News

TECNO SPARK GO 2023 Launch in India

January 24, 2023 by GANDHI MATHI

TECNO has introduced SPARK GO 2023 in India today under its All-Rounder ‘SPARK GO’ series priced at INR6999. SPARK GO 2023 boasts of a 5000 mAh battery with a Type-C charger. The smartphone also features a segment-first 13MP primary camera with F1.85 Aperture and 3GB RAM.

TECNO SPARK GO 2023 comes with a 5000 mAh battery powered with Type-C part and a 10W in-box charger for charging the battery with faster speed. Additionally, the camera’s design is Engine-inspired Dual Ring camera setup for giving an exceptional and highly augmented photography experience. SPARK GO 2023 is coupled with industry-leading 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM for unmatchable smartphone performance. TECNO SPARK GO 2023 is meant for rational first-time smartphone adopters who are looking for an upgrade and switch from their feature phones. The latest addition to the SPARK series is available in three vivid colours- Nebula Purple, Endless Black and Uyuni Blue.

Commenting on the new entrant of the SPARK series, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile India said, “We live in the age of information, where people have access to information like never before and are becoming aware of what is available to them and therefore have evolving aspirations. With that backdrop, we at TECNO are constantly working towards bringing hi-tech features and specifications to these aspirants at competitive prices. The launch of Spark Go smartphones, is aimed at making technology more inclusive and offer entry-level smartphone users the best of our tech. The strategy allows us to bring distinguished features to first-time smartphone users and consolidates our position among them. With TECNO SPARK GO 2023, we are set to disrupt and push the boundaries for the budget smartphone segment and give them a remarkable smartphone experience.”

TECNO SPARK GO 2023 would be available in your nearby retail touchpoints from 23^rd January 2023 onwards.

Key USPs of TECNO SPARK GO 2023:

Segment-first 5000mAh mighty battery with Type C Charging

With SPARK GO 2023, the users get 12 hours of gameplay, video playback 25 hours and up to 124 hours of music playback. Equipped with Type C Port and 10W in-box charger for filling the battery with faster speed.

13MP AI Dual rear camera

13MP multipurpose AI dual rear camera allows the users to click naturally bright and clear pictures. Its ƒ/1.85 large aperture and dual flashlight help to click shots even in low-light conditions. Multiple AI modes like Portrait, HDR, Time-lapse, and AI Scene Detection further enhance the photography experience

Perfect 6.56″ Dot Notch HD+ immersive display for great visual experience

SPARK GO 2023 has a 6.56″HD+ IPS display with a 90% screen-to-body ratio for a vivid and sharp visual experience. The phone fulfils all the display requirements including Video watching, Video Calls, Shopping, Social Media scrolling etc. Its 120Hz Touch sampling rate provides a smooth touch response. Additionally, IPX2 Splash resistance prevents the phone from water splashes

Stepped Square Classic Design with Smart Fingerprint Sensor to flaunt the style

Delicately crafted shape with higher visual recognition makes SPARK GO 2023 your ultimate choice. It’s a trendsetter in the industry with straight lines as well as rounded corners. It is both tough and trendy in design. The advanced fingerprint sensor at the back can unlock the device in just 0.23 seconds

A massive 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM for seamless operations

SPARK GO 2023 offers a massive 3GB RAM, which facilitates smoother multitasking and a lag-free gaming experience. The phone is also packed with up to 32GB ROM that offers abundant internal storage for apps, videos and other data requirements. The storage can also be extended with the help of a dedicated SD card slot

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Introduce New Advanced Activa 2023

January 24, 2023 by GANDHI MATHI

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India today unveiled smarter and advanced Activa 2023.

Launching the new smarter Activa 2023, Mr. Atsushi Ogata, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, “Activa had re-activated the scooter market and has remained one of the top selling two-wheelers for more than a decade now. It has undergone multiple avatars for meeting the ever-changing expectations of our customers and today we unveil the new OBD2 compliant Activa 2023 with a host of segment-first features offering more value to the customers.”

