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Will Dominance Shift in 2020? Realme, Xiaomi March to Lead

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Editorpage

firstcall

C

ompetition is the need of the hour. Competition is good for the buyers. Competition is equally good as an opportunity for the competitors to give

EDITORIA L

their best. Competition will remain so in the

Pankaj Mohindroo |

year 2020. This phrase suits the best for two

Haider Ali Khan | Deputy Editor

smartphone brands like many others competing with each other to win the buyers and the market dominance. One being a well-established brand since last five years, and another just twenty months young and disruptive smartphone company. It’s Xiaomi and Realme! The disruptor (Realme) and the market king (Xiaomi) competition will drive market sentiments and growth in 2020 out of which consumers will be the ultimate winner. We present to you a glimpse of this friendly war between

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

Realme and Xiaomi as how would it unfold in this New Year. Xiaomi and Realme were the brands that fought for market dominance in 2019 and will continue to do so in 2020. Each one of them launched smartphones simultaneously on the same lines, in the same price bracket and almost having the same sets of specifications. Many experts, industry

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

veterans and even the people feel that Realme is walking the same path as once travelled by Xiaomi which is provide best value for money smartphone or any other product for that matter. The fight now is not just limited to smartphone only, but has shifted to other

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

areas such as IoT, connected devices and digital financial support. Technology is not merely tech now, it has become lifestyle, and both Realme and Xiaomi are striving hard to gain an upper hand. Xiaomi has built a network of online plus offline, penetrated deep inside the arteries of this country, provided door step

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

delivery of products and services and with equally functional and responsive after-sales services, it has emerged as the top selling smartphone company. Mi Store and Mi Home have been the backbone for Xiaomi in offline markets

AD V I S ORY B OARD

which Realme is now replicating. For Xiaomi it would be much easy to retain

Bejon Misra

its top spot in 2020 as Samsung lags behind in budget, mid and mid-premium

Rajan Mathews

segment and Realme has a long road to travel. It will not be merely these two

S.D. Saxena

brands to compete for dominance but, there are vivo, Oppo, Samsung and

Subhash Chandra

OnePlus to make the fight even more interesting.

Sunil Dutt

This New Year opens a new era of opportunities for both Realme and Xiaomi. Both are now well-versed, understand the market and its aspirations, threats; global and local, have dedicated R&D team to meet the demands, and last but not the least, the control over offline and online channels coupled with good after sales servicing is going to decide the new market leader. Realme is pegged to cross over vivo, Oppo and might reach at number three in market share by the Q3 of 2020. Collectively, BBK (vivo, Oppo, OnePlus and Realme) is going to be the sole dominator in 2020 while Xiaomi has to

Sonu Bhasin Uvaraj Natarajan

G ET IN TOUCH Editorial : haider@mymobile.co.in Marketing : sandeep@mymobile.co.in Circulation : bgmathur@mymobile.co.in Phone : 011—46206161 Fax : 011—41520637

battle it out alone. 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

Happy Reading! n

Pankaj Mohindroo editor-in-chief

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04 | january 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 XIV, Issue XII, january 2020

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HR Monitoring

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BP Monitoring

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contents

20

34

26 Style Notes 10 letters 11 Newsbits 16 Just In Get a close look at new smartphones now in the market

into Different Industries

failing to maintain market

104

momentum?

Most Downloaded Apps of

2019 and their Controversies

76

India Fares Better in Spam

Call Ranking

Face to Face 28 Arun Menon – Country

77

Business Head, Philips

Roadmap

MediaTek to Focus on 5G

Experiences, Robust Product

Branded Television and Audio, TPV Technology India Private Limited

66

Rohit Sahni – Director, WK Life

Realme and Xiaomi Strive

68

Anurag Prasad – Co-founder

for Dominance

and Product Head, Visit

20 Lead Story

104

40 Spotlight Trends to look for at CES 2020

Market Insight 44

Do Mobile Ads Influence You

Feature 26 5G wireless revolution, what

In Focus 36 #THISHAPPENED: Biggest

in Your Buying Decisions?

we know so far!

Moments on Twitter in 2019

Hearables Market

30

72

Most Anticipated Smartphones

Telecom Sector Outlook

to Look out for in 2020

Negative on AGR dues

34

74

06 | january 2020

AI-led Advancements Seeping

Why offline retail stores are

45

Better Days Ahead for

103 India to sell Connected Consumer Devices worth Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore in 2020

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C

TM


What's Inside

contents Burn Test 46 realme X2 Pro

Consumer 108 Add Ons The latest and the best of Insight 64 Showing Robots “Tough Love” gadgets and accessories, from Helps them Succeed, Finds

earphones and Bluetooth

Study

speakers to mobile chargers

50 vivo V17

78

and power banks

52 LG G8s ThinQ

Women

49 Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

Internet Emerging as an

Empowering Force for Indian

Trends driving Audio Market

54 Infinix S5 Lite 56 Red Magic 3S 59 Philips BASS+ SHB3075 60 Infinix Band 5 62 HiFuture OlymBuds 63 HiFuture NeckLace

81

122 Vantage Point

70 By Invitation mCommerce Shaping Lifestyle

in 2020 – Achin Gupta,

Country Head-India, Zoook

36

Industry in India – Mayank Jain, Managing Partner – Greenways

81 My Guide The most comprehensive

2019

feature and price list of mobile devices

40

74

70

64

76

Total number of pages = 124

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TM


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Mobile phone industry seeks tax rationalisation, clarity on export scheme

Mobile phone industry recently sought clarity over recent reduction in export incentives and demanded rationalisation of tax structure, including GST on handsets, during a pre-budget meet with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. According to India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), reduction in export incentives will lead to massive job losses. On the meeting, ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo said the government has strong intention to support Indian companies as well as attract global brands to make the country a hub of mobile manufacturing. “Regarding export benefits... we have requested that the air be cleared. There is an incentive package being worked out for global value chain and Indian companies to meet mobile export target of USD 110 billion as per National Policy on Electronics. We have put forward a request (on this) strongly,” Mohindroo said. The meeting was attended by technology sector industry bodies ICEA, MAIT, NASSCOM, Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association, Indian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association besides representatives from Apple, Lava International, Reliance Jio etc. On December 7, the DGFT reduced export incentive on mobile handsets from 4 per cent to 2 per cent. “We have requested that basic customs duty on high phones be capped at Rs 4,000. We are witnessing lot of grey market being developed which should be stopped,” Mohindroo said. The mobile phone industry has also requested the finance minister to rationalise GST on mobile handset priced below Rs 1,200 to 5 per cent from 12 per cent at present as it will benefit 15 crore people who buy feature phones, Mohindroo said. Apple acquires UK-based startup to enhance iPhone photography In an endeavour to further improve iPhone photography, Apple has acquired a UK-

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based startup Spectral Edge for an undisclosed sum. The startup is known for technology that can be used to improve photos taken on iPhones, according to reports, citing filings made public recently. Spectral Edge “has developed computational photography tech that could blend data from a standard lens and an infrared lens to enhance photo quality”. The startup raised $5.3 million in a funding round in 2018. Created in 2014 from academic research at the University of East Anglia, Spectral Edge’s algorithm is able to enhance low-light smartphone images which could improve Night Mode in iPhones. The iPhone 11 Pro has introduced a transformative triple-camera system with

all-new Ultra Wide, Wide and Telephoto cameras, deeply integrated into iOS to create a pro-level camera experience designed for everyone. Xiaomi patent shows Motorola Razr-like foldable phone with pop-up camera

Chinese handset brand Xiaomi has patented a new large-display smartphone which folds in half in the middle like Moto Razr, protecting the screen as a result. China’s National Intellectual Property Administration website shows it’s granted Xiaomi’s new foldable design patent, which was filed in August. Unlike the Moto Razr, Xiaomi’s new foldable smartphone patent shows a pop-up selfie camera, according to reports. It is not Xiaomi’s first foldable design. Recently, the company patented a foldable smartphone with a five pop-up

camera setup. As per the patent, this foldable phone has an outward-folding screen and depending on how a user holds it, the five cameras can either be rear cameras or front-facing cameras. The sketches of the device suggest that it will have a really thin bezels and no display notch. Oppo looking to set up R&D centre in Bengaluru

What’s Up

newsbits

With its plan to invest $7 billion in research and development globally in the next three years, Oppo is looking to expand R&D centres to cities like Bengaluru, according to reports. The company currently has one R&D centre in Hyderabad and the second centre may come up in Bengaluru. “We have 6 global institutes and 4 research centres and one of them is in Hyderabad in India. So definitely we are going to be expanding our processes in Hyderabad or possibly in Bangalore to actually invest more in R&D,” Alen Wu, Oppo’s Vice President and President of Global Sales, was quoted as saying. “In terms of revenue, we are doing good in India. So far in 2019, we have witnessed a growth of over 60 per cent in India and the number will go up by the year end. I’m happy with the performance,” Wu said recently. Vivo in the race to launch Snapdragon 865-powered 5G smartphone

Vivo will be one of the first handset players to launch a smartphone based on

january 2020 | 11


What’s Up

newsbits Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 5G mobile platform, it said recently. Previously, Oppo also claimed to launch its 5G smartphone powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset in the first quarter of 2020. Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 with the X55 5G Modem-RF System supports 5G speeds of up to 7.5 Gbps. With the new upgrade, the AI computing rate can achieve a strong performing rate of 15 trillion operations per second. In addition, the faster ISP of the chipset can achieve a processing speed of 2 gigapixel per second. The platform also supports 200 MP camera and 8K video recording, the company further said. “We believe that through this meaningful collaboration, we would be able to provide even better performance to consumers worldwide. This work also strengthens our commitment to be at the forefront in bringing the latest technology to our fans,” said Jerome Chen, CEO, Vivo India. Realme brings Paysa for digital financial inclusion

Oppo spin-off brand Realme has initiated its new financial lending service called the Realme Paysa to disburse loans. It will be available for both Realme and non-Realme users across iOS and Android platforms. This comes right after its immediate rival, Xiaomi, recently introduced Mi Credit under the same ambit. Realme Paysa is available on Google Play Store in beta version in two languages, Hindi and English. Soon it will come pre-installed on all Realme smartphones. Realme is targeting three areas; lending, savings and protection, payments and tools for businesses. Regarding data, the company has assured that it will be stored locally. Realme Paysa has features such as Free Credit Report, Personal Loan, Business Loan and Screen Insurance. With the Realme Paysa app, you can now take personal loans from Rs 8,000 to Rs 100,000 with very limited paperwork, a

12 | january 2020

fully digital process and a repayment option from 3 to 12 months. Meanwhile, small or medium-sized businesses can take a pure digital loan up to Rs 5 lakhs and a flexible repayment tenure from 12 to 60 months. Sundar Pichai to take home whopping $242 mn stock package in new role

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai will take home $240 million stock package ($90 million of it tied to Alphabet’s performance) on top of a $2 million annual salary in 2020. Alphabet said in a Securities Exchange Commission filing recently that Pichai will also start receiving a substantial raise from January 1 to $2 million a year, reports say. The compensation package is being given in recognition of Pichai’s “expanded role as CEO of Alphabet and Google”. Pichai, meanwhile, received $90 million in stock awards that will vest by the end of 2022 “depending on Alphabet’s shareholder returns compared to the S&P 100”, the filing said. “Pichai also received two other stock grants, of $120 million and $30 million, neither tied to performance but subject to his continued employment,” the report said, citing the filing. Signalling the end of an era, Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin decided to relinquish their current positions in the parent company Alphabet earlier in December, making India-born Pichai the CEO of both Google and Alphabet. LG Electronics appoints TV and mobile chief as its new CEO

South Korean electronics major LG has appointed Brian Kwon, head of the firm’s

TV and mobile business, as its new chief executive officer. The board of directors at the LG Electronics picked Kwon to replace incumbent CEO Jo Seong-jin, who took the top post in 2016. Jo, nicknamed “Legend of the Washing Machine,” has worked for LG Electronics for over 40 years and took credit for successfully launching new lifestyle appliances, such as clothes dryers and the steam clothing care system Stylus, under his leadership. Kwon, 56, is known for his expertise in the home entertainment business, taking charge of launching LG’s premium OLED lineup that improved profitability in the TV business. LG Electronics posted strong performance in its home appliance division with its premium lineup and new lifestyle gadgets last year, but it has been grappling with operating losses in the smartphone business. As part of cost-cutting efforts, the company moved its Korean smartphone factory to Vietnam in October and released dual screen smartphones with 5G network connectivity to target the high-end segment. Huawei endeavours to build Google services alternative in India; Oppo brings global fund

Handset majors Huawei and Oppo have started engaging with Indian developers with lucrative incentives under their global funds to build localized mobile services that can be offered with their smartphones in the country. Both handset companies are incentivizing developers in India through their global funds to develop these services. Huawei’s move is more about building an alternative to Google’s service suite, called Google Media Services (GMS) since there is uncertainty on the use of GMS on Huawei and Honor mobile phones following restrictions announced by the US government earlier last year. GMS includes Gmail, YouTube, Navigation, Google Drive and Maps. Huawei’s subbrand Honor is in talks with 150 top apps

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in India to get them on its HMS or Huawei Media Services, Charles Peng, CEO, Huawei and Honor India, Consumer Business Group, said recently. Oppo, on the other hand, is allocating $143 million in 2020 for supporting developers across the globe, including India to develop a “new intelligent service ecosystem” with developers and partners around its ColorOS operating system.

of Anita Praveen, additional secretary and finance advisor, Department of Posts (DoP) as an additional secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the notification read. Praveen is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1989 batch Tamil Nadu cadre. She has also previously served in the Department of Commerce as a joint secretary. Praveen will report to the telecom secretary Anshu Prakash.

Infinix to foray into smart TV market

267 million Facebook users’ data leaked with IDs and phone numbers

Following the footsteps of Xiaomi, OnePlus and Motorola-Lenovo, Transsion Holdings smartphone brand Infinix is planning to foray into the smart TV market, besides increasing its focus on smart accessories with the launch of smartwatches and portable audio products. “Our smart TV plans are under works for India. Globally, we have done some work around it,” Anish Kapoor, CEO, Infinix India, was quoted as saying by some reports. Meanwhile, sector watchers say these firms are strategically placed to capitalize on the brand recall among consumers and to leverage their distribution and online channels, along with their existing manufacturing facilities. Infinix will also enter the new handset segments in the first half of this year to broaden the addressable market. The company considers India as its most strategic market, and will continue to have India-first smartphone launches besides having some offline footprint this year. Anita Praveen appointed as additional secretary in telecom department

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) recently appointed Anita Praveen as an additional secretary in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). “The ACC has approved the appointment

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A database containing personal details of more than 267 million Facebook users was allegedly left exposed on the web, according to a report from Britain-based tech research firm Comparitech and security researcher Bob Diachenko. Diachenko believes the trove of data -- including Facebook user IDs, phone numbers and names -- is most likely the result of an illegal scraping operation or Facebook API abuse by criminals in Vietnam. “Scraping” is a term used to describe a process in which automated bots quickly sift through large numbers of web pages, copying data from each one into a database. The information contained in the database could be used to conduct large-scale SMS spam and phishing campaigns, among other threats to end users, said the report recently, adding that most of the affected users were from the US. The revelations come at a time when Facebook is trying to regain the trust of its users with protection of their data following the Cambridge Analytica scandal that badly hit its reputation. Likee refreshes iconic in-app functions, introduces new capabilities BIGO Technology-owned short video platform Likee has refreshed its popular in-app functions - ‘Superme’ and the newly-introduced feature of ‘FaceMagic’. The development comes into effect after the introduction of new features using advanced AI technology, to highlight the

current capabilities of the tools better. Likee’s FaceMagic is an innovative one-tap tool that allows users to morph celebrity face in the famous dance/movie scene into their own face. By doing so, users can create highly engaging and realistic videos for entertainment purpose. The FaceMagic function can be applied to any video available in the app’s video library. The Superme function, on the other hand, has a wide range of tools such as Face change, Morph, and more to enable users with advanced editing tools in one tap. With the aim to enhance the user experience, Likee is said to be continuously working towards simplification of the tools as well as introducing new capabilities to empower its users.

What’s Up

newsbits

Kaspersky’s 2020 security solutions for home users launched

Russian cybersecurity major Kaspersky recently launched their latest version of security solutions for home users with their 2020 range in India in association with their sole national distributor Supertron Electronics. The company rolls out major updates in their products once a year to keep the solutions up to date with the threat landscape globally. Kaspersky and Supertron Electronics together feel bullish about aiming at consumers from developing cities in India with this update. This year Kaspersky has focused on strengthening their defences against threats targeting the individual systems like PCs, laptop, Mac and mobile phones. Internet security solution or Total security solution on the system will help consumers fight against attacks like banking fraud, phishing emails,

january 2020 | 13


What’s Up

newsbits e-commerce fraud, and will also help parents keep their child digitally safe. TikTok owner testing music app ‘Resso’ in India, Indonesia

TikTok owner ByteDance is testing a new music app in emerging markets as it tries to pull off another global sensation akin to its viral video-sharing service. Called Resso, the new app is now available in India and Indonesia, two of Asia’s most populous countries and places already keenly familiar with TikTok. Since its initial launch six months ago, Resso has been installed by about 27,000 users across the iOS App Store and Google Play, according to data compiled by Sensor Tower, which said the numbers indicate promotion of the app began in earnest at the end of November. ByteDance, the world’s most valuable startup, has been quietly developing the app to challenge the likes of Spotify and Apple Music in countries where paid music services have yet to garner large audiences. Airtel VoWiFi service goes live in 5 states after Delhi-NCR

After rolling out its voice over WiFi service in Delhi-NCR recently, Bharti Airtel has expanded the service to Mumbai, Kolkata, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. ‘Airtel Wi-Fi Calling’ allows Airtel customers using WiFi calling capable handsets to make calls using a WiFi network without costing any extra data

14 | january 2020

cost. ‘Airtel Wi-Fi Calling’ leverages cutting edge technology to enhance the indoor voice calling experience for Airtel smartphone customers. The innovative service uses WiFi networks to create a dedicated channel for voice calls and allows customers to make telco grade calls to any network. This dramatically improves customer experience as one can seamlessly switch to Airtel Wi-Fi Calling. The service does not require any app and can be configured on the smartphone by simply checking smartphone compatibility on airtel.in/wifi-calling, upgrading device software to support WiFi calling, and switching on WiFi calling on the device with VoLTE enabled for seamless experience. Club Factory’s seller base grows four-fold to scale 20,000

Ecommerce platform Club Factory has over 20,000 registered sellers as of December 2019, registering a four-fold increase in the second half of the year. The company has quadrupled its registered seller base and over-achieved its set target of 10K sellers for this year. Club Factory is also strengthening its India leadership team and will appoint local leaders for key functions in the next quarter. The Indian leadership team will further lead the strong momentum gained by Club Factory in 2019. Club Factory also witnessed over 600% YoY growth with over 200 sellers clocking in over 15K orders per day, in the recently-concluded Black Friday Sale in November. Most of the sellers were onboarded after June and have grown from zero since then. Club Factory is currently the biggest portal for the SMEs. Netrika Consulting acquires Anti Piracy Solutions Risk management and corporate frauds investigation firm Netrika Consulting has acquired Hyderabad-based company Anti Piracy Solutions (APS). With this acquisition, Netrika will now be better

positioned to effectively lead the fight against unauthorised leaks and peddling of

copyrighted intellectual properties such as movies, music albums and even educational contents online. This synergy will also boost Netrika’s capability in the fight against the online sale of counterfeit goods which is a serious issue facing the growing popularity of online shopping. APS founder and CEO Chaitanya N will function as a Director at Netrika Consulting. Sanjay Kaushik, Managing Director, Netrika Consulting, said, “Piracy is a universal concern which besides being an IPR concern is causing huge losses to both corporates as well as governments globally. We are happy to welcome Anti Piracy Solutions into our fold and we are confident to protect our clientele from piracy both online and offline.” Helo further strengthens safety features, content moderation policies

Social media platform Helo has further strengthened its existing safety features and content moderation policies, making them available in 14 Indian regional languages. This is as part of their growing commitment to provide a safe in-app experience for its community, including a recent partnership with an internationallyacclaimed fact checker to counter misinformation and fake news. Shyamanga Barooah, Head of Content Operations, Helo, said, “Maintaining a safe and positive in-app environment is paramount to us, which is why we continuously enhance and

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update our policies, safety tools, and online resources. Taking a step ahead in this direction, we are delighted to collaborate with an independent, third-party fact checker to reduce the prevalence of fake news on our platform.” Helo has partnered with third-party fact-checkers like the Jagran Group, certified by International Fact Check Network and Poynter Institute to further intensify its efforts in minimising misinformation and fake news in the online community. AchhaGo makes it big at IEAE 2019

make an informed decision,” Pandey added. Average Indian spends one-third of their waking hours on phone

comedy film Dabangg 3. UC Browser, as the digital partner for SKF, has access to exclusive trailers, bloopers, fun videos and more from Dabangg 3, bringing a wide array of entertaining digital content for its vast user base of 130 million (MAUs). UC has also run a unique campaign to amplify the frenzy that surrounds every Salman Khan-release in the country. UC recently arranged for 60 cab drivers who dressed up as Salman Khan’s most loved character - Chulbul Pandey from the Dabangg series. Housing.com redefines virtual reality in proptech with DigiTour 2.O

Ecommerce platform AchhaCart’s retail wing AchhaGo launched its concept of smart living and showcased new products and categories at the recently-concluded India International Electronics & Smart Appliances Expo in New Delhi. The brand claims to have received warm responses from the visitors attending the three-day B2B and B2C exhibition. AchhaGo aims to cater to the market, ranging from Tier 1 to Tier 4 cities through its digital app, becoming India’s very own Costco, the company said in a statement. The homegrown company unveiled the whole catalog of products, ranging from home solutions, daily life, travel solutions, office and health and personal care that will enable the end consumer to live smart. The target audience for this setup was the age group from 18 to 40, especially the middle class and gadget enthusiasts. UC Browser ties up with Salman Khan Films as Dabangg 3 digital partner In yet another endeavor to promote digital entertainment content in India, UC Browser, the world’s No.1 third-party mobile browser and a content platform, has tied up with Salman Khan Films (SKF) to promote the recently-released action

www.mymobileindia.com

Realty platform Housing.com, which also owns PropTiger.com and Makaan.com, has launched its new feature DigiTour 2.O, which enables a super virtual walkthrough and varied allied features to refine consumer’s search to the extent that they may do away with a first level physical recce of property. With an enhanced user-friendly design and improved features like ease of sharing and personalization, the new version of DigiTour is all set to smudge the line between what’s real and what’s virtual and thereby provide a completely new experience to the customers. “With DigiTour 2.0, we have ensured a far superior user experience in terms of access, visibility, features and navigation,” said Pallav Pandey, Group CTO, Elara Technologies. “Our constant endeavour has been to innovate and bring the best of technology for our homebuyers. Given that our major chunk of traffic is on mobile, our improved version will definitely help them

What’s Up

newsbits

An average Indian spends one-third of their waking hours on phone translating to 1800 hours a year, says a joint study by Cybermedia Research (CMR) and smartphone brand Vivo. The study titled ‘Smartphone and their impact on human relationships’ in its report mentioned that 75% of the respondents agreed to have owned a smartphone in their teens and of them, 41% were hooked to phones even before graduating from high school. Additionally, the study brought out that 1 in 3 people feel that they can’t even have a 5 minute conversation with friends and family without checking their phones. Also, 73% respondents agreed that if smartphone usage continues at the current rate or grows, that it is likely to impact mental or physical health. The study further mentioned that 3 out of 5 people believed in having a life separate from mobile phone and that could help them lead to happier lives. The report is based on a survey conducted online as well as face to face across top 8 cities in India. The report cuts across age-groups and demographics: youth, working professionals, housewives spanning the age groups of 18 to 45. The study had 2000 respondents out of which 36% were females and 64% were males. Honor plans to enter India PC market this year Honor has plans of entering India’s PC market with planned launch of two Windows-based laptops in the initial quarters of 2020. The laptops will be based on Intel and AMD chipsets. The company also has plans of foraying into television space in India as part of its product portfolio expansion. n team@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 15


First Look

justin LG G8X ThinQ

L

G Electronics unveiled a new smartphone LG G8X ThinQ — its newest G series smartphone and a

more advanced LG Dual Screen — in India that is designed to help users find a whole new way to multitask while being creative in its design and outlook. Taking its consumer experience to the next level, LG G8X ThinQ with LG Dual Screen will be available across all retail outlets at Rs 49,999. LG G8X ThinQ with LG Dual Screen offer consumers an entirely new way to interact with a mobile device and usher in new possibilities for mobile gaming, content creation and consumption, productivity and much more. LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen lets consumers be as productive as they can be, quickly and easily. Whether texting a friend while watching a video, updating fantasy football while

researching stats, sharing and comparing while online shopping, or writing an email while referencing a presentation, consumers can navigate, research, communicate and more across two screens simply and efficiently. What’s more, LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen features unique experiences that provide more control for scenarios where two identical OLED displays simply work better than one, saving precious screen real estate. LG gives consumers the option to have the power and flexibility of two screens, but the freedom to choose one based on the situation. By detaching LG Dual Screen from LG G8X ThinQ, going minimal is as simple as a snap. LG Dual Screen boasts a convenient cover display, with the essentials like notifications, date, time, battery life available at a glance. With a 360-degree Freestop Hinge, LG Dual Screen is able to lock into at any angle, making it practical for use as a game controller at 120-degree, a mini-laptop at 140-degree, flat at 180-degree, a stand or tent at 270-degree, or to take a call flipped back on itself at 360°. LG Game Pad is an immersive dual-screen experience designed to level-up mobile gaming and deliver an edge in the competitive moment. It gives gamers a complete view of a game on one screen and a full controller on the other, giving the options to choose from multiple virtual controllers or build a custom layout to match specific gameplay needs and styles. LG Game Pad mimics touch input on the main display, making it compatible with most games. The LG Smart Keyboard converts LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen into a mini-laptop for on-the-go use. The bottom display transforms into a full-screen virtual keyboard making it easier to write emails, edit presentations, text, or search the web in fullscreen on the top display. n

16 | january 2020

MYMOBILE


First Look

justin

Nokia 2.3

H

MD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has launched the

In case there are software issues, Nokia Mobile Care is

Nokia 2.3 for consumers in India with a replacement

equipped to resolve the issue by flashing your Nokia 2.3 with

guarantee for a 1-year period at Rs 8,199.

the latest software update. If you have a hardware issue with

Delivering a feature-packed camera fuelled by AI, helping

your Nokia 2.3 charger or USB cable, then Nokia Mobile Care

you get the best shot, the Nokia 2.3 features a large 6.2 inches

will replace the accessories under their 6-month warranty

HD+ screen (15.74 cm) and two-day battery life for long-lasting

terms. n

and immersive entertainment. Plus, being Android 10 ready, the new Nokia 2.3 will receive guaranteed monthly security updates for three years and OS updates for two years, ensuring this smartphone gets better over time. The Nokia 2.3 features a dual-camera and comes with ‘Recommended Shot’, a brand-new Nokia phones feature helping you choose the best picture. Whether it’s the mid-air backflip, the family portrait where everyone is actually smiling or the winning goal, ‘Recommended Shot’ automatically captures alternate images before and after the shutter button is pressed and suggests the best one. Alongside even more AI-powered features such as ‘Portrait Mode’ and low-light imaging, fans can capture creative images in a variety of settings. Nokia 2.3 comes with a one-year replacement guarantee. If you’ve purchased the Nokia 2.3 in India on or before 31st March 2020 and have found a hardware failure or a manufacturing defect at any time during the 1-year warranty period of your ownership, just carry your device to the nearest Nokia Mobile Care center along with the original invoice to receive a replacement, in accordance with the terms and conditions.

www.mymobileindia.com


International

justin

Motorola One Hyper

M

otorola One Hyper has finally been launched after a flurry

and Fresh Orchid colour options.

of last-minute leaks. It is the first Motorola-branded Android

Motorola One Hyper is also the first phone from the company

phone to come equipped with a pop-up selfie camera module

to pack a 64MP main camera and a full-screen display devoid

that houses a 32MP sensor at $399.99.

of a notch or hole-punch. It is powered by the ageing octa-core

The phone is already up for grabs in the US, Latin America

Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 SoC and is protected by a layer of

and some European markets in Deep Sea Blue, Dark Amber,

p2i nano-coating. The dual-SIM (Nano) Motorola One Hyper runs vanilla Android 10 with a few in-houses features such as Moto Actions and Moto Display thrown into the mix. It features a 6.5-inch full-HD+ LCD display with 19:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of 395ppi. Motorola One Hyper offers 128GB of inbuilt storage that can further be expanded via a microSD card (up to 1TB). Connectivity options on the phone include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, A-GPS, LTEPP, SUPL, GLONASS, and Galileo. The phone packs a 4,000mAh battery that supports 45W Hyper Charge technology. However, the retail package will come equipped with a 15W TurboPower charger, while the 45W charger will be sold separately in some regions. Sensors onboard the Motorola One Hyper include an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass, fingerprint sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and a SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) sensor. Dimensions of the phone are 161.8 x 76.6 x 8.9mm and it tips the scales at around 200 grams. The phone has a plastic build with a water repellent design, and has a USB Type-C port and 3.5mm headphone jack. n

18 | january 2020

MYMOBILE


Redmi K30

C

hinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has launched the much-

4G variant is powered by the Snapdragon 730G processor.

awaited successor to Redmi K20 -- Redmi K30 -- at a press

Internal storage is said to be offered in 64GB, 128GB and 256B

event in China. Xiaomi will be offering the Redmi K30 in 4G and 5G variants.

options.Both the phones support a hybrid microSD card slot (up to 256GB) for further storage expansion.

