India makes drone mapping easy

Esri India makes drone mapping easy

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Geographic Information System (GIS) software and solutions provider Esri India today introduced Site Scan for ArcGIS, a complete cloud-based drone mapping solution, which encompasses flight planning, data capture, data processing, analysis, data sharing and drone fleet management. It is offered as ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) with unlimited storage and computing. Site Scan for ArcGIS is hosted in India, on a cloud approved by the Government of India, and ensures that the drone data is stored and processed within India in compliance with the government regulations. Site Scan for ArcGIS exhibits the capability to process data captured by most of the drones manufactured in India or abroad.

The recent announcement by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on the New Drone Rules 2021, simplified the procedures and reduced the compliances required for operating a drone in India. Earlier in February this year, the New Geospatial Data Guidelines announced by the Department of Science and Technology had deregulated the collection, processing, and storage of geospatial data. These landmark policy announcements in the regulatory environment have made it easier to collect geospatial data through drones which is of paramount importance to the successful implementation of government schemes like SVAMITVA, Smart City program, Bharatmala project, Interlinking of Rivers, National Mission for Clean Ganga, and various other infrastructure development projects. With the automation and scalability of Site Scan for ArcGIS, the data collected through drones can now be processed quickly, cost-effectively and with minimal human intervention, while eliminating any disruptions during processing. This will result in reducing the cost and time significantly for its users ranging from drone service providers to critical infrastructure organizations, governments, and enterprises.

Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India, said, “With the New Drone Rules 2021, Geospatial data creation through drones is set to get a boost in the country. There is a need for a solution that simplifies drone flying, data capture, processing, and consumption. Site Scan for ArcGIS hosted on a government approved cloud in India meets these requirements and provides much needed manageability, reliability, scalability, and cost efficiency for drone data processing. Site Scan will also be a great enabler for our partner community and numerous Drone service providers.”

With Site Scan for ArcGIS, organizations involved in construction, engineering, utilities, natural resources, and government agencies will be able to easily capture high-resolution imagery for the areas of interest to examine, visualize, analyze, and make decisions based on the latest information. The acquired 2D & 3D information can be further disseminated as secure services and conveniently consumed anywhere, anytime on any device. A secure, highly available, and scalable cloud platform ensures that drone data processing is not limited by hardware.

Transsion India becomes no.1 mobile handset player with 28% market share in sub 10k: Counterpoint report

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Transsion Holdings continues to strengthen its foothold in the Indian market. According to a report on India’s Mobile Phone market for July by Counterpoint Research, Transsion across brands (itel, Tecno & Infinix) has emerged as the no.1 handset player by capturing 28% percent market share in sub 10K segment. While Tecno, the premium smartphone brand of Transsion, is already a strong player in the segment 6-10K securing 4th rank among top smartphone brands of India.

Additionally, a recent consumer study conducted by TechARC provides a comprehensive view of a consumer’s expectation from a smartphone, in comparison to the experience that users are getting from their existing smartphone in the 6-12K segment. This study is based on the ‘GAP analysis’ between the expectations of the smartphone users & the experience which the brands were able to deliver. Tecno, as a smartphone brand, has been able to deliver on major factors like camera and battery which makes them lead in the segment.

Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of Transsion India said, “India is the top priority market for Transsion globally, and we are consistently working towards providing world class experience, and, customized mobile solutions to the Indian consumers. We are absolutely delighted to share that we have emerged as India’s No.1 mobile phone brand in sub 10K as per Counterpoint July report. This further fuels our commitment towards Indian consumers.”

Also Read: Amazon survey reveals mid-range smartphones emerge as customer favourites this festive season

He further added, “Tecno has witnessed a robust 556% YoY growth, highest by any Top 10 smartphone brand in the online space. Tecno’s success strategy is built on its core product philosophy of introducing ‘Segment-first’ features at aggressive price-points so that every Indian can get the best Smartphone experience. The TechARC Survey recognized Tecno as the ‘Most Rewarding Smartphone’ brand in the segment which further reinforces the fact that the brand has an accurate sense of the pulse of its aspirational consumers and that is reflected in the Tecno’s diversified product portfolio – Spark, Camon & Pova.”

