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Google Duo Set to Soon Land on Android TV
Tata Sky Makes Multiple Changes to Broadcaster and Curated Packs
Sun Direct Adds Six New Channels to its Platform
BSNL Launches DRONE Initiative to Promote Digital Education via its Broadband Network
Tata Sky Shifts Set-Top Box Production to India With its Partner Technicolor
BSNL Reduces Payment Threshold Amount of Landline, Broadband, FTTH Connections
Xiaomi Redmi 9A India Launch Set for September 2
Realme 7 and 7 Pro Complete Spec-Sheet Leaked Online: What You Need to Know
Best Android TV Sticks in India You Can Choose for Under Rs 5,000

Google Duo Set to Soon Land on Android TV

Posted: 28 Aug 2020 07:06 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/google-duo-android-tv-launch/293176/, Google Duo Set to Soon Land on Android TV

Google on Thursday announced that the Google Duo video calling service will soon be available on Android TV enabling users to connect to family and friends across the world through the large screen. The company said that "using the right devices can make a big difference in making video calls more enjoyable and engaging." Further, Google also announced that the company is adding Chromecast support for Google Meet, designed to handle video calls with over 100 members for all the professional needs. The company said that the Chromecast support for Google Meet enables users to convert any room into a "personal conference room" by "taking advantage of your TV or a Smart Display."

Google to Enhance Duo Video Calling Experience

Google said that the users can use the Google Duo to initiate one-on-one and group calls from an Android TV. Crucially, Google said that the users can plug in a USB camera, if the smart TV doesn't have a built-in camera.

The company highlighted that a beta version of the Google Duo is scheduled to be rolled out to the Android TVs "in the coming weeks."

"2020 may go down as the year of the video call," Google said in the release. "It's become an indispensable tool, one we all use more than we likely would have imagined."

Google highlighted that the Duo and Meet also "work seamlessly" with Nest Hub Max and other smart displays powered by Google.

Google Meet Receives Chromecast Support

The company said that the Chromecast support for Google Meet enables users to "step away from the notifications" on laptop or smartphone to be "more present in a meeting." Google said that the users can now be "more productive and stay focused" by casting Google Meet video calls to the smart TV.

"Meet and Cast can also pair up to simplify distance learning," Google said. "Students can view their classmates and lesson plans on the big screen while working from their laptops, and teachers can get a broader view of their students on a call."

Google said that the users are required to update to the last version of Chrome while also making sure that the Chromecast device is on the latest firmware to enable cast functionality on Meet. It was said that the cast functionality is available for all Meet users and that casting works on multiple devices including Nest displays and TVs with built-in Chromecasts.

In early August, Sensor Tower said in a report that Google Meet is among the Top 10 apps by downloads for the month of July, 2020.

Original article: Google Duo Set to Soon Land on Android TV

Tata Sky Makes Multiple Changes to Broadcaster and Curated Packs

Posted: 28 Aug 2020 06:31 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/tatasky-changes-broadcaster-curated-packs/293192/, Tata Sky Makes Multiple Changes to Broadcaster and Curated Packs

Tata Sky on Thursday revised the broadcaster packs and its custom curated packs targeting its Marathi and Bengali users. The largest Direct-to-Home (DTH) operator in India added multiple Marathi and Bengali channels to the existing broadcasting packs and custom curated packs enabling users to view more channels "without price increase." The packs that are said to undergo revisions include the value packs such as Star Marathi Value and Star Bengali Value B. Further, the DTH operator is also said to revise its custom curated packs such as Family Sports and Hindi Basic.

Tata Sky Enhances Multiple Marathi and Bengali Bouquets

Star Pravah and Star Pravah HD is said to be added to multiple Marathi packs such as Star Marathi Value, Star Marathi Value HD, Star Marathi Premium and Star Marathi Premium HD.

Similarly, Star Jalsha, Star Jalsha HD, Jalsha Movies and Jalsha Movies HD are said to be added to Bengali packs such as Star Bengali Value B and Star Bengali Value HD B packs.

The additions will also carry over to the Tata Sky curated packs such as Family Sports, Family Sports HD, Hindi Basic, Family Kids HD and Family Kids Sports HD 1. It was also said that the additions are an ongoing process and that the operator hasn't implemented it completely.

Marathi and Bengali Value Packs Priced at Rs 57.82 Per Month

It has to be noted that the Star Marathi Value and Star Bengali Value B carry monthly charges of Rs 57.82 with the packs currently hosting 13 and 14 channels respectively.

