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iPhone iOS 16; Photo Album Lock Via Face and Touch ID

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iPhone iOS 16
Face ID

In Brief

It is very necessary for people to carry their smartphones along all the time and a big reason is because it has moved on from being a mere convenient mode of communication to being your virtual mode of existence.

Apple iPhones are arguably the most popular these days as they’re also considered highly advanced when compared to Android models but they both have their own importance and people can select either of them based on preference.

Everyone is fond of taking photos, videos, and snapshots from their phone camera that is stored in the ‘Gallery’ where they use those pictures for convenience in the future like for Wallpaper, Display Pic, etc. along with other pictures.

We all have our known photo album stored in our handsets that we all cherish but still, one can’t be too careful to keep private things private from the prying and watchful eyes of people that would like nothing better than to look for confidential things on others’ smartphones.

Similarly, there are private photos as well that have to be kept hidden safely so that they’re not easily located by an acquaintance with whom you usually share your phone secrets like password, lock combo, or any other way with which you’ve locked your phone.

The new iOS 16 operating system was launched in August 2022 that has got good reviews from many users where many people have claimed that hiding or locating private stuff in their phones has become easier due to it, even though the operating system’s purpose is something quite different.

Those who want to hide their photos in their iPhone can do so via the Apple Photos app but the app itself is one through which anyone can easily access the pictures, which is why many iOS users would rather rely on the phone vaults app to keep their images secure.

Users that have installed the iOS 16 operating system into their iPhones and iPads can utilize their Face and Touch ID to lock their photo album, which will mean that anyone wanting access to those private photos will need the users’ permission to do so.

iPhone iOS 16

Furthermore, the iOS 16 operating system not only keeps your hidden albums secure but also keeps track on the ‘Recently Deleted’ folder where the deleted images and videos are available for up to 30 days.

Steps to Lock Folders

First of all, you take your iPhone or iPad and go to the ‘Settings App’ following which you scroll down to the ‘Photos App’ and tap on it. Now, you have to ensure that the toggle next to Use Face ID/Touch ID is turned on.

Once it is done, you will find a small lock icon that will instantly appear next to the hidden album and recently deleted folders. Once the feature is turned off, users will have to authenticate first via the Face and Touch ID to keep the images secure.

Sometimes, it so happens that users want their near and dear ones, be it friends or relatives, to get unrestricted access to the photos for which the other person(s) has to set up an alternate appearance on the Face ID enabled device or fingerprint on the Touch ID to get the necessary access to the album.

First, you go to the ‘Settings App’ on your device and choose Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode following which you either add a fingerprint or set up an alternate appearance depending on the availability so that the concerned person will now be able to see your hidden album via Face and Touch ID.

Conclusion

So there you have it. To keep your hidden album and personal photos safe from prying eyes, the above mentioned steps will be of great use when you’ve installed iOS 16 in your device, which will be a welcome change for iPhone users that had no choice but to rely on third party apps to keep them safe.

Also Read: Safety Check Measures in iOS 16 Operating System; iPhone Usage

iPhone 14 Pro Feature- Always On Display

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iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro

In Brief

There are so many devices that have come out in 2022, most of which have received excellent reviews and the credit goes to the brand value of the tech giants that have manufactured it. It isn’t easy for the companies to constantly innovate with the same devices and come out triumphs most, if not all, of the time.

iPhone 14

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro was launched in the first week of September 2022, at the ‘Far Out’ event held in California along with several other devices where people got to witness most of them in full glory.

While its design has been criticized, iPhone 14 series’ features have been well received but there are still quite a few users that are not entirely familiar with all its features so we are going to discuss about an important one that everyone should know about.

While all the features have their own significance, there are some that are quite underrated and deserve to be better known like the Always-On Display that is now available for millions of iPhone users throughout the globe.

Earlier, the screen could be turned off and the time/notifications could be displayed but with this new display feature, users can lower the refresh rate into 1Hz and dim the screen. It is up to the user where he/she wants to enable or disable the Always On display feature on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Enabling Process

The display feature can be enabled by default on the iPhone 14 Pro. But the following steps will be easy to follow. So, you first go to ‘Settings’, ‘Display and Brightness’ from where you go to ‘Always On’ option. From now on, you can lock your phone screen without it going completely blank but will simply lower the brightness level.

Disabling ‘Always On’ Process on iPhone 14

Again, you go to ‘Settings, ‘Display and Brightness’, and then enable the toggle next to ‘Always On’. From now, the iPhone 14 will no longer switch to the ‘Always On’ display mode when you lock the screen and put the smartphone to sleep.

Now, some people won’t be bothered about the display feature and ignore it as just another feature in an iPhone but the above points are essential because there are many users that want to know about the feature.

All in all, it is a feature worth knowing and worth utilizing because iPhone brightness is just as important as its other specifics.

All Read: iPhone 14 Pro users facing connectivity Issues: Slow 5G, Call & Signal Drops: All you need to know

Here’s why India can replace China as the world’s factory easily

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why India can replace China

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, sometimes known as “Quad,” is a multinational organization that consists of Australia, Japan, the United States, and India, and has recently regained momentum due to China’s recent actions. To challenge Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, the four countries have increased communication after a ten-year gap in November 2017.

