CTC BLOG

With video taking up more space on the internet than ever before, it’s becoming increasingly important to have a good video editor in your digital toolbox. Whether you want to improve the quality of casual videos of family and friends or move into having your own channel on YouTube, the right video editing software can make your work look professional, even if you’re not. One of the standout video editors in terms of its price-to-value proposition is Filmora by Wondershare. Not only does it have a truly impressive array of tools to help boost, edit and enhance your video clips, but it provides it all at a price that doesn’t require a Hollywood salary. 

Although you might never need it, Filmora allows you to work on up to 100 different layers – both audio and video – at one time. If you’re just starting out as a video editor, that might seem overwhelming, but as you grow in your skill, you’ll definitely appreciate the possibilities this opens up in terms of making pro-level clips. Applying the generous selection of built-in transitions, filters and effects on top of these different layers can help turn you into a junior Ken Burns. The most recent release of the software (Filmora 9.3) adds 50 new transitions. 

Filmora also allows you to insert and manipulate text on top of your scenes, as well as work with split-screen options that can create video-within-video effects. 

The smart features of the software add to your eventual film editing success. It can automatically detect scenes and split your video up into small clips that are easy to work with and, when you move clips around, the software automatically snaps them into place so that there are no gaps in your creation. A greenscreen feature lets you replace a boring green backdrop with myriad other scenes so you can look like you’re on the beach, even if you’re just in your mom’s basement. And one-click color correction gets your clips looking better fast. 

For those who want a truly easy solution, Filmora also has an “Easy Mode” that lets you choose from among a handful of themes that come with their own filters, transitions and overlays to add a boost to your video clips or turn a series of photos into a moving montage. Beyond that, the latest release of the software comes with 120 new animated title templates. 

Even though Filmora is known as video editing software, it’s equally handy for dealing with audio files. The software comes with 22 free-to-use audio files included that lets you alter a scene simply by what you play behind it – think creepy, tense tracks to add a chill to even the most innocent video. Beyond that, the software allows for you to add beat markers on audio clips that make it easier to time the right sound clip to the right video moment, plus you can reduce background noise and adjust volume independently of the position of the originating sound source.

For pretty much any casual creator of video, the base level of Filmora should do all you need and more. It’s available for $44.99 per year and comes with free updates and free tech support. The Lifetime Plan offers the same features as the Annual Plan, but  lets you own the software forever for a one-time fee of $69.99. Step up to the Annual Bundle Plan and you’ll add in unlimited downloads from the Filmstocks Standard Library – a media collection featuring audio tracks, special effects, and stock video clips. (Note that you can also add Filmstocks to either of the other plans for $9.99 per month). The Annual Bundle Plan also provides you with new effects every month. 

With an attractive and intuitive interface, and more tools than you could ask for in video-editing software Filmora certainly stands at the top of the list of attractive video editing tools. You can try it out for a week for free as well to see how well you take to it and how much it can improve your videos.

Download Filmora 9.3 Here

Agence France-PresseJun 30, 2021 19:54:01 IST

After three years of rising CO2 emissions from new cars in Europe, they fell sharply in 2020, helped by the trend of electric vehicles, according to a new report. Last year, average emissions from a new car registered in the European Union, the UK, Iceland and Norway fell by 12 percent to 107.8 grams of CO2 per driven kilometre from the 11.5 million cars registered in the 30 countries, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA).

The drop of 14.5 grams from 2019 “represented the first decrease observed since 2016,” the EEA said.

It also “coincides with the phase in of stricter CO2 emissions standards for cars as of January 1, 2020,” the European Commission said in a statement.

Europe’s 2020 level of emissions also set a new record performance, beating the 2016 average of 118.1 grams per kilometre. Image: Neri Vill via Pixabay

Emissions had risen successively in 2017, 2018 and 2019, driven by the popularity of fuel-efficient but also larger SUVs, interrupting years of steady decline and calling set targets into question.

The 2020 level also set a new record performance, beating the 2016 average of 118.1 grams per kilometre.

However, it still lags behind the target set by the EU of 95 grams by 2020. The next milestone target is 81 grams by 2025 and 60 grams by 2030.

The European Commission is due to present new measures on July 14 to meet the ambitious climate targets of the 27 member states, with expanded car emission standards, particularly for petrol cars.

For comparison, a new car in the EU emitted on average 172 grams per kilometre in 2000 and 140 grams in 2010, according to the EEA.

It said the drop in 2020 is in particular due to the surge in demand for electric cars, adding the caveat that a larger share of their emissions are concentrated to their manufacturing, particularly in the making of batteries, than when they are rolling on the roads.

In 2020, the share of electric vehicles among new registrations tripled in one year, jumping to 11 percent from 3.5 in 2019, according to the EEA.

Over one million electric cars were sold in a year for the first time in the region.

Among the 30 countries, Norway, the world leader for electric cars, thus took the crown for lowest emissions with 38.2 grams per kilometre while Bulgaria trails the pack at 133 grams.

Germany, Europe’s largest car market, is 18th with 113.6 grams on average.

The EEA also noted the data is still provisional and needs to be confirmed.

FP TrendingJun 30, 2021 20:12:22 IST

Amazon has introduced two new Echo Show devices in India today – the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 10. The Echo Show 5 is priced at Rs 8,999 but will be available at a discounted price of Rs 6,999 for a limited period of time, while the Echo Show 10 is priced at Rs 24,999. Both are now available to buy on Amazon. Available only in black, the new Echo Show 10 comes with intelligent motion that moves the display to face you as you interact with Alexa.

The new Echo Show 5 features an HD camera for better video calling and is available in three colours – black, white and blue.

The Echo Show 10 is an upgraded version of Alexa with a screen. It features a 10.1-inch screen, which faces you as you listen to music, watch briefs on news channels and TV shows on streaming platforms, with its dual, front-firing tweeters and woofers rotating along with the display.

The Amazon Echo Show 10 (left) costs Rs 24,999, while the Echo Show 5 costs Rs 6,999 for a limited period. Image: Amazon

Users can securely access a live feed from Echo Show 10 on a smartphone through the Alexa app or another Echo Show device. Also, Alexa can help control and set up Wi-Fi-connected smart home appliances. The Echo Show 10’s inbuilt smart home hub supports Zigbee smart home devices.