The premium Marathi packs such as Star Marathi Premium, Star Marathi Value HD and Star Marathi Premium HD are priced at Rs 93.22, Rs 100.30 and Rs 141.60 per month respectively. Further, the Star Bengali Value HD B pack carries a monthly subscription price of Rs 100.30.

The entry level Hindi Basic and the Family Sports packs are priced at Rs 190.57 and Rs 298.89 respectively.

Original article: Tata Sky Makes Multiple Changes to Broadcaster and Curated Packs

Sun Direct Adds Six New Channels to its Platform

Posted: 28 Aug 2020 04:47 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/sun-direct-six-channels-platform/293194/, Sun Direct Adds Six New Channels to its Platform

Sun Direct keeps on adding and removing channels from its offerings. Now the DTH operator has added six new channels for its customers. Just a few days back, one of its channel packs – ROI HD emerged as one of the cheapest and best HD channel packs to purchase in India. The ROI HD pack comes for Rs 253.39 (exclusive of taxes). Coming back to the six newly added channels to the platform — Kalvi, Russia Today, Enter10 Bangla, Jinvani, Show Box, and Amar Cinema. All of these channels are of different genre. But one thing amongst all of them is common which is that they all are FTA (free-to-air) channels.

Sun Direct Six New Channels

Sun Direct has added six new channels. Let's take a look at all of them one by one. Firstly, there is Kalvi. It is a Tamil infotainment channel which is available for free at SD quality. The customer can access the content of the channel at channel number 33. Coming to the second newly added channel, Russia Today is an English Channel aimed at providing international news to the customers. It is available for free at SD quality to the customers at channel number 569.

The other four newly added channels comprise of two Hindi and two Bengali channels. Talking about the Hindi channels first, there are – Jinvani and Show Box. Jinvani brings customers devotional content at SD quality on channel number 617 for free. While Show Box is a Hindi music channel available to the customers at SD quality for free on channel number 379.

As for the two Bengali channels, there are – Enter10 Bangla and Amar Cinema. Enter10 Bangla falls under the genre category of GEC and is available for free at SD quality on channel number 643. The last newly added channel Amar Cinema brings customers Bengali movies for free at SD quality on channel number 646.

There are more offers from Sun Direct that are live at the moment. The DTH operator is offering one of its most prominent channel packs Tamil DPO 1 at Rs 999 for 9 months. It is a limited time offer.

Original article: Sun Direct Adds Six New Channels to its Platform

BSNL Launches DRONE Initiative to Promote Digital Education via its Broadband Network

Posted: 28 Aug 2020 03:28 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/bsnl-drone-initiative-digital-education-india/293189/, BSNL Launches DRONE Initiative to Promote Digital Education via its Broadband Network

Government-owned BSNL today announced the launch of DRONE Education Initiative in order to improve the proliferation of Digital Education Programme in the country. As part of the same, the leading broadband service provider announced a partnership with IIT Bombay and Yupp Master to offer e-learning programmes. Amidst COVID-19, e-learning platforms are gaining massive traction amongst students and faculty. Being the leading broadband operator, BSNL is now looking to provide e-learning facilities to its subscribers via the fibre network.

BSNL Partners With IIT Bombay and Yupp Master

IIT Bombay, through its "Spoken Tutorial" methodology, has developed digital content on topics covering wide aspects of learning needs for the students. IIT Bombay confirmed that there is online content on IT Literacy (Java programming, Python, C, Scilab, etc), Health and Nutrition, Digital Divide (Net banking) and lot more for the daily requirements.

Coming to the partnership with Yupp Master, it offers a wide range of tech-driven learning programmes to every nook and corner of the country. Yupp Master's platform classes are all-live programs and they are accessible anytime, anywhere and on any device. It further features curated study material, comprehensive tests and grading modules.

Furthermore, Yupp Master unique offering is Ask a Doubt 24/7, Live Question and Answer – dedicated live session with teachers to clear students doubts.

Announcing the partnership with IIT Bombay and Yupp Master, to offer e-learning program, Mr PK Purwar CMD BSNL said "We have put our best effort in creating an open ecosystem for best talents in education sector to partner with BSNL and drive the Digital India Program through BSNL's pan-India high-speed broadband network. Our DRONE (Digitally Rich Online Nationwide Education) Initiative allows anyone in the online education industry to partner with BSNL and creates a Pan-India Presence through our digital platform.”

More details regarding the new DRONE initiative from BSNL are awaited. Right now, ACT Fibernet is providing free access to Yupp Master to its subscribers and Airtel is already offering Shaw Academy courses for free.

