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Effect of MDMS on phones purchased from India/US or other grey channels

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Effect of MDMS on phones purchased from India/US or other grey channels

As the government has announced the implementation of the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) in Nepal, there has been a widespread assumption that phones purchased through grey channels will not work. However, that is not entirely the case. Even after the system goes live from Shrawan 1, phones purchased from India/Dubai/US, or imported as gifts, and through other grey channels can continue to function normally. Here, we’ll be discussing the effect of MDMS on the existing grey phones in Nepal.

MDMS effect on grey phones:

The government and Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) have clearly initiated the implementation of MDMS to diminish grey channel infatuation. This will definitely assist the economy of the country to flourish since legally imported phones will contribute to 13% VAT and 2.5% excise duty.

Moreover, as the grey market diminishes, more job opportunities will be created in the mobile sector which will further boost the economy of the country. Before we go any further, let’s understand why the grey market exists in Nepal.

Reasons why the grey market exists

There are certain factors that ultimately made many of us (as a consumer) opt for smartphone imports via unofficial grey channels. The first and foremost reason has to be the overpricing of most phones that arrive in Nepal. And because we share an open border with India where the prices are lower, Nepalese are directly motivated to purchase from a grey channel.

Smartphone Model  Price Price in Nepal Difference
iPhone 12 (128GB) USD 950 NPR 142,000 Rs. 32,000
OnePlus 9 (12/1256GB) INR 54,999 NPR 104,000 Rs. 16,000
OPPO F19 Pro (8/128GB) INR 21,490 NPR 44,990 Rs. 10,600
Realme 7 (8/128GB) INR 16,999 NPR 35,990 Rs. 8,790

The delayed launch comes next. Compared to our neighbouring countries and the western market, smartphone companies launch their devices pretty late here. For example, the iPhone 12 series officially arrived in Nepal two months later as compared to the US and India. So, domestic smartphone enthusiasts don’t get to play with the newest gadgets quite on time. And once again, we’re left to look at the grey market. 

Smartphone Model  Launch Date Nepal Launch Date  Difference
iPhone 12 Oct 13, 2020 Dec 25, 2020 72 days
Poco F3 (Mi 11X) March 22, 2021 May 25, 2021 63 days
Galaxy M62 (F62) Feb 15, 2021 April 12, 2021 57 days
Redmi Note 10 Pro March 24, 2021 May 14, 2021 50 days

The third reason why the grey market exists is that some of the products don’t launch here in Nepal. And most of them are usually valued-oriented smartphones with an exceptional price-to-performance ratio. Hence, customers are tempted to buy such devices.

For example, Xiaomi’s Mi 10i didn’t launch in Nepal but sold in thousands of units via the grey channel in the country as it offered great specs at a mid-range price (5G Snapdragon 750G, 120Hz display, 108MP camera under Rs. 35,000).

Here are few recently launched excellent phones that are available in the global market but didn’t arrive in Nepal:

Disadvantages of MDMS: The worst-case scenario 

Following the implementation of MDMS, smartphone brands in Nepal can decide which model to launch and which not to. Plus, they now have 100% control over their price. As a result, no matter what, buyers will have to settle among the available phones—which may have exorbitant pricing. This could create a closed and monopolistic market where the customers will ultimately suffer the most.

On the other hand, the government hasn’t released a detailed blueprint outlining how the system works for grey devices. Consider the following scenario: someone arrives in Nepal and brings a handset as a gift, or tourists have their smartphone purchased in their own country. Is the system worth it if they are unable to use that particular device? Certainly not. So, the government should institute an appropriate procedure to get the gadget authorized for usage in Nepal.

Advantages of MDMS: The good stuff

While we have discussed the downsides of MDMS, there are also beneficial components to them.

1. Proper tax collection

One of the primary reasons for imposing MDMS is to ensure that the government collects the allocated tax (13% VAT and 2.5% excise duty) from every phone that enters the country officially through national distributors (importers). If the device is purchased in Nepal via official channels, the buyer directly pays all taxes and other add-on costs.

However, phones bought on the grey market are exempt from this requirement. So, since the system will abolish the import of phones illegally, that will directly result in an increased volume of legal imports. And this will ultimately help the government regulate smartphone import taxes to the proper extent.