Commenting on the launch of Activa 2023, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Operating Officer, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, “Being the Front Runner in Technology, HMSI has always delighted customers by providing convenience and comfort in their daily lives. In the past as well, HMSI is known for raising the bar with many technological innovations in its products like – Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology, double lid external fuel opening system and Combi Brake System (CBS). We are here yet again with another first in segment feature for a two-wheeler – Honda Smart Key in Activa 2023.”

The Honda Smart Key System incorporates following features:

1.Smart Find: Answer back system in smart key assists in easily locating the vehicle. When the answer back button is pressed on the Honda SMART Key, all 4 winkers will blink twice to locate the scooter.

2. Smart Unlock: The Smart key System is a newer technology feature that makes it possible to lock and unlock the vehicle without using a physical key. In case the system detects no activity for 20 seconds after activation, the scooter automatically gets deactivated.

3.Smart Start: If the smart key is within the range of 2 meters of the vehicle, then the rider can smoothly start the vehicle by rotating the knob on the Loc Mod to ignition position and push the start button without even taking out the key.

4.Smart Safe: Activa 2023 comes equipped with Mapped Smart ECU which acts as a security device by electronically matching(ID) between the ECU and SMART Key, therefore preventing vehicle theft. The smart key has an immobilizer system which prevents a non-registered key from starting the engine. Without secure connection with Smart Key, Immobilizer System is not activated.

Engine Start/Stop Switch: The two-way functioning switch can be used to start the engine when pressed downwards and acts as an engine kill switch when pressed upward.Long Wheelbase ensures better ride quality on unpleasant and bad roads with good stability and balance. Passing Switch provides the convenience of controlling high beam/low beam & passing signal from one single switch.

All around full metal body fulfills the promise of reliability and durability. Making every ride on Activa 2023 comfortable and convenient, is the Combi-Brake System (CBS) with Equalizer and 3-step adjustable rear suspension. The 12-inch Front Wheel inspires rider confidence and leads to better ride quality. Telescopic Suspension provides confident & smoother ride with class leading ground clearance.

Smart Technology

Honda Activa 2023 is developed with as many as 5 patent applications.

Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) is an integration of the following:
1.Unique Honda ACG Starter: It starts the engine jolt free via the same AC generator used to generate current and charge the battery while riding. This eliminates the need for a conventional starter motor, thus, there are no gear meshing noises.

2. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI): It injects the right amount of fuel in cylinder based on specific engine data and constant feedback from the 5 intelligent sensors. It results in smooth and linear power output throughout.

3.Tumble Flow: Honda developed the world’s first tumble flow technology through integrated die-casting process. The enhanced Smart Tumble Technology (eSTT) produces tumble flow by optimizing inlet port shape and using reverse flow phenomenon, without adding additional components leading to combustion improvisation.

4.Friction Reduction: Offset Cylinder, compact weight crankshaft & optimized piston reduces overall engine friction. Optimized weight results in improved fuel efficiency.

New Activa 2023 comes with Fuel Efficient Tyres which are specially developed by Honda with a new tyre compound technology. It reduces rolling resistance by 15-20% while maintaining the road grip leading to enhanced fuel efficiency.

Price, variants & colours

Activa 2023 will be available in three variants (Standard, Deluxe & Smart) and 6 colour options

2023 Activa variants & prices
Variant	Standard	Deluxe	Smart
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi)	Rs. 74,536	Rs. 77,036	Rs. 80,537

Garmin India Launches Instinct Crossover Series Smartwatch

January 20, 2023 by GANDHI MATHI

Garmin India, a unit of Garmin Ltd. today announced the launch of Instinct Crossover & Instinct Crossover Solar in India. The Instinct Crossover delivers Garmin’s full suite of wellness features including Sleep Score and Advanced Sleep Monitoring, and Health Monitoring activities which allows users to record key health metrics, such as Body Battery, stress, and heart rate in a single view.

