Your Tech Story

Roshni Ankola

I am a second-year student pursuing Liberal Arts from Nmims. I am a painter, I love reading and have a great interest in cooking. I am also a trained kickboxer. I've always had a passion for writing and hence in my free time, I work as a freelance writer.

Google Pixel 6a

Google Pixel 6a Launched In India With Tensor Chipset, Dual Cameras: Check Details.

Google has introduced the Pixel device in India! The Google Pixel 6a has been launched in India, following its initial announcement in May at the Google I/O 2022 developer conference. The Pixel 6a is equipped with Google’s Tensor processor and shares the same aesthetic as the other Pixel 6 series smartphones, including the camera visor. The Google Pixel 6a is the company’s low-cost offering, which debuted at the I/O developer conference in May. Unlike the original Google Pixel 6 series, the brand confirmed it would be launched in India at the time. The Google Pixel 6a is the Pixel 6’s younger brother, with a similar design and in-house Tensor processor. In the meantime, here’s a rundown of the Google Pixel 6a’s estimated India pricing, features, and design.

Features And Specifications

As you may be aware, the Google Pixel 6a has the same design as its premium Pixel 6 brothers. A camera visor runs the full width of the phone, there’s a dual-tone color scheme, and a punch-hole selfie camera in the middle of the front. The back panel is plastic, while the frame is aluminum, just like the Pixel 6. The panel has a resolution of 2400 x 1080p, HDR, with Gorilla Glass 3 protection on top. The 6.1-inch OLED screen on the Google Pixel 6a has an FHD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 60Hz. The smartphone is powered by Google’s Tensor chip, which is paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage The Titan M2 security chip, a real chip that encrypts and safeguards all of your passwords and codes, is also integrated into the Google Pixel 6a. A 4,410mAh battery with 18W fast charging capabilities powers the Google Pixel 6a.

The Pixel 6a’s standout feature is Google’s in-house first-generation Tensor chipset, which is based on a 5nm production node. The chipset also has two Cortex-X1 cores running at 2.80 GHz, two Cortex-A76 cores running at 2.25 GHz, and four Cortex-A55 cores running at 1.80 GHz. You also get 6GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage, as well as a Titan M2 security chip and SA/NSA 5G support.

Google Pixel 6a
Image source: tosshub.com

When compared to the Pixel 6, the Pixel 6a’s cameras have been downgraded. A 12.2MP primary camera with OIS and a secondary 12MP camera for ultra-wide pictures are included. The front punch-hole houses an 8MP selfie camera.

The smartphone is powered by a 4,410mAh battery that supports 18W rapid charging. The Pixel 6a ships with Android 12, but it will be one of the first phones to receive the Android 13 update. Google claims that the Pixel 6a will receive at least three major Android OS updates and five years of security patches.

Furthermore, Wi-Fi 6/ 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, dual speakers, USB Type-C, dual-SIM compatibility, IP67 water and dust resistance, and an in-display fingerprint scanner are supported. Google has also made the Pixel Buds Pro available in India for Rs 19,990 in addition to the Pixel 6a.

Price And Availability

The Google Pixel 6a is priced at Rs 43,999 in India for the single 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model. However, the smartphone can be pre-ordered on Flipkart for Rs 39,999, with Google offering a Rs 4,000 discount on Axis Bank Cards and EMI transactions. In addition, if users wish to reduce the price, even more, they may take advantage of a Rs 6,000 exchange offer on any Pixel handset and other select smartphone models. On the purchase of any other smartphone model, a Rs 2,000 exchange bonus is offered.

Beginning on July 28, Flipkart will sell the Pixel 6a in Charcoal and Chalk, and for a limited time, customers can also get the Google Nest Hub 2, Pixel Buds A-Series, and Fitbit Inspire 2 for Rs 4,499 when they buy them with the Pixel 6a.

HP Pavilion Plus 14

HP Pavilion Plus 14, Pavilion x360 14 Launched With Intel 12th-Generation Processor In India.

