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WinZO announces Game Developer Fund III of $20MM

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WinZO announced the 3rd edition of its flagship Game Developer Fund with the largest ever corpus of $20MM. This comes six months after the gaming start-up raised series-C funding of $65MM led by California based Griffin Gaming Partners and existing investors; Maker’s Fund, and Courtside.WinZO is looking to invest across all forms of interactive entertainment: games, economies around gaming, content creation, live-ops, and security. WinZO aims to collaborate with the companies working in these areas through Capital investment, infrastructural support and monetization support.

WinZO partners with gaming studios & game developers globally to offer these games across multiple multiplayer formats. It generates 100X revenue for the developers through a microtransaction based monetization model compared to the alternative means of In-app purchases and advertisements.

The company earlier announced a Fund I of $1.5 Million in July 2019, Fund II of $5 million in November last year and received over 500 applications of which around 70 games were selected. WinZO made investments in the range of $100,000-$500,000 in each of the partnerships varying from concept stage to near completion stage in the product life cycle. The games cover diverse genres from casual, action, sports to mid-core multiplayer games such as Tennis, Golf etc. Each game is customized to support diverse audience segments in more than 12 regional languages and Indianized with culturally relevant online games for Bharat.

Also Read: Harman takes strict action against manufacturing, sale of fake JBL Products in India

“For a larger part, gaming is considered as a hit or a miss opportunity among investors as unlike other industries such as e-commerce, SaaS & D2C, there is no stipulated playbook for creation of a successful Game. As a result of this, a lot of gaming ideas/teams do not get requisite support in form of capital, guidance or strategic help from the ecosystem. We at WinZO are trying to change that because we believe that after ages India is on the forefront of an opportunity where it can lead the world. Over the next decade, it will not just be a high potential market but will also be yielding multiple unicorns & some emerging gaming companies at a global scale. India has overtaken US, China in terms of the number of games being downloaded in the geography on an annual basis. As one of the major players in the space we take it as our responsibility to fuel the inception of this gaming ecosystem that we dream of. GDF-III is another step towards achieving this,” said Paavan Nanda, co-founder, WinZO Games.

WinZO is also setting-up an internal team to evaluate and deploy this capital which will be directly working with the founders. It invites all the enthusiastic entrepreneurs, game developers, and students who see a synergy with our vision to be a beneficiary of this initiative.

Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Diwali Edition, F19s and Enco Buds Blue launched as festive season offerings

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Smartphone brand Oppo has come up with its special editions this festive season. The product line-up includes the all-new Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Gold Diwali edition which is priced at Rs 41,990, the F19s, priced at Rs 19,990 and the Enco Buds in a new blue colour variant, priced at Rs 1,999. While the Oppo F19s is already up for grabs, the Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Diwali edition and Oppo Enco Buds Blue will be available from October 3 on Flipkart and mainline retailers.

The special edition launches are part of Oppo’s festive campaign ‘Light up New Beginnings’. Through this campaign, the brand encourages people to spread happiness and positivity. Damyant Singh Khanoria, Chief Marketing Officer, Oppo India, unveiled these new editions during the #ASKOPPO interactive session with comedian Rahul Subramanian wherein Oppo invited the community to connect with the brand and get their questions. Damyant answered selected queries posted by the customers on Oppo’s social media handle using the #ASKOPPO.

The brand-new Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Diwali edition comes in a Majestic Gold colour with a matching wallpaper, UI and charging interface. The OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G features industry-first Bokeh Flare Portrait Video that provides cinematic bokeh flare effects in portraits and AI Highlight Video, enables you to capture professional-grade videos in real time. The Reno 6 Pro 5G also features the latest flagship MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset, Oppo’s exclusive Reno Glow design, smart 5G capabilities, ColorOS 11.3, 4500mAh battery and 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging capabilities. All this within a sleek, light-weight body.