It offers video calling on its movable screen with a 13 MP wide-angle camera, and zooms to keep you at the centre of the frame. Also, with the help of the new Alexa Group Calling feature, users can have a group video call with up to eight friends or family members.

Talking about the compact Echo Show 5, it has a 5.5-inch display, an upgraded HD camera for video calls, and Drop-In conversation. Users can open an instant conversation with their Alexa contacts or from one of their devices. The built-in camera on Echo Show can be accessed securely through the Alexa app to check in on things at home when you’re out.

The Echo Show devices include microphone and camera controls, and the ability to view and delete voice recordings to ensure security. They come with built-in shutters to cover the camera.

When it comes to protecting your PC, you can go a bit software crazy. There’s VPN software that lets you surf securely from an offsite computer; nanny software that lets parents control what their kids can access online; anti-malware software that protects against things like ransomware and phishing attempts; ad-blocking software; and, of course, anti-virus software. Or there’s Norton 360 that wraps all of this up in a neat little software bundle. It’s not cheap, but it is complete. 

Norton 360 offers four different levels of protection that range from affordable to ouch. But, depending on your needs and how many other software programs you may be able to stop paying for, even the maximum subscription level might still be a bargain for you.

The Standard level costs $29.99 per year and includes protection against viruses and other online threats; a secure virtual private network (VPN); ad-blocking; anonymous browsing and bank-grade encryption for all your surfing activity. Norton also throws in a password manager to keep all your login details in one secure place plus 10 GB of included secure online storage for backing up your PC and 24/7 customer support. 

Stepping up to the Deluxe level will cost you $49.99 per year and gets you protection for up to five devices, 50 GB of online storage, and parental control of which sites your kids can access. 

The next level up, Select, costs $99.99 per year. For that significant increase in price, you get services from LifeLock, an identity-theft-protection company Norton bought in 2017. At this level, in addition to all the services offered at the Deluxe level, you also get LifeLock’s stolen-funds reimbursement insurance of up to $25,000 if any of your online accounts are breached, as well as alerts about the unauthorized use of your social security number and changes to your credit status. You get more insurance as well: up to $25,000 in reimbursement for personal expenses and up to $1 million to cover legal fees if your identity is stolen. You are also able to monitor your credit with one of the major credit reporting agencies. Plus, your online storage limit increases to 100 GB. 

If you really want to splash out on security, the final level of Norton 360 might be right for you. It’s called Ultimate Plus and it costs a whopping $299 per year. For that, your online storage limit bumps up to 500 GB, the stolen funds reimbursement limit goes up to $1 million and you can monitor your credit at all three major bureaus. Norton/LifeLock also throws in the scanning of court records; data breach notifications; alerts when someone applies for or seeks to transfer bank accounts in your name; and alerts when there are suspicious changes to your investment accounts. 

So are any of these plans right for you? Probably.

Our favorite choice of the bunch is the $49.99 per year Deluxe platform because of the five-fold increase in your online storage and allowable number of devices. If you feel that identity theft might be a real issue for you, then stepping up to the Select plan with LifeLock certainly makes sense. And, if money isn’t an issue for you, then you really can’t get a better all-in-one online protection suite than the Ultimate Plus plan.

Be aware, though, that the prices in this article are all based on Norton’s one-year introductory plan. After your first year, the cost of the different levels climbs significantly as you can see here. The adjusted prices are certainly at the top of the range for cybersecurity software, but you are getting protection from one of the giants in the field and you are getting a multi-pronged solution. Still, it might be best to sign up for a year and set yourself a reminder on your calendar to look for a cheaper solution when it’s time to renew. 

Download Norton 360 Here

Ameya DalviJun 30, 2021 16:55:18 IST

The sub-Rs 75,000 segment of smartphones in India is not one where you have as many new arrivals in a quarter, as compared to the sub-Rs 40,000 bracket, for instance. Despite the noticeable lack of variety, making a choice is tough, as every major brand tries its best to secure your big bucks by flaunting some top-of-the-line features. To make your life simpler, we have shortlisted five smartphones available for under Rs 75,000 that we believe are worthy of your money. Time to meet them. Let’s start with the two new entrants on this list.

Best phones to buy under Rs 75,000 in India

OnePlus 9 Pro

OnePlus 9 Pro

The top variant of the OnePlus 8 Pro (Review) seems to be out of stock, and hence, we can move on to the OnePlus 9 Pro without the temptation of a more attractive deal on the former. The new OnePlus flagship has a 6.7-inch LTPO Fluid AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 3,216 x 1,440 pixels. The HDR10+ compliant screen can display a billion colours and get up to 1300 nits bright. The phone has an elegant design, with a metal frame and a glass body protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 front and back.

The rear camera department is stacked, with a combination of a 48 MP primary camera with OIS, a 50 MP ultrawide camera with auto-focus, an 8 MP telephoto camera with OIS for 3.3X optical zoom and a 2 MP mono camera. But, most importantly, the Hasselblad colour tuning makes a world of difference here. The cameras manage to shoot some impressive images in different lighting and modes, accurately reproducing more natural colours. There’s a 16 MP front camera located in a tiny punch-hole at the top of the screen to take care of selfies and video calls.

The 5G-ready OnePlus 9 Pro is powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 888 chip and you get 8 GB or 12 GB RAM variants of the phone with 128 GB and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, respectively. Its 4,500 mAh battery lasts a day of moderate use comfortably, and the bundled 65 W Warp charger promises to juice it up fully in under half an hour. The phone also supports fast wireless charging. The phone has IP68 ingress protection and runs OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11.

OnePlus 9 Pro price in India: Rs 64,999 for 8 GB RAM / 128 GB storage; Rs 69,999 for 12 GB RAM / 256 GB storage

Vivo X60 Pro+

Vivo X60 Pro+

Vivo’s flagship X60 Pro+ is absolutely loaded and has a lot going for it beyond its good looks. Let’s begin with the rear camera department with Zeiss optics, and helmed by a 50 MP primary camera with OIS. Giving it company are a 48 MP ultra-wide camera with Gimbal stabilisation and 32 MP and 8 MP telephoto cameras that provide 2X to 5X optical zoom. All cameras do a commendable job across various modes and lighting, and record equally impressive videos. The 32 MP front camera is good enough to keep selfie enthusiasts hooked.