It features a hole-punch display that houses dual selfie cameras,

As for the cameras, the Redmi K30 sports a quad rear camera

and a quad rear camera setup that is placed vertically and situated

setup placed in a vertical manner and situated in the top-centre

in the top centre.

of the back panel with an intriguing circular-shaped ring

The rear camera setup houses a 64MP Sony IMX686 sensor,

surrounding it. The quad rear camera setup includes a 64MP

and the phone integrates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Sony IMX686 sensor as the main rear camera with f/1.89

Other key features include 4,500mAh battery, 20MP selfie

aperture, 1/1.7-inch sensor and 6P lens.

camera and MIUI 11 based on Android 10. The 4G and 5G variants sport different processors, different cameras, and other subtle variances as well. Redmi K30 5G is priced at CNY 1,999 (roughly Rs 20,100) for the 6GB RAM + 64GB storage option, CNY 2,299 (roughly

The main camera is assisted by a 5MP macro lens, a 2MP depth sensor and an 8MP 120 degree wide-angle sensor as well. Features include Mimoji, Super Night Scene Mode, RAW format support, and other AI-backed features. On the 4G variant, the 5MP macro camera is replaced by the 2-megapixel camera.

Rs 23,100) for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage option, CNY

Up front, the Redmi K30 and Redmi K30 5G packs a dual

2,599 (roughly Rs 26,100 ) for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage

selfie camera setup with the cutouts placed on the top right edge

option, and CNY 2,899 (roughly Rs 29,100) for the 8GB RAM

of the screen and the cutout is just 4.38mm thin. There’s a 20MP

+ 256GB storage option in China.

main front sensor and a 2MP depth sensor for better portraits.

The Redmi K30 5G will be available in Deep Sea Light, Time Monologue, Flower Shadow, Purple Jade Fantasy colour options. Xiaomi has listed the phone on Mi.com and JD.com, and pre-sale is set to begin today. The Redmi K30 4G variant, on the other hand, is priced in China at CNY 1,599 (roughly Rs 16,100) for the 6GB RAM + 64GB storage option, CNY 1,699 (roughly Rs 17,100) for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage options, CNY 1,899 (roughly Rs 19,100) for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage option, and goes all the way up to CNY 2,199 (roughly Rs 22,100) for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage option. The 4G variant is listed only in Deep Sea Light, Flower Shadow, Purple Jade Fantasy colour options. Redmi K30 supports dual-SIM (Nano + Nano) slots, and runs on MIUI 11 based on Android 10. The phone has a 6.67-inch full-HD+ (1080x2400 pixels) hole-punch display with 20:9 aspect ratio, 91 percent screen-to-body ratio, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, and 120Hz refresh rate. The 5G variant is powered by the 7nm Snapdragon 765G SoC, whereas the

The phone was joined by the new RedmiBook 13, Redmi AI Speaker Play, and Redmi Router AC2100. n team@mymobile.co.in

International

justin


lead story

Realme and Xiaomi Strive for Dominance The competition between the disruptor and the market king will drive market sentiments and growth in 2020 out of which consumers will be the ultimate winner. We present to you a glimpse of this friendly war between Realme and Xiaomi as how would it unfold in this New Year. By Haider Ali Khan

C

ompetition is the need of the

months young and disruptive smartphone

simultaneously on the same lines, in

hour. Competition is good for

company and I’m quite sure that you must

the same price bracket and almost

the buyers. Competition is

have guessed it what we are talking about.

having the same set of specifications.

equally good as an opportunity

Yes, it’s Xiaomi and Realme!

Their smartphones were so similar that

for the competitors to give their best.

consumers were left in dilemma that finally

2020. This phrase suits the best for two

Is Realme becoming Xiaomi?

smartphone brands competing with each

Xiaomi and Realme were the brands that

purchase. Many experts, industry veterans

other to win the buyers and the dominance.

fought for market dominance in 2019

and even the people feel that Realme is

One being a well-established brand since

and will continue to do so in 2020. Each

walking the same path as once travelled

last five years and another just twenty

one of them launched smartphones

by Xiaomi which is provide best value for

Competition will remain so in the year

20 | january 2020

the cashback and credit/debit card options were chosen as the way of deciding the

MYMOBILE


money smartphone or any other product for that matter. I asked Faisal Kawoosa,

level, as per IDC’s Q3 2019 report.”

commitment Manu has made Xiaomi a household name in India now which

founder and Chief Analyst at techARC

Man vs Man

whether Realme becoming second

The success of Xiaomi in India cannot

as any other Korean or Japanese brand.

Xiaomi? To which he says, “Yes and no.

be complete without mentioning the role

Manu Jain is now a brand himself and

Yes, because it’s using the same route,

of Manu Kumar Jain, Vice President,

doesn’t really even need a celebrity to

offering best of specs at the cheapest

Xiaomi and Managing Director, Xiaomi

endorse it. He got into the hearts of young

price. However, the difference I see is the

India. He has been the ‘Star’ for the

buyers fed up with erstwhile Nokia and

quality of Realme products. Barring a few

Chinese smartphone brand in India.

costly Samsung five years ago and rest

products, its quality has only improved.

Since the beginning, Manu is associated

is history. Once established, he created

That answers the No part.”

with Xiaomi and built company’s profile

a community called Mi Fans, interacted

among Indians, even though a negative

with them on regular intervals and the

sense has always prevailed against any

end result is known to us all. Manu Jain is

Chinese brand of being untrustworthy

equally active on platforms such as Twitter

and unreliable. With his efforts and

and YouTube to disseminate information

The fight now is not just limited to

can be trusted and is equally reliable

Limelight

lead story

smartphone only, but has shifted to other areas such as IoT and connected devices or digital financial support. Technology is not merely tech now, it has become lifestyle, and both Realme and Xiaomi are striving hard to gain the upper hand. Upasana Joshi, Associate Research Manager, Client Devices, IDC India, also feels, “Realme forayed into India market as a direct competition to Xiaomi with similar strategies in terms of device specifications, aggressive pricing, online first strategy and promotional activities through fan base communities, social media engagements etc. In a very less span of time it has become the second most shipped brand in the online space after Xiaomi and 4th largest at an overall

and leaks about products and services. This is why; Xiaomi is now the undisputed smartphone king in India. Similarly, Madhav Sheth, CEO of Realme India, took lessons from the Mr. Jain and followed his footsteps, which isn’t wrong at all, re-enacted all these marketing aspects with Realme and because of these efforts now it has emerged as the fastest growing smartphone brand in the country. Now he has built Realme Fans and holds #AskMadhav conversation on Twitter to engage with fans. So I believe it’s the pure replica going on for what we saw with Manu

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 21


Limelight

lead story

Jain. Madhav has been quite successful

in premium segment, Realme has

has the potential to beat Xiaomi. In

in getting connect with the audiences.

been assiduously building brand loyalty

order to do so, it would need to ensure

Realme now has its own identity in India

amongst teens and youth, through events

that is current breathtaking growth is

and is not being asked to carry the weight

and music festivals,” said Prabhu Ram,

sustainable. In particular, Realme should

of Oppo or BBK. Madhav also knows

Head-Industry Intelligence Group, CMR.

tailor its future market strategy in ensuring

the tricks of the trade and plays it well.

In summary, going forward in 2020,

optimal inventory, and avoid excessive

Associate with youths and fests when

these two men will be responsible for

shipments. Alongside, it would need to

needed, conducts photo walk sessions

taking their respective brands to new

ensure its product quality does not slip as

for the fans and even allow pre-access to

heights. Their friendly competition would

it grows bigger and bigger.”

smartphones and ideas to its community

definitely fuel the aspirations of market

to get it going.

and the industry.

“Xiaomi and Realme have been

I would say that it may happen but for that Xiaomi had to act really stupid and Realme otherwise, which isn’t going

caught-up in an intense battle for India

Potential to Lead

market. As an agile startup, Realme has

I pose another question to the experts,

online plus offline, penetrated deep inside

focused on aggressively and directly

would Realme has the potential to beat

the arteries of this country, provided door

competing with Xiaomi on online

Xiaomi in its own game? I got mixed

step delivery of products and services and

platforms, offering the latest technological

responses from them saying it’s premature

with equally functional and responsive

specs at affordable points. Just like its

to predict that. Although, Prabhu made

after-sales services, it has emerged as the

popular sister, OnePlus that operates

his point clear saying,”Realme definitely

top selling smartphone company here.

to happen. Xiaomi has built a network of


Mi Store and Mi Home have been the

can go for brands and products which are

products and services to the consumers,”

backbone for Xiaomi in offline markets

cheap and offer best value for money.

said Faisal. Xiaomi sells smartphones, IoT

which Realme is now replicating. “Xiaomi

We always think is Xiaomi doing too

which essentially started as an online

many things at the same time? Logic

brand soon realized the importance of

says that it is merely doing as per the

And to remain the boss of the market,

offline channel and started expanding

demand. Why would any company invest

it is expected for a company like Xiaomi

footprints to cater demand arousing

in inventories and keep them in waiting?

to have a diverse product range, different

outside of the online pie with dedicated

“At the end of the day what matters is

pricings, and availability across platforms.

channel efforts in terms of width of

how much revenue a company is clocking.

Upasana says, “In a hyper competitive

distribution, maintaining price parity

There is no harm in my mind in Xiaomi’s

and dynamic market like India, until a

and investing in marketing initiatives to

approach. It’s trying to offer solutions to

brand has a wider product portfolio across

increase visibility. Realme which still is

existing customers for any product that

price segments, is available across all

brands by United States such as Huawei,

could be of millennial’s interest. A basic

channels (online/offline), maintains price

there ought to be some complications

rule of business, it’s always cheap to sell to

parity and channel support (to liquidate

for the growth in 2020. When India’s

an existing user than to acquire a new one.

old stocks) and still continues to build

economy is at 4 per cent, people tend

I wish telcos in India would have used this

trust amongst its customers by giving

to shy away in making new purchases or

approach, selling as many as possible

good quality products and ample service

devices, air purifier, powerbank, organic T-shirt, earbuds and TV to mention.

Limelight

lead story

an online heavy brand, however trying to build offline presence will still take some time to step up to the levels of matching the leader in terms of visibility, brand awareness and reach/width of distribution,” said Upasana. For Xiaomi it would be much easy to retain its top spot in 2020 as Samsung lags behind in budget, mid and midpremium segment and Realme has a long road to travel. It would not be merely these two brands to compete for dominance but, there are vivo, Oppo and OnePlus to make the fight even more interesting. As Faisal points out, “Question is not about the potential, it’s about does the market has space to absorb another player? Probably no, unless something really disruptive happens. He elaborates, “For Xiaomi it was relatively easy to build its empire as there was no strong player to resist. There could have been Samsung, but they misjudged Xiaomi’s potential. For Realme there are enough of players to fight out. Especially Xiaomi, which is still in its vigour.”

Complications The market dynamics isn’t that simple to argue in an article rather it’s much more complex and with the economic uncertainty and pressure/ban on Chinese

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 23


Limelight

lead story

centers, longer sustainability for any brand

To get things going under its belt,

them losing a few points in the market

will be at risk if all the above mentioned is

Realme, was also being accused by

share and could even lose the No 1 spot

not ensured.”

consumers of launching half-baked

as there are too many players after its

Recently, Xiaomi started a new digital

products in haste. Faisal echoes and says,

territory. For Realme, its offline has also

financial initiative called Mi Credit to

“As answered, yes initially, it did appear

picked up well. The channel response has

have a holistic ecosystem under its roof

so, but for the past 5 or 6 products, I never

been positive and that could be a major

of IoT, connected devices, smartphones

felt so. Also we have to remember; Realme

gain for the brand. For now, it appears

and smart apparel. So the voices of

is leveraging on R&D and manufacturing

the brand is on the growth trajectory, but

dissent may question, would Xiaomi get

competencies of OPPO. So a lot of things

eventually can it cross 20% market share?

caught up in its own web? “I don’t think

are automatically inherited. Just like

That’s unlikely.

any such web exists. On a lighter note,

MVNOs in case of mobile operators,

Upasana concludes, “Fact remains

its leadership, especially Manu Jain is as

Realme has emerged as a MVHO (Mobile

that 80% of smartphone market is

dynamic as Spiderman; he should be able

Virtual Handset Operator).” Realme

consolidated within top 5 vendors, and

to maneuver out of any such web,” said

has grown its reach from smartphone to

the rankings within them will be subject

Faisal. Going with competition, Realme

powerbanks, earbuds. It still has to launch

to change. It all depends on the kind

has also announced Realme Paysa to

TV, air purifier and lots of other IoT devices

of offline play these online brands like

support both Realme and non-Realme

to complete its own ecosystem.

Xiaomi and Realme undertake and on

users to get digital loans; personal, business, etc.

Future

offline heavy brands like Samsung, vivo,

“Both Xiaomi and Realme would continue

Oppo. Also important will be the kind of

their fierce battle in the year ahead, and we

technological advancement the brands

would witness increased consolidation in

offer keeping in mind aggressive pricing

the market,” said Prabhu Ram. This New

and first mover advantage.”

Year opens a new era of opportunities for

Going by the rate, Realme is pegged

both Realme and Xiaomi. Both are now

to cross over vivo, Oppo and might reach

well-versed, understand the market and

at number three in market share by the

its aspirations, threats; global and local,

Q3 of 2020. Collectively, BBK (vivo,

have dedicated R&D team to meet the

Oppo, OnePlus and Realme) is going

demands, and last but not the least, the

to be the sole dominator in 2020 while

control over offline and online channels

Xiaomi has to battle it out alone. Overall,

coupled with good after sales servicing is

as I said in the beginning, competition is

going to decide the new market leader.

good for buyers, market and companies.

Both of them have good face value as

So be prepared to get your hands on new

well in the form of Bollywood actors and

innovations by Realme and Xiaomi in a

sportsmen for advertisement.

cut-throat competition with wafer-thin

Xiaomi has to fight for its position, and will be more in defensive mode. I do see

38 | december 2019

the other side, the online growth path for

margin. n haider@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE


ADVT.

INDIA INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & SMART APPLIANCES EXPO (IEAE - 2019) Tracking the Trends & enabling Indian Industry Association to expand their product & business range

C

o-organized by Ikonic Exhibition &

significant to China-India economic &

during the 3 days of the expo wherein

Conferences Pvt. Ltd. from India,

trade corporation.

All India Electronics Association (AIEA)

alongside Chaoyu Exposition from

The two day conference was focused

had a dedicated Make In India pavilion

China who is also the organisers of IEAE

on the roadmap, challenges and

promoting the manufacturing in India. Shri.

Series of Exhibitions in Indonesia, the

opportunities for the electronics industry

Sangam Lal Gupta, Member of Parliament

event was Powered By the most reputed

under the Make In India – Vision 2025.

– Pratapgarh, Shri. Gulshan Gugnani,

media house from India - The Economic

Conference on the first day was organized

Business Cell – BJP, Shri. Yogesh Kumar,

Times.

by CMAI, led by the association president

Deputy Mayor, MCD Delhi were among

Scheduled from 12 – 14 December, 2019

Prof. N. K. Goyal concentrating on

the government dignitaries who attended

at Hall 12 & 12A, Pragati Maidan, New

changing trends of consumer electronics,

the event with a special delegation of

Delhi, the event was in line with the theme

smart homes & appliances along with the

Indo-African Chamber of Commerce and

of Make In India – Vision 2025 and was

National Electronics Summit & Awards and

Industry led & represented by its Secretary

inaugurated by Shri S. K. Marwaha from

a media round table on smart equipment

General, Mrs. Sunanda Rajendran.

Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government

manufacturing.

IEAE 2019 also witnessed the industry

of India; Shri. Kamendra Kumar from Telecommunication Consultants of India; Mr. HE. Li Baijun, Economic & Commercial Minister , Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in India; Mr. Miao Huawei, Ministry of Commerce, People’s Republic of China and Mrs. Sunanda Rajendran, Secretary General, Indo-African Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The event was an initiative supported by leading industry association National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Govt. of India, All India Electronics Association (AIEA), CMAI Association of India, Federation of All India IT Association from India & China Electronics Chambers of Commerce (CECC), Guangdong Electronics Chambers of Commerce (GECC), Dongguan Electronics Chambers

Day 2 of conference was led by Shri

representation by Mr. Manish Jain from

of Commerce (DECC) and various other

Sanjay Nagpal, President - All India

Xiaomi India, Mr. Shyam Khemnai from

partners from both the countries which

Electronics Association (AIEA) focussing

Lava International, Mr. Sunil Jatta from

also highlighted China International

on manufacturing challenges within the

Haeir India, Mr. Sandeep Sawhney from

Consumer Electronics (India) brand expo

framework of Make in India and exploring

Intex Technologies, Mr. Manu Seth from

theme from China.

the possibilities of joint venture with

Speaking Mindz Inc., Sunil Vachani from

Speaking in the occasion HE. Li Baijun

international trade partners & technology

Dixon Technologies to name a few.

said, “China & India’s relationship have

transfer and conference on Indo-China

Consumer Electronics & Appliances

yielded fruits under the respective

collaboration by All Delhi Computer

Manufactures Association (CEAMA),

leadership and the bilateral trade between

Traders Association (ADCTA), led by

Federation of All India IT Association

the two countries in 2018 was $95.5 billion.

the President, Shri Mahinder Aggarwal

(FAIITA), India Cellular & Electronics

China’s cumulative investment in India is

followed with the product launch by

Association (ICEA), PHD Chamber of

pegged at $8.23 billion and both nations

Accha Go on home appliances and mobile

Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), Invest

are focused on Industrial Corporation

accessories.

India were the other association and

and have made progress in Consumer

More than 200+ exhibiting companies

Electronics segment which is very

showcased 500+ innovative products

government bodies who participated and attended the show. n


HotSpot

Feature

5G wireless revolution, what we know so far! By Pahi Mehra

A

fter years of hype and

becoming a reality. Looking at the

what exactly 5G is, let’s talk about how it

speculations, network providers

success of 4G networks in India a lot of

works.

and carriers around the globe

companies invested in the Indian market

5G networks will operate on the super-

have spent the last few months turning

including the ones here. But with the

high-frequency spectrum, between 30

on their 5G networks. It has become a

high spectrum prices, India’s 5G timeline

GHz and 300 GHz, which said to have a

race that is aimed to supposedly change

seems to be a little distant.

shorter range but the higher capacity to

how life works with the revolutionary

Before asking when the 5G will arrive

speed. But for now, the deployments

we have to know what exactly is 5G. Why

remain limited. Don’t be surprised if

are people so excited? The following is

known as the millimeter wave spectrum.

you’re nowhere near the service, give it

a breakdown of why the next generation

These millimeter waves can transfer

some time!

of wireless technology is more than just

heaps of data at very high speeds, but

a boost in speed, and why you should be

they don’t travel as far as the lower-

excited.

frequency waves used in 4G networks.

Before 5G we have to look back at the impact of 4G, and 2018 will be known as the year of 4G in India. An extensive

deliver a massive pipe for online access. The high-frequency spectrum is also

High-frequency millimeter waves also

4G network expansion undertaken by

What is 5G?

the telecom operators in the country led

It is the next Fifth generation of cellular

buildings, and other obstacles. So it is

to the remarkable growth of the mobile

technology, and it promises to greatly

still very limited.

internet subscribers and consumption.

enhance the speed, coverage, and

This coupled with a significant rise in

responsiveness of the wireless networks.

the sale of affordable smartphones and

The conducted tests around the world

Is it just about the speed?

intense tariff war between the telcos. This

showed the 5G speed surging past 1

Speed is supposed to one of the major

evolution fuelled the mobile broadband

gigabit per second, which is a lot!

benefits of 5G but there’s another key

market in the country.

That’s almost 100 times faster than

have difficulty getting around walls,

Think of it as a giant Hotspot medium!

benefit called “Low Latency”, you might

Between the end of 2018 through the

the typical cellular connection we have

have heard this term before. Latency is

first few months of 2019, several network

right now and even faster than anything

the response time between when you

providers around the globe conducted

you can get with a physical fiber-optic

click on a link or start streaming a video

5G trials in order to become the first in

cable going into your house. With this

on your phone, which sends the request

the field. Right now only a few parts of

high speed, you can download high

up to the network, and when the network

the world have access to 5G, and India is

definition videos and movies in seconds.

responds, delivering you the website or

absolutely not one of them. All of this means that 5G is slowly inching from years of promises and

How does it work? Now that you have a rough idea about

playing your video. The lag time with current networks is around 20 millisecond and more. It doesn’t seem like much, but with 5G, that latency gets reduced to as little as 1 millisecond, or about the time it takes for a flash on a normal camera. And now the question is why this is important? Well to answer the question, this responsiveness is critical for things like playing an intense video game in virtual reality or for a surgeon in New

32 | january 2020

MYMOBILE


York to control a pair of robotic arms

And with India still in talks for 5G, it

performing a procedure, though latency

is quite clear that there is no rush to buy

will still be affected by the ultimate range

your 5G phones. Also, while some see 5G

of the connection. The virtually lag-free

helping to improve coverage for everyone,

connection means self-driving cars have

rural areas will likely miss out for a while,

a way to communicate with each other in

since they lack the infrastructure to

real-time -- assuming there’s enough 5G

support all those cell radios.

coverage to connect those vehicles.

Will it replace 4G?

Can we pick up 5G with our existing smartphones?

adequate. The World Health Organization

a 5G network, it doesn’t mean you need

Absolutely not 5G technology requires a

lists cellular signals as a potential

one to reap some of its speed benefits. In

specific set of antennas to tap into specific

carcinogen. But it also notes pickled

fact, as the next-gen network rolls out, you

bands. And the first generation of 5G

vegetables and coffee as carcinogens too.

may experience faster speeds on 4G as

phones will be expensive because their antennas and modems typically work only with particular 5G networks by specific mobile carriers.

While you will need a 5G phone to access

Still, it’s something people are worried about.

Will it cost more?

well (more on that below). In addition, 5G is not replacing 4G altogether. Rather, it’s building on top of existing 4G networks. All major carriers in

There is still no certain answer to this as

the US and around the world are a ways

but the initial times would be like this. We

5G is still a work-in-progress for India, but

away from a solid network-wide rollout.

can expect more 5G phones to come out in

what we know for certain till now is that 5G

Even if 5G is available in your area, your

mass in 2020.

plans will definitely cost more than 4G.

phone isn’t obsolete just yet. It will still

That could definitely limit our options,

Anything you should worry about?

Maybe because of the high prices of spectrums that will be used to deploy 5G

work perfectly fine on 4G.

or simply because it is a new and premium

Conclusion

The high-frequency spectrum is the key

technology and initially the accessibility

The next-generation of high-speed mobile

to that massive pickup in capacity and

will only be available to fewer areas.

data is certainly the talk of the town from

speed, but there are drawbacks. The range

According to some media reports, 5G

quite some time and for some countries, it

isn’t great, especially when you have

was supposed to roll out in India in 2020

is still in ideas and for others, it is live in a

obstructions such as trees or buildings. As

but due to the rising prices of spectrums

handful of areas. But as this network rolls

a result, carriers will have to deploy a lot

and economically failing telcos giants the

out, many misconceptions and confusion

smaller cellular radios, creatively named

deployment of 5G has been pushed to 5

around the new technology remain.

small cells, around any areas that get a 5G

years.

signal.

What about the health risks?

When does 5G get here?

5G will surely have a huge impact on many people’s lives all around the world, so there are understandably still a lot

Before jumping to the timeline, here’s

of questions being asked, but very few

There have been some speculations

another concern - 5G might still be only a

answered. It is predicted that there will

and concerns that the cellular signals

theoretical possibility for a lot of people.

be 1 Billion 5G customers by 2023, not

of 5G may cause cancer, unfortunately,

Global Network providers like Sprint,

only will these 5G networks connect users

there haven’t been a lot of studies to

AT&T, and T-Mobile have already launched

to a superfast mobile network, but many

conclusively prove or disprove a

5G in some parts of United Kingdom and

other industries will benefit from the faster

health risk.

the US, and with their roll-out, it is seen

connectivity of 5G as well, like self-driving

that it’s still very unclear how wide the

cars, drones and the internet of things, to

coverage will be.

name a few.

Some of the researchers have argued that the 5G network will run at super-high frequencies, which could be harmful to our cells.

In the race of 5G technology, China,

But one thing is for sure whenever this

Japan, and South Korea are building out

new technology comes on-board, it will not

their 5G networks, with Europe turning on

at all how anyone would’ve imagined it to

research into this issue and that the

its own 5G networks now. But it is still not

be like!

studies that have been conducted weren’t

a huge amount of area.

Still, critics say there isn’t enough

www.mymobileindia.com

HotSpot

Feature

pahi@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 27


In Conversation

face to face

“We will continue to do our best to provide quality products along with reliable services” Philips, a renowned electronics brand, recently became more vocal in India with its new range of audio products targeting youths across price segment. It aims to build on the legacy of its trusted name by offering competitive yet attractive and price conscious products led by TPV Technology. We had a conversation with Arun Menon, Country Business Head, Philips Branded Television and Audio, TPV Technology India Private Limited to understand company’s vision and lineup for 2020. How did you establish your brand in an

products, Bluetooth and true wireless

extremely competitive market in India? Tell

enabled devices and offer consumers the

In case of the headphones, consumers

us how your journey has been so far. TPV

right set of solutions that will enhance

have appreciated the features of our new

Technology has been a trusted partner for

their lifestyle. From wireless Bluetooth

offerings in 2019. Features such as Active

brand Philips globally. We had the rights

headphones such as TAPN505 to

Noise Cancellation, Google Assistant and

for Philips in key global markets such as

HTL3320 Dolby Digital soundbars, we

Hi-Res Audio have helped us touch the

Europe and China from 2010 and also

have a huge portfolio to meet the needs

right chord with them.

got the brand license rights for Philips

of the end consumers.

benchmarks.

Television and Audio in the Indian market

With constant efforts and newer

What are some of the key new features that

in June 2018. TPV is one of the largest

technology, we will continue to do our

have been added to the product line up?

manufacturers of monitors and LCD/LED

best to provide quality products along with

2019 has been exciting year for us. Philips

TVs globally, with its own brands like AOC

reliable services.

Audio showcased a whole new range of

and as an OEM for large global brands.

smart enabled devices which includes the

Under the partnership with Philips, we are

What has been the response on the key

Philips Performance Wireless Bluetooth

bringing-in the new feature packed global

launches that have happened in 2019? With

headphones. These are equipped with

range of Philips Television products to

an aim to create new personalized user

features like one touch Active Noise

India the critically acclaimed Philips

experiences through an array of products

Cancellation and Google Assistant. One

Ambilight technology being one of them.

and technologies, Philips Television &

can control the Active Noise Cancelling

We have also seen a rising demand for

Audio range has received a great response.

function on Philips TAPN505 wireless

our audio segment which is attributed to

From our new soundbars that can be easily

in-ear neckband to match the situation.

trends like increased music consumption

connected with the television and gaming

With 14 hours play time plus flexible quick

due to ease of access to music and

consoles to the flagship Ambilight TV

charging, one is always covered for the

increased penetration of smartphones.

which is a breakthrough product with its

whole trip. With Google Assistant, along

We aim to anticipate and keep up with

intelligent LED’s color cast on the wall,

with listening to music, one can ask it

the consumer aspirations for smarter

our offerings are innovative and set new

to open your calendar, read notifications

28 | january 2020

MYMOBILE


from your phone, call or send messages to

and headphones.

presence across 35000+ stores with more than 200 distributors. Also, we currently

friends, manage playlists, and much more What are your sales strategy for online and

have 200+ service centers and plan to

Another stylish offering in the audio

offline channels? Both the channels are

double this number to be able to reach out

segment are the soundbars HTL3320 and

equally important for us. While Headphones

to our customers more effectively.

HTL3310 with wireless subwoofer which

and BT speakers are significantly skewed

are equipped with tweeters and virtual

towards online sales, major contribution

Ambilight TV has been a breakthrough

surround sound technology, perfect for the

for TV and Home Audio still comes from

innovation in the television industry, what is

millennials who want an immersive movie

offline channel.

new in terms of technology? With an aim of

without taking out the phone.

making television viewing more immersive,

experience. We will also be adding the step up three dimensional Dolby Atmos

Philips recently did a lot of activations in

TPV technology launched the flagship 65”

Soundbar to the existing portfolio which

the regional markets, could you tell us

television from the Ambilight 6700 Series.

makes you feel like you are inside the

more about it. In 2019, we have actively

With the Philips patented Ambilight

action. In the TV segment, we launched the

showcased our range of television and

technology, the Ultra Slim 4K UHD LED

Philips Ambilight TV. Philips Ambilight is a

audio products across states in India.

