Boat has officially unveiled the Wanderer Smart, a specially designed smartwatch focused on kids with proper geo-fencing and inbuilt GPS that assures their security. With the incorporated feature of 4G SIM connectivity and a 2-megapixel camera, this smartwatch stands out among other kid watches with similar pricing. In this article, you will be provided with features of Boat Wanderer Smart along with its expected launch and pricing in Nepal and other related information.
Boat Wanderer Smart Overview:
Design and Display
The boat Wanderer Smart has a rugged design and is available in two vibrant colors—Coral and Aqua. The device has a large 1.4-inch (3.55 cm) HD touchscreen with a camera cut-out on the top bezel. It has an IP68 rating, ensuring that it is resistant to damage from sweat and dirt and can withstand various activities that children engage in without any concerns.
Security and Parental Controls
The device is positively hyped for its ability to support real-time parental control. Parents can set a radius (geo-fencing) and get an alert whenever kids go out or enter the pre-defined safety zone. The GPS can track the kid’s actual location or also can assist in finding the watch when lost.
The “class forbidden” feature allows parents to set a limit to using the watch when the kid is in class or at any particular time of the day. Parents can also supervise their kids through the “voice monitoring” feature and by limiting calls from unknown numbers.
With the help of the 4G SIM, the wearer can send real-time text messages, voice messages, or even start a voice call or a video call in high definition with just some taps on the screen.
In the event of an emergency, the SOS button on the watch can trigger an alert to the user, notifying the individual whose contact information is integrated into the watch. The steps tracker can help monitor the child’s activity and health effortlessly.
Rest of the Features
When it comes to battery life, the Boat Wanderer Smart has a 650mAh battery capacity that can provide up to 2 days of usage on a single charge (around 2.5 hours), ensuring uninterrupted access to its features.
The inbuilt mic and speaker allow enhanced voice messages and calls. The 2-megapixel camera not only assists in video calling but also allows for capturing special moments right then and there. Similar to other smartwatches, the Boat Wanderer Smart offers alarm and stopwatch functions, enabling children to efficiently start their day or manage specific tasks promptly.
Boat Wanderer Smart Specifications:
Design: Rugged plastic
Display Dimension: 1.4” HD TFT
Connectivity: 4G SIM Support
GPS: Yes (Geo-Fencing)
Bluetooth Calling: Yes (Mic + Speaker
Camera: Yes (2MP)
Battery Capacity: 650 mAh
Working Time: upto 2 days
Charging Time: around 2.5 hours
Colors: Coral and Aqua
IP68 rated
Other Features: SOS alerts, Unknown calls limitation, Voice monitoring, Text, and Voice message as well as Video calls.
Boat Wanderer Smart Price in Nepal (Expected)
The Wanderer Smart is currently on sale for Rs. 5,000 through Amazon India and Boat’s official site. We expect the price of Boat Wanderer Smart in Nepal to be NPR 10,000 when it launches in Nepal later.
Kids Smart Watch
Price in India (Official)
Price in Nepal
Boat Wanderer Smart
INR 5,000
NPR 10,000
Meanwhile, check out our review of Samsung Galaxy A24.
Are you a mobile phone gamer with a fond for a fancy RGB TWS? Well, Mivi has just launched its Commando X9 Gaming Earbuds with RGB lights and 35ms low latency. Let’s get into the specs, features, and official price of the Mivi Commando X9 Gaming Earbuds in Nepal without further ado.
Mivi Commando X9 Overview:
Design
First things first, the Commando X9 is an in-ear TWS flaunting a gaming vibe with dual RGB, dubbed the ‘Aurora Lights’. You get 7 different modes to play with the lighting. Even the case gets the fancy treatment with lights glowing the Mivi logo on the top as well as on the bottom side.
Besides that, the TWS is IPX4 rated against sweat and water splashes. The company ships this TWS in five color options: Black, White, Yellow, Red, and Grey. But only the former two options are available in Nepal.
Gaming Features
As the name implies, the gaming TWS features a low latency mode that can minimize the audio lag by 35ms. It uses Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity. And the users can triple-tap the left buds to get into the gaming mode. Contemplating it is a quad-mic ENC technology to keep the background noise at bay.
