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World Esports Cup: Rap song featuring top Indian teams to lit up Global Finals Clash

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As the inaugural edition of the World Esports Cup 2021 (WEC ’21) enters the business end, a video of India’s top Free Fire teams challenging the oppositions through a rap song clocked over 10 million views across the social media channels, including more than 5 million-plus views so far on India Today Gaming (ITG) YouTube channel.

WEC ’21, the premier tri-nation tournament, has been witnessing an intense competition in presence of top esports teams from India, Pakistan and Nepal.

A high-octane one-minute rap video, which featured top Free Fire teams such as Total Gaming (30 million subscribers), Desi Gamers (12.4 million), Assassins Army (4.8 million), Helping Gamer (7.7 million), Telugu Gaming (1.5 million) went viral in no time as it became an instant hit among the esports players and community.

Also Read | World Esports Cup sees phenomenal response with close to 1.2 million registrations

“As much as this tournament has brought the best gamers together under one roof from across the South East Asian region, wherein they are not only competing and giving it all to feature themselves among the best in the business, we at ITG also wanted to create something unique to recognise and promote them among the larger audience in India. Hence, we came up with this idea to create a song, something that has not been done before and will help to showcase top gamers and their characters globally,” said Vishwalok Nath, Director, World Esports Cup.

The lyrics are penned by Gypsy Soul while the young Indian rapper, Jordan Ranjan Sharma has lent his voice for this video. It has also received an overwhelming response on Facebook with 2.2M views as well as 2M views on Instagram handle of ITG.

Today, after the India finals, representing their own country, four qualified teams each from India, Pakistan, and Nepal will fight for the WEC ’21 title at the global finals, scheduled from January 10 to January 14, 2022. The inaugural edition of the WEC ’21 with smartphone maker Infinix smartphones as the title sponsor has a prize pool of INR 75 lakh and the fans can watch the thrilling live action and support their favourite teams on India Today Gaming YouTube channel along with the YouTube and Facebook handles of India Today and Aaj Tak as well as on their websites.

Also Read: Crossbeats’ latest Ignite S4 marks a new era in smartwatch innovation

Crossbeats’ latest Ignite S4 marks a new era in smartwatch innovation

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After a year full of innovative launches across wearable, TWS and audio segments, Indian consumer technology brand Crossbeats today announced Ignite S4, marking a new era in smartwatch innovation. An essential upgrade to its predecessor, Ignite S4 is Crossbeats’ most intuitive smartwatch bolstered with advanced hardware performance to deliver a connected and seamless experience to users. Further strengthening its position as a fast-growing D2C brand, Crossbeats launch of Ignite S4 is exclusively on crossbeats.com at an introductory price of Rs 4,999.

In a statement about the company’s first offering in 2022, Crossbeats co-founder Archit Agarwal said, “In addition to donning an industry-leading display, our latest smartwatch comes with a few all-new health-related features like Blood Glucose tracking. Alongside health, adequate attention has been paid to the lifestyle element associated with smartwatches. Ignite S4 allows location sharing and is completely voice assistant enabled. Upping the ante as compared to its predecessor, the timepiece offers split screen display, triple theme and customizable widgets.”

He further said that the watch also has a larger 1.8-inch IPS HD display, 3D curved screen and hosts a lot of smart features in three unique colour variants – Forest green, Oxford blue, and Coal black. Crossbeats Ignite S4 is loaded with 18 primary watch faces along with an in-built Multisport training feature. It has a robust battery that offers up to three days of battery life.

This comes just months after the homegrown consumer technology brand launched the Ignite Pro series, which comprised Ignite S3 Pro – an industry first affordable Bluetooth calling smartwatch with split screen and wallet features – and Ignite Pro – an entry level smartwatch with the biggest screen in the segment.

Top Five Learning Apps for K12 Kids

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Here is the list of top five fun and engaging mobile applications for kids used by millions of parents to help educate and entertain young minds.

Khan Academy Kids

This junior version of the educational Khan Academy targets young learners from 2 to 7 years old. It’s a mobile device app that covers math, English language arts, logic, and socio-emotional learning by using books, games, songs, and videos. Activities include multiple-choice questions, logic games, storytime, and free drawing. The program is aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes and Common Core State standards. It includes thousands of lessons, activities, books, and games that are age-appropriate for preschool through second grade. With catchy songs and yoga videos, your little ones will also have fun moving, dancing, and getting the wiggles out.

