Samsung Ad
Home Blog Page 309

Here’s the screen replacement cost of some popular midrange phones in Nepal

In this article, we’ve listed out the official screen replacement cost of different midrange phones in Nepal. And this smartphone segment is getting more and more competitive every year in terms of design, performance, durability, etc. But guess what? No matter how sturdy a phone is, it is not immune to breakage and damage. And the most common of them is a screen replacement.

It is quite scary, mostly in the premium section of smartphones. Replacing a damaged or broken screen for a $1,000 phone can go as high as $400—or maybe even more. You could make a religion out of this. However, today I’ll be discussing screen replacement costs for some of the popular midrange smartphones you can buy right now in Nepal.

The whole point behind purchasing an economical phone is cost minimization.

So it’s pretty ironic if their repair ends up being rather costly, right? Hopefully, this article will be helpful to our readers to make an informed purchase decision when buying a phone, or when you have to get the screen replaced.

The following list of smartphones is arranged in ascending order of their respective official screen replacement costs. And as for the screen-to-phone cost percentage, lower is better, which means the cost to replace the screen is relatively cheaper than the actual phone’s cost.

Screen replacement cost of popular midrange phones in Nepal:

1. Samsung Galaxy A33

At this point, Samsung Galaxy A33 (review) is over a year old now. Its 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED display has a U-shaped notch and a pretty thick bottom bezel. As expected from a Samsung-made panel, Galaxy A33 has a great screen.

Samsung Galaxy A33 5G Design and Display

At launch, this phone was quite overpriced at Rs. 46,999 for the sole 8/128GB variant. But it’s available for Rs. 42,999 right now. Now, the moment of truth. The official screen replacement cost for the Galaxy A33 is Rs. 8,700, which is roughly 20.24% of the phone’s MRP.

2. Vivo V27e

Vivo V27e Design

Next on our list is the new Vivo V27e. It’s essentially a toned-down version of the Vivo V27 (review), but you get a smaller 6.62-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel here. And unlike Vivo V27, it doesn’t have a curved display either.

Here in Nepal, Vivo V27e retails at Rs. 41,999 for the 8/256GB variant. Its screen replacement, on the other hand, costs Rs. 9,000. Or about 21.43% of the phone’s retail price.

3. Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G

This last year’s midranger from Xiaomi, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (review), features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Redmi Note 12 Pro Display

And if you were unfortunate enough to break or in any other way damage its screen, it will set you back Rs. 10,800. With a starting price of Rs. 38,499, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G’s screen-to-phone cost percentage of 28.06%.

4. OnePlus Nord CE 2

Here, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 (review) is a 2022 midrange phone from the Chinese company. It’s essentially a rebranded OPPO Reno 7 5G though, and sports a 6.43-inch OLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Design and Display

On to its price, the phone costs about Rs. 48,999 for the 8/128GB configuration here in Nepal, while replacing its screen will put you short of a jaw-dropping Rs. 16,500. As a result, its screen replacement alone covers 33.68% of the phone’s price.

5. Realme 10 Pro+

The final entry on our list is the Realme 10 Pro+, which features a gorgeous curved display. You’re looking at a 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED panel with a hole-punch cutout, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 2160Hz high-frequency dimming technology.

Realme 10 Pro Plus design and Display

Realme 10 Pro+ goes for Rs. 45,999 (8/128GB), and its official screen replacement cost is a whopping Rs. 16,000! That makes up around 34.79% of the phone’s price. So while its curved display sure is nice to look at and interact with, getting it replaced is going to be an expensive ordeal.

Summary

Smartphone Price in Nepal (Starting price) Screen replacement cost Screen replacement cost in %
Samsung Galaxy A33 Rs. 42,999 Rs. 8,700 20.24%
Vivo V27e Rs. 41,999 Rs. 9,000 21.43%
Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Rs. 38,499 Rs. 10,800 28.06%
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Rs. 48,999 Rs. 16,500 33.68%
Realme 10 Pro+ Rs. 45,999 Rs. 16,000 34.79%

Final words

In my books, a good phone isn’t just one that performs well; it should simultaneously be durable enough so that a yearly upgrade isn’t required. So when buying a new phone, I believe it’s important to consider its repairability as well, besides its price, specs, and everything else.

I know, I’m asking a lot of our Nepalese audience when I say they consider such factors. But the fact of the day is that the growing volume of smartphone production takes a toll on the environment as well due to carbon emissions. And costs incurred on smartphone repairs like screen replacement don’t come cheap either.

