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Editorpage

firstcall

T

he global manufacturing hub, China, stares a gloomy future after the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) as the tech world is being now threatened by the demand

EDITORIA L

monster. Can India presents itself as a substitute

Pankaj Mohindroo |

for China and democratize manufacturing?

Haider Ali Khan | Deputy Editor

China has been an indispensable part of the global business for the past two decades; it has grown into the world’s factory. From the mass production of iPhones to automobiles parts, it has transformed as the homeland of tech manufacturing. China’s economy holds roughly 16 per cent of world GDP. But now the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus in China has started to affect the global technology industry, with reports of a drop in supply chains, shipments and closed stores, several of the

Editor-in-Chief

Ramesh Kumar Raja | Assistant Editor Vivek Singh Chauhan | Correspondent Pahi Mehra | Correspondent

DE S I G N Ajit Kumar Parashar | Sr. Graphic Designer

world’s biggest companies are cautioning investors of a future hit to earnings.

The outbreak of the pneumonia-like disease, now called COVID-19, has generated concerns around the world since December 2019, the disease has also been declared as a public health emergency internationally by the WHO. The UN health body has also cited worries about the virus’ spread, particularly

M AR K ETIN G Puja Mohindroo | Manager - Business Sandeep Kumar | Sr. Manager – Marketing

to countries with weaker health systems. As of February 17, 2020, the highly contagious virus has killed over 1,770 people and infected 71, 000 globally.

The virus outbreak is centered in China and because of its rapid spread; the economic repercussions have already been seen with shutting down of factories,

O P ERATION S Deepak Kohli | Sr. Manager – Accounts

closed stores, and offices, restricted traveling, and canceling of big events.

Experts have warned that the outbreak in the world’s most populous country and the second biggest economic superpower can threaten global growth this year. But clearly the country which is the most affected by the virus after

CIRC U L ATION B. G. Mathur | Manager- Production & Circulation

China is the US. Just how China is the hub for the manufacturing, the US is the homeland of the tech industry, which has felt the after-effects particularly due to its dependence on China both as a major market for its goods and as a critical supplier of components for a number of consumer products.

The coronavirus comes at a critical time for the tech industry, which ended

AD V I S OR Y B OARD Bejon Misra Rajan Mathews

2019 on a positive note, but the virus has brought some real obstacles in 2020,

S.D. Saxena

including social media struggling to crack down on a wave of misinformation and

Subhash Chandra

conspiracy theories, shutting down of factories following with unemployment,

Sunil Dutt

and cut in supply chain of mobile phones.

Sonu Bhasin

The outbreak of deadly Coronavirus has put questions about the ongoing crisis and its impact looming on the Indian side as well. If situation does not improve shortly we expect price rise of phones, unpaid/forced leaves for

Uvaraj Natarajan

G ET IN TO U CH

employees at manufacturing/assembly units here and those associated with

Editorial : haider@mymobile.co.in

it in the entire supply chain. Having said that, we stand in solidarity with our

Marketing : sandeep@mymobile.co.in

Chinese counterparts in an era of grief and, extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who had lost their lives and hope the situation to

Circulation : bgmathur@mymobile.co.in Phone : 011—46206161 Fax : 011—41520637

normalize soon.

Happy Reading! n

Pankaj Mohindroo editor-in-chief

Edited, published, printed and owned by Pankaj Mohindroo, Published from 203, Kanchenjunga Building | 18, Barakhamba Road | Connaught Place | New Delhi-110001. Printed at HT Media Ltd. Plot No. 8, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 201306

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04 | march 2020

The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publication, however caused.

The opinions and the views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged.

Volume XV, Issue II, march 2020

MYMOBILE

contents

24

32

34 Style Notes

Corp Comm. at MoMAGIC

72

Streamlining Crop Insurance

Burn Test

72

48 Honor 9X

12 letters

with New Age Technologies –

12 Newsbits

Jyoti Vaddi, Head of marketing,

50 Realme C3

CropIn

52 LG G8X ThinQ

Face to Face 34 Ali Rizvi – Director, Garmin

55 ColorOS 7

India

58 Huawei Watch GT 2

16 Big News 21 Just In Get a close look at new smartphones now in the market

24 Lead Story Coronavirus Upending Tech Industry

36

Kapil Gulati – Director,

Consumer Segment, Sennheiser Electronics India

42

Munner Ahmad – Business

Head, ViewSonic India

44

Manish Agarwal – Director,

Secureye

By Invitation 32 Smartphone Market Trends in

66

2020 – Dinesh Sharma, Head,

Founder, Acube Digital and

Mobile Business, ASUS India

DM Steps

40

70

Can revenue sustain the OTT

Ashish Aggarwal – Digital

Marketing Expert, and

Ethan Nyholm – CEO and

and SVOD businesses? –

Co-Founder, STM Brands

Shivani Srivastava,

78

Consultant - Marketing PR &

and CTO, Cashify

06 | march 2020

Amit Sethi – Co-Founder

56 POCO X2

59 Audio Technica ATH- CLR 100BT 60 EleonMalhar Bluetooth Speaker 61 XORB Bass Storm 62 Blaupunkt Boombox BB35 63 Philips ActionFit SHQ1405 64 Gizmore GizFit 903 Smartwatch

65 Industry Insight Semiconductor Spending Declines

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What's Inside

contents Market Insight 68 India Topples US to Be

81 My Guide

the Second Largest

feature and price list of mobile

Smartphone Market

devices

74

Apptastic 103 BalleBaazi 104 Trell

Securing Smartphones

Growing as High Priority for Industry

gadgets and accessories, from earphones and Bluetooth

The most comprehensive

speakers to smartwatches and smart TVs

122 Vantage Point Manvendra K Chandola – CEO, Riversong India

105 In Focus Consumer Insight 75 Google Tops Buzz Rankings in India

76

The State of Mobile Games Experience in the 5G Era

106 Feature

Basic Cyber Safety Norms

Being Ignored in India

81

Wireless Charging: Know its Pros and Cons

108 Add Ons The latest and the best of

65

106

74

105

103

Total number of pages = 124

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e ave th

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ream in a d ellpho c y e t k u o o st zy ab ew lines? an als n the late e a r c c d u n f o u hav o a Are y al to pen a for news our hands u think yo o y ti se poten have a no rave to lay t them? If y CV to r u c u e, Do yo e? Do you world abo . Rush you My Mobil u n e n i o i l h y t for ame tell head s and are looking see your n o m z i g to e ou, w .co.in it in y mymobile magazine. @ e editor best mobil India’s

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What’s Up

newsbits OnePlus files patent for under display selfie cameras

Premium smartphone brand OnePlus has filed a patent for a technology that hides the front camera when not in use, news portal GizmoChina reported recently. The patent seems to be similar to the implementation of the recently-unveiled ‘Concept One’ smartphone by OnePlus that was showcased by the company at CES 2020. As per report, the photograph of the device included in the patent application shows that there are no punchholes of pop-up camera mechanism for the front camera and the entire surface is covered by the screen. Meanwhile, the back of the phone seems similar to the OnePlus 7T. To recall, the Chinese handset maker also introduced the Concept One smartphone at CES 2020 with colourshifting glass technology that makes the rear camera invisible. Apart from this, the company is also working on its upcoming flagship smartphone - OnePlus 8 Pro and it is expected to come with 12GB RAM. New Qualcomm chips aim to connect phones to disparate 5G networks

Qualcomm Inc recently introduced new chips designed to connect mobile phones to 5G networks that operate differently around the world. Qualcomm is the world’s biggest supplier of mobile phone chips.

The San Diego, California-based company said its new X60 modem chip, along with a new antenna chip, will be the first to aggregate signals sent over the disparate frequencies used in the two variants of 5G networks, a feature the company said will

12 | march 2020

help boost download speeds. 5G communications, which are intended to improve data transfer speeds and connect more devices to the internet, are expected to be in wide use by the end of 2020.

Qualcomm has said it believes between 175 million and 225 million 5G smartphones will be sold in 2020. In many regions, 5G networks use so-called sub-6 frequencies, but in some major markets such as the United States, the networks will also use “millimeter wave” frequencies to deliver faster data speeds in dense areas such as cities.

Xiaomi India elevates Raghu Reddy as its CBO

Xiaomi India has elevated Raghu Reddy as its Chief Business Officer (CBO), Manu Jain, the phone maker’s MD in India, announced in a Facebook post recently.

Reddy who has been with the company for over four years was previously heading the smartphone maker’s online sales and categories domain and has now been promoted as the CBO. The CEO attributed the company’s growth in online sales and its reaching a 45% plus market share to Reddy adding that he played a key role in launching multiple new products and categories. “As CBO, in addition to his previous role of heading online sales and categories, he will also take up several additional responsibilities from me. Please join me in congratulating him and wishing him all the best, “ Jain’s Facebook post read. Reddy, who is a XLRI Jamshedpur alumni, and a graduate of NIT Karnataka has been associated with organisations like Snapdeal, Wipro and consultancy firm EY in the past prior to joining the handset maker.

Nokia smartphones now allow Wi-Fi calling on Airtel, Jio

HMD Global, the maker of Nokia phones, has enabled voice over Wi-Fi (Vo Wi-Fi) on its range of Nokia smartphones for Reliance Jio and Airtel users. The Jio and Airtel customers using Nokia 9 PureView, Nokia 8 Sirocco, Nokia 8.1, Nokia 7.1, Nokia 7 Plus, Nokia 6.1 Plus and Nokia 6.1 smartphones can use VoWi-Fi service.

Nokia 7.2, Nokia 6.2 users, however, can only avail Jio VoWiFi service for now, the company said. Earlier this year, both Jio and Airtel made VoWiFi services available for their respective subscribers across the country. VoWi-Fi addresses problems of insufficient coverage, especially indoors.

Analysts are of the view that telcos can attract more subscribers using VoWi-Fi or retain subscribers by offering better indoor calling experience. In addition, they would come up with competitive packages to increase revenue and competitiveness.

Panasonic Miraie smart home platform debuts in India

Japanese tech major Panasonic has forayed into Connected Living Solutions with the launch of its IoT & AI enabled platform – Miraie. ‘Mirai’ meaning ‘future’ and ‘ie’ meaning ‘home’ in Japanese, the platform aims to empower everyday lives of consumers with comfort, convenience and seamless connectivity across all Panasonic devices; by updating quality of living spaces basis their need and ambient environment. The innovation has been conceptualized and developed at Panasonic’s India Innovation Centre based out of Bangalore. Panasonic also unveiled its first range of connected products that

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will be available in the Indian market under Miraie, which includes Connected Air Conditioners, Smart Door Bell and Plugs & Switches. In near future, the company plans to expand its Connected range of products by adding refrigerator, washing machine, television, fans, geysers, etc. giving consumers a full range of Connected Living Solutions for a futuristic home. Extending enhanced comfort, Miraie leverages Google’s Voice Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa technology to offer seamless and hands-free operations and control devices with voice commands.

Telegram introduces Polls 2.0 to enhance chat experience

Messaging platform Telegram has come up with new and exciting features for conducting various types of polls within chat groups and channels. Termed as Polls 2.0, users can now explore three new kinds of Telegram Polls – Visible Votes, Multiple Answers and Quiz Mode. Polls 2.0 aims to enrich the learning experience, giving its users more options to engage and express their opinions by way of selecting from various options. This new feature can enhance the experience of users to create opinions, generate polls and be used by learning and education channels to create objective-based learning through multiple choice questions (MCQs) and subjectbased quizzes. Already popular with students, this new feature by Telegram will make exam preparations and learning methods more interesting and participative.

Launched globally and available for Indian users, these polls can be created in groups or channels.

TikTok to focus on self regulation to ensure people ‘post responsibly’ Popular short video platform Tiktok, which has had a tough time in India due to regulatory issues, has affirmed to focus on self regulation to ensure that people ‘post responsibly’. There is a four-step moderation process to review posts so as

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to maintain the platform’s credibility, its country head Nikhil Gandhi said. The app,

promoted by ByteDance, was banned by the Madras High Court last year. The order was later lifted and the app was back on app stores. It was also in the news for suspending the accounts of a few creators who had posted political content. Speaking at a recent event, Gandhi said the Chinese company, which has 200 million users, has “democratised” the art and culture scene in India. While presenting outlook for 2020, he said, “there is going to be great impetus on self regulation and shared responsibility of the fact that we have to post responsibly and more importantly, create awareness about positive change”.

Truecaller crosses 200 million monthly active users

Caller-identification platform Truecaller has achieved profitability over the last four months and also crossed the major milestone of 200 million monthly active users (MAUs) around the world. Truecaller is one of the largest consumer platforms in India and with such a rapid expansion, the country is clearly the home market for the brand. The aggressive growth in Advertising Sales and Premium Subscriptions in India has been a driving force in its revenue generation. Premium subscriptions have grown immensely since it was launched a year back. It has already crossed the 1mn mark and projected to grow by another 50% in coming months. This is a significant achievement for Truecaller, which is emerging as a one-stop communication platform with a wide array of services

including Instant Messaging, VoIP, and Fintech Products including UPI money transfers, Bharat Bill Payment System and digital money lending, which is expected to launch within the first quarter of this year.

Opera adds a better reader mode to its powerful Android browser Opera is releasing the newest version of its flagship Android browser. Version 56 of the Opera browser for Android comes with a significantly enhanced reader mode: the redesigned feature improves readability and allows users to stay focused on the

What’s Up

newsbits

content they are reading. The improved reader mode is Opera’s latest effort to allow people to focus on the content they want, without distractions. Regardless of a website’s design, it displays articles in an optimized format that improves their readability. While redesigning the new reader mode, Opera’s design team kept in mind both mobile phones and tablets which come in many screen sizes, the company said in a statement. The way people hold their devices and the distance between their eyes and the screen also varies from person to person, it added.

CamScanner now available in 4 regional languages

Popular document scanning app CamScanner is now available to users in four regional languages, besides English, making the platform accessible for an audience outside Tier 1 cities. CamScanner will now be accessible in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and Sanskrit. With the introduction of regional languages, new users will be prompted to select their preferred ones,

march 2020 | 13

What’s Up

newsbits and existing users change their language preferences in Settings. This feature is now live on Android and iOS. With this update, CamScanner has expanded its reach to maximum smartphone users in India, who prefer internet-based services in regional languages, thus scanning document through mobile now accessible to all. Miller, Marketing Director, CamScanner, said, “CamScanner mission has always been to bring the best experience to its users across the country.

We have already reached 100 million users, however with the introduction of regional languages, we will expand the market to include those users who would prefer to use the app in their native languages.”

ZEE5 ties up with Eduauraa to provide educational content

OTT player and India’s largest ConTech brand ZEE5 has entered into an exclusive partnership with digital learning platform Eduauraa, with an aim to democratize education by giving world class quality education content at an affordable price, empowering over 310 million students in age bracket of 6-17 years. Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ attended the event in New Delhi that witnessed the announcement of this partnership in presence of Punit Goenka, MD and CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Tarun Katial, CEO, ZEE5 India and Akanksha Chaturvedi, Founder and CEO, Eduauraa. The partnership will transform the traditional learning system and provide students of class 6th to 12th standard across different boards including ICSE, CBSE and seven state boards (Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu), in English and Hindi. The ZEE5 subscribers would be able to conveniently access Eduauraa through in-app integration.

14 | march 2020

Builder.ai fuels Middle East digital transformation with new Dubai office

App building platform Builder.ai recently announced that it has responded to the massive potential for digital disruption in the Middle East by opening a new office location in Dubai. Builder.ai is now in an optimal position to help its customers in the region easily and cost-effectively develop their software ideas and go to market sooner with its human-assisted AI, it said. This move underscores Builder.ai’s rapid international growth, now operating in five locations including London, Los Angeles, Delhi, Tokyo and Dubai, with 275 employees around the world. “Our research shows that there are a lot of up and coming businesses in the Middle East that want to elevate their digital footprint to better serve their existing customers and expand their base internationally. In fact, the crossborder data flow connecting the Middle East to the other countries around the world has increased by a multiple of 150 in the past decade,” said Sachin Dev Duggal, co-founder and CEO of Builder. ai.

Club Factory scales 100 million monthly active users in India

E-commerce platform Club Factory has surpassed 100 million monthly active users (MAUs) in India following a strong surge in user adoption across the country, it said in a press release recently. Club Factory has witnessed a sharp rise in traffic, clocking in 4x growth in orders received in 2019 on the platform as compared to the previous year, it added. India remains one of the most important markets for Club Factory and the company has set a target to on-board 100,000 local sellers in 2020.

Club Factory’s current registered local seller base stands close to 30,000 (December 2019). Club Factory claims to be the only e-commerce player in India that does not charge any commission fee from sellers, providing a fair marketplace where both the sellers and buyers are benefitted.

MapmyIndia unveils intelligent ‘Talking Vehicle Tech’

MapmyIndia, a leading digital mapping and location-based technologies, Big Data and IoT company, has launched the neverbefore-seen AutoTech that will make your car/bike talk to you intelligently to give you a safer, productive and fun driving experience. MapmyIndia’s C.A.S.E. (Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric) suite of software, hardware and mapping products and solutions are the key enablers for a smart, location aware, intelligent, intuitive and two-way voice enabled (talking) transport systems. By layering AI/machine learning, IoT, EV and other technologies with, MapmyIndia’s latest 4Dmaps - the most real-time, dynamics, hyper local, precise, reliable time & space maps of India, the company has developed the C.A.S.E. suite of products and solutions with a simple yet powerful objective of “Making Your Car Talk Intelligently”. Just like a companion whose words can make your day, the vehicle will be able to initiate a conversation with you and respond whenever needed. The vehicle, equipped with various sensors, gadgets, AI, cloud connectivity and interfaced with your phone (via MapmyIndia C.A.S.E. suite) will enable an experience similar to traveling with a good friend or a reliable assistant. Someone you can trust and rely on, at all times.

Liferay named a leader in 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Experience Platforms Liferay, which makes software that helps companies create digital experiences on web, mobile, and connected devices, recently announced that Gartner has

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recognized the company as a leader in the 2020 Magic Quadrant for Digital

Experience Platforms. In the report, Liferay is positioned in the Magic Quadrant among a field of 14 vendors based on its completeness of vision and ability to execute. Liferay Digital Experience Platform (DXP), Liferay Analytics Cloud, Liferay Commerce, and Liferay DXP Cloud were assessed as part of the company’s evaluation. Gartner defines a DXP as “an integrated and cohesive piece of technology designed to enable the composition, management, delivery, and optimization of contextualized digital experiences across multi experience customer journeys.” The firm recognized Liferay as a leader for the tenth time in the 2020 Magic Quadrant for DXPs (formerly known by Gartner as the Magic Quadrant for Horizontal Portals).

SEMrush unveils Indian fintech market report for 2020

Online visibility management and content marketing platform SEMrush recently unveiled a report – ‘Top Insights into Fintech Industry of India’ – which brings an in-depth analysis of the Indian fintech industry that is purely driven by data collected over the last four years. It mirrors the current state of affairs in India with perspective to the user behavior. The report, which was released at an event in New Delhi, also showcases the popularity of Cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin among major cities in India especially with growing penetration in Tier 2 cities like in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal etc. Apart from currencies and payment modes, the report also peeks into investment searches and behaviors of India. Through the research,

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it is witnessed that most number of Indians look for mutual funds to invest their money in. SEMrush’s exclusive report uses data from over 600 most searched Fintech players of India.

Digital Mall of Asia set to go live soon in India

The final countdown has begun for Digital Mall of Asia (DMA) to make its entry in the Indian e-commerce market soon this year.

DMA, which is set to open in various Indian cities, is likely to bring a new shopping experience to people with its features and services. The DMA platform will have 12 towers in each city with 10 floors each consisting of exclusive 50 brands on each floor and every retailer will have exclusive rights to sell specific brand products on this platform. Since each floor will only have one vendor for each brand to sell its products and services, they will be able to gain more traffic than earlier while also eliminating artificial hyper-competitiveness.

With the zero-commission model, retailers will be enabled to secure space on the platform in their desired city and only pay a fixed monthly license fee, instead of paying heavy commissions of 5%-35% to e-commerce players.

FilterCopy ranked as Instagram’s most viewed profile in 2019

Short-form video channel FilterCopy is ranked as Instagram’s most viewed profile in 2019, with more than 923 million views and 2.62k uploads, in a recent report by Vidooly, a leading online video analytics and marketing firm. FilterCopy has surpassed traditional broadcast channels

like Colors TV and Vijay TV securing the number 1 position in the category, says the report titled, ‘Digital Video Trends 2019’.

The channel, run by digital entertainment company Pocket Aces, also left behind popular Bollywood actors like Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty and even the Indian cricket team’s captain Virat Kohli. Started in 2015, FilterCopy has amassed a whopping subscriber base of 6.5 million on YouTube and has over 2.5 million followers on Instagram. FilterCopy comes out with ~5-6 videos every day with each video aiming to solve boredom for its viewers, it said in a media release.

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newsbits

Indian-led team develops software to reduce space taken by smartphone apps

A team led by an Indian-origin scientist has developed a new ‘streaming’ software that can reduce the space taken up by apps on a smartphone by at least 85 per cent. The software “streams” data and code resources to an app from a cloud server when necessary, allowing the app to use only the space it needs on a phone at any given time. “It’s like how Netflix movies aren’t actually stored on a computer. They are streamed to you as you are watching them,” said Saurabh Bagchi, a professor at Purdue University in the US. “Here the application components, like heavy video or graphics or code paths, are streaming instantly despite the errors and slowdowns that are possible on a cellular network,” said Bagchi, an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur. The study shows how the software, called AppStreamer, cuts down storage requirements by at least 85 per cent for popular gaming apps on an Android. The software, described in the journal Communications of the ACM, seamlessly shuffles data between an app and a cloud server without stalling the game, the researchers said. n team@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 15

What’s Up

bignews Govt to launch new scheme to push mobile, electronics manufacturing in India

W

hile presenting the Union Budget 2020, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a new scheme for promoting the manufacturing of mobile phones, electronics and semiconductor packaging in the country. She added that the potential of job creation in this segment is immense. A detailed scheme with details will be released soon. “The electronics manufacturing industry is very competitive and the potential of job creation is immense. India needs to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the electronics value chain,” Sitharaman said. She further added that the scheme can be adopted for medical devices as well.

During her speech in the Parliament, Sitharaman said that under Make in India initiative, well laid out customs duty rates were pre-announced for items like mobile phones, electric vehicles and their components, which has ensured gradual increase in domestic value addition capacity in India. “Customs duty rates are being revised on electric vehicles, and parts of mobiles as part of such carefully conceived Phased Manufacturing Plans,” she added.

The government, under the National Policy on Electronics 2019, had set a target of making 100 crore mobile handsets

indigenously by 2025, valued at about Rs 13 lakh crore. It had also set a target to promote domestic manufacturing in the entire value-chain of ESDM (electronic system design and manufacturing) to achieve a turnover of $400 billion (Rs 26 lakh crore) by 2025.

The value of electronic equipment manufactured in the country has increased to Rs 4.58 lakh crore in 2018-19, from Rs 1.90 lakh crore in 2014-15. Out of the 100-crore mobile handset manufacturing target, 60 crore units will be for exports valued at about Rs 7 lakh crore. The government has set an ambitious target to increase smartphone exports from the country to $110 billion by 2025 from $3 billion now.n

Duty Drawback Revised for Mobile Phone Industry – Expect a Boost in Exports

T

he increase in the Duty Drawback Cap per unit for mobile phones will help boost exports. The Duty Drawback on Mobile Phones has been increased from Rs 197 to Rs 350. The Department of Revenue has issued notification No. 07/2020 Customs (NT) dated 28th January 2020 stating the Duty Drawback Rate of ‘Cellular Mobile phones with or without accessories’. The Duty Drawback Rate is fixed at 4% with a cap per unit (piece) of

Rs 350. “ICEA has been relentlessly pursuing the Government of India to increase or introduce export benefits for the mobile phone industry. The increase in the Duty Drawback Cap has helped make exports more competitive. The All Industry Rate (AIR) of 4% with a cap of Rs 350 is yet another step forward to build India as a global mobile phone manufacturing destination,” said Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of India Cellular & Electronics Association.

ICEA’s objective has always been to improve the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and lessen the cost burden on the industry to make it more competitive. The NPE, 2019 has a target of exports of 600 million units valued at USD 110 billion for 2025-26. This increase of the duty drawback cap from Rs 197 per unit to Rs 350 per unit will encourage exports of mobile handsets from India and assist in meeting the NPE, 2019 export targets. The export incentives for mobile handsets by GoI will further help in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India the no. 1 mobile manufacturing destination of the world and will also add to the growth of the nation’s economy. n

MYMOBILE

bignews MediaTek launches newest gaming series chipsets – Helio G70 and G80

F

abless semiconductor company MediaTek has unveiled its Helio G70 and G80 mobile gaming-focused chipsets. The newest G series chipsets feature HyperEngine game technology, advanced multi-camera and unrivaled connectivity for uninterrupted gameplay. The Helio G70 and G80 are aimed at new premium smartphone users and gaming enthusiasts who want high-end features at mid-tier price points. The new chipsets will power major smartphone brands. Along with HyperEngine mobile gaming enhancements, the chipsets offer other unrivaled smartphone experiences like integrated Voice Wakeup (VoW), advanced multi-camera photography and faster overall performance.

Yenchi Lee, Assistant General Manager of MediaTek’s wireless business unit, said, “The smartphone gaming market is expanding, and MediaTek’s G series chipsets deliver powerful performance and game-play features that let device makers innovate and cater to consumer gaming demands. The G series chips have an impressive combination of hardware and software to optimize performance, provide superb image quality, smooth gameplay and ensure uninterrupted connectivity for dedicated gamers.” Built on 12nm process, MediaTek’s Helio G70 and G80 incorporate a pair of powerful Arm Cortex-A75 CPUs operating up to 2GHz, plus six Cortex-A55 CPUs operating at up to 1.8GHz for improved single and multicore performance. For gaming, an efficient, highperformance Arm Mali-G52 class graphics processor operates at

820 MHz on the Helio G70 chipset and has a 15% enhancement of up to 950 MHz on the Helio G80, improving peak performance and ensuring a highly responsive user experience. The chipsets feature a multitude of hardware accelerators, and are also equipped with inertial navigation engines delivering highly accurate positioning and connectivity, simplifying product design and assuring reliable user experience.n

China’s mobile giants joining forces to take on Google’s Play Store

I

n a move meant to challenge the dominance of Google’s Play Store, Chinese players Xiaomi, Huawei Technologies, Oppo and Vivo are reportedly joining forces to create a platform for developers outside China to upload apps onto all of their app stores simultaneously. The four companies are ironing out kinks in what is known as the Global Developer Service Alliance (GDSA). The platform aims to make it easier for developers of games, music, movies and other apps to market their apps in overseas markets, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The GDSA was initially aiming to launch in March, as per reports, although it is not clear how that will be affected by the recent coronavirus

outbreak. A prototype website says the platform will initially cover nine “regions” including India, Indonesia and Russia.

Google, whose services are banned in China, earned about $8.8 billion globally from the Play Store in 2019, said Katie Williams, an analyst at Sensor Tower. Google also sells content such as movies, books and apps on the Play Store and collects a 30% commission. “By forming this alliance each company will be looking to leverage the others’ advantages in different regions, with Xiaomi’s strong user base in India, Vivo and Oppo in Southeast Asia, and Huawei in Europe,” said Nicole Peng, the VP of Mobility at Canalys. “Secondly, it’s to start to build some more negotiation power against Google,” she added. Together the four companies made up 40.1% of global handset shipments in the fourth quarter of 2019, according to IDC. While Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi have full access to Google services in international markets, Huawei lost access for new devices last year after the United States barred American suppliers from selling goods and service to it, citing national security. n team@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 17

First Look

justin

Tecno Camon 15 and Camon 15 Pro

E

xpanding its popular camera-centric Camon series, Tecno

combination of 48-megapixel primary, 5-megapixel wide-angle

Mobile has come up with two new smartphones – Camon 15

lens, 2-megapixel macro lens and Ultra Night Lens supported by

and Camon 15 Pro in India. While the Tecno Camon 15 comes

DSP chip. For the front, it comes with a 16-megapixel selfie

with a price tag of Rs 9,999, the Tecno Camon 15 Pro costs Rs

shooter. The phone comes with a 5,000mAh battery along with

14,999 and the company is offering a free wireless speaker worth

HiOS 6.0.1, which is based on Android 10. On the connectivity

Rs 3,499 with this smartphone. Both the handsets are available

front, it supports dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, dual-

for purchase at offline retail stores.