If we talk about the all-new Oppo F19s Special Edition, the device is the sleekest smartphone with a 5000mAh battery, and comes with an AMOLED display and Oppo’s proprietary 33W flash-charging technology that promises a higher level of safety with its night-charging protection and temperature control. The smartphone can be fully charged in 72 minutes, and you can expect 5 hours 45 minutes of calling or around 2 hours of YouTube with just a 5-minute recharge. In keeping with the festive theme, this new Special Edition OPPO F19s boasts India’s first AG design that gives the smartphone its special gold colour. The F19s is an addition to the current F-series line-up that includes the F19, F19 Pro, and F19 Pro+ 5G and the smartphone will be available in Glowing Black and Glowing Golden.

The entry-level TWS Oppo Enco Buds Blue, on the other hand, delivers concert-like audio, packs AI-based call noise-cancellation technology and comes with a 24-hour battery life. The offering is specifically built for users who want to upgrade from their wired- and traditional Bluetooth earphones to their first truly wireless earbuds.

Damyant Singh Khanoria, Chief Marketing Officer – Oppo India, said, “Oppo believes in building technology for mankind and our products are a true testament to this very commitment.  We are thrilled to announce the launch of our special editions line up to spread the positivity and festive cheer. Whether you are a new age video creator who wants a videography superphone or just someone who wants to flaunt a sleek and stylish smartphone, we have something for everybody.”

Special offers

This festive season customers can enjoy benefits up to 10,000, which will have a cashback up to Rs 4,000 confirmed through ICICI bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Bank, Standard Chartered and many others. Additionally, Oppo is giving attractive finance scheme like Pay Zero Down payment, Oppo premium services, one time screen replacement offer across mainline retailers and online stores. Customers across India can now pre order the Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Diwali edition, as it goes on sale from October 3.

The Oppo Enco Buds Blue will be available at a special price of Rs 1,499 between October 3-10, on Flipkart.

Tech NewsWrap: Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Diwali Edition launched… and more

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Oppo F19s, Reno 6 Pro 5G Diwali Edition launched in India

Chinese smartphone brand Oppo announced the launch of all-new Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Gold Diwali edition smartphone, Oppo F19s mobile phone and Enco Buds Blue TWS earphone. The Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Gold Diwali edition is priced at Rs 41,990; the F19s priced at Rs 19,990; and the Enco Buds in a new blue color variant, priced at Rs 1,999. Customers can purchase them on Flipkart and mainline retailers.

Xiaomi’s first ‘Civi’ phone launched

Xiaomi Civi, the first Civi branded smartphone of the company has launched in China. The newly announced device is a selfie-focused smartphone with an impressive design. It has a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and punch-hole at the top center position. The latest mid-ranger device from Xiaomi has a triple-camera setup at the rear including a 64-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro-lens. Other notable key features of the Xiaomi Civi include an in-display fingerprint sensor, a built-in IR blaster, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos.

Also Read: Ubon launches Sound Aura Wireless Basstube speaker with microphone at Rs 2,999

iQOO Z5 launched in India

iQOO expanded its Z series portfolio with the launch of Z5 in India. The smartphone promises to offer unparalleled performance and robust hardware specifications preferred by millennial and Gen Z consumers. The iQOO Z5 is designed to provide an unparalleled experience to E-sports enthusiasts. It features an advanced 6.67-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate that helps users in achieving more detailed and smooth visuals during gameplay. The iQOO Z5 also houses the #FullyLoaded flagship Liquid Cooling System, with a total heat dissipation area of 28837mm2 which can efficiently reduce the surface temperature of your mobile during heavy-duty gaming scenarios and deliver a lag-free gaming experience.

Jabra Elite 7 Pro, Elite 7 Active, Elite 3, Elite 2 TWS earphones launched in India

Jabra Elite 7 Pro, Jabra Elite 7 Active, Jabra Elite 3, and Jabra Elite 2 true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones from the Danish company were launched in India. In the lineup, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro is the most premium device at Rs 18,999.  The device comes with Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) and the company’s propriety MultiSensor Voice technology, which is said to improve the voice quality during calls. The earbuds are said to offer up to eight hours of battery life on a single charge.