Instinct Crossover, Instinct Crossover Solar, Social Lifestyle Photography

Instinct Crossover’s bold, luminescent watch hands dynamically enhance Garmin’s 24/7 health monitoring and activity tracking features in an easy-to-read digital display. While using advanced connected features, Instinct Crossover – Solar edition can provide up to 70 days of battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Yeshudas Pillai, Country Head, Garmin India said, “With people getting more inclined towards active and healthy lifestyle, we are excited to expand our Instinct series in India. Garmin brings a hybrid GPS multisport smartwatch in India that redefines the modern adventure smartwatch, as the pandemic dread subsides and people in India start stepping out for outdoor tracking, travelling, and driving. Instinct Crossover is specifically designed for those who prefer the look of a rugged traditional watch but also love to have the latest technology on their wrist.”

Instinct Crossover combines the rugged design and intuitive experience users expect from Garmin with new Super-Lumi Nova coated analog hands and chapter ring to create a rugged, yet refined watch prepared for any activity or adventure. The analog hands are overlayed on Instinct Crossover’s high-resolution digital display and quickly moves when users want detailed smart feature data.

The new Instinct Crossover comes with thermal and shock resistant built to MIL-STD-810, chemically strengthened Scratch Resistant Lens and 10 ATM (100 meters) water rating. The new Revo Drive will help ensure autocalibration to keep users precisely on time during an extreme adventure.

Users will now get Instinct Crossover – solar edition’s infinite battery life in battery saver mode with solar charging which provides traditional analog features like time, date, and a stopwatch. Instinct Crossover – Solar Edition can provide up to 70 daysof battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging. Even without solar, base model Instinct Crossover can provide nearly a month of battery life in smartwatch mode and more than 110 hours in GPS mode.

Instinct Crossover delivers Garmin’s full suite of wellness features including Sleep Score and Advanced Sleep Monitoring, and a Health Monitoring activity which allows users to record key health metrics, such as Body Battery™, stress, and heart rate in a single view. Key fitness features include VO2 Max, Pulse Ox2, Fitness Age, Training Status/Load/Effect, HRV Status, and Recovery Time.

The watch provides GPS tracking, multi-GNSS support, ABC sensors, TracBack routing, which helps users navigate the same route back to their starting point, and Reference Point, which helps keep track of a known place relative to their location.

Price and Availability:

Garmin Instinct Crossover (Black) and Instinct Crossover Solar (Graphite) will be available to purchase at the cost of ₹55,990/ and ₹61,990/ respectively from 20^th January’23, Friday onwards from the following channels:

Offline: Garmin Brand Store, Helios Watch Store, Just in Time, Sports stores
Online: Amazon, Tata CLiQ, Tata Luxury, Synergizer, Flipkart, Nykaa.com

Apple launches new Black Unity collection and content

January 20, 2023 by GANDHI MATHI

Two iPhones and one Apple Watch show Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, and the new Unity wallpaper.

Apple commemorates Black History Month with exclusive content and curated launches celebrating Black culture and community. Starting today, customers can show their support with this year’s Black Unity Collection, which includes a special-edition Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, alongside a new matching watch face and iPhone wallpaper. Beginning in February, all-new activations — including a series of Apple Maps Guides created by the Smithsonian, TV and film collections curated by Dr. Jelani Cobb, and more will be available to explore. Additionally, through its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI), Apple is expanding its support of five organizations focused on uplifting Black and Brown communities by unlocking creative potential through technology.

Apple Watch and iPhone

Members of Apple’s Black creative community and allies came together to develop this year’s Black Unity Collection and designed the new expressions inspired by the creative process of mosaic, celebrating the vibrancy of Black communities and the power of unity.

The Black Unity Sport Loop features the word “Unity” woven abstractly into the band using red, green, and black yarns that pay homage to the Pan-African flag, while a unique layering of yarns lends a sense of three-dimensionality to the letters. Additionally, the Unity Mosaic watch face incorporates geometric shapes in green, black, red, and yellow, and as the minutes change, each number uses pieces of other numbers to morph into new forms. iPhone users can also show their support with the new Unity wallpaper for their Lock Screen.

The new Unity wallpaper is shown on iPhone and Apple Watch.

