Airtel has launched Internet TV, a hybrid set-top box that supports 4K content, streams online entertainment services, and allows downloading games and apps on TV. The company claims it is the first hybrid ‘DTH set-top box powered by Android TV’ to be launched in the country.
The Airtel Internet TV set-top box costs Rs. 4,999 and comes with a three-month subscription to Airtel’s DTH service, Digital TV. It will be available exclusively on Amazon India starting today and in offline stores soon after. Airtel says the Android TV box offers more than 500 satellite TV channels and comes preloaded with Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Games, and Airtel Movies. In addition, users get full access to the Google Play Store to install Android apps and games on TV.
Let’s take a look at other top stories of the day.
Samsung Galaxy S8 will be launched on April 21 without Bixby Voice Samsung has announced that the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will not be delivered. According to the statement from the South Korean company, the new flagship smartphones will be missing Bixby Voice when they launch globally on April 21. This means that Bixby will not have voice control when the phones launch later this month. In an official update, Samsung has reportedly clarified that the new smartphones in the Galaxy range will be launched with Bixby features, including Vision, Home, and Reminder. Notably, the digital assistant currently only supports English and Korean languages.
Xiaomi Mi 6 teaser released ahead of April 19 launch Xiaomi released a new teaser for the flagship Mi 6 smartphone on Wednesday, which is expected to launch on April 19. The teaser comes with the tagline (translated), “You’ve waited 203 days, we’ve waited seven years,” and it has a backdrop of a cityscape at dawn. The teaser doesn’t reveal much about the device other than repeating the launch date of the Xiaomi Mi 6. Along with the Mi 6, Xiaomi is expected to launch the Mi 6 Plus, with a bigger screen, at the upcoming event. Xiaomi Mi 6 will be unveiled on April 19 in the Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium, where official pricing and availability details will be announced.
Google Pixel, Pixel XL for Wi-Fi calling on Reliance Jio networks December last year, Google added “Enhanced 4G LTE Mode” to support 4G VoLTE calling in its Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones running Android 7.1.1 Nougat. Update. Google now says that Wi-Fi calling will soon be coming to Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones on Reliance Jio networks with the next Nougat update. This feature allows you to make calls even in low mobile network reception when connected to Wi-Fi.
For those unfamiliar with the Wi-Fi calling feature, it is similar to the VoLTE (Voice over LTE) feature but uses Wi-Fi instead of mobile data. The Wi-Fi calling feature uses the Internet to connect calls, much like VoIP calling services like Skype. However, unlike VoIP, the call is placed through your mobile number.
Sony Xperia XA1 launched at Rs. 19,990 Sony has launched the Xperia XA1 smartphone in India for Rs. 19,990, the successor to the Sony Xperia XA launched last year. The phone runs on Android 7.0 Nougat and supports dual SIM slots (Nano + Nano). It features a 5-inch HD (720×1280 pixels) display and is powered by a 64-bit MediaTek Helio P20 octa-core (quad-core 2.3GHz + quad-core 1.6GHz) SoC paired with 3GB of RAM. It offers 32 GB of internal storage with the option to expand further using the microSD card slot (up to 256 GB).
Xiaomi Redmi Pro 2 price leaked, could come in two variants. According to a new leak, the Redmi Pro 2 is expected to be priced from CNY 1,599 (about Rs. 15,000). MyDrivers reports that a listing on the online shopping site Taobao reveals that the Xiaomi Redmi Pro 2 is priced at CNY 1,599 (approximately Rs. 15,000). Still, it is also available in a higher configuration variant for CNY 1,799 (approximately Rs.16,900). Previous leaks suggest the device will be available with 4GB RAM/64GB built-in storage and 6GB RAM/128GB built-in storage options. Xiaomi was tipped to launch the phone last month, but it didn’t happen.
Moto C, Moto C Plus Pictures and Specs Leaks After the launch of the Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus, it seems that Lenovo is looking to focus on the budget segment, with leaks pouring in for the Moto C and Moto E series smartphones. The latest leak is for the Moto C and Moto C Plus smartphones, reportedly aimed at new smartphone buyers and are the brand’s “most affordable handsets ever”. Both devices are expected to have 5-inch screens. However, the Moto C Plus is tipped to come with an HD screen resolution of 720×1280 pixels, but the Moto C is expected to go with an FWVGA screen resolution of 480×854 pixels.
Aircel launches free inbound calls over national roaming Aircel has now caused a new stir as it said in a statement that its subscribers can now enjoy free inbound calls over national roaming. The company has clarified that users can enjoy free incoming calls while roaming at no additional cost. To activate free incoming calls while roaming on Aircel networks, users need to dial *121*909#.
Google AutoDraw turns your doodles into meaningful sketches with machine learning. Google has released an artificial intelligence-based bot called ‘AutoDraw’ that turns not-so-skilled doodles into expressive graphics. It is immediately available to play with on its website and will be accessible via smartphone, tablet, and PC. Google’s innovation is based on lessons from its Quick, Draw! The minigame used neural networks to recognize doodles. Using neural networks and machine learning, Google AutoDraw analyzes your drawing and proposes various objects and sketches from the database based on that.
Western Digital has announced a new storage drive in its G-Technology series – ‘G-Drive USB-C. The company says the new campaign was designed with “creative enthusiasts” in mind and features high-capacity storage and USB Type-C connectivity, allowing it to charge the latest range of USB Type-C-equipped laptops, including the popular MacBook series. Western Digital’s new G-Drive USB-C hard drive can trust your computer.
The WD G-Drive USB-C drive itself will be available for purchase in the US this quarter in 10TB, 8TB, and 4TB capacities, priced at $449.95 (approximately Rs. 29,100), $349 95 (about Rs. 22,600), and $199.95 (about Rs. 12,900), respectively.