Original article: BSNL Launches DRONE Initiative to Promote Digital Education via its Broadband Network

Tata Sky Shifts Set-Top Box Production to India With its Partner Technicolor

Posted: 28 Aug 2020 02:03 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/tatasky-stb-production-india-shifting/293165/, Tata Sky Shifts Set-Top Box Production to India With its Partner Technicolor

To support the government's vision of 'Make in India', Tata Sky has shifted its manufacturing and production of Set-Top Boxes to India. So now the Set-Top Box that you purchase from the DTH operator will be made in India. But not every Set-Top Box is going to be made in India. Tata Sky has shifted a significant portion of manufacturing to India with its partner Technicolor, but not the whole of it. Technicolor is going to help Tata Sky in manufacturing and distribution of local made Set-Top boxes.

Tata Sky Set-Top Boxes to be Made in India Now

Due to the current pandemic caused by COVID-19, Tata Sky had to adjust to the market condition and make rapid changes. This decision of building a significant portion of Set-Top Boxes in India is due to the challenging conditions of COVID-19. The production to start will take some time though. Tata Sky and Technicolor are currently realigning their resources so that the production of the Set-Top Boxes can start from early 2021 in India.

Harit Nagpal, MD & CEO of Tata Sky said, "As the world adjusts to the rapid changes emerging due to the recent effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tata Sky and Technicolor Connected Home are realigning production of a group of set-top boxes (STBs) to India by early 2021."

This shift will streamline the manufacturing and deliveries of Set-Top Boxes to the consumers in India which will further strengthen the long partnership both the companies have with each other. Technicolour Connected Home has a very big and strong supply chain and this is going to benefit both the companies. Most importantly though, this collaboration will serve the Indian market in a better way.

Luis Martinez-Amago, President of Technicolour Connected Home pointed out that this partnership is possible because of the flexible and adaptable supply chain of Technicolor. He further said such quality in the supply chain is very important for volatile situations such as now. One thing that customers of Tata Sky will be most eager to know about is whether or not this will result in the reduction of the price of Set-Top Boxes.

Original article: Tata Sky Shifts Set-Top Box Production to India With its Partner Technicolor

BSNL Reduces Payment Threshold Amount of Landline, Broadband, FTTH Connections

Posted: 28 Aug 2020 12:42 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/bsnl-payment-threshold-amount-landline-broadband-ftth/293150/, BSNL Reduces Payment Threshold Amount of Landline, Broadband, FTTH Connections

bsnl-payment-threshold-amount-landline-broadband-ftth

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Thursday revised the pay-by-date, upper threshold limit of non-payment of dues for landline, broadband and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections. The operator is said to have had a review of its existing policy on pay-by-date, threshold limit as the BSNL management is said to have considered ways to "maximize cash flow and collection efficiency." It was said that the BSNL management with its revised policy seeks to "minimize the volume of unpaid bills." The revised policy also introduces a new schedule of disconnection for non-payment (DNP) such as barring of outgoing, incoming calls along with a new date for permanent disconnection upon non-payment of dues.

BSNL Revises Pay-by-Date and Schedule of DNP Across India

The new pay-by-date for BSNL users in the South Zone is said to be the 15th day from the date of invoice. The operator highlighted that its users in other zones will have the 18th day from the invoice date as the revised pay-by-date.

BSNL currently sets 21 days from the invoice date as the due date to all its users across India. The state-run operator bars the user's ability to make outgoing calls on the 35th day from the invoice date across India. Further, the incoming calls are said to be barred 30 days after the barring of outgoing calls while users will face permanent disconnection in 90 days after the barring of outgoing calls.

Under the revised schedule unveiled on Thursday, BSNL will bar the outgoing calls on the 22nd day from the invoice date to the users in the South Zone upon the non-payment of dues. The incoming calls to the BSNL South Zone users will be barred 15 days after the barring of outgoing calls. Further, the BSNL users in the South Zone will face permanent disconnection in 60 days after the barring of outgoing calls upon non-payment of dues.

Meanwhile, the BSNL users in Rest of India will be barred from making outgoing calls on the 28th day from the invoice date. However, the barring of the incoming calls along with the date for permanent disconnection to the BSNL users in Rest of India are identical to the dates offered to the users in the South Zone.

Crucially, it was said that the revised pay-by-date and schedule of DNP to the BSNL users in Rest of India will be applicable from the bills generated in September 2020. The BSNL users in South Zone will continue with the existing payment schedule till the end of October upon which the users will be transitioned to the new billing dates. The revised pay-by-date and schedule of DNP will be applicable to BSNL landline, broadband and FTTH users.