  • Meanwhile, watch our top picks for best phones under Rs. 30,000 in Nepal

Amazfit Pop 3S launched with 1.96” AMOLED, stainless steel frame

Amazfit has announced the Pop 3S, which is the largest smartwatch in its lineup. This smartwatch is a successor to the recently launched Pop 2 with some notable changes. It now features a massive 1.96-inch AMOLED display and a metallic build. So, let’s get into the specs, features, expected price, and availability of the Amazfit Pop 3S in Nepal.

Amazfit Pop 3S Overview:

Design and Display

On the latest Pop 3S, Amazfit includes a 304 stainless steel strap as well as a button of similar build. Even the middle frame is metallic, providing some sturdiness right there. Besides this, you also get a plastic strap version. The 1.96-inch display discussed above has a 368 x 448-pixel resolution and 330 nits of peak brightness. Likewise, the 2.5D curved display supports more than 100 customizable watch faces.

Amazfit Pop 3S Design and display

Health and Fitness Tracking

The Pop 3S covers a wide range of health-tracking features such as 24-hour heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, stress tracking, and sleep tracking. Sleep tracking here can record light and count sleep duration and detect sleep stages. Additionally, the watch supports over 100 sports modes, catering to a wide range of fitness activities.

Additional Features

Battery life is one of the essential aspects of smartwatches, and the Pop 3S promises up to 12 days of usage on a single charge, presuming the Always-On Display (AOD) feature is disabled.

Amazfit Pop 3S Battery

With all these, we can somehow say that the Pop 3S aims to be more than just a smartwatch. To add more, it includes a built-in microphone and speaker. This allows the users to make direct calls via Bluetooth connection. It also features a call history and a dialer in the contact apps. Furthermore, the microphone and speaker enable conversation with a digital assistant.

Amazfit Pop 3S Specifications:

  • Strap: Removable stainless steel/silicone straps
  • Display: 1.96-inch AMOLED panel, AOD
  • Resolution: 410 x 502 pixels, 330 PPI
  • Control: Touch, swipe, Button
  • Connection: Bluetooth 5.2
  • Compatible with: Android 7.0, iOS 12.0 and above
  • IP Rating: IP68 dust/water resistant
  • Functions: 24/7 (Heart rate, Blood oxygen, stress), Notifications, Sleep tracking, Step counter, Sports mode (100+), Women’s Health
  • Sensors: Accelerometer, Heart rate, 3-axis motion
  • Companion App: Zepp Active (Android | iOS)
  • Battery: 300mAh, Up to 12 days of endurance (typical usage)
  • Charger: Proprietary magnetic charger (100% in 120 minutes)

Amazfit Pop 3S Price in Nepal and Availability

In India, the Pop 3S is priced pretty competitively with the silicone strap option costing  INR 3,499. The metal strap variant is priced slightly higher at INR 3,999. As such, we expect the Amazfit Pop 3S price in Nepal to start at NPR 6,999 when it launches here shortly.

Amazfit Pop 3S Price in India Price in Nepal (Expected)
Silicone Strap INR 3,499 NPR 6,999
Stainless Steel Strap INR 3,999 NPR 7,499
    • Meanwhile, check out our review of Amazfit GTR4 / GTS 4.

    Ultima Dynamite Speaker launched in Nepal with 5W driver, IPX6 rating

    Ultima Lifestyle is a growing Nepali brand offering TWS, BT speakers, and smartwatches. Now, it has launched the Ultima Dynamite Speaker in Nepal. This rugged design speaker arrives with IPX6 water resistance and up to 11 hours of playback. Okay, let’s head straight into the specs, features, and price of the Ultima Dynamite Speaker in Nepal.

    Ultima Dynamite Speaker Overview:

    Design

    The Ultima Dynamite Speaker sports a compact design with rounded edges and a fabric coating for a rugged feel. This 250-gram speaker has a built-in lanyard on top, making it easy to carry it around, while the microSD, micro USB, and aux ports are hidden beneath a flap on the bottom. Besides that, it complies with an IPX6 rating for protection against water splashes.

    Ultima Dynamite Design

    Audio and Connectivity

    As for the audio, the Ultima Dynamite speaker houses a 5W mono speaker. It is claimed to blast immersive audio with pumping bass. You get play/pause, volume up, and volume down buttons for controlling music playback. Likewise, one can activate voice assistants through a single press. Regarding connectivity, it relies on Bluetooth 5.0 with a range of up to 10 meters.