SIM and micro USB port.

The Tecno Camon 15 is available in Shoal Gold, Fascinating

Tecno Camon 15 Pro: It is loaded with a 6.53-inch Full HD+

Purple and Dark Jade colour options, whereas the Tecno Camon

Full View display with a screen resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels

15 Pro is available in Ice Jadeite and Opal White colours. While

along with 480 nits brightness and 91.2 per cent screen-to-body

the Camon 15 sports punch-hole design, the Camon 15 Pro comes

ratio. The smartphone is powered by a 2.35GHz octa-core MediaTek

with a pop-up selfie camera.

Helio P35 processor along with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal

Tecno Camon 15: The smartphone sports a 6.55-inch HD+

storage. The major highlight of the smartphone is the new pop-up

display with a screen resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels and 90 per

selfie camera. The pop-up selfie mechanism is loaded with a 32-

cent screen-to-body ratio. The smartphone is powered by an octa-

megapixel shooter. For the rear, it comes with a quad-camera setup

core processor along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal

with a combination of 48-megapixel primary lens, 5-megapixel

storage. The memory can be further expanded up to 256GB via

ultra-wide-angle lens, 2-megapixel macro lens and Ultra Night

microSD card slot. It is loaded with a quad-camera setup with a

Lens that is supported by DSP chip. The phone runs on Android 10, which is based on HiOS 6.0.1 and it is loaded with a 4,000mAh battery. The Tecno Camon 15 Pro features a fingerprint sensor as well. On the connectivity front, it supports dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, dual-SIM and micro USB port. n

18 | march 2020

First Look

justin

Redmi 8A Dual

C

hinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has launched Redmi 8A

The dual-SIM Redmi 8A Dual runs Android 9 Pie with MIUI

Dual for the Indian market that comes with 18W fast

11 on top and features a 6.22-inch HD+ display with a Dot

charging support. The smartphone sports an “Aura X Grip�

Notch design and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. Under

design that brings a mesh texture at the back panel and comes

the hood, the smartphone has the Qualcomm Snapdragon

along with P2i nano coating.

439 SoC. The Redmi 8A Dual has 32GB of onboard storage that

The Redmi 8A Dual is priced at Rs 6,499 for the 2GB+32GB storage variant, while its 3GB +32GB storage option is priced

is expandable via microSD card (up to 512GB) through a dedicated slot.

at Rs 6,999. It is available on Amazon, Mi.com and Mi Home

Connectivity options on the smartphone include 4G VoLTE,

stores. Moreover, the phone will soon be available through

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/ A-GPS, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm

various retail stores and online marketplaces.

headphone jack. Sensors on board include an accelerometer,

The phone sports a dual rear camera setup -- 13MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. It supports AI Portrait mode

ambient light, magnetometer, and a proximity sensor. The smartphone also comes with wireless FM radio support.

and AI Scene detection mode. For selfies, the Redmi 8A Dual

Xiaomi has provided a 5,000mAh battery on the

flaunts an 8MP selfie camera at the front. The frontal sensor

Redmi 8A Dual that supports 18W fast charging and reverse

supports AI Selfie Portrait and AI Face unlock.

charging. n

www.mymobileindia.com

february march 2020 | 19 21

First Look

justin Lava Z53

L

AVA International Limited has launched its new 4G

battery with a 7.5W fast charging adapter and a dedicated

smartphone -- LAVA Z53 -- at Rs 4,829. The product is

Google assistant key that supports 8 Indian regional

available for sale via offline stores and on Flipkart.

The device comes in Prism Rose and Prism Blue color variant with prism design and gradient finish.

The Lava Z53 comes with a 6.1-inch IPS display with an

languages.

The Lava Z53 has face unlock feature as well, which is claimed to unlock the phone in 0.4 seconds. There is a dedicated Google Assistant button on the smartphone as well.

aspect ratio of 19:9, a resolution of 600x1200 pixels, and a

If you are a Jio customer, inserting your SIM card into the

pixel density of 232ppi. There is a dewdrop notch at the top of

Lava Z53 will activate the Reliance Jio offer on the handset.

the display.

Under the offer, the buyer gets an instant cashback of Rs 1,200

The smartphone is powered by a 1.4GHz quad-core processor

in the form of 24 vouchers of Rs 50 each.

coupled with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of onboard storage, which

These vouchers can be redeemed while recharging the

is expandable up to 256GB via microSD card. Lava Z53 runs

number with either Rs 249 or Rs 349 plan. Moreover, the offer

Android 9 Pie (Go edition) with Lava’s Star OS v5.0 Lite on

also entitles the buyer with 50GB of extra data that will be

top.

credited in tranches of 5GB per recharge for up to 10

The smartphone sports 8MP primary camera with LED flash and 5 MP front camera with soft flash. It has a 4.120mAh

20 | march 2020

recharges.

There is a 1-year handset warranty on the smartphone.n

MYMOBILE

First Look

justin

Itel Vision 1

i

tel has launched a new entry-level Android phone in India --

The company is also offering a few benefits to

Itel Vision 1 -- 1 is priced at Rs. 5,499. Itel Vision 1 packs a

prospective buyers that include a cashback worth

6-inch HD+ IPS display with a waterdrop notch, 19.5:9 aspect

Rs. 2,200 and 25GB of additional 4G data for Jio subscribers.

ratio.

It comes in Gradation Blue and Gradation Purple colour

The phone also packs a dual rear camera setup --

options.

8MP+0.08MP -- and selfies and video calls are handled by a

There is a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for authentication,

5-megapixel camera with 1.4-micron pixels. Camera features

but the phone supports face unlock as well. The company ships

include an AI beauty mode, portrait mode, HDR, and automatic

a Bluetooth headset worth Rs. 799 in the phone’s retail package.

scene recognition.

Dimensions of the phone are 155.3x73.5x 8.5mm and it

It is powered by an octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor

weighs 169 grams.

paired with 2GB of RAM. There is 32GB of onboard storage

The device comes in Gradation Blue and Gradation Purple

that is expandable via a microSD card (up to 128GB capacity)

colour options and it is available in India via authorized retail

and houses a 4,000mAh battery.

channels.n

www.mymobileindia.com

march 2020 | 21

International

justin LG K61, LG K51S, and LG K41S

S

outh Korean tech major LG has unveiled three new

LG K51S

smartphones in its K series -- LG K61, LG K51S and,

The LG K51S features a 6.5-inch HD+ display with 20:9

LG K41S. All the three phones feature quad camera setups,

aspect ratio and is powered by an unnamed 2.3GHz octa-

6.5-inch display, and 4,000mAh battery.

core processor. There’s a 3GB RAM on board and 64GB of

The prices of the LG K61, LG K51S, and LG K41S have not been revealed, but the company has said that the phones are expected to be available sometime in the second quarter of this year.

The LG K61 is listed to come in Titanium, White, and Blue colour options, the LG K51S will arrive in Titanium, Pink and Blue options, whereas the LG K41S will go on sale in Titanium, Black, and White colour options.

internal storage. Expansion of storage via a microSD slot (up to 2TB) is also supported.

The quad camera setup on the LG K51S includes a 32MP main camera, a 5MP super wide camera, a 2MP macro shooter and a 2MP depth sensor. Up front, the phone features a 13MP selfie shooter.

The LG K51S has the same 4,000mAh battery as LG K61 and connectivity options include Bluetooth v5, NFC, USB Type-C port, LTE, and Wi-Fi. Other features include rear

LG K61

fingerprint sensor, Google Assistant button, Google Lens, and

The LG K61 features a 6.5-inch full-HD+ display with 19.5:9

MIL-STD 810G rating.

aspect ratio, and is powered by a 2.3GHz octa-core processor.

The phone packs 4GB RAM and 64GB/128GB internal

LG K41S

storage options. There is also a microSD card slot available

The seemingly most affordable phone of the lot, the LG

for expansion of storage (up to 2TB).

K41S, features the same 6.5-inch HD+ display with 20:9

The quad camera setup at the back of the LG K61

aspect ratio as the LG K51S. It is powered by the 2.0GHz

includes a 48MP main camera, 8MP super wide camera, a

octa-core processor, and packs 3GB RAM. Internal storage

2MP macro shooter and a 5MP depth camera. Up front, the

is offered at 32GB, but there’s a microSD card slot (up to

phone comes with a 16MP selfie camera.

2TB) to make up for it.

Among other specifications, there’s a 4,000mAh battery

The quad camera setup has a 13MP main camera, 5MP

inside the LG K61 and connectivity options include LTE,

super wide camera, a 2MP macro shooter and a 2MP depth

NFC, Bluetooth v5, dual-band Wi-Fi, and more. The phone

sensor. Up front, there is an 8MP selfie camera just like the

also has features like Google Lens, a Google Assistant button,

LG K51S. The LG K41S also packs a 4,000mAh battery, has

a rear fingerprint sensor.

the same connectivity options as the LG K51S. n

22 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

International

justin

Huawei Y7p

H

uawei Y7p has quietly debuted as the Chinese smartphone

HD+ TFT LCD hole-punch display with the cutout placed on the

maker’s new smartphone in Thailand, and the phone is seen

upper left corner of the screen.

to sport hole-punch display and triple rear camera setup at the back.

The smartphone also feature rear fingerprint sensor, 48MP main rear camera, and is offered in two colour options -- Aurora Blue and Midnight Black.

The phone is powered by the Kirin 710F octa-core SoC, paired with 4GB RAM. Internal storage is at 64GB with the option to expand further using a microSD card (up to 512GB).

On the imaging front, the Huawei Y7p has a triple camera setup at the back with a 48MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture,

The Huawei Y7p is priced at THB 4,999 (roughly Rs. 11,500)

an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera with f/2.4 aperture, and a third

for the lone 4GB+64GB variant in Thailand. It is listed for pre-

2MP camera with f/2.4 aperture. Up front, there is an 8MP image

orders on sites like Lazada, JD central, and Shopee in the country,

sensor with f/2.0 aperture.

with shipping to begin later this month. There is no word on the phone’s India release at this moment.

As for specifications, the Huawei Y7p is listed to run on Android 9 Pie based EMUI 9.1. It features a 6.39-inch

There is a 4,000mAh battery integrated inside the Huawei Y7p and connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, MicroUSB port, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, 3.5mm audio jack, GPS, AGPS, Glonass, and more..

On the imaging front, the Huawei Y7p has a triple camera setup at the back with a 48MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera with f/2.4 aperture, and a third 2MP camera with f/2.4 aperture. Up front, there is an 8MP image sensor with f/2.0 aperture.

There is a 4,000mAh battery integrated inside the Huawei Y7p and connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, MicroUSB port, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, 3.5mm audio jack, GPS, AGPS, Glonass, and more. n team@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 23

Limelight

lead story

Coronavirus Upending

Tech Industry The global manufacturing hub, China, stares a gloomy future after the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) as the tech world is being now threatened by the demand monster. Can India present itself as a substitute for China and democratize manufacturing?

By Haider Ali Khan and Pahi Mehra

C

hina has been an indispensable

of world GDP.

The outbreak of the pneumonia-like

part of the global business for

But now the recent outbreak of the

disease, now officially called COVID-19,

the past two decades; it has

Coronavirus in China has started to affect

has generated concerns around the world

grown into the world’s factory.

the global technology industry, with reports

since December 2019, the disease has

From the mass production of iPhones to

of a drop in supply chains, shipments and

also been declared as a public health

automobiles parts, it has transformed as

closed stores, several of the world’s biggest

emergency internationally by the WHO.

the homeland of tech manufacturing.

companies are cautioning investors of a

The UN health body has also cited worries

China’s economy holds roughly 16 per cent

future hit to earnings.

about the virus’ spread, particularly to

Limelight

lead story

countries with weaker health systems.

the after-effects particularly due to its

the city’s Huanan Seafood Wholesale

As of February 17, 2020, the highly

dependence on China both as a major

Market, which was later shut down and

contagious virus has killed over 1,770

market for its goods and as a critical

the whole city was blocked to make any

people and infected 71, 000 globally.

supplier of components for a number of

contact with the rest of the country.

The virus outbreak is centered in

consumer products.

China also argued the possibility that

China and because of its rapid spread,

The coronavirus comes at a critical

this was a recurrence of the severe acute

the economic repercussions have already

time for the tech industry, which ended

respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus, that

been seen with shutting down of factories,

2019 on a positive note, but the virus has

breakout worldwide in 2003 killing more

closed stores, and offices, restricted

brought some real obstacles in 2020,

than 770 people.

traveling, and canceling of big events.

including social media struggling to crack

The human cost of the virus breakout

Some experts have warned that the

down on a wave of misinformation and

is tragic and still mounting, although

outbreak in the world’s most populous

conspiracy theories, shutting down of

its origin is still unclear. The WHO has

country and the second biggest economic

factories following with unemployment,

already taken the required measures;

superpower can threaten global growth

and cut in supply chain of mobile

however, there is still no cure for it.

this year. But clearly the country which is

phones.

the most affected by the virus after China is the US. Just how China is the hub for the manufacturing, the US is the homeland

are kept in solitude, as it is a highly

has put questions about the ongoing crisis

contagious illness that can transfer

and its impact. So here is how exactly the

even by touching and shaking hands. Its

virus is affecting the tech industry!

symptoms are almost like Pneumonia,

of the tech industry, which has felt

which explains the confusion.

Let’s start with Coronavirus?

To prevent the transmission, the entire town of Wuhan was turned into a ghost town. Streets are empty, public places

The tech sector is currently feeling the

were deserted, and people were asked

impact of the coronavirus, with the closing

to sit at homes by extending the Chinese

of companies, stores, and factories in

Lunar New Year holidays.

China as well as travel restrictions, but how did things escalate to this point.

How it all started!

A big hit on the global economy and tech industry China is the center of the electronics

It all began in December in the central

industry’s supply chain, and since the

Chinese city of Wuhan, Hubei province.

outbreak, companies closed their offices,

Now, it’s spread to 27 other countries and

stores, and factories in China and also

territories and killed more than 1,100

restricted employees from traveling to

people, the majority in mainland China.

the country.

And several of those infected worked at

www.mymobileindia.com

People who are infected by the virus

The outbreak of deadly Coronavirus

The closure was initially expected to

march 2020 | 25

Limelight

lead story last through the Lunar New Year holiday week in late January, which was soon extended till February 10th, and in some districts maybe it will not open until March 1st.

The coronavirus outbreak arrived in the time of earning seasons, and as the manufacturers around the world depend on China to keep their business going, they are now struggling to keep up with their sales and launch dates. This massive

longer the outbreak persists, the greater

running low following sudden widespread

delay in production and selling goods is

the damage to the industry and global

shutdowns at Chinese factories.

likely to lead to cash-flow problems in the

economy.

According to media sources, companies

This situation has also put a big

like Asus and Foxconn are experiencing a

The supply chains are disrupted since

question about whether it is correct to

drop in shipments of motherboards and

January and this has already seen a ripple

depend on only one country for mass

graphics cards more than anticipated.

effect that is unprecedented. Closed

production or not. As a lot of companies

But clearly the smartphone market

factories can also lead to a big problem of

have started working on their contingency

has been affected the most, as China

unemployment in China. Factory staffing

plans, it may be the time for another

is the world’s largest single market for

is an issue that could last long beyond

country like India to emerge as the new

smartphone manufacturing. The country

the peak of the outbreak, given the fact

and preferred electronics manufacturing

is accounted for more than a quarter of

coming time.

global smartphone sales last year. And because of sudden shutdowns global smartphone industry will likely see a very dull time.

According to research by Counterpoint, smartphone sales in China will essentially drop more than 20 per cent, and global smartphone sales will see a drop of 5 per cent in 1Q 2020.

Brady Wang, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, said about the research, “Demand-wise, we see the market impacted severely. We estimate more than a 50% YoY decline in offline smartphone sales during the lock-down that many factory workers or laborers in China are from rural-countryside. But with the situation in hand, many temporary

Closure of Stores!

workers may have a second thought about

After the outbreak, many major tech

returning back to their work. This could

companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla

lead to a massive problem of manpower

announced that they would temporarily

shortage in companies afterward.

shut down all their corporate offices,

The coronavirus may impact the ability of China to meet its end, and it will also

26 | march 2020

hub in South Asia.

manufacturing factories, and retail stores across China.

make it harder for the tech companies to

Many tech companies are struggling

recover from the damages they will suffer

because of delay productions and a

right now. The bottom line of this is, the

decline in sales. Inventories are already

period. Therefore, we have lowered our sales forecast by 20% for Q1. The situation may worsen and we may lower our forecast, even more, depending on the February sales. The plummet in Q1 is likely to generate a surge in channel inventories and further influence shipments and new products launch through Q2.”

Apart from this some of the big names in the tech industry like Apple have seen stagnation. Apple is one of the brands that could face shortages with the two major assemblers of its iPhone - Foxconn and

MYMOBILE

Limelight

lead story

Pegatron are based in China. Mainland

China, market analysts are suggesting

And some other brands that expect to see

China is one of the biggest and important

that customers around the world should

production delays include Oppo, Xiaomi,

markets for Apple. The company has

expect shortages of various smartphones,

Lenovo, and Huawei.

reportedly closed all of its stores in

cars, and other tech accessories.

Mainland China along with its cooperate offices.

Similarly, products across the tech

Like the Foxconn and Pegatron closure

sector will be hit by a delay in shipments.

in China, it will lead to the potential delay

And according to some industry experts,

The search giant, Google, has also

of iPhones and AirPods production as

due to this struggles in the smartphone

closed all of its offices and placed

factory workers are unable to resume

sector is inevitable.

restrictions on business travel to China

work in China, as per February 17th,

and Hong Kong. Google employees in

2020. And we can also expect a delay in

China have been told to work from home,

the launch of Apple’s upcoming iPhone

the company’s business in China focuses

12 series and iPhone SE 2.

mainly on sales and engineering for its

2020 is clearly giving some hard time to the tech world!

Empty Events!

And this is just not it, Social media

Because of its highly contagious

giant, Facebook, will also reportedly expect

characteristics, people around the globe

Maybe it’s high time that electronics

delays in the production of its Oculus VR

have seen shying away to make any kind of

companies start looking for other

headset which is manufactured in China.

contact with Chinese citizens, which has

options!

Asus has also warned its customers to

obviously led to huge losses in business.

expect a delay for its niche gaming ROG

But apart from this many events that

Phone II.

take place once a year have also been

advertising business.

Shortage in production and launch delays As many products manufactured in

www.mymobileindia.com

Due to factory closure, Tesla has also cited postpones for its Model 3 deliveries.

canceled.

And one of the biggest talks of the

march 2020 | 27

Limelight

lead story town is the canceling of the Mobile World Congress 2020!

canceling the tech summit.

The GSMA in the statement said, “Since

to region, particularly considering the heavy influence of Chinese companies at

The coronavirus outbreak has also

the first edition of Mobile World Congress

weighed on Mobile world Congress,

in Barcelona in 2006, the GSMA has

Initially, when the GSMA started

an annual industry gathering that was

convened the industry, governments,

flooding in with the cancelations, it

scheduled to open on February 24th,

ministers, policymakers, operators and

announced some guidelines for who

2020, in Barcelona, Spain. After initially

industry leaders across the broader

and who could not attend the show, and

announcing that it will take precautions for

ecosystem.

the general following of precautions like

the show.

the safety of the visitors and participants

With due regard to the safe and healthy

having a 14-day quarantine for people

including the barring of visitors from

environment in Barcelona and the host

coming from China, but eventually it had

China’s Hubei province, where the

country today, the GSMA has canceled

to give way to the cancellation.

new virus originated and screening the

MWC Barcelona 2020 because the

Apart from this another major show

temperatures of participants, the MWC

global concern regarding the coronavirus

RSA has also been affected by this, RSA is

organizer GSMA canceled the show on

outbreak, travel concern and other

a cybersecurity event that was scheduled

February 12th, 2020.

circumstances, make it impossible for

to take place on February 24th, 2020 in

the GSMA to hold the event.

San Francisco. But the corporate sponsor

The announcement of the GSMA’s measures came after some of the prominent exhibitors announced that they wouldn’t

The Host City Parties respect and understand this decision.

IBM, which typically draws more than 40,000 people, pulling out of the event

attend this year’s tech summit. Some

The GSMA and the Host City Parties

of the prominent companies including

will continue to be working in unison and

LG, Amazon, Samsung, Ericsson, and

supporting each other for MWC Barcelona

Epidemic Risks

Facebook refused to attend the MWC after

2021 and future editions.

Covering up the potential losses because

the wide-spread of the outbreak.

Other companies like ZTE and TCL initially said that they would still take part in the exhibition; however, they canceled their press conference afterward.

shook the organizers a little.

Our sympathies at this time are with

of epidemics differs on their unique

those affected in China, and all around

characteristics. According to some studies

the world.”

diseases can be far more damaging than

The GSMA in its statement said it would be “impossible” for the show to go

natural disasters such as hurricanes and tsunami.

The MWC organizer GSMA published

on due to the steady increase in concerns

As per a study by the World Bank, “a

a statement confirming its decision of

over the coronavirus spreading from region

severe pandemic could cause economic

MYMOBILE

lead story

losses equal to nearly 5 per cent of global

has rattled the tech industry; almost the

plans to make up for any expected

GDP.”

whole world relies on China as most of the

production loss. We factored our best

We can say that in these cases, the

consumer technology is made there. The

thinking in the guidance that we provided

virus is not the driving factor behind the

nation is the world’s largest manufacturer

you. With respect to supply sources that

potential losses, instead, it’s the way

of mobile phones, computers and

are outside the Wuhan area, the impact

consumers, businesses and governments

televisions.

is less clear at this time” he further said,

respond to an outbreak.

And the coronavirus has had an obvious

“We’re taking additional precautions and

Because of the contagious virus

and immediate impact on productivity,

frequently deep-cleaning our stores as

outbreak, people are asked to stay

as offices and factories across the nation

well as conducting temperature checks

at home, avoid traveling, shopping

halt operations. According to some of

for employees.”

and working. Doing so limits demand

the market analysts, depending on how

An Amazon spokesperson in an official

consumer goods and energy, meanwhile,

quickly the virus continues to spread the

statement about the situation in hand

decisions by companies to close stores

global tech supply chain could take a

due to the virus outbreak said, “We

and factories reduce production. We

serious hit leading to product delays and

place tremendous value and focus on the

really can’t project the number of losses

shortages.

well-being and safety of our employees.

it caters to.

If we look back at the past epidemics

Taking the big hit, this is how the tech industry reacted:

Out of an abundance of caution, we are restricting business travel to and

that have occurred in China, the

The Apple CEO, Tim Cook, expressed

from China until further notice and

coronavirus is likely to take a significant

the uncertainty caused by the virus that’s

encouraging our employees to follow the

hit in the first quarter. But if the virus

cutting retail traffic, shutting stores and

health and safety guidelines provided by

is contained in the coming time, all

the company limiting employee travel to

international health agencies such as the

of this will quickly fade away from our

one of the most important markets. In

CDC and WHO.”

memories.

a statement he said, “We do have some

Social media giant, Facebook, has

suppliers in the Wuhan area. All of the

also halted its employees to travel

suppliers there are alternate sources and

Mainland China, and has also directed

we’re obviously working on mitigation

Chinese employees to work from home.

What the industry is saying The spread of the deadly coronavirus

www.mymobileindia.com

march 2020 | 29

Limelight

lead story Company’s spokesperson in an official

being the situation is under control as

From a business point of view, the

statement said, “Out of an abundance of

there’s already 9 per cent inventories left

whole world is going to be affected in many

caution, we have taken steps to protect

from 2019 which brands are trying to

ways, but some things are perishable like

the health and safety of our employees.”

flush out in 1Q’20.”

production delays, money loss, canceling

Google has also halted its employee

Upasana Joshi, Associate Research

travels to the nation, and has also closed

Manager, IDC India said, “But, if the

its offices and stores. The company has

situation doesn’t improve soon then new

But some after-effects like loss of

said that it would keep its offices closed

model launches will be delayed by China

lives, unemployment, displacements of

in accordance with government guidance

base vendors (which make up to more

migrated workers, and above all the rise

and is telling employees in China or who

than 80% of India mobile phone market)

of racist sentiments, these are big impacts

have immediate family returning from

and will impact coming quarters.”

that can’t be taken care of.

of the important events. These things will eventually fall into place.

Smartphone chip maker, Qualcomm,

The threatening uncertainties

A Microsoft spokesperson has said in a

which benefits half of its revenue from

surrounding the global health crisis have

statement that, “Based on the evaluation

China has also been hit. The company’s

fueled major racist sentiments around the

of risk communicated by global health

chief financial officer, Akash Palkhiwala,

world. According to some media reports,

authorities we have advised employees in

has told its investors that the company

Asian Americans have reported being

China to work from home and cancel all

had reduced the low end of its earnings

discriminated against over their Asian

non-essential business travel.”

guidance for the next three months

descent.

China to work from home for two weeks.

A Taiwanese mobile company, Asus, has also issued a statement acknowledging the outbreak and the delay in availability

because of the uncertainty created by the outbreak.

The money can be earned, delays in production and launches can be taken care of, but the loss of lives and impact

of ROG Phone II will be hit by this disruption

After Effects

in the supply chain. The statement said,

The whole tech industry has been badly

“We know you’ve been excited to get your

affected by the coronavirus breakout,

hands on the ROG Phone II, while we have

it has shaken entire China, and all the

What can be done?

had steady availability for long, but due

countries depended on its market. As

The epic-center of the virus breakout

to the disruption in supply chain caused

per the records till February 17th, 2020,

is China, and the Chinese government

by the prevailing situation in Asia, ROG

there is an impressive deterioration in the

has moved too quickly to counter the

Phone II will face a temporary shortage.”

number of infected cases. But that still

economic fallout from the coronavirus and

Faisal Kawoosa, founder and Chief

doesn’t mean that it has fully been taken

the measures taken to contain it.

Analyst at techARC said, “For the time

26 | december 2019

care of.

of the breakout on the human sentiments cannot be overcome.

However, China is still more vulnerable

MYMOBILE

to a crisis than it was 17 years ago when

industry as this can’t be kept silent for long

to accessed. India’s economy is lingering

SARS broke out. It is directly hitting the

or the whole ecosystem would collapse.

around 4 per cent at the moment and all

Chinese economy and the global economy.

India is dominated by Chinese mobile

core sectors are having dull reports to show,

It is also critical whether the governments

players and nearly 80 per cent of them are

and in such situation the champion sector

are also able to coordinate their response

sourced from China and we majorly do the

of electronics and manufacturing has got

to the breakout. This is especially true

assembly here and with this sort untoward

a severe blow to make the situation worse.

because, according to the World Bank,

crisis, the mobile industry future is glooming

The Indian smartphone industry is primarily

preparedness for a potential pandemic

with uncertainty so does the employment

dominated by players like Xiaomi (Redmi),

is low. But coordination may prove

opportunities under these assembly lines as

POCO; BBK Electronics-owned five brads;

difficult in an increasingly fractured world

well as under the entire chain of logistics.

vivo, Oppo, OnePlus, realme and iQOO, and

where nationalism is often prized over

Hundred thousand of Indian workforces are

Transsion Holdings having itel, Infinix, Tecno

cooperation.

involved directly or indirectly under various

and Oraimo. So there’s too much at stake for

manufacturing/assembly facilities located

the moment in India as well. The Q1 2020

The industry has taken a toll due to it, and factories and stores are closed but even

across the country such as in Noida and

if the plants try to reopen and those who

Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh and in

have reopened, it’s still not clear if they will

Andhra Pradesh. Out of these skilled

be able to operate as normal due to potential

workforces many would be forced to go on

labor shortages, or in the worst case scenario,

unpaid leaves, hitting the lower rank among

a further spreading of the disease.

them the most. Not only the manpower but,

China is one of the most important

the buyers are staring at undecided fate

markets of the world, and we can see the

due to Coronavirus. With a billion

effects all around due to this. So, if the

aspirational buyers India is in a

market so important to the world has caught

helpless state at the moment

with drowning struggles what economic

where we can’t do much to

impacts it will bring to the rest of the world,

overcome this menace. Prices of

we can only imagine that!

smartphones and feature phones are

Meanwhile, with so much is still unknown

bound to go higher as the inventories

about the Coronavirus or COVID-19, and no

are drying up at the suppliers end.

vaccine or way to prevent it spreading, it is

Even they had not thought about this when

too early to predict what the full impact will

they were getting their fill of stocks at around

be.

