Internet Explorer Alternatives As The OG Browser Is Retiring This Week https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) It might feel like the end of an era for some internet users as Microsoft is finally shutting down Internet Explorer desktop app on June 15, 2022. The veteran browser was launched in 1995 and for the past 27 years, it has been in the public conscience, often the butt of jokes on how slow or outdated it is compared to the competition. It was at its peak of popularity in 2003 with a 95% usage share. But then better browser alternatives came into the scene and it took a backseat. So, let’s take a look at those best browser options that are available on major platforms and you can expect more features, performance gains, power efficiency, and better security from them. Best Browser Alternatives To Internet Explorer 1. Chrome Chrome would be undoubtedly the most popular browser on the list. Why wouldn't it be as it comes pre-installed in many Android phones, and is a pretty reliable and powerful browser with plenty of themes and extensions for customization? 2. Firefox Firefox is the browser to go if you love to tinker with extensions and personalize your browsing experience. Even some things like the Ublock Origin adblocker tend to work better on Firefox. You can go to their add-on store and try out the plethora of plugins. It’s also less power-hungry than Chrome. 3. Safari Safari is the default and exclusive browser for Apple devices and offers better integration with iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. It is more power-efficient than Chrome and comes packed with a sufficient number of features. In our experience, the plugin library pales in comparison to Chrome Store and Firefox Add-on store. 4. Edge Edge is based on the Chromium engine and hence feels a lot like Chrome (with Chrome extensions support) but with Microsoft’s own skin and some added features on top. Occasionally, it might feel rough around the edges but it’s bearable as compared to the host of features it carries. Also, since it comes built-in on Windows, you don’t require installing anything else. That’s a big plus in our opinion. Moreover, It is your best bet for legacy support against websites, applications, and ActiveX controls. 5. Vivaldi Go with this one, if you want the most amount of features for personalization including navigation UI, shortcut controls, simultaneous multi-tab viewing, etc. On top of all these, there is support for Chrome extensions that is simply icing on the cake. While commenting on the retirement of IE, Microsoft Edge programme manager Sean Lyndersay said, "Internet Explorer mode ('IE mode') is incorporated into Microsoft Edge, allowing you to view older Internet Explorer-based websites and applications directly from Microsoft Edge. With Microsoft Edge capable of taking on this and other responsibilities, the Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will be discontinued and phased out of support for certain versions of Windows 10 on June 15, 2022". As for other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/rT527Jd June 13, 2022 at 11:49AM

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Xbox Cloud Gaming to Extend Streaming Services Beyond Game Pass https://www.digit.in feedback@digit.in (Pritam Biswas) Xbox streaming services were limited to the titles that were offered with the Game Pass. Xbox Cloud Gaming is looking to change that scenario, later this year when they let users stream select titles they own. The exact date for the same has not yet been announced, but Xbox has promised that Game Pass Ultimate members will be able to select stream certain titles they own, even if the same titles are not a part of the Game Pass. Xbox has not yet mentioned the titles this service will be extended to nor has it said anything about the intent, if there are any, to make all games playable through streaming. This service will be limited to the Game Pass Ultimate subscribers only, and not to the other tiers of subscribers. Streaming is the Future There has been a surge in demand to enable streaming beyond the Game Pass. In a briefing for the media CVP of Gaming Experiences & Platforms, Ashley McKissick said, "Gamers are not shy with their feedback, which is awesome. And so one of the things that they told us, it's like, 'Hey, we would love to be able to stream games that we own even if they're not in the Game Pass catalogue.' "And so later this year if you are an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member, you will be able to stream from the cloud games you purchase and also games you already own as long as they're cloud enabled in the catalogue." Xbox’s streaming service has been gaining momentum for a long time now. The test service which started small with xCloud is today's Xbox Cloud Gaming Service. Xbox Cloud Gaming Service is also currently working on a streaming stick, with the intention of bringing streaming services to the TV. Xbox is expanding its streaming service, keeping the future in mind. https://ift.tt/AkoSCnJ June 10, 2022 at 01:14PM

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New Minecraft Real-Time Strategy Game Tipped To Be In The Works https://www.digit.in sushant.talwar@9dot9.in (Sushant Talwar) Minecraft reportedly has a new game in the works, and this time it's going to be a real-time strategy title. This information comes courtesy of Jeff Gerstmann who spoke about this upcoming Minecraft game on his Twitch channel. According to Gerstmann, the game is in testing at the moment, and it puts players in control of the main character who can give orders to other characters to go up against Minecraft's enemies. He explained: "From the basic descriptions, and I got to see a couple of screenshots of it, it seems like a real-time strategy game - an RTS of sorts. But the difference is you're controlling a Steve-esque unit on the field and ordering your units around in a third-person view. And you're taking on Piglins and it'll have a story and cut-scenes and all this other stuff." Gerstmann further added that he thought this new game could be shown over the next couple of weeks -- even as soon as the upcoming Microsoft and Bethesda conference. "I don't know if this is something that's going to get announced at Microsoft's event but there's a new Microsoft spin-off in the works... Microsoft appears to be testing it out and putting it out under a code name. From the basic descriptions, and I got to see a couple of screenshots of it, it seems like a real-time strategy game - an RTS of sorts. But the difference is you're controlling a Steve-esque unit on the field and ordering your units around in a third-person view. And you're taking on Piglins and it'll have a story and cut-scenes and all this other stuff." However, Gerstmann stopped short of detailing which studio is working on the project. Interestingly, this is the first Minecraft spin-off from Microsoft. Minecraft Dungeons continues to be one of the most popular such titles. https://ift.tt/LgZOE0Y June 10, 2022 at 12:48PM

