Home Blog Page 160

Coolpad Note 6 launched in India: Price, Specifications and Alternatives

The Coolpad Note 6 comes with a fingerprint scanner up front

Coolpad expanding its portfolio in India has launched the Coolpad Note 6. The Note 6 is a successor to the Coolpad Note 5 and comes with a Full HD+ 5.5-inch display. One of the highlights of the smartphone includes its dual-camera setup at the back.

Commenting on the launch, Syed Tajuddin, CEO, Coolpad India, said, “We are overwhelmed by the response we have received so far for all the handsets we have launched in the past. Despite a lot of options for Indian customers in this price range, customers have opted for Coolpad devices because they appreciate the quality, power pact and rich features of Coolpad smartphones. With a dual selfie camera, great viewing experience, long lasting battery, Coolpad Note 6 will offer a great value for money smartphone for the Indian customers.We are also planning to introduce few more aggressive offline devices in next 2-3 months, in order to make an expansion in the offline market through our retails partners and multi-brand outlets. We are expecting that Coolpad will be able to make a strong presence in the offline market by the end of 2018.”

Coolpad Note 6 Specifications

The Coolpad Note 6 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 SoC which is an octa-core processor clocked at 1.4GHz. The smartphone features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The device packs in 4GB of RAM coupled with either 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage. The smartphone runs on Android 7.1 Nougat and it is backed by a 4070mAh battery.

On the optics front, the Note 6 comes with a dual-camera setup at the front consisting of an 8-megapixel and a 5-megapixel sensor.

The Coolpad Note 6 is priced Rs. 8,999 for the 32GB variant while the 64GB variant is available for Rs. 9,999. If the price seems too high or the phone just couldn't impress you, here are some better alternatives.

10.or G

10.or G Back 2
10.or G sports a dual-camera setup at the back

The 10.or G makes a great alternative for the Coolpad Note 6. The 10.or G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 which is much more powerful than the Snapdragon 435 on the Note 6. The device packs in 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage. The smartphone also features a similar 5.5-inch display with 1920x1080 pixel resolution. 10.or G is currently priced at Rs. 7,999 for the 3GB+32GB variant while the 4GB+64GB variant retails for Rs. 9,999.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 features a 12-megapixel camera at the back

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 comes with a modern design and beats Coolpad Note 6 in few aspects. Starting at a price of Rs. 9,999 the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625. The smartphone features a 5.99-inch 18:9 display which is backed by a 4,000mAh battery. At Rs. 9,999, you will get the 3GB+32GB variant whereas paying Rs. 2,000 extra can get you the 4GB+64Gb variant.

Vivo Y53i launced in India with Face Access and More: Price Specifications and Alternatives

Vivo Y53i
The Vivo Y53i comes with 5-inch display along with its most important feature, Face Unlock.

Chinese Smartphone Manufacturer, Vivo became popular for launching the first smartphone with in-display fingerprint sensor technology. Now the company has launched a budget segment Vivo Y53i in India. The Vivo Y53i starts at Rs 7,990. It comes with special features like face access that scans the facial features of the users and unlocks the device instantly. Vivo Y53i is available in Crown Gold and Matte Black colour options.

Specifications

The Y53i sports a 5-inch HD IPS display. It is powered by a 1.4GHz Snapdragon 425 processor coupled with 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory. It comes with a Micro-Sd card slot expandable up to 256GB. The smartphone is backed by a 2500mAh battery. It runs on Funtouch OS 3.0 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. However, its most important feature is the Face Access.

Also Read: Honor 7X finally receives Android 8.0 Oreo update: Here’s how to install

In terms of Optics, the Vivo Y53i sports an 8MP rear lens with f/2.0 aperture and LED flash. There is a special feature which lets users take photos with 32MP resolution. Not sure, what for but it is present. The selfie shooter is a 5MP with f/2.2 aperture and screen flash.

For the connectivity is includes Wi-Fi support, Bluetooth 4.2, FM support, OTG support, GPS/GLONASS as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB 2.0 port. The Y53i sports sensors like ambient light, proximity, e-compass, and accelerometer.

Price

Vivo Y53i comes with a price tag of Rs 7,990. IT will be available at all the major retailers Online and Offline.

Alternatives

Some of the other phones at this price tag that you can buy are.

Xiaomi Redmi 5

Xiaomi Redmi 5 1
The Redmi 5 is the main competitor to the Vivo device.

