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July 2019

Vivo has announced its Z5 smartphone at an event in China for a price of CNY 1,598 which is approximately Rs 16,000. The device is nearly similar to the Vivo Z1 Pro which was announced a while back in India except for few design elements.

Vivo Z5 with Snapdragon 712, triple-camera setup launched in China starting at CNY 1,598

Vivo Z5.

Coming now to the specs of the Vivo Z5, the smartphone happens to have a 19.5:9 display which is 6.38-inch in size and comes with a waterdrop-style notch design instead of the punch-hole camera seen on the Z1 Pro. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 712 SoC which is the same as seen on the Z1 Pro although the Z5 happens to have a variant with 8 GB of RAM which is not present on the former. Storage options for the device happen to go up to 256 GB.

In terms of optics, the Vivo Z5 has the same 48 MP + 12 MP + 5 MP triple camera setup as the Z1 Pro which consists of a primary lens, telephoto lens and an ultra-wide lens. The front of the device is the same 32 MP sensor again with fixed focus and an f/2.0 aperture. The phone will run on Android 9.0 Pie-based FunTouch OS, which is Vivo’s proprietary skin.

Connectivity options for the device include 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/ A-GPS, Micro-USB with OTG support, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Apart from that for authentication purposes, the device has an in-display fingerprint sensor as well. The device will go on sale starting from today in China while the higher end 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage variant will be selling from 8 August onwards.

Find our entire collection of stories, in-depth analysis, live updates, videos & more on Chandrayaan 2 Moon Mission on our dedicated #Chandrayaan2TheMoon domain.

For many people this type of software is absolutely priceless! Here we will explain why cloud storage software is so popular, and also give some top recommendations!

Essentially, finding the best cloud storage software can be a complete game changer. It takes away A LOT of stress when it comes to storing and accessing your data.

But what actually is cloud storage software? Ok, so ‘cloud storage’ is where data can be stored on remote servers and accessed from the internet, or ‘the cloud’ if you will.

Your cloud storage service provider will then maintain and manage your files, thanks to servers built on virtualisation methods.

The best examples of this type of software will keep your data secure and enable the mass sharing of files.

We’re going to talk you through four of our favourites – DropBox, Degoo, SugarSync and Yandex Disc – in this post. But before we do that, it’s important to fully understand how cloud storage can provide you with great results.

How does cloud storage software work?

To be fair, a lot of us just sign up to these types of software and don’t question the science behind them. But, how does cloud storage software actually work?

You probably know the basics. It allows your device to send or retrieve files online, from a remote data server. This same data is usually found on more than one server, so that if one server is down you can still retrieve your files.

According to Techopedia, cloud storage works through data center virtualisation. Virtual storage architecture, which is scalable and easy to navigate, is then created.

More often than not a web-based API, that is remotely implemented through its interaction with the client application’s in house storage infrastructure, is how cloud storage data operates.

Cloud Storage Software can have big advantages.

Cloud Storage Software can be a handy tool to acquire.

It’s also known as utility storage when delivered through a public service provider. Meanwhile private cloud storage can often provide enhanced flexibility and scalability, with restricted access.

How can cloud storage software work for you?

With anything there is, of course, positives and negatives. Cloud Storage Software, perhaps, has a equal number on both sides of the argument.

Firstly, let’s look on the bright side! With cloud storage software you will notice the value of offsite management. With someone else physically maintaining your documents your team can turn their attention to other priorities.

Connectivity and backup speed are also major advantages, and in many cases scalability and rapid deployment are also like gold dust.

Overall you should also enjoy a lower upfront cost, though lifetime costs could rack up. Security is something to be wary of. Download and data transfer speeds can be hampered from time to time too, especially if there is a lot of call for the servers.

Enterprise Storage has also taken a look at the debate. The team say: “Like actual clouds, the answer is seldom black and white.”

So, what are my options?

If you are considering using cloud storage software, you’ve come to the right place! There are of course some very big names in the world of cloud storage, like Dropbox, or Google Backup and Sync.

Yet there is also a growing number of lesser known, but promising, applications – like FluffyApp, Mozy Home and NetDrive to name a few. We’ve brought them all together nicely at FileHippo.com, be sure to check out our cloud storage software catalogue!

Speaking of top cloud storage, we’re now going to talk you through four of our favourites!

DropBox

Key features include:

  • Cross-platform compatible.
  • Easy file sharing.
  • Secure encryption.
  • Automatic sync.
  • Seamless app integration.
  • Security features.
  • Business and individual accounts.
  • Advanced features.

Let’s get the obvious one out there! When a lot of people hear ‘cloud storage’ they automatically think of DropBox.

This incredibly useful cloud-based file storage and sharing program lets you access your files from practically any device with an internet connection.

With Dropbox, you can store all your files and access them from anywhere. Your changes will automatically sync across all your devices, so you’ll always have access to the latest versions and can pick up exactly where you left off.

Whether you’re working alone or as part of a team, you’ll be able to store, share and collaborate on your files as and when you want to. Dropbox has a range of individual and business plans to choose from if you’re looking for more than the standard free document storage solution.

Overall, Dropbox is one of the most popular and recognisable cloud storage services available. It integrates seamlessly with a range of everyday tools to improve your workflow, and paid plans unlock a great range of advanced features for businesses and individuals.


How To Verified Your Instagram Account?

As you have seen blue checkmark to some of Instagram profiles, it means that the account is verified by Instagram.

The verification on Instagram ensures that people can find the genuine account when they search for a particular celebrity or influencer.

The blue check mark has shown verified profile, there are many Instagram accounts are fake, so if you want that your friends does not follow your fake account, you need to follow some steps.