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Apple Reportedly Planning 15-inch MacBook Air And New 12-inch Laptop For 2023 https://www.digit.in dhriti@digit.in (Dhriti Datta) According to unnamed Bloomberg sources, a new 15-inch MacBook Air and a 12-inch laptop are in the works and are slated for a 2023 release. This news comes mere days after Apple unveiled a redesigned 13.6-inch MacBook Air model at WWDC 2022. The 12-inch laptop in the works will be Apple's return to the tiny laptop form factor since the 12-inch MacBook was discontinued back in 2019. The new laptops reinforce Apple's strategy to utilise more profitable homegrown processors instead of counterparts from Intel - that the company used until the split in 2020. The curtain was pulled back on the M2 chip at WWDC earlier this week, and this new chipset will, in all likelihood, power these new machines. 15-inch Apple MacBook Air and 12-inch laptop are reportedly in the works The 15-inch MacBook Air will reportedly sport the same overall design as the 13.6-inch one that was recently revealed at WWDC 2022. So users will get a larger form factor MacBook Air with an ultra-sleek design with no tapered edges. There's also the screen notch for the camera, keyboard with function keys, and Touch ID in tow. And of course, you can expect all that M2 goodness that you get on its smaller sibling. Bloomberg's sources are of the opinion that the 15-inch MacBook Air could arrive as soon as spring of 2023. The 12-inch laptop, on the other hand, could see a launch date somewhere in late 2023 or early 2024. While the 12-inch laptop is still a wild card with no real details known, the 15-inch MacBook Air will cater to those who want a larger form factor MacBook without needing to pay close to $3,000. Of course, there will be a performance discrepancy but this MacBook Air would mainly cater to those who want a larger form factor without the highest-end performance one would expect from a MacBook Pro. Bloomberg's sources also revealed something for those who would want the best possible performing MacBooks. According to the sources, newer iterations of the MacBook Pro with the upgraded M2 chip are in the works. These could arrive in 2022 itself but may slip into early 2023. The upcoming MacBook Pros could feature upgraded versions of the M2 chip, like previous models which housed the M1's upgraded versions such as the M1 Pro and M1 Max chip. https://ift.tt/Jd0qa7Z June 10, 2022 at 11:33AM

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WhatsApps Export Backup Feature Will Let You Download Chat Messages: Heres How https://www.digit.in feedback@digit.in (Satvik Pandey) Some good news has come for the users of WhatsApp, as there have been confirmed reports that a new chat backup export feature is in the works. The “Export backup” feature will let users export their WhatsApp chat backups from Google Drive. There were bits and pieces of news doing rounds about this feature for quite some time. There was news about Google planning to stop offering unlimited storage for chat backups, which further fueled the fires. Now, with this feature being reported to be coming to the app soon, it looks like the regular users of the app will not have to wait for long before they can get their hands on it. WhatsApp Chat Export Backup – Boon for platform migrators As per the claims of WABetaInfo, the backup will include complete chat history, messages, images, videos, and other related media files that were exchanged during the conversation. This option would be available inside the Chat backup menu, as shown in the screenshots posted online. They also added that another feature that would allow users to import the same backup onto Google Drive is also in development. (Source: WABetaInfo) Multiple possibilities could be the motivating factors for this development. However, the most reasonable one seems to be related to the limitations that could be imposed on Drive uploads. The other could allow cross-platform chat and messaging data migration. There is no direct way at the moment for users to transfer their chats and related data to iOS devices when migrating to the platform from Android. The same is the case when moving the other way around. This has been a pain for many platform migrators. So, it might be that the developers of WhatsApp have finally taken note of this problem and are working towards solving it. Given that things are still in the development phase, it would be interesting to see the final form this feature takes when included in a regular release of WhatsApp. For more tech news and Top 10 gadget updates, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/D3CegjY June 10, 2022 at 11:20AM

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Jio Game Controller and JioFi Postpaid Plans With Free Routers Launched In India https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) Reliance has released a new wireless game controller for Jio’s set-top box (STB) and other Android devices. It comes with 20 buttons plus 2 sticks design and works within a 10-meter radius for about 8 hours. Well, that’s not the only new thing on the Jio Store, as the brand has recently unveiled new postpaid plans for its WiFi hotspot router called JioFi. Well, along with the purchase of these plans, you also get free hotspot routers, but there’s a catch. Let’s see what that is. JioFi Postpaid Plans: What’s new? The newly announced JioFi plans are priced at ₹249, ₹299, and ₹349. They come without voice calling or messaging benefits. The data included them are as follows: Rs 249 - 30GB of monthly data Rs 299 - 40GB of monthly data Rs 349 - 50GB of monthly data Once the aforementioned data limits are used up, the speed falls down to 64 Kbps. Note that all of them come with a lock-in period of 18 months which means whether you use the data or not, you will be charged the same amount each month for 18 months. You can opt out but only after paying an exit charge. Also, you need to make a minimum first order quantity of ₹200 to avail of these plans. Coming to the free router offer, there's a condition that they are offered on a use and return basis when you cancel the JioFi postpaid subscription. Jio Game Controller Specs, Features, and Price Jio’s Bluetooth-enabled Game Controller has got 20 buttons plus 2 vibration-based triggers. There is haptic control too. It works over Bluetooth 4.1 and within a 10m distance. It is compatible with Android Tablets, Android TV, and Jio STB. The company’s own set-top box is what’s recommended for the best experience. It is rated to run for 8 hours. However, to charge it, you have to use its micro-USB port which can be a bummer for some. The thing weighs 200gm and comes in a matte black finish. You can purchase the Jio controller for ₹3499 through the Jio store. EMI option is also available. As for other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/7BxC9Ip May 31, 2022 at 06:35AM