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 starts at Rs 7,990 and goes all the way up to Rs 10,990. The starting variant is the 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage variant like the Vivo Y53i. However, it sports a fingerprint sensor and an 18:9 aspect ratio display. Both of which are absent in the Vivo Y53i. However, it doesn't sport the Face Unlock Technology.

iVoomi i1s

ivoomi i1 box 2
With the dual camera setup, it certainly has an edge over the Vivo device.

The iVoomi I1s is priced at Rs 7,499. It comes with an 18:9 aspect ratio display which is better than the Vivo Y53i. It also sports 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage which makes it more powerful. Also, it sports a dual-rear camera setup at the back which gives it an edge. It also has a cheaper iVoomi i1 is a cheaper price and more comparable to Y53i performance.

Also Read: iVoomi i1 Review: 18:9 display and dual cameras on an Ultra-Budget flagship

10.or E

10.or E
The midsegment deice by Amazon India backed 10.or is perfect for anyone looking for Stock Android experience.

The 10.or E starts Rs 5,999 and goes up to Rs 6,999. It is cheaper than the Vivo Y53i. It comes with the same internal as the Vivo device. Also, the device comes with a fingerprint sensor at the back and almost stock UI.

Also Read: 10.or E review: Making the budget-smartphone competition tougher

Honor 7X finally receives Android 8.0 Oreo update: Here's how to install

Honor 7X 2
Honor 7X features an 18:9 display up front

Huawei's sub-brand Honor launched the Honor 7X last year. The smartphone was one of the best mid-range smartphones in 2017. The mid-range smartphone was launched with Android Nougat and the company has now finally rolled out the Android 8.0 Oreo update for the same.

The Honor 7X gets the Android 8.0 Oreo update with the latest EMUI 8.0 update. The update brings in Android Oreo's features like Autofill, Picture-in-picture mode, smart selection and much more. Apart from the usual Android Oreo features, EMUI 8.0 brings some new set of features alongside a redesigned Settings app.

Honor 7X users can now finally taste Android 8.0 Oreo with EMUI 8.0

In the new EMUI 8.0, users also get a recycle bin in the Gallery app that will allow users to recover accidentally delete pictures or videos. These photos and videos will stay in the Recycle Bin for 30 days and then they will vanish automatically. The EMUI 8.0 for 7X also brings the much anticipated Face Unlock feature.

Also Read: Honor 7X Review: Best smartphone under Rs. 15,000 with 18:9 display?

How to download and install

  • Once you get a notification saying Update Available, click on it
  • If you did not receive any such notification, you can manually check for any available updates by going to Settings>System Updates and tap on Check for new updates.
  • Now tap on Install Now to begin the installation process

In case you cannot find any new updates on your Honor 7X, you will need to wait for sometime as this might be a slow rollout.

The Honor 7X is currently priced at Rs. 12,999 for the 32GB variant while the 64GB variant retails for Rs. 15,999.

Nokia 7 Plus and Nokia 8 Sirocco now available in India: Here are some alternatives

Nokia 7 Plus and Nokia 8 Sirocco are now available in India

Nokia recently launched the Nokia 7 Plus and the flagship Nokia 8 Sirocco. These smartphones are now available in India for purchase. However, if these devices failed to impress you we have some alternatives listed below.

Nokia 7 Plus is a mid-range smartphone from the company that is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 SoC. The smartphone features a 6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080x2160 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio. The device packs in 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage which is further expandable up to 256GB using a microSD card. The Nokia 7 Plus runs on Android 8.1 Oreo and is backed by a 3800mAh battery.

On the optics front, the Nokia 7 Plus sports a dual-camera setup at the back consisting of two 12-megapixel sensors. Up front, there is a 16-megapixel selfie snapper.

Nokia 8 Sirocco, on the other hand, is a flagship smartphone that is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC. The smartphone features a 5.5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1440x2560 pixels. The device packs in 6GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. The smartphone runs on Android Oreo and it is backed by a 3260mAh battery.

In terms of cameras, the Nokia 8 Sirocco features a 12-megapixel dual-camera setup at the back. Up front, there is a 5-megapixel selfie shooter.

The Nokia 7 Plus and Nokia 8 Sirocco are priced at Rs. 25,999 and Rs. 49,999 respectively.

Alternatives to these smartphones include:

Nokia 8

Nokia 8 Zeiss
Nokia 8 features Zeiss optics

If you are looking for an alternative to the Nokia 7 Plus, the Nokia 8 should be your pick. You will be losing the 18:9 display but you will get a lot in exchange. The Nokia 8 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 which is way more powerful than the SD660 on the Nokia 7 Plus. However, you will end up paying Rs. 2,000 more and that will be worth it. The Nokia 8 is currently priced at Rs. 27,990 for the 4GB+64GB variant.