The Vivo X60 Pro+ has a vibrant 6.56-inch Full HD+ HDR10+ compliant Super AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. This flagship phone, too, is powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC. It is accompanied by a generous 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. It packs a 4,200 mAh battery that lasts over a day of moderate use, and a 55 W fast charger is included in the bundle. It runs Android 11 with FunTouch 11 UI.

Vivo X60 Pro+ price in India: Rs 69,990 for 12 GB RAM / 256 GB storage

Apple iPhone 12 Mini

iPhone 12 Mini

The smallest of the iPhone 12 series phones from Apple finds itself on our list again. While the size of newer phones has been getting out of hand (figuratively and literally), the Apple iPhone 12 Mini is refreshingly compact. It is not just about having a small phone, but the availability of a proper flagship device in that form factor without missing out on any important feature from its larger siblings is commendable. I hope other manufacturers follow suit.

The Apple iPhone 12 Mini is pretty much the iPhone 12 in a smaller shell, both in terms of design and specifications. In fact, it has a sharper display as compared to the 12 in terms of pixel density, thanks to its compact 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen. At its core is the latest and powerful A14 Bionic chip that powers the entire iPhone 12 series. The two 12 MP cameras at the back offer top-notch performance in different lighting conditions, and can shoot some fine videos, too. It runs the latest iOS 14, and one can expect newer OS updates for the next five years.

Apple iPhone 12 Mini price in India: Rs 68,500 for 128 GB storage on Amazon India

Samsung Galaxy S21

Samsung Galaxy S21.

Another reasonably compact device on this list is the Samsung Galaxy S21. Other than its plastic back, there’s little to complain about with this S series phone. It has a 6.2-inch Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, with a peak brightness of 1300 nits, HDR10+ compliance and a 120 Hz refresh rate. It is powered by an Exynos 2100 chip, which can be found in all the latest top-end Samsung phones. The S21 is bundled with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB of internal storage.  You get Android 11 out of the box with Samsung’s One UI 3.

The photography department consists of three cameras at the back, with a 12 MP primary camera with OIS, a 12 MP ultrawide camera and a 64 MP telephoto camera with OIS that facilitates 3X Hybrid zoom. The camera performance is top-grade with great detail, close to natural colours and excellent dynamic range. Its low-light performance is commendable as well. This phone can also record high quality videos up to 8K resolution. A 4000 mAh battery keeps the phone running for over a day of moderate usage. The Samsung Galaxy S21 also flaunts IP68 rated dust and water resistance.

Samsung Galaxy S21 price in India: Rs 68,900 for 8 GB RAM / 128 GB storage on Amazon India

Motorola Edge+

Motorola Edge+

It was a close call between the Motorola Edge+ and the Asus ROG Phone 5 for the last slot. But given the unavailability of the Asus monster, the choice was straightforward. The Motorola Edge+ may be a lesser-known device, but it has premium written all over it courtesy of its stylish design and curved display. The 6.7-inch Full HD+ 10-bit OLED display is as vibrant as that of any phone on this list. It has a 90 Hz refresh rate and supports HDR10+. This 5G phone is powered by Qualcomm’s previous-generation flagship Snapdragon 865 chip, and comes loaded with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB of internal storage.

The camera department is solid, with a 108 MP primary camera with OIS, along with a 16 MP ultrawide camera and an 8 MP telephoto camera with OIS that provides 3X optical zoom. The cameras capture high-quality shots in different modes. Motorola phones are known to provide near-stock Android UI, and the Edge+ is no different. For those fond of a pure Android experience, this is one of the best options available currently. Keeping the phone powered for a day and a half of moderate use is a 5,000 mAh battery. Oh, and it has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, too.

Motorola Edge+ price in India: Rs 64,999 for 12 GB RAM / 256 GB storage

tech2 News StaffJun 30, 2021 09:42:39 IST

Bharti will invest an additional $500 million (over Rs 3,700 crore) into OneWeb, to become the largest shareholder in the satellite communications company that billionaire Sunil Mittal-run Bharti Group along with the UK government had rescued from bankruptcy last year.

We are thrilled to announce that OneWeb has secured a new $500m investment from Bharti Global, @bhartinews. On completion, OneWeb will have secured $2.4bn of equity investment.

Read the full press release: https://t.co/twL9ZLITCg#OneWeb #satcom #satellitecommunications pic.twitter.com/Q2snc96hf4

— OneWeb (@OneWeb) June 29, 2021

The investment is a result of exercise of a ‘call option’ by Bharti. On completion of the transaction and with Eutelsat’s $550 million investment, Bharti will hold 38.6 percent. The UK government, Eutelsat and SoftBank will each own 19.3 per cent, OneWeb said in a statement.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2021, subject to regulatory nod.

The announcement comes as OneWeb gears up for its eighth launch on 1 July, delivering much-anticipated and strategically valuable Arctic region coverage down to 50 degrees latitude.

Save the date – on 1st July at 8:48AM (ET) / 1:48PM (BST), we’ll be launching our 8th set of satellites. Taking our constellation to a total of 254 satellites, this launch will allow us to provide complete coverage north of 50 degrees latitude by the end of the 2021 pic.twitter.com/8BrUsTWwgt

— OneWeb (@OneWeb) June 23, 2021

“OneWeb, the global low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, has secured further fundraising on the anniversary of the successful bid by the UK government and Bharti Global (Bharti) to purchase OneWeb from US Chapter 11 to bring its total funding to USD 2.4 billion,” OneWeb informed.

“The completion of our funding puts OneWeb in a powerful position. We have significantly lower entry cost of any LEO. We benefit from $3.4bn of pre-Chapter 11 investment by the original shareholders, making new OneWeb a three-times lower cost Constellation.  With the forthcoming launch we will have completed 40 percent of our Network. We are intently focused on execution and just ten more launches will enable us to deliver global coverage. Investors have backed the extraordinary efforts of the OneWeb team to deliver more of the global connectivity the World needs,” said Neil Masterson, CEO of OneWeb.

Some stunning shots from Vostochny as our #OneWebLaunch8 rocket is rolled out onto the launch pad. Loaded with 36 satellites, final preparations are being made for launch on 1st July at 8:48AM (ET) / 1:48PM (BST) #OneWebLaunch #OneWeb #satcom pic.twitter.com/NTu737NPaI

— OneWeb (@OneWeb) June 28, 2021

OneWeb has completed its transformation with the exercise of a call option by Bharti to invest an additional $500 million into the company.