Harman takes strict action against manufacturing, sale of fake JBL Products in India

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Harman is taking strict legal action against manufacturers and distributors involved in producing and selling of counterfeit JBL products in India. It is the parent company for leading audio brands including JBL, AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, Lexicon, Mark Levinson and Revel amongst others.

During a recent raid, Harman’s investigation team along with the law enforcement officers, seized stocks of spurious JBL consumer products from two mobile and accessories wholesalers in the city of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Similar raids were conducted in the city of Kolkata, West Bengal, where the team confiscated counterfeit JBL Professional speakers and other brand accessories from manufacturing units. Harman has taken appropriate criminal action against these offenders and intends to continue such investigations to curb the manufacturing and selling of counterfeit products across India.

“Over the last 75 years, JBL’s range of consumer and professional products have earned consumer trust and tremendous goodwill by virtue of our commitment to maintain highest standards in product quality and focus on innovation. Harman prides itself for its brand reputation and customer satisfaction, and therefore, these actions against the perpetrators are essential for us to keep our promise towards our consumers in India,” said Prathab Deivanayagham, Country Manager, Harman India. “We advise our consumers to stay vigilant and purchase JBL products from authorised e-commerce and retail sellers’ only,” he said further.

Also Read: Ubon launches Sound Aura Wireless Basstube speaker with microphone at Rs 2,999

Advisory to consumers: Easy ways to identify a counterfeit JBL product

  • Like many premium goods, Harman’s products are being counterfeited and sold, usually at drastically reduced prices and diminished quality. Genuine JBL products are made with high-quality materials and designed to deliver a one-of-a-kind listening experience.
  • The cosmetic details are not consistent with authentic JBL products.
  • Inspect the packaging and logo placement/colour. Typically, the packaging is made of flimsy material, missing key details such as certifications, place of manufacture, address, and trademark/copyright information. Logo placement is slightly off and the colour does not match the genuine logo.
  • The package/product may be lightweight, smell of chemicals, or have chipped paint.
  • Research reputation of the seller. Read customer comments.

Ubon launches Sound Aura Wireless Basstube speaker with microphone at Rs 2,999

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Domestic gadget accessory and consumer electronics brand Ubon has launched its new SP-8005 Sound Aura Wireless Basstube speaker with microphone in India at Rs 2,999. The newly-launched Sound Aura wireless speaker is equipped with features like USB charging, built-in microphone and wide compatibility. It comes with multiple connectivity options – USB port, micro TF/SD card.

Compatible with iPhone, Android devices and laptops, this product offers a battery life of 1200mAh that can play music for more than 6 hours on a single recharge. It’s also easy to operate and has a high-powered speaker system.

This new speaker comes with the latest Bluetooth feature V5.0. This Sound Aura wireless speaker is equipped with 3.5mm Karaoke mic with 3mtr cable, which let users stream their favourite playlist without any hassles.

Mandeep Arora, Managing Director, Ubon, said, “Being a leading player in the consumer electronics industry, we, at UBON, always strive to provide innovative products to our customers at the best possible prices. UBON SP-8005 Sound Aura wireless party speaker additions to the existing Audio range aims to fuel the aspirations of both aspirers and minimalist set of consumers to live life uninterrupted enjoying every moment. This newly launched product assures best-in-class music experience to our customers, making it the life of every party.”

The company offers a 6 months warranty. The SP-8005 Sound Aura Wireless Basstube Speaker is available at all major ecommerce platforms and off-line stores across all over India.

iQOO Z5 with Snapdragon 778G 5G SoC, 120Hz refresh rate and 5000mAh battery launched

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iQOO today expanded its Z series portfolio with the launch of Z5 in India. The smartphone promises to offer unparalleled performance and robust hardware specifications preferred by millennial and Gen Z consumers.

