Nokia C30 launched in India with Jio exclusive offer
Nokia C30 was launched in India with exclusive offers from Jio. The phone was unveiled globally in July this year and now has finally arrived in India. It is available in India in Green and White color options and comes in 3/32GB and 4/64GB configurations starting at a price of Rs 10,999 and Rs 11,999 respectively. Customers who choose to avail JioExclusive offer will get an instant price support of 10% or a maximum of Rs 1,000 on the best buy price, and will have to pay Rs 9,999 and Rs 10,999 for the 3GB and 4GB variant respectively.
Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro not launching in India
Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro flagship phones were launched officially at the Pixel event. These are the first Google devices to come with the in-house Tensor chipset, Android 12 OS, a 50-megapixel primary camera and up to 120Hz refresh rate. These models feature a brand new design, with a horizontal camera bar at the back, punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. At launch, the tech giant mentioned the phones will be available in selected markets such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, Germany, and Taiwan. However, India is missing from the list. Now, it has been confirmed that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro won’t get launched in India in the foreseeable future.
Also Read: Festive season insights: Smartphone industry to clock more than 50% revenue led by 5G handsets, reveals a report
Facebook plans name change to reflect metaverse focus
Facebook is reportedly planning to change its name in an effort to reflect its work building the metaverse, an online world where people can move and communicate in a virtual environment. The Facebook name change, which Mark Zuckerberg plans to talk about at the company’s annual Connect conference on October 28 but could unveil sooner, is meant to signal the Menlo Park, California-based firm’s ambition to be known for more than social media. Facebook’s future lies in ‘metaverse’, Zuckerberg had said after an earnings call in July.
YouTube Music to go audio-only for free listeners
YouTube Music is soon going to become audio-only for non-premium users and it will no longer play music videos alongside the audio. The change will initially roll out to users in Canada starting November 3 — alongside the anticipated background play feature for the users who have not subscribed to YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium. Free users who aren’t subscribed to either of these plans will also miss out on features like on-demand music selection and unlimited skips.
With the ongoing festive season, the sales of smartphones have significantly jumped, with more and more discounts available on ecommerce platforms. Presenting more such insights, Techarc along with mScanIt revealed that the smartphone sector in India is expected to earn more than half of its sales during the festive quarter.
With approximately 49.9 million smartphones projected to be sold during the Oct-Dec 2021 quarter, the quarter’s sales contribution by revenue and volume is estimated to be 56 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively.
The study is unique to the industry with mScanIt tech incorporated into this combined analysis. mScanIt, powered by mfilterIt is a state-of-the-art digital platform that provides an in-depth and focused understanding and intelligence of what happens online.
Amit Relan, Co-founder and Director, mFilterIt, said, “Bringing up the unique insights, the upsurge in the sale of smartphones reflects the growing Indian economy in the post-pandemic era. Smartphones worth Rs 1,252 billion are projected to be sold online in this quarter and this is an improvement from what the scenario was last year. mScanIt delivers unique proposition, helping online brands to get a holistic view of the online channels, be it marketplaces, or individual sites.”
Faisal Kawoosa, Founder, Techarc, said, “With the talks around 5G network launching in India, the consumer buying preferences have considerably shifted to the 5G smartphones lately. Currently, Amazon and Flipkart, the two largest online marketplaces, both offer more than 50 5G smartphone models and Samsung remains at the top followed by Realme and Xiaomi, with the maximum number of 5G smartphone in all the price segments.”
According to multiple surveys, consumer purchasing habits in India have significantly improved and increased after the pandemic. This analysis by Techarc and mScanIt reveals that the mid-segment (Rs 12,000-15,000) and premium range (Rs 25,000-50,000) smartphones would lead in sales with a contribution of 42 per cent and 51.7 per cent handsets, respectively, during this festive quarter.
The ecommerce platforms have become a trusted source for customers to acquire gadgets, and online sales are increasing in the mid and premium categories this season. This is a departure from past years when the basic segment drove most of the online sales.