Smart TV, with Ambilight 3-sided and Saphi system and Pixel Precise Ultra HD

patented Philips technology that enables

makes the viewing experience look smooth “TPV will be and sharp. launching 14-16 Philips global TV The 65-inch 65PUT6703S/94 the room, in real time. The screen models in India in the coming year is the largest screen in the range seems bigger, every moment and comes fully equipped with feels closer, and music gets a with focus on large screens. We will strive to 3-sided Amblight, which light show. bring the latest global range of products to makes movies and games India, along with specially designed products feel more immersive. Festive season is one of the Intelligent LEDs around most important times when specifically targeted to meet the technological the edges of the TV cast consumer durable brands needs of the Indian consumers. We are onscreen colours onto the are actively marketing their also looking at a reasonable growth in our walls, and into the room, in products, how have the sales audio business next year, led real time. You get perfectly been for you so far? While tuned ambient lighting which we saw a slowdown across primarily by wireless home audio makes TV viewing a more industries this year, the festive Bluetooth speakers and relaxing experience as it is easy on season see some positive shift in the headphones” eyes and reduces eye strain. With the demand for consumer electronics. The TV intelligent LEDs behind the TV to cast onscreen colours onto the walls, and into

‘Ambilight music mode’ on, the Ambilight

segment did not pick up as expected, but the audio product category did relatively

With reference to this festive season, we

output will sync with the music converting

well with festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi

announced offers specific to each market

your living room into a virtual sound and

and Diwali.

starting August which included Onam

light show. Further, when you’re not

offers in the Southern market, Ganesh

watching TV, there’s even an indirect light

What are your plans/expectations from

Chaturthi offers in the Western region and

mode to turn your set into a sophisticated

2020? TPV will be launching 14-16

Durga Puja offers in the Eastern part of

mood-setting lamp — with any colour you

Philips global TV models in India in the

India. Also, around Diwali, we rolled out

choose.

coming year with focus on large screens.

festive offers across our product portfolio

We will strive to bring the latest global

in the Northern region. Considering the

What is the market share that you are aiming

range of products to India, along with

diverse demographics of India, we feel that

to capture? India will be a key focus market

specially designed products specifically

regional focus and customized campaigns

for us and we want to be amongst the top

targeted to meet the technological needs

will help us create a personal connect with

players in the industry. We will continue

of the Indian consumers. We are also

our consumers.

to expand our presence in terms of retail network and will look at providing the best

looking at a reasonable growth in our audio business next year, led primarily by

What are your expansion plans in terms of your

wireless home audio Bluetooth speakers

service centers? We have an overall retail

www.mymobileindia.com

In Conversation

face to face

customers experience. n team@mymobile.co.in

december january 2020 2019 | 61 29


Glimpse

Feature

Most Anticipated Smartphones to Look out for in 2020 Now, 2019 is over and 2020 is here with a bang, and if you are due a phone upgrade you might want to hold off just a little longer. Some great phones are coming from the big brands and from the long lost brands in the next 12 months, and we’d hate for you to get tied into a two-year contract and immediately regret it. Two of the hot new trends are 5G connectivity and foldable designs, but neither is something you need to worry about right now, with 5G still exclusively available to small part of the world, it is not expected to make an entry in India this year. And foldable phones are still very few and far with the price they come with. Saying that if you intend to hang on to your new phone for a few years and also want some element of future-proofing, this list is worth considering.

By Pahi Mehra Apple iPhone X Fold

foldable display and body.

A

renders and rumors about the upcoming foldable

mid all the rumors and speculations, Apple made it very clear that it wouldn’t be launching any

foldable phone in 2019, but we all know that the iPhone company never let go of any challenge. In February last year the company once again updated its patent application for a clamshell phone with a

The market is filled with patent images, fan-made iPhone, while all these images indicates exactly how this device is going to be, but nothing much is officially confirmed. In terms of specifications, we can expect that Apple will use its top-notch hardware to make it look good from inside and outside. So, we can also expect the pricing to be really high this time as Samsung’s foldable smartphone comes around a lakh, so, it is quite clear that Apple iPhone X Fold will be of similar price. Meanwhile there are strong chances that Apple will launch its first foldable iPhone in 2020, but there is no timeline out yet.

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Xiaomi Mi Flex

C

hinese smartphone maker, Xiaomi, has won a lot of hearts in India, with its affordable range of smartphones as well as its

premium smartphone segment. And once again the company is all set to steal some thunder with its upcoming “Xiaomi Mi Flex” a foldable smartphone with dual display. According to the rumors and media reports, the foldable phone will feature a one-3rd camera outback with a pop-up selfie camera. And the revealed powerful specs and novel design suggests a premium price tag which is not known yet, just like its official release date, but we can hope this smartphone to come out in 2020. Furthermore, a bunch of speculations suggests that the foldable phone will include a 6.2 inches display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Chipset – partnered with 6GB/8GB RAM and Adreno 630 GPU. It is also expected to make its debut in three different colors – Silver, Black, and White. It’ll run on Android 9.0 Pie operating system and will have 4200mAh battery to power it.

One Plus 8 and 8T

O

nePlus’s whole smartphone-making mantra has been manufacturing

high-end phones that could compete against premium phones but with affordable prices. And so far the company has gained a massive momentum in the market and 2019 has been proven to be the best year so far, with the launch of its

Glimpse

Feature

7 Series. The company was yet to be done with all the phones of 2019, but the design of its upcoming OnePlus smartphone has taken over the internet like a storm. However there is nothing extraordinary about the device that we could anticipate from the leaks and rumors. The leaks indicate that the device will feature a punch-hole camera on the front, which will make it look a lot like Samsung. However, as compared to OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8 will have quite a

Microsoft Anderomeda Foldable Phone

S

o far, only Huawei and Samsung are the leaders in the world of foldable smartphones with their Huawei Mate X and Galaxy

Fold smartphones. And just like any other tech giant, Microsoft is also not planning to step down. It has been rumored that Microsoft is currently working on a foldable smartphone which is named Andromeda, and it’s expected to be available in stores to buy sometimes in 2020. According to the leaks and media reports, it’ll be a button-less smartphone with a clamshell design and may arrive with a stylus like

few differences, like a depth-sensing 3D

a Microsoft Surface Laptop. This foldable smartphone will have the

Time-of-Flight sensor (something that

functionality to become a tablet by folding it out like Huawei’s Mate

only comes with premium smartphones),

X and a smartphone when folding into half.

and a slightly smaller display with a size

Furthermore, we have heard Microsoft is also looking to modify its Windows platform for foldable devices and is planning some useful in-built apps to work on dual-screen and foldable devices.

of 6.65-inches, OnePlus might also add “OnePlus Pay” for contactless payments. The phone is most likely to hold its position on shelves sometimes in 2020 (as expected), and as far as OnePlus 8 price is concerned, the company is likely to roll out three variants to satisfy premium and mid range.

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 31


Glimpse

Feature Apple iPhone 12 and 5G phone

T

he 2020 iPhones are one of the most

anticipated phones and also said to be the biggest upgrades ever for the iPhone family. We all know that Apple’s latest smartphone iPhone XR featured an LCD display got a lukewarm response.

Nokia 10

A

mid speculations of 5G coming in India, tech giants are already gearing up to launch 5G phones beforehand. And it may sound

unrealistic but, Nokia is expected to launch a 5G Nokia 10 in 2020. According to the leaks the phone is said to be loaded with a combination of dual 48MP (wide-angle and telephoto) camera sensors on its rear with 4-axis Optical Image Stabilization. And on the front, it may feature a 16MP selfie snapper, for selfies and videos calls and importantly, it’ll be capable enough to record 1080p videos. Rumors suggested that it’s going to have a 6.5-inches display and other features include a dust-resistant, water-resistant and quick charge 4+.

So in the next iPhone 12, we may see a total shift to OLED screens. It will also be Apple’s first and foremost iPhone to support 5G networking. According to the rumors,

LG G9 ThinQ

T

here’s not much revealed about this upcoming LG phone but according to the rumors the LG G9 ThinQ is likely to be launched at

the Mobile World Congress 2020. But we are not sure by when it will hit

the Apple iPhone 12 will also be the first to kill a notch and flaunt in-display Touch ID functionality. Apart from this AI will have a big role to play as Apple is working on a new series of chips called the bionic chips. These chips are meant for accelerating AI-powered processes. As for the pricing, the 2020 iPhones are expected

the Indian market. According to LG itself, V-series wouldn’t have 5G connectivity whereas G-series will be stuck on 4G. So, it doesn’t promise well for a phone which was already looking for a little dated with its bumpy notched screen, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a dual-lens camera. The LG G8 ThinQ is expected to lack a 3.5mm headphone jack which has been dropped by Samsung in its newly released Samsung Galaxy Note 10. The price of the phone is also not out yet, but it wouldn’t come as a surprise for sure. We all have been waiting for an LG phone that really “wows” us; well we can surely expect this one to make that mark.

not to stay widely in line with 2019’s iPhone devices – thanks to its significant upgrades. The pricing range might go up – maybe even higher than we think.

32 | january 2020

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TCL Foldable Phone

Google Pixel 5

M

G

ostly known for its affordable televisions, Chinese tech company TCL is working on a foldable phone prototype that

bends not once but twice. The upcoming device will have flexble AMOLED display that can bend because of what TCL calls a DragonHinge. Patented by

oogle launched its Pixel 4 series in 2019, but unfortunately it didn’t

hit the Indian market but we can hope for the best with the upcoming Pixel 5 in 2020.

the company, the hinge enables the screens to fold both inward

Technology keeps on upgrading each

and outward. TCL estimates that its first foldable phone will be

year and we see futuristic smartphones

available in 2020 and that it could cost less than $1,000 -- making

every year making entry and Pixel 5

it significantly cheaper than the Galaxy Fold.

is also going to be one of it, because

According to some media reports, the phone—is strictly a

Glimpse

Feature

Android is owned by Google and they

concept and does not have an official name, price or release date. But unlike its competitors like the Huawei Mate X and the Samsung Galaxy Fold, both of which open along a single hinge to offer a larger screen, the TCL phone has a single screen that splits into three. Apart from the unique design the smartphone will also come with four rear cameras, one front-facing camera and a USB-C charger port, but there appears to be no headphone jack. The concept certainly is inventive, but as with other offerings in the foldable market, we have our reservations.

Sony Xperia 2

T

here were many smartphone manufacturers who are now almost wiped out from the Indian market and Sony is also has a name

in it. Smartphone sales are declining day by day it was one of the companies that used to rule the smartphone market. So it looks that with their upcoming smartphone Sony is looking to have a huge comeback. According to the leaks, the Xperia 2 (with unconfirmed name) will be the first smartphone to have a 5K display with the resolutions of 5,040 x 2,160 pixels. It will have a pixel density of up to 899ppi which is great, and a 5k screen on a smartphone will be out of the world feeling. Rest other things are still unclear about the device but we know that cameras on Sony smartphones are always awesome, so we can expect awesome rear and front cameras. The images are already leaked you can look above and the device looks very stunning however there is no notch type design like most of the smartphones have these days. In terms of the launch date, it is expected to hit in the last quarter of 2019 but some strong rumors also suggest that the Xperia 2 will be launch on MWC 2020.

always introduce some exclusive out of the box features for their devices. In terms of specs there is cutting edge project Soli that will enable you to use gestures to dismiss calls or swipe photos and a lot more. And another big update will be the IR face camera like the iPhone Xs Face ID for secure unlocking. Lastly, the phone will run on the latest Android Q, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and 6 GB of Ram. Apart from these, there is no info in the market about Pixel 5 but we might witness a foldable device next year from the company and a regular variant, solely because the demand of foldable phones will surely be high this year. pahi@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 33


Feature

AI-led Advancements Seeping into Different Industries By Vivek Singh Chauhan

C

utting-edge automation, smart

offerings. From home entertainment

we are only getting a hang of voice-

features and productivity

to education, police operations and

based commands, TCL, the global

hacks; the advent of Artificial

more, AI is helping companies turn a

Top-2 TV Corporation, has launched its

Intelligence (AI) is here to disrupt

new leaf over. Without further ado, let’s

full-fledged range of AI-powered TVs in

conventional norms. While users may

take a closer look at how top brands

India.

remain oblivious to the sheer extent and

are transforming different industries

scale of automation seeping into our

through AI.

daily lives, we can all take a whiff of the

In addition to voice-based control, TCL has commissioned an AI algorithm that enhances the sound and picture

AI is here to make our everyday lived

AI algorithms offering smart and immersive home entertainment

experiences smarter and more efficient.

Fighting for the remote control of TV is

game or a thriller, enjoy a dynamic

To the same end, some of the leading

now a passé! In fact, the idiot box has

experience as the AI Android TVs by TCL

and fast-growing companies of today

smartened up to listen to one’s voice

would enhance the brightness, contrast,

have made AI an integral part of their

commands and do as told. And while

sound quality etc. in real-time.

changing times. The writing on the wall is clear!

34 | january 2020

quality in real-time, thus offering an immersive home entertainment experience. While watching a live-action

MYMOBILE


The cutting-edge range of AI Android

like Doon School have deployed the

Assistance Solutions for enterprises

Pie (9.0) TVs by TCL also offers easy

AI-driven teacher training solution

across industries and geographies.

interconnectedness with other smart

‘Lessonvu’ by ONVU Learning. The

In fact, it has led the evolution of

home devices, letting you control robot

teacher training program is based on

conversational AI, reimaging what

sweepers etc. seamlessly through voice-

Video Analytics and AI and helps in

chatbots could do through continuous

based commands.

identifying different ways in which

innovation and capability building that

a teacher can improve the overall

has culminated with the development

Enhancing policing operations with AI

classroom engagement, thereby

of IVAs, an AI-driven solution that has

enhancing the students’ learning

enabled enterprises across industries

JARVIS has been Iron Man’s faithful

curve. Leveraging AI, it non-intrusively

to achieve massive growth in ROI,

assistant; RoboCop is part human, part

empowers teachers to reflect on their

enhanced customer satisfaction,

machine; Knight Rider found his best

classroom training while also assessing

greater operational efficiency and more

accomplice in KITT. However, our police

the individual engagement of different

transparency.

forces have, for long, been working

students.

without any aid of superior technology.

The tech-driven solution further

Perspective

Feature

With over 3 billion interactions processed and more than 135 live

However, a Gurgaon-based start-up is

comes loaded with a 360-degree

implementations, Haptik’s prowess

bringing in a wave of change, unravelling

camera which ensures that there are

in the virtual assistance space was

one leaf after another when it comes to

no blind spots and the end-to-end

further underlined when it was acquired

classroom activity is effectively covered.

by Reliance Industries through its

It, moreover, has a voice recorder so

subsidiary Reliance Jio Digital Services

that the lesson videos can be extended

Ltd. at a transaction size of Rs 700

to students who couldn’t attend the

crores. Haptik has developed IVA

respective classes. Above all, this tech-

solutions for companies such as HDFC,

driven approach ensures comprehensive

OYO, Coca Cola, Dream 11, Dr Lal Path

development of both students and

Labs, Viacom 18 among many others.

teachers and ultimately makes them

Recently, Haptik acquired LA-based AI

eager to learn, rather than getting

start-up Convrg to make a strong entry

optimising policing operations with AI. Staqu commenced on its crusade with ABHED (AI-based Human Efface Detection) to digitise criminal and missing people records. The app has been adopted by different statelevel police departments, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The AI software is also integrated with smart glasses to help police personnel scan crowds during election rallies or other events and spot criminals hiding in the crowd. With JARVIS, the brand’s latest offering, Staqu has come up with an AI-powered video analytics tool to monitor CCTV footage and provide alerts in real-time. In UP, JARVIS is covering 70 strategic locations, spanning a stretch of 900 KM, managing nearly 3,000 security cameras. With all the advancements combined, Staqu is ramping up the nation’s homeland security with artificial intelligence.

‘Teching’ education and learning a notch above with AI Thankfully, AI is also finding its good use in the field of education. For instance, forward-looking educational institutes

www.mymobileindia.com

education or training forced onto them!

Talking your way to the bank via AI

into the US IVA market, the largest in the world. The importance of AI is going to more prominent with each passing time. The final goal of AI is one of

A six-year-old enterprise, Haptik is

the most ambitious ever proposed by

India’s biggest success story when it

science. n

comes to developing Intelligent Virtual

vivek@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 35


Trending

in focus

Biggest Moments on Twitter in 2019

T

witter, the most sought after social

Golden Tweet of 2019

media platform, has released top

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s (@narendramodi) Tweet celebrating BJP’s re-election victory in #loksabhaelections2019 was the most Retweeted and Liked Tweet of the year, making it the Golden Tweet in India.

trending #hashtags for the year 2019 in which many important

political, sporting and entertainment trends dominated. It’s interesting to see what Indians collectively talked about breaking news, entertainment and sports to politics, social causes and so much more. Right from the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 to Chandrayaan 2 and CWC 2019, this year, Twitter in India was abuzz with conversation and participation. One of the most exciting and momentous events for India this year was ISRO’s Chandrayaan 2 mission. The event represented a technological leap and highlighted India’s contribution to space exploration, as the world took to Twitter to respond to every development. Not before long, Chandrayaan 2 had developed into a

The most Retweeted Tweet in Sports in India In sports, Vikat Kohli (@imVkohli) wished M.S Dhoni (@msdhoni) on his birthday, which became the most Retweeted Tweet in the world of sports. This heartfelt Tweet by Kohli on Mahi’s birthday with a picture of the duo together made for an epic moment for Indian cricket fans.

phenomenon of sorts, and NASA as well as people on Twitter applauded ISRO’s work with this iconic Tweet. As 2019 has ended, here are some of the most interesting and talked about topics that emerged on Twitter.

2019 36 | january 2020

The Most Retweeted Tweet in Entertainment in India The Tamil entertainment industry continued to rule hearts as well as the Twitter charts. Vijay’s (@ actorvijay) Tweet sharing the poster of his film #bigil became the Tweet to receive the most Retweets in the entertainment sector, as well as became the Tweet to achieve the most Retweets with comments overall, indicating South-entertainment fans’ active engagement on the platform to discuss their favourite movies and stars.

MYMOBILE


Top 10 most Tweeted about Hashtags in 2019 in India

Trending

in focus

Hashtags are what tie ideas together around a topic of conversation. They take conversations across timelines, increase engagement and discoverability of a topic. In 2019, these were the most Tweeted about Hashtags. 1. #loksabhaelections2019: The world’s largest democracy

6. #bigil: Like every year, the Tamil and Telugu entertainment

voted to determine its political future this year, and Indians

industries dominated entertainment conversations

took to Twitter to exchange their thoughts, resulting in

on Twitter. Fans of superstar Vijay (@actorvijay)

#loksabhaelections2019 at the top of the list of most

used the service to discuss and celebrate every

Tweeted about Hashtags.

update about the much-awaited Diwali blocker buster

2. #chandrayaan2: ISRO’s ground-breaking mission to land

#bigil.

the world’s first robotic rover on the moon’s south pole

7. #diwali: Like every year, this year the festival of lights

was followed closely, not only by millions of Indians but

sparked joy as the five days of celebration lit up people’s

people all across the world. A Tweet from NASA (@NASA)

timelines. People came to Twitter to talk about their

commending ISRO became one of the top ten most

celebrations, wish loved ones and Tweet about how and

Retweeted Tweets this year by Indians on the service.

why Deepavali was special to them.

3. #cwc19: Cricket fans had a busy summer of cricket in

8. #avengersendgame: Like much of the world, Indians

2019 with the Cricket World Cup. Despite India losing to

took to Twitter to discuss fan-theories and what to

New Zealand in the semi-finals, Indian cricket fans owned

expect in the anticipated finale of the franchise, making

Twitter, Tweeting about winning moments, shocking

#avengersendgame one of the most Tweeted about

upsets, classic catches, and who can forget all those

hashtags this year.

memes, making #cwc19 the third most Tweeted about hashtag this year.

9. #ayodhyaverdict: The Ayodhya dispute has been a political, historical, and socio-religious milestone in India. As the

4. #pulwama: The news of the death of 40 Central Reserve

final judgement in the Ayodhya dispute was declared

Police Force (CRPF) personnel in an attack on the Jammu-

by the Supreme Court of India, people Tweeted their

Srinagar National Highway in Pulwama district, resulted

reactions.

in Indians taking to Twitter to Tweet their reactions.

10. #eidmubarak: Audiences on Twitter celebrate

5. #article370: In August 2019, the Minister of Home Affairs

every festival with equal cheer and joy. The tenth most

revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave

Tweeted about hashtag this year was the festival of Eid,

special status to Jammu & Kashmir, raising opposition

as people Tweeted and wished each other prosperity and

and support on Twitter.

goodwill.

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 37


Trending

in focus Top Most Mentioned Accounts The following Twitter accounts were the most mentioned on Twitter in the year 2019, across topics like entertainment, politics and sports.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Top 10 Most Mentioned Handles in Entertainment - Male

Top 10 Most Mentioned Handles in Sports - Female

1. Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan)

1. Sonakshi Sinha (@sonakshisinha)

2. Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar)

2. Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma)

3. Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan)

3. Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata)

4. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk)

4. Archana Kalpathi (@archanakalpathi)

5. Vijay (@actorvijay)

5. Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra)

6. A. R. Rahman (@arrahman)

6. Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08)

7. Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial)

7. Kajal Aggarwal (@MsKajalAggarwal)

8. Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn)

8. Sunny Leone (@SunnyLeone)

9. Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh)

9. Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit)

10. Atlee (@Atlee_dir)

10. Rakul Singh (@Rakulpreet)

SPORTS Top 10 Most Mentioned Handles in Sports - Male 1. Virat Kohli (@imVkohli)

6. Harbhajan Singh (@harbhajan_singh)

2. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni)

7. Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12)

3. Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45)

8. Hardik Pandya (@hardikpandya7)

4. Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt)

9. Ravindrasinh Jadeja (@imjadeja)

5. Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)

10. JaspritBumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93)

2019 38 | january 2020

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POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT Top 10 Most Mentioned Handles in politics - Male

Top 10 Most Mentioned Handles in politics – Female

1. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

1. Smriti Irani (@smritiirani)

2. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi)

2. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi)

3. Amit Shah (@AmitShah)

3. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj)

4. Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal)

4. Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman)

5. Yogi Adityanath (@myyogiadityanath)

5. Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial)

6. Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal)

6. Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19)

7. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh)

7. Alka Lamba (@LambaAlka)

8. Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh)

8. Mayawati (@Mayawati)

9. Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir)

9. Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti)

10. Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari)

10. Atishi (@AtishiAAP)

Trending

in focus

And finally, Twitter is nothing if not fun - and what says fun more than expressing oneself through emojis? Below is the list of Most Tweeted emojis on Twitter in India this year. n

Top 10 Most Mentioned Handles in Sports - Female 1. P.V. Sindhu (@Pvsindhu1)

6. Mary Kom (@MangteC)

2. Hima Das (@HimaDas8)

7. Smriti Mandhana (@mandhana_smriti)

3. Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania)

8. Dutee Chand (@DuteeChand)

4. Saina Nehwal (@NSaina)

9. Manasi Joshi (@joshimanasi11)

5. Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03)

10. Rani Rampal (@imranirampal)

team@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 39


In Focus

Spotlight

Trends to look for at CES 2020

C

onsumer Electronics Show

but the fun won’t start until the household

the phone-shaped silhouette in a photo

(CES) 2020, an annual trade

manufacturers take to the stage to showcase

promoting the reveal, we’re expecting a

show to be held in Las Vegas

their latest hardware during invite-only

handset - but all the fuss has us wondering

in January, revolving around

media keynotes on January 6. Then, on

if OnePlus is going to enter the foldable

the latest innovations in the consumer

January 7, the exhibition floor will open for

phone rodeo.

electronics space, is almost here and once

all attendees to get hands-on with the goods

we see everything revealed at the show, the

(the best bit) through January 10.

Of course, as a concept, it may never hit retail shelves. But given the other rumour

tech world will never be the same. CES

As per reports, this year’s show will

about OnePlus potentially releasing true

helps define the upcoming year in tech,

have a greater focus on travel and tourism,

wireless headphones to rival the AirPods, we

and with a new decade on the horizon, CES

data analytics and improving customer

might see a lot more OnePlus at the show

2020 could help set the tone for the tech

experiences. Of course, there will still be the

than ever before.

trends that will define the next ten years.

usual slew of TVs, speakers, headphones,

Another rumour suggests new Sony WH-

Being a trade show, CES isn’t open to the

laptops and phones - many of which will be

1000XM4 over-ear headphones are on the

public, with attendees having to submit

optimized for the 5G/8K revolution.

way, a follow-up to the wildly successful WH-

credentials in advance to score an invitation to the Las Vegas Convention Center, where it’s hosted.

When is CES 2020?

What’s in store from tech giants at CES 2020?

1000XM3 noise-cancelling cans released in October 2018. While the rumour doesn’t link the launch to CES, the timing could

Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus stated

be ripe for a January 2020 launch - which

that it will unveil a new mystery device at

makes CES the logical stage to unleash

CES 2020 will kick off with a handful of

its event during CES, which the company

them.

introductory conferences on January 5,

is dubbing ‘OnePlus Concept One.’ Given

74 | january 2020

Intel has long used CES to announce its

MYMOBILE


In Focus

Spotlight latest chipsets, notably taking the wraps off the first 10nm Ice Lake CPU at CES 2019. Pundits expect it to follow suit for CES 2020, using the trade show as a platform to announce some new, more advanced 10nm CPUs. We could even see some fresh low-end and midrange CPUs were thrown into the mix and the launch of its Intel Xe GPUs, too. South Korean company LG has a long history of announcing everything from smart washing machines and homebrewing systems to mirrored doors with built-in touchscreens at the tech bonanza, as well as new OLED TVs, envelopepushing developments, like rollable and transparent screens, and mid-range Android smartphones. But that’s just speculation. What do we know? Well, LG announced on December 11 that it will unveil three new LG Gram laptops — a refreshed LG Gram 14, LG Gram 15, and LG Gram 17, each of which will feature the latest 10th-generation Intel Core (Ice Lake) CPU and a maximum of 24GB of DDR4 32000MHz RAM — and one 2-in-1 at its press conference on January 6. The company has also confirmed that it will be showcasing a range of 8K TVs at CES 2020, which the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) says are the first to have received 8K Ultra HD certification.

have become part of our daily lives, and

several that claim to use brain waves to

This has resulted in LG branding them the

these subscriptions are expected to take

improve learning.

first “real 8K TVs’ — a dig at arch-rival

centre stage this year among the tech

One company to watch is Owlet

Samsung’s current 8K TVs, which lack the

companies showcasing their innovations

-- maker of the popular Smart Sock to

accreditation.

at CES 2020. We’ve seen a rise in interest

monitor newborns. It’s an Innovation

With Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Tech

in services among all of the major tech

Award honoree for its new personalized

Summit only just in the rear-view, it’s

players in the past year (hello, Apple TV

video sleep training program, Owlet Dream

unlikely we’ll see any new hardware

Plus, Disney Plus, Google Stadia and

Lab. A few smart bassinets will also be on

at CES 2020. Instead, the American

Apple Arcade) and more are likely to follow

display, including the Innovation Award

company will probably use the event

suit, particularly in the health and wellness

honoree mamaRoo sleep bassinet, which

to showcase developments in 5G in

and family and kids spaces.

moves to mimic motions that are calming

consumer technology from both itself and

Services for families and kids are

to babies, like a car ride, a tree swing and

its partners, including new milestones in

another trending area for CES 2020,

rock-a-bye, along with built-in noises that

self-driving cars and home appliances.

where we’ll see a lot of gadgets, some

parents can control via an app.

Services

of which will be connected to apps and services. In the education space, hundreds

Focus on Privacy

Services ranging from TV streaming to

of digital education apps and services will

Privacy has been a major topic in the smart

clothing boxes to meal kits to toothbrushes

be on display on the show floor, including

home, but home security companies could

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 41


In Focus

Spotlight be doing more -- and CES would be a great opportunity for brands to address it. Moving more of your interactions with smart home products to local control is one good option. Local MicroSD card storage for security cameras (versus cloud storage) is a good place to start. With cloud storage, your footage goes to a remote server to be saved for however long your cloud subscription allows. With

build privacy at scale, the role regulation

executives will present another keynote

local storage, your clips get saved on a

could play in furthering privacy, and

likely discussing the short-form mobile

microSD card that you can then transfer

what consumers want when it comes to

video platform, also expected in April.

to your computer to view -- without having

privacy.

Executives from WarnerMedia will also

to enlist a remote server. Some security

speak at a CES event, discussing HBO

cameras -- like the Wyze Cam and the Arlo

Streaming Services

Ultra hub -- offer a local storage option,

Consumer spending on software and

All of these new platforms will enter

but it isn’t as common as you’d think.

services -- including music, video and

an increasingly crowded field, and go to

gaming services -- was projected to hit

bat against Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus,

We also know that Apple is attending

Max, which is planned to roll out in May.

Netflix, Hulu and a bevvy of others.