The statement said that the final shareholding structure could alter to the extent a member of the shareholders’ group chooses to exercise a part of the call option.

On completion, OneWeb will have secured $2.4 billion of equity investment, with no issued debt.

OneWeb’s Executive Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal noted: “OneWeb represents a unique opportunity for investors at a key moment in the commercialisation of Space. With its Global ITU LEO Spectrum priority, Telco partnerships, successful launch momentum and reliable satellites, OneWeb is ready to serve the vital needs of high-speed broadband connectivity for those who have been left behind. Nation states can accelerate their universal service obligations, Telcos, their backhaul and Enterprise and Governments can serve remote installations.”

With inputs from PTI

FP TrendingJun 29, 2021 17:14:58 IST

FAUG was recently released as a PUBG Mobile alternative in India. While it generated some hype, it was quick to be forgotten, especially when Battlegrounds Mobile India was announced. To get back in the game, it is now getting the Team Deathmatch mode. nCore Games, via a tweet, has revealed that FAUG is getting the new TDM mode. TDM or Team Deathmatch mode is similar to the game modes seen on Call of Duty (CoD) Mobile and even Battlegrounds Mobile India.

FAUG

This comes after nCore Games, a few months ago, announced the same. The game is also expected to get more modes in the future.

Bullets will fly when FAUG face their dushman in deadly team battles! Join beta release of FAUG’s TDM mode & let your feedback be heard! Limited slots only!

Download now https://t.co/v9kL8PfnTC#LargestVaccineDrive #MaskUp@vishalgondal @akshaykumar @dayanidhimg@BharatKeVeer pic.twitter.com/ERw5fQj22T

— nCORE Games (@nCore_games) June 27, 2021

The mode will allow players to form a group of five people and compete with another group of five players. The TDM mode comes with a new Bazaar map that showcases various Indian scenes.

It is also suggested that TDM will provide users with a number of weapons to fight it out. There will be weapons like guns and knives. This is different from FAUG‘s initial Campaign mode that makes use of hand weapons to fight the opponents.

The new FAUG TDM mode is currently available as part of the game’s beta. The mode is available on a separate version of the game, which is available as FAUG (early access). There isn’t any word on when the mode will be available for all users.

For those who don’t know, FAUG was recently made available for iPhone users after being launched in January for Android users only.

If you don’t know, the game is set in the Galwan Valley wherein Indian soldiers are seen fighting the Chinese soldiers for the sake of their country.

FP TrendingJun 29, 2021 17:39:31 IST

Qualcomm Technologies on Monday, 28 June introduced the new Snapdragon 888+ 5G mobile platform, a successor to the flagship Snapdragon 888 chipset. The announcement was made at the virtual Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2021 event. As per Qualcomm, these platforms power more than 130 designs announced or in development.

Snapdragon 888+ includes AI-enhanced gameplay, streaming, photography, and more.

The new Snapdragon 888+ 5G mobile platform sports a full arsenal of Snapdragon Elite Gaming features to exploit the power of ultra-smooth responsiveness and color-rich HDR graphics. It offers an increased Qualcomm Kryo 680 CPU Prime core clock speed at up to 3.0 GHz and the 6th generation Qualcomm AI Engine with up to 32 TOPS AI performance. Snapdragon 888+ includes AI-enhanced gameplay, streaming, photography, and more.

Besides Snapdragon 888, Qualcomm also announced the expansion of its 5G RAN Platforms portfolio including the Qualcomm 5G DU X100 Accelerator Card at the event. It is designed to allow operators and infrastructure vendors to fully utilise high performance, low latency, and power-efficient 5G, while boosting the cellular ecosystem’s transition towards virtualised radio access networks.

The company has also launched its new R&D over-the-air (OTA) testbeds and system simulations display Qualcomm Technologies’ next chapter of 5G. The new research and innovations continued leadership in enhancing the 5G system foundation to expand existing capacity, widen the coverage, and lower the latency to mobile operators and devices globally. The testbeds and system simulations also highlight 5G’s horizontal capabilities to transform industries from industrial IoT, enterprise, automotive and more.

Qualcomm’s most recent research shows the growth of 5G devices, applications and deployments across wireless technology, edge cloud processing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Press Trust of IndiaJun 29, 2021 12:42:20 IST

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) India on Tuesday launched an updated version of Range Rover Sport SVR in the country priced at Rs 2.19 crore (ex-showroom). The Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest, most powerful Land Rover ever produced. Designed, engineered and developed by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations, the luxury performance SUV is hand-finished in Coventry, UK. The SUV comes with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine that delivers a power of 575 hp and torque of 700 Nm and can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 4.5 seconds.

Coupled with bespoke enhancements to the chassis, the SVR delivers more dynamic handling without compromising traditional Range Rover comfort or all-terrain capability.

The 2021 Range Rover Sport SVR can go from 0-100 kph in a claimed 4.5 seconds. Image: Land Rover

The setup of the vehicle ensures a controlled pitch under heavy acceleration and braking, and the damping hardware is tuned to provide exceptional turn-in, mid-corner grip and body control.

“The Range Rover SVR redefines and further elevates performance and luxury in an SUV by leveraging the best of bespoke British design and engineering. I am sure that Range Rover Sport SUV enthusiasts and fans will simply love this latest offering combining formidable British engineering craftsmanship with high end and refined luxury,” JLR India President and Managing Director Rohit Suri said in a statement.

The Land Rover range in India includes the Range Rover Evoque (starting at Rs 59.04 lakh), Discovery Sport (starting at Rs 65.30 lakh), Defender 110 (starting at Rs 83.38 lakh), Range Rover Sport (starting at Rs 91.27 lakh) and Range Rover (starting at Rs 2.10 crore).

JLR sells its cars from 24 dealerships across the country.

FP TrendingJun 28, 2021 19:52:48 IST

Asus devices will soon be eligible for a free upgrade to the new Windows 11 operating system once it’s available, as the company today announced its partnership with Microsoft. Asus has teamed up with Microsoft to ensure users of new and existing Asus PCs can get a free Windows 11 upgrade once it is launched. As per the announcement, hundreds of other Asus models shipped with Windows 10 will also qualify for the free upgrade. This includes the ProArt Studio book, Zenbook and Vivobook laptops, ROG Strix, ROG Zephyrus, and ROG Flow gaming laptops, as well as TUF Gaming laptops and desktops.