The organization may perhaps be a strategic need for India given China’s increasing assertiveness in the area. However, it currently has a relatively limited ability to offer China a trading option. The most significant center of global value chains is still China. All three countries—Japan, the US, and Australia—rely on supplies from China to produce the goods they export.

Even recently, this reliance hasn’t lessened. Despite the language of “self-reliance,” the proportion of Chinese imports in India’s trade basket has increased since Indian forces began a tense standoff with China in April. In the year ended March 2020, 14% of Indian imports came from China. The same share has increased this year to date to 19%. For the current year, no information on the proportion of Chinese value-added in Indian exports is yet available. As a result of their reliance on Chinese safety kits and drugs to combat the epidemic, the other four members of the quartet have also relied significantly on Chinese imports this year.

“As of now, the quad cannot provide a viable economic alternative to the powerful Chinese economy, “said Happymon Jacob, a faculty member at Jawaharlal Nehru University who specializes in disarmament studies (JNU). It will be a difficult balancing act for these nations to maintain their economic ties with China while also trying to counterbalance its military might.”

Numerous international corporations have thought about moving some of their production platforms away from China because of the disruption caused by COVID-19 in global supply networks. Diversification has advantages, but it is neither quick nor inexpensive. Due to the severe recession, few businesses may be able to make rapid investments in other nations.

why India can replace China

According to experts, it will be challenging for India, or any other large economy, to decouple from China in the short term. However, India has the capacity to challenge China in the long run. The necessity to economically detach from China is becoming more widely acknowledged, at least among the four countries, and India may eventually benefit from this, according to Jacob.

“China’s unique selling point is its ability to produce on a large scale while maintaining competitive prices, “added Biswajit Dhar, a different JNU trade economist. “India is the only nation besides China that can produce on that scale and at comparable costs. We continue to be a low-cost production hub.”

In addition to the uncertainty of conducting business here, India’s deficiencies in physical and social infrastructure present a significant obstacle to realizing such aspirations of becoming the next global factory.

According to a 2017 World Bank assessment, South Asia has the potential to become the next manufacturing superpower if it can strengthen the business environment, connect domestic companies to global value chains, and enhance managerial and worker competencies.

Two factors affect a country’s ability to participate in global supply chains: how much value it adds to the production of exports to other countries (forward participation), and how much of its domestic export output is dependent on imports from other countries (backward participation). Due to its extensive reliance on imports, India has a considerably larger backward involvement, but much weaker forward linkages.

In addition to India’s participation in global production declining since 2008, its profits from integration have also decreased, according to an examination of data from the UNCTAD-EORA GVC database. Currently, India adds less value to the exports of other nations and uses more high-value foreign inputs to create its exports.

To further integrate into value chains, efforts should be made to lower trade obstacles, improve infrastructure, and increase access to finance. While the Make in India initiative, de-licensing, and certain other recent policies, including industrial corridors, are positive moves in the right direction, their effectiveness has lagged. Other measures, like the expansion of tariff barriers, might have been counterproductive because they ultimately affected Indian industries by driving up input costs.

According to Saon Ray and Smita Miglani in an ICRIER working paper from earlier this year, a further issue is the dearth of lead firms. By segmenting the production chain into separate functions and placing them where they can be carried out most effectively, lead companies, which are often multinational organizations, build networks.

According to Ray and Miglani, companies like Tata Motors and Reliance are important in transferring knowledge, building supply chains, and luring foreign investment, for example, in the automotive and petrochemical industries. However, there aren’t many of these sectoral-lead enterprises in India overall. Lead enterprises are unable to grow in India due to a lack of skilled labor, financial constraints, and regulatory uncertainty.

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Apple Watch Feature; Compass App Usage

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Apple Watch
Apple Watch

In Brief

Apple is one of the biggest tech giants in the world today, so much so that people don’t think twice before trying out an Apple device whether it is smartphone or laptop or smartwatch, and we all know how these gadgets help us out in our daily life.

There is a reason why people eagerly wait for news regarding the launch of a brand new Apple device because they know that the company will more than live up to their expectations and give the best results possible.

Apple Watch Ultra has been receiving good reviews since it came out in September 2022 but that isn’t the only smartwatch launched by the company as it also came out with watchOS 9 as well and the good thing is that there will be a lot of new stuff added to the latest edition of the Apple Watch.

Newest Feature of Apple Watch

While the watchOS 9 has all the regular features and specifications that one can expect of a renowned smartwatch brand, there is a new feature that deserves to be mentioned separately, which is called the compass app, which will join the low power mode and sleep tracker, where the former are meant for expanding battery life.

Apple Watch

This compass app will help you to travel on roads that you’ve hitherto travelled upon in your life or when you’re out with your friends on a hike or field trip or even a visit to a new city or country.

The app will help you in finding your way if you lose it and re-tracing your steps back to where you started will become a lot easier. This feature had been in the pipelines for quite some time and send users into a wave of curiosity as they wanted to learn all they can about the app.

There are steps on how to use the compass app on watchOS 9 as it also enables many other useful features of which the basic ones are co-ordinates, elevation, bearing, etc. to name a few but users can also add on viewpoints and keep a record of their steps in order to use them later on.

