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Metaverse May Open Up New World of Cybercrime, Fears Interpol

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Metaverse

After Metaverse became the tech buzzword of 2021, it is not that only the users and international tech companies that are preparing for its arrival in the active consumer market. It appears police agency Interpol is also gearing up for Metaverse.

The International Criminal Police Organization, widely recognised as Interpol, recently expressed its concerns regarding the arrival of an online immersive environment like the Metaverse. Interpol fears that Metaverse could give birth to new types of cybercrime and could take criminal activities to an unimaginably large scale.

As member countries have started raising concerns about preparing for Metaverse crimes, Interpol’s executive director for technology and innovation, Madan Oberoi was quoted in the media reiterating the same. Oberoi said, “Some of the crimes may be new to this medium, some of the existing crimes will be enabled by the medium and taken to a new level.”

Also Read: As Metaverse Plummets, WhatsApp and Messenger Looked Up to for Sale Growth

According to Oberoi, when virtual reality and related concepts such as augmented reality will start reaching more consumers, the chances of new-style phishing and cyber crimes will be at an all-time high. Another concerning issue is going to be Child safety in an online immersive world, which no one in reality really understands for now at least.

The Interpol official also added that the agency is well-aware of how virtual reality could become a tool to facilitate crime in the physical world. Oberoi said, “If a terror group wants to attack a physical space they may use this space to plan and simulate and launch their exercises before attacking.”

Metaverse

Recently, the 90th Interpol General Assembly was organised in New Delhi, India with the organisation by the end undertaking a series of resolutions. The four-day conference saw officials from all 195 member countries discuss various issues and plans to further strengthen the international agency’s network and capabilities.

Also Read: Microsoft partners with Meta to promote VR adoption among businesses

Along the same lines as tackling Metaverse and its expected impact on the world of crime, the European Union’s law enforcement agency Europol at the beginning of this month said is a report that terror groups may use the virtual world in the future.

Europol, while mentioning the concerns in a report, also added that the world should expect and be ready to tackle the use of virtual worlds for propaganda, recruitment and training by terror outfits. The report also said, “users may also create virtual worlds with “extremist rules.”

The report further stated how the Metaverse environment will record every user interaction on the blockchain. This might further “make it possible to follow everything someone does base on one interaction with them — providing valuable information for stalkers or extortionists,” as per the Europol report.

Also Read: Investment Giant Invesco Launches Metaverse-Centric Fund of $30 Million

Metaverse last year made tech companies and investors thoroughly excited when many industry experts bet it to be the next big thing in the technology sector. In what was hailed as the “smartest” move by some tech enthusiasts, Facebook even changed its name last November to Meta.

This marked the official inclusion of the concept in general perceptions. However, very little progress has been made so far when it comes to what is there to show of Metaverse. The slow progress and general skepticism have been followed by Meta’s share taking a nose dive in recent times.

Also Read: Meta Upgrades Privacy Updates for Teens

Nothing Ear Stick Launched in India, to Go on Sale from November 4: Details Inside

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Nothing - Particles by XO

Nothing, the London-based consumer electronics manufacturer, is coming with another smashing product as the company officially announced the launch of Nothing Ear (Stick) in India and around the world.

The Nothing Ear (Stick) is a pair of feather-light wireless earbuds at just 4.4 g weight with an ergonomic design and a custom 12.6 mm dynamic driver for enhanced sound quality. The Ear (Stick) will be priced at Rs 8,499 in India and will be available in White colour.

Also Read: Nothing Ear (Stick): The best earplugs under ₹10,000?

The brand has been teasing the product for the last few months with its first glimpse revealed in September this year at the Spring Summer 2023 Fashion Show. Tech enthusiasts have been positioning it as the “AirPods” for Android users.

As per media reports, the product will be available for sale from November 4 onwards, however, the brand has already started pre-bookings for the product on select e-commerce websites.

It is also planning on a mini reveal by making the product available on 28th October for a small number of users. This could garner enough eyeballs and create good buzz before the actual sales start early next month.

International media also reported that the brand is also all set to launch the product in the company’s first retail store. The store is to get a grand opening in Soho, London in the upcoming weeks.

According to nothing’s official product page, Ear (Stick) complements Nothing Phone (1) in every way. Both products have been designed keeping the other in mind and all settings, as well as features, are integrated with each device.

Those customers who are already using Phone (1) would enjoy a seamless experience switching to Ear (stick) from any TWS earphones they are currently using. The earbuds also provide effortlessly customise gesture controls. Users can easily adjust EQ settings as per their preferred levels such as low, mid, and high-frequency levels.

Ear (Stick) is also perfectly compatible with other devices running on different operating systems. These include all versions of Android and iOS released. All features to be able to pair with other devices running on other operating systems are easily available in the Nothing X app.

Also Read: Nothing Phone and Myntra Join Hands

The Nothing Ear (Stick) will be Nothing’s third product to hit the market after the Nothing Phone (1) and Nothing Ear (1).

The Nothing Ear Stick Specifications as per the brand’s official website

Nothing Ear Stick

Sound

Driver: 12.6 mm dynamic

Diaphragm: PEN (Polyethylene Naphthalate) + PU (Polyurethane)

Codec: AAC and SBC

Tuning: Nothing

Analyses over 1 million sounds to ensure wind-proof and crowd-proof calls

Features of Nothing Ear Stick

IP54 dust, water and sweat resistant

In-ear detection

Google Fast Pair

Microsoft Swift Pair

Clear Voice Technology

Press controls

Up to 29 hrs of listening time

Battery

Single charge: Up to 7 hrs of listening time. Up to 3 hrs of talk time.