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IIT Madras And Harvard Collab to Use Tech To Track Down Wildlife Poachers https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) is a serious threat to the safety and in some cases, the subsistence of several animal species. Even amid the pandemic lockdowns whilst we humans were compelled to take stock of life and morality, wildlife poaching was afoot. In India, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), 522 unique reports of illegal wildlife hunting and trade were documented in the first year of the pandemic. To counter this, everybody from state-run institutions, and private philanthropists to educational institutions are coming up with various measures. One such initiative has come forth from the combined efforts of IIT Madras and Harvard University researchers. The brains of these two imminent universities have co-developed a Machine Learning algorithm based on the mathematical principles of Game Theory. It aims to aid in both resource allocation and real-time drone-powered communication for on-ground patrolling. So, it coordinates both eyes on the sky and feet on the ground. Let’s dig deeper to understand how it works. CombSGPO algorithm and Green Security Games Green Security Games (GSGs) is a general framework employing Game Theory for tackling wildlife poaching and other crimes against the environment. Various influential organizations like Microsoft, Simons Institute, and Harvard are working on this. Here, in this case, it is being used for unified resource allocation and patrolling in the real world in real-time amidst all uncertainties. Unlike earlier solutions, this new model with help of the CombSGPO algorithm claims to address both resource allocation and patrolling stages simultaneously. It works towards finding the best-case scenario for the defender using previous incidents and interactions between poachers and the defenders. It will strategically signal the other drones and human patrollers. Moreover, it is also designed to scale better. Species under threat​ “The work was motivated by the need to perform strategic resource allocation and patrolling in green security domains to prevent illegal activities such as wildlife poaching, illegal logging and illegal fishing. The resources we consider are human patrollers (forest rangers) and surveillance drones, which have object detectors mounted on them for animals and poachers and can perform strategic signalling and communicate with each other as well as the human patrollers,” said Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, Head, Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), IIT Madras. Mr. Ravindran has conducted this research with Prof. Milind Tambe’s Teamcore Research Group at Harvard University, U.S. Well, that’s the long and short of this IIT-Harvard tech. Across the globe, technology is being heavily used to combat wildlife poachers. There are of course drones, but they come with concerns like battery life, cost of the device, and the cost of trained operators. Besides, some other technologies used in wildlife protection against poachers are tracking collars or embedded GPS/GSM chips, as well as sensors for speed, sound, and light. As for other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/8b4VXyT May 26, 2022 at 07:35AM

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LG Goes All-in On OLED TVs With Rollable Design And Large Screen Sizes https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) LG has brought its OLED TV offering to the Indian market. The roster includes the first Rollable OLED TV called the LG Signature R OLED and the world’s largest 97-inch OLED TV. Under the hood, the new LG TVs come with the proprietary Alpha processor, a new WebOS update, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and new picture modes for different use cases. Before we get into all the goodies specific to a particular series of LG TVs, note that the company is bringing forth the new webOS 22 (with customizable user profiles, and WiFi-based Room To Room playback sharing). LG OLED TV 2022 (G2, C2, Z2) Features On the LG Z2, LG G2, and LG C2, webOS 22 adds an Always Ready facility for showing personal or lifestyle content when the TV is off. With that, let’s begin looking at the two major classes of LG televisions this year. LG OLED Evo LG Evo is part of the 2022 G2 series (LG OLED Evo Gallery Edition) and C2 series. For the uninitiated, the Evo tech claims better brightness, clarity, and detail. A wide range of screen sizes You can pick the new LG OLED TVs from 106 cm (42”) to 246 cm (97”). The G2 series, in particular, comes in 139 cm (55) and 164 cm (65) sizes. Thanks to the newer Gallery Design of the TVs, you can mount them flush on the wall. The LG C2, meanwhile, can be bought in 106 cm (42), 246cm (97), 210 cm (83), 195cm (77), 164 cm (65), 139 cm (55), 121 cm (48) and 106 cm (42) models. LG α9 Gen 5 Processor LG has equipped the new G2, C2, and Z2 series of TVs with its α9 Gen 5 “intelligent” processor. What this imparts is the new Dynamic Tone-mapping Pro Algorithm for individual processing and tuning of over 5,000 zones on the screen. This is coupled with the AI Sound Pro feature to up-mix 2-channel audio to a virtual 7.1.2 surround sound. LG A2 and B2 OLED TV Features This lineup comes out in two screen sizes of 164cm (65) and 139cm (55). There is also the LG A2 series hitting the stores in 164 cm (65), 139 cm (55), and 121 cm (48). Both LG A2 and B2 are armed with α7 Gen 5 processors with Dynamic Tone-mapping, the company’s self-lit technology, AI Sound Pro, and virtual 5.1.2 surround audio. LG 2022 TVs: Price and Availability The LG OLED TV price range begins from ₹89,990 and the LG Rollable OLED TV costs ₹75,00,000 in India. As for other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/fcXUpdt May 25, 2022 at 01:56PM

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The International Semiconductor Consortium aims to set up a 3B manufacturing unit in India https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) Soon after the Indian government announced a $10 billion bet to entice foreign investment in the Indian Semiconductor market, Karnataka bagged a big proposal from the International Semiconductor Consortium (ISMC). It has signed a $3 billion MoU with the said consortium to build a fab on a 150-acre land in the city of Mysuru. Here’s the official announcement of the $3 billion deal by the Karnataka government: Karnataka will soon be home to India’s first and largest semiconductor fabrication unit! The #Indian #Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ISMC has announced an #investment of Rs. 22,900 crores ($3 billion) - a proud moment for the state.#InvestinKarnataka pic.twitter.com/23p9hQiGOr — Invest in Karnataka (@investkarnataka) May 1, 2022 ISMC Karnataka semiconductor manufacturing details An Intel chip used for representational purpose. ISMC’s full form is the International Semiconductor Consortium. It is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi-based Next Orbit Ventures and Israel's Tower Semiconductor. The latter is set to be bought by Intel for $5.4 billion. So, if all goes well, the American chip giant could also have a footprint on the Indian semiconductor landscape. Coming back to the current deal, the MoU has been signed between the state government and the consortium for 3 billion USD. As part of this, ISMC Digital will be setting up a semiconductor fab on a 150-acre land in the Kochanahalli industrial area in Mysuru to develop a 65 nm (nanometer) chip-manufacturing process. The government is bullish on the prospects, not just in terms of the chip-making contribution, but also in the employment that would be created from this effort. It claims the initiative would generate 1,500 direct jobs as well as 10,000 indirect jobs in Karnataka. While signing the memorandum in Bengaluru (regarded as the Silicon Valley of India), Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai was present with ISMC director Ajay Jalan, and EV Ramana Reddy, the additional chief secretary, industries, and IT/BT departments. CM said, “Karnataka understands that it is not only incentives or concessions but also a conducive ecosystem that will attract investors”. Well, ISMC is not the first to invest, as both Indian-based Vedanta Group and Singapore-based IGSS have shown interest in the Indian Semiconductor Mission project. Especially, the conglomerate Vedanta has put forward an investment plan worth $20 billion for establishing semiconductor units in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana. Just recently speaking at the 3-day ‘SemiconIndia Conference 2022’ event in Bengaluru, the Union electronics and information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “First, there are the big silicon fabrication and the display fabrication companies, second is the compound semiconductors and assembly, testing, marking, and packaging category, while the third category is design. The applications for the second and third categories are an ongoing process, while in the first category, the option to take in more applications will be open in the next 5-8 months”. The Indian semiconductor industry is forecasted to grow from $15 billion in 2020 to $63 billion in 2026. As for other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/o7IuWzA May 02, 2022 at 06:31PM

