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OnePlus 8T to Boot OxygenOS 11 Based on Android 11 Out of the Box
ACT Fibernet Ramps Up Broadband Plans, Offering More Data and Speed than Before
Hathway Believes Low End Broadband Users Might Switch to Wireless Service Providers
Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker With Google Assistant and 12W Speaker Launched at Rs 3,999
Xiaomi Introduces Mi Watch Revolve, Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser in India
Mi Smart Band 5 With 11 Professional Sports Modes and 3-Week Battery Life Launched at Rs 2,499
Average Smartphone Selling Price in APAC Region at $243, Up 11% YoY
OnePlus Officially Confirms There Will Be No 8T Pro This Year
Bharti Airtel Autopay Service Will Help Prepaid Users With their Next Recharge

OnePlus 8T to Boot OxygenOS 11 Based on Android 11 Out of the Box

Posted: 29 Sep 2020 08:28 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/oneplus-8t-oxygenos-11-android/301311/, OnePlus 8T to Boot OxygenOS 11 Based on Android 11 Out of the Box

We are just two weeks away from the launch of OnePlus 8T and the company continues to reveal more information regarding the smartphone. Earlier today, it officially confirmed that there would not be an OnePlus 8T Pro this time around. Now, it confirmed the OnePlus 8T will run OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11 out of the box. OnePlus also says the 8T will be the first global smartphone to launch with Android 11. However, Google is launching the Pixel 5 tomorrow, which will also run Android 11. But the Pixel 5 may reach the Indian market after the OnePlus 8T. Google will also launch Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a smartphones in India next month.

OxygenOS 11 Will Have a Major Visual Redesign

OnePlus released the OxygenOS 11 beta based on Android 11 to the OnePlus 8 series two months ago. OxygenOS 11 will have a major visual refresh in recent years and it will look a lot similar to Samsung’s OneUI. With OxygenOS 11, OnePlus is bringing the much-asked Ambient Display feature along with refreshed design elements.

“With OxygenOS, we've always focused on giving you the fastest and smoothest flagship experience possible. Now, with the upcoming OnePlus 8T and OxygenOS 11, you'll have what we feel is the best combination of hardware and software, letting you enjoy improved one-handed gestures for easier navigation and an overall more refined experience thanks to the 120Hz Fluid Display,” said OnePlus in a press statement.

According to OnePlus, OxygenOS 11 is a step towards offering bold new design, improved features and functionality to elevate the Android experience. OxygenOS 11 will also reach the OnePlus 8 series sooner, followed by OnePlus 7 and 7T series.

As for the OnePlus 8T, the phone is confirmed to ship with a Full HD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, 4500mAh battery with 65W fast charging and it will also run Android 11 out of the box. The expected price of the OnePlus 8T is around Rs 45,999, sitting right between the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro smartphones. The official launch is set for October 14.

Original article: OnePlus 8T to Boot OxygenOS 11 Based on Android 11 Out of the Box

ACT Fibernet Ramps Up Broadband Plans, Offering More Data and Speed than Before

Posted: 29 Sep 2020 06:54 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/act-fibernet-delhi-upgraded-plans/301283/, ACT Fibernet Ramps Up Broadband Plans, Offering More Data and Speed than Before

Internet service providers (ISPs) all over India have been ramping up their broadband plans to provide customers with better benefits and value. ACT Fibernet recently upgrade the benefits of broadband plans it offers to the customers in Bengaluru. The ISP is offering customers more data than it ever did. But it is not the only city ACT has upgraded its offerings for. Customers living in Delhi will also get upgraded broadband offerings from ACT. In the Delhi circle, the ISP has increased the data and speed benefits for the customers at no extra cost. More on the story ahead.

ACT Fibernet Customers Living in Delhi to Get Extra Data

ACT has ramped up the benefits of three plans it offers to the customers living in Delhi. These three plans are — ACT Remarkable, ACT Exceptional, and ACT Phenomenal. Earlier these plans came with lesser speed and lesser data.