Health and Wellness subscriptions Services have also infiltrated the health and wellness space, including fitness clothing subscription boxes, and smart gym equipment with workout subscription classes. At CES 2020, we’ll see hundreds of digital health companies exhibiting current and potential future products and services. A panel discussion called the Peloton Factor -- referring to the company behind the $2,245 exercise bike with a $39 monthly subscription fee to access exercise classes, and, yes, that disastrous commercial -- will discuss how the fitness industry is partnering with music, video CES 2020. The last time Apple officially

nearly $76 billion in 2019, 14 percent

and live streaming device companies

appeared at the CES was back in 1992.

growth over the year before, according to

along with wearable tech producers to

That’s changing in 2020, as an Apple

the CTA. TV streaming services spending

take advantage of new fitness trends.

executive is scheduled to speak at CES

alone grew by 25 percent, it found.

on a roundtable discussion about digital

Outside of services, you can also

CES and the various companies

expect to see a good amount of sex tech

attending and presenting there are well

and sleep tech at CES 2020. We’ll also

Jane Horvath, Apple’s senior director

aware of this trend. Linda Yaccarino,

see innovations in areas like blood sugar

of global privacy, will be participating

NBCUniversal’s chairman of advertising

monitoring -- company AerBetic is a CES

in the discussion alongside executives

and partnerships, will be a keynote speaker

2020 Innovation Award honoree for its

from Facebook, Procter & Gamble, and

at the show, and we expect that she will

noninvasive, wearable diabetes alert

the Federal Trade Commission. The

discuss its upcoming Peacock streaming

device that pairs with an app. n

panel will focus on how companies could

service, set to launch in April 2020. Quibi

privacy.

42 | january 2020

team@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE


ADVT.

INDIA INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & SMART APPLIANCES EXPO (IEAE - 2019) Tracking the Trends & enabling Indian Industry Association to expand their product & business range

C

o-organized by Ikonic Exhibition &

significant to China-India economic &

during the 3 days of the expo wherein

Conferences Pvt. Ltd. from India,

trade corporation.

All India Electronics Association (AIEA)

alongside Chaoyu Exposition from

The two day conference was focused

had a dedicated Make In India pavilion

China who is also the organisers of IEAE

on the roadmap, challenges and

promoting the manufacturing in India. Shri.

Series of Exhibitions in Indonesia, the

opportunities for the electronics industry

Sangam Lal Gupta, Member of Parliament

event was Powered By the most reputed

under the Make In India – Vision 2025.

– Pratapgarh, Shri. Gulshan Gugnani,

media house from India - The Economic

Conference on the first day was organized

Business Cell – BJP, Shri. Yogesh Kumar,

Times.

by CMAI, led by the association president

Deputy Mayor, MCD Delhi were among

Scheduled from 12 – 14 December, 2019

Prof. N. K. Goyal concentrating on

the government dignitaries who attended

at Hall 12 & 12A, Pragati Maidan, New

changing trends of consumer electronics,

the event with a special delegation of

Delhi, the event was in line with the theme

smart homes & appliances along with the

Indo-African Chamber of Commerce and

of Make In India – Vision 2025 and was

National Electronics Summit & Awards and

Industry led & represented by its Secretary

inaugurated by Shri S. K. Marwaha from

a media round table on smart equipment

General, Mrs. Sunanda Rajendran.

Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government

manufacturing.

IEAE 2019 also witnessed the industry

of India; Shri. Kamendra Kumar from Telecommunication Consultants of India; Mr. HE. Li Baijun, Economic & Commercial Minister , Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in India; Mr. Miao Huawei, Ministry of Commerce, People’s Republic of China and Mrs. Sunanda Rajendran, Secretary General, Indo-African Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The event was an initiative supported by leading industry association National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Govt. of India, All India Electronics Association (AIEA), CMAI Association of India, Federation of All India IT Association from India & China Electronics Chambers of Commerce (CECC), Guangdong Electronics Chambers of Commerce (GECC), Dongguan Electronics Chambers

Day 2 of conference was led by Shri

representation by Mr. Manish Jain from

of Commerce (DECC) and various other

Sanjay Nagpal, President - All India

Xiaomi India, Mr. Shyam Khemnai from

partners from both the countries which

Electronics Association (AIEA) focussing

Lava International, Mr. Sunil Jatta from

also highlighted China International

on manufacturing challenges within the

Haeir India, Mr. Sandeep Sawhney from

Consumer Electronics (India) brand expo

framework of Make in India and exploring

Intex Technologies, Mr. Manu Seth from

theme from China.

the possibilities of joint venture with

Speaking Mindz Inc., Sunil Vachani from

Speaking in the occasion HE. Li Baijun

international trade partners & technology

Dixon Technologies to name a few.

said, “China & India’s relationship have

transfer and conference on Indo-China

Consumer Electronics & Appliances

yielded fruits under the respective

collaboration by All Delhi Computer

Manufactures Association (CEAMA),

leadership and the bilateral trade between

Traders Association (ADCTA), led by

Federation of All India IT Association

the two countries in 2018 was $95.5 billion.

the President, Shri Mahinder Aggarwal

(FAIITA), India Cellular & Electronics

China’s cumulative investment in India is

followed with the product launch by

Association (ICEA), PHD Chamber of

pegged at $8.23 billion and both nations

Accha Go on home appliances and mobile

Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), Invest

are focused on Industrial Corporation

accessories.

India were the other association and

and have made progress in Consumer

More than 200+ exhibiting companies

Electronics segment which is very

showcased 500+ innovative products

government bodies who participated and attended the show. n


Trendz

Market insight

Do Mobile Ads Influence You in Your Buying Decisions? Majority of Indians feel so that they were persuaded by advertisements on their mobile phones, finds a study

M

obile advertising in India

and Founder, MoMAGIC Technologies.

has been making major

The survey further showed that 24%

inroads in the past couple

of Indians have seen maximum ads, text/

of years and 70% of

video, on their mobile phones on popular

mobile phone users agree that they were

social media sites followed by mobile

influenced in their buying decisions after

games and e-commerce apps/sites at

seeing a video or a text ad, according to

14%.

a survey.

With video consumption on mobile

The survey by tech firm MoMAGIC-

phones at an all-time high and still

invested platform mChamp on Mobile

growing at a breathtaking pace, 10% of

Advertising Trends in India was conducted

the respondents also saw ads on video

for over a period of 2 months (October

aggregator/creators apps and website on

10 - December 10, 2019) with around

their mobile phones.

and exciting ways of user experience will

Indian language Punjabi has seen

be the deciding factor for the success of

maximum traction among major Indian

any mobile advertising campaign, other

regional languages with 17% of the

“We believe new and exciting ways of user experience will be the deciding factor for the success of any mobile advertising campaign, other than the content and localization. Video ads, with regionalised approach would gain more traction, ensuring better engagement right call to action”

than the content and localization. Video

respondents stating to see ads in Punjabi

– Arun Gupta,

ads, with regionalised approach would gain

language the most, as per the survey

CEO and Founder, MoMAGIC

more traction, ensuring better engagement

conducted among mobile phone users.

right call to action,” said Arun Gupta, CEO

Bengali came at second position with

Technologies

4,749 respondents (unique numbers) participating across India. The survey also showed that 89% of the respondents stated seeing an ad on mobile phones in the recent past indicating the reach of mobile advertising in India.

A new trend among video content is the vertical format. 35% of the respondents agreed that they prefer to watch video ads in a vertical format. However, most of the respondents surveyed, were not happy with the user

“Mobile advertising is becoming more

experience of mobile ads currently they

and more mainstream with significant

see. 72% of the respondents are looking

number of Indian consumers viewing ads

for a better user experience for mobile

on their mobile phones. We believe new

ads.

9% followed by Telgu and Marathi at 7%. Mobile ads in Urdu was at just 2%. The survey question was intended for major vernacular language mobile ads sans English and Hindi. Due to plethora of other regional languages in India, 51% of the respondents chose others as their answer. In the scope of this survey, only 6 languages were chosen. n team@mymobile.co.in

44 | january 2020

MYMOBILE


Market insight

Better Days Ahead for Hearables Market The global true wireless hearables market is expected to grow by 90% to 230 million units in 2020, finds a study

T

he size of the global market

Chinese players are expected to pick-up

for true wireless hearables

further in 2020. Not only global brands but

is expected to reach 230

the emerging Chinese local brands in low-

million units in 2020, growing

end products will also command attention.

90% YoY, according to the findings of

Now new models are ceaselessly

Counterpoint Research’s Hearables Market

released with various features and

Forecast.

functions, including noise cancellation,

Even though Apple’s market share fell

bio-sensing, waterproofing and integrated

to 45% in Q3 2019, it will likely take

AI voice assistants in broader price ranges

more than 50% of the market share on an

from low-cost entry to high-end premium.

annual basis. Apple is expected to show a significant turnaround in Q4 fueled by its new model, AirPods Pro, which has gained huge popularity since the launch in late October. In 2020, Apple will maintain a strong market leadership based on its loyal customer base, with advanced product and marketing strategies. In 2020, the market will be more dynamic as tech giants such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft are entering the true wireless hearables industry, and existing smartphone makers such as Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei will expand their business aggressively. While the rapid growth of the Chinese market is prominent,

“The true wireless hearables market will have a similar growth momentum as the early smartphone market a decade ago. The CAGR of the smartphone market from 2009 to 2012 was 80%, and the true wireless hearables market is expected to grow at 80% CAGR from 2019 to 2022 as well” – Liz Lee, Senior Analyst, Counterpoint Research

In addition, demand for replacements from consumers who purchased first generation products two or three years ago, will likely soar, as well as first time purchasers who are now entering the market in large numbers. Liz Lee, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint Research, said, “The true wireless hearables market will have a similar growth momentum as the early smartphone market a decade ago. The CAGR of the smartphone market from 2009 to 2012 was 80%, and the true wireless hearables market is expected to grow at 80% CAGR from 2019 to 2022 as well. Based on future product strategies focused on voice communications from global tech companies and their efforts to create high-added value, the true wireless hearables are just becoming one of the daily necessities among consumers.” n team@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 45


Tried & Tested

burntest

realme X2 Pro

Super Display, Fast Processor, with a Super 50W Charger

R

ealme , the

7 and OnePlus 7T then the

most disruptive

new realme X2 Pro looks very

smartphone brand

similar in terms of its body

at the moment,

shape and body composition

has got another first under

which is the presence of

its belt, i.e, a 50W Super

Corning Gorilla Glass 5 at

VOOC Charger, being shipped

the back. The phone feels

within the box of its latest

premium as well and due to

flagship smartphone X2 Pro. A

its metal body, it feels slightly

smartphone with quad-camera

heavy. The body color of the

set-up at the back and fastest

phone is very pretty and it

processor available till now

surely attracts a lot of eyes.

in a smartphone from the

The color finish of the phone

house of Qualcomm known

has a finish of pearl white

as Snapdragon 855+ has

and Neptune blue with prism

a lot more to talk about. In

effect making the phone look

this review of ours, we will

very attractive. The top side of

provide a deep insight into the

the phone has just secondary

new realme X2 Pro and will

mic whereas at the bottom lies

see whether the company’s

Type-C USB port, speakers

entry into a new price range

having DOLBY Atmos sound

can make users go for

quality, and a 3.5 mm

realme rather than the other

headphone jack which is a

competitors falling within the

good addition to its features

same flagship range.

because it the presence of

Design If you have seen OnePlus

headphone jack is giving upper edge over OnePlus 7T. to the left side of the phone

MYMOBILE


lies the volume rockers and

level adjusted to the optimum

at the right side lies power

level. The colour reproduction

button and dual SIM tray with

is very good as the colour

no extra slot for microSD card.

which you will get on screen is

The front fascia of the phone

very vivid, bright and punchy.

is dominated by 6.5 inches

The screen of the new realme

screen and on the screen, you

X2 Pro is doing justice with its

can get the fingerprint sensor

price tag.

which is very quick to respond.

verdict

it. The internal storage of the phone is 128GB which is non-

Looks

09 /10

expandable in nature.

Cameras

09 /10

Cameras

Performance

10 /10

The cameras of the new

Battery

09 /10

Value For Money

09 /10

Refracting Refreshing Revelation Reliable

realme X2 Pro are amazing. The camera capability of the phone will make you fall for

At the rear side lies the quad-

Platform

camera sensors bulged a bit

The new realme X2 Pro ships

out in a frame. The brand logo

with ColorOS 6.1, based on

of the phone is placed quite

Android 9. This version has

OnePlus 7T. The new realme

uniquely as well just below

some new features such as

X2 Pro has quad-camera

the camera frame which is

a dark mode and Google’s

distinguishing it from the rest

Digital Wellbeing app. Our unit

of its family members.

had the November security

Display

patch preinstalled, which is good. With the announcement

The new realme X2 Pro is very

of ColorOS 7, we might hope

head to head with OnePlus 7T

it to get better with more

as it also has the same screen

Indianised-customisation.

type which is Super AMOLED

Can Be Considered

OVERALL

PROS Charger, Display

92%

Cons ColorOS

it and to be very genuine the cameras of realme X2 Pro are on at the same level as

sensors with the primary being of 64 MP which is the wide lens of the phone with an

(For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

aperture of f/1.8, and PDAF.

Tried & Tested

burntest

The secondary sensor is a

realme X2 Pro has entered

capacitive touchscreen and

the market with full homework

the screen size of 6.55 inches.

and the processor of the phone

The phone offers widescreen

is the proof of that as it has a

space thanks to its 20:9

top processor which we have

aspect ratio. The screen

seen in OnePlus 7T and Asus

size is something which you

ROG 2 and both the phones

will find very good plus the

are priced higher than realme

HD+ viewing experience of

X2 Pro. The presence of

watching movies or playing

Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+

games infusion with a very

is something which is adding

smooth touch interface

more value and reason to

which is backed by 90Hz and

realme X2 Pro to make it one

HDR10+ support is giving a

of the approachable phones.

super smooth experience. At

The processor handles any

the top of the phone despite

task with super fluency and

the notch, there are very sleek

smoothly no matter which

bezels and on the bottom and

application you are using. The

at the sides lies very sleek

phone does not heat up to an

their level and adding more

telephoto lens of 13 MP with

bezels as well which just adds

alarming level while playing

to the gaming experience the

an aperture of f/2.5, PDAF

more space. The phone has a

heavy games for hours. Since

refreshing rate of the display

and 2x optical zoom. The third

screen resolution of 1080 x

we mentioned gaming so

is like cherry on top of the

sensor is an ultra-wide lens

2400 pixels and has 402 PPI

let me tell you that you will

cake. The power driven by the

with 8MP. The fourth sensor

density. The phone has 1000

have one of the best gaming

processor to handles the task

is a depth sensor of 2MP. The

nits max brightness which

experience with this phone as

comes from the 8GB RAM of

images captured were brilliant

is making the screen visible

graphics of even big games

the phone which just boosts

with proper detailing in every

quite easily under bright

like PUBG, Asphalt runs in

up the ability of the processor

aspect like saturation, natural

sunlight even with brightness

top level with no downfall in

to take on anything thrown at

color preservation, etc. We

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 47


Tried & Tested

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compared the images taken

The images captured at night

good. There might be some

test impressively and truly

by OnePlus 7T and realme

were equivalently amazing

softening effects in selfies

justify its worth. The 50W

X2 Pro and the images

and the nightscape mode of

which you will find deviating

Super VOOC Charger is the

captured by both were almost

the phone adds more value to

from original quality but still, I

most astonishing factor we

similar except in realme X2

the images captured at night

will say it is good.

have seen. Starting at Rs

Pro the images had more

as they are very well detailed

lighting whereas OnePlus 7T

and crispy with proper lighting

Battery

maintained good saturation

effects. In low light with the

realme X2 Pro has a battery

which is vibrant and huge, a

and original lighting. The

help of rear LED flash the rear

power of 4,000mAh which

much required 90Hz refresh

advantage which the new

cameras capture very good

when tested lasted a day

rate, fast and agile processor,

realme X2 Pro has over

quality of images which you

quite easily. The discharging

diverse quad-camera set-up

OnePlus 7T is the optical

will love to see. At night also

process of the phone is

that takes 20X closer and a

zoom of the phone which is

there were very less amount of

very slow and thanks to the

day long battery. Selfie lens

20X as compared to 10X of

noise effects and the graining

advanced processor of the

compliments also it. In short,

OnePlus 7T. The stability,

effect was observed when

phone the battery feels very

all boxes are ticked. Back

edge detection of the rear

we used the optical zoom

less strain on it. The new

design is prone to smudges

sensors are so good allowing

beyond 2X. The selfie camera,

realme X2 Pro with its Super

and finger imprints, so better

you to capture images in

on the other hand, is 16MP

VOOC charger capable of

use a cover. ColorOS 6.1

superb quality. The wide lens

with an aperture of f/2.0.

giving a power output of 50W

requires refinement a bit for a

of the phone also performs

The selfie camera is also very

is making it one of the fastest

lag-free experience which we

very well taking into account

good as it manages to capture

chargers in India and to check

might see later with ColorOS

more areas without losing any

brilliant selfies with proper

this claim we tested it as and

7.0. Phone does generate

content and context of the

refinements and details. At

the phone in just half an hour

heat if used for long. To

image captured. There were

daytime, the selfies were

got fully charged.

summarise, if you’re looking

no noise effects observed in

amazing with proper color

the daylight shots plus the

saturation and sharpness

Conclusion

full 20X zoom also brings very

whereas at night even in

Overall, the newly launched

less amount of graining effect.

low light the selfie was very

realme X2 Pro did pass every

48 | january 2020

29,999, realme X2 Pro offers Super AMOLED display

for a flagship smartphone under 30K then realme X2 Pro can be a good option. n haider@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE


burntest

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

Durable, Feature-istic, Lasting Battery with Music

G

armin, a

resolution pixels. It’s bright

to listening of music, calls,

say. I have used it extensively

renowned name

and easily visible even without

notifications, heart rate

in my home network and in

in the field of

the lights on. You won’t face

monitoring, stress counter,

roaming too when the antenna

aviation, marine,

any difficulty in reading texts,

to tracking of daily activities

changes position every few

automotive, outdoor, and

notifications or even the

and steps. Not all, it can even

hours. In a single full charge,

fitness markets, has been

watch face. The Forerunner

track your sleeping pattern,

it can goes upto 4 days with

quite focused in India with

245 Music has a Silicone

if you allows it do and for

ease. Garmin claims it to be

its range of fitness and luxury

strap which is very light and

that you have to wear it while

the highest battery life among

smartwatches. The US-based

convenient to wear. There’s

sleeping. You can answer/

other competitors and it

company is known for its

not a single moment of stress

reject calls, read/discard

turned out so as well. It never

quality and durable products

that you may feel around your

notifications, control music,

lets you with desperation of

worldwide that’s because of

wrist. The circular dial holds

check distance travelled

charging even if used

its in-house design, R&D of

five heads; Start/Stop, Back

and calorie burnt. You can

prolong. A good smartwatch

its products. In this review,

on the right half and Light, UP

also transfer your favorite

must have an equally good

we will talk about Garmin

and Down on the other side.

music from your computer to

battery life and hence 245

Forerunner 245 Music and get

Beneath the smartwatch sits

Forerunner 245 Music with

Music justifies it. Being a

to know the intrinsic hardware,

the sensor that tracks motion

the help of an app called

Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi

design and functionalities

and activities at large. As one

Garmin Express.

enabled smartwatch the

about this smartwatch. As

would expect a smartwatch,

the name suggests, it targets

Forerunner 245 Music is

Compatibility

music enthusiasts who are

resistant to water as well.

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

Conclusion

actively into fitness.

Without being noticed, it

is compatible with both iOS

Garmin presents a bouquet

just weighs around 38 grams

and Android smartphones.

of features with Forerunner

Design

battery life is awesome.

in total. Being a ‘Music’

You can download the Garmin

245 Music. You will get all the

Garmin Forerunner 245

smartwatch, Forerunner 245

Connect app and pair the

desired features needed in a

Music design is of a traditional

can hold upto 500 songs, and

watch with it. It’s free, simple

smartwatch such as

watch with round dial made of

comes pre-loaded with Spotify

and convenient to use even

heart rate monitor, steps

Corning Gorilla Glass 3 which

and Deezer as default music

if you’re a beginner in this

tracker, notifications and

is tough and durable and

streaming platforms.

domain. With GPS and Wi-Fi

calls, plus its water resistant,

support, it becomes an ideal

durable build, light weight,

tool for fitness enthusiasts.

easy to use and comfortable

till now no scratch is being noticed even tough i used it

Functions

for my daily commute in metro

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

as well as travelled outside of

performs most of the tasks

Battery

the city to countryside with it.

of being a smartwatch. From

The Forerunner 245 Music

smartwatch that we have

The round bezel is reinforced

the very basic of timings,

has a good battery life, I must

today. At around Rs 32,000,

strap. The music library makes it even more desired

polymer, hard in nature, yet

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

elegant. The display measures

competes with Apple iWatch

1.2 inches in size. The display

and FitBit. The touchscreen

of Garmin Forerunner 245

could have been an added

Music is a thing to mention.

advantage to it plus the

It doesn’t let you down even

barometer. n

under the sun with 240x240

www.mymobileindia.com

haider@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 49


Tried & Tested

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vivo V17

Clear in Design and Camera but Not in Objective

T

he V series of the

we have seen in

vivo has added

the iPhone 11 Pro. The

a new member

body size is very compact as

to its list which

it fits the palm quite easily.

is vivo V17. The launch of

The curvy edges around the

vivo V17 prompts the idea

corner are offering a better

of comparative analysis in

grip of the phone. The body

the mind of the users as the

composition is polycarbonate

company only a few months

which is giving reasonable

back launched vivo V17 Pro.

body weight. The front side is

We shall be clearing this

dominated by the screen with

dubious situation by reviewing

the world’s smallest punch

the new vivo V17 and will find

hole camera. The fingerprint

out what new V17 will

sensor is an inbuilt display

be offering.

fingerprint sensor that is very

Design

quick in response. The left side of the phone has the

Unlike vivo V17 Pro the new

triple slot SIM tray which can

vivo V17 sports a unique look

carry dual SIM cards and

both from front and backside.

microSD card. At the right

The shiny finish though has

side lies the power button and

been retained with the same

the volume rockers. At the top

color variants which are giving

side of the phone

an aesthetic appeal to the

lies the secondary mic for

phone. A unique camera

active noise cancellation

frame is chosen to put the

whereas at the bottom lies

rear camera lenses but it will

a 3.5mm headphone jack,

look familiar to you as it looks

Type-C USB port, and a

very similar to that of which

speaer grille.

50 | january 2020

Display One of the interesting and catchy aspects of the new Vivo V17 is that it offers almost the feel of full view display which we can say is if we take out the micro size of the space taken by the punch-hole display. The screen has almost bezels equivalent to none as they are very sleek and very hard to notice. vivo calls the display of vivo V17 as iView Display. The phone has a 20:9 E3 Super AMOLED screen with a screen size of 6.38 inches. You will love the experience which you will get by performing any task on the screen be it watching movies, playing

games or working with documents. The notch has been placed very smartly as it does not cause any hindrance while playing games. The colors reproduced are very bright, vivid and punchy. The visibility of the phone is very bright and it allows to make the screen visible even you are using it in bright daylight. The phone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 pixels and has a screen rating of DCI-P3 100%.

Platform vivo V17 has the new Funtouch OS 9.2 running on top of Android 9.0 Pie which is an update from the previous V17 Pro. The

MYMOBILE


new Funtouch OS 9.2 has

the stereotype around its

significant upgrades over its

cameras which is that the

predecessor as it has a new

images taken from the phone

GUI for a high-tech, dynamic

over beautify the images.

vibe. The latest OS delivers

The new vivo V17 is sporting

smooth usage experience

the camera lenses which are

which further enables you

capable of capturing the real

to keep your interest while

portrayal of the world around

using the phone. vivo has

you. The cameras of vivo V17

verdict Looks

09 /10

Cameras

09 /10

Performance

08 /10

Battery

10 /10

Value For Money

08 /10

Mesmerising Impressive Sustainable Enough

version of vivo V17 Pro as one would imagine. The display is almost of same dimension and resolution, having same Snapdragon octa-core processor, same quad-lens set-up at the back but varies in resolution as compared to Pro. The selfie camera

not made any changes in the

are one of the best cameras in

Decent Buy

processor section of the new

vivo phones which offer super

OVERALL

Vivo V17 as it has the same

fine details with proper color

from 4,100mAh to now

old processor which we have

saturation and no unwanted

4,500mAh despite not being a

seen in the previous Vivo V17

beautification. The images

Pro version. The price of both

Pro which is Snapdragon

captured by the rear cameras

675 with octa-core where

both at day and night were of

two cores are clocked at 2.0

super quality with fine details.

GHz Kyro 460 Gold and six

Edge detection of the rear

cores clocked at 1.7GHz Kyro

camera is very good as well.

460 Silver. The processor

The main primary sensor of

can handle a plethora of

the phone is 48MP with an

applications without getting

aperture of f/1.8 which is

worked up or overheated. All

the wide lens of the phone.

the applications ran smoothly

The secondary sensor is the

when we tested the phone and

ultra-wide lens of 8MP with

games like PUBG, Asphalts,

an aperture of f/2.2. The third

COD. One good thing about

sensor is the dedicated macro

the Vivo V17 is that it offers

camera of 2MP with

high graphics modes with no

an aperture of f/2.4. The

significant fall in the graphic

fourth sensor is the depth

level. The Adreno 612 GPU of

sensor of 2MP with an

the phone keeps the graphics

aperture of f/2.4. The

level at the utmost level.

selfie camera of the vivo

But there might be some

V17 is brilliant as the selfies

minor level of heat felt while

captured by it were amazing

playing games continuously

and were in real shades of

for more than half an hour.

color with no over softening

day with a single charge.

come in design of rear camera

vivo V17 has 8GB RAM which

or beauty effects. The 32MP

The power consumption by

module which is now housed

boosts the working capability

selfie camera stands strong to

the applications was also

in a rectangular frame in

of the phone. The ROM of

the claim which the company

moderate as the processor

V17 and the dual rising or

the phone is 128GB which

has made about the camera

keeps it in check, making the

pop-up selfie camera now

could be further expanded

of the vivo V17. The selfie

battery to easily sustain the

shifts into a punch hole

with the help of a microSD

lovers will surely love the new

power. The charging speed of

design and is reduced to

card. Overall, the processor is

vivo V17.

the phone is also very

one. With Snapdragon 855+

fast as the phone supports

available at this price point in

fast charging thanks to the

smartphones such as realme

Type-C port.

X2 Pro, vivo needs to rethink

good but the company could have given a better and more

Battery

powerful processor to heat the

vivo V17 has a 4,500mAh

competition.

battery which powers the

Cameras The new vivo V17 is breaking

PROS Design, Display

88%

Cons Competition

(For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

phone throughout the day and

Conclusion

when we tested the longevity,

The newly introduced vivo

it stood out to last a whole

V17 is a not-so toned down

www.mymobileindia.com

also remains the same. The improvement came in battery,

the phones start at Rs 29,990 which we did not understand because what’s the point

Tried & Tested

burntest

launching a new smartphone then? The noticeable changes

its pricing strategy very soon. Does this phone not kill its own predecessor? n haider@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 51


Tried & Tested

burntest

LG G8s ThinQ

Offers much but, gets caught up in Competition

I

n the field of technology

has an aesthetic appeal to it.

frame followed by rear

of the screen is very good

and innovation, one

The positioning of the power

LED flash. Unlike all other

as well. The notch on top of

company whose name

button at the right side of the

companies, the fingerprint

the phone could be made

stands very firm and

phone feels very odd because

sensor is not on display rather

to hide by customizing the

strong is LG which has been

of its placement to the

there is a proper physical

display in the display setting.

making life good for people for

extreme top making you reach

fingerprint sensor at the rear

The space offered by the

long. LG has a very stronghold

for it but when you are used

side of the phone. At the

screen is quite good and you

in the Indian technological

to it becomes very normal to

bottom of the phone lies a

will enjoy performing any

market but, when it comes

use. Also at the right side of

3.5mm headphone jack,

task on screen. The phone

to smartphone it does not

the phone lies the SIM tray

Type-C USB port, and a

has a screen resolution of

enjoy that leverage. The

capable of carrying two SIM

speaker grille. There is also

1080x2248pixels with 401

company has launched

cards and a microSD card.

face unlock on this and that

PPI density. The screen

G8s ThinQ which is taking

Towards the left side lies the

works pretty well as well to

is protected from external

forward the lineage of the

volume rockers and Google

strengthen the security of the

damage by Corning Gorilla

LG ThinQ phones in India.

assistant button. The rear

device.

Glass 5.

Through this review of ours,

side of the phone has a mirror

we will try to provide an

finish which surely looks

Display

Platform

insight into whether this

beautiful but at the same

The screen of LG G8s ThinQ

Moving to the software

phone has the power to take

time, it is prone to smudges.

is a G-OLED capacitive

that LG G8s ThinQ runs is

on the top competitors under

The rear camera placement

touchscreen of 6.2 inches.