Step 1:  Go to your profile on Instagram

Step 2: Tap at the “Menu” option at the top right corner

Step 3: Choose the “Settings” option displayed at the bottom

Step 4: Go to the “Account” option

Step 5: Now tap on “Request verification”

Step 6: Write your full name where asked

Step 7: Select the category of your Instagram account. It can be News/Media, Sports, Government/Politics, Music, Fashion, Entertainment, Blogger/Influencer, Business/Brand/Organisation and Other

Step 8: You have to submit a government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, national identification card or business tax filing, business utility bill, article of incorporation)

Step 9: Then you hit the “Send” button

After this, you will be notified by Instagram that they are are going to take to review your request.

There are times when you do not want to share your contact number with maybe a cab driver or an online retail website or a consumer outlet. One common way people keep their personal number private is by keeping two different contact numbers with different SIMs, which is not very convenient. And so, a Mumbai-based Cloud Communications Service Provider — Route Mobile — has found a solution to this problem in the form of an Instant Virtual Number (IVN), which does not require a separate device or a sim.

What is Instant Virtual Number?

An instant virtual number is a temporary number that you can use when you don’t want to give out your personal number. This number will look like a regular contact number and a user can get it on the basis of monthly fee subscription from Route Mobile. Users will be able to set time as to when they want to use the IVN and when they want to use their own personal number.

How to get your own Instant Virtual Number (IVN)

Image: Pixabay.

Users will be able to differentiate between the two numbers and can even switch between the two whenever required. You will need to add a prefix to the number given by the operator that will help you distinguish between the two numbers.

Why will I need an Instant Virtual Number?

This virtual number can help you control as to who can have your personal number and who cannot. For example, if you have put up an advertisement and given your IVN as the contact number, you will be able to distinguish when someone calls on that number and when someone calls on your personal number. People can also use this number to keep their personal and professional life away from each other.

How does it work?

Rajdip Gupta, Managing director and CEO of Route Mobile told us, “The first thing to note is that IVN is not directly related to cloud computing. The second point is that every operator has their Business Subsystem (BSS)- wherein an individual’s existing number is already stored and other operations like CRM, an individual’s billing model, revenue management, and so on take place. When an individual subscribes for an IVN this new number immediately gets stored to the operator’s Business Subsystem along with their already existing primary number. Route Mobile has created this Application Programming Interface (API)  that generates this IVN, which is deployed to the operator’s network.”

How can you get your own Instant Virtual Number?

Step 1: Dial the USSD number (provided by your operator)from your smartphone

Step 2: All the terms and conditions will appear on your device’s screen, read it thoroughly

Step 3: Tap on Accept and you will receive a temporary contact number via SMS

Step 4: You can use this number on WhatsApp, Paytm and so on. If you change the device or discontinue your primary number, you will lose your IVN also.

Now you can make calls or text others via your instant virtual number anytime you want. You can also easily switch back to your primary number whenever required.

Find our entire collection of stories, in-depth analysis, live updates, videos & more on Chandrayaan 2 Moon Mission on our dedicated #Chandrayaan2TheMoon domain.

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There were rumors that traveled in the market recently that Xiaomi is going to shut down its sub-brand Poco and might replace it with Redmi since it is doing really well these days. Several tech analysts also agreed that we might have to say bye-bye to Poco soon. This was being speculated because the company recently launched Redmi K20 and Redmi K20 Pro (Review) that fall in the same price bracket that was supposed to be for Poco smartphones. But could these rumours of discontinuation be false?

Xiaomi is now reportedly working on launching its another Poco smartphone in the market. This smartphone is expected to be the successor to Poco F1 (Review) and might be called Poco F2. A tipster recently tweeted saying that Xiaomi is working on Poco F2 that will come with an AMOLED display.

Xiaomis Poco F2 leaks suggest phone might sport a water drop notch AMOLED display

Poco F1. Image: Tech2

According to a report by Slashleaks, the smartphone will come with a waterdrop notch. An image of the screen guard of the device was spotted by the company which led to the leak.

Image: Slashleaks.

Image: Slashleaks.

Since Poco is known to launch pocket-friendly smartphones so it is being expected that Poco F2 will be an affordable smartphone. There will be more leaks for sure before the official launch of this smartphone. But one thing is crystal clear here that if this smartphone is being developed now than the brand is not going anywhere and we will be getting more smartphones from the brand.

Of course, take this entire information with a truckload of salt since none of these sources are verifiable.
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Find our entire collection of stories, in-depth analysis, live updates, videos & more on Chandrayaan 2 Moon Mission on our dedicated #Chandrayaan2TheMoon domain.

Facebook Plans To Launch Own CryptoCurrency

Facebook Inc has enlisted more than a dozen companies including Visa Inc, Mastercard Inc, PayPal Holdings Inc and Uber Technologies Inc to back its new cryptocurrency

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the social media giant has signed on more than a dozen backers for its GlobalCoin cryptocurrency, a stablecoin that has been developed in secrecy for more than six months.

Each of the new backers will invest roughly $10 million in the project as part of a governing consortium for the cryptocurrency.

In addition to the aforementioned companies, the companies that are backing the Facebook cryptocurrency are Stripe Inc., Booking.com and MercadoLibre Inc., as well as a number of more companies.

Facebook announced it was launching GlobalCoin last December, though the company indicated that it was looking at cryptocurrency as far back as the end of 2017. The crypto is expected to be a stablecoin that will operate within the company’s messaging infrastructure – WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger.

However, Facebook has been tight-lipped about what exactly GlobalCoin will be used for, though the BBC suggested that Facebook may look to retailers, allowing its users to purchase discounted goods using the cryptocurrency.

The cryptocurrency would be used to transfer value directly from Facebook to the retailer, cutting out credit card companies in the middle, which BBC suggests would help the retailers’ profits.

GlobalCoin is now expected to be unveiled on June 18.

