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Nokia reaches 4,000 5G essential patent families milestone

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Nokia announced that it has reached the milestone of 4,000 patent families declared as essential to 5G standards. The milestone reflects Nokia’s continued leadership in cellular technology R&D and standardization.

Nokia has played a pivotal role in defining many of the fundamental technologies enabling 5G, working with the 3GPP organization to establish 5G standards and enabling the rollout of 5G networks. As the deployment of 5G accelerates, Nokia’s 5G technology will enable a wide range of use cases, including immersive experiences, connected vehicles and cloud robotics.

Jenni Lukander, President of Nokia Technologies, said “We’re proud to have reached the milestone of 4,000 high quality patent families declared as essential to 5G but the work does not stop there. Our focus is on innovating for the future. Driving the development of the next generation of cellular standards and enabling entire industries to build upon our inventions.”

Also Read | Nokia T20 Android Tablet Launched in India: Check Out Specs and Price Now

Nokia’s industry-leading patent portfolio is built on more than €130 billion invested in R&D since 2,000 and over three decades of driving cellular standardization and contains around 20,000 patent families (each patent family consists of multiple individual patents).

Several independent third-party studies have confirmed Nokia’s leadership in standard essential patents, including 5G, and this year Nokia became one of the first companies to achieve ISO 9001 certification for its high-quality patent portfolio management.

Nokia contributes its inventions to open standards in return for the right to license them on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. Companies can license and use these technologies without the need to make their own substantial investments in R&D.

Also Read: Bangalore International Airport, Microsoft launch ‘BIAL Genie Hackathon’ to develop super app for passengers

Bangalore International Airport, Microsoft launch ‘BIAL Genie Hackathon’ to develop super app for passengers

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Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has partnered with Microsoft India for the ‘BIAL Genie Hackathon’ to develop an app using Microsoft Azure.

The hackathon invites professional developers, data scientists, data engineers and hackathon enthusiasts to participate in this challenge and design innovative solutions that will improve the end-to-end passenger experience at BLR Airport.

The hackathon which commenced on October 27 and will end on January 21, 2022, will allow developers to leverage a wide array of Microsoft Azure services to improve a passenger’s experience across different stages of their journey – starting from planning the journey and boarding the flight to arriving at their destination airport. Following the hackathon, developers will showcase their solutions and shortlisted participants will submit their prototypes with all supporting documents which will be evaluated by the jury. Shortlisted teams will be provided Azure credits, technical resources, and mentoring sessions by Microsoft subject matter experts (SMEs). The winning teams will be announced on January 24, 2022, with the winner and runner up being awarded cash rewards of INR 1.5 lakhs and INR 1 lakh respectively.

Also Read | Microsoft outlines progress to decarbonize the cloud for global customers

This initiative is in line with BIAL’s consistent efforts to develop a superior customer service that enables passengers to have a simple, seamless, and engaging travel journey while flying through BLR Airport. BIAL has been the recipient of multiple awards including Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality and the prestigious ACI Director General’s Roll of Excellence for 2020.

George Fanthome, Chief Information Officer, BIAL said, “At BIAL, we are embedding innovative technologies across BLR Airport to continuously introduce solutions through a digital transformation of our airport operations. We are excited to partner with Microsoft to conduct the BIAL Genie Hackathon which will help us in developing new solutions that deliver seamless passenger experiences.”

Shivir Chordia, Azure Business Group Lead, Microsoft India said, “Empowering more people to unleash their potential remains a priority at Microsoft. We are delighted to partner with BIAL for the Genie Hackathon – an opportunity for programmers and developers to use Azure’s cloud computing technology and design a unique and comfortable passenger experience that will transform the travel experience for next generation travellers.”

Also Read: Zoook unveils Blaster Series speakers with mobile docks & RGB lights

Zoook unveils Blaster Series speakers with mobile docks & RGB lights

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French lifestyle brand Zoook has introduced Zoook Blaster Series, a complete new range of three premium-yet-affordable stationary speakers that come along with mobile/tablet docks, RGB lights, and Karaoke mic inputs. Notably, the RGB lights add to the style statement and beauty, thereby enhancing the décor. In sync with the nomenclature of the three speakers – Mini Blaster, Music Blaster, and Twin Blaster – each comes in a different size, with differing weights and attributes. Priced at Rs 1,299, Rs 1,599 and Rs 1,899, respectively, the Blaster Series is up for grabs on all leading offline and online platforms, including Amazon and Flipkart.