LG customs Skin on top

the flagship in which it is

does not follow any status

The display is bright and

of Android 9.0 Pie. This

launched.

quo meaning the sensors are

crisp. The phone comes

might be the one thing on

placed in a horizontal manner

with an HDR10 display and

this phone that I’m not a

also comes with DCI-P3

big fan of that UI doesn’t

Design At first glance from a distance the phone might look like

with a slight bulged

color space. The

feel very mature. There

refresh rate

are basic functions that

iPhone 8 due to its

take more time turning like

widescreen and a

turning on and off toggles.

broad notch. The

The kind of customization

phone feels very

that it provides is insane

premium and

from personalization using the most

52 | january 2020

MYMOBILE


burntest versatile always on display device comes with the Android PIL navigation method and

verdict Looks

08 /10

Clean

Cameras

it works pretty well. The

Good

09 /10

processor on the phone is

Performance

09 /10

Battery

08 /10

Value For Money

07 /10

Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 with 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage which is the most powerful processor under the flagship in which the phone

Smooth

Manages Spoilt by Choices

OVERALL

Tried & Tested

options that I’ve seen. The

82%

falls. The 855 processor is very powerful and it clearly shows in the way that this phone functions. Compared to OnePlus 7T this does very well in benchmarks score even and scores 395K on Antutu which is a crazy number. The

PROS Processor, Gesture

Cons Dated Design

(For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

OnePlus 7T scores slightly lower and the ASUS ROG2

MP standard lens which is

phone again with the 855

the wide lens of the phone

Plus which supposedly was

with an aperture of f/1.8.

the highest scores, scores

The secondary sensor is a

only 393K which means that

12MP telephoto lens with an

this is higher benchmark

aperture of f/2.6. The third

scores. I actually love this

sensor is a 13MP ultra-wide

phone and if we talk about in

lens with an aperture of f/2.4.

setup of 8MP and AF TOF 3D

another smartphone having

gaming performance then I

The camera set up of the G8s

camera. The selfies were quite

Snapdragon 855 platform so

played Asphalt a lot on this,

ThinQ almost reminds me of

good, both at day and night

it’s natural for it to perform

I even played PUBG and

the iPhone 7 pro set up. The

but if compared to OnePlus

brilliantly which it does, tri rear

the experience was second

pictures that this phone takes

7T, I would say OnePlus 7T

camera matches expectations

to none I had a wonderful

are fabulous. I especially like

has the upper hand. Overall,

of being a good shooter and

experience the display is

the color signs used by the

the camera is quite especially

display is bright enough to say

very nice and the speaker

rear camera and the details

the manual control which the

the least. Selling around at Rs

performance is good and if you

and sharpness are also quite

phone provides.

35,990 for the 6GB version,

would listen to audio through

on point. The parity between

it is beautiful and you can turn

3 lenses is pretty good too and

Battery

on DDS 3D surround sound

there are barely any Android

The phone has the Quick

have but there are much better

and that does make the game

phones that provide it. You

Charge 3.0 to charge the

options available at same price

feel a lot more lively than it

have the option to choose

3,500mAh battery of the

point like OnePlus 7T and

would with any other phone.

between any of the cameras

phone. The battery power

ASUS ROG Phone 2. Battery

On daily use it is pretty nice

even for video. The manual

of the phone makes it last

is a bit of downer as it doesn’t

there were a few times when I

control of the camera for video

a day. We tested the lasting

support long sessions of PUBG

found instabilities but that was

recording and clicking photos

capability of the phone and it

and video playback but, can

mostly because of the UI.

is quite good as well. The

managed to last a whole day

last a day if used moderately.

images captured at night were

with some 20 per cent charge

Air Motion is a unique

slightly lower in the quality

left in it.

advantage/addition to it which

Cameras Now coming to the cameras

when compared to daylight

the G8s ThinQ comes with a

images. The new LG G8s

Conclusion

triple camera setup with 12

ThinQ has a dual selfie camera

The LG G8s ThinQ is yet

www.mymobileindia.com

G8s ThinQ completes the set of requirements you might

Google Pixel 4 skipped for India. n haider@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 53


Tried & Tested

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Infinix S5 Lite Good for Multimedia Junkie

E

ven as we were trying and testing the Infinix S5 to arrive at a

conclusion that it was the most affordable smartphone to offer a punch-hole display and 32MP selfie camera under Rs 10K, the Transsion Holdings online-focussed brand dropped yet another bombshell by launching the stripped-down variant of the smartphone. Called the Infinix S5 Lite, the smartphone costs Rs 7,999 which is Rs 1,000 cheaper than its elder sibling. Available in shades of Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan and Violet, the S5 Lite too comes with a punch-hole display, which has been a feature on some flagship devices, and hasn’t even trickled down to a lot of midrange smartphones yet. Let’s put the all-new S5 Lite to the test to find out how worthy it is in today’s cut-throat competition.

54 | january 2020

Design The Infinix S5 Lite appears similar to its elder sibling and it’s hard to make a distinction between the two when looking from the front. Just like the S5, the S5 Lite is slightly taller than usual, and you need to shuffle it in your hand. A 6.6-inch display dominates the face of the device and it offers a 90.5 per cent screen-to-body ratio. The company has traded the spiralling lines seen on the S5 for a glittery metallic finish on the S5 Lite, and taken off one lens from the rear. The plastic-clad S5 Lite is as glossy as its predecessor. On the right, you’ll find the power and volume buttons, with the former sporting a textured pattern to make it easily distinguishable. These buttons are reachable when using this phone one-handed. The left side of the device is home

MYMOBILE


to the SIM tray, which can

The sad part is that handset

house two nano SIMs and

lacks an ambient light sensor,

verdict Looks

09 /10

Cameras

08 /10

The company has also downgraded the selfie camera

a microSD card at the

just like the Inifinix S5. You’ll

same time. At the bottom,

have to adjust brightness

there is a micro-USB port

manually all the time. The

Excellent in Daylight

accompanied by a 3.5mm

camera hole is on the top left

Performance

audio jack and speaker on

corner.

Good

08 /10

daylight photography is

Battery

Platform

Powerful

09 /10

good shots. The photos came

the S5 Lite flaunts a triple

The smartphone is powered

Value For Money Not Bad

07 /10

camera setup which is one big

by a MediaTek Helio P22

difference compared to the

chipset along with IMG

quad-sensor array on the S5.

GE8320 650MHz GPU. It

phone captures skin tone that

There is also a quad-LED flash

offers 4GB of RAM and 64GB

looks natural and it’s able to

which seems to be too much.

of internal storage, which

The fingerprint sensor is

is further expandable up to

positioned towards the centre

128GB via microSD card

and near the camera module.

slot. Performance-wise, it’s

Although the fingerprint sensor

satisfactory. The device can

is a bit high to reach, it is fast

handle most of the daily tasks

as well as accurate. Overall,

like browsing, watching video

talked about feature of

Battery

the smartphone looks decent

content and more with ease.

this smartphone, like its

The Infinix S5 Lite is fuelled

from design perspective.

However, if you are into heavy

predecessor. It consists of

by a 4,000mAh battery and

multitasking or playing high-

a triple camera setup at

the company ships a standard

either side. As for the rear panel,

Display

Premium

OVERALL

PROS

82%

Cons

from 32MP to 16MP on the Lite variant. Performance-wise, the outstanding as it took some out to be accurate and the colour reproduction was close to the source. Even the selfie performance is good, as the

handle overexposure in the

Design and Processor Display

backdrop. The performance,

(For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

say average, in the low light

however, is not that good, or conditions.

end games, it’s definitely not

the back – a 16-megapixel

5V 2A charger. The phone

The all-new S5 Lite has got

good. You’ll experience long

primary camera with an f/1.8

can last up to 1.5 days of

a good display. It comes

load times when you use heavy

aperture, a 2-megapixel depth

normal usage. Even if you use

equipped with a 6.6-inch

apps. It supports Bluetooth 5,

sensor, and a low-light sensor

the smartphone at length,

HD+ Infinity-O display with a

Wi-Fi, 4G with VoLTE, GPS,

of unknown resolution. For

it’ll have one day of battery

screen resolution of 1600 x

FM radio and USB-OTG. While

selfies, it has a 16-megapixel

backup, which is not bad. It

720 pixels, 20:9 aspect ratio

the ambient light sensor is

shooter with an f/2.0 aperture.

takes around 2 hours to get

and 90.5 per cent screen-to-

missing on this device, it does

The camera app appears

fully charged.

body ratio. The display looks

have other basic sensors. The

very basic in terms of the

good and viewing angles are

fingerprint scanner as well as

shooting modes and it

Conclusion

decent as well. The notch does

face unlock are quick.

includes HDR, AI Cam,

Although it happens to be

Beauty mode, Portrait, and

the most affordable

wide selfies. There is no night

smartphone at the moment

not hamper the overall viewing experience of the screen. It’s

Cameras

pretty good for watching some

Cameras happen to another

Tried & Tested

burntest

mode, which is quite startling

to offer a punch-hole display

video content or

considering the fact that

with an interesting premium

playing some games.

it has a dedicated low-

design, the S5 Lite faces

light sensor onboard.

a tough competition in the market, particularly in terms of processor and better cameras. It’s good for a multimedia junkie, but definitely not for gamers. Having a massive battery goes in its favour. Anyway, it’s something quite enticing at the given price point. n ramesh@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 55


Tried & Tested

burntest

Nubia Red Magic 3S It’s all about Gaming

I

t not very long but

too long ago, a powerful

Magic 3 offered most of those

volume rocker and power

finally, gaming

processor was considered

and its successor Red Magic

button on the right edge of

smartphones have

to be the only important

3S is the latest gaming device

the phone, along with the

started creating a

factor for gaming. Things

from Nubia. The specs of

two touch-sensitive triggers

niche for themselves in the

have changed drastically

this device are impressive. It

that are great for gaming

Indian market as well. Not

now, and we have dedicated

uses the Snapdragon 855+,

(more on that later) and

gaming smartphones, each

has a 90Hz, 6.65-inch Full

the vent for the cooling fan.

HD display with Corning

On the left side, the game

one bringing something different to the table.

Gorilla Glass, and packs at

mode toggle is still there, as

Gaming smartphones

least 8GB of RAM (12GB

is the six-pin connector for

typically offer high

on some models). Plus there

the Magic Adapter. You’ll

performance, fast

is a 5,000mAh battery, 8K

also find the dual SIM card

displays, big batteries

video recording, a built-in fan,

slot here. Along the bottom

and some kind of

hardware gaming buttons,

edge, you’ll find the USB

advanced cooling

and a dedicated gaming

Type-C port capable of 18W

system. Nubia’s Red

launcher. As of December

charging, a microphone, and

23, 2019, Nubia Red Magic

a speaker grill. I assume this

3S’ (8GB+128GB) variant is

is so notifications are easier

priced at Rs 35,999 for the

to hear when the phone is in

Indian consumers. I spent a

your pocket when you might

week testing the Red Magic

have the front-facing speaker

3S (8GB+128GB) and now

muffled by your legs. At the

it’s time to find out can Red

top, there’s just a headphone

Magic 3S bring something

jack, which some users might

extra to the table?

still appreciate. On the back,

Design

camera, which we’ll get to

The Red Magic 3S is just

later, and an air intake vent

about identical to the Red

underneath, which has been

Magic 3. The phone is

redesigned for some reason.

the same shape and size,

Below that is the RGB light

something and it constantly

strip because that’s what

feels like it might tip over in

every gamer need. What’s still

my hand and it’s even prone

missing is an NFC touchpoint,

to sliding out of my pocket.

which I like to have for mobile

The biggest change in terms

payments. The whole design

of design is really in the

of the back is pretty unique,

colour schemes, with Mecha

and I like the all-metal build.

Silver replacing the red

On the front, there’s the 6.65-

variant of the (8GB+128GB)

inch display flanked by stereo

model and Cyber Shade

speakers and a 16MP front-

replacing the camo look

facing camera.

for the (12GB+256GB)

56 | january 2020

there’s still a single 48MP

model. Everything else is

Display

the same. You will find the

The display of Nubia Red

MYMOBILE


Tried & Tested

burntest

Magic 3S is larger than that of the ROG Phone II, having a 6.65-inch Full HD screen (6.59 inches, in case of the ROG Phone II) with a

Camera

resolution of 2340 by 1080

The camera on

pixels, a density of 387.

the Red Magic 3 didn’t

5ppi and a 19.5:9 aspect

seem that great to me when I

ratio and a 90Hz refresh

reviewed it, so going into the

rate. There is an adaptive

3S, which has the same 48MP

I ended

brightness feature and we

Sony IMX586 sensor, I didn’t

up pleasantly

found the brightness to be

expect that much. However,

surprised. The camera delivers fairly punchy colours

optimum indoors and outdoors

verdict

both under full sunlight, though it has to be jacked to the maximum in bright sunlight. The AMOLED display is vivid and

Looks

08 /10

Cameras

09 /10

Good Okay

and reasonably sharp shots, and I managed to get some

the tree is

nice pictures out of it. One

contrasting

thing that’s new here is the

against the bright sky. The

night mode, which is similar

first few shots below are one-

Performance

08 /10

to what we saw on the Nubia

offs, but mostly you’ll see

choose from -- Colourful mode

Battery

09 /10

Z20. I’d say it works just as

comparisons between having

(wide colour gamut) makes

Value For Money

08 /10

well if not better than it did

night mode on or off, with

on that phone. It continues to

regular shots coming first.

do a great job of bringing out

Having a single lens does

the DCI-P3 gamut, and the

the colours and details in the

reduce the versatility of the

Natural mode uses sRGB. A

shadows, while also toning

camera, so you can’t get any

down harsh highlights so the

crazy zoomed-in pictures or

whole picture looks more

wide-angle shots since the

balanced and natural. Even in

lenses required for that aren’t

the daytime, certain shots can

here. The phone still comes

be improved by night mode,

with the array of options you’d

such as the picture you’ll

get before, like 8K video

see towards the end where

recording at 15 frames per

has three colour modes to

colours pop, while the Regular mode switches the panel to

Satisfactory Massive

Good option

OVERALL

84%

2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass covers the display and as such, the screen is susceptible to damage if it falls. Our review unit had a thin protective film preinstalled on the display.

PROS

Cons

Performance, Larger than most devices, 90Hz No NFC, display, (For detailed specifications, please refer to My Guide)

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 57


Tried & Tested

burntest

second, shooting at either

which is cool. I don’t know

a 5,000 mAh battery which

feedback in supported games

48MP or 12MP and choosing

why there’s no 960fps option

should help it stay off the

such as PUBG Mobile and

aspect ratios, and so on. It

in between, though.

charger for long periods. In

Asphalt 9: Legends.

also includes a ton of extra modes like multi-exposure,

Sound

LightDraw, and slow-motion video. That last one is

terms of software, the Red Magic 3S runs Android 9 Pie

Conclusion

The stereo speakers on

with a custom UI on top. Our

The Red Magic 3S is a phone

the Red Magic 3S are also

unit was running the August

I’d love to recommend. The

interesting because, instead of

really great and they have a

security patch. We did not

performance of the phone

supporting the more standard

surprising range of volume. If

have any issues navigating

is fantastic. Added to that

960fps recording, Nubia

you set it to the lowest level,

through the UI. There are

a 90Hz refresh rate, loud

decided to have both 480fps

it’s barely audible even in

very few preinstalled apps,

stereo speakers, a pretty good

and a 1920fps option that’s

relatively quiet rooms.

including only a few Google

camera, long-lasting camera,

apps along with an LED

and unique gaming-oriented

Strip Editor tool that lets you

features, it’s an overall

labelled as beta. That last one extends a two-second clip into

Platform/ Battery

one minute and four seconds,

The Nubia Red Magic 3S is

customise the RGB strip at

fantastic package. It continues

an update to the Red Magic

the back. Game Space 2.1

to be one of the phones that

3 and gets the more powerful

is the gaming mode on the

tempts me the most to buy it.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 855

Red Magic 3S, and it can

The Red Magic 3S is a great

Plus SoC. The company has

be turned on by flicking the

gaming phone and represents

switched to UFS 3.0 storage

physical GameBoost switch on

amazing

with the Red Magic 3S, while

the side of the phone. Game

value for the money.

the model it replaces had UFS

Space has a different launcher

However, the company

2.0 storage. This puts it on the

that you can add games and

should work a little on the

same page as recent OnePlus

apps to it. There are quick

layout and the design of the

devices. To keep the processor

toggles for RGB lighting, the

icons in the UI of the phone

at an optimum temperature,

internal fan, and the screen

and try to make them look

the company says it has used

refresh rate. You can set the

different than what you

an active cooling fan, thermal

refresh rate to Auto, 60Hz,

usually see on other regular

gel, copper foil, multilayer

or 90Hz. The internal fan

smartphones, like having

graphite, and a liquid cooling

has an ‘Intelligent’ setting

sharper and punchier icons

tube. Connectivity options on

that adjusts fan speed based

that have been designed

the Red Magic 3S include

on the CPU temperature, or

keeping a gaming theme in

dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Rapid Cooling which keeps it

mind, though the default

5, four satellite positioning

turned up constantly. There

background looks fine for a

systems, and Dual VoLTE.

are also 4D Shock effects

gaming phone. n

The Nubia Red Magic 3S has

which claim to improve haptic

58 | january 2020

vivek@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE


Philips BASS+ SHB3075 Decent Device, Priced Accordingly

W

Functions

battery is indeed powerful and

and more

makes the headphone

The Philips headphone is

gives you a long run for sure

handset

resistant to sweat and

very easy to use and it offers

without interruption.

makers

light on the head. Overall,

all the functions on user’s

eliminating traditional wires

the headphone is quite

tips. There’s separate buttons

almost 3 hours to fully charge,

from their devices, the demand

comfortable. The only concern

to on and off and Bluetooth

which can be a problem in the

for Bluetooth handsets is

with the quality is the size of

connectivity on the right

world of fast chargers.

set to grow faster. The audio

the speaker drivers, which is

earmuff.

device segment is booming

just 32mm, and after a long

in India, and there are several

usage it can cause pain.

ith more

The plastic headband

Press holds the power

The headphones also take

Conclusion

button for 2 seconds to switch

The Philips BASS+ wireless

it on and 6 seconds to switch

headphone can be found

wireless to wire and premium

the ear so it hurts the upper

off. Since there is a separate

online with the price of Rs

to pocket-friendly. While some

ear after a continuous use, also

button for Bluetooth, press

1,899, which is a fair price

consumers prefer style others

the quality of the headband

hold of that for 2 seconds will

for wireless devices. But don’t

look for extra bass to ears.

could be made better by

automatically get ready to pair

expect way too much from the

adding pads, to make it more

with devices.

Philips headphones with this

options for consumers, from

Maybe this is why most of the consumers nowadays seem confused about which

They also don’t fully cover

comfortable.

device to go for, with so

Sound Quality

many offerings from multiple

To play and pause the music there is a center

price. The sound is clean and

button along with two volume

distortion free but the lack

The Philips wireless

buttons, but the same buttons

of noise cancelation is

companies. But if you are

headphone offers a good

are used to change the tracks,

a disappointment.

looking for a bass treat for

sound quality with nice bass

and for that you are supposed

And the quality of

your ears with multiple

and well balanced treble.

to press twice and for volume

the headphones

functioning’s on your tips, here

And a good point is that the

just press once. The controls

also suffers

is Philips offering for

sound does not distort on high

are very easy to use and you

with the

you the Philips BASS+

volume.

don’t have to reach out to your

But the only draw-back

SHB3075 wireless

phone every time you want to

headphone. But are

with the headphones is that

they perfect for you, let’s

it doesn’t support Noise

find out!

Cancellation, and while calling

to answer calls and activate

you really have to scream

your Google Assistant; it’s very

sometimes, still the person on

easy and convenient.

Design and Body The Philips over-the-wear

the other end of the call gets

headphone covers your ears

noisy sounds.

change the track. All these features also used

Battery

uncomfortable fitting. But the

perfectly; the headphone cups

No noise cancellation

The only thing that it clearly

battery gives you a long run

are soft and very easy to wear

with this price and brand is a

wins is its battery backup,

and it weighs much lighter,

for a long time. But the outer

disappointment, as the whole

the company claims that

which makes it easy to carry.

material of the headphone is

world around you gets to know

the Philips BASS+ wireless

plastic, that doesn’t seem to

what songs you are listening

headphones offers 12 hours

fair buy with fair performance

be there for a long run.

to.

of battery backup, and that’s

but there are certainly some

true.

points the company could

The headphone cups

Also it is very

After a continuous usage of

Overall, the headphone is a

connected to the headband

uncomfortable to wear for your

via hinge, which allow the ear-

gym sessions, as it will keep

3 to 4 hours the headphones

it much better. But it still is

cups to rotate right and left up

on slipping from ears and

were still alive, but it surely

fair good with this amount of

to a 90-degree angle, making

the cushions can surely get

becomes a little painful to

money. n

it easier to carry anywhere.

damage by sweat easily.

wear after an hour. But the

www.mymobileindia.com

Tried & Tested

burntest

have worked upon to make

pahi@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 59


Tried & Tested

burntest

Infinix Band 5

A Value for Money Fitness Tracker

A

fter back to back

IP67 certified build, which

Design and Build

colour IPS display and not

launches of its

makes it waterproof, and has

Akin to many fitness trackers

an OLED display, which is

budget-centric

a long battery life. Priced at

available in the market,

definitely unsatisfactory.

smartphones,

Rs 1,799, it comes in colours

the Infinix Band 5 follows

The company seems to have

Infinix has come up with

of Black, Blue and Red.

a generic design. It looks

chosen a more traditional

the Band 5 smart fitness

Although Infinix is the latest

decent and is not for the

watch grasp, which makes

tracker in India. The Infinix

brand eyeing the wearable

slim-wristed. There are silver

it easy to wear and even

Band 5 sports a colour IPS

segment, let’s find out

accents above and below

reduces the chances of it

display for displaying health

whether the Band 5 offers the

the band’s screen to give it a

coming off. Although its

metrics and notifications

best to take on a number of

unique look. It offers a 0.96-

straps are a bit hard, the

from connected apps. The

competitors already available

inch screen nestled into a

Band 5 is quite comfortable

wearable also comes with an

in the market.

plastic wristband. It sports a

to be worn all through the day and night. Overall, it’s a good looking device at the first glance. Infinix has improved its design and given it a much better look than its predecessor, XBand 3. The Infinix Band 5 comes with an IP67 waterproof rating, which means the wearable is rated for immersion in water as much as one meter deep

MYMOBILE


for about half an hour. It’s a

information, including, time,

“find Bracelet” feature if you

monitoring, and “Raise Hand

bit tedious task to remove the

weather, continuous heart

misplace it, and a “Shake to

to Activate Display” feature.

band for charging as you will

rate, battery percentage, day,

take picture” option. One can

The band can be fully charged

not be able to remove the strap

date and month on the band’s

even set on-screen time.

in about one-and-a-half hours.

in seconds. It needs a lot of

default screen. What makes

There are four sports

The device charges via a male

strength which is definitely a

you feel bad about this device

modes, including Skipping,

negative aspect of this device.

is that if you’re in a different

Running, Walking and Riding

menu, there’s no direct button

available on the band. The

Conclusion

that returns you to the home

screen works even when you

It’s a very basic fitness band,

The Infinix Band 5 doesn’t

screen. Overall, the response

have sweaty hands. These

and can track heart-rate,

offer a full touchscreen display

to the touch on this smart

are some basic modes and

steps and sleep data. Besides,

and there is a capacitive

band is fairly fast.

are quite useful. The band’s

it offers a decent battery

sleep analysis is quite useful.

life, a waterproof rating and

It gives insight into sleeping

notifications on your wrist.

User Interface

Home button right below the

USB connector.

actual display is pretty small

Functionalities and Software

patterns, including deep,

The bad part is that it doesn’t

compared to the tracker’s

First of all, use the Infinix

awake and light sleep. Similar

offer BP monitoring, OLED

overall length, which is not

Life2.0 app to pair the Band

to other trackers, this app

display, music control and full

bad for its price. However,

5 with your phone. The app

too gives you suggestions on

touchscreen. Besides, the IPS

the text on the display looks

is available on both Android

getting enough sleep, which

panel is not that great, as the

crisp. Even the colours appear

and iOS platforms and it will

could be helpful for some.

brightness and contrast ratio

good. Reading it under direct

let you setup smartphone

The band automatically tracks

takes a hit when viewing the

sunlight is definitely an issue

notifications. Interestingly,

your sleep. Although you never

display from an angle. Anyway,

with this fitness tracker.

the app lets you add as

really get completely accurate

what can you expect from a

many notifications as you

results with fitness wearables,

device, especially considering

button on either side of the

want in the “App Reminder”

the Band 5’s step tracking is

its price. It’s again a value for

band, you need to tap on the

section. There are a few

accurate enough to rely on.

money product from the house

home button or raise your wrist

ingenious features that the

to turn the display on. One can

company has added to its app.

Battery life

of Infinix. n ramesh@mymobile.co.in

jump to any particular screen

There are different settings

Its battery life is quite decent

by long-pressing the home

for Call Reminder, SMS

by 2019 standards. The

button. You can also long-

Reminder, App Reminder and

smart band lasted for over a

press the button to change the

Sedimentary Reminder. The

week on a single charge on

band’s face. Infinix has added

latter lets you set no-exercise

moderate use. You can save

only three faces, which look

reminder time. There are also

a lot of battery by turning off

decent. You can see a lot of

built-in vibration alarms, a

the continuous heart-rate

display for navigation. The

Since there is no physical

Tried & Tested

burntest

january 2020 | 61


Tried & Tested

burntest

HiFuture OlymBuds

High on Design, Performance

W

hile popular

charging case, is comfortable

audio

and compact. Priced at Rs

brands

3,999, the earbuds come

are busy

in White and Black colour

churning out premium wireless earbuds, the entry-

options.

level segment has also

Inside the box

bombarded with plenty of

You will get a charging case,

options to choose from. It’s

earbuds, user manual, data

now relatively easy to find

cable, earplug cap, ear

inexpensive true wireless

support. The USB cable is

earbuds that sound pretty

USB to TYPE C cable.

decent. Among the list, one

that supports Environmental

the latest Bluetooth 5.0

noise cancellation (ENC).

version ensures super-stable

The earbuds are comfortable

transmission speed, higher

to hold on your ears but you

compatibility, advanced

may need to fix it a little in

instant pairing and up to 35ft connecting distance. With

is HiFuture -- that is founded

Design

between.

by veterans and experts

The charging case body is

with cumulative experience

made of plastic and comes

Battery

of more than 50 years in

with a button and an LED

the audio or acoustic field

indicator. The earbuds are

with companies. The new

compact, they have ear

HiFuture OlymBuds is another

support attached, lightweight

true Bluetooth 5.0 wireless

and pretty comfortable.

earbuds that True Wireless

Each of the earbuds has soft

Stereo (TWS) which means

buttons that can be used

you can connect individual

to control the media. When

earbuds or use single earbuds

you remove the earbuds they

according to the need.

switch on automatically.

This product comes with a

There is a built-in microphone

earphones are waterproof and

The battery department of the

sweatproof and can survive

device is nice. As our review

all your indoor and outdoor

suggests that, the earbuds,

activities. One can use Siri

on a full charge, it can give up

and Google Assistant on the

to 6 hours of usage time and

HiFuture OlymBuds when

a fully charged charging case

connected to compatible

can power up the earbuds

smartphones and devices.

up to 3 to 4 times. Overall a good true Bluetooth wireless

Conclusion

earbuds, that is compact and

They’re extremely lightweight

gives a really good battery life.

and compact even with the

Performance

charging case, which makes it easy to carry around. As

The bass is pretty good, the

important as the sound

vocals are clear and have

quality, the earpieces must

good instrument separation.

fit well. HiFuture has made

The best part is that you will

use of high-quality silicone in

not find any leakage even

the earbuds to give the user

when the volume is full. The

the most comfortable and

HiFuture OlymBuds comes

secure fit. Its dynamic N42

with full touch control.

Neodymium magnet driver

The touch sensors on both

allows HiFi stereo sound

the earbuds give users full

performance and superior

control, letting them pause or

bass. If you’re looking at the

play music, control volume,

entry-level segment, then

skip tracks and answer or

these earbuds will surely not

reject calls. The built-in

disappoint you. n vivek@mymobile.co.in

global Realtek chipset with

54 | december 2019

an IP rating of IPX5, these

MYMOBILE


The neckband easily gets connected to smartphones, laptops and PCs. Overall, this device produces good bass and seems to be made for today’s millenials who enjoy music with high bass.

Battery The neckband style earphone boasts a 140 lithium ion

HiFuture NeckLace

A Perfect Choice for Bassheads

P

ersonal audio

around your neck when not

brand HiFuture

in use. The earphones come

recently launched

with three sets of earbuds

Qualcomm-

to ensure the snuggest fit. It

powered neckband style in-ear

has built-in microphone and

wireless earphones, called

dedicated control buttons to

HiFuture NeckLace, in India.

wirelessly answer or reject

The NeckLace comes with

calls. These buttons can also

some interesting features such

be used to control music

as Ultra Bass Technology and

playback. The earphones come

CVC 8.0 Wind Noise Cancelling

with an IPX5 rating and are

and has support for Bluetooth

waterproof, sweat proof and

5.0. The device is priced at Rs

dust proof.