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A massive Coca-Cola data breach by Pro-Russian hackers is reportedly under investigation: Here are the details https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) Coca-Cola, the multinational carbonated soft drink brand has reportedly been breached by a Pro-Russian hacker group called Stormous. The report comes from The Register, to whom the Coke brand has revealed its ongoing investigation. The company is apparently aware of the data loss claim and is working with law enforcement to sort things out. Coca-Cola Hack: Details The Pro-Kremlin hacker group Stormous has listed around 161 gigabytes of hacked Coca-Cola data on the dark web. The listing reads, “We hacked some of the company’s (Coca-Cola’s) servers and passed a large amount of data inside them without their knowledge and we want to sell it to someone else”. #Stormous claims responsibility for Coca-Cola's ransomware attack. They are allegedly selling 161 GB of data allegedly belonging to Coca-Cola...#Ransomware #RansomwareGroup pic.twitter.com/xCSHwdVQpR — BetterCyber (@_bettercyber_) April 25, 2022 The hackers are selling the Coca-Cola leaked data for around $64,000 in cryptocurrency. It also adds the price could be negotiated "depending on the amount of data you want". This Coca-Cola data was leaked on April 24, 2022, and since then, the victim, ie., Coca-Cola has come forward with a statement. Coca-Cola Communications Global VP Scott Leith has told The Register, "We are aware of this matter and are investigating to determine the validity of the claim. We are coordinating with law enforcement.” Days before the hack, Stomrous had apparently held a poll on its Telegram group asking its followers which brand it should target and Coca-Cola has received about 72-percent of the votes. STORMOUS ransomware gang has officially announced its support for the Russian governments. pic.twitter.com/D0qHccZ8jU — DarkTracer : DarkWeb Criminal Intelligence (@darktracer_int) March 1, 2022 Coming to the why of it all, the hacker gang had previously posted that “if any party in different parts of the world decides to organize a cyber-attack or cyber-attacks against Russia, we will be in the right direction and will make all our efforts to abandon the supplication of the West, especially the infrastructure." So, that’s the world we are living in. As the American computer security consultant and author, Kevin Mitnick notes, “Hackers are breaking the systems for profit. Before, it was about intellectual curiosity and pursuit of knowledge and thrill, and now hacking is big business”. As for other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/yw19xGt April 28, 2022 at 01:09PM

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OnePlus Nord Buds and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G designs officially revealed ahead of April 28 launch event https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) Ahead of the OnePlus event on April 28, the brand has accelerated the teasers and promotions for the forthcoming OnePlus mobile phones and Nord-branded TWS earphones. Out of the two OnePlus smartphones, one is the OnePlus 10R whose rear-side design and key details had been already revealed officially a few days back or leaked. Today, the brand has shared its front side look as well. Then there is the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G which has shown up in a Blue Tide Colorway just recently. And even fresher out of the gate is the OnePlus Nord Buds whose design has also been disclosed today. So, there’s a lot to unpack here. OnePlus Nord Buds Specs and Features (Expected) In the teaser images, we get to see the Nord Buds in Black and White colours. The charging case looks boxy and rather large. The buds, themselves, have a shorter stalk and in-ear silicone tips. These Nord TWS earphones are said to have a 41mAh battery while the case may have a 480mAh battery. You could get a USB Type-C port for charging. OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G Specs and Features (Expected) OnePlus may equip this Nord phone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor. There could be up to 8GB LPDDR4x, 128GB UFS 2.1 storage, and a 5000mAh battery inside. The supported charging speed could be 33 watts. The other likely Nord CE 2 Lite 5G specifications are ​a ​6.58-inch FHD+ 120Hz IPS LCD screen, a 16MP selfie shooter, and a 64MP+2MP+2MP rear camera setup. OnePlus 10R 5G Specs and Features (Expected) OnePlus 10R processor is MediaTek Dimensity 8100 Max which has been lately confirmed by the brand. It has also revealed that you will get to “Experience the 150W SUPERVOOC and 80W SUPERVOOC Fast Charging” with this phone. The other expected OnePlus 10R specifications are a 120Hz AMOLED screen, a 50MP (Sony IMX766)+8MP+2MP triple rear camera setup, up to 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. OnePlus will be spilling more beans in the days leading up to the launch event and we will keep you posted. As for other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/89kwIVx April 18, 2022 at 04:22PM

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Realme TechLife Split Air Conditioner Launched in India with up to 15 Ton Capacity https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) Realme has released a Split Air Conditioner in India under its TechLife ecosystem line of products. The new AC begins under ₹30,000 and multiple variants of it are available based on your requirement. The offered capacities are 1 Ton and 1.5 Ton. You can opt for both 4 star and 5 star rating of energy efficiency. Beyond these basic settings, Realme has added a good deal of features that you may want to know about. Let’s have a look at them. Realme Air Conditioner Specs and Features These new Realme ACs come with a 4-in-1 convertible design that allows you to adjust the cooling to 40%, 60%, 80%, and 110% of the capacity. Realme has termed these as follows: Me time mode for one person - 0.9 ton, We time mode for two people - 1.1 ton, Family time mode for 4 people - 1.3 ton, Party time for a small group of people - for running at the max capacity. At the peak performance, you can expect it to run at up to 55℃. Inside the AC, there is variable speed compressor with a copper coil. Realme claims “quick cooling, minimal power consumption, and extended compressor durability”. Speaking of durability, the coil is coated with Blue Fin anti-corrosive element that is said to offer protection against water droplets, salt, and acid deposition. You also get an Auto Clean feature that throws air to remove water droplets and fend off moisture, mold and dust. Among other things, the Realme TechLife AC has got environmental friendly R32 coolant, Stabiliser-free Operation (within 165~265V range) and a rather silent operation. Realme Air Conditioner Price and Availability Realme has priced the AC as follows: 1 Ton, 4 Star Rating: ₹​​27,790 1.5 Ton, 4 Star Rating: ₹30,999 1.5 Ton, 5 Star Rating: ₹33,490 You can purchase the Air Conditioner through Flipkart. For more news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/AdaF0mH April 14, 2022 at 10:41AM