You need to open the compass app on your Apple Watch where you will first see the heading where you have to rotate the digital crown and get to the list of features available like elevation, incline, and co-ordinates.

The menu icon is there on the top left corner that you need to tap where you will see the above mentioned features. Then, for adding new bearing in the compass app, you scroll down from the menu icon and tap on ‘Bearing’, rotate the digital crown to set the bearing and tap ‘Done’.

For clearing the bearing, tap the menu icon again, scroll down and click on ‘Clear Bearing’.  The compass app is one of the best features that users can avail in the Apple Watch, which will help in increasing its demand to a whole new level in the future so that Apple will be inspired to create more such features.

Also Read: Apple Watch Low Power Mode; How It Works And What Are The Benefits

5g’s potential to unlock new possibilities in India, here’s why the official 5g announcement by PM Narendra Modi is making a buzz!

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5g in India

The fifth generation of mobile networks, or 5G is super fast making work to complete within a time. Following 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, it is a worldwide wireless standard. A brand-new network that connects practically everyone and everything, including machines, objects, and gadgets, is made possible by 5 G.

By 2025, the GSM Association and Statista project that 5G networks will have more than 1.7 billion subscribers and represent 25% of the global market for mobile technology. The goal of 5G wireless technology is to provide more users with faster peak data speeds of multiple gigabits per second (Gbps), ultra-low latency, increased reliability, vast network capacity, and a more consistent user experience.

PM Shree Narendra Modi announced the 5g in India

According to the prime minister, 5G technology will not only be used for fast internet access but also potentially transform the telecom sector. PM Narendra Modi said 130 crores of Indians are getting a wonderful gift in the form of 5G from India and the telecom industry in India. PM Narendra Modi pointed out that India depended on other countries for 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, but with 5G, India has created a new history. India is now gaining a global presence in the telecom industry (technology) just because of 5G network. Telecom industry titans like Reliance Industries Limited CMD Mukesh Ambani, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, and Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla & shared the stage with PM Narendra Modi & committed to a speedy spread of “affordable” 5G Network (services) in India.

PM Shree Narendra Modi

Benefits of 5G network & foremost step for Telecom sector

 5G can be significantly faster than 4G, delivering up to 20 Gigabits-per-second (Gbps) than 4G Network. 5G supports a 100x increase in loaded traffic capacity and network efficiency. 5G has lower latency than 4G networks all over the world.

With the help of high speed, low latency, and massive capacity, 5G Ultra Wideband could quickly make drone delivery worldwide, cloud-connected traffic control, and other applications live up to their potential. With the help of 5G Network, we can do better or next-level gaming, entertainment & others.

The total number of connected devices worldwide was estimated to reach around 13.8 billion in 2021, rising to 31.9 billion by 2025.

The latest cellular technology 5G network, is the next step after the 4G network of the telecom industry in India.

4G vs. 5G, Why 5G is a better choice than the 4G network:

4G vs. 5G.

4G technology is Fourth generation network technology & 5G technology is fifth-generation network technology.

The maximum upload speed of the 4G network is upto 500 Mbps & the top upload speed of a 5g network is 3 Mbps.

The full download speed of the 4G network is upto 1Gbps & the top download speed of the 5G network is upto 10 Gbps.

4G is available all over the world wide & now 5G is still growing.

4G network is slow and less efficient in comparison to 5G.

Why is 5G a better choice than 4G network?

Yes, the 5G network is the better choice than the 4G network. It is one hundred times better or quicker than 4G.

With the help of the 5G network, better connectivity through broadly available, ultra-fast, low-latency mobile networks is the main focus of 5G.With the launch of the 5G network, which provides higher speeds, industries like AR/VR and cloud gaming will get a boost in the future.

5G can be the become helping hand in the sector of education & medical

5g in India

In many ways, 5G helps in the medical sector & educational sectors. Students use the 5G network to explore complex concepts by zooming in, pinching, or tapping as needed.

Students receive education outside of the classroom at the same speed and responsiveness as they do in class, thanks to the 5G network.

5G features could be helpful in a variety of areas of healthcare, including telehealth, remote surgery, transferring large medical files, tracking patient movements within facilities, and using wearable devices for real-time monitoring and quality improvement.A new health ecosystem was created after the 5G network entered the health sector. After the 5G network, a new connected healthcare ecosystem will emerge, aided by robotics, IoT, and AI advancements.

Why India’s tech enthusiasm will match the potential of 5g

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, India’s Union Minister of Electronics and Technology, stated that 5G technology would change the lives of all Indians.PM Narendra Modi launched 5G technology services in India and stated that technology has become truly democratic in the sense that even the country’s poorest citizens have always been willing to adopt new technologies. He noted that this is a significant step forward in the vision of Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.5G will change world wide by the tech vision. 5G, up to 100 times faster than 4G, is opening up previously unseen opportunities for people and businesses. Faster connectivity speeds, ultra-low latency, and increased bandwidth are advancing societies, transforming industries, and vastly improving day-to-day experiences.5G network services are also expected to play a significant role in achieving India’s economic goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2024-25. According to telecom sector experts, 5G will have a total economic effect of $1 trillion by 2035 and can provide the country with an additional $150 billion in GDP between 2025 and 2040.