Before the change, the 'ACT Remarkable' plan offered 125 Mbps speed to the customers. 'ACT Exceptional' plan offered 150 Mbps speed and 'ACT Phenomenal' plan offered 150 Mbps speed to the customers. But after the change, all of these plans are now offering 300 Mbps speed.

For the unaware, this is the first time ACT is offering 300 Mbps speed plans to the customers living in Delhi. Before this, the maximum speed ACT offered with any of its plans came with 150 Mbps only.

The 'ACT Remarkable Plan' offers 1,500GB data in addition to extra 1,000GB data and comes for Rs 2,999 per month. The 'ACT Exceptional' plan offers 2,000GB data with extra 1,000GB data and is priced at Rs 3,999. Coming to the last plan, the 'ACT Phenomenal' plan offers 2,500GB data and comes for Rs 4,999.

All the extra data that is offered to the customers has the same validity as of the base plan. So if the customer purchases the monthly plan, then the validity of the extra GB data will also remain the same. With all the plans, after the FUP data is consumed, the internet speed drops to 2 Mbps.

Original article: ACT Fibernet Ramps Up Broadband Plans, Offering More Data and Speed than Before

Hathway Believes Low End Broadband Users Might Switch to Wireless Service Providers

Posted: 29 Sep 2020 04:54 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/hathway-low-end-broadband-users-switch/301263/, Hathway Believes Low End Broadband Users Might Switch to Wireless Service Providers

Hathway Cable and Datacom said that its users on average consume 188GB per month with the company on average offering its users 94 Mbps speed. The development was shared by the company in its annual report for the period ended March 31, 2020 that Hathway Cable and Datacom released in early September, 2020. According to the report, the company has 35,000 Km of overground optic fibre cable network along with 500 Kms of underground optic fibre cable network. Further, it was said that the company has leased 4000 Kms of optic fibre cable network capacity.

Hathway Cable and Datacom Witnesses Shift in Usage Pattern

The company in the report highlighted that it "assessed an opportunity" to increase its market share by providing 200 Mbps to 500 Mbps speeds to its "premium consumers." Hathway Cable and Datacom said that the move resulted in the increase of minimum data limits to 200GB per consumer per month across India.

"From [a] consumer behaviour point of view, the year experienced [a] gradual shift in consumers OTT viewing to large screen, thereby further strengthening our business case for FTTH," the company said in its annual report. "The growth in OTT segment growth is allowing us to leverage our high-speed broadband offerings."

Hathway Cable and Datacom said that it has consistently introduced "innovative technological products and offerings" to its users. The company highlighted its Hathway Play Box, an Android dongle that enables users to watch OTT content and game on the large screen. Hathway Cable and Datacom introduced the Android dongle during the financial year ended March 31, 2020 to its users in select cities across India.

"These initiatives help to increase customer sticky-ness and to retain customers for longer duration," the company said in its annual report.

"Competitive Pricing" of Wireless Providers Might Force "Low End Users" to Make a Switch

The company highlighted that its immediate challenges would be to retain its users who on average consume lower data and to maintain its average revenue per user (ARPU) growth. Hathway Cable and Datacom said that it faces a threat of its "low end users" who might switch to wireless service providers "due to competitive pricing."

However, the company highlighted that the increase in media content through OTT platform and government initiatives for Smart City would aid it to increase its user base across India.

Original article: Hathway Believes Low End Broadband Users Might Switch to Wireless Service Providers

Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker With Google Assistant and 12W Speaker Launched at Rs 3,999

Posted: 29 Sep 2020 02:00 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/mi-smart-speaker-india-price-features/301237/, Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker With Google Assistant and 12W Speaker Launched at Rs 3,999

At the Smarter Living 2020 event, Xiaomi announced a slew of products and the new ones include Mi Smart Speaker and the Mi Smart LED Bulb. The Mi Smart Speaker is powered by Google Assistant and it takes on the Google Nest and Amazon Echo smart speakers in India. The Mi Smart Speaker has been launched for Rs 3,999, but it will retail for Rs 3,499 as part of the inaugural price offer. The Mi Smart LED Bulb, on the other hand, is Xiaomi’s cheapest LED bulb priced at just Rs 499. The bulb is rated to last for 13 years. Alongside these two products, Xiaomi also launched the Mi Watch Revolve, Mi Smart Band 5, Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser and Mi Athleisure Shoes. Continue reading to know about the Mi Smart Speaker and Mi Smart LED Bulb in detail.