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Realme Book Prime, Realme Buds Air 3, and Realme Smart TV Stick launched in India https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) At the Realme GT 2 Pro launch event, the company also unveiled the Realme Book Prime, Realme Buds Air 3, and Realme Smart TV Stick. So, a specced-up laptop which is an upgrade over the predecessor, i.e., Realme Book Slim. The new Prime model boasts a higher TDP Intel 11th gen processor backed by a new dual-fan cooling system. Then there is the new pair of ANC earbuds and an FHD-resolution smart streaming device. Realme Book Prime Specs and Features Launched initially at MWC 2022, the Realme Book Prime is finally available in India. It flaunts a 14-inch 2K resolution panel with a 3:2 aspect ratio, 100% sRGB, and 440 nits peak brightness. There is a 720p webcam up top and a 3-level backlit keyboard below. The internal housing consists of an 11th-gen Intel Core i5-11320H quad-core processor with Intel Xe Graphics, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, and a 54WHr battery. There is support for 65W PD charging. The software on top is Windows 11. Other things you get with the laptop are WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, a fingerprint scanner on the power button, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a dual speaker system, 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, and a Thunderbolt 4/ USB 4 port. Realme Buds Air 3 Specs and Features Realme Buds Air 3 packs in a 10mm dynamic ‘bass boost’ driver. It offers up to 42dB of Active Noise Cancellation and dual-mic noise cancellation for calls. You also get Transparency Mode for listening to ambient sounds. You can connect to two devices simultaneously. The repertoire also consists of 88ms super latency mode, IPX5 sweat resistance and a claim of 30 hours of total music playback. Realme Smart TV Stick FHD Specs and Features This new Realme Smart TV Stick is a downgrade as it only gets up to FHD (1080p) resolution output with HDR10+ encoding. There is support for HDMI 2.0 for media transfer and the processing under the hood is taken care of by a quad-core processor. The streaming device also features Android 11 OS, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. Realme AIoT Price and Availability You can purchase the Realme Book Prime at ₹64,999 for the solo 16GB + 512GB memory variant. The launch price for the first sale will be ₹57,999. It will go on sale from April 13 at 12 noon through Flipkart and Realme.com. The Realme Buds Air 3 has been priced at ₹3,999 although with the special offer on the first sale you can purchase it for ₹3,499. It will be available via Flipkart and Realme stores starting April 7 at 2 PM. Finally, the Realme Smart TV Stick carries a price tag of ₹2,999 and will be up for grabs from April 13 at 12 PM. The outlet is Flipkart and Realme stores only. The company also announced that Realme GT 2 will be arriving soon during the company's 4th-anniversary celebration. For more news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/9UTFqPE April 07, 2022 at 02:09PM

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Realme GT 2 Pro and Realme 9 4G launched in India with Snapdragon chips and triple rear cameras https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) Realme has finally brought the GT 2 Pro to India along with Realme 9 4G, Realme Buds Air 3, Realme Book Prime, and Realme Smart TV Stick. We will be covering the AIoT products from the brand in a different article. Here, we will be focussing on the Realme GT 2 Pro and the newcomer from the Realme 9 series. Let’s kick off with the Realme flagship. Realme GT 2 Pro Specs and Features Realme GT 2 Pro sports a 6.7-inch LTPO 2 AMOLED display with 2K resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 1400 nits of peak brightness, Gorilla Glass Victus protection and a left-cornered punch hole. Inside the hole resides a 32MP camera with FHD@30 FPS video recording ability. Meanwhile, at the back, you get a 50MP primary camera (OIS) plus a 50MP 150° ultrawide sensor plus a 3MP 40x microscopic shooter. You get to capture 4K60 or even 8K videos on the GT 2 Pro. Internally, the phone relies on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC for the processing power aided by LPDDR5 RAM, UFS 3.1 storage, and battery backup from a 5000mAh cell. You can top up the device using a 65W charger. Realme 9 4G Specs and Features Realme 9 4G is outfitted with a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution. Its front camera is a 16MP snapper while at the back, you get a 108MP (HM6)+ 8MP ultrawide+ 2MP macro triplet. The phone is powered by Snapdragon 680 silicon, LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. The battery size is 4500mAh and is supported by 33W charging. Both Realme phones come with Android 12 based Realme UI 3.0 software. Realme GT 2 Pro, Realme 9 4G Price in India and Availability Realme has priced the Realme GT 2 Pro at ₹49,999 for the 8+128GB variant and ₹57,999 for the 12+256GB edition. The brand offers a launch discount of ₹5000 with SBI and HDFC cards and EMI transactions. It will be up for sale on April 14 at 12 noon. Realme 9 4G's 6+128GB variant is priced at ₹17,999 and 8+128GB model costs ₹18,999. The special offer on the first sale is a ₹2000 discount on using HDFC cards and EMI purchases. The first sale will be on April 12 at 12 noon. Both phones will be retailing through Flipkart and Realme stores. For other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/T7GbcY6 April 07, 2022 at 02:07PM