What are the possible drawbacks of 5G technology, and why are we expecting these?

The 5G network’s possible drawbacks are as follows:

  • Connectivity can be impacted by obstructions.
  • The 5g network initial rollout costs are expensive.
  • Rural access limitations.
  • Device battery drain.
  • Download speeds do not match upload speeds.
  • Harmful to the aesthetics.

Let’s get into the details about it.

5g in India

Obstructions can impact connectivity

The range of 5G connectivity is limited because frequency waves can only travel a short distance. In addition, the 5G frequency is disrupted by physical obstructions like trees, towers, walls, & buildings. The obtrusions will block, disrupt, or absorb the high-frequency signals. To compensate for this setback, the telecom sector is expanding existing cell towers to increase broadcast distance.

The 5g network initial costs of the rollout are expensive

The costs of developing 5G infrastructure or adapting existing cellular facilities will be high. This sum will be compounded by the ongoing maintenance costs required to ensure high-speed connectivity, and customers will likely bear the brunt of these hefty bills. Cellular operators are attempting to reduce these costs by investigating alternative options such as network sharing.

Rural access limitations

Those who live in rural areas will not necessarily benefit from the connection. As things stand, many remote locations across the country lack access to cellular connectivity. The 5G carriers will target larger cities with massive groups, eventually working out to the outskirts, but this is unlikely to happen anytime soon. As a result, 5G communication will benefit only a tiny fraction of the population.

Device battery drain

Regarding 5G-enabled cellular devices, the batteries cannot operate for an extended period. To enable this enhanced connectivity, battery technology must advance to the point where a single charge can power a cellphone for an entire day. Along with depleted batteries, users report that when using 5G, their cell phones become increasingly hot.

5g in India

Download speeds do not match upload speeds

The data speeds of 5G networks are extremely fast, reaching up to 10Gbps in some cases. However, upload speeds are rarely greater than 5gigabits per second, which is not quite as impressive as initially advertised. However, compared to existing wireless connectivity, upload speeds are faster than with 4G LTE.

Harmful to the aesthetics

Most communities oppose the construction of new cellphone towers or the extension of existing ones because they are perceived to detract from an area’s overall appearance and atmosphere. With 5G, there will be a greater need for infrastructure development, which residents will not always view positively.

How much time will it take 5G technology to spread across India?

After the government completed the 5G spectrum auction on August 1, 2022, fifth-generation telecom services are expected to be available in India by October 2022.

Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the government plans to auction off 5G spectrum, such as airwaves, in early June. Following the auction, the government may finally deliver 5G services to residents in the 13 cities in August and September this year.The 5G services will be introduced gradually.

Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jamnagar, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Pune are amongst the 13 cities where 5G networks will be launched.

Challenges faced by other countries while introducing the 5G technology

Specific public health concerns are raised by 5G technology. Numerous studies have been conducted on the health hazards of radiofrequency (RF) radiation, with mixed results. However, there is little information on the impact of 5G technology on individuals who may be exposed to a greater concentration of RF energy due to the increased number of antennas.

The Government of Canada states in a publication on RF energy and safety that devices equipped with 5G networks will use frequency ranges just now covered by Canadian limits and will be required to meet RF energy exposure requirements.

South Korea, China, and the United States are the world leaders in developing and deploying 5G technology.

Ericsson

Ericsson is creating an infinitely linked India with today’s 4G and 5G networks that will digitally enhance all the sectors of India and the foundation for digital transformation of the business sector is already laid.

India has undoubtedly an enormous potential in the enterprise sector given the $17 billion opportunity that 5G enabled digitization is expected to offer by 2030. The “Digital India” goal could be realised through efficient planning and  effective implementation.

Conclusion

Nonetheless, Indian users are incredibly excited about transitioning from the 4G network to the 5G network. Many users are willing to pay a 45% premium to enjoy the superfast speed of 5G network.

The reports show the various aspects of the 5G wireless technology and how it can boost the technology & telecom industry in the future. 5G technology of will significantly impact society in terms of social gains and also in the time of economic progress of the community.

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  3. 5G Technology Explained
  4. 5G Services in India

Samsung Electronics Eyes Mass Production; Chip Manufacturing

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Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Samsung is supposedly the largest chip maker in the world
  • The demand for 5-nanometer, finer chips is reportedly increasing
  • Samsung was in talks with Qualcomm, Tesla, AMD for for 3nm collaboration

Brief Summary

When it comes to electronic gadgets, there are tech giants that have been in the business for years and a big reason for that is because they know how to change with times in order to cater to a new generation of gadget lovers.

Those that don’t have the capacity to think ten years ahead fizzle out after a few years of success. Samsung too falls into that category, along with Apple, Sony, and some others, so it is difficult to much these companies in terms of stature.

Samsung has done great in terms of electronics gadgets and right now they are eyeing a mass production of chips within the next few years, which means that the company will be soon adding another feather to its cap.

It is not that Samsung is trying out for chips manufacturing now. It is just that it is better known for its smart gadgets and not so much for chips. The company’s chip manufacturing business unit has claimed recently that the advanced chips production will be tripled to the original capacity by 2027 as the demands are very high.