Key takeaways from the TechARC study of expectations vs experience

  • Camera and battery are two key parameters determining the smartphone choice in INR 6,000-12000 segment in India
  • 82% smartphone users in the segment consider camera the most important feature defining the expectation whereas only 66% happy with the experience of their respective brands
  • Within camera indoor and outdoor photography / videography are the two important expectations from users in the segment. Night photography is an emerging area defining the expectations, while the AI driven enhancements and optimizations is another key factor impacting the GAP analysis
  • Likewise, in the battery, charge cycle and the charging rate are two important factors influencing the expectations versus experience. Users are increasingly wanting their batteries to last longer and take lesser time to replenish.
  • Tecno is able to deliver a satisfaction score of 70% in camera performance and 71% in battery
  • Overall, Tecno emerges as the leader in meeting expectations of the users in this segment. Tecno’s strength is in its superior camera quality as well as emerging in leader-board in Battery and Display & Touch parameters.

Samsung Galaxy F42 5G to launch in India on September 29

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Samsung’s first Galaxy F Series 5G smartphone – Galaxy F42 5G – is all set to launch in India on September 29. Galaxy F42 5G will be available on official website of Samsung, Flipkart and select retail outlets.

Galaxy F42 5G will be the first Galaxy F Series smartphone to offer assured connectivity through Galaxy 5G – 12 bands support, making the smartphone future-ready for consumers by ensuring faster speeds and low latency.

Galaxy F42 5G will be equipped with powerful MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor to ensure optimized performance, smooth multi-tasking and reduced power consumption even while browsing and using multiple apps.

Galaxy F42 5G will feature 64MP triple camera set-up to address lifestyle needs of Gen Z and millennial consumers to capture memorable moments on the go. Galaxy F42 5G will come with 90Hz refresh rate on FHD+ display for seamless scrolling and for immersive viewing experience.

Galaxy F42 5G will be Samsung’s fifth smartphone in Galaxy F Series in 2021 and the first 5G smartphone in the F series portfolio to launch in India.

Also Read: Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale: Infinix to offer exciting deals on Smart 5A, Smart 5, Hot 10 Play, Hot 10S, Note 10 and Hot 11

Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale: Infinix to offer exciting deals on Smart 5A, Smart 5, Hot 10 Play, Hot 10S, Note 10 and Hot 11

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The much-awaited online festive shopping extravaganza, Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale is going live with its first wave from October 7-12 with some irresistible discounts this year. First-time smartphone users and gaming enthusiasts seeking budget phones, especially with long-lasting battery, high multi-media consumption and powerful performance can rejoice as Infinix is offering eight popular devices from its product portfolio at slashed prices. The premium smartphone brand from Transsion Group offers the best of smartphone technology and features.

Smart 5A (2+32GB – Original Price: Rs 6,999, Flipkart BBD Sale Price: Rs 6,499)

Backed by the latest Android 11 with XOS 7.6 skin, the device comes with a massive 5000mAh battery capacity along with a huge 6.52-inch HD+ drop notch display, an 8MP dual rear camera with triple LED flash, an 8MP selfie camera and several other category-first cutting-edge features. The smartphone is also packed with advanced features such as a Fingerprint sensor/ Face unlock for enhanced security.

Smart 5 (2+32GB – Original Price: Rs 7,499, Flipkart BBD Sale Price: Rs 6,999)

The smartphone comes with a large 6.82-inch display, an advanced 13MP AI dual rear camera, 8MP selfie camera and an enormous 6000mAh battery capacity. Operating on Android 10 with the latest XOS 7 skin, the Smart 5 is powered by Helio G25 octa-core processor.

Hot 10 Play (3+32GB – Original Price: Rs 8,299, Flipkart BBD Sale Price: Rs 7,799)/ (4+64GB – Original Price: Rs 8,999, Flipkart BBD Sale Price: Rs 7,999)

Powered by an ultra-powerful Helio G35 octa-core processor, the smartphone features a modern architecture and has a 6.82-inch HD+ drop notch display with a 13MP AI dual rear camera with quad-LED flash, backed by a 6000mAh battery with a power marathon feature.