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Ubisoft is launching Rainbow Six Mobile on iOS and Android Registration begins https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) Mobile Gaming is said to be where the money is and perhaps why all major PC and Console games are crossing over to the mobile space. The latest entrant is Tom Clancy’s Rainbox Six Siege which has been branded as Rainbox Six Mobile (RSM) for both iOS and Android. It will be a tactical FPS shooting game. The company has opened up the registration window and interested people can apply for early access. Making the announcement, Ubisoft, the developer of Rainbox Six Mobile tweeted: Welcome Operators to Rainbow Six Mobile! Rainbow Six Mobile will bring the same tactical shooter gameplay that you love to your mobile devices. Sign-up now to receive the latest updates and get a chance to play before the release https://t.co/Jvbs6dHXau pic.twitter.com/gWjH2I2bSm — Rainbow Six Mobile (@Rainbow6Mobile) April 5, 2022 Here’s what you need to know about the new Ubisoft mobile game: Rainbow Six Mobile: What to expect Rainbow Six Mobile is called a tactical FPS game between two teams named Attackers and Defenders. Both will include 5 characters each. The operator names from the Attackers team are Ash, Sledge, Twitch, Thermite, and Hibana. As for Defenders, the members are Caveira, Bandit, Smoke, Valkyrie, and Mute. Ubisoft claims “the core gameplay, characters, and maps may share similarities with Siege,” and they have apparently “rebuilt everything from the ground up with mobile usability in mind”. It speaks about a new mobile-focused gameplay control system with “extensive optimization of the UI and in-game visual presentation.” A few of the RSM maps have also been disclosed. This includes Bank and Border. Finally, it’s been revealed that Rainbow Six Mobile Closed Alpha will be up for download in Spring. So, if you are excited about the game, here’s how to get an early taste of it in form of a closed alpha variant: Ubisoft Rainbow Six Mobile Registration and Download Visit the Rainbow Six Mobile website. Click on the Register button at the top-right corner Choose the platform between Android and iOS. Log in with your Ubisoft, Facebook, Twitch, PlayStation or Xbox account. Create an account on Ubisoft if you don’t have one and want to avoid the other social routes. Next up, you will have to fill in a survey that appears. It simply asks you if you have earlier played similar games. You will be prompted about the game’s availability before release. Now, if you want to change the platform, you get to do it too. Once logged in, you may receive email notifications about “future testing opportunities and will be first to receive the latest updates, including the dates, territories, and requirements for the upcoming tests when the information will be available.” Additionally, the company will be sharing step-by-step instructions for installing the game. We will keep you posted on more details as they surface. For other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/5k21Htz April 07, 2022 at 01:44PM

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Apple iPad Air with M1 SoC, Mac Studio with up to M1 Ultra SoC, and a 27-inch 5K Studio Display launched https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) Apple had its first event of 2022 in which we got to see the new iPhone SE, the new iPad Air, the all-new Mac Studio, and the new Studio Display. While the former two are refreshes with some chip and camera improvements, the latter two are entirely fresh in the Apple product lineup. There is also the 5nm M1 Ultra SoC in the mix which employs the proprietary UltraFusion technique to club two M1 Maxes into a single die and along with it comes the massive performance claims of up to 3.8x faster run than the fastest 27-inch iMac as well as 80-percent faster speeds than the 28-core Mac Pro. There a lot to more talk about these newcomers, which we’ll get into in a bit. But, first, let’s see how much the new devices cost. Apple iPad Air, Mac Studio, Studio Display Price and Availability Apple iPad Air will be up for order starting Friday, March 11. Its WiFi models are priced from ₹54900 onwards and WiFi + Cellular models begin at ₹68900. You can pick them in 64GB and 256GB storage options and color options like space grey, starlight, pink, purple, and blue. You can order the Mac Studio and Studio Display starting today. Mac Studio starts at ₹189900, and Studio Display at ₹159900. By the way, we have a dedicated article on the new iPhone SE. So, check that out for details pertaining to that device. Here, let’s take a look at the rest. Apple iPad Air Specs and Features The new iPad Air bears an M1 chip with up to 60-percent faster processing and double the graphics gains than the A14 Bionic. The other upgrade is in the camera department which now has a 12MP ultrawide with the Center Stage feature. The front display is a Liquid Retina display with 500 nits of brightness, DCI-P3 color gamut, and HDR support. There is Sub-6GHz 5G (2x2 MIMO), regular USB-C (with 2x the speed), compatibility with Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard, 2nd gen Apple Pencil and iPad OS 15. Next up, we have the — Apple Mac Studio with Up to M1 Ultra Specs and Features Mac Studio comes in two SKUs featuring M1 Max (up to 64GB of unified memory) and M1 Ultra (with up to 128GB of unified memory) respectively. The storage can go up to 8TB with speeds up to 7.4GB/s. Design-wise, it looks like a Mac Mini but with 7.7 inches in width and 3.7 inches in height. For heat dissipation, there are double-sided blowers, airflow channels, and more than 4,000 perforations on the back as well as at the base. Apple says with the new Mac Studio, one should be able to render “massive 3D environments” and play “18 streams of ProRes video”. It is said to be capable of supporting up to four Pro Display XDRs and a 4K TV simultaneously. As for connectivity, you have ports like 4x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 10Gb Ethernet, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI, and 1x pro audio jack for high-impedance headphones or external amplified speakers at the back. On the front too, there are 2x USB-C ports (which are USB 3 on the M1 Max variant and Thunderbolt 4 on the M1 Ultra variant) and 1x SD card slot. Wirelessly, you can connect over WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Apple Studio Display Specs and Features Studio Display has got a 27-inch 5K Retina display with TrueTone colors, anti-reflective coating, 600 nits of brightness, 10-bit colors, and P3 color coverage. This is housed in a slim Aluminum chassis. The Studio Display also features a 12MP ultrawide camera with Center Stage, a six-speaker sound system with spatial audio. It works with any Mac and you can interact with it using Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse. As for IO options, you have 3x USB-C ports, 1x Thunderbolt (with 96W of power). According to Apple, you will be able to connect up to three Studio Displays to a MacBook Pro, if something like that is part of your workflow. Before we finish, here’s what the M1 Ultra entails in terms of design and performance: For more such news, reviews, features, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/nTwSAKf March 09, 2022 at 01:58AM