Samsung has a huge task at hand as its target is mass production of 2-nanometre technology chips by 2025, which is just a few years away and if you add 1.4-nanometre chips by 2027, it becomes difficult to manage things out as the applications it is being created for involves Artificial Intelligence.

It was in June 2022 that the production for 3nm chips started and Samsung is already in talks with other consumers for a joint collaboration, which includes Elon Musk’s Tesla, Qualcomm, AMD, among others.

It needs to be mentioned that Samsung Electroics is the world’s largest memory chip maker, which is why it sometimes falters in meeting the high expectations of their clients especially when it comes to foundry yields.

Even the demand for 5nm chips that are technologically advanced are increasing, which is not quite good given the inflationary pressures that have befallen tech giants like Samsung  due to long term expansion of Artificial Intelligence, High Performance computing, automotive apps, 5G and 6G services.

Samsung

Conclusion

The current situation doesn’t look good as many inside sources reveal that even if all planned investments are carried out with successful results, the industry may not able to meet the demands and it is a matter of great concern for the makers.

The operations for chip production will begin in 2024 for which Samsung Electronics has already laid out the blueprint on how to follow through on the model so as to achieve results in the shortest possible time.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S-series Images Leaked; Similar Designs Noticed

G5 Gaming Laptop Series Launched in India; Gigabyte Clarifies Details

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G5 Gaming Laptop
G5 Gaming Laptop

In Brief

How do you want to spend your leisure time? There are many things to do as the festive season is just around the corner. Everybody will be having their holiday plans ready but for people that are into gadgets and games, won’t find any new thrill with a regular festive holiday.

They’re the lot that are more interested in spending their time at home, inviting friends over so that they can play their favourite games for many hours as nothing can give them greater pleasure than this.

There is good news for both tech and game lovers in this regard as Gigabyte has ventured into the gaming territory, the laptop sector to be precise, and has launched the new G5 series gaming laptops in India, which consist of three variants- Gigabyte G5 KD, G5 MD, and G5 GD models, which come with RTX 3060 GPU and NVIDIA GeForce.

G5 Gaming Laptop

Price & Features G5 Gaming Laptop

Gigabyte G5 GD, G5 MD, and G5 KD, come with a starting price of Rs.68,990, Rs.71,990, and Rs.83,990, and all three are now readily available for purchase on Flipkart. The makers have come up with an interesting offer for consumers where they can get a Microsoft Office 365 personal version for free for a full year along with a stream gift card of Rs.3,000.

Among the features, the Gigabyte G5 series come with a 15.6 inch IPS LCD Anti-Glare display with a 144Hz refresh rate for support, 45% NTSC, a 16:9 aspect ratio, 300 Nits of brightness. The gaming laptop series are powered by 11th Gen Intel i5-11400H Hexa-core processor, and is paired with 16GB or DDR4 RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.

They’re also equipped with Windforce cooling technology that have a cooling efficiency of 150W while the ports consist of one USB 2.0 Type-A, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, one HDMI port, and a built-in SD card reader and last, but not the least, Bluetooth Version 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6.

Also Read: Everything You Need To Know Before Buying A Laptop

Why are Android users switching to the iOS ecosystem?

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iOS ecosystem

People typically have to decide between two of the most well-liked operating systems when purchasing a new phone. According to Statista, in order to take advantage of iOS’s superior functionalities, 52% of Android users said they were likely to switch from Android to iOS. Here are some reasons why Android users are switching to iOS ecosystem:

Information security

Apple smartphones are considered to be more secure than Android devices, according to all information security firms. According to a Forbes survey, Android phones are the target of 97% of smartphone malware.

Malware and viruses are especially spread through app stores of Android Operating System to Android devices. Apple’s App Shop features fewer apps than the app store on Android phones, however the amount of accessible apps is not the most essential aspect of Apple app stores. Apple is quite selective about which app developers are allowed access to the so-called Apple ecosystem, which includes a network of hardware, software, and developers. It is nearly tough to get malicious apps approved for the App Store.

Google Play, the app store of Google, is a free, ad-supported platform where anybody may display their apps. Android enables the installation of programs from sources other than the Google Play store, making it hard to monitor apps for the presence of spyware and viruses.

Old version of OS systems and the app store can pose security risks. Due to the fact that a variety of phone manufacturers use the Google-provided operating system, not all of them receive upgrades at the same time and are therefore subject to serious security risks. Since Apple is the only manufacturer of iOS devices, the similar issue is eliminated.

The Apple ecosystem

iOS ecosystem

In recent years, Apple’s has expanded its range of products significantly. The company initially produced PCs, but has since expanded its product range to include music players, tablet computers, and smart watches. Apple now offers a wide variety of products and services to cater to different needs.

Together, the devices operate smoothly and easily. It is not necessary to download or install different software to connect them; simply signing in to the devices with the same Apple ID is sufficient. All the devices can exchange calendars, emails, notes, and photos. Additionally, since they are available on all of your devices, you don’t have to pay twice for applications, movies, or books.

The user safety is also ensured by the closed ecosystem. When devices, users, manufacturers, and app developers are all part of the same ecosystem, the operating environment is secure.