The iQOO Z5 comes power-packed with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G processor, enhanced LPDDR5 and UFS 3.1, 5000mAh battery with 44W FlashCharge and 64MP AF main camera.

iQOO Z5 is a true gaming powerhouse with features including 240Hz touch sampling rate, 4D Game Vibration, Linear Motor, High-Res Audio, Dual Speakers and Liquid Cooling Technology for heat reduction, ensuring a truly immersive and long-lasting gaming experience.. iQOO Z5 also offers exceptional design that complements class-leading performance to offer a #FullyLoaded experience for our Genz consumers.

Priced at Rs 23,990 for the 8GB+128GB variant and Rs 26,990 for the 12GB+256GB variant, the iQOO Z5 will be available for purchase on Amazon.in and iQOO e-store in two elegant colour options- Mystic Space and Arctic Dawn starting 6th October, 2021.

Gagan Arora, CMO, iQOO, said, “Continuing the philosophy of iQOO Z Series, of launching devices with best-in-segment features, we are delighted to launch the iQOO Z5 in India. iQOO Z3 received an overwhelming response from our consumers for its ground-breaking features.

The iQOO Z5 will continue the legacy of combining powerful specs and innovations for users who demand a flagship mobile experience. Featuring the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G Mobile Platform, the iQOO Z5 is a fully loaded smartphone that delivers ultimate performance, lag-free mobile gaming and multimedia experience, making it a great choice for performance driven customers.”

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G processor in iQOO Z5 includes 8-cores and is created using a 6nm process offering remarkable efficiency. This superb mobile platform offers 40 per-cent better performance compared to its predecessor and enables users to enjoy fully immersive gameplay with realistic graphics.

The device also sports an enhanced LPDDR5 with 6400 Mbps theoretical speed along with UFS 3.1 flash memory which loads apps and games significantly faster, offering a flagship-level experience.

Supported by 44W FlashCharge technology, the iQOO Z5 is packed with a massive 5000mAh battery. The device can charge up to 50% in just 23 minutes, reducing charging time to match the fast-paced lifestyles of modern-day smartphone users. The iQOO Z5 also features Extended RAM 2.0 made possible by Multi-Turbo, which can extend a part of the memory to be used as extra RAM. This feature effectively allows 8GB RAM to be extended to 12GB – resulting in enhanced overall performance. This allows applications to run simultaneously with minimal lag and makes them start faster too.

The iQOO Z5 is designed to provide an unparalleled experience to E-sports enthusiasts. For starters, the iQOO Z5 features an advanced 16.93 cm (6.67-inch) display with 120Hz refresh rate that helps users in achieving more detailed and smooth visuals during gameplay.

The iQOO Z5 also houses the #FullyLoaded flagship Liquid Cooling System, with a total heat dissipation area of 28837mm2 which can efficiently reduce the surface temperature of your mobile during heavy-duty gaming scenarios and deliver a lag-free gaming experience.

Offering the best in segment performance, the iQOO Z5 has an ultra-responsive screen with a 240Hz Touch Sampling Rate. With this rate, the touch IC collects 240 frames of finger touch information per second and the touch signals are collected every 4.17 ms for lightning-fast user input reactivity..

iQOO Z5 adapts a Z-axis Linear Motor perpendicular to the front screen to provide faster response along with stronger & straightforward 4D Game vibration for better haptics. The Linear Motor vibrates back and forth to deliver an excellent vibration experience when the phone is held horizontally with both hands.

iQOO Z5 features surround sound with dual speakers to provide an enhanced audio experience while playing games or watching videos with a wider 3-D sound field iQOO Z5 has a has Ultra Game Mode 2.0, which helps in easy switching between “Monster mode”, “balanced” and “Power Saving” mode while optimizing the user interface.

The device also comes with a 3D curved design having a frosted texture on the back which is ergonomically designed to better fit into the palm of your hands and provide a better grip coupled with an elegant appearance. All these features ensure that iQOO Z5 is running at its optimum when users are amidst an exciting e-sport battle.