    Ultima Dynamite Speaker Mutimedia Buttons

    Battery Life and Others

    Getting to the battery, the speaker is powered by a 1800mAh Li-Po cell. The brand claims up to 11 hours of battery backup while the charging takes around 2 hours. And you get one year of warranty on the product.

    Ultima Dynamite Speaker Specifications:

    • Dimension: 85 x 55 x 107mm
    • Weight: 250 grams
    • Audio Driver: 5W, 4 Ohm
    • Frequency Response: 70Hz – 18KHz
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 + EDR (up to 10m)
    • Controls: Power on, Volume up/down, Multi-function button
    • Battery backup: Up to 11 hours
    • Protection: IPX6 (Water Resistant)
    • I/O: Aux in Jack, MicroSD / TF Slot, Micro-USB (Charging)
    • Built-in microphone: Yes

    Ultima Dynamite Speaker Price in Nepal and Availability

    The Ultima Dynamite Speaker price in Nepal is NPR 2,599. You can purchase it from our affiliate partner Hukut Store and get free shipping.

    Bluetooth Speaker Price in Nepal Availability
    Ultima Dynamite Speaker NPR 2,599 Hukut (free shipping)

    • Meanwhile, you can check our Xiaomi Band 8 review.

    Smartphone brands might have to bring back removable batteries

    Back in the day, we could easily replace our smartphone batteries. Well, we can have those days back again — thanks to a new law passed by the European Union (EU). The rule makes it compulsory for gadgets, including smartphones, in the EU to have removable batteries. This means that even the companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung will have to make certain changes to their smartphone designs to follow the new law.

    EU to bring back removable batteries in smartphones

    In the past, our fingernails were enough to pop open the back of our phones and replace the battery. But, with the trend of smooth and stylish designs, it became difficult to adjust removable batteries in phones. However, with the new law, manufacturers have to redesign their gadgets and find better ways to make batteries easily replaceable by the end users.

    Surprisingly, the European Parliament’s vote on this change was in favor with a count ratio of 587 to 9. This law aims to promote sustainability and reduce electronic waste. By making batteries easily replaceable, people can keep their devices for longer, reducing the need to get a new device when the battery fails.

    It’s important to note that this law currently applies only to Europe. However, other regions could soon start discussions regarding the topic. Recently, we also heard about the EU passing the law to introduce USB Type-C chargers for all smartphones with the collaboration of India. Such a move towards standardization and environmental protection is commendable.

    EU Removable Batteries Implementation Timeline

    There is not any official statement from Samsung regarding their response to the regulations. However, we can expect both Apple and Samsung to take the lead in implementing the changes to protect the environment. The law requires the implementation of easily replaceable batteries before 2027, with the possibility of an extension in the deadline.

    Overall, this new law marks a significant shift towards more sustainable practices in the tech industry. We might soon bid farewell to the days of glued-in batteries and welcome a future where smartphones are more user-friendly and environmentally conscious. The European Union’s initiative is a step in the right direction, and hopefully, it will inspire similar actions worldwide.

    Xiaomi Monitors Price in Nepal 2023 [Updated]

    Xiaomi has just expanded its product portfolio in Nepal with the launch of two new monitors in Nepal. Here in this article, we will be looking at Xiaomi’s latest monitor lineup in Nepal along with the specs, features, official price, and availability in Nepal.

    Xiaomi Monitors in Nepal: Overview

    Xiamoi is among the biggest smartphone brand in the world. The company has made a name for itself with its aggressive price and is very popular in price-sensitive markets like India and Nepal. However, the company has expanded into other markets as well. It makes a bunch of accessories like smartwatches, fitness bands, chargers, earbuds, and so on. Moreover, it has also successfully ventured into smart home appliances with the introduction of TV, air purifiers, and smart lights.

    Xiaomi launched its first gaming monitor in 2019. The Mi Display Surface is a 32” gaming monitor with high-end specifications and features. A year later, Xiaomi unveiled the Redmi Display 1A, kick-starting the more affordable lineup of monitors. Since then the company has launched a number of monitors — both gaming and productivity ones.