November last year. Phone launches are

For many in the industry the next few months will bring high levels of uncertainty, before any recovery or contingency plans kick in.

being delayed due to this so does the charm which is missing from the mobile market.

Conclusion

This is obviously a worry for many

We stand together with China and all those

organizations, but could also be a period

affected with Coronavirus and express our

may register a lean patch but, we Q2 would

of new opportunity for others, as the world

deep empathy for the infected, those who

be the most impacted quarter for mobile

comes to terms with this latest global health

lost their lives in this battle and grieving

industry this year. The over-dependency on

crisis. Markets that are sharp enough to react

families. The ecosystem is so fragile that

China has cost us much and will continue

quicker than their competitors might find

we can’t even withstand an outbreak but,

to do so if we won’t evolve ourselves as the

themselves gaining greater market share as

we also have to find an alternative to such

primary global manufacturing hub and for

a result of the crisis.

adversaries to deal with as the hungry

that the industry and government need to

and needy population needs job and food

work hand-in-hand. We have the resources,

to sustain else there could be a chaos.

skill and just need a will to do so. India must

With the supply chain being severely hit by

Coronavirus is going to cost us dearly in

rise to the call and presents itself as a hub

this epidemic, India’s position has become

days to come so be prepared for any such

to democratize manufacturing and shine on

much more crucial in this part of the world.

uncertainty, whether its price hike of

world’s map. n

Can India emerges, and presents itself as the

phones, job cuts across sector or delayed

global manufacturing hub for the electronics

launch. The economic impact is still needs

India’s Position

www.mymobileindia.com

Limelight

lead story

haider@mymobile.co.in pahi@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 31

Guest Column

by Invitation

Smartphone Market Trends in 2020

By Dinesh Sharma

T

he new smartphone sales

SoC supporting 5G networks. They also

that manufacturers are doing their best

will be predominantly driven

announced the Snapdragon 765 and

to come up with even more technical

by the aspiration of existing

Snapdragon 765G SoCs for mid-range

innovations for the smartphone market.

smartphone users to upgrade

smartphones. All three 5G-capable chips

And, despite the intense competition;

to a premium experience. The market will

are expected to make way to India through

brand, product and channel innovation will

continue to be mainly an upgrade market

new and engaging smartphones.

continue in 2020.

and is expected continue its growth.

In 2020, 5G is likely to become a reality

Thanks to Android’s open hardware eco-

With smartphones entering every facet

in India with its spectrum allocation taking

system, we have seen many of the world

of our lives, here are some big trends that we

place. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of

first smartphone innovations happening at

can look out for in the year 2020 - starting

India (TRAI) chairman Ram Sewak Sharma

mid-range smartphone simultaneously with

with 5G.

assured that India will no longer be behind

flagship counterparts. There is tremendous

the technology curve following the timely

work happening in the areas of processing

launch of 5G networks. Having said that,

power, security, photography and battery life

5G has the potential to bring an

5G is speculated to take longer to roll out,

of smartphones. Products functionalities are

unprecedented change in smartphone

5G enabled smartphones will precede the

going to continue to rise in each segment,

market in the year 2020, with the

service roll-out.

letting consumer receive better value for

5G

introduction of 5G smartphones starting from the premium price band and then moving to mid end segment over the

spend on the smartphone.

Smartphone Innovations

Premium segments driven by upgrade and higher value for money smartphones

year. Late last year, Qualcomm unveiled

With more than 1 billion smartphone

is expected to witness higher growth

the Snapdragon 865 as its latest flagship

users worldwide, it’s not surprising to see

rates and correspondingly more intense competition.

Cameras innovations Cameras on smartphones have been long evolving, since they were just an item of convenience to now competing against professional digital cameras. Camera hardware along with camera software have come a really long way to point where having better camera software complements to a

78 | february 2020

by invitation

great photo than the Megapixels and other

selfie experiences in the year 2019.

aspiring for better gaming experiences

camera hardware specs. We have seen

There is no doubt that cameras in

thanks to bleeding edge gaming focussed

the front camera change in a number of

phones have evolved drastically over the

technologies and this is where the Indian

ways and we see this trend to continue in

past couple of years and have become the

market aspires for smartphones like the

2020.

primary USP for consumers when buying a

ROG Phone 2, which features many world

Computational photography is the

smartphone. 2020 for sure will be seeing

first technologies at an alluring price.

grand new vision forward that will enable

incredible new camera capabilities along

So far we’ve seen that games like PUBG

consumers to better capture their lives

with massive increase in Megapixel count,

are helping smartphone makers deliver

with brand new camera modes that have

and new camera hardware innovation.

competing and Mid-range smartphones,

only been possible on high-end cameras in

this has helped garner a lot of interest

the past. Picture and Video online portals

Gaming

like Instagram and TikTok has seen an

Gaming experiences on the smartphone

the keen interests in esports. However,

incredible boom in terms of content and

platform has greatly advanced. It’s so

to compete professionally in gaming

that’s all thanks to the level of simplicity

impressive that the smartphones of today are

there is an acute need of gaming focused

new-gen camera and software offers the

able to display the graphical quality similar

smartphone technologies that at present

users. Video stabilization techniques also

to last generation of gaming consoles. Not

only very few phones have managed to

have reached near cinematic levels and

just the graphics, the gameplay mechanics

capture that angle - ROG Phone II is one

that enables consumers to easily get in to

thanks to multi-point touchscreens are cut-

such phone that enables the gamers in

Video logging and create engaging content.

throat and complex, enhancing gameplay

India to not just participate, but to engage

The front cameras on the smartphones has

like never seen before on a handheld

and win at popular gaming platforms.

been seeing innovations on a separate

device. Advancements in the GPU has truly

Leveraging Gaming technologies will

scale with higher megapixel cameras on

unlocked the potential of the mobile gaming

make smartphones more affordable and

the front along with new smarts, so it wont

market, allowing AAA titles to make better

accessible, fueling the rise of fantasy

be just the quality of the selfies going up,

entry. The smartphone displays are already

sports, which will go beyond cricket.

rather it will fuel a new kind and generation

in the next generation with refresh rates

Esports is the other facet of online

of digital story telling. More so, the high

reaching 120hz and while at the same time

gameplay. No other gaming platform has

speed mobile data and wireless broadband

being vivid offering display technologies

picked up Esports as fast a smartphone.

technologies directly impact the usage of

such as HDR10, allowing games to be run

With games like PUBG, Mobile Legends,

the camera on a modern smartphone.

at FHD+ and QHD+ resolution with super-

and Clash Royale, esports has already

sharp textures.

made a positive and eager engaging impact

At ASUS, we revolutionized our

in Mobile Gaming and bringing forward

smartphone camera experiences on the

The year 2020 will also witness the

in India. In 2020, thanks to affordable

ASUS 6z with a motorised 48MP camera

radical expansion of a gaming ecosystem

and powerful phones, the participation in

that serves as both the front and the back

in the country. India has become one of the

esports will definitely be multi-folded. n

cameras, along with host of world’s first

world’s fastest-growing gaming markets,

camera modes such as Motion-tracking

driven by the proliferation of smartphones

video recording and offering the worlds best

and democratised data. Consumer are also

www.mymobileindia.com

The author is Head, Mobile Business, ASUS India

march 2020 | 33

In Conversation

face to face

“The true value of Garmin products is in the technology and manufacturing process” Garmin, the precision technology major, has shifted its focus to the growing demand for the wearable technology in India as people are now becoming increasingly health conscious.

For that, it is getting new brand ambassador to connect easily with its target group/s.

Ali Rizvi, Director, Garmin India, is spearheading this task for the brand which is committed to build an even stronger customer base here. He had a conversation with Haider Ali Khan on range of topics. Edited Excerpts: Garmin has become quite an active brand

started scripting a new growth chapter here

tech in our products, we are committed to

in India since 2019, being much vocal,

since then? Garmin is known for its smart

build an even stronger customer base in

launching range of products. What’s been

wearable and innovative GPS technology

the Indian market.

the cause of this move shifting much of its

which is spread out across diverse markets,

focus on India? Over the years we have seen

including aviation, marine, fitness,

Garmin houses a wide range of smartwatches,

a new trend shaping up in India where

outdoor recreation and automotive. Ever

from basic to luxury, but which price

people have become health conscious

since we entered the Indian market, we

segment drives the growth for the brand

and are now inculcating fitness as a daily

have created a niche for our products

in India? All our products are designed

regime in their lives. The growing demand

where it has been successful in fulfilling

and manufactured in a way that serves

for the right wearable technology to

the need to have a healthy lifestyle and

the specific need and purpose of our

support their workout plans has definitely

keep an active routine in place. We have

customers. From basic beginner watches

increased overtime which has given us a

developed running communities where

like Forerunner 45 to our luxury watches

great opportunity to expand our footprint

people run for various motives and take

like The MARQ series, Garmin believes

in India.

help of Garmin products to map their data

in establishing themselves with our

and stats. With the use of most advanced

superior product quality and features. For

Are we Indians have become lethargic or

us, the flagship series is the Forerunner

much aware of being a health conscious

series which is in the price bracket of

society? The society in general is moving

Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 60,000. Our last year

towards a shift to a better and healthier

launches: Forerunner 245M, 945 & 45

lifestyle where the people are not only

have done exceptionally well in the market

the usual ‘gym-goers’ but are now also

and created a separate consumer base for

considering and are inclined towards

the same.

various outdoor activities like trekking, running, cycling, swimming etc. The definition and the purpose of working out has certainly changed and people are now focusing on their physical as well as mental health.

Garmin is much more concerned about being an offline-focused smartwatch brand in India. Is that comes naturally to you and your brand identity?

Garmin is not only available through offline stores, but it is also available on

The growth of Garmin in

multiple e-commerce

India coincides with the

portals like Amazon.

extravagant penetration of

in, Flipkart, Tata

smartphone in the country.

CLiQ, Paytmmall,

Is it true that Garmin has

34 | march 2020

Myntra

and

MYMOBILE

face to face

models and series with even better features and technology from the preceding models.

TheGarminstore.in, We are equally focused

We have made sure to add unique and

on our offline store sales as well online sales.

“From basic beginner watches like Garmin claims to be a pioneer in its engineering so why does it need a and we are always trying to find the Forerunner 45 to our luxury face/brand ambassador to promote best solutions for them. watches like The MARQ series, Garmin its precision technologies? We have believes in establishing themselves recently appointed the very famous Are you not bothered about the with our superior product quality and Rannvijay Singha on-board as competition that sells at much our official brand ambassador. cheaper price while having the same features. For us, the flagship series is Rannvijay’s personality is in set of features more or less? Every the Forerunner series which is complete sync with our brand’s industry player is offering different in the price bracket of vision and moto which will help us in products and services at different price reaching out to a broader set of audience range. What helps Garmin stand out is our Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 60,000” who will further engage with Garmin and

class apart technology and the in-house

understand what the brand promises to

production of each product from scratch

deliver. It is very important for us that our

futuristic features like Advanced sleep

in Taiwan. Each product is manufactured

customers understand our products and

with Pulse Ox, Respiration tracking, VO2

with extreme ministration, hence, providing

the in-built technology. We believe that

max, body battery energy, menstrual

very accurate data of the customers and

through a brand ambassador, it will be

cycle tracking, stress tracking with relax

great durability. Garmin products stand

easier for the customers to connect with

reminders, hydration tracking and a lot

out for their exceptional battery life which

the brand and comprehend the expertise

more. We have also made sure that all of

makes the lives of fitness enthusiasts

behind Garmin products.

this data is secured at Garmin Connect

easier. The variety of our products and

where the customers can keep a thorough

the unlimited features in each product

Is Garmin not interested in bringing its own

check on the stats and alter their lives

has attracted customers and realised that

smartphone? No, as of now, we don’t have

accordingly. Apart from this, a toll-free

the product is worth every penny. Runners

any such plans.

customer helpline number: 1800-121-

and running communities majorly rely on

00-1818 (10:00 am-5:30 pm) is now live

Garmin products as it serves their purpose

What changes could be done in Garmin

through which the customers can post their

thoroughly and helps them perform

smartwatches to make it much more

issues and queries and find solutions for

better on a daily basis. The true value of

convenient to use individually or via a

any technical difficulty. There is constant

Garmin products is in the technology and

smartphone? Our products are carefully

upgradation happening from our end trying

the manufacturing process which is now

manufactured keeping in mind every

to keep up with the advancement of the

being accepted in the Indian smartwatch

aspect and need of our customers. With

technology in today’s world. Our customers

industry. n

every passing year, we have introduced new

are the most integral part of our business

www.mymobileindia.com

haider@mymobile.co.in

december march 2020 2019 | 35 61

In Conversation

face to face

“We have a customer base that comes to us for quality” The audio industry in India has seen some unprecedented growth in the last decade, from market full of products to high demand of consumption, the way audio is being used now represents how fast the technology is evolving. And in this journey, the German audio giant, Sennheiser, has been at the forefront, taping new growth in the audio sector. The company is almost 75 years old, and since its inception it has been shaping the future of audio with its innovative range of products across the globe. It has consistently raised the bar with its products that offer superior audio experience. In a recent event where the company launched its new AMBEO Soundbar worth around a lakh, Kapil Gulati, Director, Consumer Segment, Sennheiser Electronics India spoke to Pahi Mehra about his journey with Sennheiser, how the company’s newest offering the AMBEO soundbar will stand out the competition with such high prices and the upcoming audio trends in 2020.

36 | march 2020

In Conversation

face to face How long have you been with Sennheiser?

Tell us about your journey? I have been associated with Sennheiser since its entrance into the Indian market. In the 13 years of my Sennheiser journey, the focus has always been to introduce perfect audio products and sound experience for our customers. My passion for sound and technology resonates well with the brand which has been at the forefront of shaping the future of audio. Earlier, headphones were positioned as just a giveaway accessory with a phone, however, the industry changed when Sennheiser built this category from scratch. Being at the helm of revolutionizing the audio industry is a reason why we have a premium positioning. So far, we have witnessed double-digit growth in the consumer segment Y-o-Y.

seamless connectivity for uninterrupted

create an avenue for enhancing customer

viewing and wireless equipment provides

experience and strengthen customer

What are the company’s key values? For the

exactly that. Due to this, the true wireless

loyalty. Immersive audio is poised to be

past 75 years, Sennheiser has been at the

category has revolutionized the entire

the future of the audio-visual industry as

forefront of shaping the future of the audio

industry and over the last year alone, we

it enables people to hear audio from every

industry. Being a family owned company,

have seen a phenomenal response from

corner. An increasing number of products

we are 100% self-financed which means

the consumers for this category. This shift

and experiences are offering immersive

we can truly focus on customers’ needs.

from wired to wireless is driving significant

audio across segments. Owing to such

This is the ambition and the passion that

growth for us in India and we are looking

unparalleled demand and seeing the rising

the brand continues to live by. We are

forward to an upward journey.

trend of soundbars, Sennheiser recently

dedicated to constantly delivering world-

introduced AMBEO Soundbar in India.

class products across the globe. Sennheiser

According to you, what audio trends from the

The AMBEO 3D technology is dedicated

is known for its culture of innovation and the

last decade have shaped the industry? The

to creating immersive audio solutions that

passion to achieve excellence in the field of

content consumption pattern of Indian

offer an unparalleled audio experience.

the audio industry. We create unique sound

consumer has changed drastically in the

experiences for our customers with the use

past years. They are constantly connected

One of the audio trends in high demand now

of latest technologies and innovation.

to the internet to consume content. This

is Voice Assistant, how safe and efficient

has led to an increase in adoption for

do you think it is right now, and what can

What are your best-selling products in

wireless and true wireless earbuds as

we expect in the near future? Voice based

India? The audio equipment industry in

it provides the ease of being cable-free

search is growing exponentially and more

India has seen unprecedented growth

connectivity.

consumers are optimizing voice-based

over the past decade. The demand for

The wireless and true wireless categories

search. This is the biggest transformation

OTT services is booming across the Indian

are catching up fast as they also offer

in the current technological times. One of

market. According to a KPMG survey,

enhanced audio quality and crystal-clear

the predictions in 2020 is that the search

users spend 8.2 hours per week on online

stereo sounds, making content viewing

is going to move towards the voice search

video platforms. Since the consumption

a memorable experience for the users.

for at least 50% of the searches online.

of online content has increased, the

Additionally, artificial intelligence and voice

Most voice assistants in the market

technology for audio solutions are changing

assistant technologies such as Alexa, Siri

require a voice command to ‘wake up’.

too. Sennheiser is currently focusing on

have also been one of the fastest developing

In order to maintain safety and efficiency,

wireless technology as consumers want

technologies. Voice-enabled technologies

users can switch off their devices if not

www.mymobileindia.com

march 2020 | 37

In Conversation

face to face in use. Even if one forgets, the users can

for audiophiles, cinephiles, sports

growing demand of immersive 3D audio,

delete saved recordings through the app.

enthusiasts. It is for people who want to

customers are asking for one product which

Voice Assistants are becoming more

have the best possible audio experience

serves their need of all-round entertainment

sophisticated and useful in everyday life.

with no compromise. The Soundbar is

whether they are binge watching or listening

Consumers are more comfortable and

for those who have an impeccable taste

to their favorite music- AMBEO Soundbar

reliant upon using voice to talk to various

of sound and audio experience- the ones

gives the best immersive audio experience

devices. From voice-enabled apps that

interested in technology, music, gaming,

as it’s compatible with state-of-the-art

accurately understand the context of our

and electronics. These are for leaders who

immersive sound formats; Dolby Atmos,

conversations with them, to AI-driven

lead a connected life and are engaged on

DTS:X, MPEG-H.

cloud-to-speech text tool which will enable

different OTT platforms.

consumers to convert audio to text through

There are many soundbars in the market

deep learning neural network algorithms-

What kind of responses did you get? And what

with relatively affordable pricing, how will

the transformation is happening quite

kind of sales are you expecting? So far, we

Sennheiser AMBEO soundbar stand out

rapidly.

have been getting a positive response from

the competition? We understand that the

“Sennheiser is how is it different from other soundbars in known for its culture of the market? The AMBEO Soundbar that innovation and the passion to we launched recently is not just a soundbar – it is much more than that. achieve excellence in the field Truly clutter-breaking, the Sennheiser of the audio industry. We create AMBEO Soundbar is a multi-speaker unique sound experiences for system with immersive 5.1.4 sound and deep bass in the form of a our customers with the use of soundbar. latest technologies What makes it unique and different and innovation” from all other available soundbars in the You recently launched AMBEO Soundbar,

market is that it has been developed under

product is on the higher side in terms of pricing, however, we know that we have a customer base that comes to us for quality that is what we offer with this Soundbarhigh quality, 3D immersive audio.

What is Sennheiser coming out with next?

We have a strong pipeline of compelling products that will be announced in the coming weeks. As always, the aim will be to offer an enhanced and memorable audio experience to all our consumers. You will be hearing more details about them very soon.

Sennheiser’s AMBEO trademark. The 3D

our partners and customers. We are not

technology blurs the line between playback

only creating the best technical solution,

Audio trends to look out for in 2020?

and reality from a single all-in-one device.

but also catering to customers’ needs. The

In 2020, audio is going to be more

It is powered by 13 drivers with the latest

AMBEO Soundbar is a niche product that

immersive. With the increased adoption of

virtualization technology which works as

has been accepted well in the market.

technology, high end smartphone, smart

virtual speakers, recreating a surround

TVs, consumers now want immersive

sound. So, whether people are watching a

How does it create 3D sound? The transition

experience and products to support that.

movie or sports, the Sennheiser AMBEO

to AMBEO in the 21st century is like the

Use of immersive audio to create content

soundbar will place consumers in the

evolution from mono to stereo (Stereo

will be fulfilled with audio equipment

middle of the action where one can find

to AMBEO) of the last century. AMBEO

that offers flawless sound experience.

breath-taking emotions.

Soundbar is the world’s first 5.1.4 All-In-

Acceptance and utility of voice assistance

One Soundbar, a completely new immersive

will also scale up. One of the current trends

Who is your target audience? AMBEO

experience. Through room calibration,

that we are expecting is speaker-less in-car

Soundbar is targeted at high-income

AMBEO Soundbar optimizes the sound for

sound system. Sennheiser and Continental

households. The growth of AMBEO

the individual room and preferred seating

recently presented a speaker-less audio

Soundbar in India will be driven by several

position, giving you the best immersive

system for the vehicle interior at CES

factors, including the rise of average

audio experience in your bedroom or living

2020. The unique system fills the vehicle

consumer income and adoption of new

room without the hassle getting sound

interior with life like immersive sound. The

technology and rising penetration of

acoustic treatments and adding wirings

two partners are integrating Sennheiser’s

internet services.

across your room. It is built-in 6x4” long-

patented AMBEO 3D audio technology with

The AMBEO Soundbar is a

throw woofers to give you accurate bass

comprehensive sound solution- designed

down to extreme 30Hz bass levels. With the

Continental’s Ac2ated Sound system. n pahi@mymobile.co.in

38 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

Organiser +91 11 4104 8613

(Nexgen Conferences Pvt. Ltd.) TM

Bangladesh Mobile Congress 2020 22nd April 2020 | The Westin | Dhaka Supporting Associations

We at Nexgen Conferences, take this initiatives to create an industry platform in Bangladesh to invite all stakeholder together at a single platform to discuss the important steps to be taken by Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Bangladesh along with CXO’s of Bangladesh telecom operators and world leading solutions providers to enable to vision of Digital Bangladesh.

We take this precious opportunity to invite you to participate at Inaugural Edition of Bangladesh Mobile Congress 2020, schedule to be held on 22nd April 2020 at The Westin – Dhaka.

Bangladesh has the lowest internet penetration level in Asia region and coverage of network still remains a barrier to access particular in rural areas. The slow transition of mobile broadband technologies in Bangladesh is also part of a matter that 4G/LTE spectrum auction took place very late in the country which is why the country remains the last in terms of mobile broadband penetration in South Asia.

The First edition of Bangladesh Mobile Congress 2022 will cover all important aspects by the leaders who will drive this country to digital transformation. Industry thought leaders will present their views on the current trends and future outlook for the telecom industry in Bangladesh. The Conference sessions will be mainly focused on the future technologies which will relevant to Bangladesh with other South Asian countries like India, China, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The conference will provide attendees an opportunity to learn key protection techniques for optical mesh networks as well as best practices in deploying transport networks.

The Congress will address the followings: Roadmap towards rolling out 5G Networks in the Bangladesh Ø Infrastructure - The availability of high-performance mobile internet network coverage Is Bangladesh ready for 5G Ø Examine the current status & early trails on 5G Ø

FOR BRANDING INSIGHTS

Anjani Kr. Singh E: anjani.singh@nexgenconferences.com M:+91 98111 97966

MARKETING ALLIANCE & DELEGATION

Nidhi Taneja E: nidhi.taneja@nexgenconferences.com M:+91 98182 71445

Website:www.nexgenconferences.com

Guest Column

by Invitation

Can revenue sustain the OTT and SVOD businesses?

By Shivani Srivastava

T

he urban market is increasingly getting glued to over-thetop (OTT) TV and video and subscription-based video on

demand (SVOD) platforms. This may not indicate the demise of the good old television but it is a stiff competition nevertheless. In India, the revenue in the video streaming (SVOD) segment was nearly USD 194 million in 2019, which is expected to grow at a rate of 11.4 per cent till 2024,

up from USD 12 billion in 2018 while

almost all OTT platforms such as Hungama

ushering the market volume to USD 333

marketing costs for 2019 were pegged at

and Shemaroo have tie-ups with one or more

million. The segment had a user penetration

USD 2.9 billion. The content cost is likely to

telecom operator, while Netflix is available

of 3.9 per cent in 2019 which is likely to

rise as more A-listers of film and television

on Airtel and Amazon Prime is available

increase to 5.5 per cent during the same

may try their luck on these platforms and

both on Airtel and Vodafone-Idea. Zee5

time. However, the lucrative possibilities of

the inter-platform competition intensifies

has partnered with all the three telecom

the market are attracting new players quite

by creating quality content.

majors — Jio, Airtel and Vodafone-Idea

often, including big names such as Apple.

and with Airtel, users can view about 30 per

The average revenue per user (ARPU) in

Is there a winning model?

India for these platforms is currently about

The bigger question is that with this kind

Industry insiders deem such arrangement a

USD 3.66 for SVOD, and the usage share of

of revenue-cost ratio, can OTT and SVOD

‘win-win for both’ as it helps platforms drive

cent of the premium content on Airtel TV.

Amazon Prime Video was an estimated 20

reach and surges in the AVOD (advertising

per cent in 2018.

video-on-demand) and SVOD (subscription

they have spent USD 1.7 billion on video

break the ice – according to a KPMG report,

“Almost all OTT video-on-demand) numbers, whereas telcos The game of costs gain in terms of high average revenue platforms such as Hungama Though the numbers of users for per user (ARPU) through high data and Shemaroo have tie-ups with one OTT and SVOD platforms are consumption. With India planning or more telecom operator, while Netflix likely to rise to 78.2m by 2024, to roll out 5G services, such is available on Airtel and Amazon Prime the newer competitors may arrangements can provide a huge eat into the revenue of the revenue boost. is available both on Airtel and Vodafoneexisting players. This can pose The untapped rural market Idea. Zee5 has partnered with all the three a problem to these players who can be a game-changer for these telecom majors — Jio, Airtel and may already be battling rising platforms – it is a huge minefield Vodafone-Idea and with Airtel, users content costs – according to the that is waiting to be explored.

Financial Times, Apple is spending The hindrances are not only a less can view about 30 per cent of the USD 6 billion on new TV shows and robust economy but also spotty reach premium content on movies for its forthcoming service, TV+, of networks. A better digital infrastructure Airtel TV” whereas Amazon’s quarterly filing states and a more affordable smartphone can help and music content, which translates to

sustain in the longer-term? To ensure they

by 2020, half of India’s internet users are

roughly USD 7 billion for the full year. In

get a steady stream of users, platforms are

likely to be from rural parts. n

2019, Netflix’s costs to buy, produce and

now collaborating with telecom service

license content were USD 15 billion —

providers to reach their targeted users –

40 | march 2020

The author is Consultant - Marketing PR & Corp Comm. at MoMAGIC.

MYMOBILE

Exclusiv

face to face

“In the last two decades, we have witnessed progress in the technology industry like never before” Widely acclaimed company in providing display solutions, ViewSonic, started its operations in California, USA, in 1987. Ever since then, the company has managed to diversify its presence in almost to 28 countries. And India being the potential market for the company, it is right now focusing to maintain its position as leading B2B supplier.

Since its expansion in India, ViewSonic has seen a steady growth in the Indian market, it holds a loyal customer base in the nation, and have placed itself among the top 3 brands for IFP in the Indian market within a very short period, with its diverse product line. Elaborating more on what makes ViewSonic standout in the market, its expansion strategy and what technical innovations the company is working on, Munner Ahmad, Business Head, ViewSonic India, in conversation with Pahi Mehra, shares how the brand’s journey has been.

How long have you been with ViewSonic,

expanded product range to various other

How is the overall performance of ViewSonic

how has your journey has been so far? I

display categories like projector panels

in India and how important is the Indian

have been working with ViewSonic India

and then our latest software development,

market for the company? India has always

for almost 3 years now and it has been a

myViewBoard.

been a potential market for ViewSonic. Our

fantastic journey so far. I truly believe in the

main focus is to maintain our position as

brand and their ideologies and aesthetics.

What kind of changes do you think has taken

one of the leading B2B product suppliers

My role here mostly focuses on strategizing

place in the audio-visual industry in the past

in the country with a presence across the

marketing plans and sales initiatives and

decade? The audio-visual sector is growing

country including Tier I, II and III cities.

supervise other days to day operations.

at a rapid pace in the technology industry.