The iQOO Z5 is equipped with a triple rear camera system, featuring 64MP AF main camera, 8 MP wide-angle camera and a 2MP macro camera. The impressive 64MP AF main camera is supported by the GW3 sensor which automatically optimizes your photos to produce the best results possible across all the scenarios.

The 8MP wide-angle camera s offers 120° wider view and the 2 MP super macro camera captures up to 4 cm closeup shots. The device also features a Super Night Mode, which adds depth to your pictures and specialized night filters to deliver a bright and clear image during night scenes.

iQOO Z5 also supports Dual View Video which allows users to record both the details of a subject and the view around, displaying both the close-up and wide-angle views at the same time.

Byju’s appoints Puneet Bhirani as senior Vice President for operations

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Byju’s today announced the appointment of Puneet Bhirani as senior Vice President for operations.

In his role, Puneet will oversee the company’s overall operations strategy as well as build a strong and innovative technological support to scale the business. Given the company’s growth across new products and platforms, he will strengthen internal capacity as per the strategic objectives.

Pravin Prakash, Chief People Officer, Byju’s said, “Puneet brings in a wealth of experience coupled with deep understanding of business operations. We believe his joining will be a great value addition to the team and look forward to supporting him along the way.”

Also Read: MediaTek Days goes live on Amazon

Puneet Bhirani said, “I am extremely excited to be a part of the team that’s redefining the online learning space and making quality education accessible to all students. BYJU’S has displayed disruptive growth over the past 1.5years, and I am looking forward to becoming an integral part of the brand’s upheaval and introducing new practices to continue the seamless momentum of existing processes.”

Before joining Byju’s, Puneet was the Chief Executive officer of Ola Fleet and Group Chief Operating Officer at Ola across mobility, foods, and Ola electric. A CXO with over 24 years of cross-cultural experience across India, the UK, and the US, he brings on board his expertise in business transformation, new business setup & expansion, business development & cost/ resource optimization across various domains. He has won several awards and accolades during his professional career and has helped initiate various philanthropic initiatives across companies. He has also been associated with brands like Ola, Digital Risk, MphasiS, Planet Asia, and Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.

Puneet holds an advanced MBA degree from the University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School and an MBA from S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research.

MediaTek Days goes live on Amazon

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In an effort to educate consumers about MediaTek’s leading position in powering popular brands and their product lines, fabless semiconductor major MediaTek has rolled out a new campaign MediaTek Days on Amazon. The five-day campaign, from September 27 to October 1, is aimed at enabling consumers to choose the best device for their requirements and make informed buying decisions.

MediaTek is a global market leader in chipset technology, powering power-efficient and incredibly intelligent smartphones and smart devices including Smart TVs, Voice Assistant Devices, tablets, wearables, Wi-Fi routers, smart home and IoT devices among others. Focused on bringing great technology to everyone, MediaTek Dimensity 5G Series and MediaTek Helio 4G Series will be under the limelight during MediaTek Days on Amazon. The initiative will also help consumers decide which smartphone is best suited to their personalized requirements, be it advanced photography, optimal gaming, or 5G readiness.

The MediaTek Dimensity series offers incredible performance features like fully integrated 5G, superlative photography and video streaming experience, and incredible gaming, bringing customers bold, progressive and innovative thinking, along with brilliant technology. MediaTek’s Dimensity 5G series powers premium and flagship devices with the Dimensity 1000, 1100 and 1200 families, as well as a range of mainstream devices for the broader global market, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700, 800 and 900 series.

The 4G focused MediaTek Helio family of chips features innovative series such as the MediaTek Helio G (where G Stands for Gaming) is aimed at bringing consumers the best 4G smartphone experience possible.

The MediaTek Days campaign will help end consumers better understand the technology which shapes the incredible experiences they get out of it.