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Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon X70 5G modem and FastConnect 7800 with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 53 at MWC 2022 https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) Qualcomm showed what’s it’s been prepping in its labs for the coming generation of Android flagships. This includes a Snapdragon X70 5G modem and FastConnect 7800 with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. You see these would be the tech that you will come to see in the upcoming handsets, starting with the top-tier ones of course. Well, this may very well be the first time you are coming across a WiFi 7 product because it is as per the company. The company also boasts the ability of FastConnect to deliver CD-quality lossless audio over Bluetooth 5.3. Snapdragon X70 5G Modem Specs and Features Qualcomm calls Snapdragon X70 5G the “world’s only comprehensive 5G modem-RF system family capable of supporting every commercial 5G band from 600 MHz to 41 GHz.” While that’s promising for the 5G buildout, what’s even more inquisitive is its support for a built-in 5G AI processor that should leverage the power of AI to improve “speeds, coverage, latency, mobility, link robustness, and power efficiency”. Qualcomm details the Snapdragon X70 modem features Gigabit 5G, a standalone mmWave support, 5G Dual-SIM Dual-Active (DSDA), 4x downlink carrier aggregation, and uplink carrier aggregation. The claimed upload and download speeds are up to 3.5Gbps and up to 10Gbps. Thanks to a 4nm architecture and something called PowerSave Gen 3, the new modem is said to offer 60% more power efficiency than the precursor. Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 modem Specs and Features This works on a 14nm process and will be powering WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. Qualcomm has equipped the modem with High Band Simultaneous (HBS) Multi-Link technology that “leverages two Wi-Fi radios for four streams of high band connectivity in 5GHz and/ or 6GHz bands”. Not only that, but FastConnect 7800 also has a four-stream DBS (Dual-Band Simultaneous) that keeps ultra-low latency to 2ms. When it is connected to a 320MHz channel on a 6GHz spectrum, the peak speeds can go up to 5.8Gbps. Meanwhile, it allows 2.4GHz for Bluetooth and lower-bandwidth WiFi. Speaking of Bluetooth, FastConnect drives Bluetooth 5.3 with Dual Bluetooth radios for enhanced connectivity. And interestingly enough, Qualcomm claims FastConnect 7800 can play 16-bit CD lossless quality audio. There are the usual improvements in terms of coverage (2x), efficiency (up to 50%), and overall connectivity (it can pair in half the time). Speaking about the new announcements, Qualcomm VP and GM, Mobile Compute and Connectivity, said, “Coupled with up to 50% lower power consumption and Intelligent Dual Bluetooth with advanced Snapdragon Sound capabilities, FastConnect 7800 is simply the best client connectivity offering in the industry”. For more news, features, buying guides, reviews, and everything tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/y9m0tDi March 01, 2022 at 11:42AM

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Realme launches Buds Air 3 at MWC 2022, announces Realme GT Neo 3 with 150W fast-charging coming soon https://www.digit.in vasan.gs@9dot9.in (G. S. Vasan) Realme’s MWC 2022 announcements included the Realme Buds Air 3, the impending launch of Realme GT Neo 3 with 150W UltraDart charging, and Realme Book Prime. The new earbuds feature 42 dB Active Noise Cancelation (ANC), 10mm Dynamic Bass Booster that’s backed by Dolby Audio quality, dual device connection support, and up to 30 hours of runtime between charges. The other major product has been the laptop but since it’s already available in the Chinese market as Realme Book Enhanced, we will skim through its specs and features. We shall get into its pricing details as well down below. And also learn a thing or two about the new fast charging tech. Realme GT Neo 3 with 150W UltraDart fast charging: Details This 150W ultraDart fast charging tech claims to be able to top up a battery from 0-50% in 5 minutes even though Realme hasn’t revealed the battery size we are talking about here. The rumoured specs of Realme GT Neo 3 are a 6.7-inch FHD+ 120Hz 10Bit OLED screen, 16MP selfie snapper, a 50MP (IMX766, OIS)+8MP+2MP rear camera setup, a Snapdragon 888, and a 4500mAh battery. Now, the rumours also reveal a Dimensity 8100 variant of the phone with a 5000mAh cell. However, we believe the 150W might be supported by the 4500mAh model of GT Neo 3 as just the other day, Oppo (Realme’s sister concern) also unveiled a 150W SuperVOOC with Battery Health Engine that boasts to fill a 4500mAh battery in 15 minutes. So, we came to this deduction. In the press release, Realme goes on detailing the UltraDart Charging Architecture (UDCA) that is said to support charging between 100 and 200W speeds. The company also underlines the safety measures in place for ensuring the health of the battery and the phone bearing it: First of all, the thrust of charge will be done in Multi Boost Charge Pumps. The temperature will be kept under 43℃ thanks to a Temperature Management Algorithm. The use of “industry-leading lithium batteries” will also apparently sustain 80% of battery capacity even at 1000+ charge cycles. Realme Buds Air 3 Specs, Features, and Price Realme Buds Air 3 sports a 10mm dynamic bass boost driver with a liquid crystal polymer diaphragm. The audio Dolby Audio certified. Similarly, the buds are TUV Rheinland rated for ANC up to 42 dB. Other goodies in the mix are simultaneous dual device connection, IPX5 water resistance, 88ms super-low latency mode, anti-wind call noise cancellation, fast charging, and 30 hours of music playback on a single charge without ANC, but with the case. It will be available in Europe in Blue and White colours at €59.99 (~₹5,085). Realme Book Prime Specs, Features, and Price Model Realme Book Prime Display 14-inch 2K IPS LCD, 400 nits peak brightness, 100% sRGB Software Windows 11 Processor Intel 11th gen Core i5-11320H GPU Intel Iris Xe integrated Camera 720p Keyboard 3-level backlit, 1.3mm key travel, MS precision touchpad Audio 2x Harman Stereo Speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack Connectivity WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, USB-A, 3.1 Gen 1, Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Biometric Fingerprint Power button Battery 54WHr with 65W PD Charger Size 307.21x 228.96x 14.9-15.5mm Price 8+512GB: 999 euros and 16+512GB: 1099 euros For more news, reviews, features, buying guides, and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. https://ift.tt/ny3C7Sh March 01, 2022 at 11:23AM