Agritech Company Agdhi has introduced a mobile platform ‘Planto’ that provides data analysis and accurate information on the maximum agricultural output. It generates insights out of raw field data and further used for field trial monitoring, production fields monitoring, disease tolerance analysis, pest resistance analysis, hybrid performance comparison, team management, report generation and digitisation. This vast information can be available in different languages such as English, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, and Tamil.
Nikhil Das, Founder – Agdhi, said, “We are pleased to introduce new tool which will help the agricultural companies as well as farmers with new insights about crop & seedlings. This will help the farmers to take remedial and the future action.”
“With integrating various languages, we would like to extend this tool to different cities who can take advantage and help them in maximizing agricultural output,” he added.
Also Read: U&i launches ‘Canvas and Perfect Neckband Series’
Agdhi has built two app versions – ‘Surveyor’ and ‘Manager’ applications which collects and generates insights respectively.
Planto Surveyor can be connected to any Planto registered company and is used to collect observations direct from field. It supports various data collection formats, crops and locations. The biggest advantage of Surveyor is that it can be used even when there is irregular or no network at all.
Planto manager comes with all the reports and analysis required for any manager or decision makers to perform strategic changes in their research or production. It provides real time data of ‘who’s in the field’ and ‘what’s going on’. Thus, the supervisors, managers, directors and owners is provided with a transparent view of the activities and insights and meaningful reports to take quick decisive actions.
The entire platform is available to subscribe in various plans suited for different types and scales of organization.
Gadgets accessory brand U&I has announced the launch of 2 new Bluetooth neckbands – Canvas and Perfect Neckband Series. The newly launched neckbands personify a perfect blend of style quotient and futuristic technology; promise to deliver the finest musical experience due to its extraordinary surround sound and noise cancellation feature.
The neckbands provide up to 30 hours of playtime with just 2 hours of charging thanks to the 250mAh battery. Owing to their shape and unique design, these are extremely lightweight and sleek in design while comfortably fitting in your ears. Now, one can enjoy their favourite music on the go while running, walking, or doing any outdoor activities with U&i.
Also Read: Vivo to rollout FunTouch OS Beta version based on Android 12 Beta
Paresh Vij, Founder and Director, U&i said, “Witnessing the great success of our products in the wearable category in the past, we are delighted to launch 2 New Neckbands as an addition in this segment. Aspiring to serve the growing customer’s demand for reliable and smart audio wearables, we at U&i are committed to bringing out high-end products for our customers. Owing to our R&D, we aim to continue to be at the forefront in providing a new level of versatile user experience.”
Equipped with multi-functional and volume/track control buttons, these neckbands offer rich bass and stereo sound with passive noise cancellation for an uninterrupted music experience. With its in-built microphone, users can enjoy two-way interaction clearly.
Pricing and Availability:
U&i Perfect and Canvas neckband series are available at an introductory price of INR 2,499 and INR 2,699 respectively. These neckbands come backed with a 12-months warranty and can be purchased from all leading retail stores.
Smartphone brand Vivo today has released the rollout schedule of Android 12 based on FunTouch OS Beta Version for its X,V,Y and S series smartphones. Vivo aims to extend the smooth smartphone experience offered by its powerful devices to ensure continuous improvements based on evolving consumer trends and exciting new software innovations. Now, in combination with Android 12 Beta, users can experience the latest OS.
Below is the rollout schedule for Android 12 based FunTouch OS Beta Version on various Vivo devices starting from:
End of Nov 2021 – X70 Pro+
End of Dec 2021 – X60 Pro+, X60 Pro, X60, V21 & Y72 5G
End of Jan 2022 – X70 Pro, V21e, V20 2021, V20, Y21, Y51A & Y31
End of Mar 2022 – X50 Pro, X50, V20 Pro, V20 SE, Y33s, Y20G, Y53s & Y12s
Early Apr 2022 – S1 & Y19
End of Apr 2022 – V17 Pro, V17, S1 Pro, Y73, Y51, Y20, Y20i & Y30
Vivo prioritizes user-oriented approach by providing products, functions and experiences that comprehensively meet consumer needs. This commitment is part of Vivo’s ongoing efforts to bring new advancements and joy-inspired experiences to the consumers.
