You can now call your friends on Telegram by using one-on-one video calls. This feature was announced a few days ago on August 14 and is available on both Android and iOS. Telegram had stressed the importance of face-to-face communication and this was the company’s way of delivering on that statement. The feature is available in an alpha version. The feature also comes with end-to-end encryption that can be verified by just matching the emojis that you’ve sent and the emoji that was received. The company is also looking at expanding the feature with group video calls in the next few months. Another feature that was launched by Telegram was a bunch of animated emojis.
Telegram debuts video-calling feature on Android and iOS
The messaging app has got quite popular in the past few months as it offers up end-to-end encryption of its messages and content. The company has also stated that the video calling feature would come with support for picture-in-picture mode, which is rather helpful for people looking to multitask while on a video call. Users can also choose to move to a regular call without the hassle of the video feature as well.
In other Telegram news, the messaging app has passed 500 million downloads on the Google Play Store. You can read more about that story here. In fact, just a few months ago, Telegram was already working on secure video calls to take on major competitors and you can check out the birth of the video calling feature on Telegram, right here. The company also reinforced its messaging app with new verification tools to help curb misinformation around Coronavirus. You can read more about that story here.
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Facebook is rolling out a new update that integrates your Messenger and Instagram chats, bringing it under one consolidated system. This will allow Instagram users to chat with their Facebook friends without having to open Facebook Messenger app. According to a report, some users have received a pop-up message saying “there’s a new way to Message on Instagram” and asking them to update the app.
The new update is set to bring a redesigned chat interface on Instagram with new colours and the DM icon is replaced by the Messenger icon. This new update is a start of Facebook’s plans to enable cross-platform messaging across Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. For now, Facebook is merging the chat systems on Instagram and Messenger, and we can also expect WhatsApp to be added to the mix soon. By bringing all the three messaging platforms under a consolidated system, users on either app will be able to communicate across platforms without having the need to install the app.
Facebook is integrating your Instagram and Messenger chats
With the new update Facebook is seeding, users on Instagram will also be able to react to messages with any emoji. Additionally, there’s a new option that will let users “swipe to reply” to chats and send message requests to friends who use Facebook and vice versa.
While we still haven’t received the update, it is likely being rolled-out in phases. But even after the update, the ability to message Facebook users from Instagram isn’t live, as per the report. So the company could be looking to make it live globally once everyone receives the update.
Instagram was integrated with Facebook’s new video calling system called Messenger Rooms and subsequently, it was rolled out to WhatsApp as well. Moreover, WhatsApp is soon expected to allow users to sync their chats across platforms and will enable multi-device login as well. We will keep an eye out for when this new Facebook update arrives in India and will update this story accordingly.
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Realme is gearing up to launch the C12 and Realme C15 tomorrow, August 18, and it looks like the company is launching one more device. The Realme Buds Classic has been listed on Amazon India with the same launch date as the Realme C12 and C15 - August 18, 12:30 PM. Those interested can click on the notify me icon on Amazon to know when the headphones will be available. The specifications and features of the Realme Buds Classic are listed on Amazon, but there is no information on price or availability. Let’s take a look at its specifications in detail.
Realme Buds Classic Specifications and Features
As the name suggests, the Realme Buds Classic have a classic half in-ear design. This design should be familiar to anyone that purchased an iPod in its glory days as the earphones that came with the iPod had the half in-ear design. The earphones are wired and will connect to a smartphone via the endangered 3.5mm port.
The Realme Buds Classic comes with 14.2mm drivers and also claim to deliver rich bass. It also has a single built-in button which means that you will not be able to control the volume from the earphones. It has an in-line mic to receive calls and a built-in cable organiser in case you want to tuck the earphones away in a bag. The Realme Buds Classic will come in black and white colour options.
Realme started out with smartphones but quickly branched out into other devices such as TVs, power banks, TWS earphones, earphones with a neckband, accessories and more. Realme also has a smartwatch as a part of its product portfolio. In India, realme sells two different TWS earphones, if you want to go truly wireless. We have the Realme buds Q and the Realme Buds Air Neo which look a lot like Apple’s AirPods.
We recently reviewed the Realme 43-inch Full HD TV and if you are considering purchasing the TV, we suggest you check out our review here or watch the video review below.
