OnePlus launcher lets you switch between Google Discover and OnePlus Shelf using a simple toggle

OnePlus’ UI is almost stock Android and brings with it a few tweaks which are generally appreciated by customers. Earlier, when users would swipe right on the OnePlus smartphone home screen, they would get the Google Discover feed. This was then replaced by the OnePlus Shelf in the UI version 4.5.4. It looks like OnePlus is now giving users the option to toggle between the two screens with a simple toggle in v4.5.6 of the OnePlus launcher. As reported by 9to5Google, the toggle switches the “minus one” screen to either the Google Discover feed or the OnePlus Shelf. 

This is however not available to all. As noted by 9to5Google, “It seems as though the option is not available to everyone as even on some of our own OnePlus 8 series devices, we do not have the toggle available having updated to this latest OnePlus Launcher v4.5.6 build. Initially, this indicates that this could simply need to be enabled via a server-side switch — which isn’t that uncommon nowadays.”

OnePlus launcher lets you switch between Google Discover and OnePlus Shelf

Even though this is a small UI change, it is big for those that consume content via the Google Discover feed for their daily dose of the news based on topics they follow. Likewise, the OnePlus Shelf gives you quick access to frequently used apps, widgets and more. Giving users the best of both worlds is great as now the user can choose which field is more important to him. 

The OnePlus smartphone is not the only device getting an update. The recently launched OnePlus U1 (review) and Q1 family of TVs are also getting an update. The OnePlus update brings some much-needed features especially if you have kids at home accessing the smart TV and you have a limited FUP with your internet service provider. You can read more about the update to the TV here. 

OnePlus is also looking to launch a budget smartphone called Nord powered by the Snapdragon 765G. You can read more about it here.

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Microsoft rolls out Chromium-based Edge browser to some user backlash

Microsoft has started rolling out the new Chromium-based Edge browser as part of the new Windows 10 update, replacing the existing Edge browser. The new Chromium Edge browser is included in the Windows 10 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, and 2004 versions as it becomes a core component of the Windows 10 operating system.

The updated browser rollout isn’t without its fair share of controversy. Twitter user Taran Quarantino kicked off the Twitter thread where he highlights how once the new update is installed, users are held hostage for a moment. Rebooting your Windows 10 PC brings up a full-screen prompt to set up the Chromium Edge browser, with no way to close the splash screen. Users must start the setup process, before being given the option to exit. For those who choose to set it up, you can sign in with your Microsoft ID and also import settings and data from other browsers. Additional issues pointed out in the Twitter thread include the fact that an icon for the new browser is pinned to the taskbar, added to the desktop and being greeted with a prompt asking if you’d like to set the new Edge browser as default when you open a web link. Unfortunately, the ruckus over these last two points seems more like a toddler tantrum than anything else.

For starters, every time a user sets up a brand new Windows 10 PC via a full re-install of the OS or even a factory restore, icons for the Edge browser has always been present in the taskbar and the desktop. Removing them, if they are oh so intrusive, is as simple as a right-click, followed by choosing “delete” or "unpin from taskbar." Microsoft had already announced that they would be replacing the current version of Edge with the new Chromium-based build as a part of the Windows 10 default suite of apps, so the noise over the matter feels a little unwarranted. The Chrome icon can be found on the desktop and docks of Chromebooks while the Safari icon is prominently placed on macOS and iOS. This is standard practice and singling Microsoft for doing so is just plain wrong.

Microsoft's Chromium-based Edge browser rolls out to user backlash

The forced splash screen, however, feels wrong on many levels, and this isn’t the first time Microsoft has held users hostage. At some point, Microsoft removed the visible option to set up Windows with a non-Microsoft account. The only way to setup Windows without signing into your Microsoft ID is by making sure you’re not connected to the internet. However, during the Windows setup process, connecting to a network is presented to users as one of the first things to do, and unwittingly, most of us oblige. Once done, the option for setting up an offline account is removed. Microsoft has also increasingly been forcing Microsoft ID linkage across various Windows 10 components, even if a user doesn’t want to do so. For example, if you decide to set up an offline account, there is no way for you to download anything from the Microsoft Store without signing in. Once you sign in, the information is applied system-wide or limited to Microsoft Apps only, an option that is laid out in the disguise of a hyperlink. There is no option to limit the login information to the store only, and therein lies the problem.