Most of the TV viewers in India are slowly moving towards digital platforms like Netflix, Hotstar and so on. But there is a chunk of the crowd that still likes to watch traditional television. Mumbai-based DTH operator, Tata Sky has launched an ad campaign to maintain its foothold in the market, this time the focus is on the South. Named as “Jinga Jinga Jingalala”, the campaign is introduced in local south Indian languages like Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.

As per the report by Indian TelevisionAnurag Kumar, the chief communications head said that with this campaign, they want to bust the myth that the DTH packs are expensive. The recently introduced channel pricing regime has allowed the viewers to get quality content.

Kumar believes that there are still many viewers that have not shifted to the digital platforms yet and that gives them a huge scope to get more TV viewers on board. With this campaign, they aim to increase their reach in the south Indian markets.

Tata Sky launches new packs and ad campaign for the south Indian market

Image: Pixabay.

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A short ad teased by the company in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, shows how easy it is to get the Tata Sky DTH connection that too at a starting price of Rs 199 per month.

In the month of May, the company also introduced Tata Sky Binge where Amazon Fire TV Stick users can watch digital content from different applications like Hotstar, Netflix and so on, on a single platform at a subscription cost of Rs 249 per month.

Find our entire collection of stories, in-depth analysis, live updates, videos & more on Chandrayaan 2 Moon Mission on our dedicated #Chandrayaan2TheMoon domain.


Facebook Announces Own Digital Currency – Libra

Today, facebook announced a digital currency called Libra which will let you buy things or send money to people with nearly zero fees. Facebook has finally revealed plans to launch its new digital currency next year i.e in 2020 and allow the platform’s billions of users across the globe to make financial transactions online.

What is Libra ?

Libra is a simple global currency and financial infrastructure that empowers billions of people. Libra is made up of three parts that will work together to create a more inclusive financial system:

  • It is built on a secure, scalable, and reliable blockchain;
  • It is backed by a reserve of assets designed to give it intrinsic value;
  • It is governed by the independent Libra Association tasked with evolving the ecosystem.

How Does Libra Work?

By now you know the basics of Libra. Cash in a local currency, get Libra, spend them like dollars without big transaction fees or your real name attached, cash them out whenever you want. Feel free to stop reading and share this article if that’s all you care about.

But the underlying technology, the association that governs it, the wallets you’ll use, and the way payments work all have a huge amount of fascinating detail to them. Facebook has released over 100 pages of documentation on Libra and Calibra, and we’ve pulled out the most important facts.

The Libra Blockchain

The Libra currency is built on the “Libra Blockchain.” Because it is intended to address a global audience, the software that implements the Libra Blockchain is open source — designed so that anyone can build on it, and billions of people can depend on it for their financial needs.

 Every Libra payment is permanently written into the Libra blockchain — a cryptographically authenticated database that acts as a public online ledger designed to handle 1000 transactions per second. That would be much faster than Bitcoin’s 7 transactions per second or Bitcoin’s 15.

The blockchain is operated and constantly verified by founding members of the Libra Association who each invested $10 million or more for a say in the cryptocurrency’s governance and the ability operate a validator node.

The Libra Association 

The Libra Association is an independent, not-for-profit membership organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The association’s purpose is to coordinate and provide a framework for governance for the network and reserve and lead social impact grant-making in support of financial inclusion.

Members of the Libra Association will consist of geographically distributed and diverse businesses, nonprofit and multilateral organizations, and academic institutions. The initial group of organizations that will work together on finalizing the association’s charter and become “Founding Members” upon its completion are, by industry:

  • Payments: Mastercard, PayPal, PayU (Naspers’ fintech arm), Stripe, Visa
  • Technology and marketplaces: Booking Holdings, eBay, Facebook/Calibra, Farfetch, Lyft, MercadoPago, Spotify AB, Uber Technologies, Inc.
  • Telecommunications: Iliad, Vodafone Group
  • Blockchain: Anchorage, Bison Trails, Coinbase, Inc., Xapo Holdings Limited
  • Venture Capital: Andreessen Horowitz, Breakthrough Initiatives, Ribbit Capital, Thrive Capital, Union Square Ventures
  • Nonprofit and multilateral organizations, and academic institutions: Creative Destruction Lab, Kiva, Mercy Corps, Women’s World Banking

How will I get Libra ?

Facebook isn’t going into details about how the currency will be available at launch, but signs point to a hybrid approach. The presence of traditional payments firms, such as Visa and MasterCard, in the list of founders suggests that the company will be perfectly happy to let users simply buy the currency.

But Facebook is also likely to carry out what’s known in cryptocurrency circles as an “air drop”, handing out small amounts of currency for free in an effort to kickstart the ecosystem. That will be crucial if it is to fulfil its goal of bringing financial services to people without bank accounts.

Ultimately, of course, those users will need a more reliable source of Libra income than simple handouts from Facebook. In the long-term, then, we can also expect some of Libra’s founder members to offer their employees all or part of their pay in the currency.

How can I use it ?

When the cryptocurrency launches, users can download Calibra, a digital wallet, that will allow them to send it to anyone with a smartphone. It will be available in Messenger, WhatsApp, and as a standalone app.

It is not clear which countries the coin will launch in first, though Facebook said “almost anybody” in the world with a smartphone will be able to download the app.

What can you buy with it ?

Facebook will launch Calibra, the Libra digital wallet, to allow users to send money to and from each other.

Apart from transactions on the app itself, Facebook wants to facilitate the use of Libra at various vendors for day-to-day transactions.

Ride-hailing firms Uber and Lyft are early investors in the project, suggesting that perhaps users will be able to pay for services on the apps using Libra, though neither company responded to a request for comment.

Is this safe?

There are a number of privacy concerns regarding a financial app run by Facebook. The company said it will implement technologies to prevent money laundering and fraud.

We will be using all the same verification and anti-fraud processes that banks and credit cards use, and we’ll have automated systems that will proactively monitor activity to protect and prevent fraudulent behaviour, Facebook said.