With the case: Up to 29 hrs of listening time. Up to 12 hrs of talk time. 9 hrs in 10 mins of charging.

Compatibility: Ear (stick) charges inside the case.

Power case charges with USB-C chargers

Dimensions: Ear bud

Ear Bud

Height: 29.8 mm

Width: 18.8 mm

Depth: 18.4 mm

Weight: 4.4 g

In the box of Nothing Ear Stick

Pair of earbuds

Charging case

Type-C cable

Safety information and warranty card

User guide

List Of Premium Gadgets Made Affordable By Xiaomi

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Premium Gadgets Made Affordable By Xiaomi

The phenomenal success of Xiaomi is unique. Many years ago, when they first began, they were seen as an up-and-coming competitor to established smartphone giants like Apple, Samsung, and One Plus. Xiaomi has done something fantastic that makes them one of the finest electronics businesses in the world, even though their smartphones haven’t exactly taken the globe by storm.

Chinese smartphone accessory maker Xiaomi has expanded into producing additional electrical components, including headphones and earbuds. They quickly spread to other electrical devices, such as kettles, coffee machines, and electric toothbrushes.

Also Read: Xiaomi 13 Pro Promo Video Released Prior to New Launch

And today, they’re the world’s largest maker of travel goods, producing everything from suitcases to toothbrushes to backpacks. They’ve made the transition to becoming a consumer goods firm. Consequently, it isn’t easy to choose the most acceptable Xiaomi devices; nonetheless, we will do so here!

Best Premium Gadgets Made Affordable By Xiaomi in India 2022

Mi NoteBook Pro

Premium Gadgets Made Affordable By Xiaomi

One of Xiaomi’s newest products, the Mi Notebooks Pro, has taken the Indian market by storm. It has cutting-edge laptop technology and is exclusive to India’s first-edition parts. In addition to its sleek design and comfortable keyboard, the Mi Notebook is a performance powerhouse. At least a 30% boost in output is well within your reach. It’s one of the top Xiaomi products in India right now.

At a weight of 1.35 kilogrammes (or less), the Mi Notebook is one of the lightest laptop computers available. While portability was a primary concern throughout the design process, a robust framework and well-executed mechanics ensure that the device will last for a long time. It’s also a stunning piece of hardware; the anodized sandblasting finish gives the laptop a sophisticated look and feel.

Also Read: Xiaomi India expands its 5A series line-up

The 14-inch screen on this Mi laptop is extensive and attractive because of its ultra-thin bezels and a high screen-to-body ratio of 91%. This display’s high resolution makes it ideal for viewing videos, playing games, and even doing work. The 178-degree field of vision gives the photos a sense of depth and realism.

Powered by an Intel 11th-generation CPU, it boosts efficiency significantly. It enhances the picture and video editing, among other things, and boasts faster clock speeds and excellent multi-core performance for multitasking. Compared to Xiaomi’s previous generation of laptops, you can confidently anticipate a 16% improvement in performance.

Mi Smart Band 6

Premium Gadgets Made Affordable By Xiaomi

The newest Xiaomi smartwatch, the Mi Smart Band 6, has a 1.56-inch active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display. This great wristband can go without charging for up to 20 days.

Twenty days of battery life means you can work out without worry using any of the ninety built-in modes. You can keep tabs on your workouts and get detailed information that you may use to fine-tune your routine.

Xiaomi goes above and above to assist you; for example, the band can monitor your stats as you swim, run, or ride a bike. The band can withstand water pressure of up to 50 metres and is used to keep track of laps, strokes, and distances.

Also Read: Xiaomi Confirms All Its Phones Support Airtel 5G

Mi Dual Driver In-ear Earphones

Mi Dual Driver In-ear Earphones

These Mi Dual Driver Earphones are the outcome of Xiaomi’s exploration of cutting-edge audio technology. There are two dynamic drivers and passive noise cancellation in the earbuds.

No matter what music you like, the sound quality is superb. The instruments and voices are brought out well by the enhanced bass, crystal-clear midrange, and glittering highs.

The two drivers are primarily responsible for the high quality, but the passive noise reduction helps greatly. These headphones were designed to muffle outside sounds. There will be no distracting background noise while you listen to your music.

The absence of tangled cords is another perk that everyone will appreciate. Sure enough, the braided wires on these earbuds will ensure you won’t waste 30 minutes untangling them after pulling them out of your pocket.Earbuds may be attached magnetically, and three buttons let you manage your music and phone conversations.

Also Read: Upcoming Xiaomi Smartphones in 2022

Mi Air Purifier 3

Premium Gadgets Made Affordable By Xiaomi

If you’re looking for an air purifier, go no further than the Mi Air Purifier 3. The cutting-edge filtration system of this cleaner eliminates airborne particles and even the tiniest, most dangerous micro-allergens. Coverage for this excellent Xiaomi gadget is up to 484 square feet.

This cleaner is equipped with a True HEPA Filter, which has a filtering efficiency of 99.97% and can remove particles as fine as 0.3 microns. Because it has a three-stage filtering process and can take in air from any direction, it is suitable for usage in any setting.

On its OLED touch panel, the current PM2.5 concentration and the temperature and humidity are all shown in real-time.

Also Read: Xiaomi launches smart speaker with IR control under budget segment in India

Men’s Sports Shoes 2

Men’s Sports Shoes 2

Xiaomi’s Men’s Sports Shoes 2 are very well-made and stylish because they use 5 in 1 uni moulding technology in their construction. These sneakers have a cutting-edge design that makes them comfortable and risk-free to wear. Using this method, you can be sure that the adhesive will continue to be firmly attached to the soles for a considerable time.