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The average Indian consumes about 12 GB of data per month as of 2019 and this number is expected to rise to 25GB per month by 2025. With the availability of mobile internet at affordable prices, growing coverage of 4G connectivity and affordable smartphones, it's no wonder that content consumption on smartphones has increased. Even though broadband access across India is growing, a lot of people that don't have broadband access are resorting to their smartphone to hotspot or tether to the internet to watch content on the big screen. Devices like the Mi Box 4K, Xiaomi’s smart TVs and the OnePlus TV offer a data saver ability, letting you get maximum streaming from your limited 4G connection.
In 2019, getting 1GB of data per day as a part of your monthly prepaid recharge seemed to be a big deal, but today it looks like 2GB is the norm with telecom operators even offering 4GB data per day as a part of some plans. However, it is the 3GB data per day plans that have started popping up offering an attractive proposition. So if you are looking to streaming content on your smartphone from OTT services, play some PUBG or COD Mobile with friends and even indulge in some social networking, then here is a comparison of plans from various service providers that offer a limit of 3GB data per day. Just remember that some of these plans may not be available in your circle, so do check before recharging. If 2GB daily data is what you are looking for, you can check out our comparison of the 2GB daily data plans on offer from different telecom providers here.
Jio 3GB daily data prepaid plan
Jio has 3 plans giving users 3GB daily data limit and the biggest difference apart from validity is the amount of talk time you get to non-Jio numbers. Here is a breakdown of the plans.
Jio Rs 401 Plan: This plan brings with it 28 days validity, 3GB data per day along with an additional overall 6GB data bringing the total data to 90GB for the duration of the validity. It also offers 100 SMS’s per day, Jio to Jio unlimited calling and a FUP of 1000 minutes to non-Jio numbers. With this pack, users also get access to 1 Year Disney+ Hotstar subscription worth Rs.399 at no extra cost.
Jio Rs 999 Plan: This plan brings with it 84 days validity, 3GB data per day (giving you a total of 252GB data for the validity duration), 100 SMS’s per day Jio to Jio unlimited calling and a FUP of 3000 minutes to non-Jio numbers.
Jio Rs 349 Plan: This plan brings with it 28 days validity, 3GB data per day (giving you a total of 84GB data for the validity duration), 100 SMS’s per day Jio to Jio unlimited calling and a FUP of 1000 minutes to non-Jio numbers.
Vodafone 2GB Data Plan
Vodafone on its website has a number of plans giving users “double data” per day which translates to 4GB data but we were hard pressed to find a plan offering 3GB data on its website. In the Odisha circle, we found a single plan offering 3GB data per day, and we aren’t sure if this is available in other circles.
Vodafone Rs 558 Plan: This plan brings with it 56 days validity, 3GB data per day, 100 SMS per day and truly unlimited local/national calls to all networks. The plan also gives users access to Vodafone Play subscription worth Rs 499 and Zee5 subscription worth Rs 999.
Airtel 3GB data plan
Airtel Rs 398 Plan: This plan brings with it 28 days validity, 3GB data per day, 100 SMS per day and truly unlimited local/national calls to all networks. In addition, users also get access to Wynk Music, free 400+ Live TV Channels, Unlimited Movies and TV Shows via Airtel Xstream Premium and 1-year free online Upskill courses with Shaw Academy.
Airtel Rs 558 Plan: This plan brings with it 56 days validity, 3GB data per day, 100 SMS per day and truly unlimited local/national calls to all networks. In addition, users also get access to Wynk Music, free 400+ Live TV Channels, Unlimited Movies and TV Shows via Airtel Xstream Premium and 1-year free online Upskill courses with Shaw Academy. With this recharge users also get Rs. 150 cashback on FASTag.
BSNL 2GB data plan
BSNL Rs 247 Plan: This plan brings with it 36 days validity, 3GB data per day, 100 SMS per day and 250 minutes per day local/national calls to all networks. Users also get access to EROS Now streaming service as well with this plan.
BSNL Rs 997 Plan: This plan brings with it 180 days validity, 3GB data per day, 100 SMS per day and 250 minutes per day local/national calls to all networks.
BSNL Rs 1,999 Plan: This plan brings with it 365 days validity, 3GB data per day, 100 SMS per day and 250 minutes per day local/national calls to all networks. Other benefits include BSNL Tunes and Lokdhun video content. Users also get access to EROS NOW Entertainment service for 60 days.
MTNL 3GB data plan
MTNL Rs 365 Plan: This plan brings with it 70 days validity, 3GB data per day, 100 SMS per day and unlimited local/national calls to all networks.
MTNL Rs 421 Plan: This plan brings with it 84 days validity, 3GB data per day, 100 SMS per day and unlimited local/national calls to all networks.