Regardless of the steps taken by Microsoft to push its browser upon the Windows 10 user-base, the browser does feature significantly improved security and features to go head to head with Google Chrome. Users of Microsoft’s new browser also report lesser RAM usage in comparison to Google Chrome, something that would be very appealing to users running on systems with 8GB or less RAM. For those interested in test-driving the browser, you don't have to update run Windows Update if you're worried about potential issues. The new browser can be downloaded from Microsoft's website.

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OnePlus TV OTA 5 update brings Data Saver Plus, Kids Mode UI tweaks and more

If you have OnePlus TV, then there is an update for you. The recently launched OnePlus U1 (review) and the 2019 OnePlus Q1 and Q1 Pro are receiving an OTA update. If you haven’t been prompted about the update on your TV, then worry not. You can always go into the settings of the TV and manually check for the update. If you still don’t see it then know that the update is probably around the corner as OnePlus says, “OTA will be incremental, which will reach a small percentage of users today, and followed with a broader rollout in a few days”. The update brings with it OnePlus Connect support for iOS devices, Data Saver Plus to manage the data consumed by the TV, Kids Mode and an update to OnePlus’ own UI, OxygenPlay.

OnePlus TV OTA 5 update details

The OnePlus update brings some much-needed features especially if you have kids at home accessing the smart TV and you have a limited FUP with your internet service provider. Let’s look at the new features coming to the OnePlus TV via the OTA 5 update. Below is the information as it is presented on the OnePlus Blog. 

OnePlus Connect support for iOS devices. Data Saver Plus: An enhanced version of the Data Saver feature, this will help keep a check on data usage through bandwidth control. This will also enable data usage alerts and will monitor monthly usage. Kids Mode: With this, we introduced parental control on apps, limited watch times, and an eye protection function to provide a more kid-friendly experience on the OnePlus TV. OxygenPlay: You can now long-press any poster in the OxygenPlay homepage to see a pop-up window with information; enhanced UI

Most of the features are self-explanatory but the two key features are Data Saver Plus and Kids Mode. Data saver plus is for those that have a limited FUP or will use their smartphone to tether to the TV. This helps users monitor the amount of data consumed by the TV. users can also set a limit and alerts for when a certain amount of data is consumed. 

With kids mode, parents can limit things like time watched, and also switch on the eye protection mode which essentially eliminates the blue light from the TV. This is similar to the eye care mode found on laptops and desktop monitors. It could give the TV a slightly warm tone when watching content.

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Airtel to take on Reliance JioMeet and Zoom with its own video conferencing app: Report

With people working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one service that has seen a surge in demand is video conferencing. From daily office meetings to client meetings, sharing presentations and more are being done by people sitting at home and using apps like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Hangout and more.  It looks like Airtel also wants to get in on the video conferencing market. According to the Economic Times, “Airtel is close to launching several enterprise-grade products including a unified videoconferencing tool very shortly.” There is no official word from the service from Airtel.

Unified video conferencing will not only include bandwidth but also the infrastructure for videoconferencing. Recently, Reliance also launched its own videoconferencing app called JioMeet to take on the likes of Zoom, Google hangout and more. JioMeet supports direct video calls and can also be used to host meetings with up to 100 participants across multiple platforms like Android, Windows and even works on a browser such as Google Chrome. Let’s take a look at the features of the JioMeet video calling service and how to download and use it. The features of the app are quite similar to those found on Zoom. You can read more about it here. 

Airtel to take on Reliance JioMeet and Zoom

Airtel has a bunch of offers for consumers as well with plans giving users 2GB data daily. You can learn more about it here. 