    The Mi Monitor Desktop 27” and Mi Monitor 1C are the first Xiaomi monitors to launch officially available in Nepal. Xiaomi has kept the official pricing very competitive even when compared to the price of the same monitors in the grey market. That said, the two monitors are not gaming monitors and are strictly for productivity. Thus, it will not get rid of the grey market completely as Xiaomi’s gaming monitors like Redmi Gaming G24 are very popular in Nepal.

    Xiaomi Monitors Price in Nepal 2023 Summary

    SN Xiaomi Monitors Price in Nepal (Official) Introductory Price
    1. Mi Desktop Monitor 1C 23.8”  Rs. 21,999 Rs. 19,999
    2. Mi Desktop Monitor 27” Rs. 24,999 Rs. 22,999

    Mi Desktop Monitor 1C

    The Mi Desktop Monitor 1C is currently the cheapest Xiaomi monitor in Nepal. It features a 23.8” IPS panel with a 108p resolution and 178° viewing angles. It looks premium thanks to the narrow bezels that allow for a 7.3mm slim body. Xiaomi has included an HDMI and VGA cable for input.

    Mi Desktop Monitor 1C

    Mi Desktop Monitor 1C Specifications:

    • Display Size: 23.8-inch (605mm)
    • Display Panel: IPS panel
    • Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 16:9 aspect ratio
    • Colors: 16.7M
    • Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
    • Refresh rate: 60Hz
    • Response Rate: 6ms (GTG)
    • Ports: 1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1x DC-in
    • Extras: TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light
    • Price in Nepal: Rs. 21,999

    Mi Desktop Monitor 27”

    The Mi Desktop Monitor is the more premium of the two. It features a larger 27” IPS screen with FHD resolution housed by a similar 2.7mm body. Likewise, you also get 178° viewing angles and low blue light protection. That said, it does have some tricks up its sleeves. To start, it has a wider color coverage as it supports 100% sRGB. In addition, it brings a headphone jack and a multifunctional button.

    Mi Desktop Monitor 27

    Mi Desktop Monitor 27″ Specifications:

    • Display Size: 27-inch (685.98mm)
    • Display Panel: IPS panel
    • Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 16:9 aspect ratio
    • Dot Pitch: 0.3114×0.3114mm
    • Color Gamut: 100% sRGB with ΔE<2
    • Brightness: 300cd/m² (TYP)
    • Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (TYP)
    • Refresh rate: 75Hz (Max) / 60Hz (Recommended)
    • Response Rate: 6ms (GTG)
    • Ports: 1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1x Audio, 1x DC-in
    • Extras: TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light
    • Price in Nepal: Rs. 24,999

    Xiaomi Monitors in Nepal: Conclusion

    So there is a complete list of all the Xiaomi Monitors that you can buy in Nepal right now. The official pricing is remarkably competitive, even when compared to the gray market. However, the number of options is quite limited. It would be great if Xiaomi could introduce more monitors, including the reasonably priced Redmi gaming series, in the Nepali market.

    You might also be interested in:

    Adidas enters the Nepali market with a collection of sports earbuds and headphones

    Adidas comes from sports-related products. Beyond sports, they offer a range of products designed to enhance the active lifestyle experience through audio accessories. Excitingly, these audio products from Adidas are now officially available in Nepal from this time around. So in this article, we will closely examine the specifications, features, availability, and official price of all the Adidas audio accessories in Nepal.

    Adidas Audio Accessories: Overview

    Adidas began working in the audio accessories market in recent years. The exact timeline of Adidas’ entry into the audio accessories industry can be traced back to 2019 in collaboration with Zound Industries (now Marshall Group). However, the collaboration between the two was made official a year earlier. They working combinedly in delivering the audio accessories under the Adidas Headphones branding to the market at present. The company always pays special attention to the design of its audio accessories, ensuring they retain the brand’s reputation.

    Adidas Audio Accessories Price in Nepal:

    SN  Adidas audio accessories Price in Nepal (Official) 
    TWS Earbuds
    1 Adidas Z.N.E 01 Rs. 14,500
    2 Adidas Z.N.E 01 ANC Rs. 21,500
    3 Adidas FWD-02 Rs. 24,000
    Headphones
    4 Adidas RPT-01 Rs. 24,000
    5 Adidas RPT-02 SOL Rs. 32,000

    Adidas TWS Earbuds

    Adidas Z.N.E 01

    The Adidas Z.N.E 01 is a lightweight and compact audio accessory with impressive sound quality and active noise cancellation. Also, it offers 4-5 hours of playtime (with ANC) and 20 hours including the charge provided by case. With an IPX4 rating, touch controls, and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, it’s designed for active lifestyles.