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 and the Pavilion x360 14 are two new laptops in the company’s Pavilion series that were just introduced, according to an earlier announcement from HP India. The new Pavilion Plus 14 is the slimmest Pavilion laptop ever produced, according to HP, India’s largest laptop OEM by volume. The new laptops include a variety of interesting features in addition to 12th-generation Intel processors. The HP Pavillion series has been updated with new 14-inch variants in India with the release of these new laptops. The 14-inch HP Pavilion Plus and Pavilion x360 laptops have Intel Core processors from the 12th generation. A 5-megapixel camera with HP Presence technology and AI Noise Removal is present on both laptops. The HP Pavilion x360 14-inch laptop, on the other hand, is touted as the brand’s first consumer laptop to include a manual camera shutter so consumers can be sure their camera is private and secure.

Specifications – HP Pavilion Plus

A 14-inch OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio is included with the HP Pavilion Plus laptop. The laptop is equipped with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics and 12th-generation Intel H series CPUs. According to the manufacturer, it comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and has two fans and two heat pipes to optimize airflow whether multitasking, streaming, or playing games.

Additionally, it is stated that the HP Pavilion Plus laptop’s battery life can last up to 9 hours when using HP Command Center, Performance Mode, Balanced Mode, and Power Saver Mode. As previously said, it also includes a pre-installed HP Palette and a 5-megapixel camera with HP Presence technology, featuring AI Noise Removal.

HP Pavilion Plus 14
Image source: www.primebusiness.africa

Specifications – HP Pavilion x360

The HP Pavilion x360 laptop has a 14-inch display and is advertised as the first consumer model from the firm to include a manual camera shutter door. Users can learn about the privacy and security of their cameras thanks to the manual camera shutter door. The laptop is powered by up to Intel Iris Xe Graphics and 12th generation Intel U series CPUs. The Pavilion x360 14-inch laptop runs Windows 11 out of the box and has an HP command center, performance mode, balanced mode, and power saver mode, just like the HP Pavilion Plus 14-inch laptop.

The HP Pavilion x360 14-inch laptop, in contrast to the HP Pavilion Plus, states that its battery life can last up to 8 hours. Additionally, it has a 5-megapixel camera with HP Presence technology, including AI Noise Removal, and a pre-installed HP Palette.

Price And Availability

Priced at Rs. 78,999, the HP Pavilion Plus 14-inch laptop is offered in Natural Silver and Warm Gold color variants. The HP Pavilion x360 14-inch laptop, on the other hand, has a price tag of Rs. 76,999 and is offered in Pale Rose Gold, Natural Silver, and Space Blue color options. On the official websites of HP for Pavilion Plus and Pavilion x360, respectively, you may buy the 14-inch laptops Pavilion Plus and Pavilion x360.

About The Company

HP (Hewlett-Packard) is a worldwide corporation that sells hardware, software, and related business services. PCs and other computing devices, enterprise and industry standard servers, storage devices, networking goods, software, printers, scanners, plotters, and other image tools are all part of the HP product line. The business created handheld calculators, the first commercially distributed data processing system, LaserJet printers, and the Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing (EPIC) architecture (in collaboration with Intel). HP is well-known for its computers as well as its renowned LaserJet and InkJet printers. It provides mobile apps that make printing more mobile and accessible. HP is deeply committed to environmental sustainability. It issues an annual Sustainable Impact report in which it publicly discloses its aims for improvement and the strategies it is employing to promote sustainability.

Truecaller

Truecaller Launches ‘Open Doors’ Inspired From Clubhouse: How it works

Truecaller has released Open Doors, a clubhouse-style private audio communication app. You can start a chat, and your friends will be notified when they can join. When they join, their friends will be notified, and they will be able to join as well. As a result, as you can see, the number of people participating in the chat expands due to the network effect. Truecaller has a large cache and user base to promote this network effect, with over 300 million daily active users. Most certainly, you are one of those users. So, if you’re intrigued about Open Doors, we’ve got the essential information for you right here.

What Is Open Doors?