2,999 and can be purchased

battery, which ensures 12 hours of music playback time/ talktime on a single charge that takes around one and a half hours. The NeckLace

as Amazon and Flipkart. Let’s

Performance and Connectivity

communication remains

features a micro USB port

find out how worthy it is with

The NeckLace comes with

crystal clear no matter which

for charging the device. The

this review.

the latest Bluetooth 5.0

environment you are in.

earphone stands tall in this

via ecommerce platforms such

Design

chip with Qualcomm audio

This is a perfect device

department, as even after

technology and SBC and AAC

to have a truly immersive

using it for 11 hours (including

The HiFuture NeckLace looks

hi-res transmission decoder

experience for calls as well

playback and talktime) on

good and has an ergonomic

for better sound reproduction,

as music for commuters,

mid level volume, I didn’t

neckband design, made of

faster pairing and seamless

bike-riders, joggers and gym

experience any deterioration in

100 per cent Silicone. It easily

connectivity up to 10 meters

enthusiasts. These earbuds

sound.

fits into the ears giving you a

for a balanced and unfettered

provide ultra-high performance

comfortable feel. With a little

music experience. It uses

for people who juggle with

Conclusion

push, it simply glides in the

10 mm dynamic Neodymium

work and play on the move.

The HiFuture NeckLace is a

ear and fits in the ear cavity to

magnet for immersive

The device is best suited for

decent product in its price

have high precision harmonics

sound experience. It

those who wish to own stylish

category. It’s high on ultra

and acoustic experience.

features the Environmental

yet comfortable earphones.

plus soft bass and gives you

The ends of the ear tips on

Noise Cancellation technology,

The device uses Digital Signal

a natural, ergonomic fit for

this neckband have magnets

thanks to Qualcomm CVC

Processing (DSP) algorithms

prolonged use. It’s something

that allow earphones to clock

8.0 that efficiently filters

to find the optimum voice-to-

quite special for bassheads. n

securely. They comfortably stay

out background noise so

noise ratio for perfect clarity.

www.mymobileindia.com

Tried & Tested

burntest

ramesh@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 63


Trendz

consumer insight

Showing Robots “Tough Love” Helps them Succeed Humans acting in an adversarial manner towards robotic systems can actually improve their robustness, says a team of USC computer scientists.

A

ccording to a new study

“learns” based on previous examples, in

by University of Southern

theory increasing the range of tasks it can

California (USC) computer

perform.

environments.

Human in the Loop

scientists, to help a robot

But creating general-purpose robots

One line of research that’s been quite

succeed, you might need to show it some

is notoriously challenging, due in part to

successful in overcoming this issue is

tough love. In a computer-simulated

the amount of training required. Robotic

having a “human in the loop.” In other

manipulation task, the researchers found

systems need to see a huge number of

words, the human provides feedback to the

that training a robot with a human adversary

examples to learn how to manipulate an

robotic system by demonstrating the ability

significantly improved its grasp of objects.

object in a human-like manner.

to complete the task.

“This is the first robot learning effort

For instance, OpenAI’s impressive

But, until now, these algorithms have

using adversarial human users,” said study

robotic system learned to solve a Rubik’s

made a strong assumption of a cooperating

co-author Stefanos Nikolaidis, an assistant

cube with a humanoid hand, but required

human supervisor assisting the robot.

professor of computer science.

the equivalent of 10,000 years of simulated

“Picture it like playing a sport: if you’re

training to learn to manipulate the cube.

playing tennis with someone who always

More importantly, the robot’s dexterity

lets you win, you won’t get better. Same

is very specific. Without extensive training,

with robots. If we want them to learn a

it can’t pick up an object, manipulate it

manipulation task, such as grasping, so

with another grip, or grasp and handle a

they can help people, we need to challenge

different object.

them.”

“As a human, even if I know the object’s

The study, “Robot Learning via Human

location, I don’t know exactly how much it

Adversarial Games,” was presented at the

weighs or how it will move or behave when

International Conference on Intelligent

I pick it up, yet we do this successfully

Robots and Systems. USC PhD students

almost all of the time,” said Nikolaidis.

Jiali Duan and Qian Wang are lead authors,

“That’s because people are very

advised by Professor C. C. Jay Kuo, with

intuitive about how the world behaves,

additional co-author Lerrel Pinto from

but the robot is like a newborn

Carnegie Mellon University.

baby.” In other words, robotic systems

Learning from Practice

find it hard to generalize, a skill

Nikolaidis, who joined the USC Viterbi

which humans take for granted.

School of Engineering in 2018, and his team

This may seem trivial, but it can

use reinforcement learning, a technique

have serious consequences. If

in which artificial intelligence programs

assistive robotic devices, such as

“learn” from repeated experimentation.

grasping robots, are to fulfill their

Instead of being limited to completing

promise of helping people with

a small range of repetitive tasks, such

disabilities, robotic systems must be

as industrial robots, the robotic system

able to operate reliably in real-world

64 | january 2020

“I’ve always worked on human-robot


collaboration, but in reality, people won’t always be collaborators with robots in the wild,” said Nikolaidis.

direction. Adding this element of challenge helps the robot learn the difference between

percent grasping success rate. So, robotic systems learn best from flesh-and-blood adversaries.

As an example, he points to a study by

a weak grasp (say, holding a bottle at the

“That’s because humans can understand

Japanese researchers, who set a robot loose

top), versus a firm grasp (holding it in the

stability and robustness better than learned

in a public shopping complex and observed

middle), which makes it much harder for

adversaries,” explained Nikolaidis.

children “acting violently” towards it on

the human adversary to snatch away.

several occasions. So, thought Nikolaidis, what if we

It was a bit of a crazy idea, admits Nikolaidis, but it worked.

“The robot tries to pick up stuff and, if the human tries to disrupt, it leads to more stable grasps. And because it has learned

leveraged our human inclination to make

The researchers found the system

a more stable grasp, it will succeed more

things harder for the robot instead? Rather

trained with the human adversary rejected

often, even if the object is in a different

than showing it how to better grasp an

unstable grasps, and quickly learned robust

position. In other words, it’s learned to

object, what if we tried to pull it away? By

grasps for these objects. In an experiment,

generalize. That’s a big deal.”

adding challenge, the thinking goes, the

the model achieved a 52 percent grasping

system would learn to be more robust to

success rate with a human adversary versus

Finding a Balance

real world complexity.

those with a human collaborator, which had

Nikolaidis hopes to have the system working

a 26.5 percent grasping success rate.

on a real robot arm within a year. This will

Element of Challenge

Trendz

Consumer insight

“The robot learned not only how to grasp

present a new challenge — in the real

The experiment went something like

objects more robustly, but also to succeed

world, the slightest bit of friction or noise

this: in a computer simulation, the robot

more often in with new objects in a different

in a robot’s joints can throw things off. But

attempts to grasp an object. The human,

orientation, because it has learned a more

Nikolaidis is hopeful about the future of

at the computer, observes the simulated

stable grasp,” said Nikolaidis.

adversarial learning for robotics.

robot’s grasp. If the grasp is successful, the

They also found that the model trained

“I think we’ve just scratched the

human tries to snatch the object from the

with a human adversary performed better

surface of potential applications of

robot’s grasp, using the keyboard to signal

than a simulated adversary, which had 28

learning via adversarial human games,” said Nikolaidis. “We are excited to explore human-inthe-loop adversarial learning in other tasks as well, such as obstacle avoidance for robotic arms and mobile robots, such as self-driving cars.” This begs the question: how far are we willing to take adversarial learning? Would we be willing to kick and beat robots into submission? The answer, said Nikolaidis, lies in finding a balance of tough love and encouragement with our robotics counterparts. “I feel that tough love – in the context of the algorithm that we propose – is again like a sport: it falls within specific rules and constraints,” said Nikolaidis. “If the human just breaks the robot’s gripper, the robot will continuously fail and never learn. In other words, the robot needs to be challenged but still be allowed to succeed in order to learn.” n team@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 65


In Conversation

face to face

“WK Life takes special care to maintain the individuality and uniqueness of its merchandise” Hong Kong-based WK Life has created a niche for itself in the area of electronic gadgets and mobile accessories, kudos to their unique designs that add to your lifestyle. Since its inception in 2013, the company has gone on to become a global brand having 1,000+ stores, 18 factories and 75 patented designs in over 60 countries with more than 4,000 employees. Competing with some of the top-notch luxury players in the given space, WK Life takes pride in quality of its innovative product portfolio which it keeps expanding. It has some bigger plans for India to increase its market share, cashing in on the trend of smart digital devices. Rohit Sahni, Director, WK Life, speaks more about the brand, its product portfolio, trends, challenges and growth strategy in India, in a conversation with Ramesh Kumar Raja. Excerpts: How’s the brand WK Life positioned itself in

and marketing of innovative and stylish

with the growing consumer expectations.

a hyper-competitive market like India which

electronic products. We are one of the

We pay close attention to client perception

is already dominated by many small and

few businesses in the country to provide

and create unique products. Our current

big players? WK Life is a one-of-its-kind

holistic product profile in the electronic

trend is the Bluetooth products that are

company that specialises in manufacturing

segment. All our products can be availed

preferred by the customers. They require

under the same roof through our direct

hands-free merchandises to support their

outlets and website.

busy lifestyles, and Bluetooth items are the latest hype.

Since you offer a wide range of products, from portable speakers and earphones to handset

How are your products gaining traction in

accessories and chargers, which among

the market? Which are the areas from where

them is a dominant vertical for WK Life? Our

maximum demand is coming for the WK Life

dominant vertical keeps evolving to cope up

products in India? We create consumerspecific products to meet the particular demands of the clients. The products have gained considerable traction among female customers. Over 70% of the entire client base is women. Our products are trustworthy, unique and stylish. Our marketing team conducts extensive research on the demand to increase product visibility and allure. How is the India market different from other countries where you sell your products?

MYMOBILE


face to face

“We create consumer-specific products tad slower in adapting the technological advancements to meet the particular demands compared to their global of the clients. The products have counterparts. WK gained considerable traction among Life has undertaken the responsibility to female customers. Over 70% of the entire introduce new products client base is women. Our products are and also contribute to trustworthy, unique and stylish. Our the development of the technology industry. We marketing team conducts extensive do not just launch products research on the demand to but also facilitate the growth increase product visibility of the market. and allure” The Indian market has been a

Which platform yields maximum revenue

for WK Life – online or offline? WK Life is currently focussing on the offline stores with

big issue in the Indian electronics industry.

10 direct outlets and over 100 partners. We

They flood the market with counterfeit

are located at prominent places in major

accessories and tamper with the quality

cities. Every store is exquisitely designed

of the segment. The government has

to meet the consumer expectations of the

implemented various regulations in the

region and yet maintain the brand image of

import segment to combat this issue. The

designers who work exclusively to develop

WK Life. We are currently in the process of

digitalisation aspect would play a crucial

our merchandise. We have 18 factories

expansion to all cities across the country.

role in curbing the grey market.

that are operated with a stringent system

What is your approach to the “after-sales

What are your outreach and investment plans

the only brand in the country to maintain

service” which remains an issue for the

for India? WK Life currently operates from

the uniqueness of the merchandise.

majority of electronics brands? All our

10 direct outlets and also thorough other

products are designed and produced

partners in the country. We are planning

What are the trends that you foresee will

with utmost caution and dedication. Our

to expand our stores to 200 locations in

drive the consumer electronics market in

products have a high shelf life and do not

the next two years. We are currently in

the coming years? The technology industry

suffer from after-sales complications. They

the process of identifying the right places

keeps evolving continually. The current

are subjected to a stringent testing protocol

and analysing the consumer market. This

trend is focussed on smart home products

to avoid any problems in the future. All our

would help us to provide the ideal product

like Google Home, Alexa, etc. This

products are performing exceptionally well,

to satisfy the clients’ demands.

technology can monitor the performance

to ensure product quality and style. We are

and they do not have any issues currently.

of all other electronic devices. WK Life Please tell us something about R&D and

is currently in the process of innovating

There is a parallel grey market in India thriving

innovation at WK Life? WK Life takes special

creative and inspiring revolution in the

on counterfeit accessories and devices. How

care to maintain their individuality and

do you deal with them? The grey market is a

uniqueness. We have a team of 75 skilled

segment of smart home electronics. n ramesh@mymobile.co.in

www.mymobileindia.com

January 2020 | 67


In Conversation

face to face

“We are positioning Visit as a Super App for Health in India” Health is something that one cannot ignore, but what if you have to wait for hours, even days or months, for a doctor’s appointment for even minor issues, especially in today’s context when you hardly get time to spend with your family on weekdays. Although many patients use urgent care OPD for minor complications, it’s something that comes at a price and bothers one and all, one way or the other. Visit is one such platform that takes this problem head-on by providing round the clock access to healthcare anytime, anywhere. It’s said to be your personal healthcare assistant to help you with all your health queries and a tele-health platform to connect to healthcare specialists. Anurag Prasad, Co-founder & Head of Product, Visit, shares more about this platform, its functionalities and the vision to make it large, in an interaction with Ramesh Kumar Raja. Excerpts: How Visit app is offering its services and

We already have some of leading

healthcare - preventive as well as curative.

making its presence felt in India? We are

corporates as customers like IBM

The app is available for free on Android

aiming to capture a leadership position

India, Apollo Munich Health Insurance,

and iOS platforms.

in India’s burgeoning $2.2 billion primary

HDFC, Times of India, Wipro, Medi

The platform offers advisory on diet,

healthcare market. The company plans to

Assist Healthcare Private Limited, Avery

exercise and other healthcare regimens,

expand its offering by launching innovative

Dennison, Yes Bank, Tata Metaliks, Kohler

and also enables you to monitor your

insurance products and geographical

India, JCB India etc.

performance. Visit is hyper-local,

footprint across India. A concerted

We have a unique offering in the form

committed to providing local access to

outreach to increase retail subscriber base

of exclusive OPD Insurance (and wellness

quality primary healthcare to wherever you

is already underway. Visit is also increasing

subscription). This is not linked to any

are in India. It has an in-house network

penetration into the institution market

other health insurance plan, it is pure play

expansion and doctor empanelment team

where it already has a strong presence.

OPD insurance policy. We are aggressively

for both tele-consultations and in-person

With 460 million internet users in India,

promoting it through multiple channels-

consultation at clinics and hospitals. And

there is a huge potential for growth.

Corporates/Institutions; leveraging the

what’s more, you get financial incentives

insure-tech platforms; partnering with

to log in those details as FITcoins. These

leading digital and mobile platforms; and

can be redeemed at major ecommerce

in-house calling/medical team.

platforms like Bookmyshow, Amazon, Shoppers Stop, Starbucks and many

How user friendly is this mobile application

more. Visit gives you a live picture of your

and what are the features that make it different

health and enables you to monitor your

from other platforms? Visit brings together

progress across parameters.

the practitioners and the patients. Both these groups so far have struggled with a

How many downloads this app has

system that restricts access, makes it hard

accumulated till date and what are you doing

to control when and where care occurs,

to popularize it among masses? We have

and on whose terms. Using cutting edge

around half a million users (and counting).

AI technology, Visit facilitates timely,

These include both corporate and retail

accurate and cost effective primary

users. We are following a multipronged

MYMOBILE


face to face strategy to popularize our app amongst

those platforms. We are positioning Visit as

masses. We feel that the exclusive OPD

a Super App for Health in India that utilizes

insurance, offered on our platform, is a

AI-driven diagnosis, online tele-health and

game changer. Once the financial barrier is

offline hyper-local network of hospitals,

taken care of, more and more people would

clinics and labs to help all Indians tackle

be encouraged to seek expert primary

their health issues end to end.

medical help, nipping what can be a major health problem in future, in the bud.

Can you please tell us about your business

We are expanding the penetration by

partnership, if any? As I have mentioned

empanelling more and more doctors, to

earlier, we have tied up with insure-tech

provide our users with speedy, economical

platforms like Coverfox, among others. We

and nearby access to the desired medical

want to rapidly expand distribution and

expert, pharmacy and path labs. Apart How do you manage data and ensure “Using cutting its security from any sort of fraud? We have edge AI technology, Visit a robust data security infrastructure ups, collaborations with insure-tech facilitates timely, accurate and cost built on top of AWS. At the platforms like Coverfox and digital effective primary healthcare - preventive application level, we follow platforms like PhonePe, Reliance HIPAA compliance, which is Jio etc. All these have triggered a as well as curative. The app is available for the international standard for national conversation on access free on Android and iOS platforms… The health data security. to quality primary healthcare platform offers advisory on diet, exercise and anytime, anywhere. We are also other healthcare regimens, and also enables What’s your comment on the getting a lot of positive word-ofyou to monitor your performance. Visit is poor internet connectivity that mouth which is adding to our user hyper-local, committed to plays spoilsport in many parts base. of India? Do you think 5G will providing local access to quality What is your revenue model to keep be a game-changer in this regard? primary healthcare to wherever going? Visit is currently offering Corporate The Visit Health platform has been you are in India” Wellness Subscriptions and OPD designed for mobile, which is agile and from this, we are aggressively increasing our user base through corporate tie-

Insurance Policy. Under the Corporate Wellness Subscriptions, it offers a fully

can leverage multiple sources for internet reach via these digital platforms.

access. This to a large extent takes care of

scalable primary health insurance cover

To further expand our reach across the

the connectivity problem. With time, the

for various corporates. The user company

length and breadth of this vast and varied

internet access is going to get better and

pays a monthly, per-employee subscription

country, we have tied-up with leading

better, as not just business and commerce,

charge for providing wellness, health and

digital and mobile platforms like PhonePe,

but the governance is also dependent on

unlimited online consultation services.

Reliance Jio etc. This allows us access to a

it. This is one key infrastructure that is and

Whereas, the OPD Insurance Policy was

vast and ready customer base to promote

will be a high on the government radar,

launched recently for the retails segment,

our solutions/subscriptions.

and already lots of steps are being taken

in an association with Apollo Munich

to ensure national connectivity, even in the

Insurance, which covers unlimited online

Since Visit has an early-mover advantage to

and offline doctor consultations and

be a leader in this segment, what is your

I feel that 5G would be a big boon for

diagnostics, all insured throughout the year

growth/expansion plan to deal with

the whole app ecosystem, Visit Health

for a fixed premium, where Visit earns a part

competition, which is very common in

included! It would be a great enabler for

of the premium for its online consultations

today’s digital world? We are looking

the entire ecosystem, as 5G will make

portfolio and servicing the clients.

to build the largest available cashless

many things possible which are we are not

network of doctors, hospitals and labs,

able to do with 4G. With superior speeds

What do you do to ensure a better recall value

which are connected with the user’s health

and bandwidth, we would be able to offer

of this application? Super Apps such as

insurance. We are looking at on boarding

much more in form of value, deliver and

Gojek and Paytm have a high recall value

100K doctors in the next 6 months across

services to the consumer. n

due to the breadth of services available on

top metro cities.

www.mymobileindia.com

remotest parts of the country.

ramesh@mymobile.co.in

January 2020 | 69


Guest Column

by Invitation

mCommerce Shaping Lifestyle Industry in India By Mayank Jain

m

Commerce, as the name

specific offers, invites and discounts.

per cent) and health and beauty (54 per

suggests, stands for

For lifestyle brands, it is an exceptional

cent) are driving classifications in India,

mobile ecommerce and is

instrument to intersect customized

empowering about a part of the respondents

online and offline user experience.

to buy items and services two to five times

a result of growing interest

in ecommerce and its scope across various

C) Personalization: This is the place retailers

industries. mCommerce has helped traders

can take advantage of clients who have

A noteworthy 75 per cent of respondents

and customers to do business via mobile

downloaded their applications, and

accept that a terrible retail and shopping

devices and internet facilities.

make the most of the social web, by

application experience impacts a brand’s

each month.

Here’s a brief introduction on how

connecting with clients’ Facebook

recognition. Then again, around 98 per cent

companies are capturing consumers’ attention

accounts, to give them what items their

said that a decent application experience

on mCommerce:

friends have loved, or by monitoring

decidedly impacts their assessment of a

A) Push Notifications: These are the

what items they have surfed and offering

brand.

instant message style pop-ups that any

them extraordinary benefits. For lifestyle

As indicated by the ongoing overview led

individual who downloads an application

brands, there is no doubt that mobile is

by Criteo, about 80 per cent of customers

can pick in to get. With email open rates

going to keep on playing a crucial role.

reacted that they feel good and secure

consistently declining, the message

Researches have demonstrated that

utilizing a mobile for online shopping.

pop-up is an engaging showcasing

individuals who are 25-34-year old

More than 38 per cent of respondents

channel for fashion industry that

like to buy items by means of mobile

affirmed that accessibility of a wide scope of

draws in individuals! As a rule, buyers

application. Furthermore, a review by

items is the thing that they esteemed most

acknowledge pop-up messages: about

the Luxury Institute demonstrated that

in a retail and shopping application.

90% of downloaders will select in to get

67% of well-earned mobile phone users

these messages.

shop on their gadgets.

B) Geo-fencing: This is the point at which your mobile knows precisely where you

What do statistics suggest?

are, so that applications can send you

Fashion (88 per cent), electronics (78

These and many more surveys reveal the potential of mobile phones in the ecommerce and just as how they can benefit both retailers and wholesalers. What are the benefits of incorporating mCommerce in a fashion business?

1. Cost Reduction One of the most substantial benefits of online business is the benefit of reducing overall expenses. A piece of these expenses could be given to clients as discounts and offers. Here are ways in which these expenses can be decreased with mCommerce: Publicizing and promoting: Organic search engine traffic, pay-per-click, and social media traffic are a portion of the

80 | december 2019

MYMOBILE


publicizing sources that can be put to

that it empowers the loyalty of the clients.

practice.

When the clients download and signs in an

Faculty: By putting checkout,

application, he would consistently give first

billing, payments, stock administration,

6. Collaborations via Social Media is Easier Social media marketing and the mobile applications go hand in hand. What’s

and other operational procedures on

more, the lifestyle industry can’t be left out “For lifestyle either. Social media has demonstrated as brands, there is no doubt of representatives required to run an a great help as it enables the planners app-based business organization. that mobile is going to keep on to collaborate with each other and Land: This one is an easy become more acquainted with one playing a crucial role. Researches have decision. An online business another’s structure. demonstrated that individuals who are vendor needn’t bother with a You can likewise share the physical area. 25-34-year old like to buy items by means photos, recordings and posts of mobile application. Furthermore, to remain intact with the most 2. No Geographical recent happenings in the fashion a review by the Luxury Institute Limitations and style industry. demonstrated that 67% of well-earned If you have a physical store, you are restricted by the topographical mobile phone users shop on 7. Helps in Managing territory that you can offer goods Store their gadgets” and services to. With an online business autopilot, it brings down the quantity

Guest Column

by invitation

One of the greater focal points of having

application, the entire world is your play area. Moreover, the appearance of m-trade, i.e., web-based business on mobile phones, has broken up every single challenge related to geography.

3. Enabling Deals and Coupons Becomes Easy Although there are physical counterparts to bargains, deals, coupons and group purchasing, internet shopping makes it considerably more helpful. For example, if a client has a profound discount coupon for jeans at one physical store and jacket at another, she may think that its infeasible

attention to your application at whatever

a mobile application for a fashion store

to benefit of the two limits. However, the

point he needs to make a buy.

is that it proves to be valuable in

client could do that online with a couple of taps.

4. 24/7 or 365 Days Open

In addition, the applications will

dealing with your store and keeps it

recollect the past orders of every client and

fresh. It might be conceivable that the

send them customized data dependent on

clothing that client is requesting isn’t

that. The clients will feel happy to have

available in your stock. The application

Store timings are every minute of every

received customized administration as a

will in a split second send you the message

day/365 for online shopping business.

live sales representative.

that you have to stock up an item in your

mCommerce business sites can run

Applications additionally enable the

collection. This will surely help in better

constantly. From the brand’s perspective,

potential buyers to arrive at your online store

stock management as you will know what

this opens a window for more order requests.

at any point of the day and from anyplace.

should be added and which things should

From the client’s perspective, a “constantly

They can choose from the variety of things

be put on hold.

open” store is increasingly advantageous.

available only at a tap of their hand and pick

Hence, mCommerce and lifestyle

the ones to purchase within their budget.

industry have a long and a profitable way

The customers also give their feedback

ahead n

5. Generate Customer Loyalty One of the best impacts that the mobile

that urges others to peep in; in this way

applications have on the lifestyle world is

expanding the client base.

www.mymobileindia.com

The author is Managing Partner – Greenways.

january 2020 | 71


Spotlight

in focus

Telecom Sector Outlook Negative on AGR dues The Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues overweigh the green shoots in the form of deleveraging and restoration of pricing power, says ICRA

R

ating agency ICRA has

in revenues and profitability. Consistent

requirements. As per ICRA estimates, the

maintained a negative

downward revision in prices resulted in

debt as on March 31, 2019 stood at Rs 5.0

outlook for the Indian

one of the steepest falls in the industry

lakh crore. The private telecom operators

telecom industry, which is

average revenue per user (ARPU) levels

undertook deleveraging measures during

grappling with AGR dues, notwithstanding

with the estimated blended ARPU falling

FY2020, which included rights issue by

the green-shoots of recovery.

from Rs 169 in Q1 FY2017 to Rs 124 in

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, IPO of

The telecom industry woes, according

Q1 FY2020; the industry adjusted gross

the African operations by Airtel and hiving

to ICRA, continue as the industry is

revenue (AGR) fell from Rs 44,570 crore

off of the tower and fibre assets by RJio.

required to pay a substantial amount to

to Rs 28,650 crore in the same period.