Apple is supporting Art Gallery of New South Wales (Sydney), Ghetto Film School (New York, Los Angeles, London), Music Forward (Los Angeles), Shout Mouse Press (Washington, D.C.), and The National Museum of African American Music (Nashville, Tennessee). Apple’s support for these organizations is a continuation of REJI grants over the past two years that helped organizations committed to providing economic, educational, and creative opportunities in communities of color.

The new Black Unity Sport Loop is shown.

App Store

The App Store will spotlight apps and games forging creative solutions for Black communities in areas such as music, banking, and gaming. Among these apps and games are Dot’s Home, a 2022 App Store Award-winning game designed to educate users on housing disparities experienced in communities of color and financial wellness apps such as Goalsetter, Altro, and CapWay that are empowering the community with financial resources. The App Store will also celebrate 50 years of hip-hop culture by spotlighting numerous apps that allow users to listen, watch, and learn the significance of this creative movement in both the past and present.

Apple Music

Apple Music will underscore the innumerable ways that Black artists have contributed to music and culture through healing, improvisation, reinvention, and so much more across all genres. The For Us, By Us playlist will be updated to capture expressions of resilience and resistance, and users can also enjoy new episodes of The Message and additional radio programming on Apple Music 1, Country, and HITS.https://embed.music.apple.com/us/playlist/for-us-by-us/pl.536dc4c39c094a3f84e5d3b9fbeb6a6c?itsct=music_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1&app=music&at=1000lK82

Apple TV App

Viewers can visit the Apple TV app to explore series and films curated by Dr. Jelani Cobb, dean of the Columbia University School of Journalism and a staff writer at The New Yorker. The theme of this year’s collections is “The Matter of Black Lives,” focusing on stories that illustrate three specific pillars: “Freedom in Black,” “Love in Spite Of,” and “The Mosaic.”

Apple Fitness+

Apple Fitness+ will share new workouts featuring playlists celebrating Black artists, as well as a new meditation dedicated to Black History Month led by Fitness+ trainer JoAnna Hardy. On January 30, Fitness+ will release a new episode of Time to Walk — an audio experience with some of the world’s most inspiring people — featuring legendary singer Patti LaBelle. On this walk, LaBelle talks about her famous cooking and the powerful role her late sister played in her life. That same day, Time to Run, an audio running experience featuring playlists and coaching designed to help users become more consistent and better runners, will introduce a new episode with Fitness+ trainer Cory Wharton-Malcolm, celebrating Black History Month with a run through South LA and songs from the artists who helped put West Coast hip-hop on the map.

Apple News

Throughout the month, Apple News will highlight compelling articles, interviews, and audio stories about the Black experience in America, including perspectives and analysis from top journalists. Curated collections will showcase stories from Black-led newsrooms, including Capital B, Essence, NewsOne, Howard University’s The Hilltop, and more.

Apple Podcasts

Every day, listeners open Apple Podcasts to hear from the world’s most inspiring and influential voices. And each year, Apple’s collections honoring Black History Month help listeners discover creators offering essential historical context and insightful perspectives on news and culture. Beginning February 1, Apple Podcasts will spotlight shows that embody the omnipresence of Blackness — the ways that Black music, media, spaces, and theory positively influence our understanding of the world and one another — from creators Bridget Todd, Bob the Drag Queen, Monét X Change, and Apple Music’s Ebro Darden. Listeners will also be able to explore a bespoke selection of podcast recommendations curated by Black disruptors — visionaries in their fields who resist the status quo to share beautiful art and innovation — such as environmental activist Leah Thomas.

<img src="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/images/values/diversity-inclusion/Apple-Black-History-Month-Apple-Podcasts-Vibe-Check_inline.jpg.large.jpg" alt="The <em>Vibe Check

<img src="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/images/values/diversity-inclusion/Apple-Black-History-Month-Apple-Podcasts-The-Message-Ebro-Darden_inline.jpg.large.jpg" alt="Ebro Darden’s <em>The Message

Apple Books

During Black History Month, Apple Books will showcase its Read More Black Authors collection, connecting readers and listeners with great books and audiobooks across different genres.