It also claims it will have “live support” to help users who lose access to accounts and, if a user loses money through fraud, Facebook has offered refunds.

Facebook claims that it take steps to protect your privacy. Aside from limited cases, Calibra will not share account information or financial data with Facebook or any third party without customer consent. This means Calibra customers’ account information and financial data will not be used to improve ad targeting on the Facebook family of products.

Facebook’s Libra Blockchain will be built on open source code that allows the developer and research community to monitor it for design and security flaws, and the company will implement a “bug bounty” program to incentivise security experts to point out vulnerabilities in the platform.

Source- TechCrunch, Libra, Facebook


The Message “WhatsApp Offer 1000 GB Of Free Internet ”  Is Fake

One of the largest used messaging app, WhatsApp just turned 10 this July 2019. But it soon grabbed the attention of cyber criminals who have floated a fake message of WhatsApp offering 1000 GB free data. But do not fall for it, it is FAKE.

The fraud campaign is hosted by a domain, which is home to a yet another spurious offers pretending to be from prominent brands. Moreover, the URL which comes along with the message is not an official domain of WhatsApp, the researchers from ESET stated in a blog post.

This is what the message says:

The message read, “WhatsApp Offers 1000 GB Free Internet!” It is followed by a link to click for more details which will land you on a page with a WhatsApp logo with the message, We offer you 1000 GB free internet without Wi-Fi! On the occasion of our 10th anniversary of WhatsApp.

When a user clicks on the link in the message, it takes them to a page that asks the user a number of questions in the form of a survey. These questions try to gain customer’s response regarding the offer. After the survey is complete, the site instructs the user to share this offer with 30 more people to continue further bringing more people into this vicious web.

It is a ‘click fraud’ which is an illegal practice that occurs when individuals click on a website’s click through advertisements (either banner ads or paid text links) to increase the payable number of clicks to the advertiser.

While it is a common practice that businesses run promotions through third parties, it is important to keep in mind that one should verify the same with the company’s website to ensure if the said promotion is valid and genuine.

Avengers: Endgame became quite the hit in no time, what with it being the last film in the Avengers series. Endgame landed in cinemas on 26 April this year and the good news is that this film is now released in digital version today. The digital version is now available on three different platforms in India that include — iTunes, YouTube and Google Play. The BluRay version will be available only after 13 August.

It is expected to be available in Hindi, Telugu or Tamil. Pre-ordering on Disney India is also expected to begin soon. All three platforms will offer the film in Standard definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) for viewers. It is up to you’d prefer renting or buying it to suit your convenience.

How to watch/rent the Avengers: Endgame (2019) movie online

Avengers Endgame.

Avengers: Endgame Plans

YouTube

Rent – SD- Rs 100 and HD- Rs 150

Buy- SD- Rs 690 and HD- Rs 850

iTunes

Rent- SD- Rs 120 and HD- Rs 150

Buy SD- Rs 490  and HD- Rs 690

Google Play

Rent- SD- Rs 100 and HD- Rs 150

Buy SD- Rs 690 and HD-Rs 850

How to watch the Avengers: Endgame movie online

Step 1: Go to the platform (YouTube, iTunes or Google Play)

Step 2: Tap on “Rent” or “Buy” as per your choice

Step 3: Proceed with the payment

And Voila! Now you should be able to watch the three-hour film sitting right on your couch at home.

Find our entire collection of stories, in-depth analysis, live updates, videos & more on Chandrayaan 2 Moon Mission on our dedicated #Chandrayaan2TheMoon domain.


You May Use WhatsApp Web Soon Without Phone 

In 2015, WhatsApp Messenger was way ahead of its game when it launched the web version that mirrored the conversation from the mobile app. The only caveat of this feature to date is that one needs to have a phone connected to the internet, for as long as they use the web version. But, according to recent reports, WhatsApp is resolving this problem with its next update.

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is working on a new multi-platform system called Universal Windows Platform (UWP). This upcoming platform would essentially allow users to continue using the messaging app without their phone being connected to the internet.

The multi-platform system would also work on the lines of WhatsApp UWP and offer the standard chat interface on different devices with the same account. The update will be available for Android, iOS as well as Windows phones.

Along with WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp is also introducing a number of other handy and interesting features in the past recent months.

The PiP 2.0 mode which allows users to switch between chats while playing a YouTube or Facebook video in the background is supposed to go live soon. Some other features which will add to the utility of the messaging app shortly include dark mode, QR code and voice message preview.

With mobile gaming booming these days, tech companies are evidently giving their best to get a foothold in this space. Xiaomi-backed tech company Black Shark launched the Black Shark 2 Pro in China today. The gaming smartphone runs on a Snapdragon 855+ processor and is available at a starting price of CNY 2,999 (approx Rs 30,000).

The company recently launched the Black Shark 2 in India at a price point of Rs 39,999.

Black Shark 2 Pro price, availablity

Black Shark 2 Pro equipped with Snapdragon 855+ chipset launches in China today

Black Shark 2 Pro.

The newly-launched Black Shark 2 Pro is available in two storage variants in China. The base model is a 12 GB + 128 GB variant, priced at Rs CNY 2,999 (approx Rs 30,000), and the second is a 12 GB +256 GB variant, priced at CNY 3,499 (approx RS 35,000).

Talking colors, the smartphone is available in two avatars — Electric black and Ice ash. The Black Shark 2 Pro will be available in markets in China starting 2 August, 2019.

Black Shark 2 Pro specs

Black Shark 2 Pro comes with a 6.39-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution along with a 19:5:9 aspect ratio. The resolution of the display is 1080 x 2340 pixels. It is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus processor, paired with Adreno 640 GPU. It comes in two storage variants — 12 GB + 128 GB and 12 GB +256 GB. It also features and in-display fingerprint sensor for unlocking the device. It comes with Liquid cooling 3.0.