Open Doors is a free social media program in which players engage with others solely through voice. In that way, it could be regarded as a Clubhouse substitute. True Software Scandinavia AB, the parent firm of Truecaller, Caller ID, and spam prevention service, created it. The app’s user interface is currently available in English, Hindi, Spanish, Latin, and French. In the future, other languages will be introduced. The software provides a communication platform that both existing Truecaller users and new users can use to initiate and join audio chats. These audio discussions will then invite more people through the ‘network effect,’ as Truecaller refers to it.

Truecaller
Image source: static.tnn.in

How does It work?

If you are already a Truecaller user, you may sign in with only one tap, the business says in the news release. A missed call or an OTP will be used to verify your phone number if you don’t enter it first. Additionally, you must allow two permissions: phone permission and contacts permission (for the network effect) (to conduct audio conversations). In case you’re worried, the firm assures you that the other party in the conversation won’t see your phone number. Again, you are free to start and stop a chat whenever you like. Notifications to join the chat will be sent to your friends (contacts), as well as to their friends. A link to someone wanting to join the chat can be shared by anyone participating in it.

Is It Safe?

It’s noteworthy to note that during a chat, only the participants’ names and profile photographs are shown; phone numbers are not displayed. Additionally, users have total control over their personal data because the program only needs two permissions. Other features include the ability to customize who receives notifications when you join a conversation and the ability to respond to what others are saying. Additionally, the app will provide users fine-grained control over how it alerts them to new Open Doors talks.

Both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store will provide Open Doors at no charge. The seamless app experience across both platforms, according to Truecaller, is another boast. The group chats will be moderated by the Open Doors community, but the private talks will remain private and will not be stored anywhere.

Thanks to Truecaller being 13 years in the business, we’ve spent a great deal of time learning about how people communicate. Our new app Open Doors was born out of a simple question – how can we help people make new connections without being intrusive? And this is what we want to do: to bridge the world using the most natural form of communication, our voices.” said Nami Zarringhalam, Co-founder of True Software Scandinavia AB.

Source: digit.in

It’s interesting to see truecaller release this app at a time when others, like clubhouse, seem to have fizzled out and the majority of people use Twitter spaces for similar discussions. Therefore, it will be difficult to remain relevant in a declining industry.

Space Tycoon

Samsung Launches ‘Space Tycoon’ On Metaverse Within The Roblox World.

Samsung Electronics has released a new Roblox experience called Samsung Space Tycoon, which is a virtual playground within the Roblox game universe. Users can develop and play games in the virtual space, as well as share their experiences with Samsung devices with alien beings in space. The business simulation “tycoon” genre can also provide design and functionality cues. According to a message released by Samsung, Space Tycoon was built specifically for Gen Z clients. The service offers a seamless metaverse experience that enables users to create and enjoy their Samsung products.

Through the new virtual experience, customers may also interact with one another. According to Jinsoo Kim, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics’ Corporate Design Center, Space Tycoon is a playground for users to explore the endless possibilities of virtual spaces.

“We wanted to give our Gen Z customers a chance to experience Samsung products in a way they have never done before. We will continue to showcase content that can deliver more meaningful and entertaining digital experiences for both our current and future customers.” Kim added

Source: gadgets360.com

The newly-launched experience has three core play areas and is set in the Samsung Space Station as well as the research laboratory where alien characters perform research on Samsung’s newest items. The ‘Mining Zone’ is for resource acquisition, the ‘Shop’ is for gaming item buying, and the ‘Lab’ is for product manufacture. Players must mine for minerals before using the materials to construct Samsung items in a space factory.

Space Tycoon
Image source: bitcoinist.com

Space Tycoon users may create everything from Samsung Galaxy smartphones to TVs and various home gadgets. In addition, players can purchase game stuff or enhance their current tools. There is also a possibility for innovation by transforming a real-world thing into an in-game product.

“The foldable smartphone Galaxy Z Flip can transform into a bag or a scooter, just as users will be more creative with the Jet Bot vacuum cleaner transforming into a hoverboard or The Sero lifestyle TV transforming into a one-person helicopter,” Samsung explained.

Source: gadgets360.com

Users will have access to over 20 Samsung products in the ‘Shop’ section of the experience. As the player progresses through the stages, the colors of the things change at random.

What is the Metaverse?