Creative Galileo- Little Singham: Kids Early Learning App

India’s first-of-its-kind character-based e-learning app offers a gamified multi-verse to accelerate learning in an engaging manner using familiar and well-known characters to build strong foundational skills. The early learning platform focuses on the development of numeracy, language, and literacy, motor, and social skills besides building creative expression and curiosity.  Every game and video within the app is a research-based activity tailored to stimulate the brain of kids to make them more responsive and improve their reflexes. With over 4 million downloads of the e-learning app, Creative Galileo has tie-ups with Big Animation, Amar Chitra Katha, Periwinkle, Shermaroo, Toonz Animation, and others, providing content, gamification, and interactive learning journeys for children. The app, which is designed to be child and parent-friendly, has an easy onboarding process. For parents, it has a parent zone, where they can select specific topics for their children to focus on and helps track the child’s progress.

BYJU’S – The Learning App

The app is designed to help students practice, learn and understand concepts in an in-depth and easy-to-grasp manner. Students can also try the comprehensive online tutoring program, BYJU’S Classes on the app. This program features online classes, live doubt-resolution, and one-on-one mentoring to help students learn better. The app covers Math, Physics, Chemistry and Biology for classes 4–12, and has recently introduced Social Studies for classes 6–8 as well.

Toppr

Toppr provides a wide range of courses to K12 students. Toppr is an online learning app personalized for CBSE, ICSE and state board students. The app provides a wide range of study materials like NCERT Solutions, Previous Year Question Papers, CBSE Notes, Important Questions, and a wide range of syllabus from CBSE Board, ICSE, and State Boards. Toppr Live class aims at personalizing learning for millions of children by giving them direct access to India’s best teachers

Kiddopia

Kiddopia is a dynamic app that runs the gamut of early education and teaches a huge variety of skills to kids of younger ages. It covers everything from Math, Language Skills, GK, and Social Skills to Creativity and Self-expression, all the while engaging kids with its stunning visuals as well as fun and exciting gameplay. Kiddopia is a subscription based app.

Noise sold 30,000 units of ColorFit Caliber within 60 minutes of its launch

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Homegrown brand Noise registered the sale of 30,000 units of its newly launched smartwatch – Noise ColorFit Caliber within 60 minutes. It is Noise’s debut smartwatch with body temperature monitoring and was launched at an introductory price of INR 1,999 on January 6, 2022 on its official website and Flipkart.

Noise ColorFit Caliber smartwatch has a premium look with a flat-edge design, was launched in five colors variants such as Metal Black, Lime Green, Pearl White, Midnight Blue and Classic Red. ColorFit Caliber has a 1.69-inch TFT LCD with 240×280 pixels and offers the longest battery life in the segment with longevity of up to 15 days. The device is currently completely sold out and will be available for the sale again soon.

The smartwatch offers the longest battery life in the segment with longevity of up to 15 days. It has 60 sports modes to give more opportunities for fitness activities. The watch is equipped with Noise Health Suite that offers a Blood oxygen monitor, 24*7 heart rate monitor, stress monitor, sleep monitor, temperature sensor among other prominent features. ColorFit Caliber is also powered with IP68 water-resistant for uninterrupted workouts sessions. It also quick replies to texts and calls for Android users. The users can amp up their look with this stylish smartwatch that has 150+ cloud-based and customizable watch faces.

Also Read: Fire-Boltt Ninja 2, an affordable smartwatch to aide health and lifestyle launched at Rs 1,899

Fire-Boltt Ninja 2, an affordable smartwatch to aide health and lifestyle launched at Rs 1,899

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Fire-Boltt, the undisputed leader in the Indian wearable space that made it to the top in 2021, owing to its back-to-back smartwatch launches, has in the New Year unveiled its latest offering – Ninja 2 – an upgrade from its predecessor and the brand’s most affordable timepiece till date Ninja. Fire-Boltt Ninja 2, which comes in three elegant-yet-vibrant colour options – blue, pink and black – is currently available at an introductory price of Rs 1,899, exclusively on leading ecommerce platform Amazon.