The ExpertBook laptops and ExpertCenter desktops, along with many Zen AiO and Vivo AiO models and Asus Mini PCs, will also be eligible for the upgrade after this partnership. Full details of the qualifying models can be found on the Asus Windows 11 microsite.

Windows 11. Image: Microsoft blog

The rollout is scheduled to begin later in 2021 and continue into 2022. The specific timing of rollout will vary depending on the device.

Here’s what Asus PC owners can do in order to get ready for Windows 11:

– Users can use the PC Health Check app to see if their current PC meets the requirements to run Windows 11.
– If required, they can shop for a new Asus Windows 10 PC that can be upgraded to Windows 11 for free whenever it is launched.
– If files from the user’s current PC are backed up to OneDrive, it will be easier to transfer them to a new PC.

Microsoft says the interface of Windows 11 has been designed for a better user experience. The ‘Start’ feature has been put at the centre and is made to quickly find whatever a user may need. Utilising the power of Microsoft 365 and Cloud, ‘Start’ will show recent files to users irrespective of the platform or device they viewed them on earlier.

Features such as Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Desktops are a part of Windows 11, which will help optimise real estate on the screen and in organising the window. In the upcoming operating system, separate desktops for work, school, or gaming can also be created.

FP TrendingJun 28, 2021 20:14:56 IST

Researchers and scientists from the University of Michigan have come up with an advanced and creative way to use the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) satellite data. They are using satellites to track the movement of tiny microplastic pieces in the ocean from space.

By using satellite data, scientists can track the plastic from the time it enters the water and find out how it moves and where it tends to collect.

Every year, around eight million tons of plastic waste enters the ocean. Smashed by the sun and sea into microplastics, these tiny bits have a very harmful effect on marine life. Microplastics can travel thousands of miles away in the ocean resulting in making it difficult to track or remove them.

Every year, around eight million tons of plastic waste enters the ocean. Image credit: NASA

This new technique will use the data collected by the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS). It is a group of eight small satellites that provides information about the strength of hurricanes and wind speeds by using radar.

As per NASA, while working on this new advanced technique, the team of scientists searched for areas where the ocean was smooth in order to easily indicate the presence of microplastics. Then those areas were compared to observations after which scientists concluded that microplastics would be present in smoother waters.

The researchers discovered that worldwide microplastic concentrations vary by season. In the Northern Hemisphere, in the North Atlantic and Pacific, the concentration of microplastics are higher in the summer months. The peak months for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch are June and July.

“Areas of high microplastic concentration, like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, exist because they’re located in convergence zones of ocean currents and eddies. The microplastics get transported by the motion of the water and end up collecting in one place,” Ruf said.

In the Southern Hemisphere, concentrations are at their highest during the summer months of January and February. Winter concentrations are lower, owing to a combination of stronger currents that break up microplastic plumes and higher vertical mixing that pushes them deeper into the water’s surface.

The data also revealed multiple transient surges in microplastic concentration around the Yangtze River’s mouth, which has long been suspected as a major source.

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This information can help organisations working to clean up plastic and microplastics in the ocean, have a better idea to send their resources.

The team of researchers are already talking to The Ocean Cleanup, a Dutch cleanup company, to collaborate on validating their preliminary findings. UNESCO, which has sponsored a task group to identify new ways to track the release of microbes, could benefit from this single-point release data as well.

The final report was published on 9 June in IEEE Transactions of Geoscience and Remote Sensing. It was completed by Chris Ruf, who is a professor at the university and principal investigator for CYGNSS, along with undergraduate student Madeline C Evans.

“We’re still early in the research process, but I hope this can be part of a fundamental change in how we track and manage microplastic pollution,” said Ruf.

For now, the main source of information to locate microplastics in the ocean is plankton trawlers. These boats are commercial fishing vessels that are designed to operate fishing trawls. They use nets to catch plankton and microplastics.

tech2 News StaffJun 28, 2021 15:50:09 IST

Realme has announced that it is teaming up with Dizo lifestyle brand to launch its “TechLife universe”. Under the partnership, Realme is launching the first set of products at a virtual launch event on 1 July at 12.30 pm IST. The new product line includes Realme Hair Dryer and Realme Beard Trimmer series. In addition to this, Realme Buds 2 Neo will also launch at the event.

Realme Hair Dryer

Realme Hair Dryer expected specifications

Realme confirms that the upcoming Realme Hair Dryer will come in a white colour option. As per the microsite, it “dries your hair in 5 minutes”. The dryer will come with a 19,000 rpm fan speed, 13.9 m/s wind speed and takes up 1,400 W power.

Not just fast, but also super safe, the upcoming #realmeHairDryer features 20M Negative Ions ensuring Hair Care at its finest.
Are you excited to bring #YourStyleExpert home?

Launching at 12:30 PM, 1st July.
Know more: https://t.co/R9AubSk6TX pic.twitter.com/1gVkQlLrEB

— realme TechLife (@realmeTechLife) June 27, 2021

For people concerned about hair damage, it operates at less than 55 degrees of temperature. It features four physical buttons that include Cold Air Button, Soft Air Button and Off. The dryer also comes with inlet mesh, nylon mesh and air inlet grille.

Realme Beard Trimmer Plus expected features

Realme will also launch Realme Beard Trimmer Plus at the event. It will come with “40 different length settings, 10 mm and 20 mm combs with 0.5 mm precision”. It will also come with an 800 mAh battery that charges in 120 minutes. With the help of the reversible Type-C charging port, users will be able to charge it via mobile charger or power bank. It will also come with an IPX7 water resistance rating.

Realme Beard Trimmer Plus

Realme Buds 2 Neo expected specifications

As per the company microsite, these earphones will feature silicone earbuds and will come in black and blue colour options. The earphones will come with 11.2 mm drivers.

Realme Buds 2 Neo

Enjoy an excellent sound quality for all your playlists with a new addition to our smart audio range. Gear up to meet the #realmeBuds2Neo and #EnjoyTheBass! Launching at 12:30 PM, 1st July. Know more: https://t.co/zHELxdr2ZP pic.twitter.com/lDSrhgtSgC — realme TechLife (@realmeTechLife) June 28, 2021

Users will also be able to attend calls with the help of the microphones in the earphones.

tech2 News StaffJun 28, 2021 08:55:08 IST

Xiaomi launched Mi 11 Lite in India last week at a starting price of Rs 21,999. The highlights of the smartwatch include a 64 MP triple rear camera, 157 gm weight, Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset and a 4,250 mAh battery that comes with support for 33 W fast charging. It will go on sale today at 12 pm on Flipkart and Mi.com. In addition to the smartphone, the company also launched Mi Watch Revolve Active at a price of Rs 9,999.