Hot 10S (4+64GB – Original Price: Rs 9,999, Flipkart BBD Sale Price: Rs 9,499)/ (6+64GB Original Price: Rs 10,999, Flipkart BBD Sale Price: Rs 10,499)

Hot 10S stands out for its 6.82-inch HD+ Cinematic display and a 90Hz refresh rate. Powered by Helio G85 octa-core 64-bit processor and supported by the novel Dar-Link, the smartphone takes gaming performance to the next level. Operating on the latest Android 11 with the upgraded XOS 7.6 skin, the device comes equipped with a super-sharp 48MP AI triple rear camera and an 8MP AI selfie camera. For long hours of uninterrupted gaming and entertainment experience, Hot 10S is powered by a heavy-duty 6000mAh battery.

Note 10 (6+128GB – Original Price: Rs 12,499, Flipkart BBD Sale Price: Rs 11,999)

Note 10 comes with a 6.95-inch FHD+ Super Fluid display and a powerful octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 processor. The smartphone is backed by the novel Dar-Link Game Boost to enhance the gaming interaction and display experience in heavy games. Operating on the latest Android 11 and XOS 7.6 skin, it features a 48MP AI triple rear camera and has a powerful 6000mAh battery.

Bluei unveils 4.1 channel Studio home theater with LED display at Rs 3,999

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Homegrown audio brand Bluei has announced the launch of Studio home theatre with an LED display and is fully operated by remote. The home theatre is equipped with enhanced audio quality and is designed to support heavy bass stereo sound which is perfect for house or lawn parties.

The Studio home theatre gives a high-fidelity, thrilling, cinematic audio experience with its excellent deep bass. Your favourite movies, videos, and music will get a new dimension, thanks to the 4.1 channel audio system.

With Bluetooth connectivity 5.0, you can easily pair your device to this speaker, play your favourite tunes, and groove to the powerful sound. Studio has a beautiful front panel with chrome volume knobs and multicolour LED light. Play trendy dance tracks on this home audio speaker and convert your living room into a makeshift dance floor.

Also Read: Bluei launches the RockStar home theater at an unbeatable price

The powerful bass of 40W and wider sound effects delivered by the subwoofer create an immersive audio effect, irrespective of the genre of music played. The speaker offers a built-in FM antenna, dedicated subwoofer volume control, big digital display, Aux/Mic input and a USB port. The all-new home theatre is priced at Rs 3,999.

Akhilesh Chopra, Sales Director, Bluei, said, “Tapping the pulse of the market, we are bringing these advanced features to a more affordable segment through our newly-launched home theatre that is made in India. Our new product simulates a theatre-like audio experience at home, keeping a special focus on comfort and convenience. Our motive is to cater to every age group and every user. This is the reason we sell our product at a budget price.”

WhatsApp Tips: How to backup, restore chats to Google Drive

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WhatsApp is unarguably one of the most convenient instant messaging apps in the world. People across time zones and age groups use the platform to share special moments with their family and friends in the form of messages, images, videos, and statuses. But sometimes while switching to a new smartphone or formatting your phone, it so happens those moments stand a chance of getting lost. Good news is that there’s no need to worry about losing chats as you can backup and restore them to a new device just as easily as you have those conversations.

The Facebook-owned messaging app allows users to easily backup all your chats to Google Drive. You will need a Google account activated as well as Google Play services installed on your smartphone in order to use Google Drive backup. Here’s a quick guide on how to backup WhatsApp chats and restore them.

How to back up chats to Google Drive

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your Android smartphone and go to the ‘Settings’ section

Step 2: Now click on Chats > Chat backup > Backup to Google Drive

Step 3: Pick up a backup frequency other than Never

Step 4: Once you choose a backup frequency, select the Google account you would want to back up your chat history to. If you don’t have a Google account connected, you can tap on Add account when prompted and enter your login credentials

Step 5: Now, under ‘Backup Over’ option, you can pick if you want backup to take place only when you are connected to Wi-Fi or not

Step 6: Lastly hit the ‘Backup Chats’ options to save all your chats to Google Drive

How to restore chat history

In order to restore the chats, users need to use the same smartphone number and Google account used to create the backup. Here’s how to do:

Step 1: Re-install WhatsApp on your Android smartphone, so that you can restore chats through Google Drive

Step 2: Open the app and verify your number

Step 3: After the completion of restoration process, tap Next. Then, your chats will be displayed once initialization is complete

Note: In case you are unaware, as per WhatsApp, your mobile phone only stores up to the last seven days worth of local back up files. So, backing up files in Google Drive would be a better option.