The shape of the shoes, inspired by a fishbone, helps maintain stability and reduces the risk of damage. These shoes have sturdy soles that are cushioned for additional comfort. They are an excellent choice.

Mi Smart TV X55

Premium Gadgets Made Affordable By Xiaomi

The newest version of Mi TV provides unprecedented levels of both quality and entertainment. The Mi Smart TV X55’s many cutting-edge capabilities and affordable price tag make it hard to pass up.

Also Read: Xiaomi launches Mi Band 7 Pro

This 55-inch monster has a 4K HDR 10-bit display that faithfully recreates the colours in any picture.The sound quality from the Dolby-HD 30W speakers is on par with the brilliant visual performance. This television’s sophisticated style makes it a welcome addition to any decor.

Mi has made it easy to watch popular shows and movies from services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hungama.

Conclusion

Xiaomi as a company has solved a lot of problem for the user who are not ready for the premium product. It has literally explored each segment and made the gadgets available in affordable pricing.

There was a time when it was tough to image a automatic vacuum clear because only premium brands were making them, but Xiaomi introduced its affordable Mi Vacuum Cleaner Robot and changed the entire perception.

In the above mentioned list we have added some of the finest products from the brand which are effective, low-cost, and user-friendly. The reality of the matter is that just having them in your life makes it better. In a word, it is an efficient use of time and effort.

Also Read: Xiaomi 12S series dropping tomorrow

Google Messages Gets New Icon and Plethora of New Features

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Google Storehouse

Google’s pushing Rich Communication Services (RCS) is not a surprise for the users as it has been championing several upgrades and updates since 2018. For the past some time, Google faced stiff competition from its competitors such as WhatsApp and iMessage and so it opted to adopt upgrades for its messaging platform.

After updating on equal norms now Google delivers enhanced RCS goodness and new features in the best interests of its users. Google messages app has rolled out its new update for RCS-based messages aiming to compete with the iMessage and other popular platforms such as WhatsApp.

Also Read: Add Hues To Your Google Chrome Browser’s Tab

Google has released a new logo, features along with the option to reply to an individual message and other such attractive features.

What Is New In Google Storehouse

Google, now has a new logo matching with the aesthetics of other apps connected with google. Users will get a new experience in the upcoming weeks. Other features such as phone and contact apps will also get the same upgrades.

The app icons would be compatible with the Material You update as well. It will allow the app’s appearance to change in contrast with the wallpaper and theme applied on the android phone.

Additionally, it now comes with Voice Message Transcription Feature with the ability to transcribe the message received automatically. This update is now available for the Pixel 6, the Pixel 6A, the Pixel 6 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S22, the Galaxy Fold 4 and the Pixel 7 series as well.

Also Read: Apple Became The Subject Of Mockery By Google

Next, it now comes laden with the ability to respond to any particular message in a chat at your convenience. This service is akin to Whatsapp and iMessage. Google messages app are now upgraded with the ability to view and manage messages similar to iMessage reactions and can react to messages sent from iPhone.

Google Storehouse

If the users come across a YouTube video in their message box, now they can view it directly within the chat, as in Whatsapp. Additionally now you get message reminders about various events without getting into hassles.

Google messages now come with the ability to star important messages to avoid unnecessary scrolling down in the chats to find anything important. Through machine learning, the newly upgraded google app can now suggest google meet calls if the conversation mentions any such activity.

Also Read: What Google Software Engg. Gary lllyes saying

You get an enhanced user experience as you can contact the businesses found through Search and Maps through messages. However, this facility is available to a limited few countries. The upgraded and enhanced Google Messages have the ability to work across devices (Chromebooks and smartwatches) and are working on better upgrades for enhanced user experience in the coming time.

The upgraded version is enabled with phrase recognition ability and a few countries would get the upgraded feature to send instant messages while using google search or maps. You get the option to connect via web browser, chrome, Chromebooks and Pixel Watch.

Additionally, Google messages app in partnership with United Airline’s gives you access to messages on the airlines if RCS is enabled in your handsets. Google is constantly upgrading its software to align with the current market standards and provide the best user experience.

Also Read: Google Message Reactions Made Easy Due to Emojis

Are Free VPNs Safe? Why a Free VPN Isn’t the Best Bet for securing your iPhone

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Are Free VPNs Safe?

VPN, a virtual private network, is a great way of protecting your iPhone’s privacy. It can conceal your identity and keep your Apple device secure from any intrusions online. As an iPhone user, you want a service that doesn’t hamper the performance of your phone, tracks your data or stores your sensitive information.

While most well-known VPN service providers charge a subscription fee, the internet is filled with options for free VPNs for iPhones. For anyone looking for a VPN, fighting the lure of free VPNs isn’t easy. But in today’s time when online privacy is always at risk of being compromised, are free VPNs safe? It is the best bet to secure your iPhone?

Also Read: Pixel Feature Drop – Wondering What All Is Added To Google Pixel

There are no free lunches in this world. It is important to understand that when something is said to be provided to you for free, the chances are that you are already paying for it, one way or another. This is all the way more true for technology. And VPN services are no different. VPN is safe when used with caution.

Let’s understand why a free VPN isn’t the best bet for securing your iPhone or any other device for that matter.

As a user, it should concern you if the free VPN service providers are not specifying from where they make money. A free VPN can allude to other means of making money because no one can survive otherwise.

Many such free service providers bombard users with ads to fill the gap in their revenue. And you surely do not want to be at the receiving end of such practices. Free VPNs can also infect your iPhone with malware in the garb of advertisement.

Also Read: A Handbook To Access The Dark Web!

Are Free VPNs Safe?

Free VPNs can embed tracking notes in their apps to track your activity. According to a study conducted on the most widely used free VPNs, more than 10% were found to have at least one tracker instilled in the apps.