On the camera front, it features a dual rear camera setup that includes a 48 MP camera sensor and 12 MP secondary sensor. On the front, you will get a 20 MP selfie camera. The Black Shark 2 Pro comes with a 4,000 mAh battery with 27W fast charging support. In terms of connectivity, it is equipped with 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS/ A-GPS, and USB Type-C port.

Find our entire collection of stories, in-depth analysis, live updates, videos & more on Chandrayaan 2 Moon Mission on our dedicated #Chandrayaan2TheMoon domain.


Black Shark 2 Pro Gaming Phone Unveiled With Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ Processor

Xiaomi today has unveiled Black Shark 2 Pro gaming phone in China. The Black Shark 2 was released back in March and is one of the best gaming phones you could buy but now the brand is coming out with a revised version dubbed the Black Shark 2 Pro.

Xiaomi’s Black Shark 2 Pro comes with updated liquid cooling 3.0, which should ensure better thermal management. It has a slightly faster processor, faster storage, and an updated design.

It is said to be easier to grip and there are RGB light strips on the back. On the software front, the Black Shark 2 runs a near-stock version of Android 9 Pie.

The Black Shark 2 Pro’s features include:

  • 6.4 inch AMOLED display with 34.7ms touch latency
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ processor
  • 12GB of RAM
  • 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage
  • Stereo speakers
  • In-display fingerprint sensor
  • 48MP +13MP rear camera
  • 20MP front-facing camera
  • 4,000 mAh battery
  • 27W faster charging

The availability of Snapdragon 855 Plus-powered Black Shark 2 Pro is confined to the Chinese market, exactly like the non-Pro variant.

The smartphone will be available for purchase from August 2 in Black, Silver, Blue, Orange, and Purple colors. The smartphone will cost around CNY 2,999 ($435) for 12/128GB model, while the 12/256GB variant will set you back CNY 3,499 ($508).

Samsung is all set to launch its much-awaited smartphone Galaxy Note 1o on its Galaxy Unpacked event, scheduled to be held on 7 August in New York. Prior to the official launch of the smartphone, there have been quite a handful of leaks revealing the key specs. The latest being the Rose colour variant.

According to a German website, Win Future, Samsung Galaxy Note 10 will also come in Rose colour variant. The images of the pink colour variant of the smartphone shared by the site show the stylus in pink colour as well.

Another huge leak that dropped recently is that the upcoming smartphones—Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ might be available for pre-order from 7 August only. As per a report by Sam Mobile, Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+ might be available for pre-order shortly after the launch only and it is expected to be available on retail stores by 23 August.

(Also read: Samsung to soon announce ‘aura glow’ colour variant of the Galaxy buds to match the Note 10)

Samsung Galaxy Note10, Note 10+ leaks reveal Rose colour and 5G variant respectively

Galaxy Note 10 Rose colour variant. Image: Win Future.

Recalling the previous leaks, Galaxy Note 10 is expected to come in ‘Aura Glow’ colour variant. We recently also learned, that the Galaxy Note 10 will come with a 6.3-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 855+ SoC, 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, and a 3,600 mAh battery with 45W fast charging capabilities. The Note 10 Plus will have a massive 6.8-inch AMOLED display, 4,300 mAh battery and an extra depth-sensing camera.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus specs

Win Future also leaked a specs sheet of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus. According to these leaks, the smartphone will come with a 6.8-inch screen size with an infinity display, which comes with Dynamic OLED technology. The resolution of the display is expected to be 3, 040 x 1, 440 pixels. It is expected to come with S-pen that can help you operate the device by just touching the pen. On the camera front, the selfie camera is expected to be of 10 MP and the triple rear camera setup may come with 12 MP + 12 MP + 16 MP sensors. It is expected to run on 7 nm Exynos 9825 processor, paired with up to 12GB RAM and up to 512GB UFS 3.0 internal storage.

This smartphone also appeared on Geekbench and got 4,532 in the single-core test and 10,431 in multi-score test. The site suggests that Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus might also come in a 5G variant.

Find our entire collection of stories, in-depth analysis, live updates, videos & more on Chandrayaan 2 Moon Mission on our dedicated #Chandrayaan2TheMoon domain.

Google had recently released an official teaser for its upcoming flagship Pixel 4 in June, months before it plans to deliver the product. Now the company has come out with a second teaser of the device which details on a few new features.

Google releases a new teaser for the Pixel 4 confirming FaceID-like authentication, motion control

Pixel 4.

The Mountain View-based tech giant has been working for some time on Project Soli, which is a chip that uses radar to detect hand gestures near the phone, quite like the hand gestures seen on the LG G8 ThinQ. This feature has been revealed by Google for the Pixel 4 in a new video which shows a person playing the next song by just swiping in the air in front of the device. Google is calling this ‘Motion Sense’ and it will be a first for Pixel phones.

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Google also revealed that the Pixel 4 will not have any fingerprint scanner and will instead use just face authentication like the iPhone. In a blog, Google mentioned that the Pixel 4’s face unlock will be working in any orientation, which happens to be a slight dig at Apple, whose FaceID works only in one position. “Face unlock works in almost any orientation — even if you’re holding it upside down — and you can use it for secure payments and app authentication too,” said Google.

Pixel 4 sensors.

Pixel 4 sensors.

What can be assumed is that the Pixel 4 will be foregoing the horrendous notch seen on the Pixel 3 XL (Review). In an image shared on the blog, Google details the wide variety of sensors that will be present. There is a Face Unlock IR camera, a front-facing camera, proximity sensor, audio port, Soli radar chip, face unlock dot projector, face unlock IR camera and a face unlock flood illuminator. Notice how there appears to be only a single-camera on the device instead of two like the Pixel 3-series.

For the motion sensing part, Google says, “Pixel 4 will be the first device with Soli, powering our new Motion Sense features to allow you to skip songs, snooze alarms, and silence phone calls, just by waving your hand. These capabilities are just the start, and just as Pixels get better over time, Motion Sense will evolve as well.”