Mini Blaster

Mini Blaster

This Bluetooth-enabled speaker is small in size, weighing just 550 grams, but high on specs. Powered with a 3-inch driver, Zoook Mini Blaster offers 10 Watt output with deep bass and an immersive sound experience. It offers a music playback time of at least three hours following a complete charge of three-four hours, thanks to its powerful 1,200mAh battery. Any device can be connected within a range of 10 meters.

Music Blaster

Music Blaster

Ideal for all music lovers, Zoook Music blaster offers an even better output at 14 Watt, as it’s powered by a 4-inch music driver. Adding more power to the medium-sized speaker is its robust 1,500mAh battery, which allows a playback time of a minimum of four-five hours. As it’s equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology, it ensures a seamless streaming experience. Devices within a range of 10 meters can be connected with the speaker effortlessly.

Also Read | Zoook unveils FingerPad, a Bluetooth-powered multi-device keyboard with touchpad

Twin Blaster

Twin Blaster

As the name suggests, the biggest speaker in the series comes equipped with two 3-inch drivers offering a whopping output of 20 Watt. Weighing nearly 1.15 kg, Zoook Twin Blaster is powered with a 2,400mAh battery, allowing a four-five playback time on a complete charge. Just like the former, this speaker is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology.

The complete Zoook Blaster Series allows multiple connectivity options like Bluetooth, USB, Aux, and TF. The speakers also come with karaoke mic Input.

Also Read: Oppo Reno6 5G takes first place in DXOMARK Battery Global Rankings

Jabra Elite 3 Review: It does the job well with handy features

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With the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) market exploding in India like never before, every brand – big or small – wants to cash in on this opportunity. From a global player to a homegrown electronics venture, worth its salt, has an offering or two. Danish brand Jabra, a formidable player in the personal audio segment which is mostly known for making expensive hearables, recently introduced some affordable wireless earbuds, including Elite 3 priced at Rs 6,999 in India. Packing in a host of features, the Jabra Elite 3 comes in four colour variants- Dark Grey, Light Beige, Lilac and Navy. Let’s find out how good it is in a competitive market like India in this review.

Build and Design

The Jabra Elite 3 is a bit different from its predecessors. Although it looks a bit bulky, it’s quite compact and has a new shape that offers an in-canal fit with the earbuds a bit more angular to provide some isolation. The in-canal fit gives decent passive noise isolation, since it doesn’t support active noise cancellation.

The earbuds offer a nozzle-type design and their control buttons are also triangular in shape, having the company’s branding and LED indicator on the top. The buttons are easy to press and make the control easy. We had the Dark Grey variant for review and the earbuds are quite lightweight and comfortable for long hours of usage. You get three sizes of silicone ear tips to fit the buds to your ear, as they offer a secure and snug fit design.

The charging case is made up of plastic and feels a little more fragile than the earpieces but it looks good and compact and is easy to carry, as it easily slips into your pants pocket. There is a Jabra branding and a charging indicator on the front and a USB Type-C port on the back to charge the case. The Jabra Elite 3 is IP55 rated, making it water and dust resistant.

Taken as a whole, the earbuds offer a comfortable fit in your ears and you’ll not experience any sort of fatigue even after using it for long hours. The Jabra Elite 3 is not as sturdy as its predecessors, considering its flimsy body. Besides, the physical buttons look outdated in the age of touch panels.

Functionalities

The earbuds easily get connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Tap the right button once to play/pause the song, a double press skips the track forward, while a triple press rewinds. To increase the volume, you’ll have to press and hold the right button. Likewise, you can turn ambient sound on/off with a single press on the left side, whereas the voice assistant can be activated by a double press. To reduce the volume, you need to press and hold the left button. These are handy features that will make using the buds much more efficient. Like any other TWS earbuds, these buttons are also of great help in picking up and cancelling a call. You can also use earbuds independently in the mono mode which is a welcome feature but not new.

Also Read: iQOO Z5 Review: Good at everything and superb in gaming

Performance

Jabra has always been a name to reckon with when it comes to sound quality. The audio output is very much close to what you get in premium devices. The earbuds are well-tuned and you’ll not feel audio being compressed or broken. The Jabra Elite 3 sounds very clean and clear with balanced mids and lows, with rich bass. You can play any genre of music using these earbuds and will enjoy the sound. Listening to Hindi music is a pleasant experience with these earbuds.

On the flip side, there’s no active noise cancellation feature, which goes against this TWS. You will have to manage it with the passive one which is decent both indoors and outdoors. Also, there’s no auto-pause, so it doesn’t pause the music when you remove the earbuds.