It has to be noted that the BSNL wireline operations are divided into four zones including South Zone, East, West and North Zone. The BSNL South Zone is said to consist of multiple BSNL circles such as Andhra Pradesh including Telangana, Tamil Nadu including Chennai along with Karnataka and Kerala. BSNL classifies Andaman and Nicobar Islands with West Bengal in the East Zone.

BSNL Revises Upper Limit Threshold Limit for Non-Payment of Dues

The state-run operator has also revised the "dunning threshold" limit for the BSNL landline, broadband and FTTH users. The dunning threshold limit is the upper threshold limit of the billed amount for which a telephone connection or a service such as broadband and FTTH will not be disconnected for non-payment.

The existing threshold limit for landline, broadband and FTTH connections is said to be Rs 525 per connection for the BSNL users in the urban areas. Further, the BSNL users in rural areas have a threshold limit of Rs 325 per connection.

Under the revised limits, BSNL has reduced the threshold limit to Rs 300 per connection for those BSNL users in the urban areas. Similarly, the operator has reduced the threshold limit to Rs 200 per connection for the BSNL users in the rural areas.

The revised threshold limit for the landline, broadband and FTTH connection are said to be effective from the September 2020 billing issue to users across India.

Original article: BSNL Reduces Payment Threshold Amount of Landline, Broadband, FTTH Connections

Xiaomi Redmi 9A India Launch Set for September 2

Posted: 27 Aug 2020 11:54 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/xiaomi-redmi-9a-india-launch-date/293158/, Xiaomi Redmi 9A India Launch Set for September 2

At the virtual launch event of Redmi 9, Xiaomi teased that it will soon launch another smartphone in the country. And just a day after the Redmi 9’s launch, the Chinese company started teasing the launch of Redmi 9A. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A aka ‘Desh ka Smartphone’ will launch on September 2. To recall, the Redmi 9A was launched alongside the Redmi 9C in global markets back in June this year. While the Redmi 9C reached India as the Redmi 9, the Redmi 9A is arriving with the same moniker. The Redmi 9A will be replacing the Redmi 8A Dual in the country which is currently retailing at a starting price of Rs 7,499 for the base variant.

Xiaomi Redmi 9A: Specifications We Know

The Redmi 9A boasts similar specs as the Redmi 9 that was launched in India at a starting price of Rs 8,999. But there are some noticeable changes. The Redmi 9A rocks a 6.53-inch HD+ display to the front along with a teardrop notch. Underneath, it has the MediaTek Helio G25 SoC, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage.

Cameras on the Redmi 9A include a single 13MP shooter on the back and a 5MP selfie camera is present on the front. It is slightly disappointing to see Xiaomi adding just a single rear camera on the Redmi 9A because the Redmi 8A Dual has a dual-camera setup. The phone might boot MIUI 12 out of the box, similar to the Redmi 9. It also packs a 5000mAh battery.

Xiaomi Redmi 9A: Expected Price in India

The Redmi 9A’s Indian variant will likely feature similar specifications as the global variant. And the price of the smartphone could start at the same Rs 7,499. However, we might see Xiaomi going aggressive this time around as the phone has some tradeoffs like Micro USB port, single rear camera and lack of fast charging when compared to the Redmi 8A Dual. If the company achieves a price tag of Rs 6,999 during these tough times, it will be impressive and can have a major impact during the upcoming festive season.

Original article: Xiaomi Redmi 9A India Launch Set for September 2

Realme 7 and 7 Pro Complete Spec-Sheet Leaked Online: What You Need to Know

Posted: 27 Aug 2020 09:46 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/realme-7-series-spec-sheet-leaked/293133/, Realme 7 and 7 Pro Complete Spec-Sheet Leaked Online: What You Need to Know

Realme will be launching the Realme 7 series in India on September 3. The Realme 7 series will have two phones- the standard Realme 7 and the premium Realme 7 Pro. It was in March this year Realme launched the Realme 6 series of phones and the company is already gearing up for the release of 7 series. Ahead of the launch, complete specifications of both the Realme 7 and 7 Pro have leaked online. The Realme 7 could be the first phone in India to feature MediaTek Helio G95 SoC, whereas the 7 Pro is said to offer the same Snapdragon 720G chipset like the Realme 6 Pro. Continue reading to know more about the leaked specifications of the Realme 7 series in detail.