The post by Google also mentions how the Soli radar chip will sense when your hand is reaching for the phone so that by the time the phone reaches your face, it will automatically be unlocked.

For those concerned about privacy, Google says that it will never use the images used for face unlock with other Google services. The Titan M chip in the device is there to securely store your facial data on the phone.

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Xiaomi has been penetrating the mobile world in all manners with several sub-brands and models and it has also made headway into the wearables, smartTV, electronic accessories such as power banks, routers and more. Now Mijia which is a sub-brand owned by Xiaomi has come out with something totally different in the form of Microwave Oven which comes with support for app-based control.

Xiaomi sub-brand Mijia releases a microwave oven in China with app control for CNY 399

Mija Microwave oven.

As per Xiaomi, the Mijia Microwave Oven, priced at CNY 399 (approx. Rs 4,000) comes not only with app-based functionality control but also voice-based controls. It has a built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz module which can be used for voice commands via smart speakers.

The appliance has a clean and minimalistic design approach with a single white colour option along with two knobs to adjust time and power and one small LCD which displays all the relevant information.

As for the in-app control, users can use it to check new recipes from the internet as well as set temperature and functions. In terms of modes, the microwave happens to have 26 operation modes, 11 pre-configured recipes, one sterilization mode, and nine user-defined modes. There is no information on whether this microwave will come to India or not.

Find our entire collection of stories, in-depth analysis, live updates, videos & more on Chandrayaan 2 Moon Mission on our dedicated #Chandrayaan2TheMoon domain.


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Soon to be on the show ‘Man vs Wild’ with Bear Grylls.



The episode will telecast at Discovery channel on 12 August 9 PM. The shots were taken in India at Uttrakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park.

On Monday, PM Modi released All India Tiger Estimation Report on International Tiger Day.

Currently, 2967 tigers reportedly counted in INDIA. However, in 2014 the total number at 2226, while in 2010 it was 1706 and nearly 1411 numbers of Tiger in 2006 respectively.



The announcement unveiled on Twitter. 

Bear Grylls Tweeted,


PM Modi tweeted,

“It was a great experience spending time in the jungle once again, this time with Bear, who is blessed with indefatigable energy and quest to experience nature at its purest.” , said Prime Minister Modi. 

Every Indian is exciting to watch this episode on Discovery and I think it is the first time ever that  Prime Minister of India in adventure mood.

It would help the audience to create awareness about Environmental and Animal conversation.

It is the second time that any VVIP Politician joins Bear Grylls show, Earlier in 2015, Former US President Barack Obama had featured in his Episode.

Vodafone has announced a Vodafone Rewards a.k.a. Har Recharge pe Inaam offer that guarantees its users some form of reward on recharging their prepaid numbers. These rewards can include additional data, unlimited talktime for a short period, and additional validity.

Additionally, users also get a chance to win caller tunes, missed call information and SMS packs.

All prepaid Vodaphone users are eligible for the Rewards program. The value of the reward is determined by the recharge amount.

Vodafone explains that users must avail the offers within 72 hours of performing a recharge. This can happen via the Vodafone app or by dialling *999# from your mobile phone.

Vodafone announces rewards program for prepaid customers, guarantees additional benefits on any recharge

Vodafone’s Rewards program is its latest attempt to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive telecom world. Image: Reuters

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Days after Apple acquired Intel’s modem business, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s latest investor report (via 9To5 Macsuggests that all three Apple iPhones that will release in 2020, will support 5G. This report is revised from Kuo’s earlier prediction in June where he said that out of the three phones launching in 2020, only two of them will support 5G connectivity.

The 2020 iPhones are expected to feature significant redesigns as compared to the current lineup. Apple is believed to launch a 6.7-inch, a 5.4-inch, and a 6.1-inch iPhone next year.

As was expected after the Intel acquisition, Kuo believes that Apple now has more resources to support 5G on more models sooner. He also thinks that 5G will become a required feature by 2020.

Apple will launch three new iPhones in 2020 and they will all feature 5G: Report

Apple iPhone XR. Image: tech2/Omkar Patne

Kuo says that 2020 iPhones will support both mmWave and sub-6 GHz bands of 5G. In simpler words, iPhones will easily interoperate with different 5G cell towers for better connectivity.

Further, Apple is also believed to be working on a dedicated model for the Chinese market with only sub-6 GHz spectrum support, which will help reduce the price of the iPhones in the market.

Separately, Apple is currently also dealing with a privacy controversy, wherein some contractors have been eavesdropping via Siri without the knowledge of the users. Apple has acknowledged that this is done for the process of quality control or “grading”, however, this has raised concerns because Apple has been doing this without the consent of the users and the data is apparently being sent even when Siri is not activated.

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Parents are the most important thing for a child in this world. Being a parent means nurturing and caring for your child and build a core value system so that he or she can contribute to the betterment of this world. To celebrate the hardships and challenges of this parenthood, today ie 28 July is celebrated as World Parent’s Day.

Parents Day 2019: Heres how you can celebrate the day with WhatsApp stickers

World Parent’s Day.

For everyone celebrating the day, here’s how you can use Parent’s Day-themed WhatsApp stickers to spread the cheer.

To get started, open any WhatsApp chat, tap on the emoticon icon, and then the sticker icon below. Then, next to the carousel of all your added stickers, you will see a ‘+’ icon. Hit that. Now, on the All Stickers tab, scroll down to the extreme bottom, where you will see the Get More Stickers shortcut to the Play Store.

Once you are in the store, you can search Parent’s Day stickers, which will suggest you a whole list of sticker apps. Notably, though, not all the suggestions that show up are genuine. Many of them are just apps with a bazillion ads in them, and they don’t even offer genuine stickers.

To make your job easy here is are some of the apps we found on the store that are genuine. You can look at ‘Parents Day stickers‘ and more.