Amazingly, Jabra has given four microphones in the earbuds which ensure satisfactory call quality.

Battery

Standing tall to its claim, the all-new Jabra Elite 3 earbuds offer a tremendous battery life of up to 7 hours in regular use. In addition to this, the earbuds can be charged nearly 4 times using the charging case, so you get more than 25 hours of battery time easily. Besides, there is fast charging support that will give you an hour of usage with just 10 minutes of charging. It goes without saying that Jabra is a leader in offering powerful battery in its TWS devices.

Conclusion

The Jabra Elite 3 looks simple and sober, offers a comfortable fit and has a stupendous battery life, besides carrying its legacy of offering a premium sound quality. Even the call quality is superb. Although it’s not feature-rich, the Elite 3 offers you some really interesting features, such as the quick access to Spotify or Amazon Alexa. Having no ANC is definitely a downside, especially at a time when a number of brands are offering this feature at affordable prices. Taken as a whole, the Jabra Elite 3 is pretty reliable and a ‘value for money’ deal that you would love to have at the given price.

Oppo Reno6 5G takes first place in DXOMARK Battery Global Rankings

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Oppo Reno6 5G has taken first place in DXOMARK battery global rankings according to recent test results published by the independent testing organization.

The Oppo smartphone was awarded a total score of 96, making it the highest scoring smartphone among 40 phones tested to date. DXOMARK is an independent French technology company and the international leader in the quality assessment of smartphone cameras, display, audio and battery, and other consumer electronics, such as cameras and speakers with the aim of helping consumers to choose best-performing products. For its rigorous battery test, DXOMARK measures battery performance in three factors – charging, autonomy, and efficiency – through over 150 hours of testing and 70 measurements.

Oppo Reno6 5G turned in a stellar battery performance, taking top marks in certain categories and coming in first globally among all devices,” cited DXOMARK in its review. “The device is very well-balanced and well-designed and provides a good comprehensive experience.”

Of the three factors tested, Oppo Reno6 5G came in first place in both charging and efficiency tests, secured the global top spot in DXOMARK’s global database for overall battery performance. Equipped with 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast-charge technology, Reno6 5G can be charged to an indicated 100% in 29 minutes and an actual full charge in 35 minutes, resulting in its score of 109 in the charging performance category. DXOMARK’s test also shows that the device is able to gain over 10 hours of autonomy with just a 5-minute charge when the battery level is under 50% capacity, providing quick-boost autonomy ahead of any other smartphone. OPPO Reno6 5G has the best charge-up performance in its category, earning it a first-place score of 101 for overall efficiency across the entire battery protocol database to date.

Oppo RankingsThe DXOMARK test also shows Oppo Reno6 5G performing well in battery autonomy and that the phone would be capable of delivering 57 hours of autonomy with moderate use. Oppo Reno6 5G outshines the category average in terms of battery performance when using social apps, gaming, streaming music, and streaming video (both cellular and Wi-Fi), highlighting its strong performance under typical day-to-day usage.

The Oppo Reno series has proven to be a hit with smartphone users worldwide. Released in 2021 as the AI Portrait Expert, Reno6 5G is the latest edition in the series and offers outstanding all-round performance on top of a suite of cutting-edge portrait imaging features, the iconic Reno Glow design, and rapid 5G connectivity. Alongside Reno6 5G’s leading battery performance, Oppo’s proprietary 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast-charge technology provides a superior charging experience for users. Since the introduction of VOOC Flash Charge in 2014, Oppo has released over 30 devices that support the technology, bringing this fast, convenient, and safe charging technology to more than 195 million people worldwide.

Also Read: New WhatsApp Desktop App: Know what’s new, how to download

New WhatsApp Desktop App: Know what’s new, how to download

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WhatsApp is a highly popular instant messaging app, available for both – Android and iOS. For long time, the Meta-owned app has been working on a standalone desktop app for Windows and now the messaging platform has finally released it in beta version. The WhatsApp Beta is now available for download from Microsoft’s Windows app store.

With the Windows App, users will no longer have to rely on browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to use WhatsApp Web. The system requirements to run the app are an x64 architecture-based CPU and Windows 10 version 14316.0 or higher.

WhatsApp beta for Windows: What’s new?

The new WhatsApp is working on the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and notifications work even if the application is closed. With support for multi-device functionality, the users don’t require an Internet connection to log into their account. The company is said to be using XAML UI language to blend in with native Windows apps.