Mi Smart Speaker: Features and Availability

Xiaomi is betting on the rich sound the Mi Smart Speaker is capable of delivering. The smart speaker features a metal mesh with 10531 sound holes and a 63.5mm sound driver. There’s a 12W speaker placed at the front to cover wide-range of areas. Xiaomi confirmed the Mi Smart Speaker comes with DTS Professional tuning and Texas Instruments' TAS5805M Hi-Fi Audio Processor to offer a 360-degree rich surround sound.

Keeping the speaker specifications aside, the Mi Smart Speaker is powered by Google Assistant. Users can set the speaker with Google Home app and they can perform millions of actions. After setting up the speaker, users can control connected devices like lights, security cameras and more. The Mi Smart Speaker can be remotely activated with the voice command ‘Ok Google,’ to check the weather, play music, set reminds and more. Google Assistant on Mi Smart Speaker supports both English and Hindi languages.

The Mi Smart Speaker will be available at a price of Rs 3,999 on Mi.com, Flipkart.com, Mi Homes and retail stores. Users will also get a one-year free subscription from Gaana. As a limited period inaugural offer, the Mi Smart Speaker can be picked up for Rs 3,499.

Mi Smart LED Bulb Also Launched at Rs 499

Xiaomi also launched the Mi Smart LED Bulb in India today. The bulb emits 810 lumens of cool white light and consumers 7.5W of energy. It can be controlled with the Mi Home app. The bulb features voice control and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google assistant. Xiaomi says the Mi Smart LED Bulb will be available at Rs 499 on Mi.com and Mi Home stores across India.

Original article: Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker With Google Assistant and 12W Speaker Launched at Rs 3,999

Xiaomi Introduces Mi Watch Revolve, Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser in India

Posted: 29 Sep 2020 01:04 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/mi-watch-revolve-india-features-price/301224/, Xiaomi Introduces Mi Watch Revolve, Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser in India

Xiaomi on Tuesday unveiled the Mi Watch Revolve, its first smartwatch for the Indian market featuring Firstbeat Motion Algorithm that aids users to track physical and mental well-being. The Mi Watch Revolve was unveiled at the Smarter Living 2021 virtual event alongside other Xiaomi products such as Mi Smart Band 5 and Mi Athleisure Shoes. The company said that the Mi Watch Revolve would be available in two color variants with five strap options. The Mi Watch Revolve is said to feature over 100 watch faces with the smartwatch enabling users to manage calls, music, notifications and alarms.

Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Features 10 Sports Modes

The Mi Watch Revolve is said to pack in an AMOLED display with a brightness level of 450 nits. The company said that the smartwatch features an "Smart Always-on Display" with the display automatically turning off upon removing from the wrist.

The smartwatch is also said to feature heart rate variability that is said to measure time intervals between consecutive heart beats aiding users track heart health and overall fitness. Further, the Mi Watch Revolve also said to aid users track sleep quality, energy level and stress levels. The company said that the Mi Watch Revolve with 50 meters of water resistance also packs in 10 sports modes.

The supported sports modes include outdoor running, freestyle exercise, outdoorsy cycling, trail running, trekking, treadmill, indoor cycling, walking, pool swimming and open water swimming.

The Mi Watch Revolve promises "one to two weeks of battery life" with the company highlighting that heavy users will get up to one week of battery life. The smartwatch is said to feature GPS and GLONASS sensors while the display is tipped to be Gorilla Glass 3.

Xiaomi said that the Mi Watch Revolve will carry a price tag of Rs 10,999. However, the company is offering the smartwatch at Rs 9999 to the users purchasing before Diwali (November 14, 2020).