Once you have chosen the app you want, install it and hit open. Launching the app will show the categories of stickers that the app offers, you can add the ones you want by tapping the ‘+’ sign next to each category.

Now, when you go back to your WhatsApp, you will see the added stickers in the carousel on top when you tap on the stickers icon.

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Data privacy has become a calling cry for activists in today’s world and seeing how big tech giants such as Facebook and Google are handling your data, these activists do have a point. As the focus of user data misuse shifts from to the realms of politics, where a misinformation campaign targeting users based on their online searching habits changes the course of the 2016 elections, one must wonder how big of a problem are we dealing with here. The Great Hack, a documentary by Netflix which chronicles perhaps the biggest breach of user data in modern history, shows there’s lot to be worried about.

Netflixs The Great Hack review: Unraveling the Cambridge Analytica scandal but offering no solution

The Great Hack.

Cambridge Analytica came into the spotlight for mining data of 87 million US users for targeted ads and The Great Hack goes in great detail as to how that came about. Directors Karim Amer and Jehane Noujaim go around documenting and questioning experts, journalists, ex-employees and whistleblowers to uncover the entire scandal.

The movie is centred mostly around David Carroll a professor who demands to see his data points collected by Cambridge Analytica,  Guardian journalist Carole Cadwalladr who had officially broken the Cambridge Analytica story and Brittany Kaiser, who is an ex-employee of CA.

(Also Read — Cambridge Analytica data scandal: Timeline of the year gone by shows Facebook has a lot to do)

While most of the things in The Great Hack are public knowledge thanks to a ton of articles covering the topic, the unique perspectives of these three central characters land a theme of shock at how deep this privacy breach goes.

Cambridge Analytica has been at the forefront of data gathering and behavioural change for a long time, as per the movie. CEO Alexander Nix has been portrayed as a man who kickstarted the Brexit campaign to serve as a petridish for what followed next with the US elections. The story changes perspectives often from Carole Cadwalladr recalling a smear campaign by leave.eu to Brittany Kaiser explaining, from somewhere in Thailand why she believes her safety is at risk.

The documentary follows the testimonials of Mark Zuckerberg and the role of Facebook in targeting users via Cambridge Analytica along with the EU hearing of Alexander Nix who says that he is the ‘victim’ of the constant attack on the company.

The motives of Brittany Kaiser, who declares herself to be a whistleblower, remain unclear throughout the movie even though she testifies against her former company. On being asked why she had chosen to work with Cambridge Analytica knowing that it dabbles in unsavoury methods of data collection, her answer was ‘for the money’.

The documentary, while highlighting, the important parts of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, fails to mention how does one avoid another data breach like this from happening. In my opinion, if the movies’ purpose was to shock the audience, it is a tad bit too late. The movie is a run-through for those who are not well-versed to the extent to which user data is being gathered for targeted ads. However, most people are oblivious to the fact if their data is being gathered or not unless it is private information

Watch this film for great direction and a step-by-step explanation on the scandal but don’t expect it change your view on data gathering.

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It’s been 47 years since the last time a man stepped on the moon, and yet now a host of countries – from the US, to Russia and China – are racing to send astronauts back there, and set up base.

In the fourth episode of The Conversation’s To the moon and beyond podcast, we delve into why there’s a renewed drive to put humans back on the surface of the moon. What’s there to go back for? And what are the practical, legal and ethical questions facing those who want to set up a base there – and potentially start mining the moon.

We find out that while no one country owns the moon – a principle set out in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 – the question of who owns the resources on the moon is more complicated. Tanja Masson-Zwaan, an assistant professor of space law at Leiden University in The Netherlands, explains that another international agreement, the Moon Treaty, which entered into force in 1984, has only been ratified by 18 countries, and by none of the major space powers. The big sticking point is the principle that the moon and its natural resources are the “common heritage of mankind” – the exact meaning of which is unclear.

Does it mean that everything that a company could have in profits from exploiting resources in outer space has to be split among all countries? What exactly it means is unclear and that is why many states don’t don’t like it and will not ratify it.

Masson-Zwaan says that while a new international treaty is unlikely, a new set of guidelines are needed to govern exploitation of the moon’s resources.

Part of the attraction of going back lies in what’s under the moon’s dusty surface. Katherine Joy, a Royal Society university research fellow at the University of Manchester in the UK, explains some of the elements that could potentially be found on the moon – from water and oxygen to Helium 3 – and what they could be used for.

The great question we have next is not so much in terms of how can we go to mine the moon but first of all we need to understand the potential resources and where they’re located, how they’re accessible and we need to also develop the technology to be able to detect them and extract them to make them into usable products.

She explains that she’d love to get her hands on a piece of water ice from the moon’s surface back in her lab – but that this might not be so simple as no mission so far has plans to bring one back cryogenically.

But even if a country or company could overcome the many technical hurdles of mining on the moon, there’s no global police force able to punish those breaking any new rules. We asked Frans von der Dunk, professor of space law at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the US, whether he could envisage a space war breaking out and what it might look like.

It will probably start first on the level of a trade war … but that can already do a lot of damage to everyone around. But if things further escalate as we’ve seen in the past, economic wars can also then escalate into real fighting and I can only say I hope that never happens.

He also discusses some of the other questions raised by mining on the moon – including whether it’s ethical that those who can afford to go and mine the moon do it, and those who can’t, don’t.

And even if all these practical and legal challenges are overcome, what would it actually be like to live there? Frédéric Marin, an astrophysicist at the University of Strasbourg in France, explains just how inhospitable it would be to live in an environment with such low gravity, covered in abrasive dust. And Rowena Christiansen, a medical educator and doctor at the University of Melbourne in Australia, talks through some of the side effects that spending prolonged amounts of time in space can have on the human body.