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COVID-19: Omicron variant explained https://www.digit.in feedback@digit.in (Satvik Pandey) After 2020, everyone took a much-needed breather, but what 2021 brought along in the form of the second wave of coronavirus infections globally, made everyone run straight back into their homes, while sending the medical system into chaos. When everyone thought that the second wave was over, the virus pulled another card out of its sleeve and presented us with its mutated forms, of which the Omicron variant is the newest. After being a central figure in many conversations, and infecting people worldwide, the SARS-CoV-2 variant: B.1.1.529, popularly known as Omicron, has been labelled a variant of concern. This has raised many eyebrows because the already active variants of the virus have been wreaking havoc, and no one knows what this has in store for us. For the most part. Before we delve into the details, here’s a brief about how the coronavirus took the form of the Omicron variant. According to the UNICEF webpage dedicated to this variant of the virus, “When a virus is circulating widely and causing numerous infections, the likelihood of the virus mutating increases. The more opportunities a virus has to spread, the more opportunities it has to undergo changes.” This, for sure, indicates that the easing of the curbs across the globe is not an indication that our fight against the virus is over. We are very sad to say this, but it is still on. As the world governments and administrative bodies prepare, in the wake of the increasing cases being triggered by the Omicron variant, it is important that you also stay informed. So, here we have brought for you a brief guide that will help you know the latest iteration of the coronavirus better so that you can give better information to the ones in contact with you, making them and yourself better prepared to fight the looming third wave, which we pray never comes. What do we know? When the first cases of this new variant were reported, no one knew what this exactly was. But since then, efforts of virologists and related researchers worldwide, day in and day out, have brought in some helpful information. One of the firsts in this very brief list is that the variant itself has a lot of variations. This means that this variant of the virus can take different forms and cause infections of varying nature, making it harder to identify and track. Reportedly, this variant hasn’t evolved from any other variant of note but has branched out distinctly, with its evolution starting around the second half of 2020. The second that we know about the nature of the Omicron variant is that it is less harmful or, to say, severe in terms of causing infections when compared to the Delta variant. This does not mean, though, that we can take it lightly. At the end of the day, be it the Delta or the Omicron variant, once in a person’s body can wreak havoc and cause severe health consequences. From the numbers that are coming in each day from medical institutions and other statistical bodies across the world, it is evident that this variant has a much higher transmission rate than any other that we know of. It is to be noted that this is just a prediction of sorts. Despite the numbers on paper at the moment suggesting that this variant is transmitting rapidly, we would have to wait to know exactly what the situation is. For now, all we can do is continue practising the regular COVID appropriate behaviour, as directed by the medical institutions and experts. When it comes to the symptoms, the matter is as ambiguous as the previous aspects. There is no evidence suggesting that the variant has a different set of infection symptoms compared to the previous iterations. There’s some bad news for the previously infected individuals. The reports that have come in at this early stage suggest that the people who had been previously infected by the coronavirus, despite having recovered from the infection, are at a higher risk of being infected again. This time, by this moderately known variant called Omicron. Other variants of concern that are already out there, such as the Delta variant, has been known not to show such behaviour. It hasn’t shown any sign of putting already infected people at a higher risk, but the Omicron indicates that trend. The dos and don’ts With the situation of the outbreak, especially concerning the Omicron variant evolving every passing second, as research and infections continue, the best thing to do is prevent yourself from getting infected, because as they say, ‘prevention is better than cure’. If you are experiencing any symptoms of the infection, instead of waiting for them to reach a stage where they are severely affecting your health, get yourself tested. The RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests have so far been successful in detecting Omicron infections, so that’s some good news. At least early diagnosis, followed by proper health care, will ensure that people are not that severely affected by the disease. It will also be better for the authorities to single patients out, making sure that proper precautions, isolation measures, and medications along with other aids are in order. One of the most effective ways of protecting against getting infected and limiting the damage in case of infection has been to get vaccinated. And, as far as initial research goes, the results are not that great to be looked at, but one thing is for sure that the damage inflicted on a person’s body, potentially leading to death, can be limited by getting vaccinated. The vaccines that are available worldwide are effective enough to prevent severe infections against other variants too. So, if not Omicron, a vaccinated individual would be safe from infections that originate from other variants, at the least. In terms of the medication, the more severely affected patients can be treated using Corticosteroids and IL6 Receptor Blockers. But, at the milder levels of infection, research is on to determine whether the current medicines will be effective against the virus or not. What are the authorities doing? Given the currency of this new variant’s surfacing and outbreak and the complexity of the process of conducting any meaningful research, the world authorities have scrambled teams of brilliant minds to study this variant. The World Health Organisation, which has been effectively leading the way in our fight against the virus, has coordinated with researchers across the world to hasten the research process. But everything, especially in the field of science, dealing with such a sensitive issue, takes its due time, and so will this. While we await further information on the virus, we recommend you get vaccinated if you haven’t already. Ensure that you properly wear good quality masks, ensure hand and overall personal hygiene, stay at least 1 metre away from others, and practice other related appropriate behaviour to keep yourself and others around you safe. Also, do keep an eye on these two portals to keep yourself updated with the latest developments related to the Omicron variant: https://ift.tt/QHysv43 https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant#omicron https://ift.tt/2seQpNE February 16, 2022 at 12:32AM

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Indias first Metaverse wedding had over 500 guests https://www.digit.in editor@digit.in (Deeksha Devadiga) Abhijeet Goel, a tech entrepreneur, and Dr Sansrati Jain, a pedodontist (dentist for children) who met on a matrimony site got married on February 5, but in the Metaverse! They're the first Indian couple to conduct their wedding in the metaverse. The wedding was conducted on YUG Metaverse, a made in India metaverse platform. For those unfamiliar with the term metaverse, it is a virtual reality environment that can be accessed by users via their avatar. It mimics the real world and connects you globally in a simulated reality. First Indian wedding in the metaverse The Tamil Nadu couple who had to cancel their plans for a destination wedding due to covid restrictions decided to opt for a wedding in the metaverse. This allowed them to include all their friends and family across the globe without breaking any protocols. Abhijeet was introduced to the concept of YUG by Utkarsh Shukla (YUG co-founder) with whom the event was planned and executed. Unlike months of preparations for a wedding, this online virtual wedding was planned in merely a week. More than 500 guests registered for the wedding and had the freedom to choose and change avatars, walk, dance and enjoy the wedding without being physically present there. The entire wedding ceremony was virtually visualised on a screen, so the guest could partake in the celebrations. The guests were given discount coupons and the couple opted for Fabelle, the premium luxury chocolate brand, as a gifting partner. The physical wedding was held in Bhopal but the couple chose a beachside-themed wedding in the metaverse. One of the highlights of the wedding was the dance floor and the gift counter. The online union was conceptualised, organised and executed by the media agency Wavemaker India for ITC Ltd. and Matrimony.com. The wedding sure was memorable for the couple as well as the guest who attended the event. The metaverse may transpire to become the next big destination for weddings. Wait for your e-vites. https://ift.tt/fbQEnJ7 February 10, 2022 at 03:40PM

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