Realme 7: Helio G95, 5000mAh Battery and 30W Charging Support

The leaked information coming from tipster Mukul Sharma suggests the Realme 7 will be a minor upgrade over the Realme 6. The handset could offer a 6.5-inch Full HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate and a punch-hole to the front. There will be 120Hz touch sampling rate as well. The handset is rumoured to ship with MediaTek’s unannounced Helio G95 chipset, which will be an upgrade to the Helio G90T that was used on the Realme 6 and 6i smartphones. It might arrive in two variants- 6GB+64GB and 8GB+128GB. And yes, the fingerprint scanner will be located to the right side itself.

Cameras on the Realme 7 could include a 64MP Sony IMX682 primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture, 8MP ultra-wide-angle shooter, 2MP B&W Portrait and a 2MP macro sensor. To the front, we will have a 16MP shooter. The rear camera is said to offer 4K video recording at 30fps. Lastly, the Realme 7 will have a 5000mAh battery along with 30W fast charging support.

Realme 7 Pro: 65W Fast Charger and Snapdragon 720G in Tow

The Realme 7 Pro will be bringing the 65W fast charging feature to the mid-range segment, as the company has teased it already. The handset might sport a 6.4-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED screen and we may not see any high refresh rate this time around. Maybe Realme is looking to reduce the cost, but again, these are not the official specs so take this news with a pinch of salt.

It will make use of the same Snapdragon 720G SoC, coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. Camera setup will be similar to Realme 7- 64MP Sony IMX682 primary sensor, 8MP ultra-wide-angle shooter, 2MP B&W sensor and a 2MP macro sensor. Also, the company seems to be removing the dual selfie camera setup from the Realme 6 Pro as the leaks point out towards a single 32MP selfie camera on the 7 Pro.

Another addition to the Realme 7 Pro would be the stereo speaker setup. It will be interesting to see how Realme prices the 7 series of phones.

Original article: Realme 7 and 7 Pro Complete Spec-Sheet Leaked Online: What You Need to Know

Best Android TV Sticks in India You Can Choose for Under Rs 5,000

Posted: 27 Aug 2020 06:33 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/best-android-tv-sticks-india/293054/, Best Android TV Sticks in India You Can Choose for Under Rs 5,000

Android TVs have become very popular. There are various ways people can get the experience of Android TVs if they don't own one. One is to buy a Set-Top Box which is powered by Android. Another is to get an Android TV stick which can be connected with your TV. One great thing about the Android TV stick is that you can carry it with you wherever you go. It is small and very light in weight. However, you can't just carry your Set-Top Box everywhere you go. Some of the best Android TV sticks that you will find in the market today are – Mi TV Stick, MarQ by Flipkart, and Airtel Xstream TV Stick. Let's take a look at all of them individually.

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick

Xiaomi offers an Android TV stick called Mi TV Stick. It runs on the latest Android TV 9. You can make good use of features such as voice search and even cast your smartphone into the TV with the help of in-built Chromecast in the Mi TV Stick. It is very easy to connect, Xiaomi claims that a person can do it in about 30 seconds. You can stream your content in full HD, up to 1080p. There are thousands of OTT apps that you can access with the help of this Android TV stick. There is also the support of Dolby Audio and DTS Digital for the better sound experience. The Android TV stick is powered by a 64-bit quad-core processor. Inside the box, you get the Android TV stick, a USB cable, a power adopter, and a remote. You can purchase the Mi TV Stick from Amazon or the official website of Mi for Rs 2,799.

MarQ by Flipkart

MarQ by Flipkart is also an interesting option if you are going for an Android TV stick. You can get it from Flipkart of course and it is priced at Rs 3,499. You can access over 10,000+ apps with the Android Play Store. The stick runs on Android TV 9. You can make use of the Google Assistant and use your voice to navigate through your favourite shows. There is in-built Chromecast as well which allows you to cast your smartphone into the TV. There is a 1-year domestic warranty on the product along with 7 days replacement policy. You will get a small Android TV box, remote, USB Charging cable, IR Blaster cable, 2 battery, and a Power adopter.

Airtel Xstream TV Stick

Airtel Xstream TV Stick is one of the most popular Android TV sticks in the market at the moment. It can be bought for a price of Rs 3,999 which is the most expensive amongst the three mentioned here. The remote which you get in the box is capable of picking voice commands. You will be able to watch or stream your favourite shows in HD quality. There is also in-built Chromecast so you can cast your smartphone into the TV. It runs on the latest Android TV 9. You can purchase it from Flipkart or through the official website of Airtel.

Original article: Best Android TV Sticks in India You Can Choose for Under Rs 5,000

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