However, Android phones face a different set of problems. Since many different manufacturers create phones and tablets that use the same operating system, a secure environment and seamless use of the various devices together cannot be ensured.

Ease of use

Apple phones are well-known for their user-friendly interface. Their simplicity of operation comes from the concept that all apps are opened from the home screens, which also contributes to their usability. For instance, there is a single menu that contains all of the settings. Additionally, the operating system continues to function in the same manner even if you upgrade your iPhone to the most recent model, making it simple to use.

Although an android phone can be customized in a variety of ways, the operating system’s fundamental functions are significantly more difficult to understand and comprehend than those of an iOS device. An iPhone is the obvious pick if you value a nice, simple-to-use smartphone.

Get the best apps first

The creators of the best and most high-quality apps continue to support Apple. The majority of apps choose the Apple App Store as their launch venue and make their apps available there considerably earlier than they do in the Google Play store for Android phones. Some of the most well-liked apps in recent years, such as Super Mario Run and Snapchat, are great example of this.

There’s a chance that certain apps won’t ever be released on Android devices. This is mainly b ecause there is such a vast variety of Android phones and many specific aspects of the phones should be taken into account during the creation process, it is much more difficult for app developers to produce games and apps for these devices. The App Store’s business model benefits top-notch app developers and guarantees that iPhone users will always have access to secure and useful apps.

ios ecosystem

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a payment service that lets you use your phone to make credit and debit card purchases. Placing the phone close to the card reader allows you to pay just like you would with a physical card that supports contactless transactions. Your payment information is safe since the card is safeguarded by Face ID, Touch ID, or the phone’s passcode.

In-app purchases may also be made with Apple Pay, making it simple to order pizza, book a hotel room, and buy for clothing. Users looking for a straightforward and convenient mobile payment solution should choose the Apple iPhone since Google Pay is not yet accessible in many regions.

Superior Phone Protection Plans

There is a significant cost associated with AppleCare+. Alternatives like Asurion, SquareTrade, and Samsung Care+ provide phone protection plans at comparatively lower costs.

But none of them come close to matching Apple’s streamlined, trouble-free services. Visit your nearby Apple Store to get repair quotes and estimates rather than waiting on hold for hours.

Moreover, filing claims is simple in case of AppleCare+. In most cases, you can speak with an Apple employee in-store and leave with a brand-new or recently repaired device in an hour or two.

Easy to Spot Fakes

Learn how to check the authenticity of used smartphones if you plan to purchase one. For decades, con artists have been peddling counterfeit devices. Additionally, modern Android knockoffs are so similar to their original counterparts in appearance that they are widely available. You must keep an eye out for minute details.

Fortunately, it is much simpler to confirm the legitimacy of a used iPhone. Since iOS devices have a unique interface, it is simple to identify counterfeits because they are unlikely to have features like Siri, iCloud, or even the App Store.

Additionally, each device has a special serial number. Locate the Serial Number section in the middle of the page by going to Settings > General > About and scrolling down.

Then, paste it into the page on Apple’s service and coverage checking website. The device’s valid purchase date, the deadline for phone technical support, and the service area will all be visible if you are given a real serial number.

ios ecosystem

Functional Camera and Natural-Looking Photos

You can see that many Android devices outperform the most recent iPhone models based solely on camera specifications. Naturally, iPhones produce images with exceptional clarity. However, popular Android manufacturers like Samsung give their products better cameras.

Let’s compare the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and the iPhone 13 Pro Max, for instance. A massive 108MP camera with 8K 24fps video recording capabilities is available on the Galaxy S22 Ultra. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, on the other hand, has a 12MP camera that is limited to 4K 60fps video recording.

Despite the disparity in specifications, many people still favour the iPhone’s camera. This is due to the fact that it is more functional and creates images that look realistic and natural. Let’s face it, very few shoot in 4K or even 8K these days. If your only intention is to use the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s high-performance camera to capture images and videos for social media, you won’t gain anything from having one.

Family Sharing

If everyone in the family uses Apple phones and devices, the Apple iPhone is a good option for kids. This is because parents can easily monitor what their children are doing with their phones, making  it safe for children to use phones.

Family life is made simpler with Apple’s Family Sharing. Up to six family members may share photo albums, calendars, and reminders, as well as make joint purchases of media such as music, movies, or apps. Since Family Sharing permits parental clearance for their children’s apps, there is no possibility of kids downloading improper or expensive apps.

Additionally, parents can use the Find My Friends tool to follow their children’s route when they begin walking alone to school.

iPhones hold their value

People frequently wish to upgrade their phones to newer models because new smartphone models with appealing features are frequently published. When people stop using their phones and purchase a new one, they frequently wish to sell their old, still-functional phones for the highest profit.

Apple phones maintain their worth much longer than Android phones. High-quality components are used to make iPhones, which significantly contributes to their ability to hold their value over time. Since there is only one manufacturer and new, better phones aren’t released as frequently as Android phones, Apple phones also stay as flagship models and up to date longer.

Swappie, for instance, which buys and sells used iPhones, is a place where used iPhones can be sold.