A network of three-dimensional virtual environments geared toward social interaction is known as a metaverse. It is defined as a simulated digital environment that employs augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and blockchain, as well as social media principles, to build spaces for rich user interaction that resemble the real world. The term “Metaverse” was coined by science fiction author Neal Stephenson in his book Snow Crash, which describes the meeting of lifelike avatars in realistic 3D environments and other virtual reality scenarios.

Samsung has participated in a number of software experiences focused on gaming and entertainment. The company has been working on a number of initiatives with important partners in the area. One of these is the NFT platform, which was developed in collaboration with Nifty Gateway, a famous NFT marketplace, and would allow the platform to provide its NFTs through Samsung smart TVs.

In addition, the corporation has invested in entities whose primary mission is to create metaverse-based platforms. It participated in the Series A funding round for Doubleme, a Korean metaverse firm, in April. Similarly, in January, the corporation opened its own store in Decentraland, one of the most popular metaverses. The company, however, has not revealed hardware devoted to supporting these experiences, instead focusing on the software side of things. While virtual reality and augmented reality are frequently associated with the metaverse, others remain suspicious of what this term truly entails.

Nothing Phone 1

Nothing Phone 1 Finally Launched In India After Weeks Of Teasers: Check Price and Specifications.

Nothing Phone 1 was unveiled in many places, including India, on Tuesday, after weeks of teasers and hoopla. Nothing’s first smartphone, the Nothing Phone 1, is available in the United Kingdom.

The first smartphone, with a unique design and exceptional technological features, was unveiled at a ceremony in London. The smartphone is a stunner with its unique design and exceptional features, staying true to all of the brand’s teasers.

It boasts a unique design that includes a transparent rear panel. This is to aid the Glyph Interface, which employs LED strips and lets the user choose from a variety of light patterns for notifications and other functions.

Features And Specifications

The dual-SIM (nano) Nothing Phone 1 has a 6.55-inch full-HD+ (1,080×2,400 pixel) OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass protection. It is powered by Android 12. Corning Gorilla Glass is also used on the smartphone’s rear. Additional display characteristics include HDR10+ support, a pixel density of 402 ppi, and a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ SoC powers the device, which can support up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM.

For optics, the Nothing Phone 1 has two 50-megapixel dual cameras. The first 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 sensor sports an f/1.88 aperture lens with optical and electronic image stabilization (OIS and EIS) (EIS). The Samsung JN1 has a 50-megapixel sensor and an ultra-wide-angle lens with a /2.2 aperture. It boasts a field of view of 114 degrees, EIS image stabilization, and a Macro mode. Scene Detection, Panorama Night Mode, Extreme Night Mode, and Expert Mode are among the capabilities available on the phone. For selfies and video calls, a 16-megapixel Sony IMX471 sensor with a /2.45 aperture lens is situated on the front of the device.

Nothing Phone 1
Image source: www.mymobileindia.com

The Nothing Phone 1 has an internal storage capacity of up to 256GB UFS 3.1. Connectivity options include 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6 Direct, Bluetooth v5.2, NFC, GPS/A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, and a USB Type-C connector. A fingerprint sensor embedded into the display, an accelerometer, an electronic compass, a gyroscope, a light sensor, and a proximity sensor are among the onboard sensors. The Nothing Phone 1’s 4,500mAh battery supports 33W conventional charging, 15W Qi wireless charging, and 5W reverse charging.

There are three microphones, twin stereo speakers, IP53 dust and water protection, and facial recognition that works with face coverings on the Nothing Phone 1. Using the Glyph Interface, users may customize the lighting effects for certain contacts and other notifications on the phone’s back. There’s no guarantee it’ll give four years of security patches and three years of Android updates (every 2 months).

Carl Pei, a former OnePlus co-founder, is the forthcoming brand’s co-founder. Nothing made an impression on the worldwide market when it released its debut product, the Ear (1) wireless earphones, in August 2021. The Ear (1) garnered positive feedback for its clear design and efficiency. When used in conjunction with the charging case, Bluetooth earphones are said to have a battery life of up to 34 hours.