Also Read: High-end Japanese brand Final’s headphones and earphones now available in India
Final’s unique headphones and in-ears are now available in India. Traditional Japanese headphone brand Final has established itself as one of the few high-end audiophile manufacturers. Their headphones and IEMs are an outstanding combination of perfect engineering, Japanese craftsmanship and elegant design. Their range is now available at Headphone Zone (www.headphonezone.in).
“To create the kind of product that can be used for years, until it becomes an antique, we have to create something that we as the creators deem to be truly good,” is how Hosoo san, CEO of Final, describes the philosophy of his company, which has been developing and manufacturing high-end products since 1974.
Final is in partnership with retail brand Headphone Zone. “Final has carved a name for itself amongst audio enthusiasts worldwide and we’re very excited for audiophiles in India to experience Final audio products,” says Raghav Somani, CEO of Headphone Zone about Final.
Final makes use of high precision Japanese engineering with focus on finesse and accuracy. Adopting cutting edge technology with great attention to detail and the highest quality of audio design, Final has been recipient of several awards over the years. To name a few: Major Hi-Fi, VGP 2018, VGP 2019, VGP 2020, VGP 2021, Headphone Award 2017, Headphone Award 2018, and many more.
The team at Final strongly believes in creating earphones and headphones that are revered by audiophiles and casual music listeners alike. Final earphones, like Swiss wristwatches and German Cars are built to last forever and used as valuable antiques. The result of such careful consideration is a long-lasting, rational & emotionally valuable asset with the best sound quality and best design.
At the Final factory, the team of audio designers are dedicated to innovating audio products through research. Unlike other OEM manufacturers, they believe in designing their products in-house. This facilitates internal feedback between various teams and departments, encouraging the process for developing a long lasting product.
Final A8000: Flagship Grade IEM
The Final A8000 is the company’s flagship-grade IEM created with the most cutting edge technology and materials. To achieve transparent sound for the A8000, Final has applied its own proprietary Perceptual Transparency Measurement (PTM) evaluation methodology, resulting in improved efficiency of the components within the IEM. Considering the results of the evaluation, an ultra-thin Beryllium foil (Truly Pure Beryllium Diaphragm) is embedded. With a specific gravity of 1.85 and a sound propagation velocity of 12,900 m/s, second only to that of a diamond, Beryllium has ideal characteristics for a diaphragm material.
The clarity of sound produced is extremely high and offers unparalleled clarity to your music. The ear tips for the Final A8000 have been designed from soft silicone for superior comfort and noise isolation. These come in 5 sizes and the right and left earbuds have different coloured markings for easy recognisability and the different sizes also ensure that the sound is transmitted directly to the eardrum.
These earphones also come bundled with an aluminium hybrid silicone carry case and dust filter. For the A8000, Final has shaped the dust filter in such a manner that it can be removed and replaced by the customer, and a replacement dust filter is included as an accessory. The A8000 is retailed at Rs 149,999.
Also Read: Defy BassX DWH01, the dual-pairing over-ear wireless headphone with 15hr battery life launched
Final E series
The E series comprises 5 IEMs: the E1000, E2000, E3000, E4000 and the E5000. With an elegant design and premium packaging, these are great for beginner audiophiles. They come with oxygen free (OFC) cables. The Final E series have been designed to provide utmost comfort and durability. Featuring a unique swing-fit mechanism allowing the earpiece to be able to move left and right and tilt towards the audio canal for a perfect fit. These prevent changes in shape owing to the aperture of the earpiece coming into contact with the auditory canal. The sound is transmitted directly to the eardrum, delivering clear sound. The E series ranges from the entry level model E1000 that’s priced at Rs 1,799 to the E5000 which is priced at Rs 24,999.