There is a new writing pad feature that will allow users to sketch an image by making use of Windows Ink and share it within the application. Additionally, the beta app for PC is said to borrow settings from mobile WhatsApp including notifications, storage, privacy settings, etc.

As the app is still in beta, expect some features (like status updates, archived chats, stickers) to be missing. It will be added in the next updates.

Besides, as WABBetaInfo reported, the Meta-owned WhatsApp is working on a new application for macOS Catalyst. Apple allows using compatible iPad apps on macOS Catalyst and WhatsApp is going to enable the support at a later date.

How to Download

The new WhatsApp Desktop app is currently in beta testing and can be installed for Windows 10 and Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store. Downloading the WhatsApp beta for Desktop is easier than doing so on Android and iPhone. You simply have to follow a few simple steps and it should download the latest beta version. Here’s the step-to-step guide:

Step 1: Open the web browser and go to this link

Step 1- Open the web browser

Step 2: Click on the ‘Get’ option, you will then be asked to sign in with Microsoft account

Step 2 - Click on the ‘Get’ option, you will then be asked to sign in with Microsoft account

Step 3: Then tap on ‘Install’

Step 4: After installing the app, you will see ‘Launch’ option, tap on it and the Desktop app will open with a QR scan code

Step 5: Lastly, scan with your registered mobile to use WhatsApp beta version.

Also Read: Sevenaire launches ‘Neptune’ – 24W portable speaker with RGB LED lights

ColorOS 12 will now be available on Oppo Find X2 series, Reno6 series in India

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ColorOS 12 Beta Version (based on Android 12) will be available on Oppo devices in India, starting November 17, 2021.

While the Find X2 will receive the update today, the Oppo Reno6 Pro 5G and Reno6 Pro 5G Diwali edition will receive it from November 22 onwards, and the Reno6 5G from November 25.

Reno November rollout

Cumulatively, the update will include more and more models, such as the Oppo Find, Reno, F and A series – letting more users to enjoy ColorOS’ inclusive design, smooth experience, and newest features, comprising of the visualized battery dashboard, inclusive design language, anti-peeping notifications and many more.

Also Read: Oppo ColorOS 12 Review: Mature enough to take on the best

Sevenaire launches ‘Neptune’ – 24W portable speaker with RGB LED lights

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The festive season is here and it’s time to rejoice – so why not start an instant party anywhere any time? Sevenaire introduces Neptune Speaker, a highly portable premium TWS speaker that boasts 24-watts of room-filling audio bliss with thumping bass and RGB LED lights. The Neptune is designed for Multi-Room Audio streaming using a twin speaker and 2 passive bass radiators so your parties can be extended to another room with ease.

LED Disco Lights

Built using a combination of high-quality silicone, durable fabric and ABS plastic, the Neptune sports a premium finish and an elegant cylindrical design, and is equipped with LED Disco lights that are synched to the beats of the music and light up the party for real. The LED lights are ring shaped and placed on both the passive bass radiators of the Neptune Speaker so the lights do their magic regardless of the placement of the speaker. Exhibits of the Disco lights are given in various videos on the brand’s website and amazon.

IP67 Float Proof

The body is IP67 water and dustproof so you can take your parties from the beach to the water without worry. Additionally, there’s a lanyard that can makes it easy to carry around or tie to your backpack. The Sevenaire Neptune is a cute little TWS Portable Speaker, available in two bold color variants – Black and Red.

Sevenaire Neptune speaker

Also Read | Sevenaire launches a foldable 3-in-1 wireless charging dock D1700 for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods

24 Watts of Immersive Surround Sound

But the cute look is a deception – there’s a beast trapped within that tiny cylindrical shape. Built around a powerful 24-Watt amplifier, the Neptune can produce surround sound with thumping bass so you can feel your music. Its twin subwoofers and the passive bass radiators produce great audio with zero distortion even at higher volumes and is a great competition to the big names in the audio speakers category. Music and movies will never sound the same before. Thanks to its high-end drivers delivering surround sound and thumping bass, you get to enjoy an immersive audio experience. The bass radiators are also equipped with 3-mode RGB color lights that are synced to the beats of the music and flash up the party to another level.

Neptune speaker

TWS Dual Connect Technology

Need more power? Or want to extend your party to another room? Simply pair another Sevenaire Neptune using the TWS Dual Connect feature and double the volume or have a synchronized multi-room audio solution within seconds. Sound on both the Neptune speakers can be controlled from a single device. Now Mamaji can re-act his Nagin dance move in the living room while Mami practices some Thumka with the ladies in next room. The Neptune also features an in-built microphone for hands-free mode for calls, so you can keep your hands occupied serving sweets to your guests.