As of now, our main focus apart from the

There have been endless innovations in

products that we have launched recently

ViewSonic was founded in 1987, how has

this sector to make it more convenient

is building ViewSonic as one of the leading

the company grown since then? ViewSonic

and compatible, for example – Ultra Slim

display brands in India. The way we have

started as a monitor company in 1987

model, 4K resolution, Virtual Reality, etc.

built a loyal customer base with our other

and gained a lot of traction in the market.

We are expecting a lot more development

products like projectors and monitors, we

Slowly and gradually after achieving

soon, there will be many innovative products

have placed ourselves among the top 3

success in the monitor segment, ViewSonic

that will be introduced in the market.

brands for IFP in the Indian market within

42 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

face to face

etc. Instead of buying and a very short period.

maintaining expensive

throughout the wide variety of evolving

data centers and servers, you

digitized industrial scales consumers face

can access these services on a need

today. Our innovative products, quality,

What are the new trends to

basis from a cloud technology provider. It’s

and service make us different from other

look out for in this 2020 for the audio-visual

an efficient way to save your work where

players in the market.

industry? In the last two decades, we have

anyone from different places can access

witnessed progress in the technology

the same file at the same time or even later

The industry is growing every year and it is

industry like never before. We have come

if authorized. Similarly, cloud storage is

attracting new players, how is ViewSonic

across numerous innovations and product

efficient for video conferencing as could

standing out, and what is your go-to-market

breakthroughs and there has been a rapid

base conferencing is faster to deploy,

strategy? We continuously strive for growth

growth in the sector. The new technology

manage and use. People can bring high-

and keep a lookout for new markets to

trends that are expected in 2020 include

quality video and audio to the meeting

explore for the products as per the customer

– Intelligent devices, 5G network, remote

room and mobile devices.

need. In other terms, we are transforming

engagement, cloud, and edge computing,

ourselves into a solution based company

demand for smart home devices. The major

What are the new technological innovations

shift is observed towards the technology

ViewSonic is working on? As a technology

market where the companies are changing

brand, our prime focus is to give

Could you share the expansion and growth

from device-based to solution-based

complete support to our customers

plans of ViewSonic? India is a key market

providers.

and keep them updated with the latest

for our brand and we aim to deliver the

rather than product-based.

technological advancements. We keep

best quality products to our consumers.

According to you what are the ways we can

on offering new products and update

We focus on maintaining our position as

get ready to respond well to the changes

our software continuously as per the

one of the leading B2B product supplier

that Artificial Intelligence will bring? In

market requirement. We have patented

in the country by being present PAN-India.

the recent times, it has been observed

design of our M1 LED projector and we

Our target is to have our products available

that Artificial Intelligence has received

have in-house proprietary software in our

in every part of the country including Tier

maximum traction because of the effect it

Interactive Flat Panel Displays.

I, II and III cities. We are focusing on

has on our work and personal lives. We all

positioning the brand as industry leaders

just require to get used to the changes by

What are your latest innovations in projectors?

in the Ed-tech market and are hopeful to

accepting the advancement of AI. People

We at ViewSonic, aim to provide the best

see some results in the initial months of

need to adopt AI which can be used in

quality products to our consumers. As our

2020.

many other ways like assessing business

innovation, we have M1mini projector

risks, using energy more efficiently,

with swappable plates, M2 can also

What are your plans for the future? We are

organizing and scheduling tasks and

be operated with power bank, X Series

planning a change by building ViewSonic

much more than this.

Smart Projectors in different categories for

as one of the leading display brands in

different requirements (UST, ST & LT)

India by focusing on our display products.

Nowadays everything is moving to the Cloud,

We have a series of IFPs that we are

how efficient do you think Cloud storage is

What differentiates you from your

planning to launch this year. Also, we are

for Video Conferencing? Cloud is beneficial

competition? We showcase display

centring on positioning our brand as a

as it is an on-demand delivery of computer

solutions that are technologically advanced

services such as storage, servers, analytics,

to overcome the ever-growing challenges

hardware solutions provider. n pahi@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

march 2020 | 43

In Conversation

face to face

“Smartphones play a very dominant role in security and surveillance” The security and surveillance sector has gone through a massive change with the evolution of smartphones. Subsequently, it has opened doors of opportunities for manufacturing companies to come up with cameras that not only detect, monitor and record intrusion at your house and office but also send you real-time security breach alert and allow you to talk through mobile app with the person at the other end. Secureye, a leading brand, is taking the security and surveillance to the next level, with a varied range of products which cover wide applications across the security-spectrum. Manish Agarwal, Director, Secureye, speaks more about today’s smart security cameras, technicalities involved and their prospects, in a chat with Ramesh Kumar Raja. Excerpts: How smartphones are contributing to the

replaced closed-circuit analogue systems,

security and surveillance sector in India?

which, until recently, predominantly

dominated the security market.

In every scenario of security and

Indian security and surveillance market

surveillance, smartphones play a very

is at a fascinating stage. We are moving

dominant role. Smartphone helps you to

from security in closed spaces to security

keep an eye on surveillance system which

of public places. This has led to spending

is installed in your offices or home through

from both government and the private

mobile apps. Secureye offers many

sector.

security cameras which can be operated

With the common purpose of detecting,

through smartphones and you can talk

monitoring and recording intrusion,

through mobile app with the person on the

security systems can be as elementary as a

other end of camera through a technology

video camera or as complex as a biometric

called “two way communication”.

system. Digital surveillance techniques

Also, Secureye offer solutions which

in the form of closed-circuit television

help employees to mark attendance

(CCTV) cameras, burglar alarm systems

through mobile apps. This app is very

and access control systems have become

useful for field employees which help to

household names. Intellectual

track their location through GPS while

property (IP)-based surveillance t e c h n o l o g y, touted

marking their attendance through apps.

Then we have

as

solution for students

the future of

which can help parents

surveillance

to get the live location

systems, has

of their children. You

44 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

face to face will get SMS notifications as well about their attendance in the school and many other different type of options.

Artificial Intelligence has come up as a major development in imaging solutions. How is AI helpful in security cameras? Nowadays, Artificial Intelligence is not the thing of a science fiction or any concept based technology. It’s equally important for home security and surveillance system.

Till now, we have used security cameras as a normal “record & view” system. We could only view the video recordings after the mishappening has occurred.

Clearly, you cannot spend your day watching the security camera’s live stream to limit the unwanted events like intrusion or burglary. All you want is to get notification in real time, in case of any emergency or intrusion, burglary, theft or

“Smartphone helps you to keep an eye on surveillance system which is installed in your offices or home through mobile apps. Secureye offers many security cameras which can be operated through smartphones and you can talk through mobile app with the person on the other end of camera through a technology called twoway communication”

any unwanted incidents. Here comes the role of “Artificial Intelligence” in security

that allow you to analyze data more

cameras and surveillance systems which

minutely and thereafter make informed

gives you real time alerts. Each different

decisions, such as AI, facial recognition

AI function enables you to work more

and machine learning have become more

efficiently as you don’t have to deal with

pertinent.

numerous fake alerts.

In addition, there has been increased

With video analytics technology in

cloud and mobile access adoption, with

our security camera systems, the job of

greater emphasis on IoT, data analytics

securing your home or business becomes

and cyber security. So, we can safely

much simpler. AI-enabled security

assume them to be representing the

camera uses motion detection functions

top trends that will take center stage

like Tripwire, intrusion, and heat mapping

while developing more intelligent and

to introduce greater precision and

connected experiences.

confidence for event detection. And the

As more and more devices get

best thing is that with time the AI will

connected to each other and over public

improve and become more precise.

networks, the trusted identities scenario becomes more relevant. There is a

What are the advancements we are going to

key requirement to add digital

cloud solutions, flexibility provided,

see in the coming times? Over the past few

certificates as a core component for

connectivity options and productivity

years there has been a shift from analog to

adding trust in the IoT network. So, all your

benefits will escalate adoption of digital

digital security technologies for the simple

devices such as printers and encoders,

technologies. The increased emphasis on

reason that digital platforms allow you to

mobile phones, tablets, video cameras

access control cloud platforms with APIs

build intelligence on top of the existing

and building automation systems, need

and SDKs will fuel new software solutions

solutions and allow you to derive more

to be issued digital certificates. This can

that will in turn lead to more choices for

value out of a security product. With the

be further extended to a broader range of

companies to get the maximum return on

increase in number of camera pixels and

things like connected cars and medical

investment.

also the overall capabilities of security

devices.

products, the role of digital technologies

www.mymobileindia.com

The ease of deployment of

The popularity of mobile devices means that mobile access to solutions

march 2020 | 45

In Conversation

face to face will accelerate even further in 2020.

The maturity in mobile solutions and integration into other systems, along with mobile’s ability to enhance user convenience, improve operational efficiency and provide higher security will drive accelerated growth for mobile access and mainstream adoption.

The concept of physical identity & access management will drive convergence of physical and digital security to a single credential, putting identity at the center of all cases. There are quite a few industry verticals, such as Government, finance, energy and construction that shall be at the forefront for using such solutions to secure access to buildings, email, websites and VPN. Predictive analytics and biometrics play a critical role in securing people and assets and also address employee demands for workplaces to deliver premium, more customized services. Analytics will help reduce downtime in the enterprise, spur factory automation and improve

“5G networks will bring a whole new array of opportunities to the security industry. The faster and more robust network would mean more connected and autonomous devices and systems, as well as better quality images and faster streaming.

Video surveillance and ‘Internet of Things’ are tied together, as products such as cameras and recorders have predominantly moved to IP and are connected together on the Internet”

compliance through real-time monitoring and remote-sensing solutions.

declare security equipment/infrastructure as a basic necessity, just like energy and transportation. It should offer sops to encourage Indian firms to manufacture locally and promote exports, which will expand this market.

How important is India as a market for you?

Do you have any expansion plan to venture into other countries? In India we have a stronghold with 24 branches across the nation. Secureye also has last-mile connectivity through our channel partners and distributors.

Yes, we do have plans to expand in countries like Middle East and South Asian countries.

What’s your opinion about the forthcoming 5G technology in India, especially with regard to the security and surveillance solutions? The launch of 5G may be a big motivator for more advanced equipment to appear in security. It is believed, that if the correct infrastructure is put in place, unlike when 1G, 2G and 3G were devised, it will be

various approvals required in India such as

based on a flexible platform that can be

BIS, etc. Also, there are local vendors who

upgraded. It will not require replacement.

Can you please tell us about the products

procure products from various vendors

In years past, mobile data technologies

that Secureye makes and how have

in different countries, ignoring the poor

were built around hardware, while 5G will

been their response? Secureye

quality of these products.

be software driven.

manufactures a lot of products in

To overcome this challenge, a company

5G networks will bring a whole new

security and surveillance domain. Analog

should strengthen its channel partner base,

array of opportunities to the security

cameras, IP cameras, Wi-Fi cameras and

and enhance pre- and post-sales support

industry. The faster and more robust

NVRs/DVRs are the some of our products

to partners and systems integrators. Apart

network would mean more connected

which we make in India. With the ever

from offering strong service support to end

and autonomous devices and systems,

changing scenario of the technology

customers, we should educate customers

as well as better quality images and

in the physical security, the lifetime of

about buying genuine products from

faster streaming. Video surveillance and

any products seems to be vulnerable.

genuine companies. It is important that

‘Internet of Things’ are tied together, as

However, the industry suffers because

organizations and individual clients focus

products such as cameras and recorders

the unorganized sector floods the market

on the quality of the product that is being

have predominantly moved to IP and

with poor quality products that are

installed at their premises. The consumer

are connected together on the Internet.

priced very low. With India being a price-

should insist on procuring products that

Gathering information through analytics

sensitive market, it becomes very difficult

come with an in-built warranty against any

will become more mainstream, as the data

for players from the organized sector

manufacturing defect also ensure product

produced will provide more information

to compete with cheap sub-standard

comes from vendors who has established

and more knowledge. This will also help

products. As the organized sector has

support infrastructure.

organizations evolve better business

to ensure product adheres to highest

India is a highly under penetrated

standard at the same time comply with

market and the government should

46 | march 2020

strategy plans. n ramesh@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE

Tried & Tested

burntest

Honor 9X

High on Design but, Lacks Appeal

H

onor has been

to keep the magic

the bottom. The display

second mic, and the hybrid

one of the

looks intact. The triple camera

corners are rounded, there

dual-SIM tray is on top; the

dominating

humping just a little bit on

are no cutouts, and besides

volume and power keys are on

smartphone

the back, enough to allow

the screen glass Honor also

the right; and on the bottom

companies in the budget

wobbling when the 9X sits

offers a factory-applied

is the USB-C port, the audio

range section in the Indian

on a flat surface. The highest

protector. The earpiece is

jack, the mouthpiece, and the

smartphone market. The

snapper is an ultra-wide 8MP,

at the front, too, etched

loudspeaker.

company has won laurels from

preceded by the main 48MP,

above the screen on its

various media firms for being

and the last is the camera of

enclosure. The absence of

Display

the major player in the budget

depth 2MP. The LED light is

notch means that the phone

The Honor 9X sports a 6.59

range section. But what makes

parallel with the image glass

has a motorized pop-up

inch LTPS IPS LCD screen

the company constant to be

outside its neck. The Honor

selfie camera and the selfie

with rounded corners. The

always in the race drives the

9X is a welcome sight as the

camera is full postmodern in

selfies camera sits on a

company to stand up to the

primary thing anybody will

its sense as it has advanced

motorized pop-up board,

expectations of its followers/

see is the nonappearance of

technological mechanisms

enabling Honor to deliver

customers. The company loves

a screen notch. The frame

because if its senses free fall

a more engaging viewing

the numeric counting with

between the panels is made

then the selfie camera on its

experience thanks to the

fewer adjustments and with its

of metal, aluminum possibly,

own goes inside. The Honor

19:5:9 aspect ratio. The

latest launch of Honor 9X thus

and is finished like the back

9X has a lot going on around

phone has a screen resolution

linearly expanding its product

in the same Sapphire Blue.

its sides-the pop-up selfie, the

of 2340x1080 pixels. The

chart. The new Honor 9x is

It has a glossy finish, which

being reviewed here to provide

certainly makes it even more

you an insight about it. So

beautiful but also a major

here it goes.

temptation for smudges. At

Design

the rear side, one can sport the fingerprint sensor as well

The Honor 9X boasts a glossy

which is quick in response.

PCB panels and a metal

The front is all screen,

frame in between. The reverse

continuous, and that is an

is slightly curved towards the

irregularity among the cutting

wider sides, rendering the

edge cell phones in budget

design slimmer and looks

range competition. Of course,

better. The smudges and

the front is all about the

scratches are less obvious due

screen. The IPS LCD panel

to the X design, but still there

takes up nearly all the space,

and you will need to often

leaving only a small black

disinfect/clean it if you want

stripe around

48 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

visibility of the phone is very good as you can view the screen clearly when the brightness level is adjusted to the maximum. The colors reproduced on the screen are bright and punchy.

verdict Looks

09 /10

Glossy

Cameras

08 /10

Good

portrait mode. You can turn

quad-Bayer pixel binning

on and off the blur; there is

feature. The resulting image

beautification mode too which

has a resolution of 12MP but

you can opt to apply according

with less noise. You can shot

to your needs. The Honor 9X main camera takes images at

Performance

07 /10

in 48MP however, and under

Battery

09 /10

the good lighting conditions,

30fps or 60fps at a resolution

you will get a natural 48MP

of up to 1080p. The ultra-wide

picture with some color

snapper only fires images at

adjustments. The daylight

1080p@30fps.

Decent

Platform

Lasts Long

The Honor 9X boots EMUI

Could be considered

9.1, based on Android 9 Pie.

Sony IMX582 which has a

Value For Money

OVERALL

07 /10

80%

photos we took with the main camera are very good under

Battery

offers plus full access to the

the range which it falls. Over-

A muscly 4,000mAh battery

Play Store. The Huawei P

sharpening is evident in some

drives the Honor 9X. It allows

pictures which we clicked

10W charging, and the

which is due to the AI effects

5V/2A converter to help the

that come into play while

charge phone rapidly. With

clicking the pictures. The

the moderate usage, we were

noise levels are low, although

able to get through a day quite

It has all the features Google

Smart Z has been approved to get Android 10 and EMUI 10, which ensures it will handle the Honor 9X the same way.

The Honor 9X is powered by a

PROS Design

Cons Competition

(For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

the white balance and colors

easily but if you have extensive

It’s made on a 12nm process

phone is very much capable

are fairly accurate. The 12MP

use then I will suggest you

and features an octa-core CPU

of delivering smooth, high

images have a strong intensity

carry the charger with yourself.

in configuration 4x2.2 GHz

definition games. Games

of color and brightness. The

Cortex-A73 and 4x1.7 GHz

like PUBG, Asphalt ran in

level of detailing is good

Conclusion

Cortex-A53. The GPU is an

good quality with degradation

but even after some noise

Honor targets three key areas

MP4 with Mali-G51. Multi-

in graphics level and some

reduction has been applied

with 9X; design, camera and

tasking was very smooth when

minor glitches. One very good

there is some noticeable noise

battery, in the mid-segment.

we tested the performance

thing about the Honor 9X is

left. The Honor 9X has a 2MP

The glossy design makes it

of the phone. Normal

that it enjoys a good passive

snapper to help capture the

look appealing; the triple

applications were very smooth

cooling system, and we had

information about the depth of

rear camera setup shoots

when we used them but some

no problems at all-no hot

the scene and produces some

good to decent photographs

heavy apps and games might

spots and no throttling was

good portrait shots. Separation

with bit of distortion when

cause some disturbance

observed.

is done skillfully, there are

pushed to limits and, a day

no sudden shifts, and the

long battery to fulfil your

software is clever enough

multimedia needs. Starting at

Kirin 710F chipset of Huawei.

slowing the process down.

The gaming experience was

Cameras

very good as the GPU of the

The Honor 9X has the same

not to be tricked by artifacts

Rs 13,999 for 4GB version,

triple camera that the Huawei

near the face. Huawei’s Night

Honor 9X offers Huwaei’s own

P30 Lite has on its back. The

Mode is only accessible on

Kirin 710F chipset which is

main is a 48MP PDAF f/1.8

the regular camera, and the

competent in day to day tasks

snapper, f/2.4 ultra-wide, 8MP

pictures are pretty good with

but, fails when you demand

fixed-focus, and 2MP, fixed-

even brightness, low noise

more out of it. For the record,

focus, f/2.4 depth sensor.

rates, and specific colors. The

Honor 9X still runs on Android

There’s a single LED light

Honor 9X is delivering the

9 Pie. For the first time

there too. The main camera

pop-up module with a 16MP

company has given pop-up

includes a 48MP sensor from

f/2.2 sensor. The selfie lovers

selfie camera in 9X. Overall,

will surely love the new Honor

in a world full of Redmi’s and

9X as the colors captured

Realme’s, Honor 9X struggles

are very accurate and the

to make it count with mixed

contrast is good as well. The

emotions. n

selfie camera also features a

Tried & Tested

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haider@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 49

Tried & Tested

burntest

Realme C3

Good performance, Massive Battery in Budget

C

hinese

grille. The power button is on

smartphone

the right while the volume

maker Realme

buttons are on the left. We Sunrise Design that has an

found these buttons to be

among the fastest-growing

comes in two storage variants

anti-fingerprint surface, which

well-positioned, but there may

smartphone brand in the

-- the base variant, 3GB RAM

makes the phone easier to

be little difficulty in finding

industry. The company is

with 32GB internal storage

hold and prevents unwanted

the keys in the dark as they

constantly ruling the users by

is priced at Rs 6,999 and

scratches and fingerprints.

are recessed into the frame a

offering a lot of smartphones

the higher variant, 4GB RAM

The frame of the smartphone

bit. The dual-SIM tray is just

in the budget segment. The

with 64GB internal storage is

is made out of plastic and

above the volume buttons on

Indian smartphone industry

priced at Rs 7,999 -- in two

the Frozen Blue variant looks

the left. There’s a protruding

showed a muted single-digit

colours options Blazing Red

appealing. The smartphone

camera module at the back,

growth of 7 per cent annually

and Frozen Blue.

comes equipped with a bigger

which houses dual camera

is currently

display than its predecessor.

setup. The company has

Realme was the biggest

variant with 4GB RAM with

The aspect ratio makes the

added a metallic rim around

gainer among new brands as

64GB internal storage for a

smartphone tall and slim that

this camera module to help

it saw 7.8 million smartphone

few days and here’s how it

makes it comfortable to hold

keep the lenses from getting

shipments in the same

fared.

and use. The bezels are thin

scratched.

in the previous year. However,

quarter compared to 3 million

We used the Frozen Blue

In the box, you will find a

on the sides but the bottom

in the fourth quarter of 2018,

USB cable, a 10W charger

chin is thicker. Like most

Display

according to Counterpoint

and a SIM eject pin, in

other Realme smartphones,

The phone features a 6.5-

Research.

addition to the pre-applied

it has a dewdrop notch which

inch HD+ (720x1600 pixels)

screen protector.

houses the selfie camera and

waterdrop notch display with

the earpiece is above it. At

89.8 per cent screen-to-body

the bottom, this phone has

ratio and Corning Gorilla Glass

Realme started the year with the launch of ‘5i’ and it has recently launched its

Design

latest budgeted smartphone

In terms of looks, the

a Micro-USB port, 3.5mm

3 protection that provides the

‘C3’ in India. The smartphone

smartphone features a new

audio jack, and a loudspeaker

excellent game, audio and

50 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

video experience. The screen delivers bright and punchy colours that look equally consistent in both Light and

verdict Looks

7.5 /10

Cameras

6.5 /10

Clean

Dark modes. Under sunlight,

Average

however, the panel becomes

Performance

a little hard to read or enjoy media.

Cameras The phone has a dual-camera

Outstanding

Value For Money Decent

OVERALL

over 193,000 giving users the best performance in this segment. Also, Realme C3 has MediaTek Gaming Technology

performance from the

to optimize network

smartphone considering that it

latency. Apart from offering

is a budget smartphone, but it

low network latency, the

08 /10

took us by storm. While using

technology provides a stable

78%

the device for making calls,

overall experience and solves

WhatsApp, watching videos,

the problem of in-game lag.

09 /10

Battery

Platform/ Performance

Antutu benchmark scores of

We were expecting an average

08 /10

Good

camera department.

setup. It houses a 12MP main

browsing the web, taking a few

camera with f/1.8 aperture

photos and using 4G services,

Battery

and fast PDAF and a 2MP

it performed quite well and

This smartphone is high on the

showed no sign of stuttering or

battery as it packs a massive

lagging. We did not notice any

5,000mAh battery which

lag while scrolling through the

delivered excellent battery life.

menus and while multitasking.

On a single charge, it lasted

The phone is powered by the

for close to two full days with

secondary camera. It has Portrait, Time-lapse, Slo-mo, Expert and Pano modes in addition to the photo and video modes. The cameras

PROS

Cons

Battery, Processor

Camera

(For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

12nm MediaTek Helio G70

our usage which consisted of

to Boost technology to produce

found the output to be flat.

SoC paired with up to 4GB

music/video streaming, playing

better contrasts and colours

The smartphone produced

of RAM. It offers up to 64GB

games, using WhatsApp and

in photographs. There is HDR

average photos in low-light

of onboard storage with the

web browsing. The big battery

mode also available on the

conditions. The images lacked

option to expand further

is no doubt a boon, but, it

Realme C3 cameras.

detail and weren’t very sharp.

using a dedicated microSD

would have been great if the

The pictures taken in artificial

card (up to 256GB) slot. It

company could have offered

daylight delivered a decent

lighting and low lighting

runs on Android 10 on top

fast charging abilities on this

image as it was quick to lock

conditions aren’t that great

of Realme UI 1.0. MediaTek

phone. The 10W charger that

focus. Photos looked good

and noise creeps in. Overall,

Helio G70 processor can be

you get in the box takes more

on the phone’s screen, but

the camera isn’t bad in this

said to be a very good option

than two hours and less than

we noticed a lack of detail

price segment. But there is a

in the price segment. Helio

three hours to charge the

after zooming in. However,

lot of room for improvement.

G70 is an eight-core 12nm

smartphone completely.

the picture quality of images

Video recording maxes out at

processor that clocks up

taken from Realme C3 is

1080p for both the primary

to 2.0 GHz, making it one

Conclusion

still better than what some

as well as the selfie shooter.

of the fastest and latest in

Realme C3 is a solid update

of the other smartphones at

For selfies, there is a 5MP

its category. It is ideal for

to the Realme C2 and gives

this price point can produce.

AI Beauty camera that has

mainstream smartphone users

a direct competition to other

The Portrait mode puts the

beautification features in-built.

and elite mobile gamers with

smartphones at this price

secondary depth camera to

The outdoors images clicked

an efficient, high-performance

point, be it Xiaomi or Infinix.

use and the smartphone gives

in daylight were average.

ARM Mali-G52 GPU. We

It also has picked a powerful

you the option to set the level

They also weren’t sharp and

also tried a few games and

SoC that steamrolls the

also support Realme’s Chroma

The picture taken in

of blur before taking a shot.

lacked detail. We

found most of them perfectly

competition when it comes

The Realme C3 managed

expected a little

working with no major lags or

to performance. There is a lot

good edge detection but we

more from the

stutters. The Realme C3 has

of room for improvements in

Tried & Tested

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its camera department but its processor and massive battery makes the phone worthy. So, if you aren’t a photography enthusiast, you won’t be missing much. n vivek@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 51

Tried & Tested

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LG G8X ThinQ Innovative and Competitive

with an in-between metal frame. The front is protected by a transparent 2.5D layer holds the power to

major concern is that whether LG

L

would be able to lure the

Gorilla Glass 6, while the

impress the users and

rear has a 5 section Gorilla

give tough competition or not

Glass, albeit angled to the

and also whether it is a true

sides. The screen is one of

successor of the previously

the first changes since the

launched LG G8S ThinQ.

G8-it’s now bigger at 6.4 inch

G’s smartphone

users into buying G8X ThinQ

section seems to

under a flagship category

Design

gain pace day by

which is mostly dominated by

The new LG G8X ThinQ holds

noticeable black bars above

day and its recent

and has a smaller dropletshaped notch. The screen has

the likes of Apple, OnePlus,

very aesthetic appeal as it

and beneath the screen.

launch of G8X ThinQ also

Samsung, etc. In this review,

looks very bold in the black

You can’t call this bezel-less

suggests so, the new addition

we will be trying to figure it out

mirrored color. The LG G8X

panel, because it has more

to its ThinQ family, but the

that the new LG G8X ThinQ

is a dual-glass smartphone

prominent bezels than most

52 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

opponents. The fingerprint sensor is the built-in display itself which is very fast and accurate in its response. At

verdict Looks

09 /10

Clean

Display

line graphics processor that

The new LG G8X ThinQ has a

can handle thrown at it.

6.4 inch P-OLED screen with

Despite not having the Plus

a dewdrop notch consisting of

Qualcomm processor the

the selfie camera. The OLED

phone is beast in handling

Cameras

09 /10

Performance

08 /10

screen has DCI-P3 coverage

anything. But the point here

of 100 per cent and HDR10

is that the price under which

09 /10

compatibility. There is no

it falls makes it least favorite

issue of space as you get two

as the users are getting

screens where you can enjoy

phones like OnePlus 7T

any activity quite comfortably.

comparatively lower price.

The colour reproduction

The gaming experience on the

trigger for the Assistant. The

on both the screen is quite

phone was of top quality and

power key is positioned to the

vibrant, vivid and punchy but

the rear side of the phone lies dual camera sensors and

True

dual-tone LED flash. The

Fluent

glassy body finish does attract

Battery

lots of smudges meaning you have to clean it regularly. You will find the volume keys on the left as well as a dedicated

right. And the dual SIM tray sits at the top of the phone.

At the bottom of the phone lies a 3.55mm headphone jack, Type-C USB port, and

Lasting (Standalone)

Value For Money Unique Try

OVERALL

PROS

09 /10

92%

Cons

Display, Needed More Second Screen Battery Power (For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

you can only change the main screen brightness as both the screens are synchronized.