Final B series
The Final B series is designed with modular elements which allow disassembly and easy repairs. This design has been implemented keeping in mind the factor of being able to use the IEMs for a long time and if any issue arises, it can be solved with ease. The design for the chassis of the Final B series has been completely reimagined and re-engineered to offer utmost comfort. The B series comprises 3 models: B1, B2 and B3 and the price ranges from Rs 27,999 to Rs 59,999.
Final D8000 and Final D8000 Pro Edition
The Final D8000 and D8000 Pro Edition, are the company’s flagship-grade planar-magnetic headphones. Innovative engineering and precision are reflected in every element of the headphone. They can reproduce sound that combines the delicate high-frequency range of a planar magnetic driver while the low-frequency ranges are open, feeling more like a dynamic headphone.
Traditionally, planar headphones use a zigzag pattern coil, but with these headphones, Final designed a spiral coil to significantly improve the bass response. This is possible by incorporating the newly developed damping system to make sure the headphones outperform any planar magnetic or dynamic headphone.
The Air Film Dampening System solved the problem of the diaphragm contacting the magnet, so it was possible to achieve sound quality that has both the sensitive high ranges of planar magnetic models and the volume and open feel bass tones of dynamic models. With this technology, these headphones redefine the possibilities of what a headphone can do. The D8000 and D8000 Pro editions are retailed at Rs 2,99,999 and Rs 3,29,999 respectively.
Belkin India recommends a dynamic range of accessories perfect for the recently unveiled iPhone 13 series (iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max). Additionally, Belkin also offers an array of accessories for the new iPad and iPad mini. Belkin’s total solution can be classified into four categories: ‘Screen Protection’, ‘Magnetic and MagSafe accessories’, ‘Wireless and high-speed charging’, and ‘Audio’.
Kartik Bakshi, Country Manager, Belkin India said, “Belkin has always been at the forefront of designing customer centric products. We work closely with Apple to ensure that innovation is at the heart of designing products for Apple users and fans. The exciting new range of Belkin accessories are a right combination of style, connectivity, and reliability to ensure customers are able to fully enjoy the Apple ecosystem.”
Screen Protection
ScreenForce Tempered Glass Anti-Microbial Screen Protectors for iPhone 13 mini, Pro, Pro Max.
Engineered from high-quality Japanese Asahi glass, this protector can absorb high impact and prevent scratches. It also contains an anti-microbial agent to protect the screen from microbial growth.
It has also been awarded a hardness and scratch resistance score of 9H. With its anti-fingerprint coating, and touch sensitivity and crystal clarity, the intelligent glass composition reacts like your phone’s own screen.
Belkin Screen Protectors with its easy align tray enables a flawless, bubble-free application at home.
Belkin Magnetic & MagSafe Accessories
Belkin also offers a range of magnetic charging styles that are compatible with MagSafe. With the BOOST?CHARGE Magnetic Wireless Charger Stand 7.5W (available in black and white), you can make a video call or consume video content in landscape orientation while charging your phone by placing it on your desk. The perfect alignment of MagSafe delivers efficient and secure charging, with easy one-handed placement. BOOST?CHARGE Magnetic Portable Wireless Charger Pad 7.5W (available in 2 colours – Black and White) is like a doctor’s stethoscope, and it charges your iPhone with a small circle-shaped charging pad at the end of a thin and long cable, providing excellent space efficiency and portability. Belkin’s 2,500mAh BOOST?CHARGE Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 2.5K is a portable power bank that attaches securely to the back of your iPhone, so you don’t need to connect any cables to charge it.
The Belkin Magnetic Car Vent Mount, a magnetic car mount and Car Vent Mount PRO with MagSafe featuring official MagSafe technology, both safely keep iPhone 13 conveniently and securely on display through all the road’s bumps and bends. The sturdy base and vent clip keep your mount safely in place while a powerful magnetic module provides easy one-handed mounting. Start your playlist in portrait and flip to landscape with the twist of your wrist for navigation. When the trip gets long, plugging in is easy with intuitive cable management that keeps your charging cable cleanly out of the way while still within reach.
