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Trai Consumer Outreach Programme Conducted Online Witnessed a Large Number of Participants
Xiaomi Announces New MIUI Version Without Blocked Apps Pre-Installed
Netflix Gets Hindi User Interface in India
BSNL Launches New BookMyFiber Online Portal for Taking New Broadband Connection Requests
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Apple AirPods Pro: Differences Explained
Google Discontinues Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL in Several Regions
Trai Channel Selector Mobile App: Optimise Your Monthly DTH Subscription Bill
5G Deployments Cross 13,000 Sites Worldwide, India Continues to Miss Out on 5G
Best Android TV Set-Top Boxes in the Market You Can Choose From

Trai Consumer Outreach Programme Conducted Online Witnessed a Large Number of Participants

Posted: 07 Aug 2020 06:49 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/trai-consumer-outreach-programme-online/288102/, Trai Consumer Outreach Programme Conducted Online Witnessed a Large Number of Participants

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) ensures that everyone in the telecom industry is doing a fair business. It looks after the consumer rights and spreads awareness about the new rules set by telcos. Today, Trai conducted an online consumer outreach programme which witnessed a large number of people participating. The programme was conducted through the regional office of Trai in Bhopal. This is not the first time Trai has organised such a programme. It is Trai's one of the most important objectives that consumer interests remain protected. So from time to time, the regulator keeps on organising such programmes. This time it was conducted online because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Trai's Consumer Outreach Programme Saw Many People Participating

Many people joined in on the online outreach programme of Trai. There were telecom consumers from Uttar Pradesh, many common service centre (CSC) in-charges from different villages of the state, representative of COAI, representatives of Consumer Advocacy Groups (CAGs), representatives of telecom service providers, officials of the government and many from the general public who participated in the programme.

Since the programme was conducted with the intention to spread awareness about consumer rights, people were educated on their rights in regards to various aspects of telecom services. It included everything right from education about tariffs, Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC), Value Added Services (VAS), Complaint Redressal Machine, Mobile Number Portability, data services, etc.

There are different apps such as TRAI MySpeed, Trai MyCall, and DND developed by Trai for consumer empowerment. People were taught about how they can use these apps and also about tower fraud and how they can stay safe from it.

Apart from these rules, people were also informed about the new broadcasting and cable TV rules. The newly launched Channel Selector app from Trai was also showcased and explained to the participants. More informative videos about different subjects were shown to participants in order to explain things better and keep the programme interactive. Channel Selector app from Trai will help people in picking the right channel packs for them ultimately resulting in savings.

Original article: Trai Consumer Outreach Programme Conducted Online Witnessed a Large Number of Participants

Xiaomi Announces New MIUI Version Without Blocked Apps Pre-Installed

Posted: 07 Aug 2020 05:45 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/xiaomi-new-miui-version-blocked-apps/288043/, Xiaomi Announces New MIUI Version Without Blocked Apps Pre-Installed

Xiaomi recently addressed a letter to the Mi fans. Due to the Mi apps being banned, some customers were getting worried about their data security and privacy. Xiaomi cleared all the issues and doubts revolving around their blocked apps. The Indian government blocked a ton of Chinese apps which included a few apps from Xiaomi. The most recent Xiaomi app to be axed was Mi Browser Pro. It was stated by the Indian government that the app might be sending the users data out of the country. But Xiaomi has said that it is not true. Along with that, the Chinese tech giant has announced a new version of MIUI to be launched soon.

New MIUI Version to Come Without Pre-Installed Blocked Apps

In its address to the Mi Fans, Xiaomi said that it is one of their priorities to keep their customers’ data safe. Along with that, the company thanked its loyal fans for their support throughout the last six years. Xiaomi made three key announcements in the letter.

First is that it is working on a new MIUI version which will come without blocked apps pre-installed. This new version of MIUI will be rolled out for the users in a phased manner in the next few weeks. Along with this, Xiaomi clarified that none of the apps which have been blocked by the Indian government is accessible on Xiaomi devices.

The second announcement was regarding the Clean Master issue. Xiaomi uses the MIUI Cleaner app to clean the devices. People were confusing the MIUI Cleaner with the Clean Master app. So Xiaomi cleared it by saying that, "MIUI has its own Cleaner app and we are not using the Clean Master app that has been blocked by the Indian government."