Apple Maps

The Smithsonian created a series of Guides in Apple Maps to spotlight key landmarks in the struggle for civil rights over the past century (1900-1957, 1960-1978, 1980-2020). Users can explore the Guides to learn more about the events, people, and places that have shaped the nation’s history.

Pricing and Availability

The Black Unity Sport Loop is available for order on apple.com and in the Apple Store app today, and will be available in select Apple Store locations beginning January 24 for $49 (US).
The Black Unity Sport Loop is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, and is compatible with Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4 or newer, and Apple Watch Ultra (45mm band only).
The Unity 2023 watch face will be available next week, and requires Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 9.3, and iPhone 8 or later and iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later running iOS 16.3.
The new Unity iPhone wallpaper for the Lock Screen will be also be available next week and requires iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16.3.
Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop packaging, Apple Store locations, and the Apple Store app will feature App Clip functionality for customers to easily download the matching Unity watch face, or customers can download from apple.com.

TECNO launches PHANTOM X2 Pro 5G

January 18, 2023 by GANDHI MATHI

TECNO, announces the launch of PHANTOM X2 Pro 5G, featuring the world’s first retractable portrait lens. The Pro variant is being launched at INR 49,999. The introduction of the PHANTOM X2 series marks the brand’s entry into the premium smartphone segment. The smartphone’s pre-booking begins today and its first-ever sale would begin on 24^th January 2023. Consumers can buy PHANTOM X2 Pro 5G from Amazon and retail touchpoints.

Commenting on the new entrant of its flagship series, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile India, said, “The premium segment, above 30K, is witnessing significant growth since 2022 and recorded its highest-ever growth rate of 12% for the period Jan to Nov 22 Vs 21. With that as the backdrop, we are creating an aggressive portfolio under the Phantom series, addressing these new-age consumer needs. With each Phantom product, we are further advancing our technology specifications while maintaining a balance of aesthetics and style. With the launch of PHANTOM X2 Pro 5G, we are offering World’s First Retractable portrait camera. The idea is to deliver premium experiences to more and more people for whom their smartphone is the primary gadget for professional photography on the go. Also as 5G is rolling out in different Indian cities and is playing a catalyst in driving effective telecommunications, this is the most suitable time for the smartphone players for bringing in a premium robust 5G-enabled smartphone provision.”

Key USPs of TECNO PHANTOM X2 Pro

50MP+50MP+13MP Rear camera setup of Phantom X2 Pro provide purely Optical Bokeh with F1.49 ultra large aperture of retractable telescopic lens. Its 7P 50MP ISOCELL 3.0 sensor with 1.2µm Superlarge pixel of Primary camera clicks illustrative images and videos on every click. Wide P3 color Gamut, 3D-Lut and 7th Gen IMAGIQ 790 ISP produces brilliant photos on each click.

Dimensity 9000 means superior 5G speeds and next-gen multi-tasking ranging from brilliant gaming technology, professional grade imaging and videography to advanced AI and computing architecture. D9000 has world’s 1st ultra-Core Arm Cortex-X2 at 3.05GHz for immediate responsiveness in any app. Its HyperEngine 5.0 gaming technologies ensure users smooth gameplay without suffering connection drops, FPS jitter, input misses or gameplay hiccups. With 3GPP Release-16 standard 5G Modem technology, leading 3CC Carrier Aggregation (300MHz)

6.8″FHD+Flexible AMOLED with 8+2bit display produces accurate colors and with P3 wide color gamut.

Phantom X2 Pro powers next generation applications with performance and efficiency of Its 12GB LPDDR5 RAM which additionaly expanded up to 5GB by its MemFusion 2.1 tech. LPDDR5 RAM provide 1.5x faster speed than previous generation RAM. Its 256GB UFS 3.1 Internal storage is perfect for high-capacity data processing.

Phantom X2 Pro provides power backup of 25 days of standby time and 23 hours of video playback time. Charge rapidly with the in-box 45W Charger of Phantom X2 Pro and in approximately 20 minutes of charging time one has a 50% battery charge.