${latestitem Title}

Everything You Need To Know About Apple AirTags
NTT, TCIL Ink Deal for AI, Submarine Systems and 5G
Apple’s iPad Can Finally Replace Laptops

Everything You Need To Know About Apple AirTags

Posted: 25 Apr 2021 08:30 AM PDT

everything-about-apple-airtags

Cupertino based tech giant Apple Inc recently held its spring event, which saw the company go on stage to unveil the new iMacs, a refreshed iPad Pro lineup and the hotly anticipated AirTags.

You might have seen them surface on social media or during the event and wondered as to what the purpose of an AirTag is.

If you were wondering about this, worry not, as we will go in-depth on who needs an AirTag, what exactly an AirTag is and how one can use it.

What Are Apple AirTags?

apple-airtags-2

The Apple AirTags resemble tiles that one puts on an item that they are likely to lose, for example, your keys or purse. These tiles can help the user track the items that are not visible to the user or lost.

Apple's official website states that AirTags are a super-easy way to keep track of your stuff; this basically sums up the use case of the AirTags. The key competitors to Apple's AirTags are Tile and Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag.

Thankfully, Apple has not locked the AirTags to their coveted ecosystem, with the product functioning both with iOS and Android-based devices. Apple mentions that the best use case can be achieved with an iOS device, which was evident from the start.

The application with which AirTags are synced is the Find My app on Apple devices. This application has gone through improvements so as to easily accommodate the new tracking method.

Apple has mentioned that this update will be released next week as part of the iOS 14.5 update.

How Do AirTags Function?

apple-airtags-3

You might think that the AirTags will have a very sophisticated method of functioning, but, in reality, it is quite simple. First, you need to attach an AirTag to an item or place it inside a bag that you feel you could misplace.

When you are unable to find this specific object, you need to go to the Find My app on either your Mac, iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch so as to locate it.

Now, you can ask Siri to locate this specific item with the keyword "Hey Siri, where is my …." with the name of the object that you have lost.

The AirTags will make a sound that will allow you to locate the desired item with ease.

Inside, the AirTags send out Bluetooth based signals so that your iPhone or device can sport them easily via the nearby devices option. As the user has location enabled in his/her iCloud account, the Find My app tells the user where the AirTag and the product that the user needs.

As per Apple, the entire process is anonymous and safely encrypted, meaning that the user's location is not shared with anybody else. Battery life or mobile data consumption is another issue that will not be plaguing users since the AirTags make use of low-energy Bluetooth.

Do note that to use the AirTags, they are required to be paired with the user's account. This can be done post purchasing an AirTag and turning it on. Once it is activated, the iPhone or other device can immediately search for it and find the AirTag.

Can AirTags Do Anything Else?

apple-airtags-4

The AirTags have another functionality, which is of Lost Mode. When this mode is activated, the AirTag will always keep searching for a device to send a signal to. When it eventually detects a device, the user receives a notification on their phone.

If some other person finds it, the person can make use of their NFC based device to get your details and contact you, which is quite useful if you left it someplace far.

When an item is detected, the user sees exact directions with arrow based navigation on the screen to get the precise location of the AirTag.

This precision finding as of now will only be available on iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11. The reason for this is the use of ultra-wideband tech that Apple uses on the company's latest devices.

How Expensive are the Apple AirTags?

apple-airtags-5

With the functionality offered by Apple and the image held by the company, one would expect AirTags to be ridiculously expensive. In reality, they are not very expensive, with a price of Rs 3,190 for a single AirTag and Rs 10,900 for a pack of four Tags.

Pre-order begins starting at 5:30 PM on 23rd April via the Apple Store. Users can customise the AirTags with either emojis or their initials for free via the site for some exciting changes on a simple looking product.

NTT, TCIL Ink Deal for AI, Submarine Systems and 5G

Posted: 25 Apr 2021 08:01 AM PDT

ntt-tcil-deal-ai-submarine-5g

Well regarded Japanese telecom company NTT along with India's TCIL (Telecommunications Consultants of India Limited), has recently announced that they will be becoming partners and cooperate within areas of Cybersecurity, AI (Artificial Intelligence), submarine-based cable systems and 5G technology, as per a report by ET Telecom.