In many cases, free VPNs are often believed to be the reason behind compromised iPhone performance. It can throttle the speed of your iPhone by running many operations at the backend without you even realising it.

Also Read: Us Government Allows Tech Companies To Get Iranians Internet Access After Internet Ban In Iran

However, not all free VPNs can be dangerous. There are also many exceptions in the form of limited free versions of some of the popular otherwise paid VPN service providers. Some of the best free VPNs include Proton VPN (available for iPhone, iPad and other iOS devices), Windscribe VPN (one of the top free iPhone VPNs), Privado VPN, and Atlas Free VPN.

The concept of online privacy has layers and complications with no end of precautions that one can take. Yes, a VPN can conceal your identity but the whole concept of concealing your IP address is not an absolute truth.

In reality, the VPN service provider can see your identity and activity and in most cases, these companies sometimes store the data as well. It, thus, becomes important that you carefully select a VPN service provider and do not fall for free or substandard service providers. Moreover, your VPN service should also encrypt your data and scatter it in a way that anyone snooping around would not be able to know what online activities.

Also Read: Methods To Download Bollywood Movies For Free

Top 10 Budget Smart TVs Available In India

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Top 10 Budget Smart TVs Available In India

In India, set-top boxes and cable TV are still commonly utilized, although smart TVs are growing in popularity. Many consumers have switched to smart TVs because of expanded internet accessibility and the rise of streaming services.

There is now something available for everyone, thanks to the fact that several firms are providing their smart TVs at various pricing points. You’ve come to the correct place if you’re seeking the top cheap smart TVs in India.

Also Read: Best Smart TVs During Festive Season

LG 108 cm (43 inches) Full HD LED TV 43LK5360PTA

LG 108 cm (43 inches) Full HD LED TV 43LK5360PTA

Your home theater fantasies will come true with this 43-inch inexpensive LED TV. The TV is one of the top smart TVs under 30,000 due to its high quality.

The screen on this TV, which offers lifelike color and a broad viewing angle, makes it one of the finest inexpensive smart TVs in India. LG LED TVs are renowned for having crisper, more dependable, and durable screens thanks to the IPS panel it uses.

This TV is one of India’s finest affordable 43-inch smart TVs since it doesn’t have a color wash, blurry clarity, or inconsistent contrast.

Sony Bravia 80 cm (32 inches) HD Ready LED Smart TV KLV-32W622G

Sony Bravia 80 cm (32 inches) HD Ready LED Smart TV KLV-32W622G - Top 10 Budget Smart TVs

This outstanding yet affordable LED smart TV offers tremendous bass from an integrated subwoofer and full HD resolution with X-RealityTM PRO upscaling. With features like USB Tethering & the Direct YouTube Button, you may rapidly connect to the internet.

One of the top affordable smart TVs in India, the TV also boasts HDR entertainment, ClearAudio+, Smart plug and play, easy connectivity, a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, easy control with an innovative remote, multi-language configuration, and four different types of protections.

Also Read: Infinix Android SMART TVs All Set to Go On Sale

OnePlus 43-inch Y-Series Full-HD LED Smart Android TV (43Y1)

OnePlus 43-inch Y-Series Full-HD LED Smart Android TV (43Y1)

Another notable find on the top smart TVs under the 30,000 list is this 43-inch OnePlus Y Series TV. It has various intriguing features that may guarantee a pleasurable viewing experience in the comfort of your own home. A 43-inch display panel with Full HD resolution and a typical 60Hz refresh rate are available.

The smart TV has a bezel-less design and a sophisticated gamma engine, creating the best image quality possible while optimizing video material in real time. Dolby Audio enhancement and the 20W box speakers on the TV provide an impressively crisp audio experience.

You can access a wealth of entertainment with just one click, thanks to the OnePlus Oxygen Play platform. You can also use features like voice commands with Google Assistant, customized recommendations, shared albums, and access various applications from the Play Store while using an Android device.

Also Read: Best Smart TVs in India

Shinco SO3A HD Ready LED TV

Shinco SO3A HD Ready LED TV

The HRDP technology used by the maker of the Shnico SO3A HD Ready LED TV produced a viewing angle of 178 degrees across the whole 32-inch HD display of the television. A powerful 20W speaker incorporated right into the device creates an immersive sound experience.

This set comes with two USB ports and two HDMI connectors for your convenience. Even in the most action-packed games, the in-built gaming mode improves visual clarity and sharpness for an more immersive experience.

Telefunken 140 cm (55 Inches) 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV TFK55KS (Black) (2019 Model) With Quantum Luminit Technology

Telefunken 140 cm

This Telefunken TV is included in our list of the best inexpensive smart TVs in India and, as a result of the outstanding evaluations it has received, is also considered among the finest smart TVs, with around 30,000.

One of the top 55-inch smart TVs, around Rs. 50,000 in India, the display includes Quantum Luminit, A+ Grade Panel, HDR 10, and 1.07 billion colors with 6 Picture Modes.

As if the transparent image, excellent sound, lag-free gaming, incredible HDR performance, and simple remote control weren’t enough, the business is also renowned for its superb customer service.

Also Read: Philips 7900 Smart TV Series with Ambilight Technology Launched in India

This company is among the best at ensuring installation issues and delays are promptly resolved, making it one of the best smart TVs available at an affordable price. This is a fantastic choice for the most excellent smart TV affordable for your home.