OnePlus 5T

OnePlus 5T
OnePlus 5T comes with a dual-camera setup at the back

OnePlus 5T is a great alternative to the flagship Nokia 8 Sirocco. The OnePlus 5T comes with similar specifications at a much lower price. The OnePlus 5T is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset. The device packs in 8GB of RAM which is 2GB more than that of the Nokia 8 Sirocco. The 128GB variant of the OnePlus 5T is currently priced at Rs. 37,999. If you are considering the OnePlus 5T, we would highly recommend you to wait for a couple of days as the OnePlus 6 is on its way and it will make a better value for money.

BlackBerry KEYone (2018) spotted on TENAA: Here's what you need to know

BlackBerry KeyOne 2
Just like the BlackBerry KEYone, the BlackBerry Athena will also feature a physical QWERTY keyboard up front

BlackBerry is currently working on a successor to the BlackBerry KEYone. BlackBerry introduced the KEYone in order to bring the Physical keyboard back. As the smartphone received much love from many users, the company will soon introduce its successor.

BlackBerry KEYone's successor is currently codenamed as "Athena" and was recently spotted on the Chinese certification site, TENAA. The images of the smartphone show a very similar design to the KEYone. However, this time around the display up front looks to be larger than its predecessor. Also, the smartphone sports a dual-camera setup at the back to match the 2018's smartphone standards.

BlackBerry Athena Leaks
Source: TENAA

The BlackBerry KEYone 2018 or Athena will feature the Volume Controls, Power Button and the BlackBerry Convince Key to the right. To the left, there will be a slot to put in the SIM tray.

Also Read: BlackBerry KEYone Limited Edition Review: The Business Smartphone?

To recall, BlackBerry KEYone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 SoC. The smartphone features a 4.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1620x1080 pixels. The device packs in 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. The smartphone runs on Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box. Under the hood, there is a  3,505mAh battery powering up the internals.

On the optics front, the KEYone sports a 12-megapixel camera at the back with a dual-tone LED flash. Up front, there is an 8-megapixel selfie shooter.

Features and How to Install Microsoft Windows 10 April Update

Windows 10
Windows 10 is gettings a big new update.

Microsoft is launching a new update to the Windows 10 platform on April 30. According to the company, the Windows 10 April 2018 update focuses on delivering better user experience, stringent security, and major improvements to its Edge browser. Also, the new update incorporates modern voice integration to the operating system.

The Windows 10 April 2018 Update aka Redstone 4 is the fifth biggest update since November 2016 update. Microsoft changed the product update policy with the Windows 10 in June 2015. They now deliver major update every 6 months instead of a new operating system every year.

How to download and install Windows 10 April 2018 Update

Microsoft says the April 208 update will be available starting April 30 It will roll out as an Over The Air(OTA) update. It will be a gradual update. It will be available to all Windows 10 devices in few weeks.

Also Read: Here are the Top 5 Xiaomi smartphones you can buy right now

However desperate users can manually check for the updates. That can be done by opening the Settings menu. From there go to Update & security > Windows update. Finally, click on Check for Updates and it will manually check for updates.

However, if you want to manually install the update, you can to go the Windows 10 update history page. Click on the latest update to download its ISO file. Follow the instructions on the screen to continue with the installation process. Alternatively, You can also use Windows 10 Update Assistant. It is an official Microsoft tool for users to help them securely update their devices. However, this tool is not available for Windows 10 Enterprise Edition.

Microsoft Windows 10 April 2018 Update: Top features

Let's take a look at all the new features the new Windows 10 April 2018 update bring.

Timeline

Timeline enables users to go back around 30 days at max to locate the email, photos and other activity done by them that day. This is quite a handy feature for everyone.

"Because much of our activity is on the go, you can even pick up what you were doing if signed into your Microsoft account while using Microsoft Edge or Office 365 on your iOS or Android device when you return to your Windows 10 PC. Imagine looking at bathroom vanity options for that home remodel when you’re out and about on your phone, and then finishing that purchase when you’re back at your PC. Or working on a document on the bus during your commute and seamlessly picking it back up when you’re at your desk."

-Microsoft Spokesperson

Focus Assist

This new feature enables users to shut down the notifications from all social media platform to help them concentrate more. Users can manually set time frame for this to work. After the time frame ends, the OS will present you a summary of all the emails, tweets notifications you missed. However, you can set exceptions. These apps will still be able to send you notifications. Like Work, email can still bypass Focus Assist, as Work email is needed for Work.