Airtel’s Xstream service gives customers access to a curated list of English and vernacular content along with live TV channels on their smartphone. The cord-cutting generation can enjoy the Airtel Xstream library of content on their Android TV. Users should note that the curated list of content is there on the Android TV app, but it does not have the live TV channels the service offers. When used on a smartphone, the service gives users access to 350+ live channels. You can read more about it here.

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India may soon ask Flipkart, Amazon and e-commerce giants to disclose source code and algorithms

The draft e-commerce policy by the Indian government, that’s brewing since 2019 had earlier asked for data localisation and maintenance of a level playing field. Now, the latest draft of the policy has also added a clause wherein e-commerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart may have to disclose source codes and algorithms they deploy, as a way to weed out “digitally induced biases”.

Section 4.10 of the proposed draft policy prepared by the Ministry of Commerce’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, reads:

“In continuation, it is also important for the Government to reserve its right to seek disclosure of source code and algorithms. There will be a greater reliance on AI in decision making in future where parts of the process will become ‘AI-fied’. Decisions will need to be explained. There is a need to strike a balance between commercial interests and consumer protection issues, as well as issues of larger public concern, like preventing racial profiling and maintaining constitutionally mandated rights, such as the right to equality.”

In short, the source code and algorithms, which are often kept confidential and protected, will have to be disclosed for e-commerce giants to continue operating in the country. This will be done to ensure there are no biases induced by these algorithms that affect the right to equality. It would also allow the government to verify if these firms are employing ‘explainable AI’, or something that follows sound logic that does not discriminate.

Flipkart, Amazon and e-commerce giants could disclose source code and algorithms

The draft policy also mandates the government to appoint an e-commerce regulator to ensure there are no anti-competitive practices. Furthermore, online shops will have to specify a product’s country of origin, and how much India played a role in making it. Online stores will also have to disclose the contact details of the sellers, to better protect the consumer.

The policy will be open to comment from stakeholders on a government website.

With one of the largest markets in the world, e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart may have no choice but to give up their secret sauce recipe if they want to operate in India. On the flip side, disclosing how the algorithms work will lead to more transparency in shopping and help prevent monopolistic tendencies and abuse of a dominant market position.

In other Flipkart and Amazon news, it looks like the PS5 coming to India late 2020, having already been listed on both Amazon and Flipkart. You can read more about that here. In fact, just a few weeks ago, there was some speculation that Amazon may have revealed the price of the PS5 as well. You can read more about that here. 

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Indian social media superapp Elyments launched: What is it How it works What is its privacy policy

A new homegrown social media super app called Elyments, made by the Art of Living Foundation was launched in India by the Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, and is now available on the Google Play Store and iOS App Store. With the ban of TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps, Indian app makers have a vacuum to fill. The popular social media platform has already seen a bunch of homegrown alternatives like Roposo, Chingari and Mitron rack in the downloads as a large number of users are migrating and looking for a new platform to speak their minds and show off their creativity.

What is Elyments?

Elyments is an all-out social media app that rivals Facebook in terms of features and things you can do with it. It’s also completely homegrown, developed by Bangalore-based private IT consultant, Sumeru Software Solutions with more than 1,000 IT employees working on it, on behalf of the Art of Living Foundation.

The app essentially takes the popular features from various social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and the likes and combines them to offer an all-in-one platform for people to engage with each other. And it doesn’t shy away from admitting where it took its inspiration from. The app has already garnered 5 million downloads. There's no web version of the app, yet.

Elyments positions itself as a super-app of sorts. One that can do it all. It’s available in more than eight Indian languages and for now, you can make friends, chat with them, browse their content on your feed and even make a call to them.

Why is Elyments called a super app?

The app is divided into three main sections — Hub, Social and Chat.

The Hub offers curated news content. You can get a fix of content based on themes like health and lifestyle, fashion, or sports. You can even small games here on the hub. The second section is social, which wasn’t working as it should as of writing the article. But based on the headings, there will be a feed, dedicated to the content shared by your friends, and a ‘Discover’ section which we’re guessing will surface content that has gone viral. The chat section is where you can see friends who are online, and chat with them, and even make audio calls.