While these have been concluded, other

the Department of Telecom in the form

The overall high operating leverage of

plans like further equity infusion by Airtel,

of retrospective AGR related dues. These

the industry meant that the decline

monetisation of stake in tower companies

amounts, as per the Supreme Court order

in revenues percolated to pressure on

and fibre assets are on the anvil for some

dated October 24, 2019, are sizeable

profitability and cash flows.

operators. These are expected to result in

(including the interest and penalties)

Further, the industry is saddled with

decline in debt as on March 31, 2020 to

and in the event of an outflow towards

elevated debt levels and consistently high

around Rs 4.4 lakh crore (without taking

these payments, it will create additional

capital expenditure (capex) requirements.

any incremental debt due to AGR issue).

pressure on the balance sheet of the

The debt has consistently remained high

This financial year also witnessed

telecom operators, depending on the

owing to reduction in organic cash flow

funding mix. This comes at a time when

generation and consistently high capex

the industry’s health was on the recovery track, on the back of deleveraging initiatives, moderation in capex intensity and restoration of pricing power. The sector has passed through a phase of turbulence during the last few years, with intense competition and pricing pressures leading to a decline


in focus

Spotlight

steady improvement in ARPU levels driven by weaning of low ARPU subscribers with the introduction of minimum recharge plans. Further, the telecom operators announced a steep tariff hike, first of its kind in a long time, to the tune of 35-40%, which will manifest into improvement in ARPU levels and healthy improvement in organic cash flow generation. Since the subscriber base has largely saturated, the key drivers for growth in the telecom sector would be: a) pricing improvement, and b) identifying and implementing new use cases for the telecom services. The latter is a longer-term goal and would require more investments and thus, in

by the capex/sales ratio has been

“The sector significantly higher over 50% compared for higher realisation which is to international standards of 17-18%, has passed through a phase achievable and has been especially in the last few years. of turbulence during the last few attempted. However, with the telecom industry years, with intense competition and However, despite achieving a sizeable penetration the debt reduction and for 4G, the peak capex cycle for pricing pressures leading to a decline in EBITDA improvement Indian telcos is over and thus the revenues and profitability. Consistent attempts, the coverage capex intensity is expected to downward revision in prices resulted in one indicators are expected witness moderation till the time to continue to remain of the steepest falls in the industry average there is a technology upgrade weak, with estimated to 5G. The capital expenditure revenue per user (ARPU) levels with the debt/EBITDA likely to be incurred by the telecom operators estimated blended ARPU falling from more than 7x and interest has remained high on account Rs 169 in Q1 FY2017 to Rs 124 coverage less than 2x as on of expansion and upgradation of March 31, 2020. The impact of network towards 4G, amid increasing data in Q1 FY2020� the immediate term, it is the push

tariff hikes will be visible in FY2021,

requirements, changes in technology and

when the EBITDA is expected to improve

spectrum acquisition. The moderation in

by 21% over FY2020 levels. This, along

like dividend income, rental income,

the capex intensity is expected to improve

with reduction in debt levels, is expected

forex gains, etc while computing AGR on

the cash flow position, going forward.

to result in estimated debt/EBITDA of

a retrospective basis, which along with

Among other sources of revenues, ICRA

around 5x and interest coverage of 2.5x

interest and penalties on the same resulted

believes greater proliferation is expected in

as of March 31, 2021.

in sizeable dues for the operators. In case

the home broadband and Direct-to-Home

Amid these attempts by the telecom

these have to be funded through debt, it

(DTH) services. While these services

operators to reduce their debt levels, the

has the potential to derail the deleveraging

have been provided by many telecom

SC order on October 24, 2019 pertaining

attempts by the industry. However, clarity

players for many years, a new entrant

to the definition of AGR and inclusion of

is awaited on the final amounts and the

with plans for widespread penetration,

some non-core revenues while calculating

payout timelines as the operators have

is likely to provide greater fillip to these

the AGR from retrospective basis has

filed a review petition with the SC. The

segments. Another emerging trend is

added to the woes of the industry. The

government has announced deferral of

greater focus on content by the telecom

telecom operators are required to pay a

spectrum auction instalment payments

operators to increase customer stickiness.

revenue share to the DoT in the form of

for FY2021 and FY2022, providing a

These developments would mean greater

license fee and spectrum usage charges

minor financial succour to the industry.

convergence of various means of mobility

which are derived from the AGR. The

During FY2019, the industry incurred

SC ruling mandated the operators to

a capex of more than Rs 1 lakh crore

include some components of revenues

and the capex intensity, as measured

www.mymobileindia.com

and entertainment, with telecom networks serving as the foundation. n team@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 73


in focus

Why offline retail stores are failing to maintain market momentum? By Pahi Mehra

I

n a large country like India,

The market is changing fast with

retail sector so far has been the

organized retail ways, retailers are realizing

largest employer and the provider

that superior customer experience is

In India, demographically most of the

of goods and services. And offline

the key differentiator that will increase

buyers are youngsters, and they have the

retail stores have seen a steady expansion

conversions and bring the customer back

tendency to ‘touch and feel’ and then buy

over the years. With the increase in

for repeat purchases.

the product, also want all the information

the consumer relations is the skill and knowledge of the store staff.

customer’s choice of products and hunt

But ironically, established stores like

related to the products of their interest.

for affordable prices, offline retail stores

Croma, Vijay Sales, Reliance Digital and

Hence, customer experience and

have been creating history in the retail

Sargam are paying very little attention to

conversion at the store is highly important

industry.

enhance the skill and engagement levels of

and lack of this factor primarily impacted

But the scenario is changing fast, the

store staff. These brands seem to consider

by the skill and engagement levels of

performance of retail stores are slumping

the store staff as undifferentiated and low

frontline store staff. But who should be

now. Rising incomes, greater purchasing

skilled work force.

blamed for this?

powers and increased accessibility and

The adverse impact of these factors

With a slump in giving satisfaction

availability of products has sparked

have highly effected on customer

to the customers, most companies are

competition in the market and the offline

experience and productivity at the

stepping up efforts to woo consumers

retail industry is surely lagging behind.

stores. Another focus area that effects

with discounts and offers. However, such

74 | january 2020

MYMOBILE


Aradhna Patil is a customer of Croma in

massive failure of business in the market,

New Delhi; last month she bought a Philips

despite of giving so many exclusive offers

air purifier, and when asked for the reviews,

customers were seen nowhere. Apart from

she said, “Staff had no information about

the economical deprivation in the country

the product while they were showcasing it,

the lack of commitment and bad consumer

and couldn’t answer any query. I asked the

relation holds the big blame.

attendee to describe the procedure of the

But the question is how these brands

product, and he just knew how to on-off it,

save themselves from this downfall? is it

nothing else.”

just the economic situation of the country

This is another big factor why customers

or there is something else to blame

are not repeating their buys from offline

upon. According to some media reports

shops, almost every big retail shop lack in

this festive year has seen 60 percent of

informative staff. The staff wanders around

downfall in footfall and 40 percent in

you and pesters you to make a purchase

business. So is it because of the lack

1 Ton in July 2019, when he was asked to

but they will not be able to help you a lot

of interest or commitment of the offline

share his reviews over his purchase from

with any information. This can have big

retail chains that have given them such

Vijay Sales, he said, “I am very unsatisfied

repercussions so dealing with customers

outcome?

with the after sale service, in fact the

correctly and having all the information

behavior of the staff was not at all up to

about the products should be in top priority

Conclusion

the mark. They are not at all approachable

for the staff and retail chains.

All the findings states that customers

Offside

in focus

measures are seem to be doing nothing as there is a massive visible slowdown for the offline retail chains.

Consumer reviews The companies are often seen complaining about the downfall in customer footfall, but some of the reviews from customers show us otherwise: Kuldeep Sharma is a customer of Vijay Sales in New Delhi; he bought a Daikin AC

Mahir Kapoor, is a customer of Reliance

are not satisfied with the offline retail

Digital, he bought an LCD TV sometime

chains at all. The market is down and

This is not something new; a lot of

back and when asked for his reviews, he

there is a massive drop in footfall. As the

customers have the same issue from offline

said, “Horrible experience at Reliance

consumers are now choosing to invest

retailers. Many big offline retail chains lack

Digital, I bought an LCD TV and I was

in experiences rather than products,

in their after service, it’s like they almost

promised the delivery next day but I got my

retailers need to respond to meet

forgets after selling an appliance that

product in 3 days, after which I released

the needs of their customers. Customers

customers can need an after service. This

that it was not working properly and called

do not want to just walk into the shop,

complaint has been there in the market

the customer care and asked them to

buy the product and leave because they

from quite a sometime, which results in

replace it, which they denied and I had to

could do this in the comfort of their own

bad mouth publicity and degrading of the

spend 3000 to get it fixed, Pathetic!”

home. n

and they had no idea about their products and services.”

brand name.

www.mymobileindia.com

This festive season was seen to be a

pahi@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 75


Buzz

in focus

India Fares Better in Spam Call Ranking

I

ndia has dropped down to the fifth

Top Spammers in India

position in terms of number of spam 6%

calls received by users globally, while Brazil continues to stay on top, says

the latest Truecaller Insights report that

10% n OPERATOR

listed the top 20 countries affected by

n TELEMARKETING

spam calls in 2019. However, spam calls

n FINANCIAL SERVICES

received by users in India have continued to increase to 25.6 calls per user/month,

n SCAM

17%

which is a 15% upsurge from the previous year, the report adds. This is the third edition of the report wherein there has been a significant shift

67%

in the ranking of countries that received the most spam calls. One of the most interesting revelations that came from this

spammers.

in the world. The biggest increase of total

year’s report was that 10% of spam calls

Another pattern noted was that

spam calls comes from Indonesia. Last

came from financial service providers,

scam calls are on the rise globally, and

year Indonesia was ranked 16th, and this

a category that was not listed last year.

spam calls from financial services are

year the market jumped up to third place,

With regard to spam call categorization,

increasing. Spam calls in Latin America

which makes it the biggest jump we have

operators continue to be the top spammers

have been increasing dramatically

seen, says Truecaller.

in India with 67% user calls received for

over the years. This year, the trend is

The country that has witnessed

upselling of various offers and reminders.

even clearer. The countries that are

the biggest increase of spam calls in

However, with the rise of mobile

seeing the biggest increase of spam

percentage is Lebanon. Users in the

payment systems and a growing middle

calls are in Latin America. Five out of the

market have seen an increase of spam

economic class in the country, the study

top 10 most affected markets are in that

calls going from 2.8 average spam calls/

has witnessed banks and fintech-based

region.

user to 8.6 – that is a 208% increase in a

organizations and telemarketing services

Peru has seen a significant increase

emerging as big spammers recording 10%

of spam calls. Users are now getting on

Another devastating fact Truecaller

and 17% respectively.

average 30.9 spam calls a month, making

found during this year is that 1 out of 3

Peru the second most spammed country

women in India receive sexual harassment

Additionally, Truecaller also looked

year, the report says.

at the trends of spam SMS around the

or inappropriate calls and SMS on a regular

world and the report has indexed the top

basis.

20 countries that receive the most spam

The US continues to be in the top 10

SMS. The data shows that spam messages

list of the most spammed countries in the

are primarily received in emerging regions.

world. The market saw a 7% increase of

India ranked at 8th position wherein users

spam calls compared to last year,

received an average of 61 spam SMS every

where it actually was decreasing.

month. The top three markets that are

Earlier this year, Truecaller

affected by this form of spam were in the

conducted a study in the US and

African continent.

found that phone scams caused

Digging deeper into the bigger markets,

Americans to lose 10.5 billion

Truecaller found common categories that

dollars in 2018, and nearly 1

tie all these spam calls together. The

in every 6 American adults falls

most prominent pattern seen was that

victim to scam calls. n

operators across the world are the biggest

76 | january 2020

team@mymobile.co.in

MYMOBILE


in focus

MediaTek to Focus on 5G Experiences, Robust Product Roadmap

G

lobal fabless semiconductor major MediaTek reiterated its focus on 5G, AI and Rich IoT to create new age

experiences across mobile and non-mobile categories in the year 2020 at the second edition of the MediaTek Technology Diaries knowledge forum held in New Delhi recently. MediaTek’s efforts to create a balanced portfolio across smartphones, smart-homes and beyond resulted in nearly 32%-37% revenues coming from mobile computing (smartphones and tablets), 32-37% from AIoT/Analog/ASIC focusing on connectivity (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) for various devices and 28-33% revenues from smart-home and other categories in 2019.

accessible across the mid-tier category.

• MediaTek S900, the industry’s first 8K

MediaTek powers more than 1.5

Tapping the potential of India’s fast-

digital TV SoC which helped MediaTek

billion devices a year across some of the

growing gaming market is also going to be

emerge as the world’s number one

world’s leading brands like Oppo, Realme,

a priority,” he added.

digital TV chipset provider, powering

Vivo, Samsung, Xiaomi, Lenovo, Sony,

The year 2019 was significant for

Microsoft, Paytm, Kent, Broadlink, LG,

MediaTek with a strong focus on R&D,

more than 90% of branded smart TVs globally.

Google, Amazon, Alibaba.com among

new launches, and partnerships. Some of

• MediaTek i700 platform that addresses

others across products categories such

the important announcements included

the need for new cutting-edge IoT

as smartphones, automobile and

the launch of:

applications required in smart-homes,

surveillance cameras, smart bulb sockets,

• MediaTek Helio G90 Series which sets

cities and manufacturing among

voice-assisted devices, audio systems,

the standard for superior smartphone

tablets, and portable biometric tablets

gaming experiences.

others. • New Rich IoT Program is MediaTek’s

among others. With its focus on technology

• MediaTek Helio P90 Series, the AI

effort to accelerate the Design of smart

innovation, the company globally invested

powerhouse for premium imaging and

connected devices based on Open

photography experiences.

Standards. The program delivers a

approx. $2 billion on R&D in 2019. Anku Jain, Managing Director,

• Dimensity 1000 SoC - MediaTek’s

series of AI-enabled chipset platforms

MediaTek India, said, “India has been a

first 5G mobile SoC in its 5G family of

to companies that want to innovate and

key growth market for us both in terms

chipsets representing a step towards

develop products across the intelligent

of business value proposition and talent

a new era of next-gen mobility - the

devices market.

pool. We have a strong R&D team in

5th dimension and has an impressive

The company also recently announced

India, and we plan to continue developing

AnTuTu score of over 511k, making it

its partnership with Intel to bring its new 5G

global and India-specific products around

currently the world’s fastest smartphone

modem to PCs. Through this partnership,

our key focus areas - mobile, home and,

chip. The single 5G chip solution, with

Intel has been working with MediaTek

auto.”

its integrated 5G modem, is a brilliant

on the 5G solution for deployment in

“Being a 5G leader with flagship 5G

combination of advanced technologies

key consumer and commercial laptop

chips in the market, we are also looking

packed into a 7nm chip and tuned for

segments.n

at making these premium experiences

5G performance.

www.mymobileindia.com

team@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 77


Trendz

consumer insight

Internet Emerging as an Empowering Force for Indian Women 44% of women in Indian metros access online content in English to stay ‘jobready’, reveals a new study by Verizon Media

A

s internet usage becomes more inclusive and genderbalanced in India, it is fast emerging as an ‘empowering

force’ for Indian women online. A new study, which surveyed the habits of women internet users across India, has found that education, career development, women’s empowerment, health and fitness are key areas of interest for online women users in India. The survey, ‘Spotlight on online habits of young Indian women’ was conducted by Nielsen for Verizon Media, which is home to internet brands like Yahoo, Yahoo Cricket, MAKERS, HuffPost India and AOL. Respondents in the survey, conducted in 12 cities across India in July 2019, included college students, young working women and women mentors between 18-35 years of age. Insights from the survey reveal that Indian women are honing their skills to get ahead professionally every time they go online. 44% of users across Tier 1 cities access online content only in English to improve their soft skills and become ‘job ready’. This focus is sharper among younger women between the age group of 18-23 years. Across locations, younger women were found to access more content related to education,

MYMOBILE


Trendz

Consumer insight career growth and skill development, while older women between 29-35 years of age accessed more online video content related to personal well-being. Verizon Media in partnership with YourStory, recently launched online women’s platform MAKERS India, aimed at the country’s growing audience of women online. MAKERS India is creating new opportunities online and on the ground for women to come together as a community, shaping a narrative that encourages more women to join the workforce. “As this survey showed us, the internet is empowering a new breed of Indian women who are coming online and preparing to take their place in the workforce. The right platform and support as a community will enable greater inclusion, boosting participation of Indian women at the workplace,” said Nikhil Rungta, Country Manager, India, Verizon Media. According to a recent study by IAMAI, women make up a sizeable audience in

Smartphones are the device of choice for women users in India, with 60% of women accessing the internet only on their handsets. This number spikes to over 75% of women in Tier 1 cities. According to the study, women in India spend an average time of 145 minutes on their smartphones, every day. Interestingly, women in Tier 1 cities spend about 25 minutes more on the internet, compared to women in metros

India. But beyond greater representation,

Top insights on usage patterns and trends from the survey:

women have an active presence online too.

• A nod to India’s language diversity, of

reading or watching. The majority share

The study found that 96% of the women,

the total women surveyed, ~80% of

videos or articles on social media and

who were surveyed across age groups and

women users access online content

messaging apps. The preference for

locations, use the internet daily.

in Indic languages (English + local

‘average video duration’ was less than

India’s rapidly growing internet user base, comprising 40% of the internet users in

the 35+ age group • ~70% women share videos/articles online when they like what they are

Not surprisingly, given the popularity

language-Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada,

of video and OTT content in the country,

Tamil, Marathi, Bengali). Only 1/5th of

• The propensity to subscribe to various

there is a clear preference towards watching

the women users access online content,

online platforms like social media, OTT

videos over reading content online. More

only in English

etc. is the highest in metros as ~60%

than 2/3rd of women surveyed had watched

• Women users spend time online

videos related to career development or

between 3 pm and 9 pm - a signal for

social causes or personal well-being in the

brands on when to reach and engage

last one month.

with women audiences

five minutes for each video

of the surveyed respondents followed by Tier 2 towns at ~46% • ~40% of surveyed women fear irrelevant comments, being trolled and

Also, in line with the larger trend,

• Women are not just building professional

smartphones are the device of choice

skills but prioritizing their personal

• Creating awareness, educating and

for women users in India, with 60% of

well-being as well. Health and fitness

helping others were among the top

women accessing the internet only on their

are priority areas. Women across India,

reasons cited for creating content both

handsets. This number spikes to over 75%

including metros and smaller towns,

offline and online

of women in Tier 1 cities. According to the

are becoming increasingly aware of

Environmental conservation and child

study, women in India spend an average

the importance of fitness and access

abuse related content were rated as high

time of 145 minutes on their smartphones,

fitness-related information on the

affinity content apart from education,

every day. Interestingly, women in Tier 1

internet for an average of 10 days in a

women empowerment and career

cities spend about 25 minutes more on the

month. The health and fitness category

development. n

internet, compared to women in metros.

are especially important for women in

www.mymobileindia.com

followed

team@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 79


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Devices featured in the My Guide have been segregated into different categories based on price and colour-coded as: 

Up to Rs. 2,499



Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 5,999



Rs. 6,000 – Rs. 9,999



Rs.10,000 – Rs. 14,999



Rs.15,000 – Rs. 19,999



Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 29,999



RS. 30,000 and above.



Tablets

    























India to sell Connected Consumer Devices worth Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore in 2020 While Samsung led the market with 21% share, Realme emerged as the fastest growing brand, jumping to seventh spot

A

nnouncing the 1st edition of India Connected Consumer

India Connected Consumer Devices Market - 2020 (Value)

Devices Report, techARC

Category

has said that Indians will buy

Smartphone

Value INR Crore (Rs)

Value (%)

Rs 2,57,400

79.21%

connected devices worth Rs 3,24,960

Laptops

Rs 36,750

11.31%

Lakh crore or US$ 45.7 Billion in 2020.

Smart TVs

Rs 20,000

6.15%

This would be 11% growth over 2019. Releasing the report, Faisal Kawoosa, Founder & Chief Analyst techARC said, “Users in India are moving beyond Smartphone connectivity and moving to other connected solutions which apart from making them ‘smart’ substantially increase the utility of such devices.”

Smart Wearables

Rs 2,800

0.86%

Smart Speakers

Rs 2,475

0.76%

Tablet PCs

Rs 2,420

0.74%

Smart Featurephones

Rs 1,250

0.38%

Streaming Devices

Rs 625

0.19%

Smart STBs

Rs 240

0.07%

Rs 1,000

0.31%

Rs 3,24,960

1000.00%

Others Total Market2020

“Fundamentally, this is being driven

US$

by two trends of creating a connected

45.7 Bn

Source : techARC’s India Connected Consumer Devices Report 2020

cluster around Smartphones, being the hub and adding connectivity in consumer

both devices as well as content being

homes. However, the penetration is still

electronics led by Smart TVs and Smart

made available through them is on the

very low. The other segment within these

Speakers,” added Faisal.

rise. There is a lot of work happening

includes of peripherals and accessories

Smartphones will continue to lead the

in enabling lot many use cases through

where the wireless connectivity is

sales of connected devices both in value

Smart Speakers. Enablers like Amazon’s

increasingly creating new use cases as

and volume. These are sold at individual

Alexa is expected to have a greater role in

well as adding to the digital lifestyle of

levels than household and have higher ASP

expanding the voice computing market

consumers in India.

(Average Selling Price) among such personal

opportunities.

The growth for Connected Consumers’

connectivity devices. However, with normal

Tablet PCs and Smart Feature phones

Devices in 2020 will be driven by

growth outlook for Smartphones, OEMs

are the two categories expected to show

Cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity to

will explore adjacent products with higher

continued decline in sales outlook for

Consumer Electronics for mass markets

growth prospects where there is still a lot

2020. These two device categories

making several ‘luxury’ products available

of headroom for growth.

have not been able to excite the market

to masses during the year. However,

The overall growth outlook for connected

beyond a point and there continue to be

government must intervene to ensure the

consumer devices for 2020 is of normal

very limited opportunities for them in the

standardisation and quality control of such

growth. techARC defines normal growth as

market.

devices and go beyond the present quality

a range between 10-25% of annual sales

Among ‘Other Connected Devices’,

checks and balances in the interests of

growth. Smart Wearables led by wireless

Smart Home solutions have started to pick

consumers. This will lead to consumers

buds (Earables) will see ultra-growth with

up. These include smart bulbs, fans and

getting maximum value out of the money

many brands likely to foray in the segment

other electric and electronics devices for

being spent on these connected devices.

after Apple’s success in the category.

The biggest concern will however continue

Realme has already launched its wireless

to be of security as there will be several

buds recently.

endpoints vulnerable for security exploits for hackers. n

Smart Speakers will see high growth in sales as

www.mymobileindia.com

Trendz

Market insight

team@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 103


Apptastic

Feature

Most Downloaded Apps of 2019 and their Controversies By Vivek Singh Chauhan

I

n the world of technology, the year, 2019, was a crazy one for instant and social media platforms. From data privacy scandals to anti-

market practices, players, including Facebook to short-video platform TikTok, made headlines for many controversies. However, still, those apps managed to rule the users and became the most downloaded apps. According to a report, the year also saw a steady rise of short-video apps like TikTok. Another short-video creation and sharing app Likee was the sole new entrant in 2019 to the top apps by downloads list, where Facebookowned companies dominated the list of most downloaded apps. According to App Annie’s year-end report on app trends published last year, mobile consumers worldwide will have downloaded a record 120 billion apps from Apple’s App Store and Google Play by the end of 2019.

#1 Facebook Messenger

O

riginally developed as Facebook Chat in 2008, Facebook Messenger was revamped in 2010, and later Facebook subsequently released standalone iOS and Android apps

in August 2011 and standalone Facebook Portal hardware for Messenger-based calling in Q4 2018. Over the years, Facebook has released new apps on a variety of different operating systems, launched a dedicated website interface (Messenger.com), and separated the messaging functionality from the main Facebook app, allowing users to use the web interface or download one of the standalone apps. According to NapoleonCat, there were

112,250,000 Messenger users in India in November 2019, which accounted for 8.1 per cent of its entire population.

104 | january 2020

MYMOBILE


Feature

F

Apptastic

#2 WhatsApp Messenger acebook-owned WhatsApp Messenger is a freeware, cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP (VoIP) that allows users to send text

messages and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other media. WhatsApp’s client application runs on mobile devices but is also accessible from desktop computers, as long as the user’s mobile device remains connected to the Internet while they use the desktop app. The service requires users to provide a standard cellular mobile number for registering with the service. In January 2018, WhatsApp released a standalone business app targeted at small business owners, called WhatsApp Business, to allow companies to communicate with customers who use the standard WhatsApp client. Recently in 2019, WhatsApp was informed by the Indian government that the instant messaging platform had

not informed government agencies about a privacy breach “Pegasus” targetting many Indian activists, lawyers and journalists. However, in response, the messaging platform said that it had alerted the government by attaching both the vulnerability notes it filed in May as well as the letter it sent to the government in September. The app has around 400 million users in India.

#3 Facebook

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ne of the most popular

among the public, Facebook is an American online social media and social networking service based in Menlo Park, California and a flagship service of the namesake company Facebook, Inc. Facebook executives are facing mounting pressure, including from inside the company, to make sweeping changes to how the social media site runs political ads -- including reversing a controversial policy that allows politicians to run false ads and how voters are targeted on the platform. Not only this, the social media giant was among many other controversies including Cambridge Analytica, political ads and fake news etc. There were 325,900,000 Facebook users in India in November 2019, which accounted for 23.6 per cent of its entire population.

#4 TikTok

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f you have heard of TikTok, then I am

sure you are aware of the popularity of the short video platform among the youngsters and celebrities. ByteDance-owned TikTok, last month, published their statistics for TikTok rewind, which showed that Jacqueline Fernandez was the highest followed celebrity in the app with 9.5 million followers. Over the past year and a half, TikTok, where under-60-second videos often feature bizarre memes, inside jokes, and bite-sized sketch comedy, has become the defining social media app of Gen Z, not only in the US but around the world in places like India and Europe. Though it originated as Musical.ly, a nearly identical app known mostly for lip-synching and popular with pre-teens, in 2017 the Chinese internet company ByteDance bought the app and re-launched it as TikTok, with all Musical.ly accounts migrating over to TikTok in August 2018. ByteDance is now the world’s largest startup, estimated to be valued at $78 billion. However, it could be threatening the comfortable positions of the established social media companies by scooping up that all-important younger user base – 41 per cent of TikTok users are under the age of 24.

www.mymobileindia.com

january 2020 | 105


Apptastic

Feature #5 Instagram

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ideo-sharing social networking service Instagram was initially created by Kevin

Systrom and Mike Krieger and launched in October 2010. But Facebook purchased Instagram for $1 billion on April 9, 2012. Initially, it was launched for iOS but later on, a version for Android devices was released a year and a half later, in April 2012, followed by other updates till now. Instagram remains everyone’s favourite social media platform. It’s fun, interactive, and best of all, it allows bloggers and business owners to connect in totally different ways. On the whole, brands and users have steadily increased sharing. With the bonus of Instagram Stories you’re able to get a real, behind the scenes look at those you follow. However, Instagram’s controversial experiment of hiding public likes created a spark among the users. The experiment is only live in seven countries, but it’s already inspired some freakouts from influencers who claim the change is crippling their engagement and destroying their livelihood. The experiment began in May when Instagram made likes private for Canadian users only. Two months later, the social network expanded the trial to six more countries, adding Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand to the list. In a video posted to her Instagram account, Australian Instagram model

Mikaela Testa had a tearful “meltdown” about the response she received for criticizing the change on Facebook. The post, which has since been removed, claimed that Instagram was doing “real damage” with this change. However, Instagram was ranked number 5 in 2019 in the list of most downloaded apps.

#6 SHAREit

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HAREit is a free file-sharing app that transfers files

across different platforms and operating systems, without an Internet or Bluetooth connection that was founded in April 2015. Users can use SHAREit to transfer files including photos, videos, music, contacts, apps and any other files. Currently, it is ranked at number 6 among the most downloaded apps of 2019. SHAREit application allows Windows, Windows Phone, Android, and iOS devices to transfer files directly. It is currently available in 45 languages including English, Hindi, Bangla, Indonesian, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Chinese. The SHAREit application uses a secure connection protocol and has transfer speeds faster than Bluetooth and NFC. The other methods for file transferring are either through Bluetooth, NFC, or USB drives. SHAREit also offers its users a range of digital entertainment from videos, music, films, GIF, meme, etc. within its app by collaborating

#7 Likee

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ikee is a short video platform for creating and sharing contents established in August 2017.

As of the second quarter of 2019, Likee’s mobile monthly active users reached 100.2 million. Before June 2019, Likee was known as Like. Likee owns special effects ranging from Music Magic, 4D Magic to dynamic stickers. The application is available on the iOS and Android app marketplaces. In September 2019, it introduced parental controls feature, allowing parents and guardians of Likee’s users to remotely control or restrict access to the content in the app. It has won the Google Play Best Entertainment Application Award in 2017. Between 2018 and 2019, Likee, from YY Inc., becomes the number 1 “breakout” app of the year by App Annie as the largest absolute growth in downloads or consumer spending app. And now, it is among the top 10 most downloaded apps.

with partners such as Times Music. SHAREit has more than 1.8 billion users worldwide, with more than 600 million users in India and Indonesia. SHAREit’s Monthly Active Users (MAU) has exceeded 500 million users with presence in more than 200 countries and regions around the world. The owners of SHAREit also own various other utility apps such as SHAREit Lite, LOCKit, LISTENit, CLEANit, CLONEit and S-Player.

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Review

Feature #8 Snapchat

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napchat is a multimedia messaging app used globally, created by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie

Brown, former students at Stanford University, and developed by Snap Inc., originally Snapchat Inc. One of the principal features of Snapchat is that pictures and messages are usually only available for a short time before they become inaccessible to their recipients. The app has evolved from originally focusing on person-to-person photo sharing to presently featuring users’ “Stories” of 24 hours of chronological content, along with “Discover”, letting brands show ad-supported short-form content. It also allows users to keep photos in the “my eyes only” which lets them keep their photos in a password-protected space. Snapchat has become known for representing a new, mobile-first direction for social media, and places significant emphasis on users interacting with virtual stickers and augmented reality objects. As of October 2019, Snapchat has 210 million daily active users. Back in 2017, while Indians were increasingly downloading Snapchat on their smartphones, the company’s CEO felt India is “too poor” to seriously consider expanding its user base. According to media reports, the disparaging comment was made by the CEO of Snapchat, Evan Spiegel, allegedly during a meeting to discuss the growth of the app’s user base in 2015. When an employee raised a concern about the app’s slow growth in a market like India which has a growing mobile penetration, Spiegel cut the employee mid-sentence saying, “This app is only for rich people,” Spiegel said, Variety quoted the employee’s revelation. “I don’t want to expand into poor countries like India and Spain.”