2. User security

Following that, the handsets purchased on the grey market will not have their IMEI number registered in NTA’s database. If your phone gets lost or stolen, the authorities will be unable to locate it. But that won’t be the case for phones that arrive through the official channels.

So, what if your existing phone(s) is from the grey market?

Before you start to panic, don’t. Even if you bought your phone from unofficial channels, it will continue to function as it is now—on one condition. You should compulsorily register your device in the NTA database to avoid any future complications. 

Verdict: Let’s create a win-win situation

All the strategies that NTA has in the works to reduce the effects of the grey channels in the country are commendable. However, as there are two sides to every coin, the responsible authority should also endeavour to resolve the contradictory scenario we outlined above.

The government of Nepal should also think from the consumer’s point of view and assure us believe that this is indeed a fair implementation. They could perhaps impose a nominal amount of TAX to buyers who opt to use mobile phones bought from abroad. For example, if a relative or a friend gifts me an iPhone 13 which has been imported from the US, there should be a provision of a certain fee to whitelist such phones.  

  • Meanwhile, check out our video on what to do if your phone is stolen or lost:

Xiaomi showcases 200W wired and 120W wireless HyperCharge technology

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Xiaomi showcases 200W wired and 120W wireless HyperCharge technology

Xiaomi has announced its latest fast charging solution. The new HyperCharge technology solidifies the company’s position as the leader in the world of fast charging. It supports 200W wired and 120W wireless charging. Here, we will be learning more about Xiaomi HyperCharge Technology in detail.

Xiaomi HyperCharge Technology

The company shared a video demonstrating the breakthrough charging technology via its social media handles. The video shows the HyperCharge technology in action on a modified Mi 11 Pro with a 4,000mAh battery.

Using the wired charging method, the phone went from 0 to 10% in just 44 seconds. It only took 3 minutes for the phone to get to 50%. It took additional 5 minutes to get to 100%. Thus, Xiaomi’s new 200W wired HyperCharge Technology can fill a 4,000mAh smartphone battery in just 8 minutes.

This is more than twice as fast as Oppo’s 125W Flash Charge that fills up a similar-sized battery in 20 minutes.

Similarly, 120W wireless HyperCharge technology is an improvement over last year’s 80W Mi Wireless Charging. The latter could charge a 4,000mAh cell to its maximum capacity in 40 minutes. The latest charging tech gets the job done in just 15 minutes instead.

In the demo video, the HyperCharge wireless charging got the modified Mi 11 Pro to 10% in just one minute while hitting the 50% mark in 7 minutes. It took the charger additional 8 minutes to wrap up the charging process—so 15 minutes in total.

Is it market-ready though?

The answer is no, so don’t expect to see a commercial device with 200W wired charging and 120W wireless charging capability anytime soon. These types of demos are more of a way to secure bragging rights among smartphone brands. In addition, it is also a great way to keep customers and investors happy and invested in the company.

Currently, iQOO 7 is the only device that even ships with a 120W charger, and that too in the company’s home country of China only. Xiaomi did launch the Mi 10 Ultra with a 120W charger last year but retracted back to 67W with the new Mi 11 Ultra.

Mi 11 Ultra also charges wirelessly at 67W. It is an upgrade from 50W wireless charging on its predecessor. Huawei Mate 40 Pro is another device that has 50W wireless charging.

  • Meanwhile, check out our gaming PC build under $1,000.

Realme announces a couple of affordable 4K TVs with Dolby Cinema support

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Realme announces a couple of affordable 4K TVs with Dolby Cinema support

Realme entered the smart TV segment with a couple of TVs under the Realme Smart TV moniker. Now, the company has added two more devices to the lineup. Compared to last year’s models, the new entries have higher resolution and ship with more features. Let’s take a look at the key specs of the new Realme Smart TV 4K, along with their expected price in Nepal.

Realme Smart TV 4K Overview:

As mentioned earlier, the new Realme Smart TV 4K arrives in two screen sizes – 43-inch and 50-inch. These edge-to-edge displays have 2.6mm thin bezels. More importantly, both TVs boast a 4K resolution and 1.07 billion colors.

Likewise, they have a 178º viewing angle. Realme Smart TV 4K supports Dolby Vision too and features Chroma Boost Picture Engine for color production.