Price And Availability

In India, the Nothing Phone 1 8GB RAM + 128GB storage edition costs Rs. 32,999. The entry-level variant with 8GB RAM + 256GB storage costs Rs. 35,999, while the top-tier variant with 12GB RAM + 256GB capacity costs Rs. 38,999. The Nothing Phone 1 will be available in black and white on Flipkart beginning July 21 at 7:00pm.

Nothing is selling the smartphone to people who pre-ordered it for Rs. 31,999 (8GB+128GB), Rs. 34,999 (8GB+256GB), and Rs. 37,999 (12GB+256GB). Customers who pre-order the Nothing Phone 1 can also take advantage of a few promotions. They will receive an Rs. 2,000 HDFC Instant Discount, as well as 3- and 6-months EMI (applicable on credit cards (EMI and full swipe) and debit cards (EMI), exchange offer, and bumped-up exchange on select devices.

Pre-order clients can also get an Rs. 1,000 discount on the 45W power charger and the Nothing Ear 1 TWS earbuds, which are priced at Rs. 1,499 and Rs. 5,999, respectively. These devices are priced at Rs. 2,499 and Rs. 6,999, respectively.

Chromecast

Chromecast With Google TV, 4K HDR Support Launched In India: Check Details.

Google TV and Chromecast were launched in India on Monday. The internet giant’s most recent device supports major streaming services and offers 4K HDR video playback at 60 frames per second (fps). Furthermore, it supports Dolby Vision. A Google Assistant button is included on the voice control for the Chromecast with Google TV. It was initially introduced in the United States in 2020. In India, the new streaming device will compete with the Realme 4K Smart Google TV Stick and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. You can neatly tuck the pebble-shaped Chromecast with a Google TV gadget beneath your television’s screen by plugging it into the HDMI connection at the back of the device. Users can stream 4K HDR content with the gadget at up to 60 frames per second. Additionally, it supports HDMI passthrough of Dolby audio content and Dolby Vision.

Specifications And Features:

Google’s new Chromecast, which works with Google TV, is portable and connects to TVs through HDMI. Customers can access movies, TV shows, apps, subscriptions, and other content through the streaming device.

Dolby Vision and 4K HDR streaming at up to 60 frames per second are available on the most recent Chromecast gadget. An HDMI device may transmit Dolby Audio content. Furthermore, the company is bundling a voice remote with Chromecast for Google TV.

The gadget includes a voice remote with a Google Assistant button that users can use to both find material using voice searches and ask basic queries. The voice remote is made to be easy to grip. If the TV is HDMI-CEC compatible, the device can also be used to control the TV’s power, volume, and input. This can relieve you of the burden of managing many remotes. It includes buttons for entertainment services such as YouTube and Netflix, as well as a Google Assistant button for controlling smart home lights. It also supports a variety of other services, including Zee5, MX Player, Voot, Disney+ Hotstar, Spotify, and others. On top of that, it weighs 118 grams.

Chromecast
Image source: forbes.com

Viewers will be able to receive personalized watch recommendations through Google TV on the new Chromecast depending on their various subscriptions. The For You page on Google TV offers individualized viewing recommendations from a variety of subscriptions depending on what viewers have already seen. Users can save movies and television shows to their Watchlist for subsequent viewing. Users can also create a Watch List of movies and TV shows on their phone or laptop, which will instantly refresh on their TV wherever they are. Additionally, they can add items to the Watchlist from their laptop or phone, and the TV will automatically update with the addition. Users who buy the device can also take advantage of a free, three-month trial of YouTube Premium.

Google Cast with Google TV, competitors like the Realme 4K Smart Google TV Stick, and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max are anticipated.

Availability and price:

The new Chromecast with Google TV is presently available for purchase on Flipkart in India for Rs. 6,399. It is only available in the color Snow. According to Google, it will soon be available in other retail locations.

Customers who use their Flipkart Axis Bank Card may receive up to 5% back on their purchases. Furthermore, Chromecast with Google TV is available through the e-commerce website with free EMIs beginning at Rs. 2,133.

Remember that the $49.99 (Rs. 3900) Chromecast with Google TV was released in the United States in September 2020.