Pounding the audio is a 13mm driver with powerful bass and richer trebles, as claimed by Mivi. The TWS supports the frequency range of 20Hz and 20KHz and boasts both AAC and SBC audio codecs.
While the company has not disclosed the total battery capacity of the buds and case, it is said to last for up to 8 hours on a full charge. Likewise, the battery life extends up to 72 hours with the case that charges via a USB Type-C port.
Mivi Commando X9 Specifications:
Sound Driver: 13mm driver
Audio Codecs: AAC, SBC
Battery: 8 hours (earbuds), 72 hours (with case)
Charging: Via USB-C port
Water Resistance: IPX4 splash resistant (earbuds only)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
Control: Touch (non-customizable)
Noise Cancellation: ENC
Color Options: Black, White
Companion App: No
Other Features: Game Mode (35ms)
Mivi Commando X9 Price in Nepal and Availability
The official Mivi Commando X9 price in Nepal is NPR 4,499. While in India, it is available at a cheaper price of INR 1,999. You can purchase the gaming TWS from authorized platforms like Hukut.
Gaming TWS
Price in India
Price in Nepal
Mivi Commando X9
INR 1,999
NPR 4,499
Meanwhile, you can check our Nothing Ear (2) review.
Are you still using your phone number as your password for your valuable sites and applications? Or do you use the same password for multiple online platforms? If you say yes, then you’re at a cyber risk. Choosing an easy-to-remember password for convenience actually makes it far easier for hackers to crack it in seconds. Are you ready to set up one-of-a-kind solid passwords for each platform and explore password management tools? Keep in mind that your password is your first line of security against any online attack. It’s time to raise your security game and protect your digital life.
The Vulnerability of Passwords
There is a reason why financial institutions and other websites do not accept passwords of less than 8 characters, a number, and a symbol. Difficult the characters, the more difficult it is for the hackers to crack your password. You might not believe this, but no matter the length of your password, hackers can crack it in less than 30 minutes if it contains just numerals. This data comes from Hive System, which also states that with the cutting-edge technology available today, any number-only password with 14 or fewer characters can be cracked in an instant.
According to Hive Systems, the maximum time to track your password, if you only use the numerical character, is 26 minutes. If your password contains 14 or fewer numbers, they can track it instantly. Considering this information, do you still want to set your password to a phone number? I hope NOT.
AI systems, such as Chat GPT, have the ability to analyze password patterns and generate new password guesses based on those patterns. Hackers can create powerful password-cracking tools by using deep learning algorithms trained on large password databases. Hive recently updated its table to provide a more accurate portrayal of password vulnerability. The table ranks the password based on their character count and the presence of a range of numbers, letters, and symbols.
Knowing one password is enough for hackers to go through your everything, especially if it is your email. It is email because it is your gateway to several other platforms. This article highlights the simple ways to strengthen your password according to the recommendation of security experts:
Do not use personal information such as your phone number and name as your password.
Avoid using the most common passwords like 123456, abcdef, qwerty, and other generic phrases.
Choose at least a twelve-character password that is random and difficult. It should also contain a combination of numbers, uppercase and lowercase characters, and special symbols.
Choose a unique and long password for each account you own.
Update your password every now and then or every 60 to 90 days.
Surprisingly, Hive states that the time required for correctly guessing a password using brute force methods has decreased from four hours to one hour. However, hackers might speed up their efforts even further by taking advantage of consumer cloud computing. In such cases, hackers can discover the supposedly secure eight-character password in minutes. Moreover, it is always better to avoid using public wifi to be on the safe side and
Is a strong password by itself sufficient security?
Well, the quick answer is NO. There are other methods that hackers use to obtain your password. One of the methods is Phishing which is a common tactic that involves the use of false links that lead to fake websites to trick visitors into entering their passwords. You also need to be careful when it comes to signing up from links and websites that are not authorized.