The Mi Watch Revolve will be available on Mi ecommerce portal, Amazon, Mi Home with the first sale scheduled for October 6, 2020.

Xiaomi Introduces Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser

Xiaomi also introduced the Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser featuring "intelligent infrared proximity sensor" designed to detect hand movement and dispense the liquid soap in "less than 0.25 seconds." The company said that the device is equipped with an "micro motor" and has a 300ml of liquid soap capacity supporting up to 375 handwashes.

The Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser carries a price tag of Rs 999 with the company offering Mi Simpleway Foaming Hand Wash for no additional cost. Xiaomi said that the Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser will be available on Mi ecommerce portal and Mi Homes beginning September 29, 2020.

Original article: Xiaomi Introduces Mi Watch Revolve, Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser in India

Mi Smart Band 5 With 11 Professional Sports Modes and 3-Week Battery Life Launched at Rs 2,499

Posted: 29 Sep 2020 12:06 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/mi-band-5-india-price-features/301211/, Mi Smart Band 5 With 11 Professional Sports Modes and 3-Week Battery Life Launched at Rs 2,499

Xiaomi’s one of the most prized product line-ups is Mi Band series. It provides a ton of value to the customers and at the same time is cheap. Xiaomi has launched its Mi Smart Band 5 in India now and it comes with the biggest display amongst all the previously launched Mi Bands. The fitness band features 11 sports modes so again it is focused on the people who want to stay fit in general. With this generation’s Mi Band, Xiaomi has focused on its battery life. Because for the user to charge it again and again in regular intervals can be quite frustrating. Let's take a look at all the specifications and price of the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5.

Mi Smart Band 5: Specifications and Features

Starting with the display, the Mi Smart Band 5 features a 2.79cm (1.1-inch) colour AMOLED display with a resolution of 126×294 pixels. Just for comparison, the Mi Smart Band 4 came with a 0.95-inch colour AMOLED display. So the customer will definitely notice the bigger display, it is almost 20% larger than the previous model. The screen can support a maximum brightness of 450 nits which is decent if not the best.

Charging has been made easy with the Mi Smart Band 5. The fitness band supports magnetic charging. So now the customer just needs to connect the magnetic head to the charging pin at the back of the Mi Smart Band 5 and it will start charging. The band gets 14 days of battery life in one full charge and if used in battery saving mode, then it can run up to 21 days.

The Mi Smart Band 5 is made to keep the user fit and healthy. It has the support of Personal Activity Index (PAI) which is a tracking metric based on heart rate, personal profile, and fitness level of the user. Then there are 11 professional sports modes — Yoga, Power Walking, Treadmill, Outdoor Running, Outdoor Cycling, Indoor Cycling, Pool Swimming, Jump Rope, Freestyle Workout, Rowing Machine, and Elliptical.

The Mi Smart Band 5 also monitors your sleep and identify sleep patterns. The band's accuracy of tracking sleep and sleep pattern of the customers has increased by a massive 40%. Another feature that a lot of women might appreciate is the 'Women's Health Tracking'. It records the menstrual cycle and ovulation phases of the women and give them reminders relating to the same. It also monitors the user's stress levels and gives them breath training.

Mi Smart Band 5: Pricing and Availability in India

The Mi Smart Band 5 is launched for a price of Rs 2,499 in India. Just a reminder, the Mi Smart Band 4 was launched for a price of Rs 2,299. So there is not a very big price difference between the two. But the specs with which the Mi Smart Band 5 comes, it becomes a no brainer that it is one of the best options for the customers to buy if they want a fitness band. The Mi Smart Band 5 is expected to give a tough competition to every other company selling fitness bands in the near or same price range. The first sale of the Mi Smart Band 5 will take place on October 1, 2020, via Amazon.in.