Your muscles start to lose mass because they don’t have to work against gravity anymore and that includes the heart, which is basically just made up of muscle. And also your bone mineral density tends to decrease.

To the moon and beyond is a global collaboration between different editions of The Conversation around the world, hosted by Miriam Frankel and Martin Archer. You can listen via The Conversation, or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts by hitting the “Listen and Subscribe” button at the top of this page. And please do give us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Credits:

To the moon and beyond is produced by Gemma Ware and Annabel Bligh. Sound editing by Siva Thangarajah. Thank you to City, University of London’s Department of Journalism for letting us use their studios.

Picture source: An imagined base on the moon, by Naeblys via Shutterstock.

Music via Free Music Archive:

Even when we fall and Western Shores by Philipp Weigl. Di Breun, Pencil Marks and Li Font by Blue Dot Sessions. Space Travel by Borrtex, Vagus by Lee Rosevere and Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund.

And As time passes marimba and sound effects via Zapslat.

Archive footage: Apollo 11 and 17 audio from NASA.

It seems we are still not close to seeing a foldable phone from either Huawei or Samsung, both of whom had showcased their respective products in February. While Samsung has confirmed that it will be launching its product in Septemeber, Huawei is still undecided.

Huawei Mate X is reportedly still not clear for a launch in the market says director He Gang

The Huawei Mate X. Image: Reuters

As per a report in news.mydrivers,  He Gang, director of Huawei’s consumer business mobile phone line the Mate X is still not ready for markets. “Everyone should be very clear that Huawei’s quality requirements are very demanding. If it does not meet the quality requirements, we will not let the products go on the market,” he said.

Going by the wordings, it seems that Huawei, in an effort to compete with Galaxy Fold, had rushed its signature product. Last we heard, that we are not to expect the Mate X before September even though the original launch date was scheduled for May.

“We have invested heavily in Mate X. As for when Samsung’s device will hit the market, it is not a key point for us to consider. The key point we consider is to hope that consumers can get this product when they get it,” said Gang. Basically, it’s really uncertain when exactly the device will launch but you can be sure that it is going to come around the same time period as the Galaxy Fold.

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A consumer privacy group has filed a challenge to Facebook’s $5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, saying it is not “adequate, reasonable or appropriate” and lets the social media giant off the hook for years of violations.

Consumer privacy group challenges Facebooks billion settlement with the FTC

Attendees walk past a Facebook logo during Facebook’s F8 developers conference. Image: Reuters

The Washington-based Electronic Privacy Information Center asked a federal district court in Washington D.C. on Friday to intervene in finalizing the settlement, which was approved 3-to-2 by the FTC.

EPIC says the deal, which also includes new privacy oversight and transparency requirements for Facebook, would extinguish more than 26,000 existing consumer complaints against Facebook that are pending at the FTC.

Facebook declined to comment. The FTC did not immediately respond to a message for comment.

EPIC first filed a complaint against Facebook over privacy violations in 2009.

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Twitter reported surprisingly strong second-quarter user numbers and revenue Friday, as it works to make the platform more user-friendly and eliminate robotic and fake accounts on its platform.

On that front, the social media messaging service said instances of suspicious behaviour and spam dropped by 18 percent during the quarter.

Twitter witnesses strong user growth of 14 percent; shares jump by 9.6 percent

Representational Image.

But Twitter’s push to cut down on fake accounts costs money, and its adjusted profit fell 36 percent to about $37 million, or 5 cents per share. At the same time, revenue surged 18 percent, to $841 million, better than the $829 million that Wall Street was looking for, according to a survey by FactSet. In April, Twitter had forecast revenue of $770 million to $830 million for the quarter.

Twitter’s daily user base rose 14 percent to 139 million, an increase of 5 million users. Analysts were expecting 134.7 million daily users.

The revenue surge was due to higher advertising revenue. The company said it is on track to hire 20% more people than last year.

“The health first conversation is a way to continue to grow the audience, our revenue product and sales and platform,” said CFO Ned Segal. “And so the headcount growth is really thinking about all of those areas.”

The San Francisco company started disclosing its daily user base earlier this year. These are users who log into the site at least once a day and see advertisements on the platform. This metric has replaced its monthly user number disclosures.

Segal said the user growth was broad-based, both in the U.S. and internationally, driven by the site’s continued relevance in the national conversation.

“We look at this 14 percent year-over-year growth we delivered and we see the cumulative benefit of the last few years of work that we’ve done to improve the service to drive relevance to make Twitter more conversational, to make it easier to find the topic and events that people care about most,” Segal said.

Twitter has been trying to improve what the company calls the “health” of conversations on its platform amid widespread criticism that it doesn’t do enough to remove hate speech, abuse and harassment.

In a call with analysts, CEO Jack Dorsey said “health” remains the top priority.

“Health is a long-term growth factor for us, and we have been doubling our efforts to make sure that we can address all the issues that we’re seeing on the service,” he said. “A big focus for us over the past year has been to proactively identify content on Twitter that would violate our rules so that we don’t require a report.”

In June, the company began placing warning labels on abusive and otherwise offending tweets by politicians and world leaders. Twitter has long argued that tweets from world leaders are in the public interest and should remain even if they violate the site’s terms. This became an issue with the election of President Donald Trump, who routinely uses Twitter to disparage enemies and rile up supporters.

With the new feature, users have to tap through the warning to see the underlying message, but the tweet won’t be removed, as Twitter might do with a regular person’s posts.

Twitter has redesigned its website in an attempt to make it simpler to use and encourage exploration. People who use Twitter on a desktop computer rather than mobile tend to be the more serious users who tweet for work — social media professionals, journalists and the like.

Twitter’s shares jumped $3.66, or 9.6 percent, to $41.76 in afternoon trading.

Find our entire collection of stories, in-depth analysis, live updates, videos & more on Chandrayaan 2 Moon Mission on our dedicated #Chandrayaan2TheMoon domain.

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