The third announcement made by Xiaomi was that they are continuing to comply with all the data privacy and security norms set by the Indian government. Xiaomi said, "Since 2018, 100% of data from Indian users is stored in servers located in India and none of this data is shared with anyone outside of India."

Original article: Xiaomi Announces New MIUI Version Without Blocked Apps Pre-Installed

Netflix Gets Hindi User Interface in India

Posted: 07 Aug 2020 04:40 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/netflix-india-user-interface-india/288046/, Netflix Gets Hindi User Interface in India

Netflix has been growing at a rapid pace around the world. One of the strategies that the OTT giant follows is the creation of local content in every region. Since India is a prime contributor to the growth of the platform, Netflix has finally launched its user interface in Hindi. Netflix has launched the Hindi user interface nearly after 4 years of the launch in India. Now, Netflix subscribers in India who prefer the Hindi language will be able to easily discover and enjoy their favourite shows and series. Not only this, but users will also get complete Netflix experience, from the sign-up, to search rows and payment across all the devices on Mobile, TV and web in the Hindi language.

How to Switch to Hindi User Interface?

Netflix users who wish to switch to Hindi user interface can do it from Language option in the Manage Profile section on their desktop, TV or mobile browsers. Also, users must note that all five profiles will get the option to have their own language setting. In case if the user resides outside India, they will still get the option of the Hindi user interface. Monika Shergill, who is the VP-Content, Netflix India stated that the new user interface would make Netflix even more accessible and better suit for members who prefer Hindi.

Netflix Might Partner with Viacom18 For Creating More Local Content

Netflix is extensively growing in India as it is heavily investing in Indian film and series across all genres and generations. Not only this, but international films and series are also available with Hindi dubs and subtitles. Now to create more local content in India, Netflix is in talks to partner up with Reliance Industries media unit Network18. The affiliates of the Network18 group, which are the Viacom18 and ViacomCBS, will help the OTT giant to create more local content for its subscribers in India. However, no official update has been made by Netflix regarding the partnership with Viacom18.

Original article: Netflix Gets Hindi User Interface in India

BSNL Launches New BookMyFiber Online Portal for Taking New Broadband Connection Requests

Posted: 07 Aug 2020 02:47 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/bsnl-new-bookmyfiber-online-portal/288025/, BSNL Launches New BookMyFiber Online Portal for Taking New Broadband Connection Requests

State-owned telecom operator BSNL has launched a new portal for its subscribers which is dubbed as BookMyFiber. As evident from the name, the newly launched portal will take customers requests for a new BharatFiber connection. BSNL is extensively growing its Fiber footprint in the country. Recently, the state-owned telco expanded the availability of Bharat Fiber 200Mbps broadband plan in more circles. Now, the plan will also be available in Andra Pradesh, Kerala and Lakshwadeep circles. BookMyFiber portal launch was revealed by various BSNL employees on Twitter. BSNL has selected Chattisgarh as the designated nodal circle of Pan India coordination to streamline the lead to the order conversion process.

BookMyFiber Will Take Necessary Details of Customers

All the customers who are looking forward to FTTH connections will now be able to get connections without any external hassle. BookMyFiber will ask the customers for their details like contact number, name and Email ID. The portal will automatically detect the latitude and longitude details from the information shared by the user. The same information will be further transferred to the FMS system for provisioning of FTTH connection to the customer.

All the geo-tagging of BSNL and partners will be done by BharatFibre Business Champions (BBC). The information of customers after being received in the FMS system, the software in the system will correlate geo-coordinates and OLET geo coordinate to decide the BBC who has to take action on customer provisioning. Lastly, the BBC will coordinate with the customers for KYC formalities and provisioning of BharatFiber connections.

BSNL Will Update Existing Customers Via SMS and Email

State-owned telecom operator BSNL will be sending out SMS and Emails to all the existing subscribers to inform them about the new BookMyFiber portal for hassle-free FTTH connections.

BSNL Bharat Air Fibre Service Launched in Akola and Washim

BSNL is extensively growing its FTTH connection footprint across the country. Recently, the operator has launched Bharat Air Fibre Service in Akola and Washim district situated in Maharashtra. With the service, subscribers will be able to enjoy internet plans with speed up to 100Mbps.