Remember receiving a doubtful link from a Facebook friend when curiosity got the best of you, and you clicked on it? You suddenly found yourself locked out of your own Facebook account the next time you tried to get in. You can protect yourself from hackers if you stay away from links and websites that are not authorized. For more protection, you can also use two-factor authentication so that others cannot log in to your account without the code you receive in your text or email.
Meanwhile, check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy A24.
Last year, MSI introduced a new 16” model to the Prestige series with discrete graphics. The company refreshed the laptop with Intel Raptor-H processors and RTX 40-series graphics at CES 2023. So, let’s get into the specs, features, official price, and availability of the MSI Prestige 16 Studio (2023) in Nepal.
MSI Prestige 16 Studio A13V Overview:
Performance and Memory
The “Studio” designation in the MSI Prestige 16 Studio refers to the GeForce RTX Studio program, of which it is a part. This means that this laptop includes exclusive software Studio drivers, Omniverse, and Broadcast to help with content creation. Studio laptops leverage RTX technology and GPU acceleration to accelerate processes in Adobe programs.
MSI is offering two GPU options on the Prestige 16 Studio. The base variant comes with RTX 4050 with a 45W TGP. You can also go with the RTX 4060 version with 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM and 55W TGP.
It is paired with upto the Intel Core i7-13700H processor with improved hybrid core architecture. The processor features 6 Performance and 8 Efficient cores and boasts a turbo frequency of up to 5.0GHz.
MSI has not changed much in the design aspect. The new Prestive 16 Studio A13V, like previous Prestige laptops, brings a portable design that is both beautiful and robust. The metal chassis weighs 2.1 kg and measures 16.85 mm in thickness. It has even passed MIL-STD-810G reliability and durability tests.
The display is what truly distinguishes the Prestige 16 Studio from the Evo variant. It features a 16” QHD mini LED display with a 165Hz refresh rate. It boasts 100% DCI-P3 coverage and is factory-calibrated Delta-E<2 right out of the box. MSI even has a 165Hz QHD IPS model that is slightly less expensive.
Power and Connectivity
Fueling the MSI Prestige 16 Studio is a 4-cell 82Whr battery, and you get a 120/150W adapter in the box. It has a dedicated charging port but users can also opt for PD charging with the supported USB-C port. There are two more USB ports for data transfer. Likewise, you get an HDMI, a microSD card reader, and an audio combo jack. The laptop also has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity.
Rest of the Specs
Placed alongside the ports on the left is a physical Webcam Lock Switch that you can use to disable the FHD webcam. The webcam also has a second trick up its sleeve—an IR sensor for Window Hello Face authentication. For further protection, the MSI Prestige 16 Studio includes a fingerprint sensor and a TPM 2.0 chip. Additional features include a backlit keyboard, an ambient light sensor, and DTS Audio stereo speakers.
MSI Prestige 16 Studio A13V Specifications
Design & Build: 358(W) x 258.55(D) x 16.85(H) mm, 2.1 kg
Why did you open this article? Who are you trying to hide your chat from? Just kidding!!! It is actually necessary for you to keep some of your chats secure and private on social media platforms. Thanks to WhatsApp for the new Chat Lock feature. Your private talks can now be protected in a secure location hidden from spies. No more being concerned about nosy eyes sneaking a peek! And yes, Chat Lock in WhatsApp is the ultimate secret keeper, even if someone tries to peep at your phone’s lock screen. If your app still does not have this feature, wait a day or two; WhatsApp is rolling out this new update on both your Android and iOS devices.
Chat Lock working mechanism in WhatsApp
To use this fantastic feature, simply tap on the contact or group chat icon at the top of the screen that you can want to lock. If your WhatsApp has the Chat lock option, it will be visible on the Info screen. Tap it and follow the on-screen instructions to create a passcode or use your fingerprint or face scan.
The chat will now be hidden from the general inbox inside a secret feature. Chat Lock also hides the notifications from secret chats from the lock screen and notification tray.
To access a locked chat, simply swipe down on your inbox and enter the passcode or use your biometric recognition. It’s like having your own private vault for your conversations, with only you holding the key to unlock them. So go ahead and use the power of Chat Lock to make your conversations safe and secure. No password, no access!