The smartwatch from the house of homegrown Fire-Boltt is loaded with 1.3-inch full touch display, ensuring a 240×240 pixels display. In an industry first feature, Ninja 2 is equipped with as many as 30 unique and different sports modes such as cycling, badminton, running, cricket, kabaddi and aerobics, among others. This is in addition to the multiple watch faces that can be customized to go with the attire or one’s personality.

Talking about how Ninja 2 is a complete health suit in itself, Fire-Boltt co-founders Aayushi and Arnav Kishore said, “While we have added host of new lifestyle features, we have focused on making Ninja 2 – one of our flagship affordable offerings – a health suite in itself. It tracks your heart rate, monitors sleep and also takes stock of the blood oxygen level. Further laced with features like meditative breathing and female health care, this smartwatch is designed to cater to those who might not want to burn a hole in their pocket, yet desire a companion to keep them aware about their health and aide their lifestyle.”

The IP68-certified waterproof smartwatch also boasts of smart in-built features like alarm, stopwatch, multiple watch faces, smart notifications and weather updates. Besides, its powerful battery prevents the watch from running out of power for 7 consecutive days while offering a standby time of 25 days.

CES 2022: TCL wins Top Innovation Awards

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TCL Electronics has been recognized by TWICE, Asia Digital Group, and Europe Digital Group for its technological accomplishments exhibited at Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center, from January 5-7, 2022.

TCL won the ‘Innovation Award of Mini LED Display Technology’ for its TCL OD Zero Mini LED 8K TV X925 PRO; ‘The Most innovative Award of The Year’ for its TCL NXTWEAR AIR and the ‘Eye Protection Innovation Award of The Year’ for its TCL NXTPAPER 10s.

The awards were given out as part of the Global Top Brands Award Ceremony sponsored by TWICE, Asia Digital Group, and Europe Digital Group, held on January 6th and were chosen by a jury of global experts and influential media.

TCL’s X925PRO is the first TV with third-generation Mini LED backlights and OD ZeroTM display technology. The 85-inch 8K Mini SLED powered TV delivers revolutionary optics and immersive audio in an ultra-thin design and comes with Google TVTM for all your personalization needs. It also delivers a room-defining listening experience thanks to its powerful Onkyo-tuned drivers that create a premium soundstage with Dolby Atmos 3D audio processing for sound that surrounds.

Also Read | CES 2022: TCL showcases the thinnest 85-inch 8K MiniLED TV along with display innovations

TCL NXTWEAR AIR is the next generation of wearable display glasses. It offers a portable cinematic experience with a 140-inch equivalent screen from 4 meters away. It levels up users’ viewing experience from movie watching, mobile gaming, remote office, perfect for commuters. At only 75g with standard lens, the NXTWEAR AIR comes with two exchangeable front lens, prioritizing both comfort and personal style.

The TCL NXTPAPER 10s is designed specifically with a focus on eye protection. Blue right reduction is front and center, with the feature built directly into both the tablet’s software and hardware. Its paper-like display design utilizes 10 layers of protection to retain natural colours, setting an industry standard. The display is TÜV certified and reduces blue light through the screen by over 50%. Users will also enjoy clear viewing from any angle due to the display’s anti-glare finish.

Also Read: OckyPocky: Early learning redefined

Truke kickstarts 2022 with the launch of AirBuds Lite, BTG3 at Rs 1,399

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Emerging audio brand Truke has launched two new TWS earbuds – AirBuds Lite and BTG3, which sport similar features but different designs. BTG3 will be available on both Amazon and Flipkart and AirBuds Lite will be available on Flipkart only. Both the products are priced at Rs 1,399.

AirBuds Lite and BTG-3 offer a best-in-class gaming experience with a specialized gaming mode and ultra-low latency up to 55ms. Both the products are super-charged with Empirical technology that promises 2X energy efficiency, 2X transmission speed, and 1.8X reliable connection.

Additionally, they come with AI-powered Deep Neural Network Call Noise Cancellation technology, which enhances the calling quality even in a noisy environment. Decked with Bluetooth 5.1, the auto play/pause music feature allows users to use the High-Precision Contact Sensor that detects the wearing status of the device and automatically plays the music once the buds are on ears. The in-ear detection can be turned on/off by tapping 3 times on left earbud as per customer fondness.