Realme Smart TV 4K Design and Display

Powering these TVs is an undisclosed MediaTek chipset. All we know is that it has four CPU cores. It is paired with 2GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage. The TV ships with Android 10 out-of-the-box. As a result, it has Google Play Store, Chromecast, and Google Assistant built-in.

Realme Smart TV 4K Audio

In terms of audio, there’s a quad-speaker setup with a combined output of 24W. They even support Dolby Atmos and DTS surround sound. The remote comes with dedicated buttons for Google Assistant and popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube.

Realme Smart TV 4K Remote Handsfree Control

For I/O, the Realme Smart TV 4K comes with three HDMI ports (including one with ARC output), two USB 2.0, one AV out, one Ethernet, and one Tuner port. It has Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band Wi-Fi in terms of wireless connectivity.

Specifications:

  • Display: 43/50-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) LED panel
  • Display Properties: 90% DCI-P3, 1.07 billion colors, 178º viewing angle, Dolby Vision
  • Dimensions :
    – 43-inch: 96 x 7.6 x 56.3 cm (without stand)
    – 50-inch: 111 x 7.5  x 64.7 cm (without stand)
  • Wall-mount size: 200 x 200 mm
  • Weight:
    – 43-inch: 9.5 kg (Gross), 6.5 kg (Net)
    – 50-inch: 13.1 kg (Gross), 9.2 kg (Net)
  • Sound: 24W quad-stereo Speakers, Dolby Audio, DTS HD
  • OS: Android 10
  • Processor: Quad-core MediaTek processor
  • Storage: 2GB RAM, 16GB Memory
  • Power: 100W (43-inch) / 120W (50-inch)
  • Wireless Connectivity: WiFi (2.4 GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.0
  • I/O Ports: 3x HDMI, 2x USB, 1x LAN, 1x AV, 1x Tuner

Realme Smart TV 4K Price in Nepal & Availability

Realme Smart TV 4K will go on sale in India starting June 4 where its price is INR 27,999 and INR 39,999 for the 43-inch and 50-inch model, respectively. The company has not launched any of its TVs in Nepal yet. However, if Realme Smart TV 4K launches in Nepal, we expect its price to start at NPR 50,000.

Realme Smart TV 4K Price in India Price in Nepal (Expected)
43-inch INR 27,999 NPR 50,000
50-inch INR 39,999 NPR 70,000
  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the iQOO 7.

Base vs high-end M1 iMac—is Apple hiding something?

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Base vs high-end M1 iMac—is Apple hiding something?

According to the official listing, the high-end M1 iMac 2021 offers an additional GPU core, two extra USB-C ports, Touch ID, Gigabit Ethernet, and more color options over the base model. What it doesn’t reveal is that the two variants come with different cooling solutions as well. Thus, they are certain to hit different performance levels even though Apple doesn’t advertise them as so. Let’s discover the performance gap between base vs high-end M1 iMac.

M1 iMac: Base vs high-end variant

Apple has not been open about the difference in cooling setup between the two configurations. Every electronic device converts some portion of the energy it draws into heat. This heat, if not dissipated properly, can eventually limit the performance of that device.

Here, the cooling mechanism on the base variant consists of a single fan and a heat sink. On the other hand, there are two fans of the high-end model. In addition, it also has a heat pipe for effective heat transmission.

Thus, though both iMacs have the revolutionary Apple M1 chip underneath, the base model will not be performing to the level of its more expensive sibling. To demonstrate the difference between the two, YouTuber Max Tech performed a series of tests, which we have discussed in detail below.

Geekbench 5

Single Core Multi Core Compute
Base 1,748 7,582 19,873
High-end 1,736 7,631 21,525

As the table reflects, there is not much difference between the two devices here. This is expected, as Geekbench does not push the machine to its limits.

3DMark Wild Life Extreme

  Unlimited Mode
Base 26.5 FPS
High-end 29.5 FPS

Here, the performance difference is around 10%.

3D Mark Wildlife Stress Test

Best Loop Score Lowest Loop Score Stability
Base: 16,454 15,924 96.8%
High-end: 18,052 17,639 97.7%

Unlike 3DMark Life Extreme, this test lasts longer and puts more stress on the GPU cores. Even before the test, the core temperature of the base model was higher than the high-end model.