Locking a chat on one device does not lock it on other WhatsApp-enabled devices, such as a PC. Because the chat lock feature is device-specific, you may choose which chats are locked on each device. However, there is some good news on the road! WhatsApp is always working to improve the capabilities of Chat Lock.
They intend to provide more choices in the near future, such as the ability to lock chats on paired devices and the opportunity to set up a different password for added security. Keep an eye out for these new changes, giving you even more control and security over your chats across many devices.
People have been holding on to their phones longer than ever before. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to look forward to in this space. Smartphone makers have been trying out every trick up their sleeves to get people to buy new phones, and maybe out of necessity—or sometimes it’s just temptation—we end up getting new devices. Eventually, what once used to be your everyday carry is now sitting in a drawer collecting dust. So it’s only logical to try to sell them before they depreciate further, right? But what are your options? And more importantly, how can you get the most value for your secondhand phones? In this article, I will share my experience with four of the most popular online marketplaces in Nepal where I tried selling my secondhand phone.
Marketplaces for secondhand phones in Nepal
Hamrobazar, Facebook Marketplace, Arko Phone, and SabKo Phone are some of the popular Nepali marketplaces with different approaches to selling and valuation. While Hamrobazar and Facebook Marketplace are quite popular since they do not limit themselves to selling gadgets, the other two platforms are limited to smartphones only.
I went through all of them and found all of them to be pretty user-friendly. However, the key thing to consider is whether these how appropriately these platforms evaluate the worth of what we have to sell. Let’s dig deeper into each of them with their respective pros and cons to find out which one would be the best option for selling smartphones.
1. Hamrobazar
Hamrobazar is one of, if not, the most popular online marketplaces in Nepal. It allows users to post a variety of new or used items for sale. They have the flexibility to list their products on Hamrobazar based on their own evaluation. There are criteria to assure fairness and accuracy though. And these restrictions forbid you from publishing repeat advertisements/posts, misleading listings, and any false or illegal content. You can also communicate with buyers/sellers via comments and the contact information in the description.
Pros:
Sellers can set their own prices based on their evaluation and expectation.
Customers may personally examine the smartphones before making the purchase, which promotes transparency and confidence.
The platform allows sellers to compare pricing with competitors, enabling adjustments to stay competitive.
Price negotiations are feasible, allowing for mutually agreeable prices.
Cons:
Sellers experience an increase in the number of calls from prospects, which can be time-consuming. And those calls may not necessarily result in a sale either.
Sellers may be dissatisfied because certain clients simply explore without the intention of purchasing.
2. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is another online platform for Nepal where users can buy and sell secondhand or new phones or other products at their own price. The platform has no guidelines for listing products except for anything deemed illegal. Moreover, listing your phone on the Marketplace is simple; you only need to provide some information, with no further restrictions other than classifying its condition as good or bad. You can communicate with buyers/sellers via Facebook Messenger or contact information (if available).
Pros:
Users can set their own prices for products based on the condition.
It provides access to a large pool of prospective buyers because of its popularity.
Facebook Marketplace is designed to be simple to understand and use, making the listing and selling process as simple as possible.
Cons:
There is a greater chance of encountering spam or unreliable customers.
It does not provide the same level of buyer protection as other e-commerce platforms; users need to be cautious while completing transactions and confirming the reliability of potential purchasers.
It includes a wide range of product categories, making it more difficult for users to identify specific items or target a specific audience for their listings.
3. Arko Phone
Arko Phone is an online platform under “Arko Store” that lets you exchange your old phone with a new one from Samsung. You can get your secondhand phone’s valuation based on a predetermined questionnaire online. Whereas you must visit a partner retail outlet to finalize the exchange and complete the transaction within a week after the valuation is completed. You can communicate with the platform by submitting your personal information and query, or you can also make direct contact with the information available on the website.
Pros:
Sellers can avoid the hassle of dealing with individual customers.
It provides a simple exchange experience for those looking for an easier process.
Cons:
Unlike the other two options, Arko Phone is an exchange-exclusive platform. Plus, you can only exchange your current phone with a Samsung phone.