Pankaj Upadhyay, CEO, Truke India, said, “2021 was a successful year for us where we launched multiple products throughout the year. These products were not only well received by the stakeholder and customers, but also, helped us capture a significant market share in the TWS segment. We are delighted to kick start 2022 with this launch where we are introducing our new TWS series, AirBuds, along with the launch of the next product in our gaming-centric ‘Born To Game (BTG)’ TWS series. We are confident that our customers will like both the products that come with high-end features at an affordable price.”

Interestingly, both the earbuds come with two play modes, music, and gaming. The gaming mode enables the low latency feature which enhances the surround sound experience, whereas in the music mode user can enjoy the music without any disturbance. BTG3 will be available in two colour variants, Black and Red, while AirBuds Lite will be available in Black and Blue colours.

BTG 3 sports a customized game core chipset with high performance and enhanced sound quality. The compact case design with ergonomic in-ear pieces pack in 48 hours playtime, 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, and an additional 38 hours with a 300mAh charging case.

Furthermore, the earbuds are backed with cinematic sound experience with 10mm 32? titanium drivers that extend High Dynamics, High Sensitivity, and High Fidelity. Savor the best of new-age technology with HD quality calling experience even in a noisy environment.

OckyPocky: Early learning redefined

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Each child perceives the world anew. They are eager to learn and explore the environment around them. But, is the environment safe for them to explore freely? A lot of kids consume edutainment content across different apps such as YouTube, which have a volley of different content – not all suited to kids.

As a parent myself, I set out to look for an app that my child could use independently without my assistance. Not just this, I needed a platform that gave equal weightage to having fun and learning. This is when I came across OckyPocky by WhizKidz Media.

The app comes with a vision to help parents of small-town kids who face challenges with English speaking. The app bridges the gap for ‘Bharat’ thereby building a better foundation for its future generations at a stage where it really matters, which assists children with their English learning needs using AI/NLP behind the screens.

This app was created by ex-YouTube head, entrepreneur and dad (times two) Amit Agarwal, and allows kids to have fun, learn and grow all at once. This interactive learning app is exactly what several parents are looking for. A hassle-free destination that can be used by kids all alone in a safe environment without parental assistance.

The best part? OckyPocky promises to teach your kids English in a fun and interactive way through gamification. Fun videos, stories, and activities await your child on the app. Through all the enjoyable moments they’ll spend on this platform, they will also learn over 2,000 words of English, creating a solid foundation for their future.

Getting started

Once you have installed the application, you’ll be welcomed by a fun jingle and will get the option to choose from English, Hindi or Marathi. Once you’ve selected your preferred language, you’re introduced to OckyPocky – your kid’s new best friend. Enter your child’s name and age, and that’s it, let the uniquely enjoyable learning experience begin!

The top left corner of the screen will take you to the Parent Corner, where you can edit your child’s info, choose language, check notifications, and see your rank. Here, you’ll also find the customer service tab. The top right corner allows you to stop or start the background music.

Now you can either visit the First Words section or the Videos section. Within First Words, you’ll find activities such as Matching, Read, Listen & Learn, and Speak. The Videos tab will take you to a host of options, including Alphabets, Animals, Body Parts, Colours, Shapes, Activities, and several others.

Top USPs and Features

Safe Learning Experience: This app is KidSAFE Seal Certified and is designed for kids from Grade 1 to Grade 8. Parental control helps to set a timer lock which will make sure the kids are using limited screen time.

Technologically superior learning process: OckyPocky is a great app that leverages AI, NLP, and other innovative technologies to enable an interactive learning experience for children. OckyPocky will literally listen to your child pronouncing words and then provide real-time feedback on their efforts. There can be nothing better for a parent. Further, a Magical Proprietary Algorithm detects your child’s interest and shows the related videos.

High level of customization: You can add multiple children to the dashboard and change age, gender, and language settings for each of them. OckyPocky provides age-appropriate videos, stories, and activities created by a team of experts who are also mothers. So, you’ll always find relevant content. Plus, there is also a Galactic Mind Map which shows what characters, cartoons or rhymes your child has been watching and monitors his evolution. You can download your kid’s favourite videos, which they could watch offline.

Learning in the mother tongue: Kids learning English in their mother tongue is a unique concept that has huge potential. This will allow kids to learn English comfortably and retain the concepts much faster and better. Children can learn in English, Hindi, or Marathi.