Powerful and Portable Wall Charger
Give two compatible devices a fast charge at the same time with our BOOST?CHARGE Dual USB-C PD Wall Charger 40W. This USB-C Power Delivery certified charger delivers 20W of power from each USB-C port, charging an iPhone 13 from 0-50% within 30 mins and an iPad from 0-50% in 40 min. Our dual-port charger is also universally compatible with the latest USB-C PD enabled smartphones and tablets, giving you a safe and fast charge for all your devices.
Also Read: BalleBaazi to host National Fantasy Cricket Championship starts October 23
True Wireless Sound
The SOUNDFORM True Wireless Earbuds’ advanced touch controls give a device-free experience while its IPX5-rated splash and sweat resistance will help you focus on the deep bass and crystal-clear acoustics of Belkin sound. A one-step Bluetooth pairing while its easy and intuitive touch controls help make your experience device-free and focused. You can play for a 5-hour non-stop playtime, its compact charging case provides the Soundform True Wireless Earbuds all-day connection—a full 24 hours of charge without plugging in. Available in two colours – black and white.
Accessory for the iPad
Meanwhile, Apple released the iPad 9th generation and iPad mini 6th generation together, and it is interesting that the USB-C type was added to the iPad mini as a charging port. In particular, expansion through the multimedia hub is essential for users who expect the functionality of a notebook from an iPad based on the improved chip performance. Belkin’s USB-C Multimedia Hub has an Ethernet port instead of a micro SD and 3.5mm audio input/output port. All of them can be easily and safely connected to devices optimized for USB-C type, and are characterized by easy portability. For charging, we recommend a boost-up 40W dual USB-C PD fast charger that supports dual 20W outputs, and powers the iPad by 50% in 40 minutes.
Accessories for the AirTag
Secure Holders with Strap / Key Ring for AirTag (Available in 4 colours, Black, Blue, Pink, White) – The Belkin Secure Holder is the newest addition to the company’s portfolio of accessories designed exclusively for Apple products. Available in two variations – with Key Ring or with Strap – the Belkin Secure Holder features an innovative twist-and-lock closure to keep AirTag safely secured in place, while raised edges help to protect against scratches. The Belkin Secure Holder is available in four colors – black, white, pink and blue – for a personalized look. Whether you’re attaching AirTag to car keys or a backpack, the Belkin Secure Holder ensures AirTag is locked in place and protected.
This T20 World Cup brings a chance for the Indian Cricket Team and the fans alike to be crowned as the Champions!
India’s first-ever National Fantasy Cricket Championship (NFCC) goes underway on the October 23, giving every die-hard Indian cricket fan an opportunity to taste the glory. This novel free-to-play concept challenges every fan to show their skill, and aims at changing the perception about the online fantasy sports industry from being “just about money” to “all about glory.”
Taking the World Cup fever a notch higher, the 23-days long multi-tier tournament will be hosted on BalleBaazi.com. The grand finale will be held on the same day as the final T20 World Cup match, November 14, where 11 Fantasy Cricket Champions will be crowned who will meet the World Cup 2011 hero, Zaheer Khan, and 1st on the podium will win the championship trophy and a free trip to the Mecca of Cricket, Lord’s, England. The ten other India’s best fantasy sports champions will take home a golden bat along with daily and exclusive leaderboard cash prizes.
The NFCC will have a total of 33 matches, with the first 30 being qualifiers chances one, two, and three, followed by the quarter finals, semis, and the grand finale.
Saurabh Chopra, Co-Founder & CEO of BalleBaazi.com said, “NFCC is all about “for the fans, by the fans.” It’s about giving the greatest fans of the game their “Dare to Dream” moment, a chance to lift the Championship Trophy alongside the T20 World Cup-winning team. The concept has been kept absolutely free of cost since its idea is to recognize fantasy sports beyond the means to make money and perceive it as a game of skill and honor.”
BalleBaazi.com recently introduced ace cricketer Zaheer Khan as the brand ambassador. With this association, Khan will spearhead the company’s campaigns and special tournaments, exhibiting the skills required for playing and excelling in online fantasy sports (OFS).