During the test, it was apparent that the base variant was running hotter, with its temperature reaching up to 91º Celsius. The fan was also operating at its max capacity, whereas the ones on the high-end were barely above idle.

Thus, if you plan to run graphics-intensive tasks for a long period on the M1 iMac, thermal throttling brings down the performance on the base variant, whereas this won’t be much of an issue on the high-end variant.

Cinebench R23

Moving on, Cinebench R23 puts 100% load on the CPU cores and as CPU tends to draw much more power than GPU, the difference between the two variants is clear here.

Base High-End
Score 7,002 7,722
Core Temperature 94º 88º
CPU Power 10.3W 15W
CPU Clock Frequency 2.5GHz 3.2GHz
Fan Utilization 100% 50%

Starting off, the dual-fan setup is much more effective as it keeps the CPU cores at 88º Celsius at half its maximum capacity. On the other hand, the single fan solution, even at its full speed, reaches 94º Celsius. Thus, it suffers from throttling.

The high-end variant scored 7,722 points in this test with its CPU operating at 3.2GHz the whole time. In contrast, the CPU on the base model could only hit 2.5GHz resulting in 7,002 points.

Photo and video editing

Lightroom CC – 50x 42MP Export 5min 4K H.264 Export 1min 4.5K R3D RAW Export
Base 4 min 20 sec 3 min 2 sec 2 min 48 sec
High-end 2 min 25 sec 3 min 2 min 25 sec

As you can see from the table above, you will be getting better performance when it comes to tasks like photo editing and video editing with the high-end model too. In addition, it will run quieter and cooler than the base model.

Base iMac vs High-End M1 iMac: Conclusion

To conclude, if your workload consists of heavy photo/video editing, 3D rendering, and so on, getting the high-end iMac makes more sense. It costs $1,499 and $1,699 for 256GB and 512GB storage, respectively.

However, if you do not do such intensive tasks on your computer, then the base iMac will do just fine—if you are also okay with other limitations as mentioned on Apple’s website.

  • Meanwhile, check out our gaming PC build under $1,000.

Realme X7 Max 5G with powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset goes official

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Realme X7 Max 5G with powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset goes official

Realme’s X7 lineup has a new member. The company hosted an online event today to announce the arrival of Realme X7 Max 5G in India. It is actually the rebranded Realme GT Neo for the Indian market. Let us look at the specifications and features of Realme X7 Max, along with its expected price in Nepal.

Realme X7 Max 5G Overview:

Design and Overview

The phone features a 6.43-inch Samsung-made Super AMOLED screen with a left-aligned selfie cutout. This FHD+ panel has 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, a 360Hz touch sampling rate, and up to 1000 nits of peak brightness.

Realme X7 Max Color Options

The rear panel has a matte finish. A glossy stripe passes through the rectangular camera bump to give it a dual-tone finish. It even has a “Dare to Leap” branding but Realme has toned it down by a lot compared to what we’ve seen on the Realme 8 series. The phone is 8.4mm thick and weighs around 179 grams.

Performance

Like with the X7 and X7 Pro, Realme has turned to MediaTek for the processor in the X7 Max. Here, the phone is powered by Dimensity 1200, which is the best SoC in the Taiwanese chipmaker’s arsenal right now. It is a flagship chipset based on TSMC’s 6nm process. It features four Cortex-A78 power (1+3) and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. Realme has even collaborated with Asphalt 9 for this phone.

Realme GT Neo Cooling Mechanism

The Vapour Cooling system on the X7 Max comes with a steel-copper composite, which Realme claims offers better strength and efficiency compared to the copper structures.

Camera

At the back, Realme X7 Max flaunts a 64MP triple camera setup. The primary camera here uses Sony IMX682 sensor. For reference, the X7 Pro has Sony IMX686. Moving on, there is an 8MP ultrawide camera. Completing the setup is a 2MP sensor with a macro lens.

Realme X7 Max Camera Setup

With this setup, users can record 4K videos at 60fps. There is no Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), but Realme has included UIX Max Stabilization. Likewise, the 16MP selfie camera upfront can record 1080p videos at 30 fps.

Rest of the specs

Fueling the device is a 4,500mAh battery. It is of the same size as that on the X7 Pro, but it charges slower at 50W. Still, it can get you from 0 to 100% in just 15 mins. X7 Max also has a dual stereo speaker with Dolby Atmos audio.