The visibility is quite good as we did not face any issue with the brightness of the phone

a speaker grille. LG has been known for making their phones

not have its battery and

under bright daylight. During

rugged and the G8X continues

draws power from the phone.

our test period, we enjoyed

the trend. It is IP68-rated

Charging the G8X ThinQ will

performing the task on the

for dust and water tolerance

occur either wirelessly inside

dual-screen be it gaming,

but has also undergone

the dual-screen, or using

watching movies or reading

12 of the MIL-STD-810 G

the provided connector that

documents.

standards-low pressure, high

makes to the pogo pins at the

temperature, low temperature,

bottom of the dual-screen

Platform

solar radiation, heat, high

case. The DS case has the

The LG G8X ThinQ runs on

humidity, salt fog, penetration

same 6.4 inch P-OLED panel

Android 9 Pie and it is the

with sand and dust, water

inside as the one on the main

first phone to come with the

submersion, vibration, and

phone. At the top is a small

new LG UX 9.0. The LG G8X

shock monitoring. With

opening to let the earpiece

ThinQ is powered by the latest

the addition of the dual-

sound during calls. The dual

Snapdragon 855 chip by

screen accessory, the phone

case sure is great for gaming,

Qualcomm. One thing that

becomes bulky and heavy

multitasking, watching movies

needs to be kept in mind that

which has its advantages and

and texting, and various other

it is not the plus version of

disadvantages.

use cases. But for the most

SoC 855. It is based on the

The new LG G8X ThinQ

part, the phone will do just

TSMC 7 nm node and the chip

all the games ran in their top

uses USB C-port to attach

fine without it. The second

uses an octa-core processor

graphics quality and smoothly.

the dual-screen case with the

screen has an app drawer,

with 1 + 3 + 4 configurations

Plus we tested the processor

phone but the addition of the

and you can then fill it up with

there’s a single Kryo 485 Gold

to such extent where we ran

dual-screen left you with the

app shortcuts from there even

core Cortex-A76 clocked at

two games simultaneously on

option to charge the phone

promoting Widgets. There is

2.84GHz; three more Kryo

two screens and the processor

with an external adapter which

also a shortcut for the Dual

485 Gold cores clocked at

handles it very swiftly. If you

the company provides in the

Screen settings-here you

2.42GHz and a cluster of

are a game lover then the

box. The LG G8X ThinQ slides

can change the brightness,

four Kryo 485 Silver cores

new LG G8X ThinQ could be

into the case; the bottom

configure wallpapers, even

Cortex-A55 clocked at

one among the best phone.

end first and connects to the

allow or disable the DS floating

1.78GHz. The GPU is

The phone possesses 6GB

USB-C port of the phone.

key, and choose Cover View or

Adreno 640, and it’s one of

RAM and 128GB of internal

The dual-screen case does

disable it.

the Qualcomm’s top-of-the-

storage.

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march 2020 | 53

Tried & Tested

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Cameras

will see. The main camera

the rear camera at night but

Conclusion

The new LG G8X ThinQ has

delivers outstanding and clear

it was very minimal whereas

LG G8X ThinQ has many

kept it simple in terms of

12MP images with more

the selfies at night do seem

unique aspects to it. Marred

installing camera sensors as

than sufficient detail, very

to downgrade a bit in terms of

by the competition, it has

there are no fancy designs

even contrast, low noise, and

quality.

challenged the foldable

or bulged frames. The main

again-very accurate colors.

camera is a 1/2.55 “(1.4μm

The photos we shot at night

Battery

pixel) 12MP sensor with a 27

are quite bright and balanced,

A 4,000mAh battery powers

second screen but, unlike

mm f/1.8 lens and an OIS.

detailed and managed to

the LG G8X. The battery is

Moto mods, it does not have

It also utilizes autofocus for

preserve the very good colors

very much capable of lasting

its own power consumption

the phase-detection of dual

and contrast which is the

a whole day which we found

unit but, on the contrary

pixels. The secondary camera

result of the Night mode of

out while our testing period.

draws from the smartphone’s

sensor is 13MP ultra-angle

the rear camera sensors.

We played two games at the

battery itself. For the time

camera with 14 mm f/2.4

The rear camera sensors

same time, watched movies

being, this could be an

lens, 1.0μm pixels, and

perform brilliantly both at

still the phone managed

interesting feature for the

fixed focus. The ultra-wide

night and day. The LG G8X

to last till the time we put

gamers and the binge

camera doesn’t have an OIS.

has a selfie camera of 32MP

it back on charge after

watchers to not opt for

The LG G8X ThinQ main

with a Quad-Bayer color

reaching home. The phone

supposedly fragile foldable

camera takes excellent 12MP

filter which means that after

supports Quick Charge 4.0

phone. Rests of the features

pictures. There is plenty of

shooting, it can save 8MP

although its bundled charger

are competent to its other

resolved detail, the sharpness

photos. The selfies were

is 5V/1.8A (9W) and 9V/1.8V

adversaries like OnePlus

is perfect, the colors are very

very good and detailed with

(16.2W) which means you

7T, ASUS ROG Phone II,

accurate and the contrast is

proper color preservation

can buy faster compatible

at around Rs 49,000, like

superb. The ultra-wide 13MP

and temperature. The selfies

chargers, say 18W or 21W

Qualcomm 855 chipset and

shoots impressive photos

taken at night were also very

rated. The charging was

6GB RAM. LG hasn’t put

with fine details and great

good and maintained proper

rapid but not fast enough

gone for three or four rear

accuracy. The LG G8X ThinQ

contrast. Graining and noise

to impress us as the others

cameras in trend but, two

images are among the best

effects were observed in

of the same flagship have

that clicks pleasing images. n

low-light pictures which you

ultra-wide shots taken from

done so.

54 | march 2020

phone makers with an accessory that acts as a

haider@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE

ColorOS 7 Subtle and Simple

C

olorOS 7 (Android

mode implementation is better

10) has a ton

than that of stock Android

of visual and

1. Dark mode in ColorOS 7

functional settings

is adaptive, with support for

and OPPO held a separate

hundreds of third-party apps,

event for the international

including the top 200 apps

launch of ColorOS 7 on

for users. The enhanced three-

Search, scan documents

November 26 in New Delhi

finger screenshot feature is

and cards, and translate text

after launching it for the

another great example. Most

in photos. Users can follow

Chinese market on November

custom user interfaces feature

20. The new custom skin

a gesture to take a screenshot

Indian audience’s usage,

and popular apps can be

by OPPO is based on the

by swiping down with three

features such as Riding Mode,

downloaded. The weather

company’s Infinite Design

fingers, but ColorOS 7 lets

Smart Assistant, and DocVault

information can be shown in

concept that is aimed to

users take a long screenshot

have been customized.

the Smart Assistant, and users

simplify the user interface.

or a short one by defining the

The ColorOS 7 update brings

screenshot area, which is not

specialized do-not-disturb

favourite contacts widget on

the system-wide Dark Mode

found in any other custom

mode, as it allows calls from

the assistant for quick dialling.

and is designed to support all

user interface. ColorOS 7

only specified contacts and

OPPO has also included

the core Android 10 features.

has a brand new icon design,

silences other notifications.

its video editor in ColorOS 7

The interface also has full

featuring rounded squares.

Doc Vault, on the other hand,

-- Soloop -- that is a basic video

icon customisation as well

The icons themselves are

consists of a partnership of

editor that does the job for

as includes weather-adaptive

nicer-looking than those of

ColorOS with Indian digital

casual editing, adding filters

alarm notifications, Artist

ColorOS 6.0, as the color

document issuing platform

and effects. The camera app of

Wallpaper Project, and sounds

scheme is more pleasing to the

DigitalLocker, which allows

ColorOS 7 is visually similar to

by Denmark’s audio design

user’s eyes. OPPO says that

users to access digital versions

that of ColorOS 6.0 but comes

company Epic Sound.

the new icon design works with

of official documents and

with functional improvements.

hundreds of third-party apps,

certificates straight from their

Specifically, it has a new Ultra

ensuring visual consistency.

phones. This can be used to

Night Mode.

The aesthetic review is visible from the beginning,

Keeping a focus on the

Riding Mode is a

matches in popular games,

can also choose to enable a

but features such as dark

speed up the ID verification

mode throughout the system,

process in places like airports

some excellent tools focused

a dedicated application for

or hotels, for example. Smart

on privacy, thanks to the

your electronic documents

Assistant is OPPO’s version

incorporation of features such

(DocVault, deeper

of the customized left-hand

as Permission Management,

customization options and a new video editing application) Soloop are some of the features they make ColorOS 7 worth trying.

This review is based on a

panel on the home screen of the system launcher.

Smart Assistant’s quick functions let the user access Google

ColorOS 7 also brings

Privacy Protection, Bullying and Fraud Prevention and more.

Conclusion ColorOS 7 brings a less

week of usage of ColorOS 7 on

messy interface, presents

the OPPO Reno 10x Zoom.

a new iconography, better

Features ColorOS 7 is one of the most full-featured custom user interfaces out there. Its dark

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use of space, a lighter software approach and faster animations, topped off with a new cleaner design. n vivek@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 55

Tried & Tested

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POCO X2

The ‘X’ You Might Be Looking For

F

or quite a bit of

new POCO X2 has to offer on

speaker. The rear side sports

POCO has interestingly placed

time, there are

a larger competitive scale.

a glossy finish that glows

the fingerprint sensor in the

under the light. There is a

power button by increasing

matte-finish circular patch, in

the size of the button which

talks in the Indian smartphone

Design

market about redefining the

The color in which the new

contrast, in which the camera

is placed on the right side of

competition where each

POCO X2 comes is very

module sits. Interestingly,

the phone. The registration

company targets a certain

vibrant and attractive and the

it also doubles up as a

of the fingerprint on the slim

company like realme is for

variant which we got to review

viewfinder for times when you

power button takes quite a

Redmi thus, Xiaomi has re-

holds Phoenix red color which

want the cameras at the back

time and takes some seconds

lived its second brand, POCO,

looks very beautiful and eye-

to take selfies. The vertical

to process before unlocking

which has again come up with

catchy. The handling of the

stripe which houses the four

as it takes only a slice of your

something extraordinary after

phone is quite comfortable

cameras sticks out quite a

fingerprints. The volume

a gap of almost two years to

as the curvy edges help to

bit and has somewhat rough

rockers are above the power

target mid-segment. Its latest

provide a firm grip on the

edges. The front fascia of the

button. Towards the left

launch, POCO X2, has been in

phone. The phone is like

phone is dominated by the

side lies the hybrid SIM slot

talks amongst the users even

realme X2 a glass-and-metal

huge display and more to that

possessing the capacity of

before its launch as it had

combination and makes use

the front side of the phone

holding dual SIM cards at

built its fanbase in no time

of Gorilla Glass 5 on either

has dual selfie camera setup.

a time or one SIM card and

with POCO F1. So, here in

side. The phone bottom holds

this review of ours, we will be

a 3.5 m headphone jack, a

providing insight into what the

Type-C USB port and a single

microSD card. At the top side

gives the phone an app drawer

of the phone, you can find IR

and some additional features.

emitter.

The performance of the new

Cameras

POCO X2 is amazing as it is

The new POCO X2 uses a

Display

good as well which is 256GB.

a real working beast capable

quad-camera setup on the

The display of the POCO X2

of handling any task with

back which is placed at

is one of the main reasons

ease. The Snapdragon 730G

the center of the rear side.

the phone receiving so much

performs brilliantly and the

The setup is headlined by a

popularity. The handset has

price range under which the

64MP Sony IMX686 sensor

a huge FullHD LCD display

phone falls the processor is one

which is, in fact, the first on

measuring 6.67 inches, with

of the best and fast processors

a smartphone in India. There

a refresh rate of 120Hz. You

that one can get. Multitasking

is an ultra-wide 8MP sensor

heard it right the 120Hz

was very fluent and the gaming

with an aperture of f/2.2, a

refresh rate making it the only second phone in India to have a 120Hz display and the

verdict Looks

first for reference is the ROG

Refreshing

Phone 2 which costs twice

Cameras

the price of the POCO X2.

The 120Hz refresh rate truly makes the user experience smooth. Although it isn’t as refined as the software we saw on OnePlus phones.

Lucrative

Performance Competent

Battery

Sustainable

Value For Money Worthy

OVERALL

2MP depth sensor with an aperture of f/2.4 and a 2MP

09 /10

macro sensor with an aperture of f/2.4. The images taken by

for the power demand of the

09 /10

the rear cameras at daytime

120Hz display. The battery

were amazing and brought

possesses the ability to last

forward on screen the essence

the whole day and during our

of naturality which you see

testing phase, it even lasted

from your eyes. The details

a whole day with the average

were captured very accurately

use of the phone. The phone

be it color contrast, warmth

is trusted with a 27W fast

08 /10 09 /10 09 /10

88%

or clarity. At night the night

charger to supply power rapidly

many games that can take

mode becomes real handy as

into the phone. The charging

advantage of the 120Hz

it enables us to click clear and

speed is quite good and you

detailed images keeping the

get the phone almost fully

noise and graining effect at

charged within an hour.

About gaming, there aren’t

refresh rate but games with lower configuration can make use of 120Hz refresh rate.

The viewing experience is very good as every content is shown

PROS

Cons

Display, Battery

Sluggish UI

(For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

bay. The ultra-wide lens and the macro lens does a decent

Conclusion

job as well. The new POCO X2

POCO X2 offers a breath of

has dual selfie camera sensors

fresh air in the mid-segment

colors. The visibility of the

experience was very good as

of 20MP and 2MP with

with some great features

phone under all conditions

well. The processor has octa-

apertures of f/2.2 and f/2.4

like 120Hz refresh rate,

is very good. The space on

cores where two cores are

respectively. The selfies were

symmetrical and attractive

the screen is obviously quite

clocked at 2.2 GHz Kryo 470

very well detailed and crystal

design, a newly announced

a lot and the 20:9 aspect

Gold and six cores are clocked

clear. The touch of reality has

agile chipset and a handsome

ratio offers wide viewing

at 1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver.

been kept intact in selfies

battery. The quad camera

angles which help to enjoy

While our testing phase the

as well which we loved while

set-up is no less than any

games in portrait mode quite

processor did not show any

testing the selfie cameras. The

flagship available in the market

comfortably. The tub-shaped

lag in its functions but there

selfie cameras at night also

today. The dual selfie (dual

notch on the top of the display

was a slight increase in the

capture good quality of selfies.

punch hole) camera did justice

looks quite prominent holding

body heat of the phone which

The new POCO X2 could be

to its cause most of the time.

dual front camera sensors.

was sorted out very quickly

the best treatment for the selfie

For 6GB/64GB at Rs 15,999,

by the processor. To assist

lovers under such price range.

POCO X2 is worth a deal at the

to possess vivid and punchy

Platform

the processor to take on any

POCO X2 runs on Android 10

task the phone has a powerful

Battery

with MIUI 11 on top. It comes

RAM size of 8GB. The storage

The POCO X2 comes with a

with a POCO launcher that

capacity of the phone is quite

4,500mAh battery to account

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moment in town, yet there’re options such as realme X2 and Honor 9X. n haider@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 57

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Huawei Watch GT 2 Classic, Smart with Astonishing Battery Life

H

uawei launched

interchangeable, and we

its much

could swap them. On the right

appreciated

side there is a mono speaker,

Platform

smartwatch

which is quite loud when

The Huawei Watch GT

of the Watch GT 2 was found

series GT 2 in India to get

making calls and listening to

2 comes with a Kirin A1

to be reliable mostly when

some serious fitness buyers

music,

chipset which involves smart

involved, and good while

technology that saves battery.

resting. The watch promotes

and establish its foothold in

To people who prefer a

ambient light.

in the night unless we got out of bed physically.

The heart rate monitoring

the wearbale market here.

more formal look, Huawei

It has 2GB of RAM and 4GB

16 sports: running tracks,

The Huawei Watch GT 2 was

also sells Classic or Premium

of storage space, 2.2 GB of

outdoor running, indoor

an effort in this cause betting

models with leather or steel

which is available to use.

running, outdoor biking,

hugely on its design and

belts. These even have

hardware. ‘Watch Out’ here.

textured crowns, rather than

Connectivity

the simple keys on the Sport.

The Huawei Watch GT 2

swimming pool, open water,

provides Bluetooth 5.1 as well

skiing, hiking, mountain

Design

You will find the heart

recreational riding, outdoor cycling, indoor surfing,

The Watch GT 2’s design is

rate sensor at the back of

as built-in GPS with Glonass

running, triathlon, elliptical,

a certain step up over the

the device, along with the

and Galileo for more accurate,

rower and others for gym

GT-the bezel is sleek and

charging mechanism. As with

faster and precise positioning

workouts, etc. If you’ve

leans out without an extra

the Samsung Galaxy Watch

as addition connectivity

turned off automatic heart

edge. Huawei, though, still

Active 2, the Watch GT 2 does

options.

rate and stress tracking and

graved it with what seems to

not support wireless charging.

In the watch you get

don’t start lots of workouts

be a 24-hour scale. There are

Instead it uses a pogo-pin

Huawei’s own Lite OS, which

with the Watch GT 2 in your

two buttons on the side, with

magnetic port. The magnets

mostly feels good to use,

fortnight, you might be able to

the top one providing instant

on the connector make it

while not having as many

hit Huawei’s alleged two-week

access to the menu, and the

attach firmly to the Watch GT

apps as Apple’s watchOS,

battery life. Being relatively

bottom one is programmable-

2. The charger Huawei uses a

Google’s Wear OS, Fitbit OS.

conservative, even with a few

for example, you can set it

USB Type-C port.

Since Huawei’s platform

monitoring features on we

lacks an app store, third-party

were able to get around ten

apps are not supported. You

days.

to invoke the activity tracker by pressing a single press.

Display

The 22-mm rubber straps

The 1.39-inch AMOLED

can also not add widgets or

are standard and easily

monitor features a resolution

significantly customize the

Conclusion

of 454x454-pixels. There’s no

watch, which makes the

The Huawei Watch GT 2 is

pixilation, and the smartwatch

Watch GT 2 feel less like a

an impressive smartwatch

has auto-brightness that

smartwatch and more like a

laden with smart features

makes it adapt to shifting

digital watch with GPS and

an enthusiast would want.

fitness tracking.

The ease of use makes it

Performance

The astonishing part is its

Huawei also upped the game

battery life which is simply

for tracking in the Watch GT2,

outstanding. A minimum

adding stress management

of 10-12 days of usage in a

to the mix, as well as a

single charge is what it gives.

barometer for air pressure

At Rs 15,999, Huawei Watch

assessment. There’s also

GT 2 offers an array

extensive sleep monitoring

of features with style and

which went good-although it

class. n

couldn’t say when we woke up

58 | march 2020

a hassle-free companion.

haider@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE

has an ergonomic around the

The company needs to work on

neck design – with soft cables.

its battery department.

It is very much light-weighted

Audio Technica ATH-CLR 100BT Satisfactory Audio Quality but, Overpriced

W

ireless

comes to audio products --

Bluetooth

has launched a new wireless

earphones

earphone “Audio Technica

have become

ATH-CLR 100BT” for the

very popular in recent years.

Indian users at Rs 2,499. We

They offer convenience and

used the Audio Technica ATH-

features that are geared

CLR 100BT for a week and

towards meeting users’

here’s how it fared.

changing expectations. It’s important to understand that

Design

no model stands out as the

The earphone

best wireless earphones. The

looks good and

right model for your goals depends on what features you’re looking for. Additionally, you have to consider factors such as size and sound quality when browsing through the best Bluetooth wireless headphones.

Recently, Audio Technica -- a well-known brand when it

that you won’t feel anything

Sound

on your neck. Like other

The most important factor

Bluetooth earphones, this also

for any pair of earphone is

has magnets at the ends of the

how good the sound quality

ear tips that allow earphones

it produces. Thankfully, it

to clock securely. However, you

sounded good initially but later

need to be little cautious as

I realized the sound tended to

the magnets aren’t powerful

leak a bit, which is noticeable

and it may slip off from the

in a quiet environment, but

neck. On either side of the

this also has the effect of

neckband, there’s a small

making the sound more open

module -- with the left-hand

with a wider soundstage. The

side housing what we assume

bass response was relatively

to be a battery, and the right

deep and powerful. However,

side a three-button control

there could have been a little

module along with an in-built

more bass extension and the

microphone and a USB port.

surrounding noises are audible

Performance/ Battery

when the Bluetooth earphone used in outdoors. Overall, we

The wireless earphones

found the audio experience

connect to your listening

with the Audio Technica

device through Bluetooth

ATH-CLR 100BT to be just

5.0 and we found that they

satisfactory.

retained a good connection without any major issues. It

Verdict

comes with a range of around

The new Audio Technica ATH-

10 meters. There is IPX2 (drip-

CLR 100BT is a cool looking

proof) water-resistance, which

wireless earphone but it lacks

is quite low as compared to

few features as per the latest

other Bluetooth earphones

technologies that are available

available in the Indian market.

in other Bluetooth earphones

This is a perfect device to have

available in the same price

a truly immersive experience

bracket. There are many

for calls as well as music

other audio brands, such as

for commuters, bike-riders,

Riversong, Boat etc, that gives

joggers and gym enthusiasts.

a direct competition to this

These earphones provide ultra-

earphone -- and are cheap too

high performance for people

as compared to this wireless

who juggle with work and play

Bluetooth earphone. n

on the move. The device is

Tried & Tested

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vivek@mymobile.co.in

best suited for those who wish to own stylish yet comfortable earphones. On a single charge, the earphone did not last more than 6-7 hours.

www.mymobileindia.com

march 2020 | 59

Tried & Tested

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Eleon Malhar Bluetooth Speaker Good Sound but, Less Battery

I

f you are a music lover,

bulky look. It is cylindrical

Bluetooth 4.2 works well for

speakers to be paired through

then I am sure that

with a mixture of plastic and

pairing, however, the latest

Bluetooth to form a wireless

sound systems are

metal. To protect the speaker

Bluetooth 5.0 would have

left and right channel system

a major part of your

from getting damaged, the

been a good addition. The

and produce engaging and

audiophile experience. And

company has placed a rubber

speaker is backed by IP67

immersive sound output.

there are 1,000 of products

in a few edges. There’s LED

certification, Eleon Malhar

There’s an issue which I came

to choose from. We can see

indicator in the centre,

has a sturdy build and is not

across while using the device

that the present audio market

surrounded by power, play

only waterproof (up to 11

was its voice calling feature.

has a variety of speakers and

and volume keys. It also has

m) but it also resists shocks

It wasn’t smooth. I had to

sound systems. It leaves most

a USB as well as a built-in

and is unaffected by the

struggle a bit as the other

of us confused about which

mic. The speaker looks heavy

dust. However, it is generally

person wasn’t able to hear me

one would best suit our needs.

but it isn’t. In terms of the

suggested to not put it in deep

smoothly. But, if you are using

So, it is quite important to

design, this is a cool looking

water. The protective flap/

it only for music purpose this

know your requirements

speaker. But, let’s not be

cap plays a very important

speaker will not disappoint

before you plan to buy a new

limited to this and check

role in the maintenance of

you.

speaker.

out its functionalities and

the waterproof and dustproof

performance.

performance. When using

Battery

the speaker, make sure the

In terms of the speaker’s

protective flap/cap is closed

battery and playtime, the

There’s a new Bluetooth speaker in town “Eleon Malhar” that claims to be a

Performance

true wireless stereo speaker.

In terms of performance, the

tight. While closing the cap,

speaker was just average.

Priced at Rs 4,199, it is also

speaker delivered good sound

be careful not to allow foreign

According to the company,

claimed to be waterproof,

output. It was crisp and clear

objects inside. If the cap is

it has a 2,000mAh battery

shockproof and dustproof. We

and has 12W audio output.

not closed tight enough, the

that can backup the device

used the device for a week and

The bass was pretty good

waterproof and dustproof

up to 8 hours on mid-volume.

here’s how it fared.

and the vocals were clear

performance may relapse

However, it did not last

and have good instrument

and may cause a malfunction

that long. If you are using it

a speaker, a User Manual, a

separation. The sound

of the speaker, as a result

outdoor, I suggest you carry a

charging cable and an aux

output from the speaker

of water or duct particles

power bank with yourself.

cable.

was clear even at the higher

entering the speaker. The

volume level and you may

speaker has a True Wireless

Verdict

not notice any sort of noise or

Stereo Function (TWS)

The speaker, no doubt,

distortion in the music. The

capability that enables two

delivers good sound output

In the box, you will find

Design Eleon Malhaar has a solid and

but lacks battery backup, which is said to be the soul of any electronic device. If you are looking for speakers under the price segment, “Eleon Malhar” is a good option but you can also check out JBL and Mi speakers. n vivek@mymobile.co.in

60 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

XORB Bass Storm Affordable and High on Performance

W

ireless headphones

performance and other aspects

today sport

Design

a larger

The new wireless headphone

travelling you also keep it

company it is suggested to

compactly in a small space by

have 7 hours of playtime and

folding it.

we found it to be true as on a single charge it lasted around

feature set, and cater to a

looks heavy and bulky but

Features/ Battery

wider spread of lifestyles than

it is quite a light weighted

The best part of this

they did a few years ago, so it

headphone. It is made of

headphone is that it has three

can be difficult to know what

plastic and comfortable

different modes to listen to

Sound

to look for. The best features of

cushions with a matt finish.

your favourite tracks. Firstly,

The sound quality of the

wireless headphones can vary

The headphone has physical

just like any other Bluetooth

headset is crisp and clear when

depending on one important

buttons on the left earcup for

headphone, it supports

you listen to your favourite

decision: what purpose do

answering calls, adjusting the

Bluetooth, which isn’t a new

music in low volume. Its sound

you want the headphones

volume and media playback

thing but it has a memory card

signature is sharp and the bass

to serve? People most often

along with a 3.5mm jack,

slot too and I am sure that

is on the heavier side. But,

use headphones for exercise,

USB port, microphone and

sounds interesting to you. And

while using the headset with

musical quality, or as a way of

a button to change different

if you are a radio lover then

high volume, we discovered

drowning out the noise. Each

modes. The on-ear headphone

there’s a bonanza for you as it

a fair amount of leakage and

of these scenarios can lead

is surrounded by soft cushions

also has a radio, which I liked

found that the audio which

to a different set of required

that make the listening

most of all. It equipped with

I was listening to was also

features. The right set of

experience quite comfortable.

Bluetooth v5.0 connectivity

audible to people nearby

headphones is not universal.

You can also adjust the

and has a 250mAh battery.

me. This is a similar kind of

This depends heavily on the

headphone according to

According to the

setback that I came across

context they’ll be used in

your head. If you are

6-7 hours. Its working distance range is around 10m metres.

while reviewing German audio

and your personal listening

manufacturer Blaupunkt’s

preferences.

BH-21 EQz.

A domestic brand named XORB has recently launched a

Conclusion

wireless Bluetooth headphone

The new XORB Bass Storm

-- XORB Bass Storm -- that

is a good quality headphone

has three different modes to

that comes at a very affordable

listen to your favourite tracks

price. This headphone isn’t

and other audios, which I have

perfect and has a few cons

explained in the review below.

too but if you are looking for

Priced at 1,699, the newly

a budgeted headphone you

launched headphones looked

can give it a try as it will not

good when I saw it first. Let’s

disappoint you. n

see how it fared, in terms of

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march 2020 | 61

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Blaupunkt Boombox BB35 You’ll fall in love with this black beauty!

G

erman audio

placed centrally on the metal

also magnificent. Everything

the next time you turn on

brand Blaupunkt

mesh with the two 15W

is balanced and the sound

Bluetooth on your device.

has come up

speakers visible underneath

that pours out effortlessly is

with yet another

on both sides. There’s a

just perfect. However, there’s

Battery

Bluetooth speaker, called

couple of LEDs hidden

a little bit of distortion at

The speaker is powered by a

the Boombox BB35 in India.

beneath the grill that lights

the highest volume, which

sizeable 3,000mAh battery.

Priced at Rs 3,999, the

up once the speaker is turned

is quite common with many

It charges fast and delivers up

capsule-shaped portable

on. On top of the back is

speakers in the given range.

to 7 hours of playtime at 50%

speaker looks really appealing

a compartment housing a

You also get bright party lights

volume. Although the battery

with some exciting features.