Narendra Modi

Conclusion

Apple is ramping up its efforts to win over Android customers. Unmentioned during today’s WWDC keynote was a new app for iOS 9 dubbed “Move to iOS,” which would make the transition for existing Android users to the iOS ecosystem a breeze. But the Move to iOS software only has a 2.4-star rating on Google Play and can only transfer images, messages, contacts, bookmarks, and your Google account.

However, several Android-to-iOS transfer tools were in development before the debut of the “Move to iOS” app. These include Syncios Data Transfer, Leawo, Dropbox, and others.

Moreover, the third-party programme, like Syncios Data Transfer, may synchronise the iTunes playlist in addition to the contacts, pictures, videos, music, call logs, SMS, MMS, etc. Without a doubt, the widespread availability of simple data-switching tools has sped up that development.

Earlier, Android phones were cheap compared to iPhones. Also, Android devices provide more options for customisation. However, things have changed drastically now. Most features found on Android flagships are also included on iPhones, and the price difference between Android and iOS flagships is very narrow now. Moreover, Apple is currently among the finest in the business in terms of performance, battery life, software support, etc., thanks to numerous upgrades to its hardware and software over the years. Thus, many Android users are now switching to iPhones.

Recommended Reads:

  1. How You Can Now Bring iOS 16’s Coolest Home Screen Feature to Android
  2. Safety Check Measures in iOS 16 Operating System
  3. Gaming Ventures for Android and iOS

OnePlus Nord Watch Review: Should You Try It?

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OnePlus Nord Watch
OnePlus Nord Watch

Highlights

  • Watch Features
  • Display & Design
  • Pros & Cons

How do you feel about OnePlus devices? Should you buy the new OnePlus Nord Watch? Is it worth it? Find out.

Brief Summary

We all are surrounded by devices galore and it is virtually impossible to keep track of them all. Every other day, there is a new device or gadget that is launched in India and all over the world.

Tech giants like Apple, Samsung, Sony, alongside many big and small players in the game regularly come out with smartphones, laptops, Smart TVs, smartwatches, and many other electronic gadgets.

OnePlus was launched nearly a decade ago in China and has quickly emerged as a worthy player among the aforementioned tech giants that has successfully carved out its own niche with most of its devices receiving positive reviews from the entire world.

While OnePlus is renowned for its smartphones, its smartwatches happen to be a fairly new segment for the brand. It has just launched the new, OnePlus Nord Watch, in India.

My Opinion

OnePlus Nord Watch comes in a black and blue coloured, squared shaped box with the design engraved on the right and ‘OnePlus Nord Watch’ right beneath it. On opening, it you find the smartwatch kept inside that is deep blue in colour and resembles a regular wristwatch.

OnePlus Nord Watch

At the bottom, you find the charger pin, USB cable, and the safety manual on how to operate the device, which is a user guide that will help users on how to use the device by following the instructions given.

The smartwatch does not seem like a new device just launched except for its design but is quite light to hold and the features and specifications are just fine. A big letdown is that it doesn’t even have a Bluetooth calling feature nor a built-in GPS, which is shocking considering it is from OnePlus.

I was expecting something unique, if not out of the world, from an OnePlus smartwatch and, to be honest, it hasn’t floated the boat of many individuals as they feel that not having two important features that any big smartwatch model should have is a big reason for that.

The smartwatch dial is a little heavy when you hold it in one hand while the strap is quite soft and sends out a warm feeling in your fingers when you examine it gently. The Nord watch is not something you call flawless considering its cost, but definitely worth a try.

Also Read: OnePlus Watch to go on sale from April 22 in India

Price & Features

OnePlus Nord Watch comes with a 1.78 inch AMOLED display screen and 60Hz refresh rate while its resolution is 368×448 and 326 PPI while the screen bezels are small and the pick brightness of 500 nits is quite useful upon using the watch outdoors.

Even in broad daylight, you can use the smartwatch or read texts without any issue while the refresh rate is also good. It does feel smooth upon handling it and it doesn’t give the feeling that it is a budget smartwatch at all.

OnePlus has definitely done its homework when it comes to the software side of the device and is abundantly clear when you use the watch on a regular basis while the watch doesn’t have an Always On display, which is another letdown considering the AMOLED panel, which is excellent considering its cost is Rs.5,000.

OnePlus Nord Watch

When it comes to display features, OnePlus Nord Watch takes the cake as far as I’m concerned because the frame has a zinc alloy while the buckles are made from stainless steel and the strap from silicon.

When you consider the build, the smartwatch is excellently solid by giving you the premium feel especially if you’re fond of budget smartwatches. As mentioned above, the dial is a little heavy and it is because the watch weighs 52.4g, which includes the strap although its frame made of zinc alloy doesn’t make it that significant.

The smartwatch is extremely comfortable to wear without hurting your wrist so you can wear it 24/7. The zinc alloy will allow the frame to get scratch marks easily that’ll make it lose its premium and regal feel.

Coming to health and fitness features, as mentioned above, the watch doesn’t have built-in GPS, which is sad because when you’re exercising outdoors, the watch uses all the sensors on active mode whether it is oxygen level, heartrate, GPS, and others to track your live location and provides the burned calories and number of steps you’ve taken.

The watch comes with 105 sports mode that can be found using the N Health app that you can examine at leisure while the sensors are great and provide accurate fitness data while the sleep monitoring feature is good too as the data reading is authentic.