Samsung 80 cm (32 Inches) Series 4 HD Ready LED Smart TV UA32N4310

Samsung 80 cm (32 Inches) Series 4 HD Ready LED Smart TV  - Top 10 Budget Smart TVs

The Samsung Smart TV, one of the least expensive smart TVs on the market, may be found on the list of affordable LED intelligent TVs. This TV is one of the most excellent inexpensive smart TVs to buy and has distinctive characteristics—this smart TV’s ability to function as a PC is its most distinguishing feature.

For convenience, you may utilize iCloud to access your data or mirror your laptop’s screen onto the TV. With the ability to transform the TV screen into a virtual music system, this TV also provides a distinctive visual experience.

You can easily store files on the TV using the Home Cloud services, freeing up space on your computers and cell phones. This TV is regarded as one of India’s most excellent and inexpensive TVs due to its low cost.

OnePlus 32-inch Y-Series HD Ready LED Smart Android TV (32Y1)

OnePlus 32-inch Y-Series

This OnePlus Y-series smart TV has incredible features and was the best inexpensive smart TV in India in 2021. With a 32-inch HD-ready LED display and a 1366 x 768-pixel resolution, the TV is fully committed to providing you with beautiful visuals and a broader color range.

Also Read: Infinix to launch budget smart TV Y1 this month

The Oneplus 32Y1 features a dual 20W box speaker system, Dolby Audio, and a sophisticated Gamma Engine. The OnePlus Connect, Google Assistant, Play Store, Chromecast, Shared Album, Content Calendar, OxygenPlay, and other compatible applications like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video are just a few key features of this low-cost smart TV.

Onida 32HIF Smart IPS LED TV

Onida 32HIF Smart IPS LED TV - Top 10 Budget Smart TVs

The 32-inch HD (1366 x 768) display of the Onida 32HIF Smart IPS LED TV is powered by the Lucent Picture Engine, which produces superb colors and deep contrast. A quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage power.

To provide a rich audio experience, it has a 16W speaker that supports Dolby and DTS TruSurround Sound. As a result of built-in Alexa functionality, you may operate the TV using voice commands.

Mi TV 4A Pro Android LED TV

Mi TV 4A Pro Android LED TV

The 32-inch HD display of the Mi TV 4A Pro Android LED TV has a balanced contrast and brightness, true colors, and clarity. It has an internal storage capacity of 8GB and a quad-core CPU with 1GB of RAM.

Also Read: Emerging Trends in the Smart TV Market in India

With PatchWall 3.0, which is included with Android 9.0, you may download over 20 streaming applications, including Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, and YouTube. It has a 20W speaker that supports DTS-HD. You can cast content from your phone to the TV using Chromecast, which is incorporated into it.

LG 32LB563B PTC 32-Inch LED Smart TV

LG 32LB563B PTC 32-Inch LED Smart TV - Top 10 Budget Smart TVs

The 32-inch HD screen delivers rich and realistic colors of the LG 32LB563 BPTC LED Smart TV thanks to Dynamic Color Enhancer and Active HDR support. It has a quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage as standard.

It features a 10W speaker compatible with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio. It is powered by WebOS and has a content store where you can download various apps and games.

Conclusion

Despite the growing popularity of smart TVs in India, set-top boxes and cable television remain popular. Due to growing internet access and the development of streaming services, a large number of consumers have switched to smart televisions.

Multiple firms now provide smart TVs in a range of pricing points, allowing everyone to choose a suitable alternative. If you’re searching for the most affordable smart TVs in India, you’ve come to the correct place.

Also Read: Samsung Big TV Days

List of Battery-Draining Android Apps with 20 Million Downloads Removed from the Google Play Store

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Battery-Draining Android Apps

If you are an Android user, this update is crucial for you. McAfee, one of the world’s leading computer security software companies, has disclosed a list of 16 nefarious apps on the Google Play Store that were hiding malware and draining your smartphone battery. The company shared the details with Google after their team of cybersecurity researchers made the discovery.

Google, in an immediate course of action, has removed the apps from its play store. However, any users who have already downloaded the apps will have to physically remove the apps from their devices. This now becomes a cause of concern since the 16 identified apps have a combined total of over 20+ million downloads from the play store.

Also Read: 10 Apps and Gadgets to Keep You Warm During the Freezing Winters

As per McAfee, the apps have been purposefully designed to resemble important utility apps that more people download without paying much heed to the developer, review or performance. This way it becomes easy for the apps to stay on the smartphone for a longer time period and continue their malicious activities in the backend.

Some of these utility categories include different apps for flashlights, apps for QR code reading, apps for enhancing camera performance, apps for converting units and currency, apps for task managers and many more.

The computer security software company recently revealed the details of their research in an official blog post. The company shared the details, “Cybercriminals are always after illegal advertising revenue. As we have previously reported, we have seen many mobile malware masquerading as a useful tool or utility, and automatically crawling ads in the background. Recently the McAfee Mobile Research Team has identified new Clicker malware that sneaked into Google Play.

In total 16 applications that were previously on Google Play have been confirmed to have the malicious payload with an assumed 20 million installations.”

Also Read: Google Play Store to Get Now Android App

Here’s the list of battery-draining Android apps now removed from the Google Play Store

Battery-Draining Android Apps

  1. High-Speed Camera  –  10,000,000+ downloads
  2. Smart Task Manager  –  5,000,000+ downloads
  3. Flashlight+ –  1,000,000+ downloads
  4. 달력메모장 –  1,000,000+ downloads
  5. K-Dictionary –  1,000,000+ downloads
  6. BusanBus –  1,000,000+ downloads
  7. Flashlight+ –  500,000+ downloads
  8. Quick Note –  500,000+ downloads
  9. Currency Converter –  500,000+ downloads
  10. Joycode –  100,000+ downloads
  11. EzDica –  100,000+ downloads
  12. Instagram Profile Downloader –  100,000+ downloads
  13. Ez Notes –  100,000+ downloads
  14. 손전등 –  1,000+ downloads
  15. 계산기 –  100+ downloads
  16. Flashlight+ –  100+ downloads

McAfee strongly advised users to remove these apps if they are downloaded on their devices. The real concern is for apps such as the ones with more than 10 million downloads alone. There is no foolproof way for authorities and security experts to manage such a huge number of users.