It even has a 3.5mm headphone jack, the lack of which was a major criticism for the X7 and X7 Pro. The phone ships with the latest Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11.

Realme X7 Max Charging

Realme X7 Max Specifications:

  • Boyd: 158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4mm, 179 gm
  • Display: 6.43-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 360Hz touch sampling rate, 100% P3 Wide Color, 1000 nits (peak)
  • Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 1200 5G (6nm)
  • RAM: 8/12GB LPDDR4X RAM
  • Storage: 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage
  • OS: Realme UI 2.0 on Android 11
  • Rear Camera: 64MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide-angle, 2MP macro
  • Selfie Camera: 16MP sensor (punch-hole)
  • Audio: Stereo speaker, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio
  • Security: Fingerprint scanner (in-display)
  • Connectivity: 5G, Dual Nano SIM slot, Wi-Fi a/b/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS / GLONASS / Beidou / Galileo / QZSS, NFC, 5G, Type-C port
  • Battery: 4500mAh with 50W fast charging
  • Colors: Asteroid Black, Mercury Silver, Milky Way

Realme X7 Max 5G Price in Nepal & Availability

Realme X7 Max 5G will go on sale in India from June 4 where its price is INR 26,999 for the 8/128GB model, while the 12/256GB variant costs INR 29,999. If it arrives here, we expect the price of Realme X7 Max 5G in Nepal to start around NPR 45,000.

Realme X7 Max 5G Price in India Price in Nepal
8/128GB INR 26,999 NPR 48,000
12/256GB INR 29,999 NPR 53,000
  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the Realme X7 Pro.

A brief rundown of Nepal Government’s 2078/79 budget in the ICT sector

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A brief rundown of Nepal Government’s 2078/79 budget in the ICT sector

Yesterday, the Nepalese government unveiled its budget allocation for the fiscal year 2078-79 with a total capital of NPR 1647.57 billion. In terms of the IT industry, the government has included programs such as broadband expansion, e-governance, startup loans, and many more. Furthermore, the 2078-79 budget for the ICT sector also focuses on youth empowerment. 

2078-79 budget on ICT sector:

Education

Laptop at 1% Interest

Let us begin by discussing the proposal for pupils and the educational system as a whole. The finance minister announced that the government has decided to provide loans of up to NPR 80,000 (at 1% interest) to students over the age of 16 for the purchase of a laptop. The loan must be returned within two years and is only available to students enrolled in government institutions.

University & portal for students

Moving forward, the government will enhance its dedicated portal named Sikai Chautari to expand the reach of education through the internet. Students from any school or location are welcome to participate and learn.

Finance minister Mr. Bishnu Prasad Paudel also announced that the Madan Bhandari Technical University in Kavre would open its doors in the coming fiscal year. Furthermore, the administration intends to establish technical schools at all local levels.

Loan to graduates 

To encourage the nation’s young entrepreneurs, the government will grant loans of up to NPR 2.5 million to startups at 1% interest rates. To qualify for startup financing, graduates must provide an academic certificate as proof.

In addition, startups will also get an exemption on profit tax for five years from the date of their establishment.

Free internet & SIM

The government plans to provide free internet access to all community schools throughout the country. Within the next fiscal year, 60 percent of community schools will have a free broadband internet connection. In addition, students who are 16 years or more will be eligible to get a free SIM card.

For citizens

The government of Nepal has put up a number of proposals to expedite the process of manual or time-consuming operations.

Digitized land-management

A while ago, we came to know about Mero Kitta and NeLIS, a digital initiative that provides land-related services like map print, plot register print, and fieldbook print. Now, it appears that the government is ready to take it to the next level.

Government of Nepal launches Mero Kitta online platform for plot related services NeLIS Department of Survey offices

In the coming fiscal year, the government plans to digitize the majority of its land-related processes. This eliminates the need to personally visit the Malpot office and complete the necessary paperwork.

Nagarik app

The full version of the Nagarik app was launched on May 3 and the government has vowed to add numerous services to the platform. To that end, Mr. Paudel stated that major services (such as bill book renewal, Malpot, and so on) would be shifted to the Nagarik app.

Vehicle tracking

A few years ago, the Nepal government introduced the notion of embossed number plates for automobiles. However, in practice, the implementation has been limited to a small number of vehicles.