3.5mm audio jack and ports

that can be turned on or off.

power is more than expected,

But does it have all that can

for USB Pendrive, TF card

These throb and pulse to the

it’ll die out fast if you play

make the Boombox BB35

and charging the device with

music and create a fantastic

music at the highest volume.

your perfect companion? Let’s

an LED indicator. There are

ambiance.

find out.

2×3 inch woofers on the left

Conclusion

and right sides. The speaker’s

Connectivity

weight is evenly-distributed

Here you get almost all

BB35 stands tall in almost

At first glance, the Blaupunkt

defying its bulky look. The

necessary connectivity

every department, giving you

Boombox BB35 appears

Boombox BB35 comes with

options that one would expect

a great feeling at the given

to be similar to some of the

an IPX5 rating, which makes

in a Bluetooth speaker. It

price point. It’s something

speakers offered by Sony and

it an easy choice for harsher

pairs fast and easily, having

that will induce you to have

JBL in capsule shape which

environments, as splashes

a Bluetooth range of 30ft

a feel of this speaker, which

looks really beautiful. Going

and dust mean nothing to

(10mtrs). Aux, SD, FM and

is quite easy to connect

a step ahead, the company

it. Overall, the speaker is

USB have always been given

and use. Its audio quality is

has added a handle on top

quite decent and gives a

by Blaupunkt and you get

quite good which you cannot

of the body, which makes it

sophisticated feeling if you

them here too. Setting up the

ignore. You’ll fall in love with

look premium. The Boombox

carry it outside.

Bluetooth speaker is quite

this black beauty! n

Design

BB35 is sturdily built owing to

easy and straightforward.

its high-quality plastic body.

Performance

On the bottom of the speaker

Having two 15W speakers,

BB35 will connect

are two rubber stands that

the all-new BoomBox BB35

automatically

hold the surface firmly and do

pumps out 30W in total –

not slide. The control buttons

this is enough to give you a

(Bluetooth, on/off, play/pause,

thrill in a mid-sized room.

backward/forward, volume up/

In terms of audio quality,

down) are housed right on the

the Bass is thick and its

front top.

deepness can be felt. The

The company’s logo is

62 | march 2020

mid ranges and the highs are

Once paired, the BoomBox

The Blaupunkt Boombox

ramesh@mymobile.co.in

burntest

Philips ActionFit SHQ1405 Your Idol for Gym

I

t sometimes becomes

tangles a lot but that the

and once it’s set it slips into

a crucial mission to

problem which has been

the ears very easily but it is not

choose the correct

there and why people prefer

comfortable to wear for long,

earphones for you,

non-wired earphones. It is

in fact if you have to wear it for

with so many aspects around

very light and very sporty; it

long your ears will start to hurt.

it including, affordability,

comes with a pack of different

features, comfort, durability,

earpieces from big to medium

it comes with IPX4 water

and brand. Finding the perfect

and small. The earpieces are

resistance, so all the sweat

earphones for you can be as

shaped like the most wrap

dust and wind doesn’t make

difficult as finding a soul mate.

around in-ears there in the

any trouble. It is very difficult

Conclusion

And like all other brands,

market, the material it is made

to keep on wearing them for

With its comfortable, rugged

Philips is attempting to fill the

of is plastic that lets it slip into

the long gym sessions with all

design and lightweight

gaps for you, with its ActionFit

the ears easily.

the discomfort and pain, but it

finish, the Philips ActionFit

stays put.

SHQ1405 is easily one of the

The company claims that the sound.

SHQ 1405 earphones. The

The wire feels a little

wired sports ear hook SHQ

fragile, but when you try to

1405 comes with a mic,

bend it to your will or stretch

Performance

just like the old days. The

it, nothing happens. It also

If you are looking for high

The earhooks will give you

earphone comes with IPX4

comes with a single button

sound quality and sound

extra help but the buds will

water resistance, and the

microphone and a cable

cancellation accuracy, then

not give you the comfort you

design of the earphone lets it

clip, which can help to have

you wouldn’t find it here –

are looking for.

stay put. Although the trends

a tangle-free workout. The

precisely because in this

have changed now and there

earpieces provide a good grip

price range you could either

easy to carry, though the wire

are a lot of other non-wired

in-ears but the buds faced

get earshots with a nice

does tangle a lot, it wouldn’t

options available in the

opposing ends, extends at a

body or noise cancelation.

break in two for sure. The

market, still wired earphone is

slight angle and that could be

While taking calls the sound

sound will impress you a little

best and easy for connectivity

difficult to wear sometimes.

was perfect and it gave no

but don’t get your expectations

difficulty, however, you would

too high. No charging hassles,

cable runs through the wrap-

have wished for an extra

no connectivity issues, no

Philips ActionFit SHQ 1405 is

around frames to meet in

button on the microphone

compatibility issues, the

Rs 1,499 but, it can be found

the middle at the mic with a

for both receiving a call and

Philips 1405 is a fair product

on various online stores for Rs,

rubberized grey exterior and a

ending a call separately.

for a fair price. Though we

1,066. If you are wondering

slim stripe of reflective paint

if anything that cheap could

on the front. The cable runs

headphones brought a light

sound just like old times, but

actually perform as advertised,

1.2 meters in total length.

yet balanced approach to

it would be too unfair to dig

music by providing easy

too deep into a product with

and accessibility.

The original price of the

we decided to take the

The headset’s bifurcated

But apart from that the

good products in the wired headset low range segment.

It is very lightweight and

hoped it to have a world class

ActionFit earphones out for a

Comfort

access to all genres. Bass

this price range. So, those

spin. Here’s what happened!

For a sports headset,

was too thick and powerful it

who are looking for a decent

comfortable fit and water

almost overrides the actual

headset with a decent amount

Features and Design

resistance is a must, and the

quality of the music, which

without burning a hole in their

The 1405 comes in a rouged

1405 passed in only one of

is very prominent to find in

pockets, the Philips ActionFit

texture and blue color and

them. The Philips ActionFit

cheaper models. But apart

SHQ 1405 is your star. n

looks very stylish, the wires

takes some time to set them

from all this we mostly enjoyed

www.mymobileindia.com

pahi@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 63

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Gizmore GizFit 903 Smartwatch One of the Best Bets with Affordable Pricing

T

here has been a rapid growth in the smart wearables segment in the last

3 to 4 years, all thanks to easy availability, and various brands offering affordable tracking devices. And one such brand that has emerged to be one of the best in the segment is Gizmore.

Gizmore is one of the newest brand in India offering, versatile accessories in different segments like speakers, headphones and fitness. Its past fitness bands or smartwatches have made its mark in the market with their performance and features.

We recently received brand’s newest offering the GizFit 903 smartwatch from Gizmore, it is full of features and affordable price. But can we say that the GizFit 903 smartwatch will be successful to make its mark in the market, let’s find out!

Design and Display

Features

The smartwatch comes with a

The GIZFIT 903 runs on its

black shiny round dial, and a

custom OS, which is very

their every move and calorie.

square display is of 1.3 inch.

simple to handle and track

The watch is of 55g and it is

all your daily activities. By

Battery

very light to wear, but it will

downloading the app Da-Fit

uneasy if you wear it for a long

you can track your actions

time, which clause is there

much more detailed. On the

with almost every smartwatch.

home screen, you get the time,

With its curved edges it gives

the number of steps, and your

away a very modern look,

heart rate along with the date.

which is suitable for almost

There is a tap button

everyone from students to

just below the screen,

professionals.

which is used for skipping

From either side of the dial,

views to check your activity

comes out the hooks that hold

details. Apart from that,

the silicon strap in place. The

when connected to your

watch strap comes with quick

smartphone, you will also

remove levers, which come

get the call and necessary

in very handy. The screen

message notifications along

is bright enough to be used

with weather updates. Also,

under direct sunlight, but it

you can control music and

only comes with few theme

use the watch as a shutter

options. The side panels feel

button to take photos on your

quite exotic, giving that steel

smartphone.

feel and turning on the back;

The smartwatch also comes

you get the carbon finishing

with an IP67 certified water

treatment all along apart from

and sweatproff, so it is very

the center where you have the

suitable for gym sessions.

branding and the heart rate

The GizFit is packed with

sensor. On one side, you get

tracking features including,

the two charging terminals

step count, calories burnt,

along with magnetism to hold

distance covered, sleep

to the dock.

tracker, and heart rate. Apart from that, it also keep a track of your blood pressure and oxygen level. However, the accuracy of these calculations are not always up-to-the mark.

The smartwatch can also track custom activities such as walking, cycling, and other exercises, so it is highly

64 | march 2020

recommended for gym freaks, who like to keep a track of

The Gizmore GIZFIT 903 is packed with a 3.7V / 180mAh battery, the company claims that it can last up to a week easily when fully charged.

It comes with a magnetic charging connector, the watch can be docked and takes about 40 minutes to charge fully. In our usage the watch lasted for almost 5 days, which doesn’t make up with the claims, but it is still commendable.

Conclusion The Gizmore GizFit 903 smartwatch is priced at Rs 2,999, but you can also find it on online stores like Amazon for Rs 2,100.

Considering the price and what the smartwatch has to offer, it is one-of-the best bets for all the consumers in the market. All the basic tracking, features like BP monitoring, heart rate, and O2 levels control stand out.

And it is very user-friendly, however, it does give some problems in terms of syncing, but with the affordability and good performance, it can be ignored. The GizFit 903 is one of the best wearable products you can have your hands on at this pricing. n pahi@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE

industry insight

Semiconductor Spending Declines Apple took the top rank among global semiconductor customers in 2019

A

pple reclaimed the No.

through 2019 despite the

1 position among global

US-China trade war.

semiconductor chip buyers

“The members of the

in 2019, representing 8.6%

top five did not change

of the total worldwide market, according

in 2019, but all of them

to Gartner, a research and advisory firm.

decreased chip spending

Samsung dropped to the second spot with

through 2019,” said

8% market share, it said.

Masatsune Yamaji, senior

Leading original equipment

principal analyst at Gartner.

manufacturers (OEMs) reduced their

“The major reason was

semiconductor spend in 2019, influenced

the sharp memory price

by declining memory prices. Apple took

decline. Memory prices were

the top rank from Samsung, driven by

extremely high and a serious

its success in wearable products, namely

burden for many OEMs in

Apple Watch and AirPods. Huawei retained

2018, representing 45%

the third position, having performed well

of their total chip spending.

However, the situation improved in 2019. The top five OEMs reduced their memory spending share to 36% in 2019 while improving the

Apple Watch and AirPods and increased its

computing performance of their products

spending through the adoption of a triple-

with better processors and greater memory

camera module in a new iPhone model.

content.”

“Memory price decline enabled Apple to

Global uncertainty and the slowing

add more value to the new iPhone models

macroeconomy had a significant impact on

without a significant price increase,” said

“The members of the top five did not change in 2019, but all of them decreased chip spending through 2019. The major reason was the sharp memory price decline. Memory prices were extremely high and a serious burden for many OEMs in 2018, representing 45% of their total chip spending.

However, the situation improved in 2019”

semiconductor buyers in 2019. Political

Yamaji.

– Masatsune Yamaji,

Apple decreased its semiconductor

Senior Principal Analyst, Gartner

spending by 12.7% in 2019. However, it

friction including the US-China trade

Samsung Electronics dropped to the

war, Brexit, conflict between Japan and

No. 2 position, decreasing its spending by

South Korea and protests in Hong Kong

21.4% in 2019. “The result is not just

increased in 2019 and slowed growth in

a sharp memory decline but Samsung’s

the global economy. “This macroeconomic

struggle in most of the target electronic

environment cooled demand for a wide

equipment markets, especially in the

variety of electronic equipment. Total

smartphone and solid-state drive (SSD)

electronic equipment revenue decreased

markets,” said Yamaji.

$4.7 billion in 2019, a 0.2% decline from 2018,” said Yamaji.

despite the negative impact from the

Nine of the top 10 companies in 2018

U.S.-China trade war. It decreased its

remained in the top 10 in 2019, with Hon

semiconductor spending by 1.8%, driven

Hai replacing Kingston Technology. The

by its success in the smartphone market

top 10 OEMs decreased their share of chip

in 2019. Xiaomi ranked No. 8 in 2019.

spending to 39.5% in 2019, down from

Among the top 10 companies, Xiaomi

39.9% in 2018.

was the only OEM that increased its total

performed well in the wearable market with

www.mymobileindia.com

Huawei remained in the No. 3 position

semiconductor spending through 2019, representing 1.4% growth. n team@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 65

In Conversation

face to face

“Affordable mobiles and internet giving rise to video marketing” Digital marketing has undergone a massive change with the onset of video as content, as it leaves a lasting impression on you. Fuelling this trend are small-but-mighty smartphones, which have the potential to drive big impact by grabbing more and more eyeballs, and of course, the early-mover video search engine YouTube and other online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, to name a few. New-age short video apps like TikTok, Likee, VMate, etc. too are leveraging the trend of video marketing, kudos to their ever-growing audience base and easy engagement feature. Ashish Aggarwal, a renowned digital marketing expert, throws more light over the given technology and its evolving trend, in a tete-a-tete with Ramesh Kumar Raja. Aggarwal, founder of Acube Digital and DM Steps, often organises workshops on video marketing to guide one to build a career in it and for the entrepreneurs to attain a greater visibility for their products/ brands. Excerpts: How do you look at the evolving trend of

life is the single biggest factor that has

all the credit goes to cheap mobiles and

video marketing in today’s digital age? The

affected marketing. I think video is a great

internet.

mass adoption of internet into our everyday

tool for learning and it’s also super easy to

Video marketing includes mainly

consume. As the ease of internet access

the ad spends to promote video. As per

increased, people loved to watch videos

online records, the Ad spending in the

and many platforms take it as advantage

video marketing segment amounts to

for them. Video preference is one of the

US$ 714mn in 2020. The Ad spending

most important driving forces of using

is expected to show an annual growth rate

video in your content marketing. Video

(CAGR 2020-2023) of 8.1%, resulting in

marketing can capture a wide audience,

a market volume of US$ 902mn by 2023

and it works at many levels.

in India.

What is the size of video marketing industry

includes all type of contents created and

in India? Online video consumption in

published on various social media and

India has doubled in the last two years to

video marketing platforms.

Apart from this, video marketing

enormous 3.7 billion videos per month.

This overwhelming growth has been

How big is digital marketing industry in

heralded by a considerable

India? Digital marketing is trending and

rise in the number

even the small businesses are adopting

of online video

this for their growth, just because of its

viewers. Here,

features and cost effectiveness.

According to a report on digital advertising by Dentsu Aegis Network, the Indian digital advertising industry, currently pegged at around Rs 8,202 crore,

MYMOBILE

is slated to see a growth at 32% CAGR to

engine and having the magic of video, it

video marketing? As this is the age of

reach Rs 18,986 crore by 2020.

has a special power above all.

mobiles, which work in parallel with

The report also forecasts that digital

computers, the usage of online marketing

media spends, currently contributing

Short video platforms like TikTok, Likee,

has increased. We at DM Steps offer the

15% of the total advertising pie, will reach

VMate, etc. too are leveraging the trend of

complete digital marketing courses for

24% of the entire market by 2020.

video marketing. Do they hold the future for

students and entrepreneurs. We also

brand visibility? TikTok has already started

organize workshops on video marketing.

With smartphone becoming a ubiquitous

ads on its platform and the brands are

We train YouTubers and video marketers

device of content consumption, can

highly interested in this. So, with a huge

to create videos and promote them on

we call it the beginning of a new era of

audience base and easy engagement, they

different platforms only via mobiles. You

content marketing? I will definitely say

have the power to change the market.

may watch our channel, Franchise Batao,

that smartphone makes everyone very

Many creators who were earlier on YouTube

to know more about the content creation

smart. Now everyone is knowledgeable

are now also creating the videos for Tiktok,

process via smartphones.

and consuming a lot of contents online

Likee and VMate, as they are providing

via smartphones. So, we can say that it’s

Being a trainer/coach in this field, can

the new era of content marketing. You can

you please tell us about the things to

“There are ample be considered while creating a video opportunities in the field of creators and bloggers, and it’s content and how one should go with all because of smartphones. its marketing? As a trainer, I have video marketing like; you can People love to share their conducted more than 100 create your own brand by creating your views and expression on workshops on video marketing, YouTube channel and promoting your social media and many and I always recommend other video platforms. beginner-level YouTubers to business with attractive videos in it. You use a smartphone to create can create the videos for brands and earn a What’s your opinion about videos. The two factors are handsome amount out of this. Apart from the social media platforms very important while creating that have emerged as major a video – Lighting and the YouTube, there are many other platforms influencers for a brand to Background. Even the best where one can promote his brand like, grab more eyeballs? Social mobile or camera cannot give IGTV, Facebook Creator Studio media platforms have emerged you the good results in low lighting as powerful tools for entrepreneurs conditions, and if your background is and many others” see the exponential growth in video

and marketing professionals to promote

In Conversation

face to face

not pleasant, people will not watch your

their brands and grab quality leads. Links

more

to your website, store or social media

easiness to create content. Having a huge

Videos are easy to learn and make your

pages can be the best tool to grab more

audience base, these platforms offer high

brand visibility strong. If one creates and

eyeballs and ears.

potential for brand visibility.

promotes its brand through videos, there

videos.

is a higher rate of success.

Among YouTube, Facebook, Twitter,

How one should make a career in video

Instagram and LinkedIn, which is more

marketing? There are ample opportunities

Do artificial intelligence and machine

productive for a brand to get recognized? All

in the field of video marketing like; you

learning have any role to play in video

the platforms are equally relevant as the

can create your own brand by creating

marketing? I think you must have seen in

target audiences of all these platforms are

your YouTube channel and promoting

many mobile phones that how they adjust

different. YouTube is a video marketing

your business with attractive videos in

and beautify any face automatically, it’s

platform with the Indian audience base

it. You can create the videos for brands

all done because of Artificial Intelligence.

of more than 25 crores. Facebook is the

and earn a handsome amount out of

The AI and ML features are very useful for

biggest social media platform in India with

this. Apart from YouTube, there are many

video creators. They benefit every facet of

audience base of more than 27 crores.

other platforms where one can promote

content marketing. Specifically, through

Instagram is an image sharing platform

his brand like, IGTV, Facebook Creator

advanced machine learning, the process

and at LinkedIn, there is maximum

Studio and many others.

of creating content marketing strategies

What does DM Steps do to promote digital/

becomes easier. n ramesh@mymobile.co.in

audience of professionals.

YouTube is also considered as a search

www.mymobileindia.com

march 2020 | 67

Trendz

Market insight

India Topples US to Be the Second Largest Smartphone Market While Xiaomi continues to capture the number one position for the second successive year, Realme, Vivo, Asus and OnePlus were the fastest-growing smartphone brands on an annual basis.

I

ndia for the first time surpassed the

In terms of the competitive landscape,

and U series. 2019 also marked the fifth

US, on an annual level, to become

Anshika Jain, Research Analyst at

anniversary in India for some OEMs.

the second-largest smartphone

Counterpoint, said, “Chinese brands’ share

Several have seen significant growth

market globally, reaching 158

hit a record 72% for 2019 compared to

from their first full year of operation. For

million shipments in 2019 with 7% YoY

60% a year ago. During 2019 we have seen

example, over the past four years, Xiaomi,

growth, according to the latest research

all major Chinese players expanding their

Vivo, and OnePlus have grown 15x, 24x

from Counterpoint’s Market Monitor

footprint in offline and online channels to

and 18x respectively. This highlights that

service. This is due to the growth of the

gain market share. For example, Xiaomi,

OEMs are mature enough to capture the

mid-tier segment where Chinese brands

Realme and OnePlus have increased their

next wave of growth and further expand

aggressively introduced many flagship-

offline points of sale, while brands like Vivo

their operations in India.

grade features and capabilities to capture

have expanded their online reach with Z

While the smartphone market registered

demand coming from users looking to upgrade from their first or second smartphone. Additionally, the online channels became the preferred selling

Exhibit 1: India Smartphone Market Share 2019 India Smartphone Shipment Market Share (%)

CY 2018

CY 2019

Change YOY

platforms to introduce these products

Xiaomi

28%

28%

5%

faster into the market.

Samsung

24%

21%

-5%

VIVO

10%

16%

76%

Counterpoint Research, said, “Although the

Realme

3%

10%

255%

rate of growth for the smartphone market

OPPO

8%

9%

28%

Others

27%

16%

-39%

Total

100%

100%

7%

Talking about the market dynamics, Tarun Pathak, Associate Director,

was only single digit for the first time on an annual basis, India is underpenetrated relative to many other markets; 4G penetration among subscribers being around 55%. Going forward, we expect this demand to grow further due to the

Exhibit 2: India Smartphone Market Share Q4 2019

ongoing transition from feature phones to

India Smartphone Shipment Market Share (%)

smartphones and progressive diffusion of key smartphone features to the entry-level

Q4 2018

Q4 2019

Change YOY

Xiaomi

27%

27%

7%

Samsung

20%

21%

132%

among multiple players. We further expect

VIVO

20%

19%

0%

brands to have multi-tier strategies involving

Realme

7%

12%

96%

OPPO

8%

8%

15%

creating opportunities within different

Others

28%

13%

-54%

segments like entertainment, gaming,

Total

100%

100%

7%

price tier as a result of hyper-competition

partnerships in the mobile ecosystem from hardware, software and services, thus

financial services and more.”

68 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

YoY growth, the feature phone market

a completely new portfolio targeting

launched devices A9 2020 and A5

saw a steep decline of around 42% YoY

different channels (offline with A series

2020 in the offline segment. Oppo is

in 2019 and 38% YoY in Q4 2019. This

and online with M series). However, it

now aggressively moving towards higher

is due to a slowdown in new shipments

needs to double-down to keep any

price points with the introduction of

from Reliance Jio. However, the players

momentum going.

the Reno series.

such as itel, Lava, Nokia and Micromax

• Oppo shipments almost doubled

• Realme grew 255% in India in 2019.

registered positive annual growth despite

YoY in Q4 2019, due to demand for

The growth of Realme was driven

the overall segment decline. In fact, itel

its budget segment device A5s and

by an aggressive go-to-market

emerged as the number one feature phone

the good performance of its recently-

strategy that involved launching

brand in Q4 2019 followed by Samsung

several industry-first features with

and Lava.

a strong design language. This is resonating well among young

Market Summary:

consumers seeking value-for-money

• The India smartphone market grew

devices. In the fourth quarter of 2019

7% YoY in both Q4 2019 and in

Realme also made an entry into the

2019 due to the expansion of Chinese

premium segment for the first time

brands with their aggressive pricing

with its X2 Pro device, which started

and promotional strategy.

sales strongly.

• Xiaomi grew 7% YoY in Q4 2019 and

• All major brands are now aiming to

5% YoY in 2019 driven by expansion

expand in the mid to high price tier,

in offline channels and the strong performance of its Redmi Note series.

India is now the biggest market for Xiaomi, surpassing its home market, China, in 2019. However, the growth rate has declined to single-digit as Xiaomi is now serving a much larger installed base in India. Hence, 2020 will require specific strategies related to user retention and acquisition respectively.

• Vivo grew 76% YoY in 2019 and 132% YoY in Q4 2019 driven good performance of its budget segment series. Also, by successfully pivoting to online and aggressively positioning the S series in the offline segment with new features, it managed to make a dent in the Rs 15,000-Rs 20,000 ($250-$300) segment. Due to this, Vivo captured the second spot for the first time in India’s smartphone market.

• Samsung shipments remained almost flat YoY in 4Q19, while it has shown a 5% YoY decline in 2019 as a whole.

Samsung shipments were driven by its upgraded A and M series (A50s, A30s, M30s and A20s). This is the first time Samsung transitioned to

www.mymobileindia.com

Trendz

Market insight

“Although the rate of growth for the smartphone market was only single digit for the first time on an annual basis, India is underpenetrated relative to many other markets; 4G penetration among subscribers being around 55%. Going forward, we expect this demand to grow further due to the ongoing transition from feature phones to smartphones and progressive diffusion of key smartphone features to the entry-level price tier as a result of hyper-competition among multiple players” –Tarun Pathak, Associate Director, Counterpoint Research

which is likely to be the fastest-growing segment in 2020.

• Transsion Group (Itel, Infinix and Tecno) reached its highest ever market share in Q4 2019. Transsion remained strong in tier 3, tier 4 cities and rural India.

Itel was the number one smartphone brand in the entry-level sub-Rs 4,000 (US$ 60) price segment, while Tecno and Infinix showcased YoY growth in Rs 6,000-Rs 10,000 (US$ 86-US$ 142) segment by bringing aggressive features at lower price-points like 6.6-inch displays, 20:9 aspect ratio, 5,000mAh battery, etc.

• Apple was one of the fastest-growing brands in Q4 2019 driven by multiple price cuts on its XR device, thanks to local manufacturing in India.

Additionally, 2019 saw the fastest rollout of Apple’s new iPhones (11 series) in India, with aggressive pricing and a good channel strategy. In fact, the new series, especially iPhone 11, was introduced at a lower price point than the last year’s iPhone XR. This has helped to gain share during the festive season and in its launch quarter in India. n team@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 69

In Conversation

face to face

“The whole concept of STM has been around the protection of the device” What first began as an idea to better transport a laptop over two decades back has now grown into a multimillion dollar business for Ethan Nyholm, the CEO and Cofounder of STM Brands, the parent company of two global brands designing lifestyle accessories for tech devices – STM Goods and Element Case. Based in Sydney (Australia), Ethan has been at the helm of STM for 20 years. Ethan co-founded the company with his business partner Adina Jacobs when he was attending university in Sydney in 1999.

Carving out a niche for itself, STM now has offices across three continents and 50 employees. Ethan shares his success story and more, including his business plans in India, in an interaction with Ramesh Kumar Raja. Excerpts: Yours is a very interesting story of turning an idea into a multimillion dollar business.

Can you please tell us about your inspiring journey? It started in about 1997 when I bought a laptop and could not find a bag to carry it in between home and university.

So, I used a bubble wrap sleeve and placed it in a backpack. That was the germination of the STM Brands. The whole concept of STM from that time has been around the protection of the device from both, knocks and prying eyes as well as the person using the product, in terms of use and comfort.

We launched our brand in November 1999 with one laptop style backpack and one sleeve.

Although the market has changed, the core of we stand for, has not, which is understanding how the device or devices are used on a day to day basis, adding to the user experience, organization and protection.

Today, 20 years on, we have an office and sales offices across the globe, work with some of the most amazing companies and people.

How STM has positioned itself in a hypercompetitive market like India which is already dominated by a number of small and

70 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

face to face We aim at solving customers’ issues. But the first part of that is really listening to the customer.

There is a parallel grey market in India thriving on the counterfeit accessories and devices. Do you have any mechanism to deal with them? Counterfeits and copies are a sad reality; our main mechanism is through

big players? We are successfully operating

“We are continued product innovation and the legal system. successfully operating in hyperthe world, not only in India. STM is positioned as a “tech accessory competitive markets around the world, What are your outreach and innovation company” – it’s not not only in India.

STM is positioned as a “ investment plans for India? We only about the innovative are investing in both people tech accessory innovation company” – it’s not products that we launch. It is as and product development much about the people that we only about the innovative products that we in India, looking to make work with, about the business launch.

It is as much about the people that we products for the domestic systems and processes that market in India. work with, about the business systems and we have in place. These are the things that are much processes that we have in place. These are harder to replicate and provide the things that are much harder to our competitive advantage. replicate and provide our Since you offer a wide range of products, competitive advantage” in hyper-competitive markets around

from smartphone cases and screen protectors

to data cables and laptop backpacks under two different brands, which among them is a

for our products from both our brands, STM

dominant vertical for you? How do you fine-

and Element Case is evenly distributed

tune both the brands? The STM brand is the

between Retail (majorly from Apple

more dominating brand, but it’s also the

premium resellers) and B2B (Enterprise

“more mainstream one” of our brands. We

and K12 Schools).

manage to fine tune both our brands (STM Goods and Element Case) by creating

How is India market different from other

different identities between them.

countries where you sell your products? Do you have any plan to set up an office in India?