There is a possibility of unreliable or low pricing, as it does not inspect for user experience online.
It lacks a price comparison option, making it difficult for sellers to figure out whether they are getting a fair price for their devices.
4. SabKo Phone
SabKo Phone, on the other hand, purchases used phones from sellers, repairs them to like-new condition (if necessary), and then sells them to other customers. They claim to use high-quality repair parts and offer a 6-month warranty. And compared to Arko Phone, I also found SabKo Phone to have a broader set of questions for a phone’s valuation. You can communicate with the sellers via the chatbot on their website or the alternative contact information provided.
Pros:
It lets sellers escape the hassles of dealing with individual clients.
It has greater price alternatives than Arko Phone, and a broader set of criteria for evaluating and determining the state of the phones, ensuring viability, etc.
Users can also demand their own price if they’re not satisfied with the valuation suggested and see if any customer accepts the price.
Cons:
SabKo phone lacks a price comparison option, making it difficult for sellers to determine whether they are getting a fair price for their devices.
Possibility of unreliable pricing.
Are secondhand marketplaces worth it for used phones in Nepal?
Hamrobazar
Now, here’s my experience trying to sell my secondhand phone in Nepali marketplaces. When I tried posting an ad for my iPhone 13 Pro Max (review) on Hamrobazar, which has been used for around 1.5 years, with 99% battery health, 256GB storage capacity, and no hardware or software issues whatsoever, it asked me the following details:
Device name and image
Phone specs, including storage, camera, processor, SIM slot, and so on.
Price
Confirmation
Hamrobazar
1 of 2
Others' ads for iPhone 13 Pro Max (256GB)
My ad for iPhone 13 Pro Max (256GB)
After comparing prices with similar listings, I valued my iPhone 13 Pro Max at Rs. 130,000.
Facebook Marketplace
My experience with Facebook Marketplace was also pretty similar. It also requested my personal information, selling price, and a comment I wanted to share with potential customers. And here too, I set the phone’s price at Rs. 130,000.
Arko Phone
Compared to requires a lot more specific information than Hamrobazar and Fb Marketplace while placing an item for sale. The required information included the device type and storage capacity. Subsequently, the following questions were posed:
1
Does your device switch on?
Yes
2
The problems with the device (if any)
No
3
Is your phone under warranty?
No
4
Availability of original accessories or purchase bill
Yes
5
The condition of the device
Good
Finally, Arko Phone valued my iPhone 13 Pro Max at Rs. 110,000.
SabKo Phone
As I mentioned before, SabKo Phone is pretty similar to Arko Phone. However, there are more variety of questions here, and also, I could counter with my desired price if not satisfied with the valued price.
1
Has your phone ever had liquid damage?
No
2
Does your device switch on?
Yes
3
Does your phone make or receive calls?
Yes
4
Have you ever repaired your board?
No
5
Are your WiFi and Bluetooth working?
Yes
6
Is your display discolored, pixelated, or non-functional?
No
7
Is your display original?
Yes
8
Is your screen cracked?
No
9
Is there a problem with your camera?
No
10
Are your speakers, flashlight, and microphone working?
Yes
11
What condition is your device in?
Good
12
Do you have an original charger?
Yes
13
Is your battery less than a year old?
No
With all this, SabKo Phone was ready to offer Rs. 113,900 for my iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Marketplaces for secondhand phones in Nepal: Conclusion
Based on my experience with all four platforms, I would prefer Hamrobazar to sell my phone because I believe it is worth more than Rs. 110,000 or Rs 113,900 as offered by Arko Phone and SabKo Phone, respectively. Besides, Hamrobazar was also relatively open about how I could post my ad, and I don’t mind having to deal with potential buyers if I can get a higher valuation for my phone. I guess I could’ve had a similar experience on Facebook Marketplace too, but I’ve found it to be a little too unreliable.
Ultimately, sellers should carefully assess their priorities, taking into account issues such as price control, customer engagement, convenience, and the desire for quick cash. By evaluating these factors, you can determine whether Hamrobazar, Facebook Marketplace, Arko Phone, or SabKo Phone better meets your selling needs and preferences.