Edge browser

Microsoft’s Edge browser also has got a slew of new updates. These include a deep integration with the Focus assist. You can now easily mute and unmute the audio playing in a tab. It also now lets you go full screen for PDFs and even normal web pages.

Users can now also save the data which can later be used for autofill. Edge browser won't save things like CVV number and passwords for security reasons.

There is also a new grammar feature. According to Microsoft, "Grammar Tools can break the words on the page into syllables, as well as highlight different parts of speech such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives."

Improved voice and Cortana

The Windows 10 April 2018 update includes a new Dictation feature. It can be used to note down things using voice. To use this feature, users can place their cursor anywhere. Then use the Ctrl+H to start voice typing.

Cortana also now connects with your Smart Home devices. "With the April 2018 Update and Cortana enabled on your Windows 10 PC, you can manage your smart home right from your PC using just your voice. For example, want to come home to a warm house from a long day at work? Just tap Cortana on your PC and say “Hey Cortana, set the living room thermostat to 72 degrees” to control your ecobee, Honeywell, Nest Learning thermostat and more."

-Microsoft

Here are the Top 5 Xiaomi smartphones you can buy right now

Xiaomi Top 5

Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer is known for providing smartphones with really good specifications at a relatively cheaper price. The company has a wide-range of the portfolio so here we have brought a list of top 5 Xiaomi smartphones that you can buy right now.

1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro

Xiaomi's Redmi Note series is the most popular series as they lie in the mid-range segment. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro should be your pick if you're looking for a great smartphone under Rs. 20,000. The Redmi Note 5 Pro features a 5.99-inch 18:9 display and it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 SoC. The Redmi Note 5 Pro starts at Rs. 13,999.

2. Xiaomi Mi Mix 2

Xiaomi Mi Mix 2

If you want a smartphone that turns all the heads around, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 is a great option. Xiaomi Mi Mix was one of the first smartphones to sport a nearly bezel-less display and the Mix 2 is an upgrade to that legendary smartphone. The Mi Mix 2 comes with a really beautiful design and sports a 5.99-inch display with 18:9 aspect ratio. The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC coupled with 6GB of RAM. The 128GB variant of the Mi Mix 2 is currently available for Rs. 32,999.

3. Xiaomi Mi Max 2

Xiaomi Mi Max 2

Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 is a large smartphone and is made for those who enjoy consuming media on their smartphones. The Mi Max 2 sports a massive 6.44-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset and packs in 4GB of RAM coupled with either 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage. The Mi Max 2's base variant retails for Rs. 13,999.

4. Xiaomi Mi A1

Xiaomi Mi A1

Xiaomi Mi A1 was considered as one of the best mid-range smartphones of 2017. The smartphone was made up with a great combination of Xiaomi's hardware and Google's stock Android OS. As the Mi A2 is on the way, we would highly recommend you to wait for that. However, if you cannot wait, the Xiaomi Mi A1 is still a great choice as the device currently runs on Android Oreo. The Mi A1 is priced at Rs. 13,999 and comes only in the 4GB+64GB variant.

5. Xiaomi Redmi 5

If all the above-mentioned smartphones were priced higher than your budget, the Redmi 5 might just fit in. Xiaomi Redmi 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 SoC. The smartphone is available in three variants, 2GB+16GB, 3GB+32GB and 4GB+64GB. The Redmi 5 is available at a starting price of Rs. 7,999.

Apple Airport discontinued: Here are the Top 3 alternatives

Apple Airport Extreme
Apple Airport series hasn't been updated since 2013.

Apple hasn't updated their lineup for networking accessories from around 2013. That's a long time for an accessory. However, the company has made it official now. Apple won't be producing Apple Airport Express, Extreme, or Time Capsule routers anymore. This is expected they were a long time due for an update. If not update, scrap it right?

It's a good thing that Apple ended Airport production. They didn't have the power and features of is competitors now. However, Airport resembles a time where routers were ugly looking. Apple's solution provided a beautiful hassle free solution to Wi-Fi issue.

It's really been five years since Apple paid any attention to its routers. At this point, there are many good and better alternatives to Apple Airport. Basic features like IEEE 802.11ac standard, simultaneous dual-band coverage, WPA2 encryption, and MIMO, which stands for multiple inputs, multiple outputs, a performance booster when you connect multiple devices are common now.

Also Read: Apple iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT) RED Edition now available in India

So here are some alternatives to it.