Also Read: How to install android apps on windows 11?

Furthermore, the company has already updated their systems, apps and pages with the details of these malicious apps. These apps will now be automatically detected and reported for devices where McAfee product is installed. So, if you are using McAfee security software on your smartphone, the app will notify you about the developments in case any of these malicious apps are detected on your smartphone.

Battery-Draining Android Apps

As per reports, most apps identified had clicker malware embedded in them. The clicker malware reportedly hidden in these apps may not be spying on your secret information but can be harmful to the device. This malware drains the battery and uses mobile data suspiciously from the backend.

The malware has clever programming too. Industry experts say these clicker malware delays performing any suspicious activity when the device is actively in use. The initiation of any malware program waits for at least an hour after any smartphone activity is detected to have stopped.

So, this means while the user is looking at the smartphone screen and performing some commands, the malware would hide without any action. Once the user leaves the phone idle, the malware waits for at least an hour before starting any backend malicious operations. This way it reduces the chances of getting caught or making any noticeable change.

The clicker malware also generates illegal advertising revenue at the user’s expense by making illegal use of their data.

McAfee’s official blog post about the findings also mentions that users can expect improved battery performance once they delete these apps from their devices.

Also Read: Samsung Introduces Dropship App for File-Sharing Across Platforms

The blog post added, “Once you remove this and other malicious applications, you can expect an extended battery time and you will notice reduced mobile data usage while ensuring that your sensitive and personal data is protected from this and other types of threats.”

In separate news, several app developers are now in the middle of going ahead with legal proceedings against Google. After the recent monetary penalty imposed on Google by the Competition Commission of India, it seems all troubles for the tech giant are now rounding up. Concerns app developers, since the news about the penalty broke, are now seeking the status quo on the Google Play Store policies.

The Google Play Store policy announced by the company says that Indian app developers till 31st October 2022 have to start using the Google Bill Pay system for facilitating every in-app purchase. As per the policy, Google reserves the right to remove all such apps from the Play Store that don’t follow the payment policy after 31st October.

To app developer’s relief, the Competition Commission of India’s penalty and investigative report bars Google from implementing this payment policy. However, they also fear that Google may not pay heed to the verdict and file an appeal. In that case, the company would not be bound by the verdict and can move forward with the payment policy.

Also Read: Delhi Govt Launches Updated ‘one Delhi’ App For Frequent Travellers

WhatsApp Said to Be Questioned by IT Ministry for Cause of Tuesday’s Outage

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WhatsApp service

WhatsApp service got a technical error on Tuesday and users were left complaining about the disrupted services as they were not able to send or receive text and video messages. The services halted for nearly 2 hours. It resulted in a loss of communication between individuals and businesses as well.

At first, the WhatsApp outage was thought to be a simple error as no one expected the outage to last for 2 hours. It turned out to be big news as a lot of businesses nowadays are dependent on WhatsApp services for daily operations and inter as well intra communications.

Also Read: WhatsApp’s New Feature to Mute Groups

WhatsApp is most widely used by users for group and individual chat. Several businesses also use it as a means of communication as it is mostly used by a large number of people. Owing to this popularity WhatsApp services play an important role in small business communications.

However, the normal business operation halted as the outage occurred without any prior information. It appeared as if WhatsApp itself was not aware of such an incident, however, the IT Ministry asked for the reason for this outage to which WhatsApp responded in a very feeble manner.

The Chain of Events

The IT ministry has enquired Meta Owned WhatsApp to disclose the reasons behind Tuesday’s service outage. Reportedly, the messaging platform suffered an outage on Tuesday causing disruption in the services. The snag left the users helpless as the services to receive text and video messages were hampered for nearly two hours.

The IT Ministry asked the company to share reasons for such discrepancies. However, it did not furnish any clear response to the ministry. The officials responded to the WhatsApp outage as a “technical error” on Tuesday night. The spokesperson responded that the outage occurred due to a technical error on their part and it has now been resolved.

WhatsApp service

The outage tracking reports agency, Downdetector stated that the messaging app was dysfunctional as several users across the world reported on Tuesday afternoon. At one time Approx. 29000 users flagged its report on, Downdetector. Its heatmap depicted major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata impacted by the snag.

Also Read: Why WhatsApp Banned 26.85 Lakh Accounts in India in September?

Yesterday it was reported that the users could not send messages via WhatsApp on android as well as on iOS. It typically displayed a single tick for the message sent and a double tick for the message delivered.

On the day of the WhatsApp outage, the users confirmed that no tick mark was displayed when they sent messages in group chats or in individual conversations. WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp’s desktop apps too were affected by similar issues.

The way Ahead

Being the foremost app used by people for their day-to-day conversations and for business communication as well, WhatsApp services must be ready for quick resolution of such outages. They need to have certain mechanisms in place to avoid such occurrences in the near future.

The experts should identify and resolve any such technical errors in advance so that the users do not face any such issues. The IT ministry too asked for the reason for the WhatsApp outage due to the reasons discussed above.

Also Read: Bengaluru Metro Launches QR Ticketing Service on WhatsApp for Commuters

Government Unveils Satcom Reforms for Faster 5G Deployment; Jio, OneWeb Get License Clearance

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5G Deployment

The Government of India has decided to reform satellite communication services in order to smoothen the telecom clearance processes. The new policy reforms were announced on Wednesday as a step to push the telecom industry to accelerate 5G tower deployments. The centre ensures that these reforms are drafted keeping in mind the ultimate vision of expanding digital services to the most remote part of the country.