Lenovo updated its Yoga lineup a few months ago, unveiling the 2023 editions of the budget Yoga Slim 6 to the flagship Yoga Pro 9i. And in this article, we will discuss more about the mid-tier Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i (2023), including its full specifications and price in Nepal.
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i (2023) Overview:
Design and Display
In terms of design, the Yoga Pro 7i (2023) is quite similar to its previous versions. This slim laptop measures just 15.6mm thick, weighs 1.49 kg only and has a 180º hinge too. Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i (2023) is available in Tidal Teal and Storm Grey colorways.
Moving on, it has a 14.5″ IPS LCD display with 2.5K/3K resolution and a peak brightness of 350/400 nits. Lenovo says the 3K variant also has “PureSight Pro” technology for more realistic colors, a more comfortable viewing experience, and a smoother 120Hz refresh rate as well. Regardless, both configurations cover a 100% sRGB color gamut and have Dolby Vision, TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification, Eyesafe certification, and a matte finish to keep light glares at bay.
As the name implies, Yoga Pro 7i (i for Intel) is powered by Intel processors. You can choose two 13th-generation Intel Core CPUs here. The base variant features Core i5-13500H CPU (12C/16T, up to 4.7 GHz), while the high-end model gets Core i7-13700H CPU (14C/20T, up to 5.0 GHz).
And as for GPU, there are three options to choose from. The entry-level configuration only has the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, while discrete GPU options include RTX 3050 with 58W TGP and 6GB GDDR6 VRAM, clocked at up to 990 MHz. Or the new RTX 4050 (55W, 6GB GDDR6 VRAM, 1605 MHz).
In terms of memory, the Yoga Pro 7i supports up to 32GB of LPDDR5X dual channel RAM (5200 MHz) and up to 1TB of PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSD.
Ports and connectivity
This ultrabook has a decent port selection as well. There is one USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (with PD 3.0 and DP 1.4), one HDMI 2.1, one audio combo jack, and one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port. For wireless connectivity, WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 are supported.
Image: Notebookcheck
Rest of the specs
Yoga Pro 7i is fueled by a big 73Wh battery with Rapid Charge Express support. As a result, Lenovo claims that this laptop can last up to 3 hours with just 15 minutes of charge. In terms of audio, you get a quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos sound.
Getting to the camera, this laptop packs an FHD infrared (IR) camera with a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor and privacy shutter. There are also 4 microphones in total to pick up your voice more clearly. The Yoga Pro 7i has a full-size keyboard with a 1.5mm travel distance. The company has also used anti-grease dish cap keys for a faster tap response.
Security: 1080p IR webcam with Privacy Shutter, ToF sensor
Ports:
– 1 x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4)
– 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (with PD 3.0 and DP 1.4)
– 1 x HDMI 2.1
– 1 x Audio Combo Jack
– 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i (2023) Price in Nepal and Availability
You can now buy the new Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i in Nepal from ITTI and other computer stores. It is priced at Rs. 192,000 for the 2.8K model with Intel Core i7-13700H, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD.
We all know the Samsung Note 7’s battery experienced issues due to manufacturing defects, resulting in overheating, explosions, and property damage. It’s no surprise that the company has been working on a safer alternative technology for almost a decade now. However, it’s only that Samsung has made significant progress in the Solid State battery technology.
Samsung’s Solid-State Battery
Although Samsung has been researching solid-state batteries since 2013, the timescale for mass production and integration into mobile devices and electric vehicles (EVs) remains uncertain. That said, it is believed to have achieved some milestones recently.
As per reports, two separate divisions within Samsung are now working to integrate oxide-based solid-state batteries into their products. One is the South Korean giant’s electro-mechanics division trying to use it in electric devices. In addition, Samsung’s SDI department is working on solid-state batteries for the Electric Vehicle sector.
Other Brands on Solid-State Battery
It is not only Samsung that is part of discussions about solid-state batteries. Xiaomi, too, has made considerable strides by successfully—even developing a prototype of solid-state batteries, which they implemented into a Xiaomi 13 phone. According to sources, this notable battery prototype can produce an amazing 6,000mAh capacity while remaining inside the compact dimensions of a typical 4,500mAh lithium-ion battery.