Furthermore, the government has raised the same subject again and stated that radio frequency-equipped (RFID) embossed number plates will be provided for vehicles starting next fiscal year. In addition, the driver will get an electronic license which will help to track his/her movement or location.

QR benefits

Starting with the next fiscal year, you will receive a 10% VAT refund on products purchased and paid for with a QR code. The add-on incentive will encourage the digitization of the payment process. In addition, the government has also chosen to incorporate QR codes into passports.

Unified national payment

As per the plans of the government, a national payment switch will come into operation shortly, which will integrate various online payment gateways and provide a unified platform for online transactions. The project is currently being worked on by Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL).

NTV global version

NTV, Nepal’s first television station, will be adding a new channel to its lineup. The channel, dubbed “NTV World,” will be one-of-a-kind in order to expand Nepalese content beyond the country’s borders.

Tele-medicines

With this initiative, people living in rural places will be able to access healthcare services through electronic media. However, the service is not solely for the remote areas, but the government’s goals are primarily to focus on rural regions of the country.

In telecommunication

The approach under this category involves the growth of 4G networks, the introduction of MDMS, fiber expansion, and other initiatives.

MDMS Implementation

MDMS is a term that will directly affect the majority of Nepali smartphone consumers. Short for Mobile Device Management System, this system assures that the smartphone, feature phones, or tablets will only enter Nepal through official channels.

Mobile Device Management System MDMS in Nepal Grey Smartphone Imports Phone Illegal Ban IMEI Registration

On the contrary, MDMS will block any and all such devices that arrive via unofficial channels like grey markets. As a result, they will be inaccessible to network connectivity throughout the country. The system will come into effect from the beginning of Shrawan. Find more about it here.

Nepal Telecom shares to the public

Another fascinating piece of news announced during the budget speech might be of interest to investors in the share market. The government-owned telecom company, Nepal Telecom has decided to distribute 22% of the company share to the general public who are using the NT’s mobile, landline, or internet services.

In EVs

Last but not the least, the 2078-79 budget for the ICT sector has several proposals that aim to expand the country’s electric vehicle scenario. Through Sajha Yatayat, at least 100 electric buses will come into operation in Kathmandu Valley within the fiscal year.

Furthermore, the government plans to lure the top 10 EV companies in the world to manufacture/assemble their electric vehicles in Nepal. And the most exciting news of them all has to be the elimination of excise duty on the import of EVs—alongside reduced custom duty.

It will undoubtedly make things easier for local EV companies like Yatri to grow and establish themselves in Nepal.

  • Meanwhile, check out our gaming PC build under $1,000.

Fitbit will soon be able to track your snoring and other ambient noises

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Fitbit will soon be able to track your snoring and other ambient noises

Earlier in March, Google announced the second-gen Nest Hub that could detect user’s snores and coughs using a Soli-powered sensor. Now, a report has emerged which suggests that snoring and noise detection features will arrive on the upcoming Fitbit devices as well.

Snoring and Noise Detection in Fitbit

The report comes from 9To5Google, who analyzed the source code of the Fitbit app from the Play Store. The app or the “APK” file was first decompiled using the JEB decompiler and then investigated for potential future features.

Working mechanism

As things stand, Fitbit tracks your sleep using sensors that track your heart rate and movement too. However, the source code of the latest Fitbit app reveals that Google is planning to use the microphone to detect snoring and other noises.

This microphone will automatically turn on once Fitbit confirms that the user is asleep. It will then listen to the surrounding for noises. The recorded sound intensities are compared against a baseline noise level by an algorithm that determines if the wearer is snoring or it’s something else.

Shortcomings

Given the working mechanism of the system, it will not be able to detect snoring if the intensity is lower than that of the ambient sound of your room. In addition, the Fitbit has no mechanism to trace back snoring to a particular individual. Thus, if you sleep with your partner, both of your snoring will count as one.

Data representation

Here, the Fitbit app will then represent the result in percentage. It will even categorize your snoring based on the percentage.

  • None to Mild: >10% of total time
  • Moderate: 10-40% of total sleep time
  • Frequent: >40% of total sleep time

Also, Fitbit will categorize the ambient noise.