Tech NewsWrap: Google celebrates its 23rd birthday… and more

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Google celebrates its 23rd birthday with a cake doodle

Search giant Google turned 23 today and it celebrated the occasion with a special chocolate-cake themed doodle on its homepage. The Google doodle features a cake with “23” written on top of it, with a birthday candle substituting for “L” in “Google.” Google doodles which commemorate important events in history or celebrate iconic personalities of the past, are known for their inventiveness and vibrancy. The popular firm has its headquarters in Mountain View, California, nicknamed ‘the Googleplex’.

Realme Narzo 50A, 50i launched in India

Realme Narzo 50A and Realme Narzo 50i smartphones have been launched in India alongside the Realme Band 2 fitness band and Smart TV Neo 32-inch. The Realme Narzo 50A is a more premium model of the two. Both the new smartphones run Android 11 operating system and come with dual SIM support. Realme Narzo 50A comes in two variants 4GB + 64GB and 4GB + 128GB priced at Rs 11,499 and Rs 12,499 respectively. On the other hand, the Realme Narzo 50i comes in two variants 2GB + 32GB and 4GB + 64GB priced at Rs 7,499 and Rs 8,499 respectively.

OPPO K9 Pro with MediaTek Dimensity 1200 launched

OPPO has launched its latest K-series smartphone – the K9 Pro – in its home country. The mid-range smartphone packs some pretty impressive features found in premium mid-range devices and at an affordable price tag. The latest device comes with a 120Hz AMOLED display, a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset, triple rear cameras, and 60W fast charging support. The OPPO K9 Pro starts at CNY 2,199 (roughly Rs 25,000) and will be available for purchase from September 30 onward.

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

Xiaomi teases its Watch Color 2

Xiaomi has officially teased its upcoming smartwatch – the Color Watch 2. The new wearable is confirmed to launch on September 27 in its home country. The company has shared a poster that reveals the important details about the upcoming Watch Color 2. The Chinese electronics giant has also confirmed some of the key features of the new smartwatch. It will come with support for multiple watch straps as expected and the company will also offer over 200 dial faces to choose from online.

OPPO Reno6 Pro 5G Diwali Edition launching soon

Oppo is all set to usher in the festive season and ‘Light Up New Beginnings’ with customers across India. It will launch Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Diwali Edition, Oppo F19s Special Edition and the Oppo Enco Buds Blue through an innovative #ASKOPPO Festive Launch Show on September 27. The handset maker will be answering selected questions during the #ASKOPPO Festive Launch Show in the most fun, engaging, and exciting way, that will not only bring cheer but will also enhance the spirits of festivity.

Oppo coming up with Reno 6 Pro 5G Diwali Edition, Enco Buds Blue this festive season

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Handset maker Oppo is all set to usher in the festive season and ‘Light Up New Beginnings’ with customers across India. It will launch Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Diwali Edition, Oppo F19s Special Edition and the Oppo Enco Buds Blue through an innovative #ASKOPPO Festive Launch Show on September 27.

The Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Diwali Edition will come in Majestic Gold colour offering industry leading technologies, such Bokeh Flare Portrait Video, AI Highlight Video and Reno Glow among others. The phone also comes with the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset, 65W SuperVOOC flash charging and ColorOS 11.3.

The F19s is the sleekest 5000mAh battery smartphone with Oppo’s proprietary 33W flash-charging technology. This new Special Edition boasts a new AG design that looks plush. Its smooth fingerprint-resistant surfaces provide best in-hand feel with its ergonomic design that is sleek and light-weight.

Also Read: Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G Review: A stylish performer with outstanding cameras

The Oppo Enco Buds, launched this month, will now also be available in Blue colour. The new TWS allows true wireless freedom and high-quality concert-like audio. It provides 24-hour battery life with AI-based call noise-cancellation technology and built for users who want to upgrade from their wired- and traditional Bluetooth earphones to their first truly wireless earbuds.

Oppo will provide a golden opportunity to the fans and customers to connect directly with brand and ask questions, using the #AskOPPO hashtag on social media channels. Oppo will be answering selected questions during the #ASKOPPO Festive Launch Show on September 27 in the most fun, engaging, and exciting way, that will not only bring cheer but will also enhance the spirits of festivity.