The starting price of OnePlus Nord Watch is Rs.4,999, which many people feel is too much considering it doesn’t have a GPS or Bluetooth calling feature but since it is a brand smartwatch, the health data may not be 100% accurate although the oximeter is accurate with just a 5% error margin.

One of the best features of Nord Watch is the N Health app, which is a typical fitness app, which shows oxygen level, heart rate, and sleep data, among other regular features like reminders and alarms.

The smartwatch instantly connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth while the health app has more than 100 watch faces and if you don’t like any, you can use your own image on it for good measure.

Finally, its battery power is 240mAh units that support a magnetic charger and, therefore, does not support fast charging unlike other devices of OnePlus, which is another disappointment considering there are innumerable smartwatches under the Rs.5,000 bracket that support fast charging.

However, you will get a battery life of 10 days with complete usage, which can be believed as it doesn’t have Bluetooth calling or built-in GPS so the battery will not be consumed.

If you don’t use any of the health features, the battery can be extended to more than 10 days. In short, the battery life depends from person to person as to how they use OnePlus Nord Watch.

OnePlus Nord Watch

Key Specifications

Display 1.78-Inches AMOLED Display,
60Hz Screen Refresh Rate
70.7%% Screen to Body Ratio
500 nits brightness
Rectangle,
368 x 448 pixels,
326 PPI Density
Build Plastic Back
Zinc alloy Frame
Silicone Strap
Dimensions 4.52 × 3.72 × 1.04cm
Weight: 35.6g (without strap)
52.4g (with strap)
Strap 22mm Removable (Silicone)
Bluetooth Version 5.2
Microphone & Speaker Microphone: No
Speaker: No
Sensors 3-axis accelerometer
Optical heart rate
blood oxygen
Built-GPS No
System Requirement Android 6.0+
iOS 11+
Battery 240mAh Battery (Magnetic Charger)
7 to 8 days battery life (Full Use)
Features IP68 Dust and Water-Resistant
100+ watch faces,
105+ built-in sports Mode,
Calories Burned,
Menstrual Cycle Tracking
Step Tracker,
Breathe,
Drinking Reminder,
Activity Tracker,
Heart Rate Monitor,
SpO2,
Stress Monitoring,
Colors Midnight Black and Deep Blue
Model Number
Application N Nord Application
Warranty 12 Months Warranty
7 Days Replacement
In the Box OnePlus Nord Watch
Brand Sticker
Magnetic Charging Cable
Red Cable Club Welcome Card
Charging Cable
Price Rs.4,999

 

Conclusion

All in all, with all its shortcomings, the OnePlus Nord Watch is definitely worth a try for its price range.  My rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

Also Read: OnePlus Launches Its First Nord Watch

SpaceX Flies Cosmonaut from Russia to International Space Station; Details Inside

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Anna Kikina
Anna Kikina

Highlights

  • Anna Kikina of ISS to be part of Crew-5 mission
  • Astronaut exchange program maintained despite tension between Russia, US
  • Kikina to be fifth female cosmonaut in space
  • Science News

In Brief

The Russia-Ukraine War has become a topic of hot debate since it broke out a couple of months back and continues to hit the headlines every now and then. Amidst all this, US carried out a space mission on October 5, 2022, that has an interesting story worth telling.

The mission has been codenamed ‘Crew 5’ is speculated to be of symbolic significance amid the Ukraine war where US has openly sided with Ukraine and has blasted Russia many times in the past few months.

US has chosen renowned Russian Cosmonaut, Anna Kikina, to carry to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX ship, who will also be the only woman cosmonaut in service and the 5th female astronaut in space, while this mission also includes two American and one Japanese astronaut.

SpaceX Mission

The blast off took place at noon at the Kennedy Space Center, while the weather forecast was good. American and Russia have been at loggerheads since many decades, which only went from worse to ultra worse since Russia invaded on Ukrainian soil in February 2022.

In the midst of such high tensions between the two countries, this space program has not been easy to manage but since both have a common goal of ensuring the operation of the ISS, they have agreed to co-operate with one another at least until this mission is completed.

As mentioned above, Kikina is now the 5th Russian female cosmonaut in space, which will serve as an example for other budding woman astronauts that have long since desired to make their name in the field of science and astronomy.

Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, two American astronauts, are having their first ever spaceflight and the 30 hour journey will prove to be highly beneficial for them as they’ll get to learn new things.

There are a total 11 astronauts on the ISS, which is due to the arrival of Crew-5 while Anna Kikina is the first ever Russian to fly with Elon Musk’s SpaceX ship, which has a ‘taxi service’ contract with NASA, a distinction it shares with Boeing.

Conclusion

Ever since US imposed sanctions against the Russian aerospace industry in response to their Ukraine invasion, the tension between both Russia and US has indeed reached a fever pitch that made it almost difficult for them to go ahead with this mission.

SpaceX

But this is a give and take mission where they both need each other’s help and no ordinary one at that. Each cannot see through this mission without the others’ co-operation as US is responsible for life support and power while Russia is taking care of orbit maintenance and propulsion.

Also Read: Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder Elon Musk declines to join Twitter’s board, says Parag Agrawal