A lot of products today use lithium-ion batteries which consist of a cathode and an anode with electrolytes with a separator in between. This arrangement raises security issues since these batteries are prone to damage due to temperature change, leakage, and other external forces.
In contrast, liquid electrolytes are replaced by solid ones in solid-state batteries. This also removes the need for a separator. The result is a more stable battery with reduced risks of overheating and explosions. Furthermore, solid-state batteries are not only lighter and smaller, but they also have a higher capacity.
It is worth noting that QuantumScape, another player in the space, is aiming for commercial manufacturing around 2025, though potential roadblocks remain unknown. It is important to remember that researchers and developers are constantly working on new battery technologies. And there are several reasons why we consider these technologies as batteries of the future instead of being immediately available alternatives.
India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the “Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR)” system for tracking and blocking lost mobile phones all across the country. In theory, it is pretty similar to Nepal’s MDMS, but its execution seems to be way better.
CEIR Mobile Tracking System Overview:
Planned for an all-India rollout on May 17, CEIR is a portal via which people can report their stolen phones, either for tracking or blocking them. It works on the basis of the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identification) number, which is a unique 15-digit number for every smartphone.
Indian law mandates all smartphones imported/sold in India to have visible IMEI numbers. All phones bought in India will have their IMEI numbers marked on the box as well as on the purchase bill. The DoT then stores all these IMEI numbers in robust central databases. So when you register a complaint via the CEIR portal or the police, they blacklist the IMEI of the stolen device. Since all telecom companies have access to this database, they can block service and start tracking your phone too.
Besides theft, another big problem in the Indian smartphone market is the existence of cloned, inferior devices. At a quick glance, they look very similar to the real deal, but that couldn’t be further from the truth once you actually got to use the phone.
However, with the introduction of this system, Indian smartphone buyers can check the IMEI status of a phone by simply sending an SMS to “14422”, by typing in:
KYM<15-digit IMEI number>
If the status reads “Black listed”, “Duplicate”, or “Already in use”, then don’t buy those phones as they might be a clone, a stolen device, or one with an altered IMEI number. Alternatively, you can also verify all this via the KYM web portal or mobile app.
How does it work?
Say your phone got stolen. You’ll first need to file a complaint to the nearest police and acquire a digital copy of the complaint. Then, you’re gonna need to reach out to your network provider for a duplicate SIM since it will serve as your primary number to receive the OTP for verification when requesting to block your lost phone.
Now, you’re ready to fill out this form in CEIR’s mobile tracking portal and get a request ID. Make sure you enter all the details accurately, including your phone’s IMEI number and other personal information. You’ll also need to upload a few documents like that digital copy of the police complaint, purchase invoice, and such. And say the police track down your stolen smartphone, you can then request an appeal to unblock your IMEI number, which is where the aforementioned request ID comes in.
Recovering a lost smartphone via the installed SIM is a pretty common procedure. But it is bypassable by simply replacing the SIM card; whereas skilled thieves can even alter the IMEI number of the device using special software. iPhones have a “Find my iPhone” feature which works by tying the phone to a specific Apple ID, although Android phones have been lacking in this area. But with the introduction of the CEIR, all phones will have equal chances of recoverability in India.
Similarity to MDMS in Nepal
Essentially, CEIR is pretty identical to Nepal’s Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) which keeps a record of all cellular devices imported into Nepal using their IMEI numbers. And like CEIR, MDMS also has provisions to track and block stolen or lost phones. But seeing just how robust and clear-cut CEIR is, we can’t help but feel a bit disappointed by how MDMS has been so far.
First, there was this whole fiasco with the system’s implementation itself. And even after MDMS has finally gone live this time, we’ve heard of numerous complaints from others about its apparent unreliability. From occasionally flagging officially imported phones as “unverified” to the system’s uptime and more, NTA has a lot of work cut out for itself in terms of evolving MDMS into what it actually should be.