Mi 11 Lite

Mi 11 Lite pricing, availability, sale offers

Mi 11 Lite comes in two storage variants. The 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage variant is priced at Rs 21,999 and the 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage variant is priced at Rs 23,999. It will be available in Tuscany Coral, Vinyl Black and Jazz Blue colour variants.

As for sale offers, the buyers who pre-ordered the Mi 11 Lite will get a discount of Rs 1, 500. In addition to this, the buyers will also get an instant discount of Rs 1,500 on HDFC Bank cards. It will be available for purchase today at 12 pm.

The secrets of the morning mist

An enchanting shot by #MiCreator Ashik Aseem on #Mi11Lite#Mi11Lite is loaded with a 64MP camera and 23 director modes

Starts at 18,999/-* (incl. offers)
Pre-order now at https://t.co/D3b3QtmvaT, Mi Home, @Flipkart & retail stores pic.twitter.com/fcdIigyjv3

— Mi India (@XiaomiIndia) June 27, 2021

Mi 11 Lite specifications

Mi 11 Lite features a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with support for HDR10v and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.  The display offers up to 90 Hz refresh rate and 240 Hz touch sampling rate. It is 6.81 mm thin and weighs 157 gm. The smartphone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset and offers 8 GB RAM and up to 128 GB internal storage.

For photography, the Mi 11 Lite sports a triple rear camera setup that houses a 64 MP primary sensor, an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 5 MP tele macro camera. For selfies, it features a 16 MP camera on the front.

The smartphone is equipped with a 4,250 mAh battery that comes with 33 W fast charging support.

tech2 News StaffJun 25, 2021 16:02:16 IST

A new independent advisory group has been created to help the masses and governments around the world understand the science behind climate change, and accordingly, make informed decisions. Called the Climate Crisis Advisory Group (CCAG), it will help develop constructive proposals and policies. According to its website, CCAG will pay attention to policy and financial issues that are not the mainstay of government agendas.

The CCAG will be chaired by Sir David King, former Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Government and founder of the Centre for Climate Repair at Cambridge University.

A new international advisory group has been created called the Climate Crisis Advisory Group that is independent of any government.

He will be joined by 13 other scientists, researchers, professors and environmentalists in the group. Combining diverse backgrounds, genders and races, the group has experts from 10 nations coming together to address the climate emergency. CCAG experts include those with backgrounds in climate science, carbon emissions, energy, environment and natural resources. Some of them are also part of their own government’s advisory groups as well.

“I believe we have five years left to get on top of this global problem. We began talking seriously about climate change in 1992, yet we are in a much worse position now – watching greenhouse gases increase year after year. We need to take action now and that is exactly what CCAG is set up to do,” King said in a press statement.

“We are hoping that by putting expertise directly into the public domain, we are reaching into policymakers’ decision processes, and into the financial sector and how they invest in our future,” King said.

Two Indians – Dr Arunabha Ghosh, Founder-CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and Lavanya Rajamani, Professor of International Environmental Law, Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, are also a part of this group.

Ghosh advises governments, industry, civil society and international organisations around the world. He was also invited by France to advise on the COP21 climate negotiations, and was actively involved in conceptualising and designing the International Solar Alliance. He is also a founding board member of the Clean Energy Access Network and was nominated to the UN’s Committee for Development Policy in 2018.

Rajamani specialises in the field of international environment and climate change law. She has authored several books and articles including the ASIL prize-winning co-authored book, International Climate Change Law. She was also part of the UNFCCC core drafting and advisory team for the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Other members of the group include Dr Robert Corell, Professor Qi Ye, Dr Klaus Lackner, Professor Mercedes Bustamante, Dr Fatih Birol, Dr Johan Rockström, Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, Professor Nerilie Abram, Dr Tero Mustonen, Professor Laura Diaz Anadon and Professor Mark Maslin.

The Group has called for international, political and financial action to mitigate the consequences of climate change by addressing the key problems at the heart of the crisis. CCAG says it is a three-pronged approach:

Reduce: Current targets are not enough. Nations need to triple their emissions-cutting pledges to limit the effects of the climate crisis.

Remove: We need critical investment to develop, research and scale techniques to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

Repair: Deep research is needed to explore and investigate safe methods and technologies that could repair parts of our damaged climate systems.

According to a Guardian report, this new group was inspired by the Independent Sage, a group of British scientists who came together to hold ministers and civil servants in the UK accountable for “their lack of transparency and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

CCAG will conduct virtual monthly meetings on the last Thursday of every month at 4:30 pm IST (12:00 BST). They will release a report talking about the state of the global environment. These meetings will be open to the public and will be chaired by BBC presenter Ade Adepitan.

Ghosh said, “The climate crisis is a great leveler, affecting the rich and the poor in both the developed and the developing countries. The rich must act because of their responsibility. The poor must act because of their vulnerability. The focus now needs to be on connecting with the public at large on the climate crisis and bringing sustainability from the margins to the mainstream.”

OverdriveJun 25, 2021 16:46:21 IST

Outlining its strategy for the next decade, Skoda Auto has announced it will launch three new EVs in the European market by 2030. Unlike, Audi, Skoda will not become a fully electric brand by this time but hopes EVs will account for 50 to 70 percent of sales in this region by 2030. The company aims to become one of Europe’s top five carmakers in this period. All three planned EVs will be positioned below the Enyaq iV, although the exact segments these cars will compete in haven’t been revealed.

Skoda Auto CEO Thomas Schafer, however, has confirmed that the Octavia will be offered in electric form eventually. The Octavia is currently available as a hybrid but the BEV version, when launched, will probably be based on the MEB architecture. The brand is also working on a small EV for the European market.

Skoda’s upcoming EVs will all be positioned below the Enyaq iV crossover. Image: Skoda

Production of MEB battery systems will also be launched in Mladá Boleslav this year, and by 2030, electrical components and vehicles will be produced at all three Skoda Auto’s Czech plants in Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabí by 2030. Fleet emissions, critical in the European market, are expected to be reduced by 50 percent in 2030.