Using the app, provided there are enough people on the platform, one can easily garner friends and followers, like in the early days of Facebook. You need a phone number to create an account.

But this is not where the buck stops. While Elyments seemingly begins its journey as a Facebook-clone, it harbours an ambition to become India’s WeChat by integrating more elements into the app. At the launch, the Elyments team said they also plan to add more features in the coming weeks. This includes secure payments, video calls, public profiles and also a curated commerce platform.

How sound is Elyment’s privacy policy?

On its Twitter feed, Elyments claims ‘hardware-based encryption technology’ with the data being stored within Indian shores. The app also has a bunch of privacy settings where you can tweak who can see your content and personal info.

However, the privacy policy of the app clearly states it collects personal information like date of birth, email address, contacts stored in your phone, professional and educational data, preferences and interest-related data and more. This includes personal data shared voluntarily by the user as well as those that are collected in the background. Among other things, the data is also shared with third parties who may provide services on the app in a revenue-sharing model.

However, the privacy policy also states Elyments has strict contracts in place with third parties to prevent them from using the personal data outside of the domain both parties have agreed upon.

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PS5 coming to India late 2020, listed on Amazon and Flipkart

The PS5 is coming to India in late 2020, as per the product listing on Amazon and Flipkart! The PS5 has a launch date of “Holiday 2020”, globally. There is no confirmed date in any region, but the internet is abuzz, hinting that Sony could reveal the price and a release date for the PS5 on July 13. Coming back to the listing page, it not only shows off the PS5 but the digital edition as well along with the accessories like camera, headset, charging station and media remote control. It is possible that all these could be available at launch. At the bottom of the listing page on Amazon and Flipkart, we have a listing of games that have been announced for the console. We know that Spider-Man: Miles Morales is releasing in 2020 and it has been confirmed by developer Guerilla Games, that Horizon: Forbidden West will launch in 2021.

PS5 India Launch Date

When Sony launched the PS4, it released in North America on November 15, 2013, EU, November 29, 2013, and Japan on February 22, 2014. The console launched in India in December 2013. If information circulating the internet is to be believed, then PS5 will launch in North America and other key markets in November 2020, a week before Black Friday sales in the US to cash in on the holiday buying. It is possible that we could see the same December 2020 launch for the console in India. This isn’t confirmed, it is just us speculating. Other leaks suggest that Sony could announce the launch date and price of the PS5 on July 13 and considering Sony just gave us a few days heads up before the June event, it is possible we will hear of this event a few days before its intended date. 

PS5 India Price

When Sony showed off the PS5, the one key piece of information the company withheld was the price. Information circulating the internet suggests that the PS5 could cost as much as $500 for the blu-ray drive version and about $450 for the All Digital edition. That translates to Rs 37,300 and Rs 33,500 respectively when directly converted, but this isn’t the price we should judge the console on. Look at it this way, the PS4 launched in 2013 for $399. In 2013 $399 was about Rs 24,000 approx. directly converted. But the PS4 launched in India for Rs 39,999. This is after the inclusion of taxes and import duties. So it would be safe to assume that the PS5 will cost close to Rs 50,000 when it launches in India around December 2020. 

It is good news that Sony is launching the PS5 in India almost at the same time as its international launch. There are those in India that would buy the console via international travel scheduled around the time, but because of the ongoing pandemic, international travel may not be likely for quite some time. Sony could cash in on the demand of the console from dedicated fans and gamers that are saving up for the consoles and will not be able to get it through alternate means.

At an event in June 2020, Sony gave us a glimpse into the PS5 design and you can see how it compares to the Xbox Series X design here. 

On Microsoft’s front, there is no information on when the Xbox Series X will come to India. Even though the Xbox India website has a page dedicated to the Series X with a Holiday 2020 date, there is no official information on a concrete launch window. You can read more about the Series X here.

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