Original article: Mi Smart Band 5 With 11 Professional Sports Modes and 3-Week Battery Life Launched at Rs 2,499

Average Smartphone Selling Price in APAC Region at $243, Up 11% YoY

Posted: 28 Sep 2020 11:33 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/average-smartphone-selling-price-apac-regiona/301203/, Average Smartphone Selling Price in APAC Region at $243, Up 11% YoY

Counterpoint Research, a global industry analysis firm on Friday said in a report that the global smartphone market wholesale average selling price increased 10% year-over-year (YoY) in the second quarter of 2020. The firm said that the average selling price increased despite the shipments declining 23% YoY in the same time period. Further, Counterpoint Research said that the smartphone industry revenues declined by 15% YoY during the second quarter of 2020. The average selling price is said to have increased across all regions except for Latin America.

Average Selling Price of smartphones in Asia Pacific Region at US$243

Counterpoint Research highlighted that the smartphone wholesale average selling price in Latin America dipped to US$166, representing an 5% YoY decline.

The smartphone average selling price in the Asia Pacific region excluding China is said to have hit US$243, representing an 11% YoY increase. Similarly, the firm highlighted that the smartphone wholesale average selling price in the Middle East and Africa increased 3% YoY to hit US$164.

"There are several reasons for this increase," Counterpoint Research said in its report. "While the COVID-19 pandemic had its effect on the overall smartphone market, the premium segment was much resilient, declining at a modest 8% YoY during the quarter as compared to the highest ever global smartphone market decline."

In North America and China, the smartphone wholesale average selling price is said to have hit US$471 and US$ 310 respectively. Counterpoint Research highlighted that the average selling price in North America and China represented an 7% and 13% YoY increase.

"There was also an increased dependency on mobile phones during the lockdown, with work from home, study at home, productivity applications, gaming, entertainment and other content consumption happening through mobile phones in varying degrees," CounterPoint Research said in its report. "This also propelled some consumers to upgrade their devices for a better overall user experience."

The firm highlighted that the smartphone wholesale average selling price in Europe witnessed a 1% YoY increase to hit US$291.

Demand for Lower Price Tier Models "Severely Impacted"

Counterpoint Research said that the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the potential user base of the premium segment was less as compared to the user base of other segments. The firm highlighted the shipments for Apple increased 3% YoY while the iPhone revenues increased 2% YoY even as the shipments of other OEMs declined in the second quarter of 2020.

"On the flip side, the demand for lower price tier models was severely impacted," Counterpoint Research said in its report. "Entry-level devices are usually bought offline, and most of the global markets were in some stages of lockdown during Q2 2020. Consumer sentiment was also low, with users in the low-middle class avoiding discretionary purchases."

The firm also said that the increase in 5G smartphone shipments also accounted for an increase in smartphone wholesale average selling price. It was said that the 5G smartphones represented 10% of the total global handset shipments but accounted for 20% of the handset revenue during the second quarter of 2020.

China was said to be the largest contributor to 5G sales with the country accounting for 72% of the global 5G handset revenues. Counterpoint Research said that the smartphone average selling price in China recorded a 12% YoY growth with the country accounting for 34% of the global smartphone revenue.

"This was also because while all the other major economies were still suffering from the severe impact of COVID-19, China was already on the path to recovery," Counterpoint Research said.

Crucially, Apple is said to have led the global smartphone shipment revenue table with the company capturing 34% of the revenues followed by Huawei and Samsung at 20% and 17% respectively.

"This was the first time that Huawei surpassed Samsung both in terms of shipments as well as revenue," Counterpoint Research said in its report. "This was because of Huawei's continued push in China, the first country to recover from COVID-19. But as markets outside China recover, it will be difficult for Huawei to maintain this lead in coming quarters."

Counterpoint Research also said that Apple captured around 59% of the global smartphone industry profit in the second quarter of 2020.