From the Indian perspective, Skoda is keeping all options open. The Kushaq, with its MQB-A0-IN architecture, will not get an EV variant but Skoda will gauge how EV take-up progresses in the country before reaching a final decision on introducing mass-market EVs in the country.

However, the company’s Chakan facility and the Mladá Boleslav plant will become carbon-neutral by 2030. The focus instead is on becoming the largest European brand in the Indian, Chinese and Russian markets, in keeping with the Volkswagen Group’s strategy of putting Skoda in charge of these markets.

The brand wants to increase global sales from 1 million units a year to 1.5 million years by 2030, driven by growth in these markets.

tech2 News StaffJun 25, 2021 16:28:49 IST

Nothing Ear 1 wireless earbuds will exclusively sell on Flipkart in India, the company confirmed on Friday.

“For the upcoming launch of ear (1), we are excited to partner with Flipkart as we mark Nothing’s entry in India. Flipkart’s pan-India supply chain will be instrumental in reaching Nothing customers and delivering a superior end-to-end product experience, which is very important to us,” said Manu Sharma, Vice President and General Manager, Nothing India.

While the launch date of the wireless earbuds hasn’t been revealed yet, the company confirmed last month that it will host its first launch event in June.

Nothing Ear 1 wireless earbuds. Image: Nothing

Nothing Ear 1 was first officially teased in May this year.

Nothing co-founder Carl Pei dropped a hint that the earbuds are likely to come with AirPods-like long stem.

In March 2021, Nothing had also revealed the concept behind their first product. Called the ‘Concept 1’, the earbuds featured a transparent design.

Separately, Nothing has also confirmed that it plans to launch “an ecosystem of smart devices” in the future.

Revealing a bit about design, Carl Pei had said, “Ear 1 combines notes of transparency, iconic form, and refined functionality. It is the starting point that will define the artistry, confidence and craftsmanship that will carry our products and services for years to come.”

In February, Nothing also announced its partnership with Teenage Engineering, a Swedish consumer electronics manufacturer.

OverdriveJun 25, 2021 16:41:10 IST

Tata Motors has made some minor feature changes to the Tata Nexon EV, the country’s best-selling EV. This update follows similar changes made to the standard Nexon, with which the EV shares its interiors and a large part of its structure.

The updated Tata Nexon EV sports new alloy wheels. Image: Tata Motors

The notable change on the inside is that the 7.0-inch touchscreen unit loses its bank of physical controls below the AC vents, moving to a touch-only interface. The section now just features Nexon lettering, while the rest of the cabin remains largely unchanged. So, you get the same gloss black panels with blue highlights and off-white upholstery. Notable features are the sunroof, ZConnect connected car tech, climate control, a semi-digital instrument cluster and LED lighting.

The Nexon EV has also been updated with a new set of alloy wheels. These are of the same 215/60 R16 size but feature a dual-tone, five-spoke design. The rest of the exterior remains unchanged with three dual-tone colour options to choose from, blue accents and EV badging. The Nexon EV also features a blanked-out front-grille, instead of the honeycomb one from the standard Nexon.

Physical controls placed under the touchscreen have been deleted. Image: Tata Motors

The Nexon EV’s lithium-ion battery is of 30.2 kWh capacity and feeds a permanent-magnet AC motor that puts 129 hp and 245 Nm through the front wheels. This allows for a brisk 0 to 100 kph time of 9.9 seconds and the top speed is limited to 120 kph. It has an ARAI-certified range of 312 kilometres.

There is a single-speed gearbox with two drive mode options, Drive and Sport. In the Sport mode, there is a torque boost of up to 60 percent to give you the full 245 Nm. Through a DC fast charger, the Nexon EV will reach 80 percent capacity in 60 minutes. The car can also be plugged into any standard power socket, which takes eight hours to get from 20 to 80 percent charge.

When bought outright, the Tata Nexon EV is priced at Rs 13.99 lakh for the base XM trim level. The XZ and top-spec XZ Lux variants cost Rs 15.40 lakh and Rs 16.40 lakh respectively (All prices are ex-showroom pan India). Tata Motors has also introduced a subscription plan for the Nexon EV.

FP TrendingJun 25, 2021 16:42:26 IST

Xiaomi has launched the new Mi TV webcam in the Indian market. The webcam can be used with smart TVs, laptops, and computers. It offers a Full HD (1080p) video quality and has Dual Far-Field microphones for audio recording.

Mi TV Webcam pricing and sale date

The Mi TV webcam is priced at Rs 1,999 and will be available for purchase starting 28 June at Mi.com, Mi Home, and Mi studio.

Mi TV Webcam compatibility

To use the Mi webcam, Android TV users can download Google Duo from the Play Store to start video calling. All Mi TVs, Redmi TVs, Android TVs (Android TV 8 and above), and laptops (running Windows and macOS) are compatible with it.

The new webcam can also be set up with the ‘Simple Plug and Play video’ mechanism.

Mi TV Webcam. Image: tech2

Mi TV Webcam specifications and features

The Mi Webcam features a metal body and offers Full-HD (1080p) videos at 25 fps with a 71-degrees field of view. It is packed with a 1.5m removable USB Type-C port for good and proper connectivity across all TVs, laptops, desktops, and allows interchange between Type-C and Type-A connecting cables.

It sports a physical shutter that adds an extra layer of safety. It also has an in-built 3D Image Noise Reduction algorithm that helps in suppressing noise in any low-light image.

The webcam also comes with an adjustable magnetic base to let users attach the device to any metal surface on the TV or PC for a sturdy grip.

tech2 News StaffJun 25, 2021 18:56:16 IST

Amid a public spat between Twitter India and the Government of India, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad said that he was denied access to his Twitter account for almost an hour on Friday.

Prasad wrote in a tweet that his account was blocked on the “alleged ground that there was a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of the USA”. Prasad was subsequently allowed access to the account.

Friends! Something highly peculiar happened today. Twitter denied access to my account for almost an hour on the alleged ground that there was a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of the USA and subsequently they allowed me to access the account. pic.twitter.com/WspPmor9Su

— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) June 25, 2021

This latest run-in with the micro-blogging site comes in the backdrop of a months-long clash with the BJP-led Centre, from requests to take down tweets supporting the farmers’ agitation to a more recent spat over new IT rules.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) criminalises the production and dissemination of devices, services and/or technology, intended to circumvent measures that control access to copyrighted works. It can be invoked to flag the use of someone’s content being used without their consent.