  • Very Quiet: 30 dBA or lower
  • Quiet: 30–50 dBA
  • Moderate: 50–70 dBA
  • Loud: 70–90 dBA
  • Very Loud: 90 dBA or higher

This feature will consume a lot of power. As such, Google will be recommending people to charge the device up to 40% at least before going to bed. You can completely disable this feature if you value the battery life or your privacy more.

These insights will help users to be more aware of their sleeping habits and help them take the necessary steps to improve.

Sleep Animal

Moving on, Google is also working on another feature called Sleep Animal, but it is in the early phase of development. It will provide a sleeping profile of the users; comparing their sleeping habits to that of an animal.

Sleeping Profile Description
The Bear Restless Sleeper
The Dolphin Segmented Sleeper
The Giraffe Shallow Sleeper
The Hummingbird Short Sleeper
The Kangaroo Slow to Fall Asleep Sleeper
The Tortoise Solid Sleeper

Fitbit Snoring & Noise Detection Availability

Though these features are in the APK file of the Fitbit app, Google can pull it back at any time. That being said, the snoring and noise detection feature looks almost complete and could be official soon. The Sleep Animal feature is still a work-in-progress and therefore could take time to roll out.

  • Meanwhile, check out our review of the Fitbit Versa 3.

Infinix launches its first laptop, the INBook X1: Price starts at $530

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Infinix launches its first laptop, the INBook X1: Price starts at $530

Infinix, known for its budget smartphones and TVs, has now entered the laptop industry with the INBook X1. It features an aluminum chassis with a dual-tone finish. So, let’s have a look at the specifications, features, availability, and expected price in Nepal of the Infinix INBook X1.

Infinix INBook X1 Overview:

Design and Display

Starting with the display, the laptop flaunts a 14-inch FHD panel that can be bent flat up to 180 degrees. Infinix claims that the bezels around the display are merely 4.19 mm thick. With a weight of 1.48 kg and a thickness of 16.3 mm, the device is relatively lightweight too.

Infinix Inbook X1 Display

Moreover, it has a sandblasted anodized body made out of aluminum and is available in two color options: Space Grey and Platinum Red. It also has a full-size Backlit Chiclet Keyboard.

Performance

Over on the performance, the INBook X1 ships with three CPU options—all from Intel’s 10th gen Ice Lake family. These include Core i3-1005G1, i5-1035G1, and i7-1065G7. The latter features Intel Iris Plus Graphics while the remaining two have the relatively under-powerful Intel UHD Graphics.

In terms of memory, one can choose between 8GB or 16GB RAM and up to 512GB PCIe SSD storage. Keeping the lights on is a 55Wh battery that supports charging via a 65W (USB-C) PD 3.0 AC adapter.

Rest of the specs

Moving on, the I/O connectivity option includes one USB-C, two USB 3.0 Type-A, one USB 2.0 Type-A, one HDMI 1.4, one Micro SD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone and microphone jack. Furthermore, the INBook X1 features DTS audio processing, Bluetooth 5.1, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.

Infinix INBook X1 Specifications:

  • Build: Sandblasted anodized aluminium
  • Dimension & Weight: 16.3 mm thick, 1.48 kg
  • Display: 14-inch IPS, 180-degree hinge, 4.19 mm bezels
  • Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080) 
  • CPU: Intel 10th gen Core i3-1005G1, i5-1035G1, or i7-1065G7
  • RAM: 8/16GB DDR4
  • Storage: Up to 512GB PCIe SSD
  • Keyboard: Full-size backlit Chiclet
  • Audio: DTS audio processing
  • Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
  • Battery: 55Wh battery
  • Adapter: 65W USB-C AC adapter
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
  • Webcam: 720p camera
  • I/O ports: 1x USB-C, 2 x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot, 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack

Infinix INBook X1 Price in Nepal and Availability

Infinix INBook X1 will be available by the end of June in Egypt, Indonesia, and Nigeria where its price starts at USD 530 for the Core i3 model. If and when the Infinix INBook X1 launches in Nepal, we expect its price to start at around NPR 65,000.

Infinix INBook X1 Price (Global) Price in Nepal (Expected)
Core i3-1005G1 USD 530 NPR 65,000
  • Meanwhile, check out our gaming PC build under USD 1000. 