The Sevenaire Neptune boasts the latest Bluetooth v4.2 that offers superior connectivity over a longer distance and instant pairing to the source apart from immense power saving features. The Neptune also has a built-in 4,400mAh rechargeable battery that gives it a playtime of up to 12-14 hours non-stop on a full charge. So fun at the beach or the camp will never be interrupted again.

Pick a Sevenaire Neptune 24W TWS Portable Speaker for just Rs 4,999 from Amazon India or Sevenaire.com.

Also Read: Tech NewsWrap: Redmi Note 11T 5G India launch on November 30… and more

Tech NewsWrap: Redmi Note 11T 5G India launch on November 30… and more

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Redmi Note 11T 5G India launch on November 30

Redmi has confirmed the launch of Redmi Note 11 5G in India. It is set to arrive on November 30, 2021. The company has created a landing page for the upcoming launch teasing the features of the handset. The teaser suggests that the phone will arrive in Silver and Green color options. It is expected to boast a 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a support of 90Hz refresh rate. The Redmi Note 11T 5G could be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 SoC.

West Bengal launches free WhatsApp chatbot for citizens

West Bengal Govt. has launched a dedicated WhatsApp chatbot to make it easier for the citizens of the state to apply for ration card, register complaints and access other important resources. The chatbot also helps farmers with verified information regarding procurement related to paddy. The bot is free to use and is available in English and Bengali. It aims to help more than 10 crore beneficiaries of ration cards in the state of West Bengal.

Also Read | Deleted WhatsApp messages? Here’s how to restore them

One UI 4.0 update is coming to India

Good news for those waiting for the latest Android 12-based One UI 4.0 update. The release schedule for India is now official. Since mid-September, Samsung has been testing the One UI 4 on the Samsung Galaxy S21 series and it’s available in a public beta. This update has many of the features included in the AOSP Android 12. Customers should receive an update notification in December.

Moto Watch 100 gets official with $99.99 price tag

Motorola has finally made the much-anticipated Moto Watch 100 official. The smartwatch has been launched without the WearOS, which powered the other Motorola Watch—the Moto 360. The Lenovo-owned smartphone company has introduced an all-new Moto OS with the Moto Watch 100. It comes with improved features and most importantly a battery life of 2-weeks.

Also Read: Fire-Boltt is the fastest growing smartwatch brand, confirms Counterpoint report

Fire-Boltt is the fastest growing smartwatch brand, confirms Counterpoint report

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Homegrown wearable and audio brand Fire-Boltt has officially been adjudged as the undisputed leader in the smartwatch player in India as well as internationally.

As per the latest Counterpoint Research report, the Indian brand registered a stupendous 394% Quarter-on-Quarter growth during Q3 2021 to become the fastest growing smartwatch brand. Globally, Fire-Boltt ranked alongside Apple and Realme as the fastest growing smartwatch players during the given timeframe. Notably, the Q2 2021 report by another global research entity, the International Data Corporation (IDC), had mentioned that Fire-Boltt held 5.5% of the market share during the period while the latest report shows that the market share currently held by the company is 17%.

“Both IDC and Counterpoint Research reports confirm that Fire-Boltt is now the biggest name in India when it comes to smartwatches. The success of the brand can be attributed to various factors, including our back-to-back launches and collaborations with the likes of Virat Kohli and Vicky Kaushal – which also find a mention in the Counterpoint Research report. We, however, firmly believe that it is our organic outreach over the initial few years of inception that has laid the foundation of our phenomenal growth story that is akin to the scripting of a history,” said Fire-Boltt co-founders Aayushi and Arnav Kishore in the latest market reports.

The co-founders further said that it is a matter of pride for them that not global but homegrown brands contribute to nearly 75% of the Indian smartwatch market share, clocking a QoQ growth of 159% and YoY growth rate of a whopping 293%, according to the Q3 2021 report by Counterpoint Research.

The official declaration of Fire-Boltt leading the wearable space comes just days after the company forayed into the international market. Fire-Boltt’s brand ambassador and cricketing icon Virat Kohli last month unveiled the company’s entire smartwatch line for the UAE market. The Indian brand is slated to further expand its presence across other markets like Middle East, Sharjah and other Emirates within the next few weeks.

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