However, the Centre seems dissatisfied with the way the telecom industry is progressing with the groundwork. Voicing concerns about the current speed of tower deployment, Indian telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that at the moment only 2,500 towers are being deployed per week, which is an extremely low number. Vaishnaw added that the Government of India is expecting the very least 10,000 towers per week.

Also Read: Jio True 5G is the first to provide coverage in the Delhi-NCR area

The minister also reminded the industry and all related stakeholders that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clear vision to the people of this country and India must become a leader in telecom technology worldwide.

He said, “(This) means one has to work on every aspect of telecom technology in creating new solutions, making sure that globally India’s inputs are heard at every forum.” As per the minister, after the policy reforms and every possible support from the Government, the ball now is in the telecom industry’s court.

As per the new reforms, SACFA (Standing Advisory Committee on Frequency Allocation) clearance that was earlier mandatory for the 5G antenna deployed on street furniture will no longer be a must. Also, the process has been made online for all stakeholders’ convenience.

5G Deployment

The new policy reforms also have some significant satellite communication-related procedural reforms.  These include reducing the various timelines of self-certification of antennas and streamlining the NOCC process to 6 weeks from its present timeline of almost 8 months. It also removes the current “cumbersome processes” and gives nod to mount VSAT terminals on any mobile vehicle.

Also Read: Airtel 5G Plus Now Available In Gurgaon

Amongst various other reforms, another significant change by the Department of Telecom has been the decision to delicense three bands for near-field communications. Near-field communications are used for various equipment like vehicle-related electronics and portable chargers. These are the band for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine communications (865-868MHz band), the band for in-vehicle equipment (433 – 434.7MHz) and some other bands that are utilized for contactless inductive chargers.

According to the telecom minister, Vaishnaw licences have been already given to five entities. Mukesh Ambani’s Jio got its licence cleared this Wednesday, the minister informed while speaking to the media. Companies like OneWeb have also received a licence.

And as for Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink, the company has recently filed its application for a licence. Vaishnaw said, “About 3-4 months is the time it will take for telecom regulator TRAI to come out with its recommendation on this. After that, whatever auction process or other processes, we have to follow.”

On a separate note, the telecom minister also said that all previous issues with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) now stand resolved. The ministry has received comments about the draft telecommunication 2022 bill and expects to receive more by the last date i.e. November 10, 2022. The centre is working in full swing to get the bill passed in the 2023 Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Also Read: What Do You Know About 5G LAN?

Top 10 Most Expensive OTT/TV Series Ever Made

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The most expensive OTT series

In the world of T.V. and movie making, money is no object. These days, it seems any OTT or television series worth its salt is shelling out big bucks for high-quality, star-studded productions. Everybody in this epoch likes watching web series or TV series as they serve incredible animations supported by engaging stories.

Series have the capability to fascinate people in fact, they consist of long duration due to tons of episodes, and many movie watchers like this; as they say, series with numerous episodes go at a slow pace that covers every event perfectly.

So what are the most expensive OTT and T.V. series ever made? We’ve got the list right here! From “Game of Thrones” to “The Crown,” these ten shows pulled out all the stops in terms of budgeting. So sit back and prepare to be amazed! Check them out below!

Also Read: OTT Media Service Platforms

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022) - The most expensive OTT series

  • Budget: $58 million per episode
  • of episodes: 8
  • Platform: Amazon Prime
  • IMDb Rating: 9/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 85%

Those who enjoy fantasy probably know about Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. This is the most expensive OTT/TV series ever made, with a budget of $1 billion. The series is based on J.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings, which follows a group of humans and elves fighting against evil forces to protect their world from destruction.

It is no secret that OTT/TV series such as Lord of the Rings are among the most famous in history, and they have had a lasting impact on many people around the world. Amazon Studios produced it, and it’s based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s book series called The Lord of the Rings, which was written in 1937 and 1949.

Stranger Things (2016)

Stranger Things (2016)

  • Budget: $30 million per episode.
  • of episodes: 34
  • Platform: Netflix
  • IMDb Rating: 7/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 92%

The 2016 Netflix series Stranger Things is a science fiction horror show. During the 1980s, the series takes place and follows a group of children that discover a boy named Will that has been possessed by an interdimensional monster. Season one of the show premiered on Netflix on July 15, 2016 and has since been renewed for two additional seasons.

Also Read: What is OTT (Over-the-Top)?

With a budget of $30 million per episode, Stranger Things is one of the most expensive shows ever produced—and it shows! The show has received critical acclaim for its visual effects and acting and its unique approach to storytelling.

‘WandaVision’ (2021)

'WandaVision' (2021)

  • Budget: $25 million per episode
  • of episodes: 9
  • Platform: Disney+
  • IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%

The first episode of “WandaVision” was released in 2021, immediately becoming the most expensive OTT/TV series ever made. The budget for each episode was $25 million, which is a whopping amount of money.

Also Read: Top 11 flicks that will be popular on OTT platforms in 2022 

The show is a spinoff of the original “Avengers” franchise that focuses on Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and her husband Vision (Paul Bettany). Wanda is a powerful sorceress with incredible abilities and has long been one of Marvel Comics’ most popular characters.

‘The Pacific’ (2010)'The Pacific' (2010)

  • Budget: $20 million per episode
  • of episodes: 10
  • Platform: HBO
  • IMDb Rating: 3/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%

OTT/TV series about the Pacific War are among the best ever made, given that it was the second-costliest war in human history. But even so, $20 million per episode? That’s a lot of dough!

Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who also served as executive producers, produced the ten-episode series. It was based on a book by Hugh Ambrose and focused on three Marines: Robert Leckie, Eugene Sledge, and John Basilone. The show won two Emmy awards for Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or Movie and Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or Movie.

In addition to its hefty price tag, ‘The Pacific’ is notable for being one of the first major productions filmed in New Zealand after that country expanded its film incentives program in 2007.

House of the Dragon (2022)

House of the Dragon (2022)

  • Budget: $20 million per episode
  • of episodes: 10
  • Platform: HBO
  • IMDb Rating: 6/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 85%

Continuing the Game of Thrones franchise, HBO presents House of the Dragon. According to the show’s plot, King Viserys I, Targaryen’s children are battling for control of the Iron Throne during the Targaryen civil war. The story is based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire and Blood.”

Also Read: List of top 12 OTT platforms in India That Are Worth The Cost

Ryan Condal and George R. R. Martin created the show, which ran for an entire season and cost $20 million per episode—that’s a whopping $200 million for the entire season! It premiered in 2022, and at that time, it had the highest IMDb rating ever given to an OTT/TV series: 8.6/10. House of the Dragon was also well-received by critics, with 85% of reviewers giving it positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

Game of Thrones (2011)

Game of Thrones (2011)

  • Budget: $15 million per episode
  • of episodes: 73
  • Platform: HBO
  • IMDb Rating: 2/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%

The sixth most expensive OTT/TV series ever made is Game of Thrones. If you’re a fan of HBO, you’ve probably heard of their hit show, Game of Thrones. This fantasy drama series is based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling A Song of Ice and Fire series of novels follows several noble families fighting for control over the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos.

The show premiered in 2011 and quickly became one of the most popular television shows. It has won 59 Emmys, including Best Drama Series in 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2019—and it has been nominated for 164 more. The show is known for its impressive sets and costumes, which cost $15 million per episode.

The Mandalorian (2019)

The Mandalorian (2019) - The most expensive OTT series

  • Budget: $15 million per episode
  • of episodes: 16
  • Platform: Disney+
  • IMDb Rating: 7/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%

Set in the Star Wars universe, this series is a prime example of how OTT series are becoming more expensive to produce. The Mandalorian is set after the Galactic Empire’s fall and before the First Order’s rise. It follows a lone gunfighter on his journey through the Outer Rim. The show was produced by Jon Favreau, who also directed Iron Man and The Jungle Book. It features an international cast that includes Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, and Werner Herzog.

Also Read: Audio OTT platform Pocket FM hits over 40mn downloads

The show debuted on Disney’s streaming service in November 2019, with all eight episodes released simultaneously. In addition to its high production budget, The Mandalorian has been praised for its visual effects and use of practical effects over CGI.

See (2019)

See (2019) - The most expensive OTT series

  • Budget: $15 million per episode
  • of episodes: 24
  • Platform: Apple TV+
  • IMDb Rating: 6/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 63%

In the world of television, many high-budget shows cost millions of dollars. But some of those shows are downright cheap compared to others.

One show that’s probably going to make this list is See, which stars Jason Momoa as a blind man who has been gifted with the ability to see again. The series is about his new life with this ability and how it affects everyone around him.

See was created by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) and directed by Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games). Following its premiere on HBO in January 2019, it has aired three seasons so far. The show was one of the most expensive ever, costing $15 million per episode.

The Morning Show (2019)

The Morning Show (2019)

  • Budget: $15 million per episode
  • of episodes: 20
  • Platform: Apple TV+
  • IMDb Rating: 3/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 64%

OTT/TV series like The Morning Show is among the most costly productions ever. The show aired on Apple TV+ and was produced by Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Steve Carell. The names of the actors featured are Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell, and Rose Byrne.

The show’s plot is about a morning talk show that gets caught up in a scandal when one of its hosts is accused of sexual harassment. The story is told through flashbacks before the scandal breaks out.

E.R. (1994)

E.R. (1994) - The most expensive OTT series

  • Budget: $13 million per episode
  • of episodes: 331
  • Platform: NBC
  • IMDb Rating: 8/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 84%

This medical drama series was one of the most expensive OTT/TV series ever made. It ran from 1994 to 2009 and was produced by Warner Bros. Television. It was created by Michael Crichton, who also served as executive producer for the first four seasons.

John Wells joined the production team in its fourth season and became a regular executive producer following the departure of Crichton. The show focused on life in the emergency room of a fictional county hospital in Los Angeles County, California.

Band of Brothers (12.5m)

Band of Brothers is our last addition to the list. The series is based on the 1992 non-fiction book Band of Brothers by historian Stephen E. Ambrose. The story of the series will revolve around the events of WW2, and all 10 episodes are super engaging with great graphics and environment.

The series has collected a rating of 9.2/10 on IMDb, and rotten tomatoes have given it a score of 97%. The budget of 12.5 million dollars per episode has made the series the most expensive TV miniseries ever.

Conclusion

People these days want to see high-budget series so that they can experience quality content in exchange for their time, so in this article, we shared some names and basic descriptions of series that are the most expensive series in the industry.

The article comprised of the top 10 most expensive series of all time, including both TV and OTT series. Each series that is mentioned here is defined with a basic description of its story and ratings, followed by its budget. So we hope that binge-watchers liked this article and will consider watching the series.

Also Read: Netflix December 2022 Releases

As you can see, the OTT/TV series production costs do not stop at just the talent fees. In fact, they are skyrocketing! And with more and more original content coming out each year, it will be interesting to see whether we ever reach an end in terms of production costs.