    ADIDAS-Z.N.E-01

    • Weight: 4gm (earbuds) / 40gm (case)
    • Driver: 12mm Dynamic driver with 32Ω impedance
    • Battery: 4-5 hours (earbuds with ANC) / 20 hours (incl. case with ANC)
    • Charging time: 1.5 hours (15 min charge ~1-hour playtime)
    • IP Rating: IPX4 (Earbuds) / IPX3 (Case)
    • Controls: Touch gestures
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
    • Price in Nepal: NPR 14,500

    Adidas Z.N.E 01 ANC

    The Adidas Z.N.E 01 ANC earbuds offer Active Noise Canceling and an Awareness mode, allowing users to switch between blocking out external noise or being aware of their surroundings. Also, they are sweat-proof and water-resistant with an IPX5(earbuds) and IPX4(case) rating. With 4.5 hours of playtime per charge with ANC and an additional approximately 20 hours of on-the-go charging, they offer ample battery life. The earbuds also have an eco-charging mode available through the Adidas Headphones app, optimizing battery usage.

    ADIDAS-Z.N.E-01-ANC

    • Weight: 4.2gm (earbuds) / 37gm (case)
    • Driver: 6mm Dynamic driver with 16Ω impedance
    • Battery: 4.5 hours (earbuds with ANC) / 20 hours (incl. case with ANC)
    • Charging time: 3 hours (15 min charge ~1-hour playtime)
    • IP Rating: IPX5 (earbuds)/ IPX4 (case)
    • Controls: Touch gestures
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
    • Price in Nepal: NPR 21,500

    Adidas FWD-02 Sport 

    The Adidas FWD-02 Sport earbuds have a comfortable fit with extra tips and wings. They are sweat-proof, water-resistant, and feature touch controls. The compact charging case allows for on-the-go charging, and they offer 6 hours of playtime per charge. Additionally, it offers an awareness mode that lets in some of the ambient noise to give awareness of the surrounding.

    ADIDAS-FWD-02-SPORT-IN-EAR

    • Weight: 5.25g (earbuds) /44gm (case)
    • Driver: 6mm Dynamic driver
    • Battery: 6 hours (earbuds) / 25 hours (case)
    • Charging time: 1.5 hours from the case (15 minutes ~ 1-hour playtime)
    • IP Rating: IPX5 (earbuds)/ IPX4 (case)
    • Controls: Touch gestures
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
    • Price in Nepal: NPR 24,000

    Adidas Headphones

    Adidas RPT-01

    The Adidas RPT-01 has a comfortable design that stays in place, even during intense movements. These headphones are sweat-proof and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts with IPX4 ratings. Additionally, they have washable parts for easy cleaning after sweaty sessions. It is not only light but also provides an impressive listening time of up to 40 hours.

    • Weight: 209 gm
    • Battery: up to 40 hours of listening time
    • IP Rating: Yes, IPX4
    • Controls: Knob, Action Button
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
    • Price in Nepal: NPR 24,000

    Adidas RPT-02 SOL

    The Adidas RPT-02 SOL headphones feature self-charging technology powered by light, allowing them to recharge using natural and artificial light sources. Moreover, they offer up to 80 hours of playtime and a sweat-proof design with IPX4. The headphone combines convenience, eco-consciousness, and also high-performance audio in one compact package.

    ADIDAS-RPT-02-SOL

    • Weight: 256gm
    • Driver: 40mm Dynamic driver
    • Battery: 80+ hours of listening time
    • Charging time: 2 hours
    • IP Rating: IPX4
    • Controls: Action button, Knob
    • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
    • Color: Night Grey / Solar Yellow
    • Price in Nepal: NPR 32,000

    Also, read these:

    • Meanwhile, check out our video on Best Budget Wireless Earbuds you can buy right now!

    Samsung Bespoke Jet AI announced, a cordless vacuum cleaner with AI capabilities

    1

    Cordless vacuum cleaners have recently become a thing with a range of options dropping in. Unlike traditional vacuums, they are easy to work with. Samsung, a world-renowned electronics brand has announced the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI. This cordless machine comes with AI capabilities for enhanced usage. Let’s get into the specs, features, and expected price of the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI in Nepal.

    Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Overview:

    What’s a cordless vacuum cleaner?

    Before jumping right in, let’s learn about cordless vacuum cleaners first. As the name implies, a cordless vacuum cleaner is one without cords and cables. Compared to corded vacuums, it is lightweight and can be easily transported. Such vacuums have superb usability in multiple places such as your car, furniture, stairs, and tight corners. And they run on batteries, unlike traditional ones which require a direct connection to electricity.

    Design

    The BeSpoke Jet AI sports a pretty lightweight design, weighing just 2.5 kg. The pipe is telescopic here which allows three length adjustments for comfortability. Even the flex tool is bendable up to 90 degrees to reach those tricky areas. And you get a digital display to check info regarding power level, running time, charging status, and so on.

    HexaJet Motor

    Under the hood, the vacuum cleaner packs a HexaJet Motor which can draw up to 280W suction power and a max consumption power of 730W. This makes it the most powerful vacuum to date. Samsung claims a 25% increase in suction power, compared to the previous model.

     Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Motor

    Dual Brush and 5L Filtration

    Samsung has used a dual brush mechanism on BeSPoke Jet. It is optimized to clean efficiently on all types of floors alongside built-in LED lights to assist in the dark. On top of that, there is a 5-layer filtration system which is claimed to filter up to 99.9%* of microdust particles. Plus, the dustbin is washable.

    AI Functions

    The BeSpoke Jet AI becomes the first cordless vacuum to get an AI verification from UL Solutions, a safety science organization. The AI mode bestows some cool features on the vacuum such as automatic detection of the floor, brush load, and air pressure. This enables optimal suction power and brush roll speed for efficient cleaning. After every disposal, it shuts the cover automatically. Besides that, the Air Spin Edge technology can spin at a blade rate of up to 1,000 RPM to drain waste, and keep the bin clean.

    Battery Life and Others

    The cordless stick vacuum is powered by two removable batteries, which can operate for up to 100 minutes. The battery size is 80% larger than that of the previous model. And the charging time takes around 3.5 hours. Other features include a Pet Tool for cleaning tiny strands of pet hair.

     Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Cordless Vacuum

    Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Price in Nepal and Availability

    The price of Bespoke Jet AI is USD 449.99. As of now, the cordless stick is yet to launch in Nepal. We can expect the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI price in Nepal to be NPR 71,999 when it launches here.

    Product Official Price Price in Nepal (Expected)
    Samsung Bespoke Jet AI USD 449.99 NPR 71,999

    • Meanwhile, you can check our Samsung Galaxy A24 Review.

    Apple is working on a more affordable Vision headset for wider adoption

    Recently, Apple launched a handsome mixed-reality headset called Apple Vision Pro at the WWDC event. The price was a bang of $3,599 in the premium category with no intention of mass adoption. To cover the mass audience, Gurman (tech reporter for Bloomberg) pointed out that Apple is now working on a more affordable version of the headset. The device will probably be named Apple Vision or Vision One. This move aims to make the technology accessible to a broader range of customers.

    Apple Vision One Rumor Roundup:

    There will be various adjustments or compromises to lower the cost of Vision One to make it fall under an affordable category. This may involve using lower-tier screens, a less powerful processor, reducing the number of cameras with the removal of 3D cameras, and potentially requiring AirPods for spatial audio instead of built-in speakers. Despite these adjustments, Apple intends to keep certain features, including the external EyeSight screen and the hand-tracking system which are the core attraction of the MR headset.

    Apple Vision Pro render

    Expected price, release timeline, and second-generation plans

    The exact details about the pricing and specifications of the affordable Vision headset are not clear. However, as it will be available at a much lower price than the Vision Pro. This could significantly increase its adoption. The price is still under wrap but the affordable headset will probably be in the range of the latest MacBook Pro 14.  Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, acknowledged that the Vision Pro’s high cost is due to its advanced capabilities, which include the ability to perform tasks similar to iPhones and Macs.

    Reports say that Apple is planning to unveil the affordable Vision One headset probably by the end of 2025. A long way to go! Another surprise to mention, Apple is already doing its job to develop a second-generation Vision Pro. This indicates that the company is committed to expanding its standard product line like iPhone and iPhone Pro models.

    Apple aims to introduce a more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset to reach a wider range of consumers. By making certain adjustments to reduce manufacturing costs, Apple hopes to strike a balance between price and features. Moving forward, Apple aims to establish a two-product strategy for its mixed-reality headsets, aligning with its other flagship products.