Original article: BSNL Launches New BookMyFiber Online Portal for Taking New Broadband Connection Requests

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Apple AirPods Pro: Differences Explained

Posted: 07 Aug 2020 01:37 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/samsung-galaxy-buds-airpods-comparison/288016/, Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Apple AirPods Pro: Differences Explained

Samsung made the Galaxy Buds Live official in its event held on August 5, 2020. The Galaxy Buds Live are TWS earphones. The unique thing about these TWS earphones is their design. None of the other tech companies offers TWS earphones with such a design. People might be wondering after the launch of Galaxy Buds Live that how does it compete against the Apple AirPods Pro. AirPods Pro was launched in India last year and it got a positive response from the market. Let's look at all the differences between Galaxy Buds Live and Apple AirPods Pro.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Apple AirPods Pro: Design and Comfort

Samsung launched the most unusual looking TWS earphones in the market. They look like beans but fit perfectly inside the ears. The Galaxy Buds Live are more of a fashion statement than AirPods Pro. There are smooth elegant curves in the Galaxy Buds Live and the charging case of the earphones open up like a wedding ring.

The Galaxy Buds Live come with rubber tips and wingtips ultimately making them a better option for comfort over the AirPods Pro. The only issue that can come up with the design of the Galaxy Buds Live is that they might be uncomfortable in fitting for people with odd ear shapes.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Apple AirPods Pro: Sound and ANC

If you want a richer sound and higher bass, then Galaxy Buds Live are what you want. That said, AirPods Pro isn't bad either. The sound quality difference is not very big, but noticeable. AirPods Pro just fall behind when focused on the bass quality.

At the same time, active noise cancellation (ANC) is much better with the AirPods Pro. Galaxy buds Live also has good ANC but compared to AirPods Pro, it isn't the best. Samsung's website says that they have done it deliberately to allow the person to also be aware of what's going on or being announced near them. Apple also allows its users to switch the AirPods Pro to 'transparent' ANC mode which then makes it less strong and lets the external sound come in.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Apple AirPods Pro: Voice Assistants

Samsung's voice assistant is Bixby and Apple's voice assistant is Siri. However, a person can connect their Galaxy Buds Live or AirPods Pro with either Android or iOS devices. The voice assistants are very responsive in both the Galaxy Buds Live and AirPods Pro. Voice assistants can be simply activated by voice commands or a touch gesture can also be used to trigger them. With the help of voice assistants, users can send messages, play music, call someone without using their hands at all.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Apple AirPods Pro: Battery Life

The battery is the most important aspect of TWS earphones after sound quality. Both the Galaxy Buds Live and AirPods Pro have a good battery backup. One thing to remember is that ANC takes up extra battery.

Samsung has claimed that Galaxy Buds Live can run up to 21 hours in a single charge with ANC on. Apple, on the other hand, claims that AirPods Pro can run up to 24 hours for streaming music with ANC on. Both the TWS earphones can be charged with a wireless case.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Apple AirPods Pro: Connectivity

Both the Galaxy Buds Live and AirPods Pro require Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity. Samsung users can connect the Galaxy Buds Live simply by opening the case near their devices. It is the same with Apple users trying to connect the AirPods Pro. So there is not much hassle in connectivity and it happens quickly. If the user has a device of some other company, then there is the option to go to Bluetooth settings and try traditional pairing.

As for the range of connectivity, the AirPods Pro has a much longer range of connectivity compared to the Galaxy Buds Live. AirPods Pro can support good connectivity even while the user is walking around door to door inside their house and completing chores.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Apple AirPods Pro: Price

Apple AirPods were launched in India for a price of Rs 24,900 but users can purchase it from Amazon at a lower rate of Rs 23,900. The Apple AirPods Pro comes with IPX4 sweat and water resistance but they are only available in one colour – White.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live is launched for a price of $169.99 (roughly translating to Rs 12,745) which is much cheaper than the AirPods Pro and offer a great value. The Indian pricing for the product is not yet out but it will be very soon. It is available in a total of three colours — mystic black, mystic bronze, and white.

Original article: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Apple AirPods Pro: Differences Explained

Google Discontinues Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL in Several Regions

Posted: 07 Aug 2020 12:03 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/google-pixel-4-series-discontinued/287994/, Google Discontinues Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL in Several Regions

American multinational technology company Google has made its space in the smartphone segment with its Pixel series smartphones. Recently, Google announced its latest offering Pixel 4a in the US. Also, Google France has accidentally teased the launch date of Google Pixel 5 and Google Pixel 4a 5G variant. However, Google has also discontinued the sales of Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL in the US and some of the other regions. Both the devices will be available in limited retail stores till last stock. Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL were just launched in 13 markets around the world. Customers who are planning to purchase the devices might buy it soon before the stock is sold out.

Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL Will Receive Software Updates

As stated by a Google spokesperson, both Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL will continue to receive three years of software updates which the company announced back when the devices were launched in the US market. Surprisingly, Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL are being discontinued just after 10 months after the official launch, which is not common for flagship devices. Many customers have reported several issues with the devices, especially with the Google Pixel 4. The reviews posted by customers revealed that Pixel 4 has poor battery life.

Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G Variant Launch Teased

Earlier this week, Google confirmed the status of Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G variant. However, the company has accidentally teased the launch date of devices in the global market. Google France has accidentally teased that Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G variant will be available for pre-orders starting from October 8, 2020. It is expected that both the devices might not launch in the Indian market.

Google Pixel 4a Launched in the US

Google Pixel 4a has been launched in the US as the toned-down version of the Pixel 4 which was launched last year. Google Pixel 4a is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset and 6GB RAM along with 128GB internal storage. The device comes with a single 12MP camera with LED flash. Towards the front, there is an 8MP camera for selfies. Google Pixel 4a is equipped with a 3140mAh battery, and it supports 18W fast charging.

Original article: Google Discontinues Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL in Several Regions

Trai Channel Selector Mobile App: Optimise Your Monthly DTH Subscription Bill

Posted: 06 Aug 2020 10:43 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/trai-channel-mobile-app-dth-bill/287966/, Trai Channel Selector Mobile App: Optimise Your Monthly DTH Subscription Bill

Our smartphones are loaded with a ton of apps. There are different apps for different purposes. The sole aim of these apps is to make your life easy. Now you can do most of the things sitting in your home with these apps for which you had to go out and stand in lines for hours a few years back. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is offering its own channel selector app. This app will help a user in selecting the right TV channels for him/her. This will help people save money while choosing channels.

Trai Channel Selector App: What Exactly Is It?

When Trai came up with new tariff rules which changed the price of channels and channel bouquets, customers complained that their costs have gone up. The whole point of making tariff changes was to help customers in making smart decisions in choosing the right channels and save money. But what happened was totally opposite.

The reason behind developing the app was that many people were facing problems while purchasing channel subscriptions from the web portal and the application of different Distribute Platform Operators (DPOs).

So Trai's Channel Selector app is designed in such a way that it will become very easy for the customers to choose channels and channel bouquets for them. The app collects data from various DPOs and makes it available for the users and allows them to directly purchase channels through it.

Trai Channel Selector app is available for both iOS and Android devices. So the user can head over to the Play Store or App Store for downloading the app. As of now, all of the major DTH operators data such as Airtel Digital TV, Tata Sky, Hathway Digital, D2h, Asianet, InDigital, Dish TV, and Citi Network is there on the app. Using the app, customers can very smartly choose channels or channels bouquets they want and keep the costs to optimum levels.

How to Use Trai Channel Selector App?

First of all download the app on your device. Then open it and select your DTH operator after which you will be prompted to enter your subscription ID and registered phone number. You will then receive an OTP, enter it. Then the modification process will start for your cable TV and DTH channel packs. Once you are done making changes, you will receive a snapshot of your current subscription along with the costs associated for your selected channels. Then you will receive optimisation options. Choose any of them if you wish to and you will be sorted.

Original article: Trai Channel Selector Mobile App: Optimise Your Monthly DTH Subscription Bill

5G Deployments Cross 13,000 Sites Worldwide, India Continues to Miss Out on 5G

Posted: 06 Aug 2020 09:26 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/5g-worldwide-sites-india-missout/287750/, 5G Deployments Cross 13,000 Sites Worldwide, India Continues to Miss Out on 5G

5G is the future of telecom industry all over the world. Every country is pushing to develop 5G infrastructure in their land and provide 5G solutions to their people as fast as possible. Ookla reported on Tuesday that over 150 new commercially available 5G deployments have been added to the 5G map. This development from Ookla comes after one of the biggest 5G deployments took place back in July when in a week the 5G map saw an addition of over 3,000 new 5G sites. In the July deployment, most of the additions were from Magenta Telekom in Austria and Telekom Deutschland in Germany. With the new 150 additions that Ookla reported on Tuesday, the total tally of 5G deployments has crossed 13,000 sites worldwide.