This comes after similar instances occurring in India, such as in 2018, wherein BSNL had formed an alliance with the Japanese telecom major (NTT) so as to work together in areas of IoT (Internet of Things), AI and more.

Another instance of this was seen in April of 2019, wherein NTT-AT and the IITH (Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad) formed a pact so as to accelerate the development of advanced tech in a bid to accelerate industry-academia related collabs.

What Are The Contents Of This Deal

The two year deal with NTT, which is also extendable if required, is meant to enable both of these companies to provide each other with services in telecom, information, networking and related applications for their consumers.

The MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) states that both parties agree to cooperate, discuss, transfer knowledge on a non-exclusive basis and conduct workshops so as to explore the evolution of services such as Cybersecurity, 5G, AI, IoT, skill development, smart cities, submarine cable and test lab.

Additionally, via this partnership, India's state-operated telecom engineering and consulting company would be given the authority to leverage Tokyo-based NTT's integration, networking and product management related expertise within the country and other initiatives around the seas.

In a statement, Sanjeev Kumar, the Chairman of TCIL, said that NTT would be acting as a tech provider for the next generation (5G) networks and boost AI-based applications, blockchain and digital services in relation to healthcare.

However, he did add that the alliance may also provide a possibility, no matter how remote it may be, to bid for BSNL's (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) 4G deployment with 5G upgradable equipment.

As per the official, the partnership with the Japanese based company would also result in a competitive edge which is followed by a dependence cut on Chinese products due to events that took place in 2020.

To add to this, earlier this year, the fourth-largest telco in its wish to move into commercial 4G services has invited bids for up to 57,000 sites that can be made use of during the 5G rollout via upgradability.

TCIL's technical director Kamendra Kumar said that the partnership makes the organisation committed to working with the corporation more closely so as to achieve the common goals and make the partnership fruitful for both companies.

Apple’s iPad Can Finally Replace Laptops

Posted: 25 Apr 2021 01:00 AM PDT

apple-ipad-pro-replace-laptops

Apple has always positioned the MacBook as a device for the consumer that is more content-driven, with heavier tasks being a priority, whilst the iPad has been made out to be a bridge of sorts between a conventional laptop and a tablet.

To me, however, that has never stood up to its charm. Having used iPads in the past (be it Pro or Air), the capabilities were there, and the promise of a laptop seemed just near about at its peak.

This year, Apple has finally launched a device under the iPad moniker that can technically replace a laptop for a user. Here's why I think so.

Which iPad Is Truly Capable of Replacing A Laptop?

Apple offers a variety of iPads as part of its portfolio. From the base iPad to the iPad Mini for a user looking for a smaller device to the iPad Air that prioritises ease of use and has decent specifications.

However, the star of the show always seems to be the iPad Pro and, why should it not? It has the Pro moniker, does it not? Well yes, but until much recently, the iPad Air was the star of the show for sporting the A14 Bionic chip at a time when the iPad Pro was stuck with the A12Z.

Now, with the new iPad Pro devices, Apple has replaced the ageing A12Z in favour of the M1 chip, which is also being employed for use at the MacBook side of things with both MacBook Air and Pro running M1 chipsets.

What sets the new iPad Pro apart, you ask? Read further to know why I feel this iPad Pro is the best Apple has to offer.

Why The iPad Pro Is Truly Capable of Replacing A Conventional Laptop

Making statements of the product being capable or incapable will do no good, so here are four major reasons why I believe that the iPad Pro is truly worthy of being your next device, even if you are in the search for a laptop.

1. Ease Of Use

apple-ipad-pro-1

One of the key reasons as to why someone purchases a laptop instead of a desktop is that of portability and, with a lightweight and compact design, the iPad Pro excels in this regard. However, at times this may act as a disadvantage.

This might occur if the device in question does not offer options for accessories that might be used for tasks such as mahjong presentations, software-based ventures, editing videos or performing graphically intensive tasks, wherein multiple displays and a proper keyboard are often key.