Original article: Average Smartphone Selling Price in APAC Region at $243, Up 11% YoY

OnePlus Officially Confirms There Will Be No 8T Pro This Year

Posted: 28 Sep 2020 10:13 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/oneplus-8t-pro-ditched-2020-official/301194/, OnePlus Officially Confirms There Will Be No 8T Pro This Year

Chinese smartphone brand, OnePlus, has officially confirmed that it will not launch OnePlus 8T Pro this year. Last year, OnePlus launched the 7T Pro as a successor to the OnePlus 7 Pro with minor improvements and a McLaren Edition. However, that is not going to happen this year as the OnePlus 8 Pro still offers the best flagship experience, according to the company. OnePlus CEO Pete Lau confirmed this news on Weibo stating that the OnePlus 8 Pro has ‘no room for upgrade.’ It makes sense as the OnePlus 8T is also said to sport the same Snapdragon 865 SoC like the OnePlus 8 series. The only major feature missing on the OnePlus 8 Pro when compared to the upcoming OnePlus 8T will be the 65W fast charging.

OnePlus 8T Pro Not Launching This Year: What You Need to Know

The OnePlus 8 Pro is the company’s first full-fledged flagship device with features like IP68 rating, wireless charging, premium design, 120Hz Quad HD+ display and up to 12GB of RAM. These specs are still high-end. As for the OnePlus 8T, the phone will be sporting a 120Hz screen with Full HD+ resolution, whereas the OnePlus 8 Pro packs industry’s best display.

The only thing which OnePlus 8 Pro will miss out on is the 65W fast charging which OnePlus announced recently. It is also worth noting that OnePlus is not going for the Snapdragon 865+ SoC with the OnePlus 8T, so the performance on the 8T will remain similar to the OnePlus 8 Pro. But the upcoming phone will likely launch with Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 out of the box.

Yes, there’s no room for an upgrade to the OnePlus 8 Pro already, so it makes complete sense for the company to not launch an entirely new product. Besides, tipsters are suggesting that OnePlus will have a lot of surprises for the Indian market alongside the OnePlus 8T. Renowned tipster Inshan Agarwal says a never before leaked OnePlus product is also launching on October 14 in India.

Original article: OnePlus Officially Confirms There Will Be No 8T Pro This Year

Bharti Airtel Autopay Service Will Help Prepaid Users With their Next Recharge

Posted: 28 Sep 2020 06:32 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/airtel-autopay-prepaid-users-help-recharge/301077/, Bharti Airtel Autopay Service Will Help Prepaid Users With their Next Recharge

Bharti Airtel has been improvising with its services and has been one of the leading telecom operators of India for a long time. One of the things that a customer is constantly worried about is recharging with a new plan every time his/her current plan reaches near its expiry date. This is a constant pain for people who go for prepaid plans with short-term validity. But Airtel has got something in store of its services using which customers won't have to worry about recharging again anytime soon. It is the 'Autopay' service for prepaid customers. Earlier it was something which was offered only to postpaid customers of the telco, but this benefit is now available for the prepaid customers as well. More on the story ahead.

Airtel Autopay Service for Prepaid Users

Airtel autopay service aims for helping the customers with their next recharge. The autopay service automates the next recharge for the customer. Autopay service ensures that a customer doesn't have to worry about recharging again. He/she can add select debit cards or credit cards and set them as the medium for payments for the future recharges.

There are a few things that you should know about this system. Three days before the expiry date of your current plan, the Airtel autopay service will recharge your account and deduct the appropriate amount from your bank account. The customer will be notified about this transaction and the recharge through SMS on their registered mobile number.

The customers don't need to worry about anything. Even though the new pack will be recharged three days before the expiry of the current one, the current one will work and end on the day it is supposed to. All the benefits of the new recharged plan will only get activated once the current/old plan of the customer expires.

There can be a situation where the customer forgets about the autopay system. He/she can get a recharge done through a retailer or by themselves only using any online portal. During that time, the next recharge date using the Airtel autopay service will shift to the expiry date of the newly recharged plan.

If the customer is unhappy by the Airtel autopay service for some reason or just don't want it in general anymore, he/she can get rid of it anytime he/she wishes. All the customer needs to do is go to their account on the Airtel app and disable autopay from services payment settings. But for that to happen, the customer needs to activate it. Even that can be done with the help of Airtel app.

Original article: Bharti Airtel Autopay Service Will Help Prepaid Users With their Next Recharge

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