India Continues to Miss Out on 5G

Out of the recent deployments, India did not have a single one. 5G devices are launching in India at a rapid pace but there is no use of it until there is a 5G network available. Neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, China, and Pakistan now have 5G deployments, but there is none in India.

However, Reliance Jio is soon going to launch 5G in India with the help of homegrown tech and solutions. Jio plans to use voice over new radio (VoNR) tech instead of VoLTE for availing 5G network in the country. The company is waiting for getting a 5G spectrum for starting the 5G trials. Right now, none of the telecom operators in India is too excited about purchasing 5G spectrum since it is heavily over-priced. Bharti Airtel said it won't be participating in the auction of 5G spectrum since the base price set by Trai is not fair. To solve this issue, the Indian government might cut down on the base price of the 5G spectrum and only then might the tentative dates for auction be revealed.

Throughout the world, there have been 13,063 5G deployments so far and there are 133 5G operators. Out of which, 12,873 deployments are commercially available for use and 10 deployments have limited availability (a 5G network is present but devices are limited to select users) and 180 deployments have a pre-release status (testing phase). Germany has the highest number (5,600) of 5G deployments in the world.

Original article: 5G Deployments Cross 13,000 Sites Worldwide, India Continues to Miss Out on 5G

Best Android TV Set-Top Boxes in the Market You Can Choose From

Posted: 06 Aug 2020 06:38 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/best-android-tv-stbs-market-availability/287849/, Best Android TV Set-Top Boxes in the Market You Can Choose From

Watching TV is not the same experience as two years back. People watch a lot less Live TV than they watch OTT content. It makes sense as well, OTT platforms have made it very convenient for the user to stream their favourite shows on-demand. Set-Top Boxes have evolved as well. The place for traditional Set-Top Box is being replaced by the Android TV Set-Top Boxes. These Set-Top Boxes not only allow you to watch your favourite OTT content on-demand but also facilitate Live TV. Let's take a look at some of the best Android STBs you can choose from.

Tata Sky Binge+

Tata Sky Binge+ is an Android TV STB from Tata Sky priced at Rs 3,999. On purchase, you get a free six-month subscription to Binge service. Binge service brings you subscriptions to some of the major OTT platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5 Premium, and more under one bundle. Along with that, you get three months of free Amazon Prime Video at absolutely no extra cost. There is a remote which you can use to navigate through different features of the Binge+ STB. It is 4K enabled so you can stream at great qualities as well. With the in-built Chromecast, you can also mirror your smartphone onto your TV.

Airtel Xstream Box

Airtel Xstream Box is an Android STB from Airtel priced at Rs 3,999. With the purchase of this STB, you will get a free subscription to Airtel Xstream app which houses 10,000+ movies, series, and ZEE5 Premium subscription for three months. It runs on Android TV 9 Pie. One of the noteworthy features about this Android STB is that a user can turn his/her smartphone into a remote for controlling the STB. There is built-in Chromecast and search with Google Assistant is facilitated as well.

ACT Stream TV 4K

ACT Stream TV 4K is an Android STB from ACT. It also allows the user to watch all their favourite OTT content at go. It also runs on Android TV 9 like the rest of the STBs mentioned above. A user can stream content even in 4K quality from the STB but for that, a fast and stable internet connection is required. There are 3,000+ apps a user can download from the Play Store. For better sound experience, the ACT Stream TV 4K comes with the support for Dolby Audio. Google Assistant is also facilitated for making voice commands. It is available for a price of Rs 4,499. But ACT Fibernet users can get the STB for a refundable deposit of Rs 1000 only. There is support for Live TV channels available from the internet as well.

Mi Box 4K

Mi Box 4K is an Android STB from Mi. It is priced at Rs 3,499 and is cheaper than any of the Android STBs mentioned above. It runs on Android TV 9. There is an in-built Chromecast. Users can stream content even in 4K quality with a good internet connection. Google Assistant is there to take voice commands. The Android STB avails all the OTT content platform apps along with other Android TV apps which the user can download from the Play Store.

Original article: Best Android TV Set-Top Boxes in the Market You Can Choose From

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