Making products for Apple devices still

Currently, we have set up sales offices in

happens to be the core part of your business

Delhi and Bangalore. It’s the size and scale

model. How are these products gaining

of India that is so exciting for us.

traction in the Indian market? When can

Can you please tell us something about

we see you making accessories for other

Which platform yields maximum revenue

R&D and innovation at STM Brands? This is

smartphone brands besides Samsung flagship

for you – online or offline? Currently, the

really an interesting question;

devices? The short answer is yes, but it’s

offline platform is a maximum revenue

innovation is an ongoing process

also the long answer. We are working on

source for us.

at STM and impacts all aspects

some cases for brands other than Apple

of our business. It’s not only product

and Samsung. I hope you would be able to

What is your approach to the “after sales

focused. I guess our biggest endeavor at

see these in 2020.

service” which remains an issue for majority

the moment, is to improve our production

of accessory brands? After sales service

capabilities in India. That comes down to

Which are the areas from where maximum

is a key part of who we are as a brand. It

more business processes and procedures

demand is coming for the STM Goods and

provides us an opportunity to turn a poor

than product. n

Element Case products in India? The demand

customer experience into a positive one.

www.mymobileindia.com

ramesh@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 71

Guest Column

by Invitation

Streamlining Crop Insurance with New Age Technologies

By Jyoti Vaddi

I

ndia is home to 146.5 million

Since the farmers are paying insurance

create such customized insurance products

operational

premiums, it’s also a lot more sustainable

catering to different segments of the farming

compared to loan waivers.

population. The result is a set of standard

landholdings.

Interestingly though, over 85% of these landholdings are owned by

insurance products which don’t always

uneconomical size of these landholdings,

The challenges in the current framework

the limited resources of the farmers who

Given that comprehensive crop insurance

own them, and the unpredictable nature

seems like such an obvious solution, it’s

Difficulty in the assessment of damages

of the weather (exacerbated by climate

important to first understand where the

When a natural calamity happens, the claims

change), agrarian distress has become

shortcomings lie. The problems exist at

come in thick and fast. Given the limitation

commonplace.

various levels:

of field resources, the small amount of

small and marginal farmers. Given the

A combination of natural calamities

apply to the entire agricultural community.

each individual claim, and the fragmented

(from droughts to floods to torrential

Premium calculation

rains) results in crop losses across the

The land holdings are extremely fragmented

becomes practically impossible to conduct

country, which in turn leads to major price

and usually located at great distances. As a

a full-fledged investigation of every claim.

fluctuations in the agri-commodity market.

result, most of the data collection is done

So the damages are never really assessed

This problem has massive implications for

by field executives who often rely on hearsay

accurately. This, in turn, can lead to

the millions of small and marginal farmers

rather than physical evidence. Plus, the data

widespread insurance fraud, which ends up

— in 2018 alone, 10,349 Indian farmers

is not collected in a systematic, digitized

undermining the system as a whole. In the

and agricultural labourers committed

way. Forms are usually filled manually,

quest to thwart fraud, insurance companies

suicide.

resulting in a significant loss of data. As a

end up taking forever to settle claims, many

result, there is simply not enough historical

of which are perfectly legitimate.

Why crop insurance is important

data about the farmer, the plot acreage, the

nature and distances of the landholdings, it

Given the magnitude of this issue, the

Without this data, it becomes very difficult

How technology is proving to be a game-changer

Government and regulatory authorities

to calculate premiums accurately.

Fortunately, in the past few years, crop

have been trying to figure out a multi-

crops being cultivated, or yield estimations.

insurance has started to embrace cutting-

pronged solution. One of the biggest pillars

Lack of customization

of any such solution is comprehensive crop

There is a massive diversity in India’s

problems. The Government’s most recent

insurance. Timely availability of insurance

farmland and a huge variation in farmers’

crop insurance scheme, the Pradhan

claim funds solves the immediate cash

requirements and resources. It’s important

Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), also

crunch for the farmers while also enabling

for insurance companies to build

talks about the adoption of innovative

them to get credit for the next crop cycle.

customized products catering to these

technology to improve outcomes. Much like

Having a strong framework of crop insurance

different requirements. However, the lack

the problem itself, the tech-led solution is

gives farmers a much-needed safety net.

of accurate data makes it very difficult to

also multi-faceted.

72 | march 2020

edge technologies to solve many of these

MYMOBILE

End to end digitization The first level at which tech is transforming crop insurance is through end-to-end digitization. Let’s take CropIn’s Flagship solution, SmartFarm, as an example.

The solution enables field executives to collect accurate and verified farmers and plot information using their smartphones.

This ground-level intelligence is immediately available in a secure cloud platform, which can then be accessed by insurance companies. This creates a

at the regional and plot-level at a fraction

cost much more economical for insurance

of the cost and efforts involved in the

providers. This means that they will be far

traditional process. Government bodies

more incentivized to expand coverage to

can provide advisories to the farmers in the

fragmented, marginal farmlands.

nick of time. Higher and predictable yields

Not only does this technology result in

obviously mean lower insurance premiums

cost optimization, but because the unit

and a more sustainable insurance

economics make a lot more sense now,

program.

insurance providers are likely to provide

Real-time data to customize insurance products Digitisation of farm using technologies

insurance to more small and marginal farmers. They are likely to use the technology to identify areas under cultivation and actually expand their business to previously

like, remote sensing, AI and ML (Machine

unexplored regions. As Jitesh Shah, CropIn’s

Learning), help to clean real-time insights

Chief Revenue Officer says, “At this point,

about different land holdings. Insurance

insurance providers are not just speaking

providers will now be able to understand the

of cost optimisation but are also looking at

leverages technology then it can make a

agricultural landscape much better. This

how they can increase their customer base

huge difference to small farmers,” he

means that they can customize insurance

to add value to the top line.”

said.

products to meet the varying needs of

India’s small and marginal farmers

farmers, instead of having a standard-issue,

have long been on the sidelines of the

one-size-fits-all approach. This also means

country’s economic growth. But given

baseline digital identity of each farmer and landholding, which becomes a very useful tool in estimating yields and determining premiums. The digitized data, along with easy-to-integrate APIs, also ensure that

Guest Column

by invitation

reporting and analysis become hassle-free during claim settlement.

Assessing damages correctly At the Agri-Innovation Summit 2019, Dipu KV, President of Operations & Customer Service at Bajaj Allianz General, said that technology can transform how insurance companies assess damage across large tracts of land during claims settlement.

While drones are useful for smaller areas, satellite imaging works great for larger tracts of land.

“It ensures that payout is made in the right manner and goes to the right person, and is the right pay for the size of the damage. Therefore, when you buy the insurance and ultimately claim a payout, and if at that time the insurance company

Data-driven measures to improve yields

that farmers can now choose products that

that they comprise a vast majority of the

A key to making any large-scale crop

meet their needs the best — they can opt

140+ million operational landholdings

insurance program successful is to

for more comprehensive coverage or choose

in the country, the problem needs urgent

actually enable improvements in the crop

to go for basic plans with lower premiums.

and scalable solutions. With technology

yield. Using technology like SmartFarm, multiple sources including global agri-

Optimize costs and improve top line

ground intelligence, weather, and satellite

CropIn’s AI-powered predictive and

imagery. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) led

prescriptive solution, SmartRisk, offers

technology then delivers real-time insights

economies of scale that make the per-unit

Government bodies can get data from

www.mymobileindia.com

enabling massive leaps in productivity, transparency, and data management, crop insurance is likely to become a big part of the overall answer. n The author is Head of marketing, CropIn

march 2020 | 73

Trendz

Market insight

Securing Smartphones Growing as High Priority for Industry A third of global smartphones sold in 2019 had embedded hardware security and iPhones led the way with 42% market share

G

lobal sales of smartphones

Commenting

Exhibit: Global Smartphone Sales with Embedded

security (secure smartphones)

on the competitive Hardware Security Market Share by Volume in 2018 vs 2019 landscape in the

grew 39% year-on-year (YoY)

secure

with embedded hardware

chipset

in 2019, according to the latest research

market, Counterpoint

from Counterpoint’s IoT Security Service.

Research

Systems based on a secure element

President, Research,

accounted for 89% of shipments, while

Neil Shah, noted,

those with a PUF represented 10% of

“The secure element

secure smartphone sales in 2019, the

is a coprocessor

study said.

within the SoC which

Talking about the importance of

Vice

assures tamper-

smartphone security, Counterpoint

Source : Counterpoint Research

Research Analyst Satyajit Sinha said,

resistance and is capable of securely

“Smartphone users are increasingly

hosting applications. From the iPhone

storing personal and professional data

5s onwards, Apple has been embedding

including digital banking, payment and

a secure enclave (eSE) provided by

financial information on smartphones. This

the Global Platform. The communication

attracts cyber attacks with victims losing

within the secure enclave and application processor is isolated, which secures data from malware attacks.

real assets, such as money, personal data and loss of privacy. Securing smartphones should be a high priority for the smartphone industry.”

“Traditionally, mobile security was mostly about software applications, however, with the increased threats, there is a need to secure hardware at one end and data at the other. There is a rising need for end-to-end security. Secure chipsets like secure elements, PUFs, and TPMs embedded in the smartphone are currently the best solution to meet increased security needs,” Sinha added.

74 | march 2020

“Traditionally, mobile security was mostly about software applications, however, with the increased threats, there is a need to secure hardware at one end and data at the other. There is a rising need for end-toend security. Secure chipsets like secure elements, PUFs, and TPMs embedded in the smartphone are currently the best solution to meet increased security needs” – Satyajit Sinha, Research Analyst, Counterpoint

Huawei also implemented an integrated secure element (inSE) on its SoCs, the HiSilicon Kirin 960, 970, 980, 990 and 710. Qualcomm has adopted the secure element as a secure processing unit (SPU) in the Snapdragon 845, 855 and 855+ which enables brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, LG, Sony, Samsung and Google to implement hardware embedded security in its premium smartphones.”

“Samsung implements a physically unclonable function (PUF), that serves as a unique identifier in the Exynos 9820 and 9825. Where Google takes a different approach by implementing a TPM (Trust Platform Module), a miniature version of a hardware security module (HSM) soldered into the PCBs of its Pixel series smartphones,” Shah added. n team@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE

Google Tops Buzz Rankings in India Digital brands dominate the 2019 YouGov BrandIndex Buzz Rankings while financial brands recorded the most improvement

U

S-based tech major Google

lead the race when it comes to brands with

has yet again been crowned

the most positive buzz in India. It also shows

as the brand with the most

that the Indian consumer is very engaged

positive buzz amongst Indian

with online brands and technology,” says

consumers, with a buzz score of +54.3

Deepa Bhatia, General Manager at YouGov

points, in a study conducted by YouGov,

India.

an Internet-based market research and

In 2019, the food-delivery industry

data analytics firm. Other US-based

witnessed a lot of developments. Amidst

brands WhatsApp and YouTube retain their

diversification and discount wars, Swiggy

positions- as second and third, with a score

managed to create a lot of positive buzz

of +54.0 and +51.8 points, respectively.

and moved up two positions, from sixth to

YouGov’s BrandIndex measures the

fourth. Swiggy’s competitor- Zomato also

public perception of brands on a daily basis

noted improvement and entered the list at

across a range of metrics. The annual Buzz

seventh.

+8.3 and +6.8, respectively.

rankings are compiled using Buzz scores

E-commerce giant Amazon remains at

Finance brands seem to be resonating

from the entire years’ worth of data. Buzz

fifth position this year as well, while its local

well with consumers. Apart from PNB,

scores measure whether people have heard

competitor Flipkart landed at eight in the

four out of the top ten brands belong to

anything positive or negative about a brand

2019 list.

this category, namely - the State Bank of

during the previous two weeks.

The past year was not a promising one for

India (2.3), SBI Life insurance (2.2), Bajaj

According to the rankings, “we see a

travel booking site- MakeMyTrip. Following

Allianz life Insurance (1.8) and HDFC Life

surge in the popularity of digital brands

some headlining controversies this year,

insurance (1.6).

and social networks”. The list of top 10 is

the brand’s buzz score has declined and

Other Internet brands, such as Zomato

dominated by technology-backed internet

it has moved down the list- from fourth

(4.5), Amazon (2.3) and Oyo Rooms (2.2)

brands.

to sixth. Social networks like Instagram

have also recorded good improvement in

and Facebook are placed at nine and ten,

their Buzz scores over the past year, making

respectively, in the 2019 list.

it to the top 10 improvers list of 2019.

“The BrandIndex report sees a dominance of global technology brands who, with their constant innovations, have

The BrandIndex has also revealed which

To compile the list, YouGov ranked

managed to create a lot of positive chatter

brands noted the most improvement in

260 brands by conducting a survey where

amongst Indian consumers. Hence, they

their Buzz score in 2019. Uber Eats is the

they asked respondents if they heard

“most improved”

anything about the brand in the past two

brand of the past

weeks through multiple sources including

year in India, with a

advertising, news or word of mouth. They

rise of +12.0 points

also asked if the message was positive or

to its Buzz score,

negative.

2019 YouGov BrandIndex Buzz Rankings: Top 10 India Over the past two weeks, which of the following brands have you heard something positive/negative about? Scores averaged across 52 weeks of 2019

Source : YouGov

www.mymobileindia.com

Trendz

Consumer insight

going from +12.9

Based on the responses, the market

last year to +24.9

research and data analytics firm came

this year. Swiggy

up with the buzz scores by subtracting

and Punjab National

the percentage of negative responses

Bank come in next

from the percent of positive

as the second and

responses. YouGov also noted the brands

third most improved

that improved their Buzz scores when

brands, with a

compared to 2018. n

change in score of

team@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 75

Trendz

consumer insight

Basic Cyber Safety Norms Being Ignored in India Over 50% of Indian netizens neglect basic cyber safety practices, reveals a new study

T

here is a startling gap in

OLX India.

to not monitoring the content their kids

digital literacy and cyber

“This study has been devised to study

safety practices exercised by

these gaps in order to address the same in

If we look at the key insights, 52% of

view online.

the netizens, divulges a study

the coming time. Safeguarding ourselves

respondents have publicly shared their

conducted by consumer-to-consumer

and ensuring that we focus on making

phone numbers/personal addresses online

online marketplace OLX, on the back of

the internet an inclusive place for all is

while 26% have admitted to sharing

Safer Internet Day on February 11. OLX

our foremost vision and we aim to drive

sensitive OTP’s (one-time passwords) with

studied the behaviour of close to 7500

continuous conversations around the

others. The remaining 22% of respondents

netizens between the age groups of 18-55

topic,” added Chandan.

admit to sharing bank account passwords,

to understand the state of awareness

Overall, the survey indicates that

UPI pin, credit & debit card details with

and cyber safety preparedness, thereby

“even though we have come far in digital

others. 73% of respondents said they

raising the need towards creating a safer

transformation in our daily lives, the majority

actively skipped the terms & conditions/

and inclusive internet for everyone. The

of people in India prefer to transact offline

safety-legal guidelines owing to the fact

second edition (1st edition was launched

and even if they do transact online, they do

they were cumbersome to read and too

in Feb 2019) of the annual report titled

it for money transfer, online shopping and

complex to understand. This figure was

‘OLX 2020 Internet Behaviour Study’ is

paying utility bills”.

67% in 2019. Only 27% admitted to

an initiative to foster awareness around

Only 48% of the people surveyed

making the internet a better place for

would want to report the fraud if they were

everyone.

actively reading them prior to signing up for online platforms or services.

defrauded and they accept having missed

While 61% of respondents transact

“Safer Internet Day provides us with

exercising basic precautionary measures

online more than 5 times a month

an opportunity to examine our online

like not sharing personal and confidential

primarily for money transfer and online

behaviour and emphasises upon the need

information publicly or reading safety

shopping, only 37% admitted to frequently

to close the gap in digital literacy in general

privacy tips and terms on websites and

changing their online banking passwords

and cyber safety particularly. Cyber safety

apps. The findings in 2020 are akin to the

regularly. Of these, almost a third said they

is a shared responsibility where internet

similarly alarming findings in 2019. Last

cannot even recall how long it had been

users, internet companies, government and

year, 57 per cent of respondents show

since they had last changed their banking

decision-makers are all in one ecosystem,”

negligence towards their own safety – both

account passwords. Unsurprisingly, 66%

said Lavanya Chandan, General Counsel,

online and offline, while 60 per cent admit

of these respondents have been victims of online financial frauds with spamming and phishing attacks combined together to form a trio of the most common forms of online frauds faced by netizens in India.

Apprehension towards dealing with the hassles of filing a complaint with law enforcement authorities led to 52% of respondents not filing a complaint at all. While online payments have gained mainstream popularity, yet 51% of respondents expressed confidence in making payments offline vs using any digital

MYMOBILE

Trendz

Consumer insight means (mobile wallets, cards, UPI).

Most common types of new-age online frauds perpetrated by cyber fraudsters areUPI fraud, QR code scan fraud and Social engineering frauds. The UPI platform is used by fraudsters to trick netizens into sending money to them instead of receiving payment. This kind of fraud is prevalent mostly across digital payment platforms. A payment QR code is used by fraudsters to trick netizens into sending money to them instead of receiving payment. Fraudsters usually crop out the account identifier details from the QR Code or tend to mislead netizens about the same while perpetrating this fraud. In terms of Social engineering frauds, the sellers gain the trust of the buyer by providing spurious identification documents/sounding extremely convincing

“Cyber safety is a shared responsibility where internet users, internet companies, government and decision-makers are all in one ecosystem. This study has been devised to study these gaps in order to address the same in the coming time.

Safeguarding ourselves and ensuring that we focus on making the internet an inclusive place for all is our foremost vision and we aim to drive continuous conversations around the topic” – Lavanya Chandan, General Counsel, OLX India

www.mymobileindia.com

52% of respondents have publicly shared their phone numbers/ personal addresses online while 26% have admitted to sharing sensitive OTP’s (one-time passwords) with others. The remaining 22% of respondents admit to sharing bank account passwords, UPI pin, credit & debit card details with others. 73% of respondents said they actively skipped the terms & conditions/ safety-legal guidelines owing to the fact they were cumbersome to read and too complex to understand. via persuasive techniques and soliciting

18-35 while 30% of the respondents

payment in advance.

were non-millennials aged 35-plus. While

Contradictory to this overall neglect

there exists a rising level of adoption for

that netizens show towards cyber safety

digital payment instruments with 61% of

measures, there exists a high-level of cyber

respondents across metros and non-metros

safety awareness towards certain internet

making online payments more than 5 times

behaviours. 72% were cognizant of the fact

a month yet 51% of respondents feel more

that conducting banking transactions over

comfortable transacting offline than online.

unsecured WiFi networks could jeopardize

Respondents from metro cities are more

their own safety. Admitting the inevitable

likely to share their personal details online

need for public and private institutions to

vs their non-metro counterparts. This could

work jointly in safeguarding the netizens,

be owing to the fact that while internet

50% of the respondents listed collaboration

adoption is widespread across metro

between public & private institutions, a

cities, non-metro cities are catching up to

better approach by the law enforcement

their metro counterparts. Sharing personal

authorities towards affected complainants

financial details is also more prevalent in

and better user education as a remedy to

metro cities than non-metros owing to the

the malaise of cyber fraud. In 2019, 60%

higher penetration of credit/debit cards

parents admitted to not supervising the

in the metros. Low levels of awareness

content their kids viewed online while in

towards responsible usage of open, public

2020, 66% parents actively monitored

and unsecured WiFi networks is reflected

their kids internet access.

more prominently in non-metros than

The study also captured insights on

metros. 67% of respondents in the metro

internet usage behaviour across leading

cities were wary of conducting financial

metros and non-metros in India. 70% of

transactions on public WiFi networks while

the respondents across metros and non-

the figure for non-metros was 59%. n

metros were millennials aged between

team@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 77

In Conversation

face to face

“Our full focus is on offline retail expansion” Gone are the days when selling a used phone was a troublesome job. Thanks to Cashify as it has made this process simple and hassle-free. Cashify is a re-commerce marketplace, which offers an online platform to sell old or used electronic gadgets -- primarily smartphones, followed by laptops, tablets, desktops and Gaming Consoles. Cashify is also a one-stop destination for all your smartphone needs. The company was initially started with a team of three people in 2013 and has expanded to more than 800 employees in six years. With over 17 lakh customers and more than 1500 serviceable locations, Cashify simplifies the process of managing your devices by helping you with price discovery, cash in hand and other such features in a streamlined and efficient manner. Cashify is an exclusive buyback partner for brands like Apple, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Vivo, OPPO, HP, Samsung and Dell in India. Vivek Singh Chauhan spoke to Amit Sethi, Co-Founder & CTO, Cashify to know more about the company. Here’s the edited excerpt of the interview.

How was Cashify started? Why did you come

end-of-life product management and works

months, and now it is doubling down as

up with this concept? Before Cashify came

with all the leading electronic brands in the

people have become so aspirational that

into existence, we had been testing the

country. The rationale behind this concept

they want to move from one brand to the

market through different business models

is an interesting fact that the realized ‘end-

other in a much faster time interval.

and were earlier called ReGlobe. However,

of-life’ is highly circumstantial and ‘one

today, Cashify stands at the forefront of

man’s waste could very well be another’s

You forayed into the offline market in 2019.

resource’, of-course if the product has not

What are your plans for 2020? As of now,

reached a non-usable condition.

our full focus is on our offline retail expansion. Since the beginning, we have

What are the trends you see in the refurbished

always been online, however, over the

market? The refurbished phone market in

past year, we realized that customers are

India has been on an all-time high last year

everywhere and we can’t only be focused

and will continue to boom in the coming

on the online space. Therefore, we started

years. The re-commerce trend is breaking

opening a lot of offline stores and also have

all barriers of selling smartphones and

small outlets in a lot of metro stations and

influencing pre-owned smartphone users

malls. Currently, we have 44 stores across

to sell their smartphones without taking

three cities and are planning to take this

hassles of negotiations and prices.

number to 200 by the end of 2020. In

The average upgrade cycle for mobile

the next 12-15 months, we would like to

phones has come down, i.e., a person

reposition ourselves from just a buyback

is more likely to buy a new phone

company to a one-stop destination for all

within a shorter time. The cycle

your smartphone needs - sell, buy, repair

has shifted from 20 months to 12

or accessories.

MYMOBILE

face to face Apart from tech gadgets, what are the other

of a refurbished device? With Cashify, sellers

categories that Cashify operates in? Kindly

simply have to fill out some basic details

mention the category where you get maximum

online about their device and then Cashify

traction? As far as expanding to other

dispatches a representative who comes to

verticals is concerned, we are on the brink

their house/office to perform diagnostic

of launching Cashify branded accessories

checks and gives them instant money for

like data cable, charger, earphones. Very

the device that day. We have a website as

soon, we will be launching insurance

well as an app that automatically carries

products too. We have very recently

out the checks -- for instance, ensuring

started our ScreenPro service where we

the camera, Bluetooth module, etc. all

provide customers with the onsite mobile

work -- and offers a higher cash payment

screen replacement at their doorstep in 30

for the user since Cashify uses fewer

minutes.

resources. There are more than 10,000

“We are on the brink of launching Cashify branded accessories like data cable, charger, earphones. Very soon, we will be launching insurance products too”

smartphones, laptops and other electronic According to you, what are the major

devices listed on Cashify. Also, we have our

challenges in the resale market? Currently,

state-of-the-art refurbishing and testing

the major challenge in the resale market

centres to ensure that we have completed

is that reselling old/used devices doesn’t

all the checks and balances, to make

come as a natural tendency to user due to

the device as good as new. We have a

lack of options available except Cashify’s.

workforce of trained technicians, who

We aim to overcome this challenge by

do thorough checks, repair or replace

building a strong brand presence that will

parts with original ones if required and

help TOM recall for the users.

then there is a final QC before the phone goes for packing. So, there

How big is the market for used smartphones?

is no scope of a lapse in the quality.

Who is a typical buyer for used phones? India’s

We have all the spares parts of the

used smartphone market is expected to

highest quality in the market.

reach $4 billion by 2020, according to a Deloitte India report. The e-commerce sale

Cashify has partnered with several

trends and high discounts on smartphones

marketplaces and OEMs. Can you

act as a motivation for consumers to

please elaborate about your business

upgrade to new smartphones. The re-

associations with them? In India, we

commerce trend is breaking all barriers

officially buy 24 smartphone brands that

and offline channels like Croma and Vijay

of selling smartphones and influencing

are listed on our website and app. For

Sales.

pre-owned smartphone users to sell their

Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi, we are the

smartphones without taking hassles of

exclusive buyback partner in India. In the

Since the tech industry is rapidly changing,

negotiations and prices. This phone re-

last three years, we have partnered with

do you have any new offering in the pipeline

selling industry is estimated to be 80-90

Apple, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Vivo, Samsung,

to catch up with the trends? Apart from the

million handsets soon.

Nokia, OPPO for their buyback and

ongoing offerings, we are planning on

upgrade campaigns as the exclusive

expanding our accessories business and

partner to facilitate the whole campaign.

are therefore working towards providing

Two out of three consumers seek to switch to a new phone every 10-12 months. Buyers for used phones range

So, whenever an OEM wants their loyal

the best of the accessories to the customer.

from - first-time users who want to upgrade

customers or smartphone users in general,

We are also looking to start the recycling of

from a feature phone to a smartphone;

to upgrade to a newly launched device they

phones so that people can get their e-waste

people from tier 2 and 3 cities; students;

mostly prefer our service network. We have

recycled easily. To solve people’s security

young professionals who want to upgrade

ensured that customers can easily sell

concerns and make them more aware, we

to the latest smartphone without spending

their old phone and get a good value to

are coming up with a new technology that

a bomb.

contribute to the cost of the new device as

will ensure that all the data that has once

well as make the process instant. Cashify

been formatted, cannot be recovered by

What are the parameters of buying and selling

has also been the B2B partner for online

any means. n

a used product? How do you ensure the quality

marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart

www.mymobileindia.com

vivek@mymobile.co.in

march 2020 | 79

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Tablets

Gadget Corner

add-ons Inbase Urban Fit and Urban Beep Smartwatches A real treat for fitness enthusiasts

P

ortable digital product maker Inbase has forayed

minutes

into the smartwatch segment with the launch of

and stay

Urban Fit and Urban Beep smart wearables that keep

powered up for

a track of your health while letting you create your own

5- 7 days (use time).

style statement. The smartwatches measure the vitals,

While the Urban Fit

heart rate, calories, sPO2 as well as the steps taken

can give a standby of

accurately. With their Bluetooth 4.0 & 4.2 connectivity,

15 days, the Urban

the smartwatches connect swiftly with iOS and Android

Beep provides a

smartphones. They are waterproof and shock-resistant

standby time of 30

simply due to IPX 68 features. The Urban Fit and Urban

days. While the Urban Fit

Beep boasts of a multi-touch screen and single-touch

is available in Midnight Black,

sensor respectively through which every information

Pink Salmon, Pearl White and

about one’s daily health and fitness activities can be

Space Grey Strap colours, the Urban

tracked and accessed through the device or the app.

Beep comes in Midnight Black, Pink Salmon, Space

The devices come with a training mode which is handy

Grey, and Space Blue Strap colours. One can purchase

while cycling, trekking and running on tracks, etc. One

them via the Urban’s official website and leading retail

can even access their social media notifications via these

outlets.n

Price: INR 4,999 (Urban Fit); INR 3,999 (Urban Beep)

smartwatches. With a staggering battery capacity of 150mAh and 180mAh, these watches get fully charged in 90

Pebble Twins Stereo EarPods Designed for bass lovers

S

mart accessories brand Pebble has launched Twins

to-go with their automatic speed charge capabilities in

Stereo EarPods in India. The true wireless EarPods

the case. The Pebble Twins are designed for the bass

come with IPX54 protection and sturdy built, promising

lovers, focusing on providing deeper highs and mid

good sound along with noise

lows, with enhanced stereo sound experience. The all-

isolation technology that can survive right from

new Twins come with hands-free stereo calling for ease of use and can be paired up to 10m range.

strenuous workout to

The EarPods come equipped with voice

casual listening. The

assistant feature and handy controls

EarPods offer 180 hours

that are conveniently located on

of combined battery life

each earpiece. Use two earbuds

and are always ready-

simultaneously, or you can share

Price: INR 2,990

the same music with someone via Single mode. The Pebble Twins come in Black colour.