It is apparent that my statements calling out the high handedness and arbitrary actions of Twitter, particularly sharing the clips of my interviews to TV channels and its powerful impact, have clearly ruffled its feathers.

— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) June 25, 2021

The Union minister said that by blocking his account without prior notice, Twitter violated Rule 4(8) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.

Currently, it’s unclear as to which post by Prasad led to his account being disabled. However, the IT minister claims that his statements “calling out the high-handedness and arbitrary actions of Twitter, particularly sharing the clips of my interviews to TV channels and its powerful impact, have clearly ruffled its feathers.”

Furthermore, in the past several years, no television channel or any anchor has made any complaints about copyright infringements with regard to these news clips of my interviews shared on social media.

— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) June 25, 2021

Prasad ended the tweet thread with a warning for Twitter, which read, “No matter what any platform does they will have to abide by the new IT Rules fully and there shall be no compromise on that.”

No matter what any platform does they will have to abide by the new IT Rules fully and there shall be no compromise on that.

— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) June 25, 2021

A little after 4 pm, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted to say he too faced a similar issue, with a tweet of his featuring a popular song being deleted because of a copyright claim.

Raviji, the same thing just happened to me. Clearly DMCA is getting hyperactive. This tweet has been deleted by @Twitter because its video includes the copyrighted BoneyM song”Rasputin”: https://t.co/ClgP2OKV1o #DanceIsNotJihad pic.twitter.com/IqQD50WhaU
After process, a/c unlocked. https://t.co/TCeT8aGxV6

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 25, 2021

Among a series of tweets, Tharoor mentioned the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology will be reaching out to Twitter India to seek clarity on why him and Prasad were locked out of their accounts, and on the rules and procedures it follow for its India operations.

As Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, I can state that we will be seeking an explanation from @TwitterIndia for the locking of @rsprasad‘s & my accounts & the rules & procedures they follow while operating in India.

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 25, 2021

Meanwhile, Aprameya Radhakrishna, CEO and co-founder at Koo issued a statement regarding this, saying, “Giving a user complete context of any claimed violation and an intimation of the exact violation is important. The user should also be able to contest or accept the claimed violation. A direct action of suspension without the above makes it seem like a social media platform is taking the final judgement call and is not being an intermediary.”

The annual photography competition encourages photographers to contribute their work to celebrate Earth’s rich diversity and inspire action to protect it.

1/8

The ‘Out of the Ordinary’ category in the 2021 Big Picture Competition was won by Canadian Peter Mather’ for his image title ‘Klukshu Ice Bears.’ Grizzly bears delay their hibernation to fish for some salmon in subzero temperatures that leave them covered in icicles that dangle from their fun and tinkle when they walk.

2/8

American Ralph Pace is an environmental activist and photographer and his picture titled ‘Sign of the Tides’ won him the Human/Nature category. In November 2020, for the first time, he saw a face mask in the ocean and here you can see that a discarded face mask, in the shape of a sea turtle, attracted the attention of a curious California sea lion.

3/8

Indian nature and wildlife photographer Sarang Naik captured a wild mushroom growing around his house after illuminating it with a flashlight. His picture titled ‘The Goblet of Fire’ won in the Art of nature category.

4/8

Self-taught photographer Shane Kalyn won the Winged Life category with his image titled ‘Beak to Beak’ that captures two ravens inspecting the other’s beaks after they were done preening each other’s feathers.

5/8

Spanish electrician and photographer Fran Rubia was the winner of the Landscapes, Waterscapes, and Flora category with his drone image titled ‘Another Planet’ of an extinct volcano in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Iceland. The red visible in the image is iron oxide that is being hit by Iceland’s midnight sun.

6/8

Canadian photographer Jo-Anne McArthur Hope’s image titled – Hope in a Burned Plantation – was the Grand Prize winner of the 2021 Big Picture Competition with her image of a kangaroo that had paused in the middle of a burned eucalyptus plantation during the Australian bushfires of 2019 and 2020.

7/8

The winner of the Terrestrial Wildlife category was wildlife Canadian photographer Michelle Valberg and her image titled ‘Boss’ that captures a spirit bear, one of a few hundred white bears. The image was captured mid-head shake after he was searching for salmon roe in a river

8/8

Vietnamese photographer Yung-Sen Wu and his image titled Barracuda were the winner of the Aquatic life category, where he was able to finally capture a fish-eye view of the battery of barracuda swimming in the Blue Corner.

FP TrendingJun 25, 2021 19:21:38 IST

After a long wait, Stadia has successfully been launched on Android TV and is now fully playable on all Android TV and Google TV devices. On 23 June, Google officially announced that Stadia is now available to play on Android TV and Google TV devices. Now, users just need to sign into their accounts on their devices and the app will help them connect a controller and set up a game.

Here are some new places where you can now use Stadia, starting today:

On Chromecast with Google TV
On officially supported Android TV OS devices
You can also opt into experimental access for unsupported devices.

Check it out, and report back! pic.twitter.com/9AC6VDnEb6

— Stadia (@GoogleStadia) June 23, 2021

Also, the Stadia for Android TV app is now available to download from the Play Store. Before 23 June, the app didn’t allow users to play Stadia games. Instead, a “Coming soon” message was displayed on the screen.

“To get started, you can either head to the Play Store from your computer and install the app remotely or install it directly from your device with Google TV by saying “Stadia app” to the Google Assistant,” shared Google in a blog post.

Google TV owners can get a discount on a Stadia controller till 30 July. Image: Google

Apart from supporting Chromecast, Stadia can also be sampled on other Google TV devices by opting into experimental support. This can be done by installing the Stadia app on Google TV devices. After launching the app, you’ll have to select the option to “continue” at the opt-in screen.

Touted to be the future of cloud gaming, Stadia had been missing from Android TV devices and Chromecast with Google TV. Now that Google’s gaming app has arrived on these devices, users can finally enjoy a better gaming experience.

To celebrate Stadia’s platform expansion, Google TV owners with Chromecast can check their inbox to find a promo code to get a discounted Stadia controller for $34.50. The offer is valid till 30 July.

For a while now, Mukesh Ambani has been speaking about creating a green Reliance. With global leaders and big countries actively supporting action on climate change, Reliance’s timing could not have been better

File image of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani