Having spent over ten years reviewing smartphones, I sometimes wonder that with every new release, I might get a little jaded. But here’s the thing- Apple still has this remarkable knack for keeping things exciting. This time, it’s the iPhone 16 series that has done just that. As always, the new iPhones launched with all the usual buzz, and of course, a review unit of the iPhone 16 Pro Max has landed in my hands too. So, it’s October again, and like every year before, I find myself reviewing the latest iPhone. It’s almost become a yearly ritual at this point.  For context, I had been using the iPhone 14 Pro as my secondary phone for over a year before switching to the 16 Pro Max. While it’s been a reliable companion, the new Pro Max moniker is capable of taking things to the next level. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out in this review of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Design: The iPhone 16 Pro Max looks almost identical to its predecessor. Apple hasn’t reinvented the wheel here but went with the idea of “why change something that already works well?”. This is not at all a bad thing. The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes clutched in the titanium frame, which Apple introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro models. The Grade 5 Titanium feels premium to the core. If you’re coming from the iPhone 14 series or base models of the 15 series, you’ll instantly appreciate the difference in the feel. Apple says it’s the same material used in spacecraft and aerospace industries, and has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any metal. This makes it more durable and scratch resistant than the lower-grade titanium used in other smartphones.  They sent over the Natural Titanium variant for me to try out, and to me it’s the fanciest among all options. Other finishes are: Black, White and Desert Titanium. The micro-blasted texture on the Natural Titanium finish adds to the premium feel.  Now, let’s be real- it’s a big phone, weighing 227 grams and measuring at 163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm. That’s six grams heavier, 3.1mm taller, and 0.9mm wider than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. So, this isn’t something you’re going to slip into your pocket without noticing. Apple has tried its best to make the iPhone 16 Pro Max feel balanced, and they’ve succeeded to an extent. The weight distribution is on point.  The bottom edge features microphone and speaker perforations, along with a USB-C port that now supports Thunderbolt 4 data-transfer speeds (if you’ve got the right cable, of course). On the button front, it’s largely familiar territory. The volume buttons and the new Action Button are on one side, while the larger power/sleep button sits on the other. But here’s the interesting part: Apple’s introduced something new- Camera Control. Though, Apple insists it’s not a button (classic Apple). Whatever you want to call it, It’s been designed to give you instant access to the camera settings. This multipurpose key is a useful inclusion and it comes in handy while capturing photos on the go. With its haptic responses, you can navigate through different camera settings and lenses without jumping into the app manually. A light double press brings up an overlay with quick access to features like exposure, depth of field, zoom, and even Photographic Styles. You can slide your finger across to browse through the options, and a simple tap selects the control you want, like zoom. A quick press gets you right back to the last control you used. With this, it offers a DSLR-style control without a heavy setup. The phone’s internal structure is also revamped. The iPhone 16 Pro Max now has a new machined chassis with a graphite-clad aluminium substructure that increases thermal efficiency by up to 20 percent. The phone remains cooler than ever during multitasking, including intensive gaming or video editing. Display: Moving from the 14 Pro’s already stunning display to the 16 Pro Max was certainly an adjustment. I’m not a fan of big-screen devices, but to give the new iPhone a proper test, I had to upgrade. The larger display does have its perks, but it’s a change I had to get used to over time. That said, the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a giant 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel, the biggest display ever in any iPhone. Apple has achieved this size not just by increasing the chassis slightly but also by slimming down the bezels. This offers more screen real estate without making the phone feel unwieldy. It’s big, but not bulky. The resolution has also been bumped to 2868 x 1320 pixels from the 2796 x 1290 on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While that’s a slight increase in pixel count, it doesn’t change the pixel density. Still, everything looks crisp and sharp​. The screen can hit up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness, which means you can use it under direct sunlight without any issues. The display stays clear and easy to read. Whether you’re watching HDR content or just trying to reply to a message while out in the sun, it holds up brilliantly. Combine that with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and you’ve got a display that’s ready to handle anything, from intense gaming sessions to streaming your favourite Netflix shows in the highest quality. The ProMotion tech is still here. So, the screen automatically adjusts from power-sipping 1Hz to  smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and transitions​. The display is protected by a layer of latest-generation Ceramic Shield. Apple says the material is 50 percent tougher than the first generation and two times tougher than glass found in any other smartphone. Other than this, Dynamic Island, sitting at the top of the screen, continues to be a handy and an adaptable little feature. It’s where you’ll find

New Delhi: The total number of Internet subscribers in India increased from 954.40 million to 969.60 million in the April-June quarter, registering a quarterly rate of growth of 1.59 per cent, the government said on Wednesday. Out of 969.60 million internet subscribers, number of wired Internet subscribers are 42.04 million and number of wireless Internet subscribers are 927.56 million, as per data by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The broadband Internet subscriber base increased by 1.81 per cent from 924.07 million to 940.75 million at June end, while narrowband Internet subscriber base decreased from 30.34 million to 28.85 million. Wireline subscribers increased from 33.79 million to 35.11 million in June with a quarterly rate of growth 3.90 per cent. Wireline tele-density increased from 2.41 per cent to 2.50 per cent, with quarterly rate of growth 3.67%. According to TRAI, monthly average revenue per user (ARPU) for wireless service increased by 2.55 per cent, from Rs 153.54 to Rs 157.45 in the period. On the year-on-year basis, monthly ARPU for wireless service increased by 8.11 per cent in the April-June quarter. Pre-paid ARPU per month increased from Rs 150.74 to Rs 154.80 and post-paid ARPU per month also increased from Rs 187.85 to Rs 189.17. On an all-India average, the overall MOU (minutes of usage) per subscriber per month decreased by 2.16 per cent from 995 to 974. Prepaid MOU per subscriber is now 1,010 and postpaid MOU per subscriber per month is 539. The number of telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,199.28 million to 1,205.64 million in the April-June quarter, registering a growth of 0.53 per cent over the previous quarter, said TRAI. Out of the total subscription, the share of rural subscription increased from 44.52 per cent to 44.67 per cent.

Lava Agni 3 India Launch: Indian Smartphone Brand, Lava has launched the Lava Agni 3 smartphone in the Indian market. The company claims that the mid-segment Lava Agni 3 will get 3 years of Android and 4 years of security updates.  The new handset succeeds the Agni 2 that launched in India last year. The Lava Agni 3 comes in two colour options: Heather Glass and Pristine Glass. It is offered in 8GB RAM+128GB and 8GB RAM+256GB storage model.  Lava Agni 3 India Price And Availability  Consumers can pre-order the handset on Amazon India for Rs 499, with sales beginning on October 9. Those who pre-book will have the opportunity to purchase it a day early, on October 8. Users can avail of an exchange offer of up to Rs 8,000, while Agni 2 users can enjoy an additional discount of up to Rs 4,000.  Lava Agni 3 Specifications The smartphone features a 6.78-inch 1.5K 3D curved primary display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. On the back, there’s a 1.74-inch AMOLED screen positioned next to the camera sensors. It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor and is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, supporting 66W fast charging. In terms of cameras, the device is equipped with a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and EIS, an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3X optical zoom and EIS, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. For selfies and video calls, it has a 16MP front camera with EIS. The smartphone also includes a customizable ‘Action’ button, which can be programmed to silence calls, open apps, record voice notes, activate the flashlight, or take screenshots. This button is similar to Apple’s Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series. The phone is also comes with a dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a USB Type-C port, and large vapour chamber cooling.  For connectivity, the phone supports 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NavIC, and a USB Type-C port.  

Festive Season Offers In India: South Korean giant Samsung has announced festive offers on its sixth-generation Galaxy Z series, which includes the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, in the Indian market. The company revealed these festive offers on the same day that Apple announced its biggest expansion to date in India. Both smartphones were launched in India in July this year, alongside the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Buds 3 series. The festive offers allow customers to buy Samsung products at reduced prices, with benefits such as upgrade discounts, cashback, and special bank offers on select payment options. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Festive Offers As part of a limited-time promotion, Samsung announced on Friday that customers can purchase the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with an upgrade bonus or a bank cashback offer of up to Rs. 12,500, along with 24-month no-cost EMI options. According to the company, buyers can also benefit from reduced regular EMI rates starting at Rs. 4,584 for the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Typically, EMI rates begin at Rs. 4,082 for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Rs. 6,288 for the premium Galaxy Z Fold 6. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is priced from Rs. 1,64,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model, with the 512GB and 1TB versions available at Rs. 1,76,999 and Rs. 2,00,999, respectively. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is listed at Rs. 59,999, and the Galaxy Buds 3 are priced at Rs. 14,999. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Festive Offers  Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 buyers can enjoy an upgrade bonus or bank cashback of up to Rs. 11,000, along with no-cost EMI options available on select payment methods. Customers can also take advantage of reduced regular EMI rates starting at Rs. 3,056 for the Galaxy Z Flip 6. In India, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 starts at Rs. 1,09,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model, while the 512GB variant is priced at Rs. 1,21,999. As part of the festive offers, Samsung is offering the Galaxy Z Assurance program at just Rs. 999, significantly lower than the regular price of Rs. 14,999, for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Galaxy Z Flip 6. Customers can also receive up to Rs. 18,000 off on the Galaxy Watch Ultra and up to Rs. 5,000 off on the Galaxy Buds 3. These limited-time offers are available until further notice, though Samsung has not yet announced an official end date.

Infinix Zero Flip India Launch: Infinix has announced the official launch date of the Infinix Zero Flip smartphone in the Indian market. The phone is set to make its debut in the country by mid-October. Notably, the company’s first clamshell-style foldable phone was introduced in global markets last month.  Infinix Zero Flip Price In India And Launch Date According to the company’s website, the Infinix Zero Flip will make its debut in India on October 17. However, the price and availability haven’t been disclosed by the company.  Infinix Zero Flip Specifications (Expected)  The foldable smartphone could feature a 6.9-inch full-HD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the cover display may come with a 3.64-inch AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone is expected to be equipped with a 4,720mAh battery that can be charged at 70W using the included charging adapter.    The phone is anticipated to run on XOS 14, built on Android 14. It is expected to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chipset, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. On the photography front, the foldable smartphone could sport a 50-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS) along with a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. On the other hand, there could be a 50-megapixel camera on the inner display. Hence, the users may record 4K videos using the inner and outer cameras.  It could offer GoPro integration. The company says it will receive two OS upgrades (up to Android 16). The Infinix Zero Flip features dual stereo speakers tuned by JBL.     

YouTube Shorts Update 2024: YouTube has rolled out several features to its Shorts feature. YouTube Shorts provides a unique platform for creators to share captivating short-form videos, now extended up to 3 minutes in length.  The new feature will be available starting October 15, 2024, marking a shift in how users create and consume content on YouTube Shorts. The platform has primarily focused on videos up to 60 seconds where it rivals TikTok and Instagram Reels.   It is important to note that the new feature only affects videos with a square or vertical aspect ratio, and any videos uploaded prior to the implementation date will remain unaffected. However, the new update comes in response to creator feedback, as it was one of the most requested features, providing more opportunities for storytelling.  The new feature fosters creativity by allowing users to produce quick, engaging content that grabs attention instantly. YouTube Shorts is perfect for storytelling, tutorials, or entertainment, helping creators connect with audiences in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Additionally, YouTube introduced a feature that lets users utilize templates, making it simple to remix and recreate trending videos. By tapping the “Remix” button on a Short and selecting “Use this template,” creators can easily join trends and personalize popular content. This feature also enables users to extract content from various YouTube videos, expanding creative possibilities and enhancing interactivity on the platform. How To Upload Video On YouTube Shorts Step 1: Tap Create, then Upload a video. Step 2: Select a video with a square or vertical aspect ratio. Step 3: Tap NEXT to open the editor screen, where you can add text, filters, music, or other audio to your Short. Step 4: Tap NEXT again to add details like a title (max 100 characters) and the privacy settings. Step 5: Tap Select audience and choose either “Yes, it’s made for kids” or “No, it’s not made for kids”. Step 6: Tap UPLOAD to publish your Short. 

Google Anti-Theft Features For Android: Google has reportedly begun rolling out three new anti-theft features for Android, aimed at enhancing device security and protecting user data. These updates will help users lock, track, and protect their phones from unauthorized access, even if stolen or lost.  These features, which include Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, will be available on devices running Android 10 and above. Notably, the company introduced these security features at its annual developer conference, Google I/O, earlier this year. The latest report claims that the feature is available on some Pixel phones.  However, the tech giant is rolling out these features via Play services to ensure wider and faster availability to users, as per reports by 9to5Google. Hence, these features will aim to enhance device security and protect user data in case of theft.  Theft Detection Lock:  It utilizes AI and the device’s sensors to identify typical movements associated to theft. For example, if someone snatches the phone from your hand and starts running then it can also recognize movements associated with a bike or car. In such cases, the phone will automatically lock, restricting access to your apps and data.  Offline Device Lock  The offline device lock locks your device when the thief tries to keep your phone disconnected for long periods.  Remote Lock It allows users to remotely lock their phone using just their phone number, especially if Find My Device is turned off or if you’re unable to access your Google account to do it yourself.  How To Access Google’s Anti-Theft Features  Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android smartphone. Step 2: Scroll down and select Google from the list of options. Step 3: Navigate to Google Services to access the available features.  Notably, Google has been testing these beta features since August, and they are set to roll out to all eligible Android smartphones in the coming weeks. To enjoy the latest anti-theft protection features from Google, ensure your device is running the most recent version of Google Play services.

Honor Magic V3, Honor Magic V2 India Launch: Honor is likely to launch its foldable smartphones, the Honor Magic V3 and Honor Magic V2, in the Indian market later this year, according to reports. The Magic V2 and Magic V3 are currently undergoing various tests. However, both phones are already available in global markets. Honor Magic V3, Honor Magic V2 Price In India (Expected) The Honor Magic V3 foldable smartphone is likely to cost more than 1 lakh for the customers. It is one of the most affordable book-style foldable smartphones in India upon its release. Meanwhile, the Honor Magic V2 will be available for under Rs 1 lakh.   Honor Magic V3 Specifications In India (Expected)  The phone is anticipated to come with the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, offering exceptional performance for demanding tasks.  Its inner display is a 7.92-inch LTPO AMOLED screen, boasting a high resolution of 2156×2344 and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The outer display is a 6.43-inch LTPO OLED panel, with a resolution of 1060×2376 and a matching 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a seamless viewing experience across both screens. In the camera department, the main sensor is a 50MP lens with OIS, supported by a 40MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP telephoto camera, also equipped with OIS for sharp, stable images. For selfies and video chats, there is a 20MP shooter at the front. It is powered by a 5150mAh battery, supporting 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. It may run on Android 14 with MagicOS 8.0.1, the device also supports advanced connectivity options including 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3, delivering fast and reliable connections. Honor Magic V2 Specifications In India (Expected) The handset is expected to feature a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring top-notch performance. Its inner display is a large 7.92-inch LTPO OLED panel with a 2156×2344 resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, while the outer display measures 6.43 inches, also utilizing LTPO OLED technology with a 1060×2376 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate for seamless transitions. In terms of photography, the device is equipped with a triple camera setup on the back, including a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 20MP telephoto lens with OIS. For selfies and videos, there is a 16MP shooter at the front.  The phone is rumoured to be powered by a 5000mAh battery, supported by 66W wired charging. The software runs on Android 13 with MagicOS 7.2, and connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.3 for smooth networking and communication. 

BSNL Complaint Online: BSNL has introduced a new feature in its mobile app, enabling users to easily report fraudulent SMS messages. The state-owned company has taken an initiative which aims to curb the rising threat of spam and phishing attempts, ensuring enhanced security for customers.  With this new security feature, BSNL is taking proactive steps to protect users from malicious messages and improve their overall mobile experience.  BSNL has experienced a significant increase in subscribers following the recent tariff hikes by private telecom operators such as Jio, Airtel, and Vi. These companies raised their recharge plans by up to 15% starting July 3, leading many users to switch to BSNL. In an effort to retain both new and existing customers, BSNL has introduced an easier method for users to report unwanted messages, addressing the growing issue of spam and Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC). Through BSNL’s UCC complaint service, users can report fraudulent SMS or voice calls by accessing the BSNL Selfcare app and submitting the required details to file a complaint. This service is a unique offering, not currently provided by other leading telecom operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vi.  How To File A Complaint Against Fraudulent SMS With BSNL Step 1: Open the BSNL Selfcare app. Step 2: Tap on the three-line menu icon at the top left corner of the home page. Step 3: Scroll down and select the ‘Complaint and Preference’ option. Step 4: On the next page, tap on the three-line menu icon located on the right side. Step 5: Choose ‘Complaints’ from the available options. Step 6: Tap on ‘New complaint.’ Step 7: Select either ‘SMS’ or ‘Voice’ to file your complaint. Step 8: Enter all the necessary details and submit your complaint. 

New Delhi: The launch of iPhone 16 series has taken the excitement around Apple products to a whole new level. While many people rushed to pay full price for the latest device, savvy shoppers found smart ways to use their credit cards to score some great discounts. A reddit user has surprised everyone by revealing they purchased the iPhone 16 with 256 GB storage for just Rs 27,000. This unbelievable deal left many shocked. Meanwhile, others celebrated the buyer’s good fortune. To back up the claim, the user shared a screenshot of the purchase receipt, showing they paid Rs 26,970 using their credit card. The rest of the cost was covered by reward points earned on the card. As per the screenshot shared by the user, they were able to purchase the iPhone 16, originally priced at Rs 89,900 for a remarkably low amount. They paid Rs 26,970 using their HDFC Infinia credit card and used Rs 62,930 worth of credit card reward points to cover the rest. Despite this savvy move, the user jokingly commented, “Thanks to the reward points. I now regret using this card for some of my big spends.” iPhone 16 256 GB – 27,000 byu/Wild_Muscle3506 inCreditCardsIndia The post attracted the attention of many online users, who were keen to learn more about the man’s approach. One user asked, “Why do u regret using this card for spends? Is it not enough?” The Redditor replied, “I used Amazon pay card for jewellery purchases just for 1% cashback thinking Infinia wont give any points on jewellery but it actually does.” Another questioned, “How did u buy iPhone 16 already? Is it a different portal from SmartBuy?” A third user commented, “That’s not the wisest use of points at all. But still, congratulations on new phone.”