They are available at the leading retail stores across the country along with ecommerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.n

108 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

Gadget Corner

add-ons Blurams Home Pro and Dome Lite The smart security cameras that make you live carefreely

F

ollowing its recent launch of Snowman and Home Lite, smart security and surveillance solutions

provider Blurams has come up with two new indoor security cameras – Home Pro and Dome Lite – in India.

They are available for purchase on Amazon.in. With their compact design, the Blurams Dome Lite and Home Pro can be mounted just about anywhere in the home and feature up to 720p and 1080p HD video respectively, along with intelligent alert, night vision, two-way talk, etc. The products also provide optional 24/7 Continuous Video Recording feature to its users which helps in

Noise Reduction, Motion/Sound and Facial Recognition, Built-in microphone & speaker, up to 128GB microSD cards, 24 hours free cloud storage services for the lifetime. The newly-launched cameras are Alexaenabled and provide intelligent motion, sound and human detection. Widely acknowledged for its Smart AI and Edge Computing core technologies, the brand entered the Indian market in October last year and has launched an array of products with innovative features like facial recognition. n

Price: INR 3,499 (Dome Lite); INR 3,999 (Home Pro)

ensuring the safety of their family members.

Other features include distortion correction, 3D

Blaupunkt BTW Lite Earphones Made for audiophiles Price: INR 3,999

G

erman technology brand Blaupunkt has introduced BTW Lite earphones at Rs

3,999 in India. The all-new true wireless earbuds are light in weight. But the reduction in weight has not been done by reducing features and performance, the company claimed. “You get everything you would expect from a high end Blaupunkt product - unrivaled quality, unbeatable performance, a list of innovations and all at a price that will leave you smiling and wondering if you should buy two,” Blaupunkt said in a media release. The list of features includes exquisite design, voice assistance, IPX5 water resistant, Bluetooth technology and unique control buttons to play songs, answer calls with just a simple touch.n

110 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

Gadget Corner

add-ons Astrum MG200 Mouse Now go on gaming for hours

N

ew technology brand Astrum has expanded its gaming category with the launch of a low-cost gaming mouse called MG200, which comes

with multi-colour LED light option and ergonomic design for ultimate gaming experience and long-hour use. The curves of the MG200 provide you a comfortable gaming encounter, especially during the toughest stages of your favourite game. With 4 Variable of High Precision DPI (1000DPI/12 00DPI/1600DPI/3200DPI) resolution optical tracking technology delivers the sensitivity and precise tracking on a wide range of surfaces. Its multiple side macro buttons can be programmed by installing driver software, which makes the mouse more intelligent and meets more demands for different games. Highlight your overall gaming atmosphere by just plugging the 1.5m/4.9ft high-speed USB cable. No additional software or firmware is needed. This gaming mouse is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10

Price: INR 799

operating systems. The product is available with leading retail stores and e-commerce platforms across India.n

Daiwa D40HDRS and D32S7B The all-new smart TVs bring theatre-like experience at home

D

aiwa has rolled out its newest smart TVs for 2020

TVs also support new Cinema Mode giving a theatre like

– 98cm (39) ‘D40HDRS’ and 80cm (32) ‘D32S7B’

display experience along with the Cricket Picture Mode

in Indian market. Both the TVs with 2-year warranty

enhancing the cricket or sports viewing experience.

are available with leading retail stores in the offline

The TVs come with Bluetooth-enabled technology to

market. They come with easy EMI options available via

connect all your audio devices. The 39inch TV comes

Bajaj Finserv. Both the TVs are powered by quad-core

with 20W built-in Box Speaker while the 32inch TV sports

processor and run on Android 8.0 along with 1GB RAM +

surround sound with 20W output, enhancing the experience

8GB RAM for storage. They sport 1366X768 resolution

to theatre like sound experience. Both the smart TVs come

along with A+ grade panel, with 16.7 million colours and

bundled with custom designed UI – Big Wall, that gives

Quantum Luminit HRDP technology with 178-degree wide

17,00,000+ hours of content with Official Apps. Powered

viewing angle. The HRDP technology ensures depth in

by Cloud TV certified AOSP, the TVs are equipped with

every picture and finer gradation. With a refresh rate 60Hz

official apps like Hotstar, Zee5, Sony Liv, Voot, Sun NXT,

and Response Time of 8Ms, enjoy gaming and more. The

Jio Cinema etc. They also allow access to 7000+ free movies via MovieBox. Additionally, the D40HDRS model comes with a content discovery engine which curates digital content available on the internet on Free, Premium or Freemium basis with a simple search. The TVs support OTA updates. They feature Miracast and E-Share facility, along with 2 USB and 2 HDMI ports. n

Price: INR 16,490 (D40HDRS); INR 9,990 (D32S7B)

march 2020 | 111

Gadget Corner

add-ons Havit i39 The workout-ready wireless earphones

C

onsumer electronics brand Havit has come up with its i39 in-ear headphones which are sleek

and ergonomically designed. It features 6mm metal speakers that claim to produce rich sound with plenty

Price : INR 1,499

of bass response reducing ambient noise for a better listening experience. On the connectivity front, the Havit i39 adopts Bluetooth v5.0 along with support for HFP, A2DP, HSP and AVRCP protocols providing seamless connectivity and stunning audio clarity. With built-in

the soft and smooth silicone gel surface guarantees

120mAh rechargeable battery, it lets you listen for up

secure and comfortable wearing. The premium build

to 10 hours on a single charge and takes 2 hours for a

quality makes the device skin friendly and a lot more

full charge from 0 to 100%. The in-line remote lets you

sturdy ensuring its long life. The headphones sport

answer or hang up, switch songs, or adjust the volume

tangle-resistant cables to provide worry-free usage. The

and also summon voice assistant. The remote also has

neckband can be twisted and wrapped around to fit every

an integrated noise cancelling microphone ensuring an

pocket. There are even magnets built into the tips of the

ultra clear calling experience.

earbuds so you can attach them together when not in use.

The Havit i39 is IPX5 rated which means it is water-

Havit includes 3 sizes of eartips so you can adjust these

resistant and will stand up to rain or sweat without any

headphones for the best fit. It is available in colours of

trouble. That makes it a perfect pick for running, jogging,

Black, Red and Blue via Amazon, Flipkart and PayTM

cycling and other outdoor activities. Weighing only 15g,

in India. n

Soundcore Ace AO Speaker Compact enough to be slipped in your pocket

A

nker’s sub-brand Soundcore has introduced a super compact mini speaker called Ace AO, which comes with ‘hang anywhere’

design for home, travel or more. Literally pocket sized in a donut shape, the Ace AO is the lightest and smallest in its size for the sound output. Weighing only 64 grams, the speaker is easy to be slipped in your pocket when on the go. In stunning Black, the speaker features a sleek curved design with all-in-one button for controls. The mini speaker claims to bring high quality audio in mere 2 watts. Equipped with deep heavy bass stereo sound, the Ace AO brings loudest music with amplifying clarity, even in outdoor location. The speaker plays 4 hours of non-stop, loud and clear music from a single charge, along with an extended playtime. The detachable cord enables you to conveniently attach Ace AO to virtually anything whether you’re at home, riding a bike, or hanging out with friends. The Soundcore Ace AO mini speaker is available on Flipkart with a warranty of 18 months.n

Price : INR 1,699

add-ons Telefunken’s 80cm HD-ready Smart TV Designed exclusively for the Indian climatic conditions

G

erman brand Telefunken’s official licensee in India, Videotex International, has launched an 80cm (32)

HD-ready smart LED TV, called TFK32QS. It is powered

by Android 8.0 with a quad core processor and 1GB RAM + 8GB internal storage. It comes with the unique content platform ‘Streamwall UI’ that brings 17,00,000+ hours of content from a host of official apps. It gives free subscription of Movie Box with more than 7000 plus free movies to binge. It brings certified apps like Hotstar, Zee5, Sony Liv, Voot, Alt Balaji, Jio Cinema etc.

The TV comes with a HD ready display (1366x768p), 16.7million colours and A+ grade panel. It is equipped with Quantum Luminit technology, and the new Cinema Mode enhancing the picture quality by reproducing

Price : INR 9,990

colours to give you a theatre-like escapade along with the Cricket Picture Mode taking it up a notch with the

The TV comes with Bluetooth-enabled technology to

cricket or sports viewing experience.

connect your audio devices for an enhanced audio

The Telefunken smart TV comes with 20W speakers

experience. Multiple connectivity options include 2

with surround sound that supports 5 audio modes

HDMI, 2 USB ports and 1 optical output. Making your

supporting bass and extra treble for a ground-breaking

smartphone an air mouse, or Screen Mirror with Eshare,

surround sound experience, with the user mode the

the TV ensures bigger and enhanced experience. It’s

customer can adjust the sound as per the preference.

available offline.n

Toreto Air Pep up your style quotient with this headphone

D

igital accessories brand Toreto has strengthened

comes with extra bass. It eliminates the hassle of wires,

its headphone line-up with the launch of ‘Air’

by letting you connect your headset via Bluetooth and

wireless headphone in India. The headset claims to

giving you a range of up to 33 feet (10 meters). With a

be specifically designed to pep up your style quotient,

robust output of 300mAh battery, the Toreto Air headset

delivering superior stereo sound-quality while elevating

helps you enjoy your favourite music for 10 hours at a

the audio listening experience. This stylish headset can

stretch. The headphone also allows you to easily switch

be handy while travelling, cooking, working, etc. The

over from music to calls, letting you receive, reject and

Toreto Air wireless headphone is easy to operate that

redial, with the touch of a button, and has an inline mic. The all-new Toreto Air is available through the leading e-commerce platforms and

Price: INR 2,4 99

retail stores across India.

The wireless headphone comes along with a free carry pouch and a 12month warranty.n

march 2020 | 113

Gadget Corner

add-ons Wings Troopers Live free from wires

H

omegrown audio gear maker Wings Lifestyle has launched entry-level True Wireless earbuds

called the Wings Troopers in the market. The all-new Bluetooth earbuds are sweat and water-resistant. An uncomplicated touch interface offers quick access to a full suite of media, controls for music, microphone, calls, and your device assistant. Troopers are designed to deliver a high-quality experience with essential features to those interested in making the jump to a truly wireless experience.

The Wings Lifestyle’s newest earbuds boost easy

Price : INR 1,999

pairing. The touch-driven earbuds incorporate the latest technology and offer up to 12 hours of battery

or outdoors. Their sturdy design, trendy look and

life, 45mAh/3.7 v battery capacity in each earbud

affordable pricing make them the perfect fit for young

and 300mAh/3.7v additional capacity in the included

consumers. They allow users to live free from wires

charging case. The Wings Troopers have been designed

and have a great listening experience. The earbuds are

specially keeping in mind our daily activities, indoors

ultra-secure fit for any ear n

Zoook Rocker ThunderBuds Packed with the longest-ever battery life of up to 100 hrs

F

rench audio brand Zoook has come up with the Rocker

Rocker ThunderBuds features a 3,200mAh battery and

ThunderBuds TWS earphones, which claim to offer a

comes with a high-quality charging case that can charge

super-extended battery life of 100 hrs that can last up to

the earphones up to 25 times. The device is enabled with

2 months, if used for 2 hrs on a daily basis. The Zoook

dual microphones and each bud can be used individually.

The all-new earphones showcase an attractive Touch Control design to perform multiple functions such as Play, Pause, Re-dial, Voice assistant activation, Next and Previous.

The Rocker ThunderBuds TWS earphones claim to offer a seamless Bluetooth 5.0 connection supporting ultraclear sound quality. The earphones have an ergonomic design that fits ears comfortably, are light-weighted, and portable for daily usage. The Rocker ThunderBuds is compliant with IPX5 and is sweat/water-resistant. The device is also enabled with voice assistant support from Siri and Ok Google to stand face to face with demands of a digital age. It claims to deliver Deep Bass with HD Sound.

There is a special battery level indicator, which makes

Price : INR 2,999

114 | march 2020

Rocker ThunderBuds TWS earphones stand out in the entire Thunder series by Zoook. One can purchase them from leading online and offline stores across India.n

MYMOBILE

add-ons Mi Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker Ideal for ultra-mobile lifestyle

P

opular smartphone and TV brand Xiaomi has expanded its portfolio of wireless speakers in

Price : INR 1,399

India with the launch of portable Mi Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker. Promising an exceptional audio experience, the compact speaker comes equipped with a 5W power output that delivers clear, rich vocals and punchy bass.

To enable a wide spectrum of sound frequencies, the speaker features a passive radiator and a diaphragm made of Canadian long fiber pulp vibration film. The passive radiator enhances low frequencies while the diaphragm acts as a perfect damping system delivering natural and clear sound by restraining vibration.

The speaker lets you command and access your

designed for an ultra-mobile lifestyle. A full charge of

favourite voice assistant (Google Assistant, Alexa or

the 2,000mAh battery can provide up to 20 hours of

Siri) with a simple touch of a button. Bluetooth 5.0 let

music playback (at 80% volume). The IPX5 rating along

the users stream music effortlessly. Featuring a one key

with anti-skid edge grip design ensures that one leaves

function, the speaker enables users to answer or end calls

their worries of accidental splashes and spills behind.

with one touch. The palm-sized Mi Outdoor Bluetooth

The speaker comes in a Black colour and is available on

Speaker boasts of a premium look and is specially

Mi.com and Mi Homes. n

HiFuture FlyBuds Have it all in the budget segment

F

ollowing the success of its premium range of true

yet robust and slips easily in your pocket.

wireless earphones, HiFuture has launched the

The earpieces feature 45 – degree angled nozzles

true wireless earbuds in the budget segment, called the

extended by a small stem for nice seal and noise isolation.

HiFuture FlyBuds in India. The FlyBuds are powered by

The earphones have an ergonomic fit and sit neatly in the

advanced, stable and latest Bluetooth 5.0 chip. With built

ear canal giving you enhanced comfort and security. They

in dynamic N42 Neodymium magnet driver, it catches

offer four hours of playback on a single charge, and come

every details and transmits rich sound with crisp treble and powerful and deep bass.

with a portable charging case that carries enough juice for another 15 hours of listening

FlyBuds’ graphene drivers oscillate with

time. FlyBuds comes with advance

extreme precision to bring you sound

technology through its Intelligent

with extraordinary sound signature.

Touch Sensor Controls. These

Each earpiece weighs 5 grams, and

controls on the earpieces let

the entire weight of the device with

you power them on and off,

the charging case comes out to be

play music, pause, skip forward

45 grams. The case sports 3 LED

or backward a track, answer

indicators and a pairing button. The

incoming calls from your phone,

earphones are also IPX5 certified,

and summon Siri or Google Voice.

making it resistant to water and dust. The case is slim,

Available at Amazon and Flipkart, it comes in Matte Black, Mint Green, Pearl White and Flamingo

Price : INR 2,499

www.mymobileindia.com

Pink colours.n

march 2020 | 115

Gadget Corner

add-ons Portronics Power Bun Get rid of your woes of charging multiple devices

P

ortable digital product maker Portronics has launched a universal USB charging hub, called Power Bun in

India. It’s a must-have companion for you during the trips.

The device is said to be completely safe from over-heating and is shock resistant. It comes with Intelligent Charging Technology to match the smart devices and saves you from the trouble of buying multiple adaptors when one has to charge various USB devices at the same time. Designed

Price : INR 999

for daily needs of charging multiple devices, the Power Bun has three USB ports to detect and deliver an ideal

high-quality strong ABS plastic material that keeps the

output up to 2.4. It also has two -220V 10A AC power

device safe. Power Bun supports all Android smartphones,

ports to charge devices that support a 100V-240V range

iPhones, iPads, Tablets, Bluetooth headphones, power

of voltage input simultaneously. It comes equipped with

banks, Mp3 players and other 5V USB devices. One

a 1.5 m AC charging cord.

can use it for both AC power and USB charging ports

This multi-functional device is BIS certified, offering

simultaneously. It is specifically designed for Indian

surge protection and is fire retardant, casing up to 750

wall sockets and is available at both online and offline

degree Celsius. It is said to be reliable and is made up of

stores.n

U&I Gamble Made for music lovers

G

adget accessory and consumer electronics brand

style quotient and technology; promises to deliver a great

U&I recently launched Gamble headset in the Indian

musical experience due to its remarkable surround sound

audio market. Equipped with an astounding surround

and noise cancellation feature. Gamble lets you enjoy 50

sound and heavy bass, the U&I Gamble easily gets

hours of uninterrupted music, while at work, commuting

connected to a smartphone. Famous Bollywood actress

or even while at a workout session.

Zareen Khan graced the U&I launch event in Kolkata. The

The all-new neckband comes with a newer Bluetooth

headset embodies the quintessential amalgamation of

Version 5.0 and has a working distance of 10 meters to ensure smooth music playing without any hindrances.

The U&I Gamble comes with 500mAh battery which provides playtime of 50 hours and has a charging time

Price : INR 2,999

of 4-5 hours. The neckband is light-weight and sleek in design and comfortably fits in your ears. Equipped with multi-functional and volume/track control button, the Gamble neckband provides rich-bass HD stereo sound with passive noise cancellation for uninterrupted music experience. With in-built microphone and Google and Siri Assistant support, users can enjoy two-way interaction clearly. Also, it can be connected with 2 Bluetooth devices at the same time. It can be bought from all leading retail stores and e-commerce platforms.n

116 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

add-ons Barco ClickShare Conference All set to enable next-gen wireless conferencing

B

arco India has introduced its next-generation wireless

hassle-free and

conferencing solution, the ClickShare Conference.

truly impressive,

It is based on the concept of BYOM (Bring Your Own

connecting users to

Meeting), as it takes away all the friction points related to

cameras, speakerphones,

hosting video conferences from your own device. Whether

soundbars and other USB-

used in huddles spaces, meeting rooms or boardrooms,

peripherals in the room for

ClickShare Conference works seamlessly with your

a better, more immersive meeting

videoconferencing software, your camera brand, your

experience. The ClickShare Collaboration

laptop, and most importantly, makes remote meetings as

App that can be employed while using the

intuitive as having a face-to-face meeting. The new range

Button is accessible via the additional Quick

that includes 3 models: the entry-level CX-20, the CX-30

Button. Additional features include retrieving a local view

and the high-end CX-50, provides users freedom to choose

of the room display, allowing to share the room content

how they collaborate securely as the solution is triple-

remotely, pause content, ideation, moderation and control

agnostic. They can join the meeting from any device and

of AV equipment. The presence detection function in the

space while enjoying all the familiar benefits of the Unified

ClickShare Collaboration App allows users to instantly

Communication or videoconferencing tools and AV USB-

connect to the meeting room from laptop or mobile

peripherals available in the room.

devices and have immediate access to wireless presenting,

ClickShare Conference will make remote meetings faster,

interactive sharing and feature-rich collaboration. n

Netgear Nighthawk AX12 The Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router for improved network capacity

N

etworking equipment maker Netgear has introduced

The Netgear AX12 is a powerful Wi-Fi 6 Router that uses

Nighthawk Tri-band AX12 12-Stream Wi-Fi 6 Router

three bands with a combined Wi-Fi speed of 10.8Gbps3.

(RAX200) that supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) rendering

This provides the ideal solution for the growing needs of

four times of the increased data capacities to handle

households with an ever-increasing number of connected

today and tomorrow’s growing home network. The AX12

devices vying for internet bandwidth simultaneously. Tri-

is powered by a quad-core 2.2 GHz processor, offering

Band Wi-Fi provides an additional Wi-Fi band to reduce

10.8GBps Wi-Fi speeds and a 2.5G multi-gig Ethernet

congestion and provide a better-connected experience

interface as either a LAN or WAN. For mobile devices, the

across multiple devices simultaneously. The latest Wi-Fi

router supports Gigabit Wi-Fi, as well as interface-free

6 technology provides four times the amount of data

channels with dynamic frequency selection.

capacity over that of the previous generation of Wi-Fi

The router includes a single 2.4GHz band

routers (802.11ac), also now known as Wi-Fi 5. Using

and 5GHz bands.

the Nighthawk AX12 Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router, households can expect a combined 10.8Gbps of bandwidth for

Price : INR 74,999

all their networking needs from simultaneous 4K/8K UHD video streaming to gaming and other high-bandwidth consuming activities. The AX12 is available through authorized Netgear partners, other reseller channels and e-commerce portals.n

march 2020 | 117

Gadget Corner

add-ons Rocker Thunder Pro Take your party excitement to the next level with this Zoook speaker

E

xpanding its much-admired flagship Thunder series, audio brand Zoook has launched the Rocker Thunder

Pro Bluetooth party speaker in India. The cutting-edge karaoke product, packed with latest audio technology, has 30W speakers and deep bass support which ensure powerful entertainment for every house party. To take the excitement to the next level, Zoook has added flashing LED DJ lights to the speakers. Not only this, the speakers

Price : INR 2,749

come with a remote control and a wireless microphone for

easy and uncompromised music play while the audio is

karaoke that can bring freshness to your routine gatherings.

enabled with stereo technology for high quality music

The product supports TF card plus MP3 playback and has

playback. The Bluetooth party speaker has a set of other

in built FM, Aux and USB input, which allows user to

amazing features such as professional Echo Control,

enjoy all forms of music, whenever they want.

and EQ control for enhanced voice quality and better

With this speaker, users can enjoy uninterrupted

sound delivery. The EQ control is specially incorporated

music, on complete charging. The device is powered by

to enhance the existing capability of the deep bass given

a 1,800mAh battery. It is built on the strong foundation

in the 30 watt speaker. One can purchase this speaker

of TWS or True Wireless Technology, which provides

online as well as offline.n

CA-DDS: Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible Desktop Docking Station An ideal office device

C

adyce, in its constant endeavours to improve,

to your laptop and then to all the multiple devices which

enhance and introduce robust products with the latest

you need and build your workstation without the hassle.

technology, has introduced the CA-DDS, a Thunderbolt 3

Simplify your needs with Cadyce sophistication.

Port Compatible Desktop Docking Station that is designed

While most laptops and computers offer the option of

to take your work experience to a whole new level. It is

one Thunderbolt 3 port, up to three regular USB ports,

the perfect platform to expand the functionality of your

and single video interface options, having a docking

laptop computer. This futuristic piece of tech by Cadyce

station expands the possibilities of your device. A docking

is a must-have if you are the one who seeks to simplify

device packs all that you need to enlarge your workstation

your workspace. Connect Cadyce Desktop Docking Station

according to your needs. Most docking stations provide HDMI or VGA ports to add more monitors to your device.

Cadyce Desktop Docking Station gives the option of both HDMI and VGA at the same time. Professional workstations will be enhanced beyond imagination with the new CADDS. You can enhance the capabilities of your laptop, like multiple screens, keyboards, microphones, speakers, multiple flash drives all at once! The Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible Desktop Docking Station offers multiple ports like Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, VGA, USB 3.0, and USB-C PD charging (100W) port to your USB-C enabled computer.n

118 | march 2020

MYMOBILE

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Gadget Corner

add-ons Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless Travel in style with this smart headphone

G

erman audio giant Sennheiser has introduced its much-awaited Sennheiser PXC 550-II, the successor

of its acclaimed PXC 550 Wireless headphones in India.

The new PXC 550-II Wireless is designed to offer an

Price: INR 29,990

intuitive experience for the frequent travelers.

The PXC 550-II is said to be even more sophisticated than its predecessor and has adaptive noise cancellation for all environments because of its new Anti-Wind ANC setting. The PXC 550-II Wireless comes with Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility and AAC codec support for superior wireless listening, while a new Voice Assistant button provides one-touch access to voice assistants such as Siri, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Alongside aptXTM support, these enhancements help to deliver uncompromised Sennheiser sound quality.

Music and movies can be enjoyed with outstanding clarity, balance and dynamics, while support for aptXTM Low Latency ensures audio stays in perfect sync with onscreen media. And no matter where a journey takes the listener, the headphones’ active noise cancellation seamlessly adapts to ambient noise levels to provide the exact level of suppression needed – even in challenging outdoor environments, thanks to a new Anti-Wind ANC setting.

The PXC 550-II Wireless also features a triple microphone array that makes it easy to stay connected while on the move: Sennheiser’s expertise in microphone technology ensures unrivalled speech clarity when giving voice commands or making calls – even in busy locations.

It has been designed to anticipate the user’s needs and to make every interaction utterly intuitive: Take control via a touch pad on the right earcup to adjust volume, play, pause or skip tracks, or to accept calls at a touch.

The headphones automatically turn on and connect via

Bluetooth as they are unfolded. Similarly, the Smart Pause feature senses when the listener takes off the PXC 550-II Wireless and automatically pauses the audio – resuming without missing a beat when put back on.

As part of a new generation of smart, connected headphones from Sennheiser, the PXC 550-II Wireless seamlessly connects to personal devices to enhance the user experience. It features a Voice Assistant button that offers convenient, one-touch access to voice assistants such as Siri, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Sennheiser’s free Smart Control app also makes it possible to tailor the sound for a more personal audio experience: listeners can either choose from a selection of presets for different types of audio or customize the sound to their taste via the intuitive equalizer. The app also allows the user to adjust noise cancellation and keep the headphones up to date with the latest firmware.

With up to 20 hours of battery life with headphones connected via Bluetooth and ANC switched on, and up to 30 hours when using ANC and a wired connection, the PXC 550-II Wireless can travel the world on a single charge. To ensure comfort during long trips, the advanced ergonomic design includes a padded synthetic leather headband, and rotating earcups that make it easy to achieve a perfect fit. Premium, lightweight materials such as the brushed black stainless steel used on the robust hinges and sliders prevent fatigue when wearing – and help make the PXC 550-II Wireless effortlessly portable.

With a fold-flat design and a compact travel case created to slip into a bag or airline seat back, it’s the perfect companion for travelling in style. The headset is available across online and offline channels.n team@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE

Last Word

Vantage Point

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Quality, innovation will play a key role in the long run in accessories marketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Within a short period Riversong has been performing great in the Indian accessories/ gadgets market. It is delivering products that are not only affordable but, long-lasting too.

Manvendra K Chandola, CEO, Riversong India discusses the highly cluttered Indian accessories market and what will be its future.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s driving smartphone accessories

with the current market share of 30 per

which means, it is a lot of geographies

in India? There are many factors which

cent. The organised sector will build and

which has to be covered and even when I

are driving smartphone accessories in

grow eventually, its share will increase and

talk about the space coverage then within

Indian Market. Aspirations of customers,

the grey market will see a dip. Considering

the states, we are in the top 7 or 8 towns.

smartphone been sold without accessories

this 30 per cent to 3,300 Crores is from

So, we can say that coverage in the states

(earlier these accessories was a part of

the organised space to which we have a

is yet to be reached, but whatever we have

box packaging), the organized market is

market share of around 3 per cent then we

done so far is as per the commitments

growing, less margin in the smartphone has

can touch our goal of 100 Crores.

made to the channel partners and we have

because of the high bottom line, GST

Riversong has been in India for

fulfilled our commitments. n team@mymobile.co.in

impact etc.

a very short period but has

shift retailers focus in smart accessories

already seen strong growth, How do you look at their future? This

what will you say is

Industry will have almost one new brand

working for its success?

each day; this will go on for a year or two.

First of all, I will not say

This is the easiest business to do with

that we have achieved

even small capital. We have seen many

success yet, this is just

players closed their operations in just 5 to

the beginning steps

6 months. Quality, design and innovation

which we have taken for

will play a key role in the long run. There

us. We are looking at

will be consolidation in the industry in 2 to

reaching 19 states

3 years. In these years branded products will have 40 to 45 per cent share. This will be an area where most of the brand will be eyeing for their share. It is going to be a long term game for quality players only.

In recent news, Riversong is expecting Rs 100 Crores revenue in 2020, how do you think this will be possible? The industry overall is around 10,000 Crores yearly and 70 per cent of that is accountable by the grey market and 30 per cent are from the organised sector. So, if I consider the industry giving out 10 per cent on a minimum site then it is going to be 11,000 Crores annually then 30 per cent of that will be from the organised sector,

122 | march 2020

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RNI REG NO. DELENG/2005/15033 DL (ND) : 11/6100/2018-19-20 Posting Date 26th to 31st every month Publishing Date : 22-02-20