Oppo is apparently preparing for a smartwatch with “almost no shortcomings”

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Oppo is apparently preparing for a smartwatch with “almost no shortcomings”

Oppo recently announced the Reno 6 series in China. However, just before the smartphone launch event, Oppo held an exclusive media conference. The company has confirmed that they will be releasing a new smartwatch shortly. And apparently, the upcoming Oppo Watch Free will have “almost no shortcomings.”

Oppo Watch Free Rumors Roundups:

Oppo has announced that its new smartwatch will employ a chip co-developed with Ambiq. More specifically, the processor on the smartwatch will be Apollo4s. From the design outline, it appears that this device will be a premium smartwatch. Thus, with the new chipset and premium design, we do not expect it to be cheap.

Furthermore, a slew of Oppo products was listed on China’s 3C certification back in April. According to it, these devices support 4G networks and have a charging rate of 5V 1A or 5V 1.5A. The charging speed of these products is comparable to that of the Oppo smartwatches currently on the market. 

Oppo Watch Free EUIPO Certification

The company is yet to reveal the official name of the smartwatch. However, Oppo recently filed a trademark with the name “Oppo Watch Free” in the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

As per the listing discovered by LetsGoDigital, the device is listed for sports use; which means it could end up being Oppo’s first-ever sports smartwatch. This is a rough guess for the name, but since the company has officially confirmed plans for a smartwatch, this might end up being true. Also, the Watch Free might launch with the new Wear smartwatch platform.

Launch

To date, Oppo hasn’t disclosed any information about Watch Free regarding its specifications or launch date. So we’ll have to wait to hear more about this mysterious smartwatch with “almost no shortcomings.”

  • Meanwhile, check out our pick for the top six smartwatches in 2021.

The upcoming OnePlus Nord phones promise speed and affordability

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The upcoming OnePlus Nord phones promise speed and affordability

With the launch of the OnePlus Nord 2020, the company made a dramatic comeback in the mid-range market. Besides this, the brand has also added a couple of other phones in the Nord lineup. Now, OnePlus is ready to welcome two new members to the Nord family – the OnePlus Nord CE 5G and Nord 200 5G.

OnePlus Nord CE 5G:

Here, the Nord CE 5G is said to be the successor to last year’s Nord N10 5G. Max Jambor, a leakster, originally revealed the name via his Twitter handle. In addition, OnePlus is also working on another Nord-series device called the Nord 200 5G.

OnePlus CEO Pete Lau in talk with TechRadar shared some details about the upcoming phone. He confirmed the official name and the existence of both smartphones. As per the blog, the “CE” in the name stands for “Core Edition”. 

Lau elaborated on the new naming convention, saying, “we have distilled the original Nord down to its core elements, and added a few more features to create a great everyday phone at an even more affordable price.”

OnePlus Nord CE 5G

The statement is a little perplexing as he hinted (if I got that right) that the upcoming Nord is a refined version of last year’s Nord. However, if its specifications are comparable to those of the original handset, it may fail to wow the audience.

What to expect?

The OnePlus Nord was a huge success, but the standards have shifted and the company has to upgrade its product to match it. While Lau confirmed the existence of Nord CE 5G, he is yet to provide any hardware specifications about the phone.

He did, however, say that the “OnePlus Nord CE 5G delivers a fast and smooth experience and powerful core features all backed by the OnePlus quality users know and love.” So, just a bunch of corporate mumbo-jumbo.

Yet, the word on the streets is that the phone will be powered by Snapdragon 750G—which is a slight upgrade over the 765G in the first-gen Nord. Still, 750G’s 8nm process makes it less power efficient than 765G which is built on a 7nm process node. In terms of cameras, the Nord CE 5G might come with 64MP-led triple cameras at the back. And a 16MP selfie shooter.

OnePlus Nord 200 5G:

Moving on, the Nord 200 is the successor to Nord N100 which is the most affordable device in the Nord lineup. But, the latter only supports 4G which will change with the Nord 200. OnePlus is giving 5G capabilities on the new entry to further improve the user experience.

According to Pete Lau, “users can expect this to be one of the most affordable 5G smartphones available within the North American market”. However, other details of the device are unknown for now.

Launch

OnePlus Nord CE 5G will launch in India and Europe on June 10 while the Nord 200 5G’s release date is still uncertain. Yet, the latter will be exclusive to the United States and Canada only.

  • Meanwhile, check out our review of OnePlus Nord. 
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