#9 Netflix

#10 Spotify

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S

eadquartered in Los Gatos, California, Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed

Hastings and Marc Randolph. The company’s

potify Technology is an international media services provider of Swedish origin. It is legally domiciled in Luxembourg and is headquartered in

Stockholm, Sweden. Spotify has long avoided India but a couple of months

primary business is its subscription-based

ago, the service launched on our shores and the prices were on par with Apple

streaming service which offers online

Music and YouTube Music. That made Spotify among the most premium

streaming of a library of films and television

music streaming services in India. Also, as usual, the competition responded

programs, including those produced in-

with lower prices for annual plans and Spotify does not want to be left behind.

house. As of April 2019, Netflix had over

This platform is quite popular among the millennials and

148 million paid subscriptions worldwide,

is growing very fast in the country. According to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2019-2023 report, music, radio and podcasts are an ‘emerging’ segment in India and projected to surpass US$1.5 billion by 2023. Monthly podcast listeners in India

including 60 million in the US, and over 154 million subscriptions total including free trials. It is available worldwide except in mainland China (due to local restrictions), Syria, North Korea, and Crimea (due to US sanctions). Netflix does not share countryspecific numbers, but third-party research reports estimate that its India subscriber base would have crossed 1.2 million in 2019. That is next to Amazon Prime Video’s two million-plus paid subs, and domestic OTT market leader Hotstar’s three million.

totalled 40 million at the end of 2018, a 57.6 per cent jump from 25.4 million the previous year. As per the report, this makes India the third-largest podcast-listening market, after the US and China, and listener numbers are set to rise at 34.5 per cent compound annual growth rate by 2023, to 176.1 million. Against this backdrop, Swedish audio-streaming service Spotify, which entered the Indian market about eight months ago, has announced original podcasts in India, as part of its localisation strategy. Among 1,000 of apps, only these made to the top 10 list of most downloaded apps of 2019. However, this year, it will be interesting to see if this Facebook dominated list will be replaced by other apps or will continue to be same.

vivek@mymobile.co.in

january 2020 | 107


Gadget Corner

add-ons Blurams Snowman and Home Lite Monitor your home and loved ones with these security cameras even when miles away

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ntelligent imaging solutions provider Blurams has come up with the two new smart security cameras –

Snowman and Home Lite – in India. They are available for purchase on Amazon. The Blurams Snowman and Home Lite allow the user to monitor their loved ones with the help of a built-in Bluetooth chip. The users can view four

Price: INR 4,499 (Snowman); INR 2,499 (Home Lite)

cameras on one screen via their Android / iOS phones

audio, Built-in microphone and speaker, up to 128GB

and Web app even when miles away. The products also

microSD cards, 24 hours free cloud storage services for

provide optional 24/7 continuous video recording feature

the lifetime. For night vision, Blurams Snowman and

to its users, which helps in ensuring safety of their family

Home Lite security cameras come with 8-meter range

members. The Blurams Snowman and Home Lite come

with 8pcs IR-LEDs and 7-meter range with 6pcs IR-LEDs

with 1080P and 720P resolution respectively. Other features include distortion correction, 3D Noise Reduction, Motion / Sound and Facial Recognition, 2-way

respectively. The security cameras work with Alexa and Google Assistant and offer two-way audio, “listen and talk back” through the camera from a smartphone.n

Garmin Venu and Vivoactive 4 Give wings to your active lifestyle with these two smartwatches

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earable major Garmin has launched two new

alerts, menstrual cycle tracking, stress tracking with

smartwatches – Venu and Vivoactive 4 – in India.

relax reminders, new hydration tracking, new breathwork

Both come with the broadest available range of all-day

activities and more. Garmin Venu is the company’s first

health monitoring features like advanced sleep with

ever smartwatch with an AMOLED screen. It features

Pulse Ox, new respiration tracking, abnormal heartrate

1.2-inch circular AMOLED display, which helps in saving battery life for longer period. The company claims up to five days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to six hours in GPS + music mode. On the other hand, Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS smartwatch comes with 1.1-inch display which is sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) type panel. It also comes in stainless steel dial with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection for the screen. The Garmin Venu comes in Granite Blue with Silver Hardware, Black with Slate Hardware, Light sand with Rose Gold Hardware and Black with Gold Hardware colour options. It’s available online at Amazon, Tata CLiQ, Myntra, Flipkart and Paytm Mall, and

Price: INR 37,490 (Venu); INR 32,590 (Vivoactive 4)

108 | january 2020

also at offline retail stores across India. Whereas, one can purchase the Vivoactive 4 at offline retail stores, besides Tata CLiQ, Myntra, Flipkart and Paytm Mall.n

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Gadget Corner

add-ons Digitek DBE-021 Neckband Enjoy music on-the-move with smart power off feature

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Price: INR 799

omegrown consumer tech firm Digitek has launched a new earphone, called DBE-021, which comes

built with A2DP/AVRCR technology to deliver high-quality stereo sound. The sturdy device supports Bluetooth V 5.0 and offers exceptional performance with a stable connection, sound frequency and long-distance control protocol. The Digitek DBE-021 sports a robust design for a comfortable fit, especially during high-intensity activities like gym exercises, running or other sports

comprehensive control panel, users can also receive or

activity. It comes with easy-to-use and comprehensive

reject calls, put calls on hold and perform auto-redial

control buttons for wireless operations. The built-in

with single button-press action. The other notable

microphone facility enables the users to manage hands-

features include echo cancellation as well as noise

free calling easily. When charged for 1 hour, users can

reduction technology to enjoy music seamlessly, smart

enjoy music up to 5 hours or 5 hours of calling. In case of

power off function to automatically turn off the device

low battery, the built-in Voice Prompt acts as a reminder

when not connected to any smartphone within 8 minutes.

to charge the device.

The Digitek DBE-021 has signal coverage of 10m. The

The neckband-built allows the earphones to safely

neckband comes in shade of Black and you can grab

remain around the user’s neck and avoid falling off,

it from nearby stores or via leading online ecommerce

when not being used for music or calling. Using the

platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart.n

HiFuture TidyBudsPro A battery-powerhouse which makes it stand out from the rest

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ersonal audio brand HiFuture has come up with its battery-powerhouse true wireless earphones called

sweat and splash-proof. Another unique feature of the earphones is the intuitive

the TidyBudsPro in India. It has a very unique

touchpad technology built-in both earbuds

charging case that boasts of massive 3,000mAh

which enables you to control your music,

battery and can be used as a mini power bank to

calls and voice assistant with just one touch.

charge a mobile phone as well. In terms of the

They are devoid from physical buttons, so

battery life of the earpieces, they give an 8-hour

there is no hassle of pressing the earphones

playtime from a single charge and 100 extra hours

and you can play/pause, answer/end calls or

via the charging case. The

summon your virtual assistant with just one

TidyBudsPro adopts a global

tap. The device is compatible

high quality Realtek chipset with the latest Bluetooth 5.0

Price: INR 4,499

with both Android and iOS devices and supports Google

technology and graphene

voice and Siri. The earbuds

driver, ensuring an excellent

are chic, compact, lightweight

listening experience with deep

and super comfortable. The

bass sound and a more stable

TidyBudsPro comes in shades

connection up to 10 meters.

of White and Black and is

The earbuds come with an IPX4

available at Amazon and

rating which makes them dust,

Flipkart.n

110 | january 2020

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add-ons Cadyce Wireless Charging USB-C Dock CA-WCHP Free yourself from hassle of cable chargers for your iPhone or Android

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or high-speed and efficient charging without much use of space, Cadyce has

introduced a Qi Technology based Wireless Charging USB-C Dock CA-WCHP, which adds HDMI and USB ports to computers and charges your compatible smartphone wirelessly. What’s most convenient about the wireless charging dock is its cablefree functionality. Cables and wires, albeit highly useful, can become a nuisance from the cleanliness perspective. The Wireless Charging Dock saves you from the trouble of taking care to keep your wires organized. All you need to do is place your phone on top, without the use of any additional devices, and your phone shall begin charging immediately.

the case for charging your phone. Reasonably priced,

What’s more, you can charge your phone without even

highly convenient and freeing you from practically all

removing its case. The high-speed wireless charging

inconveniences that come with the traditional cable

dock, Cadyce CA-WCHP, can work with most cases,

charging systems, this product is really a great catch in

thereby sparing you the inconvenience of even removing

the market.n

Boat Stone 200A Voice control your world with the all new Alexa built-in speaker

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opular audio brand Boat Lifestyle has expanded its

Boat Stone 200A is said to be robust, intricately made

product portfolio with the launch of a new Alexa

and yet absolutely idiot-proof making it hard to damage

built-in smart speaker called Stone 200A, which claims

externally. It is also IPX 6 water resistant, making it the

to be not only portable and powerful but smarter too. With

perfect poolside accessory. The 1.96” x 1 full range

this all-new speaker, you can ask to play music, hear the

drivers with 3W power output brings the sound of a

news, check the weather, control smart home devices

lifetime with HD clarity that integrates into pure audio

and access over 30,000 Alexa skills across genres. The

bliss. The Bluetooth V4.1 enhances wireless connectivity up to 10 meters. Users can simply download and install the Boat

Price: INR 1,499

Lifestyle app from the Play Store/iOS and voice control their world through Alexa. Further for full functionality, users can register using the Amazon Alexa app to make their experience even better. The Boat Stone 200A comes with a power-packed 1,500mAh battery that can give you up to 8 to10 hours of play time, courtesy with only a 3-hour charging time. The speaker can be wirelessly connected to smartphones, tablets and computers to playback any music collection stored on it. One can purchase it at Amazon.n

january 2020 | 111


Gadget Corner

add-ons Roav Dashcam C2 Pro Enhance your driving experience with this connected in-car device

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nker sub-brand Roav has come up with the Dashcam C2 Pro in

India. The connected in-car device promises to enhance the Indian driving experience. It can be easily installed with the suction mount.

Price : INR 15,490

The camera supports the total night vision with the cutting-edge Sony Starvis sensor and NightHawk technology that provides incredible night time definition.

With built in GPS, the device automatically tracks and

The camera captures rich and clear video with every drive

indexes the route and speed of every journey. Equipped

in remarkably crisp 1080p high definition, thanks to

with G-Sensor (Gravity sensor), it automatically records

the Ambarella A12 chipset, 5 lens elements and Wide

incidents even when you are not in the car. You can

Dynamic Range image balancing. The wide-angle view

manage all this and much more via the Roav app that

aided by an f/1.9 wide-angle aperture lens captures

quickly downloads and manages videos for easy viewing

4 lanes of traffic at once that allows driver to see the

and sharing, even on Facebook or Instagram. The

whole road and not just the car. It also allows recording

dashcam is packaged with a 32GB microSD card that

speeding license plates up to 30 feet away in low-light

allows ample recording and storage. It is available with

conditions.

Amazon India.n

Stuffcool WB110 Power Bank Charging your device was never this easy

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ech accessory brand Stuffcool has launched a

wireless charging having received the prestigious Qi

power bank, dubbed WB110, in India. The power

certification. While you recharge this power bank,

bank, having 10,000mAh battery, is equipped not only

you can also charge your devices simultaneously. The

with a Qi-certified 5W/7.5W/10W wireless fast charging

power bank offers intelligent protection – in terms

protocol, but is also equipped with the fastest wired

of Auto Cut-Off feature, Over voltage protection and

charging protocols, such as PD18W Type C port and

Over Current protection. The WB110 wireless power

a QC3 Compatible USB A Port. This power bank can

bank is unsurprisingly the lightest and most compact.

provide a total of 36W in terms of output which means

Its build quality and overall feel are really premium. The

you can use the wireless charging feature, the PD Type

textured body gives firm grip to hold the power bank.

C Port or the QC3 Compatible port to super-fast charge

There is an LED indicator to notify battery level and

two devices at the same time.

functionality of the device. The power bank is available

The Stuffcool WB110 wireless power bank delivers reliable and

112 | january 2020

safe

at stuffcool.com, Amazon and Flipkart. n

Price : INR 3,999


Gadget Corner

Tenda AC8 AC1200 The dual-band gigabit wireless router

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etworking devices and equipment brand Tenda

Price: INR 4,900

has launched the AC8 AC1200 dual-band gigabit

wireless router in India. The AC8 claims to provide

secure, reliable and blazing fast Wi-Fi speed of 1167 Mbps, fully utilizing the gigabit fibre ensuring stable online gaming and 4K video streaming. The Wi-Fi router is designed in accordance to support broadband account automatic transfer. The Tenda AC8 comes with 28nm RealTek 1GHz Core CPU which improves the performance up to 40% perfectly handling all data stream smoothly and delivering an impressive internet experience. For delivering enhanced gaming and streaming

which prevents virus attacks and protects your online

experience, the AC8 comes with 4*6dBi External Dual

transactions simplifying data transmission and reducing

Band External Omni-Directional Antennas covering 90

processing time. The AC8 also comes equipped with

square meters and can penetrate two layers of Walls

“Smart Tenda Wi-Fi App” which helps in real-time

aggregating Wi-Fi signals directly to the users. The Tenda

management of your network. One of the unique features

AC8 is equipped with MU-MIMO and Beamforming+

that make Tenda AC8 stand apart from its competitors

Technology features which help you to get unrivalled

is its “Smart Traffic Prioritisation” feature. This wireless

coverage and stable performance. It supports IPv6

router is available exclusively on Amazon.n

SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Type-C Pendrive Empowering you to create, manage and preserve your digital content

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ard disk drive maker Western Digital has expanded

the app helps organize content from different devices,

its product portfolio with the launch of SanDisk

whether it’s on your phone, a microSD card, or the

Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Type-C pendrive for mobile,

cloud, in one view and backs up photos, videos, contacts

available in storage options of 32GB, 64GB, 128GB a n d

and social media accounts. It also helps in finding files

256GB. The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go is

across your devices via geo-tagging or timeline. The

a 2-in-1 flash drive that lets consumers

SanDisk Memory Zone is a powerful app; it can free

nimbly move files between USB Type-C

up space on consumers’ phones by cleaning

smartphones, tablets and Mac

up downloads from other apps or by easily

computers as well as USB Type-A

offloading files to a SanDisk Dual Drive

computers. This high-performance USB 3.1 Gen 1 drive offers a read speed of up to 150MB/s. The all-new pendrive comes preloaded with the SanDisk Memory Zone app, a powerful content management tool. Once installed on the smartphone,

or microSD card. The pendrive is available with a retail price of Rs 1,050 for 32GB and goes up to Rs 5,300 for a 256GB capacity. It is available at select retailers and e-commerce websites across India.n january 2020 | 113


Gadget Corner

add-ons Pioneer TS-WX400DA A compact yet boisterous subwoofer with built-in Class-D amplifier

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apanese car infotainment and DJ equipment brand

Price : INR 21,890

Pioneer has launched TS-WX400DA, a highly

compact active subwoofer with built-in 250 Watts output Class-D amplifier in India. From the dimensions of this active subwoofer, which are 300mm (W) x 200mm

While Deep mode is ideally suitable for classic, jazz,

(D) and 100mm (H), it can be easily understood how

country music, etc, the Dynamic mode stuns music

compact is this product and leaves enough room in the

lovers on EDM, hip-hop, rock music, etc. All the

boot for luggage and other important articles. Utilizing a

functions can be availed using a wired remote control.

“down fire” speaker design, the TS-WX400DA is able to

Some other remarkable features of TS-WX400DA are:

produce richer low-frequency reproduction that sounds

Phase control, Frequency and Gain control to adjust

incredible with such a compact sub-woofer.

the musical style, compatibility with CarSoundFit app

Users of this product can enjoy two selectable bass

which simulates in-car sound when Pioneer speakers

modes – Deep and Dynamic. On both modes, one can

are installed into vehicles, and CLASS-D amplifier

experience the rich sound even at the low volume level.

technology which ensures low power consumption. n

Pebble Urbane It goes beyond what you think earphones can do

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ifestyle accessories brand Pebble has introduced a new member to its audio lineup called the Urbane

wireless neckband in India. The Pebble Urbane comes with soft and flexible silicone neckband that is skinfriendly. The neckband also comes with a magnetic

Price : INR 1,999

interlock feature, which is a good move. It comes with IPX5 certification making it water-resistant and sweatproof. The neckband comes with Deep Bass technology that the company claims to deliver crystal clear and balanced sound output. The earbuds also isolate background noise. The voice assist enabled wireless neckband works with Siri and Google Assistant. With this, one can ask the assistant to read the news, have a number dialled or ask a query and more. The neckband comes with 150 mAh battery that the brand claims to deliver 300 hours of standby time and 12 hours of playtime. The earphone allows hands-free calling and easy switch between music and calls. The device is available for purchase from leading online and offline stores.n

114 | january 2020

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Gadget Corner

add-ons Toreto Remix A charger that can entertain with its in-built Bluetooth speaker

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igital lifestyle brand Toreto has launched its all-new product portfolio – Remix chargers – that not only

charge your devices but entertain you too. It’s, in fact, a wall charger with an in-built Bluetooth speaker, which makes it a must-have accessory for all your travel plans. The Remix series comprises three products – Remix, Remix 2 and Remix Duo. All the three products come with a 2.4 fast charging USB output with a 3W wireless speaker offering a very good sound quality. It can also be paired with another Remix charger for a TWS format and also boasts of a 400mAh speaker battery to enjoy the music on the go. All these products come with the latest Bluetooth

Price : INR 1,799

V5.0 and are only available in white colour. The Toreto Remix comes with a multi-circuit protection and is loaded with a stereo sound feature to provide surround

price of Rs 1,299, Rs 1,499 and Rs 1,999 respectively

sound experience. The Toreto Remix, Remix 2 and Remix

at the leading ecommerce platforms and retail stores

Duo are available at an introductory, yet pocket-friendly

across India.n

Portronics Yogg Kronos Your fitness guide

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xpanding its smartwatch portfolio range, portable

Kronos, a smartwatch cum fitness tracker that helps you

digital product maker Portronics has launched Yogg

set and achieve your daily fitness goals with swift tracking notifications. The Yogg Kronos has a touch-enabled 1.3-

Price : INR 3,999

inch colour screen that helps you track your heart rate, your daily activity goals for steps, calories, distance, sleep time and can set reminders too. It also helps you track your social apps, emails, and missed calls. You can synchronize your daily data with your smartphone using the VeryFit Pro app. The Yogg Kronos is water and dust resistant: its IP68 design ensures that you can wear it even in harsh weather conditions. The watch weighs only 40.8 grams and the material quality of the watch is very comfortable and skinfriendly. It goes well with every look, formal and casual. The watch has super easy charging, long playtime. Using its magnetic charging cable; one can easily charge its inbuilt 210mAh battery. Once fully charged, it can work up to 8-10 days. The all-new Yogg Kronos is available both online and offline. n

january 2020 | 115


Gadget Corner

add-ons Sony ICD-UX570F Digital Voice Recorder Your recording companion on the go

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ony India has launched a sleek and portable digital voice

there’s a built-in

recorder, dubbed the ICD-UX570F, which is designed

USB-A port to

to offer high quality and reliable on-the-go recording

make it simpler for

features, especially to those looking to record lectures,

users to grab their

phone calls, interviews, and more. The ICD-UX570F digital

recordings. This

voice recorder measures 102.8 mm × 36.6 mm × 12.2 mm

voice recorder

and weighs just 48 grams. Sony offers long range skipping

comes equipped

on this recorder, allowing users to quickly scrub through

with a lithium

and listen to certain parts of the recording. The device

battery that offers

includes 4GB of built-in storage but is expandable using

up to 20 hours

compatible memory cards like microSDHC or microSDXC

of record and

card. There’s a high sensitivity S-microphone in tow here

playback time on

and can even record faint, distant, muffled voices without

a full charge – which is also the time it takes to fill the in-

capturing excessive background noise. It records the audio

built storage. Sony states that a ‘3-minute quick charge is

in MP3 and LPCM formats.

good for 1 hour of recording’ on the ICD-UX570F. One can

The company has optimized the ICD-UX570F to autodetect voice and music recordings. The best part is that

Price : INR 8,490

purchase it at e-commerce stores, Sony exclusive outlets, and retail stores across the country. n

BenQ GW2480T Monitor It takes care of your eyes

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lectronics firm BenQ has expanded its product range

with 250 nits of brightness. It comes with built-in

in India with the launch of GW2480T monitor in

speakers and offers 178 degree wide viewing angle for

India, which is claimed to reduce eye fatigue and comes

clarity. The screen is aligned with an optical viewing

with the company’s own eye-care technology. The BenQ

distance of 60-70 cm.

GW2480T features a 24-inch full HD IPS panel display

The company says that the monitor has a built-in ambient light sensor which “detects the brightness levels in the environment, and automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen to deliver the most comfortable viewing experience”. Other notable features are flicker-free technology to remove screen flickers and low Blue light technology to filter Blue light. There is also a separate Colour Weakness mode that is said to offer natural by offering filters for red colour deficiency and green colour deficiency. It also offers adjustment function with an extensive range of height, tilt, pivot, and

Price : INR 11,990

116 | january 2020

swivel monitor adjustments. The product is available online at Amazon.in and at offline retail stores across the country.n

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add-ons Soundcore Icon Speaker Designed for adventure

A

udio brand Soundcore by tech firm Anker has expanded its product portfolio in India with the

launch of an adventure speaker, called the Icon, which comes with IP67 rating and is claimed by the company to be water resistant. The Soundcore Icon is both shockproof and dustproof and offers ‘comprehensive protection with super tough proofing’. The speaker features a ‘hand anywhere design’ and comes with a detachable strap. “Strap to any tree, bike, bag, or rail and play the soundtrack to your outdoor adventure,” the company said. The speaker can deliver 12 hours of playback time on a single charge. You can connect two Icons via a single

phone or tablet for souped-up sound and cranked-up colour. Icon’s removable straps are a chance for you to get creative, link two Icons together in any way you can. The product comes in playful pop colours and is available with leading retail and ecommerce stores across India. n

Ziox Roar Take the party wherever you go with this trolley speaker

F

ollowing the launch of its TV segment in India, Ziox Electronics has now come up with a wireless Bluetooth

speaker called Roar, which has a trolley design. It is a compact, rugged and portable speaker system and comes with a 2,000mAh inbuilt battery which offers the back-up of 6-8 hours. With built-in amplifier and audio crossover, the speaker boasts a power output of 120W. It comes with RGB Lights that matches the on-board lighting effects with beat control. It also has wireless mic connectivity (with 10m range). The speaker apart from the manual control is fully functional via a remote. The Ziox Roar speaker can be connected to multiple

smartphones and tablets to play music via Bluetooth. It comes with an AUX input and cable which allows you to connect your headphones, smartphones and MP3 players to it. Additionally, it also comes with FM support letting you tune into your favourite radio station. The Roar trolley speaker sports the 3 way sound designs, along with 8” subwoofer for powerful bass. Outfitted with the powerful 120W total RMS power, the speaker delivers full range music experience with extra deep bass. It is available with leading retail and online stores across India.n

january 2020 | 117


Gadget Corner

add-ons Prana Air Cair and Cair+ Track the air anywhere, anytime with the all-new air quality monitors

P

urelogic Labs-owned brand Prana Air, which makes devices and products to protect people from pollution,

has launched a new series of air quality pocket monitors -- Cair and Cair+ -- in India. Both Cair and Cair+ measure the air quality and air pollution in any environment and show all collected data in real-time. With newly-added

where the data is also stored. With the mobile application,

functionality such as Wi-Fi connectivity and an SD-card

hourly, daily, weekly and monthly data can be accessed,

slot for storing data, they allow the user to track the air

and alerts can be set for different air quality levels to

anywhere, anytime. All data is stored in the cloud and

ensure safety when air pollution spikes. The monitors

accessible through the mobile application- AQI India.

come with a charging cable and adapter and are meant to

Both the monitors measure PM2.5, temperature and

be connected at all times for continuous measurements.

humidity along with PM1 and PM10 (equational) with

The display shows the values for each parameter together

high-quality sensors, to check the air quality. They come

with colours to analyse if the levels are safe or not, ranging

with an in-built 1,000mAh battery.

between green, yellow, and red.n

All data is seen on the monitor’s LCD screen in realtime and in graphs, or through the mobile application

Price: INR 4,990 (Cair); INR 7,490 (Cair+)

Honor AM115 Earphones A smart option to enjoy high fidelity music experience

H

uawei’s sub-brand Honor has launched its semi-in-ear earphones called the AM115 in India that is available on

Amazon. The Honor AM115 claims to deliver high fidelity music and call. The latest Honor earphones come with an ergonomic design for high comfort, efficiency and adaptability, making them a smarter option than others in the given segment. The diamond-cut sheen

Price: INR 399

and metallic finish on the earphones gives them a premium look. Moreover, Honor has also introduced an anti-oxidation coating over the earphones leading to an increased lifespan. The Honor AM115 offers numerous call and music control functions such as a feature to reject or mute the call through preprogrammed buttons, double-tap the button to change track and much more. Furthermore, the earphones also come bundled with strong bass and frequency, clear and resonant mid-range sounds which render textured timber to vocals and high-frequency response and balanced sound ecosystem. n

118 | january 2020

MYMOBILE


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Gadget Corner

add-ons Devialet Phantom Reactor Experience premium audio with the ultracompact speaker, which now comes in a brand new Black colour option

F

ollowing their international debut more recently,

listen your way.

France-based premium audio brand Devialet has

The Phantom Reactor, like the Phantom Premier

now come up with a new Matte Black colour variant of

series, is unique. “In addition to Devialet’s 160 existing

its Phantom Reactor speakers in India. Until now, the

patents in acoustic and mechanical engineering, a further

Devialet Phantom series has been available only in White

11 patents have contributed to the Phantom Reactor’s

colour.

disruptive design, allowing for powerful sound from an

The two new ultra-compact wireless speakers, the Phantom Reactor 600 and Phantom Reactor 900, have been introduced by Luxury Personified and will retail for Rs 1,09,000 and Rs 1,29,000, respectively. They will be available in New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai. The result of a year’s design efforts, the speaker’s sharp matte finish is achieved with an aqueous solution, creating a soft touch and a smooth finish capable of handling intense power and pressure, the company claimed. According to Devialet, the Phantom Reactor delivers unprecedented power with zero distortion, saturation or

impossibly compact package (it is less than 22cm long and under 17cm tall),” the company said. The breakthrough Devialet innovations, pushed even further for the Phantom Reactor, include: • Analog Digital Hybrid (ADH), Devialet’s core innovation in sound amplification, combining the sophistication of Class A analog amplification with the power and compactness of Class D digital technology • Speaker Active Matching (SAM), the mathematical model that ensures perfect control of the mechanics of the speakers and high acoustic fidelity of Phantom Reactor

background noise, fully immersing you in your favourite

• Heart Bass Implosion (HBI), the revolutionary acoustic

music, movies and games and letting you experience sound

process that emits bass sounds with phenomenal depth

as it should be heard. More than ever before, the Matte Black Phantom Reactor disappears into your surroundings - but it still promises a thrilling audio experience. Setting up in solo or stereo mode is simple using

and physical impact • Active Cospherical Engine (ACE), the spherical design and the perfect acoustic shape to reproduce a sound and diffuse its energy linearly in all directions

the Devialet app. Music can be enjoyed wirelessly from

• Software systems that improve every day, thanks to

your connected device (phone, TV etc.) through Airplay,

free or paid upgrades as Devialet is opposed to the

Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, UPnP or through analog or

obsolescence of systems. n

optical jack connection. Its open architecture lets you

120 | january 2020

team@mymobile.co.in


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TechTalk

Vantage Point

Trends driving Audio Market in 2020 —By Achin Gupta

O

ver the years, India has

believes that quality and excellent

emerged as a promising

sound experience will still take

market for the audio industry

precedence over the price-point of a product.

to provide flawless sound experience to the

thereby compelling many

Trendy designs, all-weather usability, easy

users. On the same lines, exponential growth

leading global brands to set up operations

portability, sound quality, longer battery

of the mobile handset industry is expected

in the country. India’s unique demographic

backup will matter more than ever.

to trigger a race in wireless Bluetooth audio

positioning in respect of having the largest

brands for capturing consumer attention

youth population in the world and an ever-

through premium sound quality experience.

“Exponential growth Additionally, there is also a huge possibility of the mobile handset industry sector are two of the most critical factors of video speakers and Wi-Fi compatible that have buttressed the growth of this speakers being introduced in the is expected to trigger a race in wireless sector. coming time which will be an exciting Bluetooth audio brands for capturing 2019 was an exciting year for addition to the catalogues of major consumer attention through premium sound the audio industry. As the industry audio brands. quality experience. Additionally, there is also looks forward to welcoming a brand For the audio industry in new year –2020, fresh goals and India, 2020 could also be a a huge possibility of video speakers and a determination to build upon the watershed year if more brands Wi-Fi compatible speakers being introduced learnings of 2019 invoke excitement place emphasis on launching ecoin the coming time which will be an and hope. Against this backdrop, let friendly products. Given the rising exciting addition to the catalogues us dwell on trends that one foresees as awareness of global warming and of major audio brands” making an impact on the audio industry reducing plastic usage among consumers burgeoning Media and Entertainment (M&E)

in 2020. There is no denying the fact that

and organizations alike, one predicts audio

entertainment and broadcast sectors will

brands to simultaneously work on innovating

remain the audio market’s biggest consumer

A report by EY-FICCI in 2019 predicts

products manufactured using recyclable

drivers. Add to this, the rising popularity

the M&E sector in India to cross Rs 2.35

material without marring the overall sound/

of house parties or pool parties in young

trillion by 2021 at a CAGR of 11.6 per cent.

audio experience of the end-user. Although

millennials, have created a lucrative niche

It further expects stupendous growth of the

definitely a challenge, this proposition could

for waterproof, portable, Bluetooth speakers.

sector to come from digital, estimating how

make a marked difference in a brand’s overall

Going forward, one foresees huge growth

approximately 2.5 million consumers in India

positive perception.

potential in the party speakers segment as

are digital-only. This digital customer base is

Technology is one magic wand one

well.

expected to grow to 5 million by 2021, the

can rely upon to make this a reality. On

Similarly, headphones and speakers that

report adds. These findings present a very

the whole, 2020 would most likely be yet

are compatible with AI-based voice assistants

positive opportunity for the expansion of the

another growth fueled year for the industry

or AI-assisted devices, are also witnessing a

audio industry. Increase in growth of digital

with the spotlight being on products that are

huge surge in demand, therefore, one expects

infrastructure would mean a parallel rise in

not just technologically sound but also fare

that this category too, shall remain one of the

demand for best audio equipment.

well on overall consumer satisfaction and

prime-focus areas for audio brands in 2020.

Furthermore, the rising use of immersive

While customers would be concerned about

audio in M&E sector while creating content will

the cost-effectiveness of the products, one

create the need for quality audio equipment

122 | january 2020

environment-friendly aspects. n The author is Country Head-India at Zoook.

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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 : 22-12-19


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