Additionally, Astro Pay and FHMax have come together to promote and encourage NFCC as the official Wallet and E-commerce fashion partner cum sponsors. Understanding the highly growing dynamics of the segment, the proud sponsors will be an important and valuable part of the championship league.
Also Read: Defy BassX DWH01, the dual-pairing over-ear wireless headphone with 15hr battery life launched
Currently, India accounts for more than 100 million fantasy sports users and the NFCC will further boost the popularity of the skill-based sport after having introduced glory and bringing forth the honor it brings to one’s skill.
Register for the NFCC and become a national champion:
To participate in NFCC tournament, one must download the BalleBaazi app and join any free or paid league from the World Cup Matches
The participants will get three chances to qualify (October 23 – November 8)
Each chance to have 10 matches
Users will have to play all 10 matches to secure a spot in the Quarter-Finals
Users can make up to 25 teams per match
Best teams of every user will be qualifying for the NFCC Leaderboard
The players will have one chance each in the quarter-final (on November 10), Semi-Final (on 11th November) and Final (on November 14).
Be it pure music, intense gaming or heart-stopping action flicks, the audio performance and soundstage are what makes the huge difference. And to ensure that big difference, Defy invites you to switch to its next audio accessory – the ‘Defy BassX DWH01.’ Defy, is a homegrown audio brand created by famous Indian artist Guru Randhawa to celebrate the stories of the music industry with a range of exciting new products for audiophiles. Defy ensures carefully crafted audio wear and accessories including headphones, earbuds, and speakers that are both performance-oriented and value-driven. The new Defy BassX DWH01 fulfills your hunger for audio pleasure with large 40mm drivers that make you feel the bass.
Guru Randhawa, Creator Defy, said, “When it comes to music, movies or gaming, it’s the audio performance that makes that sheer difference. Being an artist myself, it’s difficult to digest the fact that many people use standard audio gear to listen to high-quality music. Sadly, good performing audio gear attracts a deep pocket, and we want to completely change that perspective. Hence, in order to bring justice to your music, movies and gaming while being pocket-friendly at the same time, Defy is all set to break the clutter once again. With the Defy BassX DWH01, now anyone and everyone who seeks pure audio pleasure at super-affordable prices. These cans can deliver a beastly performance apart from long-running battery life and a super-comfortable ergonomic design for all-day use.”
The Defy BassX Defy DWH01 will be available exclusively on Flipkart starting today, for an introductory price of Rs 1,099, and a standard warranty period of 1 year.
MetricStream, the market leader in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) products and solutions, today announced Senior Vice President Aravind Varadharajan’s expanded role as Managing Director of India. Based in Singapore, Aravind will now oversee the growth trajectory for the company in India.
As part of the company’s continued expansion in APAC where organizations are adopting digital services faster than ever before, they named Aravind to lead the entire region, covering customer needs to provide comprehensive solutions for integrated risk management.
“India continues to be at center stage for us, with the talent and expertise propelling us forward,” said Bruce Dahlgren, Chief Executive Officer.“We continue to leverage that talent to support our clients through the digital disruption and regulatory changes with our GRC solutions. With Aravind’s experience and leadership, we shall forge forward with our cutting-edge solutions and closer customer ties.”
Aravind is a highly seasoned business leader with over 20 years of experience across sales and business management in Japan, ASEAN, and global markets across multiple business verticals. Prior to joining MetricStream, Aravind was Managing Director – Sales of Intelligent Cloud and Infrastructure at Accenture, leading the cloud business across the APAC region.
“The year 2021 heralds a new moment where the focus on resiliency, compliance and proactive risk management is going to be at the core of many business decisions. I am delighted to lead MetricStream’s team in India and offer our cloud platform and cutting-edge solutions to the broad base of companies in the region to meet their critical requirements of GRC,” said Aravind.
MetricStream offers an enterprise wide GRC approach that empowers a culture of proactive risk and compliance management through a comprehensive suite of solutions enabling customers to address risks, operational governance, and regulatory mandates. Their innovative product roadmap for the MetricStream Platform has won them analyst citations, broadened their industry and geographic outreach, and poised them for aggressive growth.