User-friendly and interactive UI/UX: From the colours to the sounds, everything about OckyPocky is inviting and interesting for the kids. It will never get boring or dull, and children can enjoy hours of independent learning. There is a co-watch zone where parents can watch interactive and activity videos with their kids.

Conclusion

In conclusion, OckyPocky checks all the boxes that a parent could think of. It is a highly useful app that is created with an in-depth understanding of DIY and gamification and can transform your child’s early learning experience. For me, OckyPocky is now the first choice for English learning and edutainment content consumption.

Tech NewsWrap: Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G debuts in India… and more

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Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G debuts in India

Xiaomi India launched another series of premium smartphones – Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge with 120W HyperCharge technology and Xiaomi 11i with 67W Turbocharge technology. Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge is India’s first smartphone to launch with the company’s proprietary 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge technology. The industry-leading technology will enable a 100% charge in just 15 minutes. The Hypercharge technology deploys a combination of innovations across the battery, charging circuit and the charger.

Samsung showcases new types of foldable displays at CES 2022

Samsung showcased four foldable display technologies at CES 2022, including three new panels that could feature in smartphones, and a display that could be used in a foldable laptops. The company revealed its Flex S, Flex G, and Flex Slidable panels aimed at smartphones, along with the Flex Note panel that could make its way to keyboard-less laptops with foldable displays. However, Samsung is yet to reveal any plans to turn these concept devices into retail products.

Infinix Note 11, Note 11S getting extended RAM

With the latest OTA update, the Infinix Note 11 series featured a brand new feature having extended RAM technology, which allows the phones RAM to be boosted. In Note 11s (8GB+128GB), the device’s RAM will be boosted by 3GB – from 8GB to 11GB. Similarly, in Note 11s (6GB+64GB), the RAM will be boosted by 1GB – from 6GB to 7GB. And, in Note 11 (4GB+64GB), device’s RAM will be boosted by 1GB – from 4GB to 5GB. Extended RAM technology means that a part of the ROM will be used to work as RAM when the RAM is not sufficient to ensure smooth performance.

Instagram announces three new feed options

Instagram was planning to bring back a chronological feed option for long. Now, the head of Instagram Adam Mosseri announced that the app is rolling out for some users the ability to switch between different feeds. The social media platform is finally starting to test the new implementation and that it has already reached some users. The company will launch three different views on the user’s home screen, with two of them giving you the option to see posts in chronological order.

Also Read: Indian Telecom users to enjoy Autopay via UPI for the first time with Jio

Indian Telecom users to enjoy Autopay via UPI for the first time with Jio

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National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Jio have announced that UPI Autopay has now been introduced for the telecom industry with Jio. Hundreds of millions of Jio customers can now set standing instructions on the MyJio App using UPI Autopay for their favorite tariff plans and enjoy hassle-free recharging experience. Jio’s integration with UPI Autopay has made it the first player in the telecom industry to go live with the unique e-mandate feature that was launched by NPCI.

What this means for Jio users:

  • Jio users will no longer need to remember their date of recharge once the validity ends.
  • The Jio plan opted by the users would be auto renewed on the set date.
  • For recharge amounts up to INR 5000, customers do not even have to enter the UPI PIN on the execution of the recharge.
  • Users can also create, modify as well as remove the e-mandate for the tariff plans as per their requirements through UPI Autopay.

Kunal Kalawatia, Chief of Products, NPCI said, “We are glad to associate with Jio and witness UPI Autopay venturing into the ever-evolving telecom sector. We believe our collaboration will change the way Jio customers experience renewal of their mobile tariff plans. With UPI Autopay, it’s our constant endeavor at NPCI to provide an extra layer of comfort and convenience to all the customers for their recurring spends and payments. We believe that this integration will drive a favorable customer sentiment about seamless and automated recurring payments.”

Kiran Thomas, Director, Jio said, “The combination of Jio’s superior prepaid and postpaid plans and UPI Autopay will now be available to every Jio user. Jio users will no longer need to remember their recharge renewal date or bill payment date and perform manual payments. This will enable an Always-On service experience for every Jio prepaid user.”

Also Read: One Impression raises investment from marquee investors in strategic round