Also Read: WhatsApp testing a feature to let you report specific messages

WhatsApp testing a feature to let you report specific messages

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Facebook-owned instant messaging app is testing a new feature to allow users to report a single message instead of full chat on the platform. At present, WhatsApp only allows users to report individuals and businesses on the basis of complete chats. The new feature is being tested with beta testers on Android and iOS devices. This comes as an attempt to curb spam and abusive messages on the instant messaging app – something that has posed a big problem for the platform.

In a post, the feature was discovered by WhatsApp beta tracker WABetaInfo in WhatsApp for iOS beta versions 2.21.190.12 and 2.21.190.11. It is said that user reports will allow the app to forward only the reported messages to WhatsApp and notify the sender about it. The report suggests that this reporting process will be different from the current one, where the recent five messages are forwarded to WhatsApp when a user reports a business on the basis of entire chat.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp’s beta version users can see a new “Report” option when they press and hold a particular message. WABetaInfo has also detected the individual message reporting feature on recent WhatsApp for Android beta releases.

On Android, the feature was found in WhatsApp beta version 2.21.20.1 for many beta testers. Users will be able to report a single message by long pressing on the message and clicking on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner of the screen, and then selecting “Report”.

It is unknown as to when this feature will be rolled out to the general public. As per the WABetaInfo report, the feature is “rolling out” for both Android and iPhone users. The report shows that WhatsApp is currently rolling out the feature, but if it is not visible to the users, they have to wait for the next update.

Tech NewsWrap: Microsoft announces new Surface Duo 2… and more

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Microsoft announces new Surface Duo 2

Microsoft has announced the second version of its Surface Duo 2 smartphone with Snapdragon 888 and triple camera. It’s a dual screen folding device that runs Google’s Android operating system. In addition, the new folding device comes in either a white (Glacier) or black (Obsidian) exterior and has 8GB of RAM, a range of 128GB to 512GB of storage. The new Surface Duo 2 Surface Duo 2 starts at $1499.99 and is available for pre-order in select markets.

HP 11-inch Tablet PC with a flippable camera launched

HP 11-inch Tablet PC tablet launched on September 21. It comes with a detachable keyboard that can be mounted to the screen in both landscape and portrait orientation with the help of magnetic clips on two sides of the display. The HP 11-inch Tablet PC comes with a 11.00-inch touchscreen display and a resolution of 2,160×1,440 pixels. It is powered by a quad-core Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor and has 8GB of RAM. The price for the laptop has not been announced.

Redmi smart TVs launched in India

Redmi India unveiled the latest addition to their TV portfolio with the launch of Redmi Smart TV Series in 32-inch and 43-inch. Packing a set of segment-first features that define next-generation televisions, the latest addition to the portfolio sets a new benchmark for the TV industry. With a vivid picture quality, exceptional color contrast, and superior audio experience, along with smart connectivity features, the new Smart TVs have been designed to offer all-round smart entertainment.

Realme GT Neo2 with Snapdragon 870 launched

Realme GT Neo2 is now official. The company has expanded its smartphone lineup with the launch of Realme GT Neo phone in China. It is a successor to the Realme GT Neo that features a full HD+ display and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor. The device comes with an 8 layer cooling system and claims to offer 20% better heat dissipation as compared to its predecessor. Realme GT Neo2 comes with a starting price tag of 2499 yuan (Rs 28,540). The smartphone is already up for pre-order in China and will go on sale from September 27.

Facebook launches new Portal video-calling devices

Expanding its portfolio of video-calling devices, Facebook has launched two Portal video-calling devices, Portal Go and Portal+, along with a new service that will allow business to deploy fleets of the devices to their employees. The Portal devices have been launched in 10-inch and 14-inch display sizes. On an interesting note, Facebook has launched its video calling devices days ahead of Amazon’s hardware event which is scheduled to take place on September 28.