Due to the availability of cable and dock options as well as the Thunderbolt and DisplayPort connectivity options, when the user is at his or her desk, it is very easy to add another display for increased productivity.

Interestingly, with the Thunderbolt based connectivity and high-performance cables and docks, the iPad Pro can even power the flagship Pro Display XDR at its peak 6K resolution without breaking a sweat, which is seriously impressive for a device of its form factor.

Further improving its cause, due to the availability of the Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, all of which are easily usable with the new iPad Pros, the tablet forgoes its basic definition and offers a laptop-like experience.

This allows for the iPad to provide the ease of tasking and portability without compromising on key features or accessories that are important when performing complex tasks and even basic tasks that are easier on a keyboard.

2. Audio and Video Capabilities Fit For Studio Use

apple-ipad-pro-2

Pre-Covid times did not warrant a need for good audio and video related capabilities, but if the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that good audio and video is key in most situations. Be it content consumption or a simple video call; they are of the utmost importance.

Keeping this in mind, Apple seems to have worked on the iPad Pro by providing it with a TrueDepth 12MP camera that has a viewing angle of 122-degrees, which is quite wide

The new video call feature also opts for a wider view which, when compared to ML that works in sync with the M1 chip, allows for the iPad Pro to keep the user in the center of the frame, despite any movement that may take place.

Additionally, the new iPad Pros also come with support for 4K video recording at up to 60fps, 1080p HD video recording also at 60fps and 720p HD videos at 30 fps. What is key here is the availability of 2x optical zoom and stabilisation, which makes recording videos a breeze.

As for the audio side of things, the device supports stereo recording and Dolby Vision production, which,h when used with the new four-speaker audio system enables the option of Dolby Atmos sound.

3. Better Battery Life

apple-ipad-pro-3

Another aspect of a smart device that has been amplified in the post-covid (if we can call it that) era is that of battery life. We saw the need for better battery life due to the hours being spent online increasing and, a device that has a poor endurance state is one that will not last in today's day and age.

Fortunately, owing to the new M1 chip, the new iPad Pro models should be able to provide users with up to 10 hours of battery even with active web searching, content consumption and Wi-Fi operation, with cellular models being rated at providing 9 hours of web access.

This is great news for a regular laptop user who is limited to 5, at most 6 or 7 hours of battery life on their work computer. The iPad will be able to provide a reliable amount of endurance in most use cases, with the need to being close to a proper outlet being greatly reduced.

The freedom from worrying about the constant amount of charge remaining might aid the user when it comes to tasks, with their focus being more on the work at hand rather than the battery percentage.

4. Performance Like a Workhorse

apple-ipad-pro-4

The most important change of them all for the iPad Pro is the new chipset, which is the M1 chip. The M1 chip is a desktop-computer equivalent processor that can provide the iPad with the computing, security and graphics related performance that it requires to beat desktop or laptop computers.

With two variants of the new M1-powered iPad Pros on offer, the devices can boast of a Liquid Retina (264-pixel-per-inch LED-backlit) display with a resolution of 2388×1668 pixels. In the larger 12.9-inch version, the panel is changed to a Liquid Retina XDR (264-pixel-per-inch mini-LED backlit) display with a resolution of 2732×2047 pixels.

In terms of storage, there is a base version at 128GB all the way up to 2TB, so one can choose the amount of storage they might need on their use case. This essentially means there is no lack of storage, which might have plagued users shifting to the iPad.

The star of the show, however, is the chip itself, featuring an 8-core CPU that packs within itself four performance cores and four efficiency cores capable of delivering up to 50% faster performance in comparison to the last-gen chip.

The architecture underneath allows the device to do tasks such as file access, loading apps and cloud-platform based performance much faster and efficiently. For gamers, the dedicated 8-core GPU provides up to 40% faster performance, and the 16-core neural engine further aids it in its quest.

These reasons all together result in a device that poses a serious threat to the basic concept of the laptop, with the iPad reaching a state of parity (at least to some extent) with devices much larger than it, for a similar price.

Search This Blog

TELECOM TARIFF INDIA