For both the above MTNL plans, the benefits of free calling, free SMS will be available from the home network and MTNL Mumbai network. During roaming other than MTNL Mumbai, standard roaming rates will be applicable.
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Fortnite maker Epic Games has launched the most significant effort yet to advance the legal theory that Apple's iPhone ecosystem has become so "sticky" that it is a distinct software market over which Apple exercises monopoly power.
Information circulating the internet suggests Apple could be looking at introducing bundled services, along with the launch of the iPhone 12. The information comes from a Bloomberg report which indicates that the service called Apple One is “designed to encourage customers to subscribe to more Apple services.”
Just like Amazon Prime, which gives users access to Prime Delivery, Prime Video and Prime Music, Apple One will combine Apple’s services into one cohesive package. While the price of the package isn’t known, the report highlights that there could be different levels of packages with various permutations and combinations designed based on users needs.
Apple to take on Amazon Prime with bundled subscription service
According to the Bloomberg report, “A basic package will include Apple Music and Apple TV+, while a more expensive variation will have those two services and the Apple Arcade gaming service. The next tier will add Apple News+, followed by a pricier bundle with extra iCloud storage for files and photos”.
So, if you are one that subscribes to Apple Music and video streaming service, then the basic tier may be a better value for money proposition for you. If you are one that uses Apple’s hardware ecosystem like Macs and iPhones, then the top tier offering iCloud storage could be a better option for you. The new bundled services are expected to work with Apple’s Family Sharing system, which means that the bundle may be accessible by up to 6 people.
Apple got into the subscription business with the launch of Apple Music and subsequently launched Apple TV+ to rival Netflix and Prime Videos and also, Apple Arcade to rival services like Hatch Entertainment. However, until now, all these services require individual subscriptions. Apple’s iCloud has been around for some time and is used to back up an iPhone, iPad or Mac along with users Photos and more.
Apple has given customers an incentive to try out their new services in the past. When Apple launched Apple TV+, the company gave out a year of free subscription to anyone who purchased an iOS, macOS, tvOS, iPadOS device on or after September 10, 2019. According to the report, Apple may try the same, giving a years subscription of Apple Arcade to anyone that purchases an Apple TV device.
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HMD Global, the company that has revived the Nokia smartphone brand for the world, wants to make India a hub for exports. The Finland-based company recently secured a $230 million investment from Google and Qualcomm, and will use part of that investment to expand manufacturing in India, according to a report by The Economic Times.
A top HMD Global executive reportedly said that the company will employ local contract manufacturers, along with Qualcomm and Google to make low-cost 4G and 5G smartphones in the future. And Nokia is only the second such brand to do it. Qualcomm also announced a similar partnership with Reliance Jio last month.
HMD Global plans to work with Indian contract manufacturers to produce its upcoming portfolio first for India, and then export to the world.
“For smartphones, we are at the moment in deep discussions with local manufacturing partners, with the government, but also even with local possible component partners. So, we are very excited to see those possibilities become real in the next couple of months. And once we have that established then obviously, as a future step, we could also envision India to be an export hub for us,” HMD Global CEO Florian Seiche told ET.
Incidentaly, this is not the first time we are hearing about Nokia's ambition of turning India into an export hub. HMD Global's country head of India, Ajey Mehta also said the same back in February, but attached a caveat that it also has to manufacture components in India to make exports viable. It's likely that this is where Qualcomm is expected to come in play.
Reap benefits of the PLI Scheme for local manufacturing
Nokia is not the only one eyeing India as a manufacturing hub. Nearly every major smartphone brand including Apple, Samsung, Oppo and more have planned to expand manufacturing efforts in India, primarily to avail the benefits of the government’s production-linked incentive, or PLI scheme.
Under the scheme, the government plans to incentive large-scale electronics manufacturers to shift their manufacturing plants to India by giving them incentives if they meet certain goals. The government is ready to disburse up to Rs 40,951 crores as production-linked benefits over a period of 5 years.
Aimed primarily at smartphone manufacturers, OEMs can be granted incentives ranging from 4% to 6% over a 5-year period. And to avail it, OEMs will have to make high-end smartphones (that has a freight on-board value of more than $200) worth Rs 4,000 crore in the first year, and ramp up manufacturing to Rs 8,000 crores, Rs 15,000 crores, and Rs 20,000 crores over a five-year period.
The scheme seems to have worked, in the sense that it has attracted large investments from foreign smartphone brands. Apple has already committed to scale up production in India through its contract manufacturers, Foxconn and Wistron, while Samsung and other OEMs who have been making in India have already applied to be considered under the PLI-scheme.
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