    • Meanwhile, check out our comparison between Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

    Arko Store’s “Smart Exchange” offer lets you trade old phones with additional exchange bonus

    0

    Arko Store, which is an online exchange platform for different electronic goods, is currently running a “Smart Exchange” offer. Under this, customers can exchange their used and old phones for a brand-new Samsung phone with an additional exchange bonus. Let’s learn more.

    Arko Store Smart Exchange Offer:

    About Arko Store

    Okay, before getting into the offer itself, let’s learn a little more about Arko Store. As aforementioned, it’s a platform that lets you exchange your old electronic devices and appliances like smartphones, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and such for a new one from Samsung.

    Arko Store

    Where to avail of this offer?

    And right now, Arko Store’s Smart Exchange offer is live at 8 Bhatbhateni outlets: Boudha, Koteshwor, Maharajgunj, Naxal, Pulchowk, Bhaktapur, Narayanghat, and Pokhara. And you can visit these Bhatbhateni stores to exchange your phone/tablet for a new Samsung phone/tablet. But do note that you can’t trade multiple phones or tablets for a new one. Arko Store will only offer a valuation for one used device for exchange.

    A bonus of Rs. 2,000 in valuation

    Under this offer, Arko Store is also providing an additional Rs. 2,000 bonus on top of the usual valuation when trading old devices. And this is a limited-time offer only, although the company hasn’t specified any exact date as to how long this offer will run. So if you have an old phone or tablet you want to get rid of in exchange of a brand new Samsung devices, then this looks like the perfect opportunity.

    Google’s new AI tool changes images based on user’s text input

    3

    A company as influential as Google will certainly not sit back when it comes to developing AI generative tools. Hence, just like AI text-to-image generators, such as DALL-E 2, Dream by Wombo, and Stable Diffusion, Google has recently launched a BETA version of its own AI model; Imagen Editor. It is an interesting tool that uses generative AI to recreate pictures in one sentence. If you are looking forward to knowing about it more, this article is specifically written for you!

    Google Imagen Editor Overview:

    The clever wordplay between “Imagine” and “Image” readily gives off a clear hint about what the Imagen Editor is all about. It is an AI tool that creates customized images from a single sentence prompted by the user. The tool doesn’t generate the entire image content from scratch. Instead, it utilizes millions of images from the internet and modifies these existing images according to the user’s preferences.

    Though there are many AI generative tools- Imagen Editor is unlike any other. The dataset on which the Imagen Editor’s AI model is trained is LAION-400M. These sorts of information are rather not disclosed by AI companies, like DALL-E 2, but this time around, it is publically informed.

    Capabilities it holds for the time being

    This generative tool is at present mainly capable of generating two distinct outputs called City Dreamer and Wobble. City Dreamer allows the creation of unique buildings, while Wobble generates animated creature-like characters based on descriptions. With City Dreamer, users can provide unique descriptions of buildings and receive output with weird or visually appealing designs. Meanwhile, Wobble allows users to enhance the image of animated creatures by adding effects, clothing, or background elements.

    Due to its current emphasis on generating specific types of images, Google’s Imagen Editor falls slightly behind in comparison to well-established generative AI tools like DALL-E 2.

    You might want to read these:

    About Availability

    Google typically launches its new AI-related technology through an app named AI Test Kitchen. This time as well, the new Imagen Editor is available on the same platform with beta access. This approach allows Google to gather enough user feedback and address any issues before a public release.

    Also, Google itself says, the application is not ready for security-related concerns, making it a wiser decision to introduce a beta version rather than facing huge public backlash on the initial release.

    Modification-of-dog-image-with-Imagen
    By simply providing instructions in sentences, Imagen enables the addition of realistic-looking elements in any image.

    Here’s how to use the beta version

    Currently, Google Imagen Editor is only available for beta testing to a very small group of people. To use Imagen, all you need to do is visit the AI Test Kitchen website and register. If you are fortunate enough to gain access to the beta testing, which only a few get, make sure you provide enough feedback to contribute to the development of the system.

    Later when Google decides to make it publicly available, it will probably be accessible from Google Photos. You supposedly have to add an image to Google Photos and provide a description of the required changes. Imagen Editor will then generate the modified image according to the instructions. The main purpose of the tool is to make changes to the picture without having to manually edit it.