In its pilot testing phase in the northeast, Delhi, Maharastra, and Karnataka region of India, CEIR has already proven to be quite effective. Karnataka Police reports it has already recovered more than 2,500 lost phones using this system. Whereas according to the CEIR portal’s latest data, the system has blocked 487,923 phones and traced 245,177 phones across India as of May 18, 2023.
Needless to say, systems like CEIR and MDMS have lots of benefits for smartphone owners, as well as the regulators of the mobile industry. It offers an additional layer of security to smartphone owners, while also effectively getting rid of the sale of grey devices.
Meanwhile, check out our top picks for best phones under USD 300
Apple launched the original Beats Studio Buds back in 2021 as an AirPods alternative for Android users. It has now announced its successor, the Beats Studio Buds Plus. The latest truly wireless buds bring some significant improvements in audio, battery life and ANC, in addition to a new transparent option. So, let’s look into the specs, features, expected price, and availability of Beats Studio Buds+ in Nepal.
Beats Studio Buds+ Overview:
Design and Audio
Beats Studio Buds+ made headlines even before its official launch because of the new transparent design. The transparent option, which looks to be inspired by Nothing’s ear lineup, comes with see-through earbuds and a charging case that lets users peek into the intricate electric details on the inside. If you are not a fan of transparent tech, Beats also offers the TWS earbuds in Ivory and Black/Gold colorways.
The overall design of the earbuds has remained the same, although Beats has made some changes to improve the overall audio quality. Beats Studio Buds+ now sports three acoustic vents that channel more air inside for better sound. Likewise, it now ships with four pairs of silicone ear tips for a personalized fit.
Audio and ANC
For a more rich sound, Studio Beats Plus packs a custom transducer with polymer layers and a flexible sound. As per the company, this design choice allows the earbuds to produce cleaner bass while absorbing minute distortions. With support for spatial audio, Beats claims the earbuds’ surround sound feels like having 64 speakers around.
Beats have also changed the microphones inside the earbuds. The new ones are up to 3 times larger than the last gen—allowing the Beats+ to feature ANC 1.6 times stronger than the first-gen Studio Buds. The transparency mode is also twice as better, allowing users to grasp more of the ambient surrounding. There is also a new voice-targeting algorithm trained for over 7,000 hours that filters background noise more effectively for a clearer call experience.
Meanwhile, check out all the prices and specs of Beats audio products here
Connectivity and Controls
All these features are made possible by Apple’s proprietary chip with Class 1 Bluetooth support. You can use the earbuds within both Apple and Android ecosystems. Native Apple features include one-touch pairing, hands-free voice assistant, and Find My app compatibility, On the other hand, Android counterparts like Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch and Find My Device are also supported. Moreover, Android users can also download the Beats app from PlayStore for updates and more features.
Like the original Studio Buds, the new Buds+ also has a single physical button for music playback controls, taking calls and summoning voice assistants.
Battery and Charging
Beats Studio Buds Plus can last up to 9 hours on a full charge. The charging adds three more cycles taking the combined endurance to 36 hours. With ANC and Transparency modes turned on, you can expect 6 hours of playback with the earbuds and an additional 18 hours on the carrying case. You can get 1 hour’s worth of playback with just 5 minutes of charging, thanks to the fast charging support.
Beats Studio Buds+ Specifications:
Weight: 5gm (each earbud), 49gm (case), 59gm (earbuds with case)
Music Time:
Earbuds: Up to 9 hours (6 hours with ANC/Transparency mode on)
With case: Up to 36 hours (24 hours with ANC/Transparency mode on)
Control: Physical buttons
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
Noise Cancellation: Yes, ANC
IP Rating: Yes, IPX4
Color Options: Ivory, Gold/Black, Transparent
Companion App: Beats App (Android)
Beats Studio Buds+ Price in Nepal (Availability)
You can now order the Studio Buds+ from Apple, Beats and partner stores in the US. It is priced at USD 169.99. We can expect the price of Beats Studio Buds+ to be around NPR when it finally hits the Nepali market later.
Besides that, the TWS is IPX4 rated against sweat and water splashes. The company ships this TWS in five color options: Black, White, Yellow, Red, and Grey. But only the former two options are available in Nepal.