Eero (2nd Generation)

Eero 2nd generation
It looks like what Apple would have replaced Airpot with.

Eero comes with such a premium design and ease of usage, it looks like a perfect Apple Airport Replacement. It looks like something the newer generation Apple Airport should look like. It is available as a base station and a smaller, plug-into-the-wall Beacon. Eero also features mesh connectivity. You will need a lot of beacons to get to cover the whole house if your house is big enough. Also, it sports a lot of innovative features. It lets you pause the internet throughout the house. It lets you pause the internet on individual devices. However, it is pricey. One base station and beacon setup come with $300 price tag. Subsequent beacons are $100 each. However, if it looks good and works good, it is worth the money.

Netgear Orbi

Netgear Orbi
Cheaper and worse looking than Eero, but offers great value for money.

The Orbi's not as good looking like Apple Airport, but it lives up to the mark. You just need to connect it to your modem and move it around your house. As you go around you watch it turn blue means you are in range. If the light turns amber, you have left the solid connection range. It also has a very little signal loss between the two due to engineering techniques. Orbie also has set of advanced features including dynamic DNS and more. It can cost you anywhere from $200 to $330 depending on the size of your house.

Amplifi HD

Ubiquiti Amplifi HD
Its nothing special, but it does the job.

Amplifi HD is a good looking, reasonably priced router. It also comes with a great feature set too. The single router costs $125 and add-on satellites for $120 a piece. Also, if you buy the system with satellites, they all come paired, so no hassle while setting up. Also, its owners Ubiquiti is famous for handling large-scale Wi-Fi setups like resorts and more. So it is good enough.

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) finally gets Android Oreo: Here's how to download

Samsung Galaxt A7 (2017) also features an Always-on Display

Samsung launched the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) last year. The latter handset has finally received the much awaited Android Oreo update. This is the second major update for the device, first being Android Nougat as the phone launched with Android Marshmellow.

Samsung Galaxy A3 and A5 (2017) have already received the Android Oreo update and now its time for the higher-end A7 (2017). If you own the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017), here's how you can install the latest update on your smartphone.

How to Download and Install Android Oreo

  • Once the update is available, you will receive a notification
  • If you didn't get the notification, you can head over to Settings>About Phone>Software Update to check for any available updates
  • Now just tap on Install Now to begin the installation process
  • Your device will reboot once in order to install the update

The Android Oreo update on the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) brings in all the new Oreo features which include Smart Text Selection, picture-in-picture mode, Autofill and much more. Samsung has introduced new clock styles for both lock screen and Always on Display, Dual Messenger and other features in the new update.

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) features a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels. The smartphone is powered by the Exynos 7880 octa-core chipset. The device packs in 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. Under the hood, there is a 3600mAh battery powering up the internals.

On the optics front, the Galaxy A7 (2017) sports a 16-megapixel camera at the back. Up front, there is a 16-megapixel selfie shooter.

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) currently retails for around Rs. 20,990.

Xiaomi Redmi S2 to launch soon: Here's everything you need to know

Xiaomi Mi A2
Just like the Mi 6X and Redmi Note 5 Pro, the Xiaomi Redmi S2 also sports a vertical dual-camera setup at the back

Xiaomi is now gearing up to launch another smartphone in the mid-range segment. The Chinese manufacturer will soon launch a smartphone named Xiaomi Redmi S2. The smartphone was first spotted on TENAA, a Chinese certification site.

SvetAndroida, a publication from Czech Republic, got exclusive early access to the Xiaomi Redmi S2 and shared some high-quality images of the same. Xiaomi is opening a new store in Prague, Czech Republic and the Redmi S2 will make a debut there.

Source: SvetAndroida

Specifications

As far as the specifications are concerned, reports suggest the Xiaomi Redmi S2 will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 SoC. The smartphone will feature a 5.99-inch display with a resolution of 720x1440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9. The device will come with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage which will be further expandable using a microSD card. The Xiaomi Redmi S2 will run on Android Oreo-based MIUI 9 out of the box. Under the hood, there will be a 3,080mAh battery powering up the internals.

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi 6X launched: Here’s what to expect from the Mi A2 in India

As for the optics, the Xiaomi Redmi S2 is said to come with a dual-camera setup at the back consisting of a 12-megapixel primary sensor and a 5-megapixel secondary sensor. Up front, there will be a 16-megapixel selfie shooter.

As per the listing on TENAA, the Xiaomi Redmi S2 will be available in three variants which will come with 2GB, 3GB and 4GB of RAM coupled with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB of onboard storage respectively.